family fun

Mom and Chrissy came to pay us a visit. It was so fun to have them.

We played hard.

We shared some love.

We camped.

We had a near death experience. (Ok- well, maybe not quite near death. But it was very scary. We were driving on the worst part of the freeway where it gets all curvy and crazy and BANG a ginormous thunder shook the road. About 5 seconds later it was like the clouds opened and dumped a full ocean on our car. We couldn't see a single thing. It was really scary. Luckily, it didn't last too long. Words really can't explain how much water and wind there was, it was like we were stuck in the middle of a hurricane.... yuck, glad that's over!)

We laughed.

We ate. too much.

We shopped. (against Chrissy's wishes- one of the times we had to trick her into coming with us. You forgive us, right Chris?) And thanks to Tiff, we all have a new pair of cute shoes... matching at that! But, not exactly what you see below, we stuck to the brown and "mustard".

(we had way too much fun in Aldo. This was a moment that had to be frozen.)

We polished our toes, thanks to mommy!

{Mom and Chrissy- I'm so glad we got to spend some time together and have fun and be silly. I love when I get to see you and your cute faces. I can't wait for my trip to Utah, counting down the days! Love you!}

friday's favorites: R.G.P. junior

9 months old- wow.

he is growing so fast. so fast.

and he:

is getting teeth.

crawls super fast, and loves to play chase.

kicks back like a big boy.

dances to music.

loves Little Einstein.

admires his big sisters.

enjoys snack time.

growls like a bear.

still loves naps.

and- still thinks his Auntie Amy is crazy....

... he loves me anyways! ♥

they did it again

Stinkin' Idol- giving my tear ducts a little cleaning, they're really good at that.

I'm really happy Kris won, he totally deserves it. I love that crazy "no way this is happening to me" look on his face. I have to admit, the beginning of this season had me worried. Not because I didn't see potential talent, but just because I saw so much potential for annoyances. Tatiana, please. And headband boy?! I know, that's so rude of me... but it drives me crazy what they put on the show purely for "entertainment" purposes and not for true talent. But- Kris came up and took it all!

From the start I liked Adam, but then it started to fade when he kept stickin' his tongue out at me. He's definitely got some talent, just not my favorite to listen to- or watch. Broadway seems like it would fit him more comfortably. I was a fan of Megan Joy-Corkery... until she started acting like a bird. But, if she made a CD I'd buy it. I also liked Danny and I was ticked when his friend, Jamal- I think, didn't make it through. He was unique and had "mad chops". (I think every year the judges say so many of the same phrases, over and over... that was definitely one of them) And then, of course Kris- he's so like able and talented, perfect combination for what a true American Idol should be.

The finale definitely did not disappoint. When Kara came out behind bikini girl I was shocked. When she showed off a bikini I was shocked and awed. What a girl will do for charity. I thought Kris and Keith Urban were great, although I have to say- I think Kris out shined Keith. Adam and Kiss were crazy... a little too much tongue and crazy shoes, but I guess that's what they are. It was a high power performance though, that's for sure!

Idol 2009 ended up to be a great year, but you don't need me to tell you that. I'm really excited for Kris and his cute wife. When it showed them hugging at the very end of the show it made me so happy for them... all that lies ahead. I can't wait to hear more!

happy bits

Reyna tagged me- and I can't pass up an opportunity to think happy thoughts! Beyond my sweet Jeffy and my amazing family... just looking to the little, every day happiness.

So today, right here, right now- these are six things that make me happy:

♥cherry painted toenails

♥girls night out

♥handwritten sentiments

♥sweet, juicy watermelon

♥capturing sunsets on the road

♥when my hubby kisses my forehead

no worries. no cries.

Ocala. April 2009.

I love when we get the chance to escape.

Make a home for a couple of days with a tent, a few chairs and a cooler. Not having to worry about what to cook, because it's all planned, ready for you to pull out and enjoy.

Ziggie loves to camp. (Unfortunately, I was thinking it would make sense to take him to the groomer when we got home. Then he could get all clean and refreshed. Well, his crazy fluff and the twigs and leaves didn't get along so well. But, he survived just fine.)

Jeff bikes, skates, and jams on the guitar. I read, nap, and stare at the trees. (and maybe take a trip to Hobby Lobby... yes, this particular site works great for the two of us. We camp at the head of a great bike trail and we're about 20 minutes away from HL.) We feel like we're in the great outdoors, surrounded by nothing but nature. Truth be told, we only have to drive 10 minutes down the road to find a yummy corner ice cream store, CVS, or Mexican restaurant.

We love being together with nothing to really worry about. We do what we want, when we want. And we can't feel bad about what we're not getting done, because it's not sitting in the other room waiting for us to tackle it.

We lay in the tent at night, with the extension cord strung across the gravel, watching movies and enjoying the fresh air.

We love it.

Maybe you could call it our home away from home.

when it rains,

it pours.

Yesterday, today and maybe tomorrow- who knows- it rained. all day. That's not normally how it rains here in Florida. Usually the sky is sunny and bright and then boom, giant drops pound on your roof for 30 minutes, and then the sun is back to shining bright. Not today. Not yesterday. And maybe not tomorrow.

Once, Jeff went out of town for the night. I was home, alone. I don't like being home alone. especially for a night. When I have to sleep in my bed. alone. no fun. I was feeling the nerves kick in, and then, so did the wind. It was howling at me, really loud. And then the thunder banged and boomed and crackled. The lightning was so bright it was like someone was outside my window taking pictures every once in a while and the flash would light up through the blinds. I was scared. The thunder got closer. So close the house was shaking.

Then I was really scared.

I grabbed my cell phone and dialed home, just a like a little girl, afraid of the dark and the loud thunder.

Sometimes my mom tells my nieces that the angels are bowling in heaven. And that's why the clouds shake the earth.

Maybe that night, when she picked up the phone, that's what she told me. I don't remember her words, but I know I hung up laughing at myself for being such a wimp and grateful I could call my mommy.

I'm always amazed how one side of the sky can shine the suns rays and the other looks mean with black clouds. I guess it just goes to show how life will weight itself out.

Yesterday, I lounged on the couch reading page after page hearing the rain hit the windows. Ziggie curled up on the edge of the chair. Jeff napped on the luv sac. He opened his eyes, heard the thunder, saw the rain drops and looked at me and said "perfect, huh?"
"yep."

thank you rain.

friday's favorites

One of my new favorites:

What's your favorite flower?

living in the sunshine state

Meet the pterodactyl (and yes, I had to google the spelling) of Florida. I remember the first time I saw these giants I was a little freaked out. Then, I realized it's all part of living in the Sunshine State. And then, I grew to love that part of living in the Sunshine State.

Animals everywhere.

Giant birds, little birds, turtles, frogs and lizards, armadillos, possums, raccoons, and yes- even alligators. See that funny column and slab of cement in the picture above- that's my back "porch". These little guys came to pay us a visit. They don't like bread. They just sat and stared.

I was driving home the other day and happened to see Big Bird with Baby Bird. I loved how fluffy Baby Bird looked.

And then, as I was driving away, these two were making their way to join the others.

All four of them, having a party... pecking the grass for who knows what. I really have no idea what they're searching for, I would assume worms, but assumptions don't always work out well for me. I might have to google it.

Jeff and I were driving home the other day and saw a pond close to our house, that now looks like a puddle. He said if it keeps up like this, we're going to loose all our wildlife. The wildlife, gone?! That made me sad. It makes me want to take a hose and fill up all of the ponds. Yes, even the ones filled with alligators.

I wont be able to canoe down a river with alligators napping on the banks, if there is no water.

I wont have to dodge the frogs on the road if there is no rain.

I like those things- those are Sunshine State specialities.

So, please come down rain! Mr. Sun- go hide behind the tree for a couple of days. (but only a couple because I really love having you too. Well, maybe wait a little while because mom and Chrissy are coming to visit today and I'm really excited for that. And I think they are excited to see you too- so stay for them) Rain, rain... come today!

Friday's Favorites: easy recipes

Today over at nannygoat they are sharing fast and easy recipes to help make dinner time a little easier for all of us. These are a few recipes that are yummy, quick and easy that I wanted to share with you.

Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts

4-6 chicken breasts

4-6 swiss cheese slices

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup chicken broth

Peppridge Farm corn bread stuffing mix

1/4 - 1/2 cup melted butter

Heat oven to 350.

Place chicken in oven baking dish.

Place one slice of swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast.

Mix cream of chicken soup with chicken broth and pour over chicken.

Cover with stuffing mix.

Pour melted butter over the top.

Bake in oven for 45-60 minutes.

Aloha Chicken

4 chicken breasts

1 bottle of barbeque sauce

1 can of pineapple chunks

1 chopped onion

Mix barbeque sauce, pineapple and onion and pour over chicken.

Cook in crockpot for 4-6 hours on low.

Green Beans with Hamburger

(or ground turkey)

1 pound ground hamburger or turkey (I use turkey)

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups water

3 Tbs. soy sauce

1 Tbs. dark molasses

1 can cut green beans

3 Tbs. cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

3-4 cups hot cooked rice

Durkees French fried onion rings

Cook and stir ground beef and onion in large skillet until meat is brown and onion is tender.

Stir in garlic, 1 1/2 cups water, soy sauce and molasses; heat to boiling.

Add green beans and heat to boiling.

Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

Blend cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water, stir gradually into meat mixture.

Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.

Boil and stir 1 minute.

Serve over rice; garnish with onion rings.

If desired, pass additional soy sauce.

Sweet Pork

1 pork butt roast

2 cans black beans (do not drain)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Place roast in crockpot, top with sweetened condensed milk and beans.

Cook on low 8 hours.

Serve with your favorite burrito or salad fixins' and enjoy!

(and if you buy 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk you can try a sweet treat for dessert.)

carmel dipped and chocolate covered

Earlier this year when Jeff's parents came to visit us here in Florida, we went on a little adventure to St. Augustine. While we were there we visited a couple candy stores- barrels of bit o' honey and now and laters, marble slabs with fudge and carmel covered apples... all forms of sugary goodness. The treat we purchased as we were heading home was one of our favorite things to greet our taste buds: a carmel dipped, chocolate covered rice krispie treat- oh yum. My mouth waters just thinking about it. really, it does.

I wanted to relive the goodness we experienced so I tried my hand at recreating it. If it's too presumptuous for me to say my recreation wasn't too far from the mark... then I wouldn't imagine saying it. But if it's not... then I have to admit they were scrumptious!

and easy... well, easyish. More time consuming than difficult, but so worth every second. I know this looks like a long post... and a LONG recipe which in my mind says "skip". (Am I the only one? When I'm looking for a recipe I think that if it's short it'll be easy... but I guess right now I'm proving that's not the case. Because this is long, but still easy.) Stick with me, it'll be worth it- promise.

So, let's make our list, because I'm a list person:

-make rice krispie treats

-make carmel

-dip rice krispie treats in carmel

-let carmel rest on treat until "set up"

-melt chocolate

-dip treat in chocolate

-let it hang out and wait for the chocolate to harden... or you could gobble it all up and make a big chocolatey mess- there's always that option.

-sit back and enjoy. (you might want to make sure you hide or give away any extras you don't want to eat, because if they're around you will eat them. all of them.)

First:

Make rice krispie treats. (or you could try it with the pre-made, that could save some time, but not necessarily save money. It just depends on the taste you prefer.) I make mine and use the good ole' trusty snap, crackle, pop recipe. Well, more like I just dump and see how it tastes...

Ingredients:

-1/4 butter

-1 small bag of mini marshmallows

-4 1/2- 6 cups rice krispies (depending on how gooey you like the finished product to be)

-1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

-Melt butter and marshmallows together in large pot.

-Mix until well blended.

-Take off heat and add vanilla.

-Add rice krispie treats to mixture.

-Mold into greased pan. (you can use whatever size you like... make them the thickness you think you want your finished product. I wanted mine big so I formed them in a 8x8 and cut them into 4 pieces.)

Then let your rice krispie treats hang out for a bit while you make your carmel. This carmel is delicious and easy... yet again, a great and evil thing all in one. It's great because it's easy, it's evil because it's easy. It just makes it that much more tempting to dive into the sweetness.

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup butter

-1/2 cup brown sugar

-1/2 cup white sugar

-1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

-1/2 cup light karo syrup

Directions:

-Melt butter in a microwave safe glass bowl.

-Add all other ingredients to bowl and heat in microwave for about 3 minutes.

-Take out and stir.

-Continue to heat in microwave until carmel seems ready. (Yeah, so I know that's not the greatest instruction... but for me it was about 5-6 minutes. But, watch it because it will bubble over the top of your bowl and make a giant sticky mess in your microwave... or so they say. You should be able to tell, I don't really think you can mess it up too bad, just don't burn it- make sure to stir it well.)

Okay- so now, let's review our list:

✓make rice krispie treats

✓make carmel

-dip rice krispie treats in carmel

-let carmel rest on treat until "set up"

-melt chocolate

-dip treat in chocolate

-let it hang out and wait for the chocolate to harden... or you could gobble it all up and make a big chocolatey mess- there's always that option.

-sit back and enjoy. (you might want to make sure you hide or give away any extras you don't want to eat, because if they're around you will eat them.)

Now- dip treats in carmel. You want to make sure your carmel has cooled down just a little bit, otherwise your rice krispie treats will melt apart in the carmel. I found the best way to dip in the carmel is to use two forks. Stick the treat in the carmel bowl and turn it on all sides with the forks and then let it cool on wax paper (or something like that, that wont let it stick) I may or may not like to lick off the extra carmel... you can tell me what you like.

✓dip rice krispie treats in carmel

✓let carmel rest on treat until "set up"

-melt chocolate

I use "Sephra" dipping chocolate. I buy it from my sister, it's the kind she uses when does chocolate fountains. I've used both milk and dark, and both are yummy. Whatever chocolate you decide to use will be great. I just melt mine in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir, and then melt in microwave for 30 second intervals, stiring in between, until it's melted smoothly. You don't want your chocolate to burn!

-dip treat in chocolate

I dip the treat in the chocolate the same way I dip it in the carmel. Just make sure it's nice and covered.

I also thought about melting some white chocolate and swirling it over the top, but didn't do that this time around. I'm sure you could add sprinkles or whatever other sugar toppings you can- it'll be a major sugar overload!

✓make rice krispie treats

✓make carmel

✓dip rice krispie treats in carmel

✓let carmel rest on treat until "set up"

✓melt chocolate

✓dip treat in chocolate

✓let it hang out and wait for the chocolate to harden... or you could gobble it all up and make a big chocolatey mess- there's always that option.

Now for the easiest part: (or maybe the hardest... it's hard to restrain yourself from eating them all. But please do. I can not be held responsible for any stomach pain caused by the making of this recipe.)

-sit back and enjoy. (you might want to make sure you hide or give away any extras you don't want to eat, because if they're around you will eat them.)

(I know I should've taken pictures before they were wrapped up. But- I was sending these off to family and I knew I had to wrap them up or they would never be seen by anyone or anything other than my belly!)

Let me know if you try these out, I'd love to hear your results!

holy moly

My mind is spinning fast... I feel like it might just spin right off of my head. When this happens I do 1 of 2 things:

1- ignore the spinning and do absolutely nothing

2- try to stop the spinning and do absolutely everything

Either way, it ends up in a big mess most of the time. I've been trying to control the spinning, at least make it slow down a little, by finding the little things that light up each day. Some days it's easier than others to see the bright, shining spot.... but, even if it takes some searching, it always ends up being worth it. And other days, it doesn't take any searching at all, but maybe just wider eyes.

Last night I watched American Idol. I'm not kidding, that stupid show makes me cry almost every time I watch it. I don't know what it is. I guess I just think it's so cool to see people succeed and have all their fans cheering them on. And when Simon says something complimentary and flashes his little grin, I think that's enough to moisten any eye and make a day a little brighter. (or maybe it's just a strange amy thing... that could very possibly be the case)

There was a special treat waiting in my mailbox the other day, something other than the normal Bank of America statement or State Farm bill- happy mail is one of my all time favorite things, sure to bring a huge bright spot to my day. I won a giveaway on sherbet blossom, for something I've been wanting for a while now. It's simple, adorable and easily fits in my purse- a cute mini diary made by Marta. (Her blog is great, you should go pay her a visit if you haven't met her yet.)

Today I read Nie's blog. When I think of all she's been through, and the fact that she still finds the shining parts of each day it seems to make those lights in my day shine a little stronger.

"We are women of a God who delights in his daughters to feel beautiful and adored. Whatever that is to you personally, don't let it go undone. It is in you safe and warm and no one can take that away from you...no one."

If nothing else, this alone reminded me of how amazing life can be... how bright it's meant to be. Thanks for the reminder, Nie.♥

bright and happy

Mommy Holly hosted the "bright and happy swap"... I was need of something bright and happy, so I signed up to participate. Holly matched me up with Sara, who I'm sure I'd be great friends with if we lived closer! She has 3 adorable little boys, great style and a fun etsy shop full of cuteness! Here's a few pictures of some of the things I sent her way:


I made a little "be happy" sign, I figured it was appropriate considering the "bright and happy" theme. I'm not gonna lie... I had a hard time sticking that one in the box, I wanted to keep it for myself. You'll see some more of that chocolatey goodness soon- trust me, you'll want to "stay tuned" for that.

{Sara, I hope you enjoy your box! I had a lot of fun putting it together for you! Hopefully the treat wasn't a melted mess! And I hope your boys enjoy the water guns! Have a bright and happy day!!!}

made me laugh, made me cry

Bedtime Stories

Definitely made me laugh! I would love if it really, truly

were to rain gumballs-

I'd stand outside with my mouth open wide,

oh what a sight that would be!

I think the roles were well cast, each person seemed to fit quite nicely.

I'd have to say Mickey (Russell Brand) was probably

my favorite cast member.

Of course the majority of the movie could never happen

in real life, but that's how most movies are.

I love that it had a happy ending, I'm a happy ending kind of gal.

I'm not sure I would rent it for a sleepover night with

M&K- don't think it's suited for a 5 year old,

maybe I'm too over the top.

Moral of the story:

-dream big dreams

-think positively, focus on the main goal

-don't be afraid to let your imagination take you to new places

{Real life can have happy endings, it doesn't always, but it can.}

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10

Seven Pounds

This was one of those movies I heard a lot of mixed reviews about, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It took me a while to get into it, but I think it was a well done movie. Both Will Smith and Rosario Dawson did an excellent job acting.

Jury's still out on this one. I like that it made me appreciate my life more, and it inspired me to live better. But, I don't like how it all played out. It had a 1/2 happy ending, which I suppose is better than 1 full sad ending. Still, I cried. a lot.

Moral of the story:

-even when you feel like you have it bad, someone will always be fighting a bigger battle.

-fully enjoy the time you get to spend with loved ones.

-we'll do things wrong in life, and we'll want to try to make it better. Sometimes we can. Sometimes we can't. Do the best you can to make the situation better, and learn to forgive yourself.

{Truly live each day. each and every minute of the day.}

Rating this one is tricky....

Overall Rating: 7.5 out of 10

(sorry for the weird spacing issues.... blogger is so wacko sometimes!)

happy graduation day

Congrats to Bryan!

Today is a big day because he's graduating from BYU!

{Wish we could be there Bry! Hope you have a great day celebrating those good brains you have! Can't wait to see you soon!}

amy kathryn. that's me.

see those... pretty right? I wouldn't mind having one. Actually, I'd love to have one. I think I should be entitled to one. for free. Why, you ask? Check it out, amykathryn.com.

You know what my birth certificate says?

Amy Kathryn

Yep, that's right. A company, named after me. How kind.

Really though, I emailed them and told them what a great name they had and how beautiful their purses are, and that it'd be really cool for an Amy Kathryn to promote amykathryn.com. No reply, I suppose they didn't think that was such a great idea. Why not? I mean, come on.... who better to advertise then Amy Kathryn herself?

amykathryn.com- if by some odd chance you come across this post (maybe they'll google amy kathryn and some how I'll pop up... you never know, right?) I still believe it'd be great for me to flaunt one of your amazing bags around. And you know what would make that possible? If you let the postman deliver one of those to my porch, for free. That'd be an easy task for you, right? Free advertisement, from someone with the same name that is printed on the inside pocket of the "Gladiola". How cool would that be? It doesn't get better then that- free advertising is a great thing with the "state of this economy". Not that I'm on my knees begging, but I could, if that's what it'd take.... I'll let you think about it. You know, it's lucky for you I'm offering to advertise for you, for free. I should charge. To have such an awesome walking billboard, usually that'd come with a high price- but for you, because you seem that great, I'm willing to throw that out there for you.

What do you think, doesn't that seem fair?