Christmas Eve (a little late)

We headed out to the city to meet up with our surprise visitors and have a little outing on the streets of San Fran. They were staying at the 4 seasons hotel. Quite nice - maybe one day......
So here's a little tour of our evening.
The view from the 4 seasons hotel
Andrew and cousin Eli - the only boy cousins - heading out to the streets of San Fran
Christmas Eve dinner of Kobe beef, lobster and yummy other things. Oh yeah, check out the $1000 a piece Tiffany plates.









10 of the 15 cousins
Hubby & me, brother Jared & wife Mari, mom & dad, brother Adam & wife Wendy, sister Daphne

Christmas Surprise!

What a day! I had choir practice in the am for tomorrow, Rebecca is singing a solo in the program (a first ever - cross your fingers that she'll really do it! I know she will) When I got home we hurried to get the house cleaned up for a special surprise! The kids had NO idea that their cousins were coming to see them all the way from Park City! They were going to surprise me, too, but they had mercy on me because I was having a melt down about the dishwasher (we got a brand new one. hat post will be after Christmas). So they appeared on out door step this morning and my kids were so surprised. I wish I knew exactly what time they were coming so I could have my camera. We had a fun day, mom and sisters were here, too. They will be here until Christmas morning. They came just to be with us and all our family. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful loving family! I hope you all get to spend the holidays with yours, too. I may not be back until after Christmas, so until then:

Have a wonderful Christmas and may the Lord bless you and your families! Thank you all for being a part of my "world"!

Dishwasher story...

OK, so if you've read about our wonderful (sarcasm) landlady, you'll get this. So about a month and a half ago, our dishwasher kinda quit on us. It wasn't rinsing the dishes. Mind you the DW is only 1.5 yrs old, but it was the cheapest model our LL could get. She had to replace the really old one because it had been leaking under the floor for who knows how long, but that's a whole other story!

Sooo.... she was SO VERY upset because this brand new dishwasher wasn't working, which I'm sure was out fault... She wanted to buy a part that she THOUGHT might be the problem and wanted us to pay 1/2 (of $100). To which I replied - NO.

This fell by the wayside, she had family stuff going on, while we quietly hand washed dishes - yes, Thanksgiving dishes, too - for a month. (talk about missing something!!!)

She finally called about a week ago to tell me she had complained to the DW people but to no avail, she had to fix it. I kindly offered to check on Craigslist (a favorite) for a newish, cheap DW. She agreed. SO my hunt was on. I replied to a post from Walnut Creek - very close to me - and who should respond but Heidi M - a friend both in and out of blogging. They had just purchased it the day before in Napa, but it didn't work for them. I'm thinking it was a God thing here! I love those!

Sooo.... Saturday after a day of baseball (my next post) we picked it up from Heidi and we installed it. Well my husband was the brute force getting the old one out but I intstalled it. I felt very IMPOWERED! You should try it sometime :)

Here's a little glimpse of us hard at work...

Withdrawls....

Our stupid internet router went out on us yesterday! I was informed that it was over 1 yr old (actually 2) and we would have to but a new one! Crud! So after work, Mark met me and we went to fry's. Stupid person told me this one would work and att told me it wouldn't. So off to Best BUy - got the right one and I'm back online. You never really know how much you miss something until you can't have it! I've got a bunch to post about a busy weekend, with pictures to boot. Especially the one with me installing a dishasher! The kids have missed the computer as much as I have. They're in line behind me!

Thank YOU, Paige!

I have a blog frien, who I know personally now. I would link you to her blog, but I don't know how! Her name is Paige. What I know about her is tht she is willing to take time out of her busy schedule and cute up my blog!!!! I'm hoping to have a blog party in January and maybe she'll give us a tutorial - by the way, you're all invited :) I'm thinking the week of the 21st (my boss is gone all week - so no work). So here's props to PAIGE! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I'll send you some of my pretzels (a future blog :)

Our tree

I guess it's time to post a picture or 2 of our tree (now that it's finished :)



































AND my favorite wreath that my mom made for me :)

Christmas Work Lunch

So... for our work Christmas "PARTY", our Dr. takes us out to lunch, at the Olive Garden. I think it one of his favorite places. He treats us all and we ALWAYS get dessert. I had my camera, but I forgot to take pictures of the food. But I did get a picture of all us gals and the Dr.

Christmas Lights

If you want a really neat home to visit for Christmas lights come to this house. It's On NewYork dr (near me). As I would walk by this house every morning on my walk, I wondered what in the world these people were thinking. They had lights EVERYWHERE. On the roof on the sides of the house, every tacky looking plastic Christmas character you can imagine. I thought how awful it will look lit up.

Boy was I wrong. This family has a radio station - that you can only hear if you are parked outside their home. The lights dance to the music!!!! It is so fun and amazing to watch. If you want the address, I'll get it. I don't know it exactly, but I know it's on New York Dr (or street or whatever)

Merry Christmas!

Ornamental

Do you have a favorite ornament? I do....

It's Here.....

The Boutique is here! Tomorrow, December 1, 10am~3pm. So many cute things. I took a few pictures, somethings outside are under plastic, so you can't see them too well. I'll have more pictures. Bu I moght not post them until Monday. I am exhasted already and I have to get up @6:30am, so mom and I can finish the details! I can't wait to meet some of you! Enjoy the pictures. (sorry some are blurry, I can hardly see straight or stand :)
Off to bed!

Are you Ready?

Here's a teaser for the Boutique. These pictures or from the last Boutique at my mom's house. Jut a little something to get you excited about!

Some displays

The homemade jams and jellies (that will ALL be there again!)

Marleene, the incredible jewelry lady, yes, she'll be there, she's bringing her mastercard machine!

I am Thankful for...

I know I'm just getting on the bandwagon, but I just feel the need to express my gratitude tonight....

I am thankful for a husband who honors his priesthood and is willing and able to give me a blessing when I need one.

It has only been 2 short years that this is even possible for me. Sometimes I never knew that this time would ever come. I think I take this blessing for granted most days. And I shouldn't, and I won't, anymore.

Sorry. it's been awhile....

Things are crazy around here. I've been working, getting ready for Thanksgiving here, which was great, and last but not least, getting ready for the boutique is 1 week from today! When I have things, big things, to get finished, or start for that matter, I tend to stress out and panic, which usually involves eating way to much!

(ok, the kids were working)

(a few of the gobblers)
Not to mention that I DID get up and go run to Khols @ 6:30 am, but left because the line was toooo long and I had to work. Then I dashed to Target and was successful there, even got a primo parking space and found a shopping cart when my arms were breaking. Then I got to back to Khol's because there weren't enough patients for me to go in to work. I really wanted a set of silverware they had for cheap and after an hour+ in line, the stupid cashier didn't ring them up. SO I have to go back , but not until next week!

Then we surprised our kids with a trip to Marine World (someone gave us free passes, otherwise there is nooo way in heck we would've gone.) We had fun, but there was some disappointment because not all the good rides were open. Definately NOT at all like Disneyland! I wouldn't suggest going. Especially it took a half hour to get off the freeway with everyone else going :)

Now we're off to my nieces birthday party at Chuck E Cheeses - yes in Fairfield!

I'll catch you up later. Don't forget the BOUTIQUE on Saturday!!!

Did You Have one Of These?

Just wondering!

BOUTIQUE TIME!!!

Here's something you probably didn't know about me. My mom, Sydne Miles, has had a boutique in her home for the past 33 years. She is an incredible florist. She moved to Folsom last year and ended her time doing a boutique.

I had this crazy idea to offer our home this year to have the boutique. My husband SWORE that I could never take over - which I'm not - and he agreed to have it here. (I'm sure he'll regret it later but it's providing Christmas for us this year)

SO, MY MOM AND 8 OR 9 OTHER WOMEN ARE BRINGING THEIR INCREDIBLE WARES TO MY HOME ON DECEMBER 1. This is a classy boutique. Non of that crappy plastice cross stich stuff! If you want me to send you an actual flyer, just email me your address. (beamishfamily@mac.com)

It would be a FUN way to meet up with blogging buddies and get some Christmas shopping done. If you have any questions, just let me know! Hope to see/meet you all there!!!!!

"Are you going to put this on your blog?"

Asked Rebecca, when Emma was in tears as her gum got stuck in her hair and I grabbed the camera.

"Please don't put this on your blog", cried Emma, hysterically.

"I want my gum!!!", she wailed.

Normally I would have been upset, but strangely enough, I grabbed my camera. "What a great blog this would be!" I am truely a blogger now. I believe a true blogger sees a situation and askes themselves, "What can I write about this?"
I am proud to be a blogger mom. I can keep track of the funny/horrible things my kids do with a better attitude.

I cut the gum out of Emma's hair (no I didn't use peanut butter because I didn't want a bigger mess. Besides, her hair is curly and nobody will know).

She misses her curl! (her words!)

(Emma gave me permission to use her photos's and blog about her experience :)

Sticky Bun Recipe

I thought I would post the recipe in case anyone wanted it. A friend gave me this recipe a few years ago, but I had lost it. Wouldn't you know that last week on Paula Deen's Home Cooking, she made the exact recipe. She called it a coffee cake, but we don't drink coffee:)

So, here it is....

16 - 18 unbaked frozen dinner rolls (I use Rhodes Rolls)
1 (3oz) package butterscotch pudding mix, NOT INSTANT
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c chopped pecans
1 stick (1/2 c) melted butter

The night before place frozen rolls in a well greased Bundt pan.
Sprinkle DRY pudding mix over rolls.
Sprinkle brown sugar next.
Sprinkle pecans over brown sugar.
Pour melted butter over all.
Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
Let rise over night (8-10 hours) Do you get 8-10 hours of sleep at night?
In the morn, preheat oven to 350, bake for 30 minutes. (I cooked mine for less than that. Keep an eye on the tops for browning. Cover with foil if it starts to brown to much.
Let cool for about 5minutes, then turn over onto a plate (you know, put plate on top of bundt pan, while holding onto plate and pan at the same time, flip over!)
Enjoy. We always have eggs too because a little protein goes a long way.

Thanks, God, for making me a woman!

My mom sent this to me today. It's one I've seen before, but I REALLY needed to see this again. It's hard to be a mom, sometimes. But I know Heavemly Father knew what he was doing and He gave me the things I need to make it through the tough times.
ENJOY....


By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working
overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
'Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a
Broken heart and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements.
'Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish.'
But I won't,' the Lord protested.
'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
'But you have made her so soft, Lord.'
'She is soft,' the Lord agreed,
'but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
'Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate.'

The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.
'That's not a leak,'
the Lord corrected,
'that's a tear!'
'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.
The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of
expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride.'

The angel was impressed.
'You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing.'

And she is!

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take 'no' for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Stake Conference

Today was stake conference. I wish I could say that I heard ANYTHING that was said. My husband woke up with what I have had. He tends to get thigs worse and faster. He feels worse but he gets better faster. Maybe it has to do with the fact that he can sleep and rest the whole day (although, he did get up and clean the whole kitchen - for which I am truely grateful).

Anyway.... I took all 4 kids, one who was singing with a stake children's choir. Of course we had to be there by 9am, so there goes sleeping an extra hour... SO the complaining started from the boy. My sister and her 2 little girls joined us, also, without hubby. So to say the least there was lots of squiming and loud whispering and crying and complaining and, oh yeah, and then I had to seperate my two oldest. She went over and I went under and she fell on the floor. I'm sure it looked like she disappeared into nowhere. Anyway, we left and I got a long nap :)

The best part of today was the sticky buns I made last night/this morning. So easy and sooooo yummy!

What are you doing right now?

I assume most of you are out dragging your kids around door to door begging for candy. I, on the other hand, am not. I was sick today, and I don't feel to swell right now, but I am ALONE:)



My mom took my girls to my sisters and my hubby is taking my son trick or treating. My oldest is hanging out with her friends . I haven't had to get up too often to hand out candy, not to busy on our street. So, I'm enjoying a diet pepsi and a little blogging. How much better could life get?

My Little Mermaid

HAPPY ALMOST HALLOWEEN!

I'm still new at this!

Do you love the new look. I figured since it's almost Halloween, why not. I love m&m's anyway (I do prefer with peanuts or almonds). I had to delete all the side stuff so I'm trying to put all my blog buddies back on. I'll get there but I think I should start the saturday morning family clean now ( can you hear the proverbial moans and fights, now....)

I guess feet are the topic of choice right now...

My son is yelling for me from the front door. He needs a shower. It's 4:30 in the afternoon. He went down to the park to play football with his friends. There was mud and he didn't want to get his nice shoes muddy. SO he played in his bare feet. Then they started throwing mud at each other.

I'm thankful for my one and only boy :)

NOOOOOO WAYYYYYY! x2

#1
I just went over our cell phone billl with my 13yr old, who pays for her texting - and we discovered that she went over by 130 texts. Which equals 13.00. Fortunately this was caught before it was 130.00. I thought I had this under control but I guess not. She was so shocked that she had almost 4000 texts - what do they even say to each other? (actually I know because one of the rules is that I can read them whenever I want and she's not suposed to erase them...) I didn't have to get too mad, though. The look on her face when she realized how many it really was was pretty much priceless. I think she got the point. Anybody need a babysitter? She's good and pretty cheap :)

#2

My 7 yr old has been complaining that her shoes didn't fit - I just bought her some right before school. This is my child that grows and grows and grows and doesn't stop. She has grown and inch since June! Anyway, I think the last size we got her was, maybe a 5 from Target. Well, we went to payless - because when you have to pay for 4 kids in shoes, it's ridiculous! We tried the 5's. No luck, We tried the 5.5's. No luck. I had the lady measure her feet on the women's measure thing and low and behold... A 7!!! She ended up in a 7.5! My sweet little baby girl is 7.5 yrs old and wearing a women's 7.5 in shoes. I don't know if I can take it. I just hope her period holds off for a while! UGHHHH! My girl is always in pain, too. The constant growing is almost unbearable for her. But it's driving me crazy and breaking our bank.

Any body have any hand me downs? She's wearing a size 12 in clothes, too. I can't keep up with her!

OK, sorry :)

I'm sorry to those who requested the recipe. Here it is.

3 bags microwave popcorn ( I used my airpopper and made 3 batches)
2 cubes butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup Karo syrup
1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup salted nuts ( I didn't use any because I didn't have any would've been good though!)

pop corn and put in large bowl, get rid of old maids :)
in heavy pan - or what ever you have - combine butter, b sugar, karo & salt - I cooked it on med high.
bring to boil - until softball stage. I stirred it occasionally, but other recipes say you don't have to. I cooked it a little longer. the longer you cook it, the harder it will be when cooled.
( if you don't have a candy thermometer, use a cup of cold water. just drop a little in after about 5 mins or so and take it out and see how soft or hard it is.)
hard crack is 260degrees.
take off heat and add vanilla baking soda and nuts. ( now is a good time to probably add the m&m's, but I added them a little late) mix well. add to popcorn and mix well some more.
I spread mine out onto a cookie sheet. let cool - or not - and enjoy.
keep it in a air tight container and it will last a couple of days - or longer if it stays around that long :)
enjoy! I think I'll make some more.....

I made it!

The popcorn, that is! Thank you, Denae for reminding me about the YV cookbook. I added a few m&m's, cause I have to have chocolate to everything! YUMMY!!!!

Caramel Popcorn?

Does anyone have a really good and really EASY caramel popcorn recipe? I'm craving it and I want to make some, now! Not too crunchy and not too soft. Somewhere in the middle!

A Day at Apple Hill 10/10/2007

I took my 2 little girls and headed up to my mom's for a surprise. I didn't have to work and Rebecca is REALLY smart and her teacher said have fun! My mom moved to Folsom a year ago and I miss being 7 miutes away from her, instead of 90 minutes away, now.
Anyway, last year we went to Apple Hill (a fun filled farming, hilly area, just past Placerville - a 1/2 hr from moms new house)
I wanted to go again, so I did. Definately a good choice to go on a Wednesday and NOT on a weekend. We had many goodies and saw the beautiful sights. I would move there in a heart beat! I could do an apple, pumpkin, christmas tree farm. I love the foothills. I think we'll go up there and cut down our Christmas tree again this year. Then stop at Kids, INC. for a walking pie and an apple pie cheescake, oh, and some incredible apple cider, and carmel apples, and.........





Emma didn't like the apple part of the French apple pie.