It pays to be a repeat customer... I guess.

I was completely shocked to hear the lady over the intercom tell us she was giving us a discount. We did have a pretty good sized order and have gone to Carl's Jr. frequently... sadly. But, I have to admit, it is somewhat embarrassing when a company says, "You guys come here all the time, we would like to offer you a 10% discount". Anything to save some money is great... believe me! With a family of 7, eating at a fast food restaurant (or any restaurant for that matter) is expensive!

Even as excited as I was, I also was totally embarrassed. Do we really eat out that often?! Maybe it is time to stay home for lunch/dinner.

Carl's Jr., I would sincerely like to thank you!

Semi-Homemade Cinnamon & Sugar Donuts

The girls and I had fun this morning making donuts. It is super fun and very easy! You can find the recipe here.



I had the girls help me cut the donuts. And we even talked about the shape we were making. I then had them wait, while I fried them. Frying takes no time at all. Do not walk away... it seems like seconds and they are done!



I made the biggest mistake by shaking the donuts in a bag with cinnamon and sugar. Do NOT do this (well unless you like things very sweet). I recommend doing exactly what the recipe says. We made them both ways. But shaking them in the bag coated them too much! Even my husband, who loves sweets, said they were too sweet.

Just look at her mouth!

The kids can also help you by shaking the cinnamon and sugar on the donuts. I really want to pick up the shaker the recipe talks about.

These donuts are the perfect size for little hands.

Thanks Marie for sharing your recipe! It has quickly become a family favorite.

Companion Cube-Case

After all the planning, measuring and sewing...
it is finally done!!

I made this for my husband Russ. I wanted something special and unique to give him for his birthday. Thus the Companion Cube-Case was born! Now I've got to admit, I thought this would be SO much easier! Heck! It's just a pillowcase. But, I don't think I have measured something so many times.

I bet some of you are looking at this and wondering, why would she make a girly thing for her husband? For those of you who don't know why, read here.

I finished this last night while hubby was at work. I wanted it to be a surprise when he got home, so I slid it on his pillow and got ready for bed. Before going to bed I wanted to make sure I also included a little note (see below).

I was a little sad that I wouldn't see his expression. To be honest I even thought about setting an alarm. But, I was SUPER tired!

He came home and woke me up by kissing me and saying "Thank you!" Heh. Heh... that works :)

Now if I just had the time to make a whole bedding set!

American Ideal Auditions

On Sunday, our kids auditioned to be in "American Ideal" (A Childrens Musical about Humility. Created by Janet McMahan-Wilson and Arranged by Ted Wilson). It will be a production put on in the Spring by our own "Spirit Kids Theatre".

American Ideal is a lot like American Idol. With characters such as Ryan D. Best, Simon Coward and Bro Jackson.

From the back of the book:

"Lights! Camera! Ego! Well, that is, if you're a contestant on one of the many 'Reality TV' shows filling the airwaves today. Entertaining? Maybe. Harmless? Hardly.

The 'American Ideal' shines the spotlight on 4 contestants who are competing to be the next 'American Ideal.' Tonight's theme is 'Gospel Music Night.' During the production of this live TV show, contestants Wila Wynn, Anita Ward, and Neil Downe discover, with the help of fellow contestant, Emma Tate, the truth about themselves as 'Reality TV' takes on a whole new meaning. This humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at fame, fortune and flim-flam turns popular culture on its head and shines the spotlight of God's truth about humility on the heart of contestants and audience alike."

Well I just heard what parts they got! Levi (10) will be Bro Jackson, Harley (8) will be the make up girl and an important back up singer, Maleigha (7) and Natalie (5) will be fans.

I am SO proud of our kids!

Way to go guys!! I can't wait to see your performance!

Oh... Should I mention I have been titled "Production Director" (I am producing all the programs, powerpoint, etc.) and I am helping with the wardrobe? At least it sounds cool!! Ha Ha!

Way to Go Alla!!

My dear friend Alla Koval of My Little City Girl is now a published designer!! I am SO excited for her, as this is her first publication and hopefully many more will follow. I had the pleasure in helping Alla with the testing of this beautiful jacket. It will be in the newest issue of Crochet! Magazine - March 2009.

We began discussing and working on this pattern back in April of last year. I am really happy to see that it has made its way into publication.

Congratulations Alla!! I am extremely happy for you!

Signage

Have you ever noticed a sign that seemed funny or particularly odd in some way? Well lately I have seen some signs that I just find funny. You may or may not share my sense of humor.

Here are signs that I have seen around our town.

-DOES'T-

-sancutary-

I think someone forgot to write in a word Evan probably said. Eye maybe?

And is Bailee making a threat?! Ha Ha!

-COURTSEY-

And yes, my cell phone was still on! How else could I take this picture?! lol!!

"Always Low Prices" Hmm... REALLY?!

It was really windy! How ironic.

This picture was actually taken up in Denver.

-SAETY-

Seriously, can people NOT spell in this town!!

Hmm... I'm beginning to wonder if I really should be shopping at Walmart.


I am going to bed. Goodnight.

Craft Room Blues

Ok... so I am on a quest to clean my craft room. My kids love coming in here and checking out the neat things I have. The only problem... after awhile I can't find what I was working on. So to fix the problem, I have cleared out my entire craft room. Besides my sewing table and computer desk of course. But I am excited and can't wait to have it more organized!

I will *hopefully* post pictures of it when I am done.

Wish me luck!!