Conference Weekend



Conference weekend was wonderful!  After days (and weeks) of dreary weather, the sun decided to shine brightly on this particular Saturday and Sunday.  How fitting!  On Sunday morning, our family was invited over to a friend's house for a potluck breakfast of pancakes, crepes, breakfast potatoes, bacon, fruit, and juice.  This fun gathering set the tone for the rest of our Sunday. 

After our morning meal, our children colored pictures of temples and played conference bingo while we enjoyed listening to the inspired talks in the comfort of our home.  Elder Scott's sweet message about his wife and family was so touching.  And, I absolutely love our dear Prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  He is a perfect example of someone who has devoted his life to service. 

There's no better way to bring the Spirit into your home than to listen to the words of the Prophet and his Apostles.

Goin' Private

I've decided to make my blog private.  For those who want to continue reading and viewing it, please give me your email address and I will add you to my list of V.I.P.'s. :)

Food for Thought

 

I've started a movie club (much like a book club) where films are chosen and viewed in advance.  As a group, we gather together quarterly to socialize, munch on food, and most importantly- discuss the previously screened movies. For all of you local movie lovers, you are more than welcome to watch these four "foodie" films and attend our next gathering on Tuesday, May 3rd, 7:00pm, my house.  For those who live outside the area, I would love to hear your opinion on these films.  The four flicks chosen are somewhat diverse-- Small Time Crooks (a Woody Allen/Tracy Ullman comedy), Mostly Martha (a German foreign film), Breakfast at Tiffany's (an Audrey Hepburn classic), and Food, Inc. (a hot-button documentary).  Happy movie watching!

Tongan Words of Wisdom

My Tongan brother-in-law has a saying: "Don't eat until you're full. Eat until you're tired!"

Los Niños Warren



Simon, 7 years old

I love this boy.  Isn't he the most handsome child you've ever laid eyes on?  I think so.  He's also the sweetest, most tender-hearted kid (99% of the time).  He reminds me so much of my brother.  Simon loves to plaster his hair down with water and spray gel every morning like Bob's Big Boy.  My brother used to do the same thing but with Aqua Net.  We rarely view anything but PBS in our house.  When my husband watches football or basketball, Simon is the first to point out an offensive commercial all the while squeezing his eyes shut.  He hates cheese, milk, and anything green.  But, he loves his mom's Hawaiian Haystacks, Zucchini Pie, and homemade chocolate chip cookies.  I love to hold his hand in public, and I love hearing him call me "Mommy."  The day that he shortens my name to "Mom" will be a sad one. 



Ava, 5 years old

For those of you who don't have a daughter, you don't know what you're missing. My hazel-eyed Ava is the light of my life. She is a little mommy in the making. Heck, she's a better mom and homemaker at 5 years old than I am at 32 years of age.  Ava absolutely adores her baby brother, Nicholas. While I busy myself with dinner or dishes, she keeps Mr. Nickels company. Like me, she has a loud laugh (sometimes with a snort). Unlike me, she has no qualms about touching (and holding) worms. I've never seen a child with so much arm strength--she scales anything and everything including the door frame to her bedroom. Her impersonation of Barney is hilarious, and her comedic timing is priceless.   With three brothers, this blonde-haired beauty has a definite rough-'n'-tumble side to her.  I love her to pieces!



Brahm, 3 years old

When Brahm was18 months old, I warned Jess that this boy was going to give us a run for our money.  So far, he hasn't disappointed.  If it weren't for him, my life would be a breeze.  And, I say that with all the tenderness of a loving parent.  Give him a crayon or a pencil, and you will find scribbling on the wall, the table, or anything with a flat surface.  I have found him countless times shoveling chocolate chips into his mouth while balancing on the 3rd shelf in the panty.  For such a little guy, he has a veracious appetite.  Grocery shopping would be quick and painless if I didn't have to find where Brahm hid himself for the umpteenth time.  To top it off, Brahm is the last to go to bed (unwillingly) and the first to wake up!  Besides reeking havoc, this left-handed little guy loves to play baseball with his Dad.  In fact, Jess foresees Brahm being the athlete in our family.  There is nothing sweeter than watching my Brahmmy play catch with his Daddy.  One day all of those pent-up wiggles will be redirected into something more productive.  In the meantime, I love my Brahmmy, craziness and all!



Nicholas, 8 months

What can I say?  4th child is a charm.  With all of the commotion in the house, this little guy quietly keeps to himself.  Even with a 106.4 degree fever, he was unusually "content."  If that doesn't sell you on a 4th child, maybe this will-- his feet, oddly enough, always smell like apricot fruit leather.  When he does get fussy on occasion, I can usually calm him down or lull him to sleep by singing My Heavenly Father Loves Me or You are my Nicholas (his favorites).  His deep, throaty coos are the cutest, and his jack-o-lantern smile melts my heart. 

French Countryside Soiree

Back in 2001, I fell in love with a beautiful baby shower idea found in the pages of Martha Stewart Baby. Ten years later and with two of my friends expecting, I remembered this French Countryside soiree imagined up by the staff of Martha Stewart.  I turned to a very talented friend for help in recreating this simple celebration. Together we co-hosted a double baby shower, a la Martha.

My sister, Rachel, designed these gorgeous invitations after the French countryside theme.

My co-host, Stephanie, and I decided to serve a light dinner. We enlisted an army of women to help out with the food. The menu consisted of:

Brie and crackers

Potato Leek soup

Spinach salad

Rosemary Olive Oil bread

Cucumber Water

Chocolate covered strawberries

Decadent cake balls

Chocolate butterscotch rice krispie squares

Stephanie was in charge of all the decorations for our soiree. With flowers and wire, she recreated the lavender "bebe" that greeted guests as they entered my home. She also made and hung darling garlands fashioned out of baby clothes. Tables were draped with white linens upon which presents were placed. On one such table, Stephanie made the most adorable display of her homemade party favors-- baby bootie lavender sachets. Milk vases of lavender were set here and there to add to the French countryside ambience. I found a Parisian station on Pandora that serenaded the guests while they munched and mingled. Decorative garters were sewn (by another equally talented friend) and wrapped around two oversized mason jars. The guests were asked to write down and deposit their advice to the mothers-to-be in these pretty jars.

26 women attended the shower, and I was relieved that there was enough seating and food for all. The moms-to-be made out like bandits! My only regret....no pictures were taken to document all the time and energy that we put into this shower. And, no pictures were taken of the glowing, pregnant mamas.

Even though this party was a HUGE production, we were thrilled to do something special for Shannon and Chanell. We wish both of them lots of luck with their new babies!

Baby bootie lavender sachet party favors



The Land of Nod

I take WAY too many pictures of sleeping children (and messy-faced children).  But, kids are so angelic when they are peacefully resting.  Brahm is at an age where he is still only when sleeping, so this is my one opportunity to get a close-up of him.