the dog house

If our dog likes his house half as much as Stella likes his house, we'll be ok.

I have weed-picker hands.

Painful, but satisfying.

Saltsa

I was first introduced to the glories of homemade salsa when I was in college. My roommates, Mrs. Dub (bring back your blog already!) and Mrs. R, took turns creating the most delicious, fresh tasting salsa that had ever passed by my taste buds. When I got married, Mike took over as my personal salsa maker. But, he's busy these days, and really, I'm more of a pico de gallo girl anyway. So now I make my own. I always have some in my fridge and I eat it with just about everything. Even by itself. Yum.

Not Spicy Salsa/Pico de Gallo
3-4 tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 small can mild diced green chilies
a little salt, a little garlic powder and you're in business

I suppose you could put some jalapenos in it, or something, but that's not really my thing.

Tonight, I'll be serving it with these enchiladas. Except I made mine with beef. They are so quick and delicious. Give them a try.

p.s. Stella is a Jedi today.
May the force be with you.

Did I mention that we're getting a dog?

I have completely taken leave of my senses.

We bring him home on Sunday.

I have always loved my wedding cake.

It was my favorite part of our reception.
I don't think I actually ate any, though.

Today is our anniversary.

This has made me extra reflective, I guess, because I've been thinking all day about the decisions I've made in my life that have brought me to this point. Surprisingly, the best decisions I have made have also been the easiest. I used to think that life changing decisions would be a nightmare. I would wonder how I would ever know what I was supposed to do with my life. But the big decisions, like where to go to college, whom to marry, where to raise our family, etc., have been so simple.

I would go to BYU, I would marry Mike, we would live in Arizona.
I didn't even have to think twice about them.

Not every decision in my life has been that easy. But when things are right, it is so obvious. When things are wrong, it can feel so confusing!

I am just so glad that I can tell the difference.
I believe that it is through gentle promptings of the Spirit that we can know which path is right for us.

I love the path that I have chosen.
I'm so very lucky that I get to share it with Mike.

Just for kicks, here's a picture from our wedding day 8 years ago:

It was perfect.

Sedona is pretty.

You should totally go sometime.

Mike and I just went because we've nearly been married for eight years.
Eight glorious years!

Our kids didn't even miss us.
I think we should leave them with my parents more often.

Sewing

Yesterday I was a slave to my sewing machine.

I love working on a sewing project, but while I am in the midst of it, I find it impossible do anything else until I'm done. Like eat, or drink, or leave my office. Then I end up with a whopper of a headache. Sigh. Sometimes I hate sewing.

But yesterday wasn't so bad, because aside from the sewing-induced headache, I ended up with these:

a pretty skirt for me

It is a little bit full, dressy, and springy. I thought it turned out pretty well considering I didn't use a pattern and only had a vague idea of what I wanted.

a pretty dress for Mabel

I used Butterick 3350, but I changed the sleeves. I chose a linen-like fabric, so it feels really good. The best part about her dress is that she loves it. I can tell she feels special when she has it on. She didn't want to stop twirling.

Easter Sunday here we come.

If you know Mike,

then this really shouldn't surprise you.

Thank you, WJP.

What is your signature style?

After reviewing the tapes at Cardigan Empire, I have decided that my signature style is most definitely traditional, with a hint of romance. I love this blouse that Reachel had me wear. It is classic and beautiful, but not boring. If only my budget could allow such a lovely thing! I have a new goal. It is to stop wearing boring clothes. I have finally lost my baby weight, and I don't plan on being pregnant this year, so I need to mend my lounge-wearing ways. A shopping trip is definitely in order. My side of the closet is sadly empty.

It glows.

I think I like it.

I just remembered that I hate painting.

Like in a major way.
But, what can you do? These walls aren't going to paint themselves.
It's a good thing I have my trusty assistant.
She will be lots of help, I'm sure.

Check back later for the finished product!

Do you follow the Empire?

You should.
Reachel is a certified fashion genius.

I took a break from my usual jeans and t-shirt and let Reachel dress me up in all sorts of lovely things the other morning. My kids were kind of speechless.

This photo was obviously taken before Reachel got her stylish hands on me.
This is me being a not so fancy mom.
(Mabel's new teeth are coming in majorly wonky and I was taking a break from the laundry to check them out.
Yikes! A trip to the dentist might be in order.)

You can see me all dolled up in Anthropologie's finest all week, here.
(I think I will keep my day job, though. I might be the most unphotogenic person on the planet, and I am definitely not cut out to be a model. But it was fun.)

Thank you Reachel! It was nice to feel glamorous for a little bit.
I know it's possible to dress well and be a mom at the same time. I just need to figure out my signature style and get shopping.

p.s. Don't tell Mike about that shopping part.

I've never been good at baking chocolate chip cookies.

Then I tried this recipe. They were perfect. Crispy and soft, sweet and a tad bit salty. Just the way I like them. Yum.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
2 1/2 cubes butter
1 1/4 c. dark brown sugar
1 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 2/3 c. flour
2 T. corn starch
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. milk chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and combine; stir in chocolate chips. Chill the dough before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes (using a 1.5" scoop).

I left out the milk chocolate chips because I am not a fan of them, and I chilled the dough just while the oven was heating up. Oh, and I used almost 1/2 whole wheat flour and I couldn't even taste it! Fabulous.

I just love having cookies in my cookie jar.

If you've got it, flaunt it in tight leggings.

At least that's what Stella says.

Waiting

We spend quite a bit of time waiting for Mabel to get home from school, and coloring seems to be the favorite waiting activity these days.

This is one of my favorite spots in our house.
I am convinced that the best money my mom ever spent was on this little table.
(It was a Christmas gift a few years ago.)

It gets used and loved every single day.

I think every child needs a space of their own.
(Just like their moms do.)

Even Stella.
(She is a very busy person.)

First grade is entirely too long!
We miss you, Mabel.

This is what winter in Arizona looks like.

It's always super bright here.