Holly's Diner

Visit me at my new blog!

2011-06-10T11:35:00.000-06:00

http://hollylindesign.blogspot.com/

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-09T10:40:00.004-06:00

My most treasured possessions.

Mother

2011-05-09T10:40:00.001-06:00

Guess who's ONE!

2011-04-20T16:38:00.003-06:00

Baby B celebrated his B-day by getting a holter! Not his first...maybe his last?? We can only hope.

I had to strap it to his back so he could crawl. Last time he had one he wasn't mobile.
Doesn't seem to be bothering him much. :) He only had to wear it for 24 hours. They will analyze the results along with the Electrocardiogram and Echocardiogram too see if his little heart has fixed itself!

dear friend...this is for you.

2011-04-14T09:07:00.001-06:00

Please watch the vid and support my friend!

2011-04-11T16:46:00.002-06:00

After watching, leave a comment for the producers of The Biggest Loser to help Kim's chances of getting on the Ranch!

Lottery Day!!

2011-04-07T09:17:00.004-06:00

No, I'm not picking up a new gambling hobby. It is the lottery day for our charter school that is opening this fall!!

This day has been a long time coming for us founders. I only wish there were enough spots in each classroom that everyone that desired could attend.

It will be a sad and joyous day for many.

Below is a short video message from the founders of The Village Charter School. *you will need to pause the music from the blog at the bottom of this page - OR you can just click the link below the video to watch it on a separate site*

A Message from the Founders of The Village Charter School from johndanielsmith on Vimeo.

random me...

2011-04-06T16:22:00.003-06:00

I've been taking a lot of random photos of myself with my webcam lately. I saw somewhere once that a guy took a photo of himself everyday for a year. It was pretty cool. Not that I'm a copycat. Really, I just take random photos once or twice a week...and they really are random. I just figure if some freak accident happened and I kicked the bucket (not to sound too dark and gloomy) I would like my family to have a few fun, random photos of myself to remember me by. Here's one from today and a couple others...for fun.

I'll never give up on my dream...

2011-04-05T23:20:00.003-06:00

to become a children's book illustrator...

Ever since I was around the age of 8 I've dreamed of illustrating children's books. Off and on I've tinkered with the idea. I feel like now is the perfect time to get a little more serious about this pursuit (23 years later).

I have been exploring new mediums and decided it's time to put together a portfolio to send to publishers. I am so excited about this new style of illustration!

to pump, or not to pump?

2011-04-04T22:05:00.006-06:00

Okay, I made a list of blog posts that I wanted to eventually post...this was almost a year ago. *sigh* But, I believe they are top grade, "edge of your seat" posts. So - it was worth the wait. Promise!

After #4 was born last year he was in the NICU for two weeks. During that time I was pumping breast milk from home. Up to that point I had never used an electric pump. Ya know, usually just the manual kind.

I was in my room pumping when #3 comes in and asks "what's this for?" while putting her hand on the dial. She decides to crank the suction power up as high as it can possibly go. I yelped out in pain and she looked totally confused.

Reminded me of when Wesley was down in the pit of despair and Prince Humperdink ran down and threw the lever all the way up as the six fingered man yells "NOT TO FIFTY!" and the entire kingdom can hear his cries.

Pretty sure my neighbors heard my cry.

The End.

a change of scenery

2010-11-17T21:06:00.005-07:00

I was browsing my desktop background options and came upon this illustration. Isn't it wonderful? I just thought I would share, if you haven't seen it before. Be sure to click on it to zoom in. I did some researching and found a site for the creator of this piece. It is called Red Nose Studio. I would suggest checking out the blog link on their site...if the illustration/animation/art world intrigues you, like it does me.

FOR GRANDMA...

2010-10-24T20:50:00.002-06:00

Letter from a friend

2010-08-10T11:10:00.003-06:00

Back when Brigham was in the NICU I had a birthday...not that I felt like celebrating. I was pretty upset that I didn't have my newborn baby home with me. That's all I really wanted as my one birthday present. Luckily I have a dear friend, Jeri, who (might I add was on bed rest for her own pregnancy) wrote me this outstandingly hilarious letter and had her daughter drop it off with a big batch of jumbo muffins and a newborn outfit. I love that girl!!

I asked for her permission to post her letter here. I felt it was too good to not share with the rest of the world. I've told her many times that she needs to have a blog or write a book. She would have quite the following. I can't blame her when her when she says she has no time. She just had her 8th baby! And yet, she finds time to help helpless mothers of 4, like myself.

So, without anymore delay...here is her letter:

"Dear Holly,

Aaarrgghhh! I missed your birthday. I'm so sorry! Hope your day was good-such as it is. If you can have a great day with cracked boulder-breasts, carrying a donut pillow around to sit on, a baby in the NICU and the pleasant exhaustion that follows a high-stress birth after an emotional roller-coaster pregnancy, then that is my rosy wish for you. Yeah- better luck next year.

Look at the bright side- you've got a 'Get out of Guilt Free' card for all the sacrifices you've made for this kid. If he ever gives you grief, you can give him the 'I spent nine months rolled up in a ball, sobbing over Kleenex commercials, fighting stretch marks...etc... and THEN you made your dramatic grand appearance & refused to come home...

All I can say is you've paid up-front for this one. 'Brigham' better mean 'stellar, low maintenance son.'

Can't wait to meet the little guy. I'll bet his head smells like heaven. You're in my prayers.

Love,

Jeri"

Introducing...

2010-06-01T15:16:00.003-06:00

The newest member of our family decided to show up a month early...thus my blogging absence!
I've got many things to blog about. For now, I thought you'd enjoy a few photos.

Love,
Holly

Being Brave

2010-04-02T15:38:00.007-06:00

It's taken me a while to get to this...thanks for your patience!
In February I had the opportunity to attend Brave Girls C amp- life changing fun for women.

It's one of those experiences where you just have to say "you had to be there". Really, if I tried to explain it, it would only miss the mark of what is one of the most life changing experiences of my life. I try to describe it as self therapy...through art. It truly is. I know, sounds sappy. But, really...amazing things happen at these retreats. Here are a few photos from the week. Note: I was on staff. That is why you see me in the kitchen. I was honored to be able to serve these wonderful women. Make sure you read my comments below the brave girl photos on what it means to be brave for me...right now...in my life.

All of the beautiful women at Brave Girls Camp. BTW...I'm on the second row, third in from the left. (sitting on the poor girl's feet behind me...I think she had to have them amputated)

Chelsea and I laughing it up during dinner prep in the kitchen. I don't even remember what we were laughing about. We were laughing ALL the time. Good times...GREAT times.
My sweet sister in law, Melody Ross (creator and host of Brave Girls) and I.

I will be posting some of my collage creations in a following post.
It was truly and amazing experience. Feel free to follow the link above to find out more about this amazing retreat opportunity!

Okay...on to being brave...right now.
What it means to be brave for me.

1. Going out in public in my current physical state. which leads to number 2
2. Posting this photo of my sister in law and I. This was taken last week. She is 16 wks prego and I'm 33. We had a random photo shoot because we were wearing the same shirt, just different colors. Note: she is the cutie on the left...I'm the huge girl (with a crazed looked in her eyes) on the right. I know...brave.

3. Painting my toe nails. Let me realistic...it is tough anytime past 25 wks for me to do this. No, this is not a photo of my actual feet...but it pretty much resembles the outcome after I attempt this near to impossible feat. (feet..ha ha..okay, getting desperate)I know these seem trivial...but really, it's how I feel lately. I know it's only bound to get worse...for the next six weeks. Wish me luck.

Follow up post will be slightly more insightful about what it truly means for me to be BRAVE. Stay tuned.

An Impressive To Do list

2010-03-17T12:38:00.005-06:00

I have figured out why my 3 year old daughter is a night owl. She stays up after we put her to sleep to write out her "To DO" list for the following day.

This must have been her To Do list the other night:
1. Pretend to wake up perky and happy
2. Act as if the world has ended when mom tells me there's no more frosted mini wheats
3. Fake mom out by telling her I want to take a nap
4. Don't take nap. Instead, find and eat 6 or so mini candy canes
5. Pee on carpet next to couch
6. Convince mom I'm cute anyway by using markers as make-up *don't forget to line the eyebrows*
7. Tell mom I love her before she leaves for her charter meeting
8. Clog the toilet with a huge amount of toilet paper and try to "plunge" it out with the toilet brush *dad's sure to love this one*
9. Don't fall asleep when dad puts me down (he's a sucker anyway). Lay on couch and fall asleep there before mom gets home
10. Pee on couch ...
that just about covers it.

PS Happy St. Patty's Day
You should celebrate by eating a Mint Oreo Blizzard. That's what I did. You won't regret it.

Lesson for the day: Do not attempt to eat a Mint Oreo Blizzard while driving, unless you feel like having a near fatal accident with two large garbage cans.

The devil made me do it

2010-03-09T09:13:00.006-07:00

Yesterday we (ladybug and I) ventured out to purchase a new car seat for baby in utero.
Not sure if she just was cluing me into the fact that she didn't want a baby brother, or what. She threw the BIGGEST tantrum ever inside the store. I pretty much just ignored it as much as possible. But, when your child stops dead in their tracks and screams "mommy!" like she is being murdered...you feel a civil obligation to everyone in earshot (which had to have been all of Fred Meyer) to try and calm her down. It helped, but only a little.

Anyway, we continued to the library where the same thing happened down in the children's area. It ended with me (a 7 month pregnant lady) carrying ladybug (3 years old and 40lbs) kicking and screaming out the library doors. Really, if I was an onlooker I probably would have guessed kidnapping.

Last night after dinner, we decided to open the car seat and look at it/assemble it. The kids all thought that was fun. I told ladybug to go and get a baby doll so we could practice buckling it in.
This is what she brought over to strap in...

Hmm. A devil singing and dancing to "hot blooded".

Lesson for the day: even if the singing/dancing satan toy is only .99 cents on the valentine's clearance rack, it's probably not the best option for a 3 year old. It may become her favorite doll.

baby flip & brave girls club

2010-03-01T13:26:00.003-07:00

Hello fellow earthlings...

Here's a little update for you all.
Went to Brave Girl Camp Feb. 15-20...absolutely amazing & life changing.
I will have to save that for another post. It will be hard to put into words all that happened and all the feelings involved.

Next, went to the Doc last week. Baby boy has flipped and is now in the correct, heads down position. So, that means no more bladder trampoline. Instead my bladder is now the world's greatest punching bag. Yipee.I'm not sure which is worse... I'll keep you updated on that.
I guess to be anatomically correct I should have posted this image upside down. Do forgive me.

feeling a little less...bluesie

2010-02-05T14:39:00.003-07:00

Okay. Here's the deal.
I've been dealing with a good dose of prenatal depression. How's that for honesty?
However, over the past couple weeks I feel like some major improvement has been made. That's good news for me...and even better news for my poor family. They have been wonderful to me (even when I didn't feel like I deserved it) through all of this.
There is much more healing to take place, but I think I can safely say I'm on the mend.

Current pregnancy stuff...

So, I'd like to say I look like this:
But, really...I look and feel like this:
So, I don't really sit around eating ice cream all day... I eat other things...okay?
I'm not one of those super cute pregnant women who show no where else but their tummies. I feel like I show every where else. Come on...we all now those ladies are robots, right?

I've actually been quite busy and involved with a couple amazing things. I will post on that next.

Today I had my OB appointment. I'm almost 27 weeks and ___ lbs. Yeah right, like I'd tell you.
Anyway. Turns out this boy is breech. No biggie, he has plenty of time to flip around. But, that does explain the very uncomfortable movements I've been feeling lately. I'm convinced my already super weak bladder is the world's most amazing in utero trampoline.

Ben finds it pretty funny that I have to change my pants a couple times a day.
Ha. Ha.

Signing out...

Feeling the Christmas spirit

2009-12-18T13:58:00.002-07:00

Hello all you great friends and family. I'm sure most have lost faith and probably never check my blog anymore. I don't blame you...not one single bit.

I am feeling a little more of the Christmas spirit since the end of the ward Christmas party planning and executing. Don't ask. I'm nuts...and I need a bigger committee.

The next day we received our first gift from a wonderful, anonymous friend who decided we needed the 12 days of Christmas. Since then, every night we receive something on the front door with a special thought. The kids are LOVING it...and so am I. It's really helped my spirits.

I wanted to post what was left the first night - I'd heard a few of these but not all of the. Hilarious!
Martha Stewarts Holiday To Do List:
December 1 - Blanch carcass from Thanksgiving turkey. Spray paint gold, turn upside down and use as a sleigh to hold Christmas Cards.

December 2 - Have Mormon Tabernacle Choir record outgoing Christmas message for answering machine. - not a bad idea

December 3 - Using candlewick and hand gilded miniature pinecones, fashion cat-o-nine-tails. Flog Gardener.

December 4 - Repaint Sistine Chapel ceiling in ecru, with mocha trim. -that's so sacreligious, Martha

December 5 - Get new eyeglasses. Grind lenses myself.

December 6 - Fax family Christmas newsletter to Pulitzer Committee for consideration.

December 7 - Debug Windows 2000

December 10 - Align carpets to adjust for curvature of Earth.

December 11 - Lay Faberge egg.-you do have quite the cluck/cackle

December 12 - Take Dog apart. Disinfect. Reassemble. - do I have to reassemble?

December 13 - Collect Dentures. They make excellent pastry cutters, particularly for decorative pie crusts. -don't you need those to talk to your Christmas guests, Martha? No one wants to see those gums a flappin'

December 14 - Install plumbing in gingerbread house.

December 15 - Replace air in mini-van tires with Glade "holiday scents" in case tires are shot out at mall.

December 17 - Child-proof the Christmas tree with garland of razor wire. -ah Martha...you're so sweet

December 19 - Adjust legs of chairs so each Christmas dinner guest will be same height when sitting at his or her assigned seat. -ours are self adjusting...just ask my brother, Ben.

December 20 - Dip sheep and cows in egg whites and roll in confectioner's sugar to add a festive sparkle to the pasture.

December 21 - Drain city reservoir; refill with mulled cider, orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

December 22 - Float votive candles in toilet tank. - love this one

December 23 - Seed clouds for white Christmas.

December 24 - Do my annual good deed. Go to several stores. Be seen engaged in last minute Christmas shopping, thus making many people feel less inadequate than they really are.

December 25 - Bear son. Swaddle. Lay in color-coordinated manger scented with homemade potpourri. -...just wrong.

December 26 - Organize spice racks by genus and phylum.

December 27 - Build snowman in exact likeness of Jesus.

December 31 - New Year's Eve! Give staff their resolutions. Call a friend in each time zone of the world as the clock strikes midnight in that country.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

2009-12-16T14:32:00.003-07:00

Due, May 15th 2010.
We're very excited to even out the score in the Johnson house!

yoga rocks

2009-10-14T11:45:00.004-06:00

Just sayin.
Yesterday there were only 5 of us in yoga class. The instructor decided to seize the opportunity (since none of us were beginners) to do some fun advanced stuff. Yeah, I was intimidated. I wouldn't exactly consider myself "yoga master".

I was able to complete some pretty interesting and challenging poses - including the one you see below.After wards I was wondering if I'd just totally wrenched my back. It felt...different. Come to realize I've just never stretched in that way before and I was fine. I felt fine while were in corpse pose. Thank goodness. Nothing like being an out of commission mother and having to tell people it was a "yoga injury".

All in all I love the way yoga makes me feel. It's pretty darn amazing. There are many different types of yoga. Right now I'm taking a Yen Yoga class which I really enjoy. It takes poses really slow and you hold them for sometimes 2-3 minutes at a time.

PS...I have not had much motivation to do anything lately (except yoga - go figure). If I post once a month I might be calling it good. Just a fair warning to the last 2 people reading my blog. Someday I'll pick it up again and be more consistent. Right now, I'm not all that worried about it.

Oregon Coast

2009-09-10T14:33:00.011-06:00

Here is a few (0kay, maybe more than a few) photos from our days spent on the Oregon Coast at the Hochhalter reunion. Good times, good times. I must extend credit/thanks to Katie for most of these photos. She rocks. Truly.

Dam building - Brandon's idea. All the cousins made it a group effort.
Cutting into the two cakes I made to celebrate all of the Hokie August b-days. Yum yum.
Cousins on the beach. Love this photo.
Dad showing Haiden one of the crabs that were caught. Yum yum.
Ahh...how cute is this? " Ben and Holly kissing in a tree K I S S I N G. First comes love..." you get it.
Could a photo get any more perfect than this? Three cousins (all 2 years old) gazing out onto the beach.
The (adult) Hochhaler cousins striking the "pose". Pretty scary we can all make the "guggenheimer" face. Thanks grandpa H. :)

The John Hochhalter family. What a lovely bunch.
Grandma and Grandpa with the kids.

Hope you enjoyed the pics.
I will be posting more on the days leading up to the coast (Salem) shortly.
Later!

B-day fun with Ladybug

2009-08-27T10:21:00.010-06:00

So, I know I promised to be better and to post more often. I said I'd post about our trip to Oregon...and I will. But, I am going backwards at the moment and starting with the most recent events. Ladybug's third b-day. The second and third photos were taken with a cell phone, sorry for the quality.

As always on my children's b-days they get to choose their favorite meals for the day.
I love how easy Ladybug was...wish I could be as simple and carefree as a 3 year old.
Menu-Breakfast: mom's protein shake with toast. Lunch: Burger King with the whole fam. Dinner: Mac & Cheese w/chicken nuggets.
The next couple photos may shock some of you. I am a HUGE germaphobe and NEVER,EVER let my kids play on the play equipment at fast food restaurants. Call me a bad mom...I don't care. But, when Ladybug asked on her b-day if she could "play over there" dad turned to me and said "what do you say, mom". He even volunteerd to take her in and play. Not that I'm afraid to go in...I'm more afraid for my kids. Anyway, the three kids were the only peeps in there and they had a blast. So, once a year, I'll let my kids play inside the playplace at a fastfood joint. That way it's something to really look forward to, right? No worries, I thoroughly hosed them down with sanitizer when we were done.

The entire week before Ladybug's b-day she kept chanting out "kitty cat cake, kitty cat cake". So, her wish was my command. Ben thought it would be fun to make a cat in the style of one of those cool retro clocks. So, I tried. I knew anything "kitty cat" would work for Ladybug anyhow.

Do you see Ladybug's drooping crown? Her cousin was sweet enough to dunk it in the pool in the backyard. She wore it anyway. Thanks Gabe! :)

Inside was the delectable part. If any of you are familiar with our little business, one of our most popular cupcakes is the Cookie Dough cupcake. I decided that it needed to try it out on a full sized cake. So, inside each yellow cake layer (there were two) was another layer of chocolate chip cookie dough. It was to. die. for. Ask anyone that tried it. It was VERY sweet though. You got to a point where you just couldn't eat anymore. Depressing, I know. It's pretty messy looking in the photo, but you get the idea.

Ladybug had a wonderful day. Meals of her choice, cousins, dollar store presents and lot of love. She couldn't be happier. Which leaves me wishing I was just as easy to please. Ah, to be three again. Love you girl.

Where to start...again.

2009-08-18T14:49:00.003-06:00

Summer is drawing to a close and I have mixed emotions about it.
There are moments when I thoroughly enjoy having the kids home full time. Other times...well...must I really expound?

There are quite a few projects I have in store but I'm really confused as to where to start. A long list of items that need my attention...and yet not one of them is tugging at me more than another. Have you ever had this problem? Probably not. I am just too darn indecisive.

I do know that one of my goals is to blog at least weekly, if not more. I've let it slide for far too long and I miss it.

I will be blogging about our family reunion at the Oregon coast and the adoption of our fist official pet! I know, don't get too excited. You'll have to wait a couple more days.

If any of you are still following me...thank you. I'm not sure why...but, thank you. I promise to be a better blogger. Forgive me?

Sisterly Love

2009-07-21T22:18:00.006-06:00

The summer is already flying by. I took these at the end of May and didn't remember them until I went browsing through my files.

I bought the girls matching play dresses for super cheap at Old Navy. It was the perfect day for them on this particular Saturday. The hats were given to them earlier in the day when all us girls went garage saling (sp?). Some lady saw them and decided they "needed" these hats. She paid 50 cents each for them. So nice of her! I'm pretty pleased with these photos taken on my point and click.

I am alive..I promise.
We've been keeping "busy".
Not to mention I've been baking/cake decorating like crazy.
Check out our latest creations here.

I'm going to get my hair whacked off tomorrow.
This long hair is driving me bonkers! It's time for a change...it's been a long time coming.

What have all of you been up to?

My To-Do list for Saturday

2009-07-10T23:25:00.005-06:00

Oddly enough as I was making out my list for tomorrow I realized they all began with a "P"...hope the day ends up Perfect!

-Pit cherries and freeze
-Print photos to frame
-Print sign up lists for church
-Paisley fabric for pillows
-Paint girl's closet doors
-Prepare for garage sale next week

Small Changes Big Results part IV

2009-06-16T22:17:00.004-06:00

CONNECT TO YOUR INTERNAL GPSMissteps and false starts are part of any process. The key to staying on track lies in viewing each one as a minor glitch instead of a total system failure. One solution? Take a cue from your car's global positioning system, says de Bonvoisin. To get you from point A to point B, the GPS doesn't need to know where you were yesterday or if you got lost three turns ago. It needs to knows only where you want to go now. Apply this practice to your own goals. It doesn't matter if you didn't eat a single green vegetable last week, or if you spent (instead of saved) $20. "There's zero focus on the past," de Bonvoisin says. "You get to ask only, 'Where am I today with the meditating thing? Where am I with looking for my dream job? And where do I really want to go right at this moment?' "

Janis Rothermel of Longport, New Jersey, kept this idea i mind when she quit smoking. She'd always thought of herself as a smoker. Unfortunately, that's the way other people saw her, too, as she found out one year when three people gave her a cigarette case for Christmas. She realized it didn't matter if she smoked yesterday or earlier that day; she wasn't going to smoke from this point on. "I told myself, 'I've gone five minutes. I can go another five.' Then it was, 'I've gone three days, two hours and five minutes.' I haven't gone back in 25 years." Rothermel learned, as many of us do, that you can get exactly where you want to go , one moment at a time.

Small Changes Big Results part III

2009-06-08T22:49:00.003-06:00

ENJOY THE RIDE

For better or worse, our convenience - driven culture has convinced us that we can have what we want immediately, and that hurts us when it comes to actualizing our dreams. "We're too used to getting everything right this minute," Koval says. "People have these big plans, they get all excited, but the if it doesn't happen right away, they fall off the wagon." It's important to remember, she says, that when we plant seeds for something new, it always takes time for them to grow.

You probably can't knit your frist sweater in a single sitting, nor can you achieve the perfect garden in a single day. Cultivate patience with your self; realize that the journey is part of, not just a prelude to, the goal itself. We like finish lines, says de Bonvoisin, but that middle zone, where you can see the effort but not the result, is crucial. "Get good at the in-between stage, when you're not here or there, and yet it's okay." That's the approach Kathy Oda of Matthews, North Carolina, took last year when she decided to face up to her weight problem. Her goal was positively daunting: Lose 150 pounds. But instead of staring down that one huge nubmer, she aimed for the next pants size down. "I'm a women's size 16 right now, and my ultimate goal is a misses size 10," Oda says. "I buy a smaller pair of jeans as soon as I acheive each step so that I have something to keep trying on every until my goal is achieved."

Small Changes Big Results part II

2009-06-05T17:04:00.004-06:00

BREAK IT DOWN

Once you're ready to take action toward a goal, it's tempting to try to accomplish everything all at once- which will have you right back at square one again. Instead, approach things with this in mind: Any big goal amounts to little more than a bunch of many smaller steps. "When you break it down into incremental actions, it's not so difficult," says Robin Koval, coauthor of The Power of Small: Why Little Things Make All the Difference. "You thought you could never write that big proposal, but if you just sit down and think, 'Okay, I can't do the whole thing today, but I can write the agenda,' bit by bit you get it done." Or, as Mark Twain put it: "The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."

Small Changes Big Results part I

2009-06-02T21:09:00.005-06:00

I wanted to share an article I've been reading in my body & soul magazine. I felt very uplifted and encouraged when reading it. So, I will be sharing a different part of the article every day until it's complete. Along with some fun images I find. Enjoy.

What if you could master your goals, even the most ambitious ones, rather than just pine for them? you can. We consulted experts in the art of self -actualization to help us map out simple ways to get you further down the road toward your dreams. From cooking more often to saving money, from wasting less energy to reading more books, here's the breakdown on how to get clear, quantifiable results. Make this year the year you stopped dreaming- and started doing.

CHANGE YOUR STORY

Chances are good that for every goal you've got, you also have several reasons you don't think it could happen. ("How could I go back to school? We have only one car." "How could I learn the piano? I have no space for one in my apartment.") Problem is, when you trot out the same old reasons again and again, they slowly acquire the weight of truth- and you actually start to believe them. "We all have a library in our head of familiar stories," says Ariane de Bonvoisin, speaker and author of The First 30 days. "I had a story about why I couldn't lose weight, about why I hadn't yet found the relationship I was looking for. But none of those stories were really ture; they were just excuses."The best way to ditch those excuses? Don't think about why you can't do something. Focus on the fact that you will- even if you haven't quite figured out all the details. "Sometimes reaching your goals comes down to having the courage to make a different choice first thing in the morning," says de Bonvoisin. So make the choice, right now, to say "yes." Every time you lapse back into excuse mode, reaffirm that yes by taking some small action-any step-toward your goal.
An example: Eva Cummings hadn't taken yoga in ages, and she missed it-but she'd stockpiled excuses for why she hadn't taken a class (chief among them: a demanding full-time job and two small children). One day, while having lucnh, she noticed a new yoga studio across the street. She picked up schedule and found an hour-long session on Tuesdays. rather than allow her many reasons to run roughshod ove rher ("But won't I be all sweaty inthe office afterward?"), she showed up. And she's been there every week since. Success came with the decision to act instead of think. "If I'd left it to my brain to 'figure out' if it would work," she says, "I would have never have gone."

loving this quote

2009-05-20T12:00:00.008-06:00

Gratitude can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie ~

If you really want to feel good...go listen to this tune.
One of my favorites. Enjoy.

photos of home

2009-05-14T08:38:00.003-06:00

I have been slowly but surely working on updating my decor. I finally found a permanent spot for the silhouettes I created over 6 months ago. Yes, another "J" create by Ben...this time in a cursive font. New lamp shades my mom was getting rid of. Next I'd like to add some new throw pillows for the couch.

Another "J" hung above one of my bird paintings. This is hanging in the kitchen nook. Every time I look at it I think "Jay-bird" Love it.
A few weeks after I had made these small improvements, my sis in-law Katie inspired me with her wonderful design skills. I have a lot of work to do in order to make my home as cozy as hers.
Wish me luck!

what's new?

2009-05-13T13:57:00.004-06:00

This is what I did this morning. (with a little help from Charise...) How about you?

Mother's Day 2009
My kids rock!!

Celebrate Sisterhood

2009-05-10T17:06:00.005-06:00

I don't normally blog on Sunday, but I had to make an exception.
I was able to attend Relief Society today. It was nice break from my primary teacher calling. Boy am I glad that I was there this week. The topic was "Celebrate Sisterhood". Many women shared stories of sister's in their lives. There was a reader's theater and a song (yes, I had to sing in a trio...) and other highlights.

At first I didn't understand why the topic wasn't on mother's...it is mother's day...after all.
But, as the lesson began I realized it was the best possible thing for all us mother's to hear today.
When after spending all day with kids, household "stuff", carpools, corn dogs, bubble blowing, trampoline jumping, we wonder how we can feel "lonely". Children are wonderful, and so are husbands. But only a sister can truly understand our struggles, needs.... our mother hearts.

So, on this day I wish to acknowledge all the sister's in my life. Whether biological or not...you are all my sister's. Women who have been planted in my life by a wise Father in Heaven.

If you ever wonder if you are truly loved, take a look around at the people that have been in your life. Ever so carefully placed there, just when you needed them most.

Love you.
Hope your Mother's day was wonderful.

PS...as I am typing this, my sweet hubby is making a delicious dinner! I am so spoiled...

Mother's Day special!!

2009-05-05T12:44:00.003-06:00

Come check out our cupcake special! Just for Mother's Day!
Some very original and delicious recipes on the menu!
The Frosted Cherry

INTRODUCING...

2009-05-02T11:42:00.003-06:00

Am I crazy? I don't think so...
I have joined efforts with my friend, Charise in a new business venture! Introducing The Frosted Cherry! Custom cakes and confections.

I have always wanted to learn the art of cake decorating...and I have always enjoyed baking. The idea of bringing my art into the baking world seemed very intriguing. When I asked Charise to make my birthday cake I joked around with the idea of going into business together. Luckily she didn't think it was that funny. In fact, she thought it was a "sweet idea!".

So, with Charise's crazy baking skills and a little touch of my creativity we are very excited to announce the newest home-based biz here in Boise.

You can visit our site and see what our latest creations are. We will also be hosting giveaways and other fun stuff!

If you're in need of a cake or other special treat...email or give us a call. We'd love to help you with your next special occasion! Or even just a craving you might be needing to fill!

Wish us luck!

loving this quote

2009-04-29T16:01:00.002-06:00

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.--D Carnegie

Birthday celebration

2009-04-28T13:25:00.004-06:00

Thanks to all of my fabulous family and friends who helped celebrate my momentous 30th birthday! We had fun visiting, eating and rocking out. Here are a few photos from the evening. There are not many. Ben took these - thanks shmoopsie poo!Charise made me this awesome chocolate cake. Layers of peanut butter and caramel filling and...ganache! So rich and delicious. I need a better photo...hint, hint. Charise and I will be making a little announcement about something cake realated very soon. Right, Charise?

Here's my gift to you

2009-04-16T21:09:00.003-06:00

It's my birthday next week. The big 3-0!
In celebration I am marking down all my paintings. 50% OFF
I need to clear out the "old" to make room for the new!
These paintings don't inspire or beautify any space by sitting in a sealed tote. They need to be hanging on someone's wall...someone who appreciates them.

Just click on the side bar to view my etsy site.

Have a good one.

An Easter....skirt

2009-04-13T13:31:00.003-06:00

I was lying in bed on Saturday night when I realized I didn't have much in the way of "Easter" attire for church the next day. Sure, I'd planned everything for the kids and even bought Ben a new tie. But me? ...nah...that always comes last. In my current wardrobe there is nothing but dark/black skirts. I had a few springish shirts, but no skirt to coordinate. You just can't wear black on Easter Sunday.

I've been looking for a denim skirt for quite some time with no luck. I then thought of the numerous pairs of jeans sitting in my closet that don't get much use...for whatever reasons. You ladies know exactly what I'm talking about, right?

I decided I'd google "turning a pair of jeans into a skirt" the next day.

Most of the diy stuff I found was pretty similar. I then decided I would just go for it. Because, that's what I do.

I couldn't believe I was actually making something I was going to wear to church that day. (crossing my fingers) I got through with the denim and held it up. Hmm...not too shabby! But then the true test came...trying it on. Sure enough, it fit! I then decided to add a ruffle to the bottom. In my mind that had been the plan anyway.

This was the end product. Can you believe it? I can't. I am totally intrigued with this idea of taking some piece in my wardrobe and making it functional again.

Don't be surprised if you see me on Project Runway next season. Ha. Ha.
Though, I must say I love to watch the designers to see what they come up with and I've always been itching to try it out myself. Although there's one HUGE hiccup. I. Am. Not. A. Seamstress.

The last photo is quite funny. I had Ben taking these photos for me after church. (the sandals came off right away...sorry). Ladybug was watching as he took them. After the last photo...with my crazy face, she said "take picture a me". She was totally making fun of me...can you believe it! What a goon.

new card design

2009-04-10T16:00:00.007-06:00

I felt inspired to create a new printable card - I wanted to do something original and foldable, in a unique way.
Here is the Curly Branch Card. Click on the photo and it will take you to the online listing.
The second photo shows the card card before it is folded.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend...

coupon queen!

2009-04-09T13:18:00.005-06:00

well, not quite...buy I'm on my way!

I know many people scored on the sweet Albertson's cereal deal. I bought these 22 boxes for $12 and some change. "Yes I did- Yoink!" -Rhino from Bolt (the movie...you know...the one with the dog..)
I know, I know...some people paid as little as .17 a box. I didn't have very many Post coupons stored up, though. I still think .58 a box is pretty darn awesome!

Albertson's might have steep regular prices - but they are the Kings for coupons! They rock! They have been having some fantastic sales.

I have been slowing but surely delving into the world of couponing and it is so fun! It does take time, but it is well worth it for the savings. I am a member of Pinching Pennies, but I like to follow a couple blogs locally that tell exactly what to buy and with what coupons. It really helps simplifly it for me. Here are a few for you Boiseans. Hooked On Savings. Fabulessly Frugal and
A Thrify Mom.

By the way...I saved over $95 that day just on cereal. Whoot!

I will post more of my awesome buys later.
Just in case you were wondering how big this letter REALLY is. I thought I would do the Vanna White pose. Sorry, I'm not very photogenic from the neck down.

CREATE

2009-04-07T13:10:00.004-06:00

I just found a link to this wonderful video on NieNie's blog. I'm sure many of you have visited this blog. If not...you must. You will become humbled as you hear her story - makes your life seem like cake. Helps you realize how blessed you are ...and how grateful you should be for all of the things that bring you joy.

Video Link
Inspirational...don't you think?

Now, go create something!

valentines?

2009-04-07T07:01:00.005-06:00

Okay...I know it's a little late. I've been a horrible blogger lately. I meant to post these valentine creations a couple months back. But, for some reason it seems like yesterday that we made them. Time is flying.

Little Lin wanted to make her valentine's (she is my kind of gal!) so we brainstormed for a while and came up with these.
We traced her little hand out of different patterened paper. We cut them out and bent two of the fingers into a "holding" position for the sucker that we eventually stuck through the card! She insisted on having heart shaped suckers. I think she was right on with that suggestion. We did have to put a little tape behind the sucker so that it would stay in place. We then glued a little heart to the middle of the hand.

She was very careful about color/pattern selection for the boys...she didn't want them to be disgusted with a girly looking card. Ha ha.Of course I didn't remember to take photos until the night before she took them to school...thus the stinky lighting.

Isn't it fun?

No worries...I will be blogging up a storm over the next few days. Stay tuned!

This post brought to you by the letter...

2009-03-28T09:06:00.004-06:00

Another satisfied customer. Measuring in at 3' tall, painted in a black and slightly distressed - this letter is sure to make a BIG impression on all who enter this home.
We're taking orders!
Anna, Beth and Ember- your letters will be done within the week. All others....we're taking orders! Get on the list so that you too can make a grand statement in your home. Great for the children's room, master or den as well.

Hokie Pokie Trip

2009-03-27T14:05:00.008-06:00

We made a quick weekend trip over to Hokie Pokieville. My maiden name is Hochhalter (Hokie for short) and my parents live in Pocatello (Pokie for short).

We had a great time even though we were there for just a couple days.
Here's a little review of the happenings.On the way I brought some Robins Eggs for the kids. It was their first lesson in robin egg lipstick application. You get to see the before and after in these photos.Unbeknown to me, my kids love to play chess! Buddy has been watching Ben's screen saver on his computer...which happens to be a chess game in action. Lin told grandpa "I'm in the chess club at school"...??? This was the first I heard about it. I guess she and two of her friends make their way into chess club every friday during lunch recess. Cracks me up just thinking about it. What a pip squeak. They are getting quite good! There were many rounds played. Grandma and Granpda sent them home with an extra chess set they had. ...just one of the ways they were spoiled while we were there!

Grandpa found one! I think he had a pretty good time with it as well.It has been a few years since we've been geocaching. I'm glad Ben thought of it. He brought his GPS and we were able to do a little treasure hunting! We went in the foothills and other places - including the cemetery. (which happened to be the biggest score)

Here's the kids holding up just one of their many finds! If you've never heard of geocaching I will post more on it later. It's an awesome family activity!
My dad had us bring up his Skittles game. He said it's over 40 (?) years old. It has a wooden top that you wind up with a string and as you pull it - it takes off and knocks over little wooden bowling type pins. We breathed new life into that game over the weekend. It hadn't seen some good action in quite a few years! Ben actually figured out the best strategy for winding the top and pulling it. My dad was even impressed - now that's something!
My mom fed us very well (as always) and spoiled the kids with more dessert than I care to mention. Here is a photo of an ice cream session after lunch on Sunday... ?? I need that gyro recipe...
The weather was suprisingly nice on Saturday, but on Sunday a snow/hail strom blew through. Here's a photo of grandma and ladybug watching the action.

We had a great, relaxing weekend. They have a beautiful home - my mom is an amazing homemaker.
Thanks mom and dad!! Love you!

lucky me!

2009-03-20T12:40:00.004-06:00

I was emailed today by RedFenyx...who has a lovely blog. She was writing to let me know she featured one of my items in her post today. Go here.

Thank you...it's so nice when people make a special effort to appreciate my creations.
You made my day!

things that make my heart sing

2009-03-17T11:11:00.007-06:00

Over the past couple days I have had a lucky streak...not super, great, fantastic deal...but fun stuff!
We went to D.I. as a family on Saturday and found some SWEET movies! Yes, they are VHS...but who cares. Most were $1/piece. There were one or two that were $2. I could probably do without a couple of these. But, for the most part - awesome buys! My favorites: Grease & West Side Story.
Ben's favorites: Firefox & 2001 Space Odyssey.

Yesterday for FHE we made a trip to Fred Meyer to buy some seeds and soil to plant some starters for our garden. I had a hankering for something sweet and fatty...which spells "doughnut" for me. Ben knows this... so he led us in that general direction. I always look at the reduced bakery rack. They usually have a dozen doughnuts for $2.98. Well, let's just say we must have had the luck o' the irish with us last night. There were about 4, 1 dozen boxes that were marked $.01. Yes... that's right...one little red penny! Doughnut heaven here we come! Yes, I realize the price my health had to pay was much higher. WHO CARES...I didn't, that's for sure. Let's just say I was doing some emotional eating last night. And nothing was going to get in my way! By the way...when I really want an awesome doughnut...and I'm not afraid of the sticker price...I head to Country Donuts on Overland near 5 mile. Yum-oh!

So, this last thing that makes my heart sing has to top them all. Lately we've been hearing a lot of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" on the radio. Ladybug has started to try and sing this whenever we hear it. Oh my goodness...I will have to try and capture it on video...somehow. When it comes to the chorus she does pretty darn good! Today I moved my rear view mirror so I could see her singing. She was concentrating pretty hard. When the part came that goes "scootch on over closer dear, and I will nibble your ear"...she tugged on her ear! That makes my heart sing...we're so lucky to have her in our family. She is so much fun!

You like?...revised

2009-03-14T12:19:00.003-06:00

Please see revised info in red... after further discussion with the big cheese, we have decided to offer special pricing to get the ball rolling.
I am finally ready to show off my latest. Or, maybe I should say my husband's latest. Knowing that I wanted to collect "Js" he cut out this HUGE letter for me...for Christmas. This puppy is just shy of 3' high. I just barely got around to painting it. He also made a large cursive J and a lower case j.Those are still waiting to be painted.

I told him how cool it would be if we went into business together. Him, woodworking...and I, painting. That idea was way back in January. Surprisingly he thought it was a pretty swell notion. Here we are in March. I have good intentions...no one can argue with that.

Anyway, I wanted to post it here as a prototype to see if this is something you deem worthy to purchase. If so, we want to take the first 3 volunteers and create a letter for you at a discounted price. We will sell them for an introductory price of $49 - but...the first 3 volunteers will get their letter for half off (plus shipping if you don't live in our area). After our intro rate we will continue to sell them for $60-$70. We can paint this in any color you can imagine. You also have a distressed option...if that's your style. I am surprised I haven't distressed this "j" yet...I distress practically everything of mine.

All we ask is that you take a photo of it hanging on display in your home. That way we can start to build a portfolio of letters for our online shop.

Unfortunately we can't make duplicates for the prototype half off rate. So, the letter "J" is already taken...but any other letter is up for grabs at the discounted price. Remember...the first three people...no duplicate letters.

I'm offended...

2009-03-05T14:34:00.005-07:00

Okay, not really. But, I thought that more than 2 people would take me up on my previous post. Do you not think that I am capable of creating something to your liking? Pfft. Pooh on you.
Just joshin'.

So, I've been reading up on solar ovens... I know...kinda weird. But, if for some reason we had a power outage...this sounds like an awesome way to cook food. I will be posting more about this topic as we research and experiment with it.

Wendy Dewitt got me thinking about it. This lady is awesome. I am going to take a lot of her advice and really start focusing on my food storage. She has videos on youtube. The quality isn't the greatest. You can get all of the same info on her blog. - which is what I've been doing.

Let me know what you think...

I love this!

2009-03-02T16:10:00.001-07:00

The first 3 people to respond to this post will get something made by me. My choice. Made especially for you.

Restrictions and Limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be, because I don't even know what it's going to be!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The Catch: You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who comment on your post and agree to do the same! So get ready for your mystery treat... but be prepared to share the love! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you get when you get it.

They're heeeeeeeeeeeeere...

2009-02-28T08:42:00.002-07:00

Come check out my Holly Doodle Etsy store! I've posted the first of my pdf designs!
I understand the photos aren't the best...but I'm an impatient person. I'll take better photos soon. With a little help from Ben and better lighting.

I have special pricing for the first week...so if you want them...grab them now!
There's a couple of you I still need to send those recipe cards to. I will do that today.

Thanks for all of your support!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!

2009-02-26T08:29:00.001-07:00

Lady bug and I dawned our birthday hats just for Katie, my wonderful sis in law.
Enjoy Kate....love ya!! Wish we could be there to help you celebrate!

Oh...for those of you wondering...this is a song that was written by my grandpa many years ago. We sing it at every family birthday...and even some others!

free recipe cards

2009-02-24T14:25:00.007-07:00

"Hello there...my name is Louise. I will be making several special appearances on Holly's printable items. If you would like a pdf file containing this fun recipe card, just leave a comment here for Holly. They measure 4"x5.5" - one page prints four and includes crop marks.

PS...soon you will have to pay for these...so you better grab it while it's free!!
This offer expires 2/26/09

holly doodle it is!!

2009-02-23T12:47:00.002-07:00

Well, you have all voiced your opinions and it sounds like I will be sticking with Holly Doodle!
Thanks for your help.

I just wanted to post a quote I read today... I love it.

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today" - Will Rogers

HELP!! PLEASE VOTE

2009-02-19T11:56:00.005-07:00

So, I'm hoping you all (including you lurkers) will vote on my crisis situation.
I'm not sure whether I should open a new etsy store for my new printables.
The main reason I'd like to is because I don't like to mix medias. I know, I know...Hollydoodad is mixed media. BUT, it all follows the same theme. My Hollydoodle etsy store just has my paintings, period.

Should I create a new store? If I do...what should it be called? PLEASE take time to vote on the right. You can even vote for Hollydoodle if you think I should keep it in the same store. Also, you can vote on more than one. Keep in mind...on etsy usernames/sellers appear as all one word.

The voting is over tomorrow evening at 8pm. So, get crackin'!

Thanks for your help!
...I can't wait to show you what I've been working on.

for grandma...

2009-02-18T16:08:00.002-07:00

Here you go, Mom. These are for you. They were taken at Ben & Heather's place late last Friday night. I am holding Clark. Thanks to Heather, you are viewing them now. She is a camera addict! ;) Just kidding Heather...you're just more prepared than I am.
I am moving past my vanity and posting these for your enjoyment.
Love you.
Enjoy.

a sneak peak...

2009-02-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Copyright © 2009 by Holly H. Johnson

Here's a little peak into my latest obsession.
I have decided to create printable pdf files to sell on etsy.
I have seen others selling printable stationery and cards and thought, "hey, I can do that". Yeah, I know...I find myself saying that all too often.
Just another crazy endeavor. But, I don't see why not. There is zero overhead. All I do is create the files and email them to people that purchase them. They print them off at their leisure and use them for their own letter writing/card giving, or give them as gifts.

I will be creating printable cards, stationery, calendars, notepads, gift tags...the list goes on.

My question to you is... do you like my newest design? ....and can you tell what it is?
You may click on it to enlarge it... just don't steal it. It is copyrighted, folks.

**Stayed tuned...free calendar pdf file coming soon.**

Giveaway

2009-02-12T22:11:00.005-07:00

Hey friends.

My friend Jenn, is the one who made this awesome cable knit beanie that I am the proud owner of.
Her business is Revive - she takes old fabric and clothing and recycles it to create some pretty awesome stuff. Obviously she is an awesome knitting queen as well.

She is having a give away at her blog.
You have til midnight on Friday the 13th to post a comment for your chance to win.
So, what are you waiting for? Go...now!

random

2009-02-11T13:18:00.006-07:00

I was standing in line at the redbox inside Albertsons the other day. I must have looked stressed or impatient...something. I had a nicely dressed, older woman walk up to me (rather close to my face, if I do say so) and say, "Did you hear about the young doe that came out of the woods all frazzled and worn? She said 'that's the last time I'll ever do that for two bucks!'"

I giggled. But then I thought...she's a dirty old lady. One day, I hope to be just like her.

A NEW RECORD

2009-02-03T13:24:00.004-07:00

So, today I had to go to Costco.
I wanted to get in and out as fast as possible.
Here are the few items I needed:
1-Butter (hello...the bread of life!...er, I mean the topping to the bread of life...)
2-Toilet Paper (another must, but that's just my personal opinion)
3-Juice Boxes (these things are way over priced anywhere else...especially for REAL juice)
4-Hummus (one of my staples when trying to eat right...definite snack material)
5-Vitamins (you know, the kids version....gummy. Hey, all I can say is, a few days after I ran out of these all the kids got sick! Call me superstitious ...I don't care)

How long did it take me to get these items (with my 2 year old in tow)?
8 MINUTES. Yes, you heard me right. I AM AWESOME. Remember, there is no charge for awesomeness. I did have to block my eyes from most everything I was walking by...but I did it!

Here's another cool Costco story.
A couple months back I made a regular trip there for more staple items. Just a few more than today of course.

There were LONG lines and they had one of the employees doing the Pre-check thing where they ring up all your items so it's faster when you get to actually check out.
He had his little bar code scanner thingy and pushed total. He said "you won't believe this". Of course I'm thinking..."oh yes, I will...I never walk out of here feeling great about the money I just forked over to you guys". He continued, "you just spent EXACTLY $100, taxes and all". Whoa...I'm cool.

Brought a whole new meaning to the "100 dollar store" term for Costco.
The cashier couldn't believe it either. "You better go buy a lottery ticket!"...that's all she had to say.

Again...no charge for awesomeness.

Have a good one!

Whole Wheat PITA RECIPE

2009-01-28T15:33:00.004-07:00

Sheesh ladies, stop twisting my arm...here it is! :)

Whole Wheat Pita Bread

INGREDIENTS

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees)
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon salt
5 cups whole wheat flour

DIRECTIONS

Place all ingredients in bread pan of your bread machine, select Dough setting and start. When dough has risen long enough, machine will beep.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll and stretch dough into a 12 inch rope. With a sharp knife, divide dough into 12 pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball. With a rolling pin, roll each ball into a 6 to 7 inch circle. Set aside on a lightly floured countertop. cover with a towel. Let pitas rise about 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Place 2 or 3 pitas on a wire cake rack. Place cake rack directly on oven rack. Bake pitas 4 to 5 minutes until puffed and tops begin to brown. Remove from oven and immediately place pitas in a sealed brown paper bag or cover them with a damp kitchen towel until soft. (I used a damp towel) Once pitas are softened, either cut in half or split top edge for half or whole pitas. They can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for 1 or 2 months.

Baking...lots and lots.

2009-01-26T13:15:00.005-07:00

Well ladies and gents. It seems the inversion has lifted (HALLELUJAH!!) I LOVE YOU MR. GOLDEN SUN!!
I wanted to show you what I was up to while I was feeling down in the dumps last week... too dark and miserable to do anything else!

The first photo is the first of a few recipe experiments from the "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook. (thanks Cami!) If you haven't heard of this book yet...then you're out of the loop! You make purees from fruits and veggies so that you can sneak them into food...kids unaware. This first recipe was the Applesauce Muffins. They had a 1/2 cup of butternut squash puree in them. The kids DEVOURED them. I think it was the streusel topping that made them special. I thought without it, I wouldn't have eaten them. Ben felt the same way. Poor guy found two stray squash chunks in his 2 muffins. Bad luck I guess, as the rest of us didn't have that problem.

Since then I've tried the chicken nuggets with spinach puree. You can't hide green from kids...they knew something was up. So, I told them...surprisingly they really liked them. Again, I didn't care for them much... I will just have to keep experimenting.

This is the 100% whole wheat bread recipe I just recently attained from my cousin in law. It's the best I've tried so far. The kids love it for sandwich bread in their school lunches.

These are 100% whole wheat pitas. Have you ever purchased these in the store? They are normally a little too spendy for this cheap girl. I've always wanted to try making them and these turned out awesome! It was also fun to watch them bake into big bubbles in the oven and then deflate to create the classic pocket. Plus...they freeze really well.

Ben and I have been cutting out the refined sugars...so I've been brainstorming. Can you tell?
If you want any of these recipes, you'll have to harass me. At the moment I'm too lazy to post them.

Have a happy, sunny day!

Motivation... please?

2009-01-21T12:28:00.003-07:00

I can't seem to find motivation to do much lately.
How about you?
I really need a swift kick to my backside...anyone?
I'm blaming at least some of it to this stinkin' inversion... Yuck.

I am however excited for a new little venture my husband and I are teaming up on.
We're going to combine our awesomeness and attractiveness (no charge) to come up with a cool new home decor item.

Since I am speaking all Kung fu Panda like... I thought I'd share a photo from a few months ago. I thought it would be fun to rent the movie and have a Panda Party... so we had Panda bears (and gummi bears) Panda Popcorn and Panda Punch.

Yeah...I'm cool that.
Or mabye my kids just think I'm a big dork for coming up with these things.
At least if they think so, they're not telling me.

"you better shape up..."

2009-01-12T16:11:00.009-07:00

So, we took an awesome vacation to Arizona to see my brother and his beautiful family. We were there through the week of Christmas and they were amazing hosts. They fed us extremely well (my waistline is the proof) and entertained us above and beyond the call of duty. Since then I have had a hard time coming back to reality. Reality = household chores, schedules, working out, eating healthy...the list goes on. I think it's my way of telling the new year to ...well...shove it. I am not one to make exuberant new year's resolutions. Only because I've just disappointed myself in the past... I can handle small goals leading up to big goals. But, in no way plan on changing my life completely in a few short weeks.

So, here is my list of "resolutions" ...or small goals for this year.
1- become more organized in my home and business
2- clamp down on the budget and put that money away. (seems like I'm not the only one with this idea)
3- work on my spiritual health by reading on a regular basis

Here's a few photos from the past few weeks. They may be random - my camera decided it would only download select photos..,not all of them.

Cool date/block thing I bought while in AZ.

Lin wearing a silly hat at Ikea

Cousin "Bince" at the museum

We went to the Children's Museum in Phoenix. We had a great time.

The girls painting and creating at the museum....nice pile 'o hair on that gingerbread man, Ladybug.

I have to say Buddy was the best at these contraptions

Dan and I giving it a whirl and making a fool of ourselves...maybe I should just speak for myself.

Christmas dinner at the Hochhalter's. Can I just say..."Yumm-o"!

The girls in their matching polka dots. Notice the nice bruiser Ladybug inherited the first day we got to AZ... or "zona" as she calls it.

11 wonderful years...

2009-01-09T11:58:00.002-07:00

Boutique Photos

2008-12-20T20:34:00.008-07:00

This time I decided to go all out and just bring all of my stuff. I'm sure to any normal person I may seem nuts. But, hey...I get bored if I stick to one medium. Everything you see in the photos below was created by yours truly. Just in case you were wondering. There is one photo missing from this set...the wardrobe hanger with all of my screen printed shirts.

Cuffs, pins and a new item...note cards from my original art. I love 'em...but I'm a little biased.

I hung my earrings from the tree. I know...awesome idea. By the way...this painting... is now hanging on a proud owner's wall. Yipee! Someone other than myself is enjoying it!
The silhouettes were brought to show as an example for custom orders.

This photo is not from the boutique. I took it at home before I transported this silhouette along with all my other creations to the show. I really loved how it turned out. The black frame made all the difference.

Gingerbread houses, tree trimming...

2008-12-17T22:36:00.005-07:00

So, I know this is a mess of photos...but hey...my time is limited these days. We had our annual gingerbread house building last week. B and H invited us over for theirs this week and we couldn't turn them down. So, the first mess of photos at the top are from our home...down below is at B & H's. There you will see Ben's awesome creation. He always comes up with something...well...random. This year it was an outhouse, complete with moon on the door, a man outside looking back at the "gift" he left for the next person in line. (made w/a tootsie roll) I love that man.
I myself, created a camping scene complete with sour patch campers tucked into frosting sleeping bags.
This was after I had one of my randomly occuring laugh attacks. During which I cry off all my eye makeup. It scares the family sometimes...but hey...it's a great ab workout.
We picked up a beautiful tree at a lot down the street. We had a wonderful trimming it and eating home made cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa afterward.
Tomorrow I will be posting photos of the latest (and last) boutique for this year. Fun stuff.
PS...if you look close you can see the before and after of Ladybug's haircut. Bye, bye mullet!

Laydbug showing pride in her decapitation
of gingy ... poor guy.

Ah yes, trust me... you do want an up close of this one.

CALLING ALL VENDORS!!

2008-12-04T09:02:00.003-07:00

A spur of the moment opportunity to sell your goods at a fun boutique!!
For more information please visit: Bows & Bling Boutique
It will be in this beautiful home that is fresh on the market!

The host, Kristin Cole, is awesome...you want to participate...I promise!!

tagged...

2008-12-01T16:38:00.005-07:00

I have been tagged by Ember. Since I love her...I'll oblige. ;)
Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So here it goes...

Random/weird facts about ME:

1. I used to be able to hold m&ms/raisins ...other small objects...in my dimples. But, my cheek muscles must have grown weaker... or something. No, not those cheeks. Get your mind out of the gutter! Yes, I do eat them after. Waste not, want not!

2. I have been in two pageants. Yuck. Junior Miss (when I was a junior in HS) and Miss Meridian (a Miss America line pageant). Hey, I came out with Miss Congeniality! So there!

3. I like stripey/crazy socks. I buy most of them at the dollar store. I think that's the only real crazy thing about my wardrobe. Other than my awesome screen printed tees.

4. I love to dip my toast in my cereal milk. Not that I eat that most mornings. I usually end up drinking a protein shake or cooking oats (if I have time). It must be the salty/ sweet combo because I also love dipping fries into a frosty. (chocolate, of course) ...oh yeah...dipping toast in oats is good too.

5. I start playing Christmas music in October. As soon as it gets the slight bit cold...it's time!
That comes from my Mom and my Aunt Laura.

6. Ben's brother is the same age as my Dad. That's kinda interesting, right?

7. I have never been "officially" tagged...so thanks, Ember! (I've tagged myself before...but that doesn't really count). I'm such a nerd.

I have decided to tag some of my awesome IIW Team members (among a few others): Trish, Cathy, Millie, Liz ,Jenn, Cami & Maran.

Clearance - just in time for the holidays!

2008-11-17T13:30:00.003-07:00

I've decided to rotate the apparel in my hollydoodad shop.
You can get some pretty sweet deals right now! All of these shirts are short sleeved but can be easily paired with a long sleeve undershirt for winter wear.

Enjoy!

In my hurry to post these in my shop, I was the "model" for every shirt...no matter what the size. So, please keep that in mind! ;)

Come see me ...and my newest stuff

2008-11-14T13:08:00.007-07:00

I really don't think there's a better way to spend your hard earned Christmas cash than on locally handmade items. If you haven't experienced it...do it. It's totally worth it. Everyone loves receiving handmade items and they are more fun to give as well. There's always a little story behind each special item.

Here are the latest creations from Holly Doodle. But - there will be much more to see than just my boring stuff. ;) This is just a sampling of my latest...don't you want to come and see all of them in person at the show? I knew it. I'll be there Thursday evening. See you there!

I must tell you all (my 4 readers) about the inspiration behind this newest painting creation. I checked out a book from the library titled "A Hole Is to Dig" by Ruth Krauss, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. I instantly fell in love with the illustrations, as well as the quirky, fun words that went along with them. Turns out the author spoke with many young school children to come up with many of the sayings.

I thought I could combine my silhouette style paintings with words cut from newspaper to make something very sweet and unique. What do you think? I love them, but I always love my newest creations. I am desperate (don't ask why) to find something to create that the general public loves as much as I do.
Now don't go throwing out insincere compliments just to make me feel good - only comment on how you REALLY feel about these.
Side note: these will be mounted on top of a black frame that can either hang on a wall or sit on a table top.

Thanks for stopping by!

family photos

2008-11-12T14:55:00.003-07:00

Here's just a couple of the whole of us! Cami...thanks again...I'm gonna miss you TONS!

Photo Shoot with Cami

2008-11-10T17:43:00.006-07:00

My friend Cami took our family photos on Saturday. The weather cooperated...too bad Ladybug didn't. The only photos she smiled in are the group kid's photos (for about 5 seconds). What a grump. They turned out FANTASTIC! I have many favorites, so I will show you just a few of the kids. I will post more of the whole family soon. Sorry Cami...I couldn't help it! I know you want to enhance them and stuff - I think they already look wonderful. I did play with the contrast a bit, but that's all.

New post...BELOW

2008-11-05T12:01:00.002-07:00

Darn it...I hate it when that happens...
I started creating a post on Monday but didn't get to finish it until today.
Now it's way down there...

Sorry.

See below- posted on "NOV. 3" "PHOTO FEST"

GET OUT AND VOTE!!

2008-11-04T12:22:00.002-07:00

Showing pride in my right to vote.
Have you voted?!

Photo fest

2008-11-03T16:55:00.010-07:00

I know it's a little late...but that's how I do things! So there.

pumpkin carving...

Ben sweating over his masterpiece. It did turn out pretty sweet.

Here they are all lit up. You can see Ladybug's head peaking over .

My halloween treats for trick of treaters. We don't get a lot of them in our neighborhood. So, I figured I could afford to do something fun. I just used my plastic sealer and layered some candy.

various decor.

My traditional Halloween dinner: MUMMY DOGS. No, they are NOT just like pigs in a blanket. Don't you see those yellow mustard eyes?!

A banner I threw together the Halloween Eve. It turned out pretty sweet. I got the inspiration from the East End Boutique. That's what we crafters are good at....stealing other people's ideas and making them or own by changing them up a bit. I was pretty stoked that it only cost me $3 in supplies to make. It doesn't hurt that I have a vinyl plotter, either.

Last but not least...HAIR AMBUSH! For both of us. :) This is the morning after Halloween. Can't you tell? Ladybug has chocolate on her face...and it's only 9:30 am. She has been fascinated with toiletries lately. Mostly hair gel and hand soap. She got an enormous amount of Ben's gel in her hair...and he "helped it a long".
This is an after photo of my hair...the day before it was burnt orange/red from a 28 day hair dye. About a week before Halloween I decided to dye my hair to be Fiona...you know...from Shrek. Well, silly me...I dyed my hair and then I was unable to find my Fiona costume! Lin was so sweet. She was trying to think of what I could be with red hair. The best was "Hey mom, you could be a stop sign!"
So, I made a trip to see my fantastic hairdresser, Tisha. She is a miracle worker! She gave me highlights and lowlights because she wasn't able to pull all the red out. She said "it's a forced change". Change is fun... I LOVE it!

Hope your fall is feeling great!
I will post a recipe for pumpkin bars tomorrow...yummy!

Cuteness

2008-10-29T16:27:00.005-06:00

Lady hiding under a table. Cute photo...but there is something slightly devilish in her eyes...

I went to Old Navy the other morning hoping to find some sweet deals on Halloween attire.
Turns out they sold out of most everything a couple days before. BUT, what was left was only $1 (the shirts, anyway). So, I bought Ladybug a couple shirts, one for Lin and one for myself. I couldn't pass up the tights for Ladybug...they were half off. It's hilarious to take photos of Ladybug...she knows EXACTLY what it's all about. I didn't even have to ask her to turn...she did that all on her own.

The last photo is from the East End Boutique...which was not well attended. No big deal, I didn't have high expectations. You can see the purses/cuffs on the hat rack and a couple of my paintings inside the closet (which is also where my shirts were hanging). Michelle came with me to the pre-sale ...thanks sis!

I'm working on yet another new idea and I'll post photos of that soon!
Happy Haunting!

East End Boutique

2008-10-23T14:39:00.005-06:00

Wanna come and see some cool stuff? I am participating in the East End Boutique. I went this morning to set up and saw some pretty neato stuff.
Tonight is the "pre-sale" for friends and family from 5-8pm. Friday and Saturday it is open from 10am-6pm. Directions: head east on Warm Springs.
Left on Elm. Right on Bannock. 909 E. Bannock.
When I was invited to be a vendor at this boutique I whipped up a couple new things that have been swirling around in my brain. So, in addition to what I already have (which is still quite a bit) I will be selling flower cuffs and my decoupage/ canvas panels. These were so fun to create!

I really loved how the snowflakes turned out. If you're wondering... yes, those are made from newspaper.

Lin insisted that I create her a cuff. So this is a photo of her little flower taken this morning...while it was still dark.

I am alive... I promise

2008-10-17T21:26:00.008-06:00

I have not been in the blogging mood for quite some time. So, tonight it is my goal to throw myself back into it with some random photos.

Photo taken of my 2 wonderful SILs last year at a flea market in Sun Valley. Miss you, Kate.

Two crazy cooks in the kitchen. This is the current wallpaper on my lap top. Taken last fall... notice ladybug's 2 front teeth. She's grown quite a few since then.

Quail family on our fence. I took this in July. Isn't it sweet? Papa's out in front waiting for mamma and the babies. If you have a second, click on it to get a closer look.

Ladybug - my little "helper". Ha.

I made a few of these before Hyde Park last month. They are fabric brooches. I made yo yos and then added a vintage button. Lastly I attached a pin to the back and... ta da! A beautiful addition to any blouse, purse or hairband.

hangers

2008-10-08T14:52:00.002-06:00

So, I'm just wondering if this happens to anyone else.
You're doing laundry (and wanting to kill yourself) and you go to hang up your clothes.
You pull a bunch of hangers out of your closet and toss them in a pile on your bed.
No...I do not hang up my clothes right when I pull them out of my dryer. It's a nice thought... and I might get around to that... one day.

You start hanging up each garment and putting it to the side and you get down to the last few and realize you just picked out the exact number of hangers per garment. I think it's a little spooky, if you ask me. This has happened numerous times.

Maybe you subconsciously count the number of garments and subconsciously count the hangers while pulling them out. Nah.
Must just be luck... dumb luck that is... since the ONLY thing lucky about me has to with laundry. And you all know how much I love the "L" word.

pumpkin huntin'

2008-10-07T15:16:00.003-06:00

Now, don't get all excited thinking this post will be full of fun photos of our family ...or you'll be up for some huge disappointment.
I FORGOT my camera! Can you believe it? I didn't even have my cell phone camera on me!
I have to admit though....I was much more relaxed not having to worry about getting the perfect shot at every turn.

So, I thought I'd post some photos that the farm has on their website...call it tacky...I don't care.

This was the kids hale bale maze. I liked the price...free.
Brandon was leading Ladybug around and it was the funniest thing. The only thing you could see was the very top of her toe head bobbing up and down as she raced down between the bales. **insert HUGE frowny face, knowing it was a kodak moment**

We then went on the *free* hay ride around the farm and stopped at the petting zoo.
They had horses, goats, sheep, a zebra and a camel! They had pony rides as well...but I'm too cheap.

We circled back to the front of the farm and decided we better to pumpkin' huntin'.
We each picked our pumpkins and were quite pleased with our choices. I will post photos of those soon. Mine is so awesome - it's shaped like an apple.

It's a fun farm...and quite large. It's a 20 acre pumkin patch and 15 acre corn maze.
They had a couple astro jumps, barrel train rides (see below) and concessions. Of which we purchased fresh mini donuts...I bet they were good. The kids ate them.
So, if you live in the area... Linder Farms is totally the place to be for your pumpkin' hunt!

Have a fantastic fall! It's my favorite season, for sure.

on your mark...get set...DONATE!!

2008-10-01T17:12:00.003-06:00

Hey friends! So, tomorrow evening (October 2) I will be participating in the Light the Night Walk in Boise. It benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and we (many family members) will be walking in memory of my sweet Aunt Laura.

I know it's last minute, but I am trying to raise $300 in the next 24 hrs!! So, I know times are tight...but if you have a little extra pocket change think about donating it to a great cause! http://www.active.com/donate/ltnDenver2/2401_hollyloveslaura

Every little bit will help me reach my goal. Even if it's just $5, it will be much appreciated! Just think... 30 people donating $10...or 60 people donating $5! That will do it!

If you'd like to read about my Aunt Laura and my previous fund raising, you can go to my old blog at www.hollydoodle.com/blog

Sending love and blessings your way!!
~Holly

These are for you, mom.

2008-09-29T17:04:00.005-06:00

So, my dear sister in -law Katie ordered these flowers to be sent to my mom (who was staying with me last week). She had foot surgery...on both feet...for her bunions. When they came no one was here for the delivery. My mom went home yesterday and the flowers were delivered to my home today.

Katie, they are beautiful - the photo doesn't do them justice. I know mom loves them, right mom? The colors are so "Nancy"!

The message included: "Grandma, Hope you are feeling better soon. We love and miss you.
Love, Vince and Ivan"

I'm sorry you weren't able to receive them, but I have to admit that I don't mind having them around.
There's nothing like fresh flowers!!
Mom - anytime you want to see your flowers, you can visit this blog and remember what a sweet daughter in law you have.

Katie - you're awesome... and more thoughtful than the rest of us. Love ya.

Victories... big and small

2008-09-22T14:26:00.006-06:00

I have been a horrible blogger. I think it's because there has been so much to blog about that I have been overwhelmed with what to post on first! So, I decided to make a small list of victories over the past 2 weeks.

Small victories:

* Lin saying "I'm excited to go to school tomorrow, mom!" even though every morning since then she's said "I don't want to go to school, mom"

* Buddy creaming some guy on the opposing football team ... and his mom enjoying a strange sense of pride knowing that it was her son that caused this boy to lay on the field...motionless... for over 3 minutes...

* Cooking pizza in our trailer after freaking out about the fact that I had just ordered papa murphy's and the oven in our home stopped working 2 days previous. Exactly what was I thinking? Oh yeah, I was thinking... it would be fun to cook dinner in the trailer. The kids loved it!

* Ben fixing the oven. That guy can fix ANYTHING! He is amazing!

* Finding the remote to our television. I was in the basement with Ladybug the other day and she was eating a fruit snack. After she was done she said "all done". I told her to put it in the garbage. Without a moments hesitation she wadded up the wrapper and walked straight over to our bass speaker and shoved it in the small hole in the front. What? She's so random. So I was curious and went over to see what else was in that hole. To my complete surprise the remote control was there. Ben and I had both thought of that hole but we had also both thought "that hole is too small... it couldn't fit in there". Leave it to Ladybug to prove us wrong!

* Ladybug smiling like this instead of

this

* Only spending $2.48 at Target last week.
* Selling some of my goods at the Hyde Park Street Fair. Even if it wasn't a whole bunch... it was something!

BIG VICTORY

***FINDING MY WEDDING RING!***
That's right! I went to pick up the kids for school last week. While I was waiting I climbed in the back seat to keep Ladybug company. I was noticing all the garbage in the back pocket behind the passenger seat. I was looking through it when what did appear? Now, I have looked in that back pocket dozens of times since I've lost my ring. I asked the kids in my carpool and none of them said they had seen it before. All I know is that I am SO HAPPY. We took it in to the jewelry store that night to have it sized. Turns out it was 1 1/2 sizes too big. I am so glad I found it. I had been feeling extra sad about it lately. What a HUGE blessing!

new stuff

2008-09-04T20:58:00.011-06:00

So, I whipped up some new designs for the Labor day celebration in Bellevue, Idaho. (next to Sun Valley). My awesome friend Ember, from The Painted Chair was in charge and was sweet enough to take my stuff and sell it for me. She is amazing and will be opening a new store in Eagle where she has asked me to come on as a vendor.
Here are some of those screen designs -
some requested by Ember...
others just sitting on my brain.
Enjoy!

Go down 2 posts...

2008-08-29T22:31:00.001-06:00

For some reason, my latest post has a creation date of August 21... so it's down there...
I don't know how to change that... and I don't feel like creating it all over!
It's the GIRLS NIGHT OUT post!

new business card design

2008-08-22T21:12:00.004-06:00

So, I was talking with my mom the other day and told her I was up late designing my new business cards (which will also be used as price tags on my merchandise). And, being the supportive mother she is... she wanted to see it right away! "Post it on your blog!", she said. So, I am following my mothers commands. Just like when I was a kid, right mom?

I played around with a lot of different art that I have stored up... but this one just seemed right. Plus, it's shape allowed the perfect space for my info. Pretty fun. Can't wait to get them next week. I ordered them off vistaprint.com Love that place.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

2008-08-21T21:14:00.006-06:00

This post is a few weeks old... but still very important!
I was feeling the need for some good old fashioned girlfriend fun!
We went to Johnny Carino's for Dinner and that was followed by a mean game of Nerts at Heather's place. Don't forget the italian sodas and fruit pizza (yes, I made it... and I'm proud).

Lynsey the sly one...

Cami... oh trust me... she only LOOKS innocent!

Look at Lynsey's cute prego belly!

Cami insisted her hair was not photo worthy... so I told her I'd cover it for her. I'm such a nice friend!

Cami doing her thing... ya know...the "down all the whipped topping" thing.

Tricky, tricky.

Ben's Bday...

2008-08-21T08:28:00.005-06:00

Ben celebrated his 33rd Birthday this month. He wanted to float the river... so that's what we did! It was fun. It was also the first time we've done it with the kids.

You can see in this photo... Buddy has death grip on Ladybug. He was so worried she was going to fall out. He's always been my worrier. What a sweet brother.

Here is the reason Buddy was worried. Here's Ladybug hanging over the edge of the raft. She's quite the opposite. My little daredevil.

We all enjoyed ourselves and plan on doing a lot more of this next summer!

custom painting

2008-08-18T17:57:00.002-06:00

So, I received a custom request for this painting. Wow. Right?
Pretty specific colors. I just hope Amanda never changes the color scheme in her apartment... because this painting may no longer work there afterwards.

She had marked the other painting (same just in black and white) as a favorite and noticed that it had sold.

Kinda fun to think this is going to the 32nd floor of a building in NY, NY.

Just trying to fit in

2008-08-13T14:29:00.003-06:00

Lin was watching her cousin and brother toss the football around with Dad and Uncle Ben... she wanted to give it a whirl.
My sister in law caught this video on her camera... hilarious! We couldn't help but laugh, even though her ego was crushed. I just love how she prances.

More designs!

2008-08-12T11:32:00.004-06:00

Okay peeps. I have been having a BLAST with heat n bond. It is like any other interfacing but it's so super strong you don't have to sew around it or reinforce it in any way! That's my kind of product! So, here are a couple shirts I whipped up in a jiffy. I doodled a scottie dog and traced it onto the interfacing (after I had ironed the interfacing onto the fabric). Cut it out and iron that puppy on... and... ta da! These are cute... but you can't wait to see what happens when I combine screen printing with heat n bond! So fun! The girls were perfect models that day.

Ladybug was so pleased with her dog. This is her pointing at it and saying "goggy!"

The first of a few...

2008-08-08T15:52:00.004-06:00

So, I've been busy designing new shirts...I'm so excited!

I decided to turn my original paintings into shirt designs.
It's actually quite pain staking. But, once the screen is complete it's a breeze.

Here is the first of quite a few photo installments of my latest creations.
Do you like?
It is from my original painting "Whimsy Willow"...which is still available, btw.
(sorry that the only model available was yours truly).

I'm finally ready

2008-08-06T07:45:00.006-06:00

Yes, I have been gorging myself for the past few weeks in preparation to hop back on the wagon. The Wagon o' Health. I'm excited about this new weight loss/calorie/exercise tracking program I am using online. It is called Spark People. I seem to do my best when I stay accountable of my calories, etc. So, I am being brave enough to share a link to my personal Spark Page. Be kind... it does have my actual weight, goals and food/exercise log. That means you will all know how much I weigh **shudder**... if you wish. I am not obligated to keep a weight ticker or log visible to the public. I just think this will be another way to keep me motivated.

Holly's Spark Page
The dang link isn't working. Here's the URL my.sparkpeople.com/HOLLYDOODLE

I realized that I when I am exercising and using portion control I have tons more and energy and am much more optimistic. So, my goal is really to just keep active and be moderate in my diet.

Spark people was recommended by a friend of mine. This program is completely free and it is so cool! So, if you're in my boat and looking for motivation, hop on over to spark people! Oh, in case you're wondering. Yes, I made that totally cool background on my spark page. I rock... no need to tell me. I'm perfectly aware.
Make it a great day!

I got tagged... by me!!

2008-07-28T21:54:00.008-06:00

Okay... so I must not have many friends out there in blog land... or at least friends that think I'm interesting enough to tag. So, I stole a tag idea from someone's blog that I lurk on.

So, here it goes.
It's a photo tag.
There are a few photos that I missed... I ran out of time at the moment and decided it would be okay... since no one actually tagged me.
Here are the rules:
You have to take pictures of the following things, and you have to do it right away. No straightening, cleaning or wiping your child's nose. Then you tag five others.

Kitchen Sink
Obviously not the cleanest moment. You can see the sugar crystals Lin and I started a couple weeks ago...as well as the flower pot Buddy gave me for Mother's day.

Favorite Room
This was a hard choice.
I just love the soothing color of our master bedroom. I painted it over a year ago and I'm so happy with my decision. It is a bit on the boring side and it could really use one of my fun silhouette paintings above the bed... someday.

Laundry Room
Oh goody... you get to see the hideous "faux finish" that the previous owners put in this room. It's one of the only rooms I haven't painted since we've lived here. Side note - I LOATHE laundry.

Refrigerator
Hmmm... not a lot of fresh produce to be found. I've been on a bad food kick for a few weeks. Probably because it's the feast before the famine. Planning on cracking down on my bad habits... again.
Yes, that is a pie on the third shelf... jealous?

Head Shot
Nice, slicked back...end of the day...ya know.

What Are Your Kids Doing?
Looking at "Where's Waldo", playing with a Bionicle and trying to tear something apart.

So, there you go!
The others that I didn't include were 1) your closet 2) your favorite shoes.

I am tagging Katie, Maran, Heather, Anna and Melody.

COME AND GET IT!!

2008-07-18T14:59:00.004-06:00

So, we thought we were in financial strain when we had our little flooding problem.
And even though we are blessed enough to have insurance... we're still facing some good sized medical bills from Ben's rolling stone fiasco.
So, here is the official announcement!
Garage Sale
my place
tomorrow
9am- 3pm

New and used items. Mazda pickup, Settee/love seat, original acrylic paintings, car decals, kids basketball hoop, peg perego high chair, Mary Kay inventory, shoes, clothing, toys, misc.
The kids will be having a small bake sale as well! :)

If you need directions to my place you can email at
hollyathollydoodledotcom

another one bites the dust...

2008-07-15T14:45:00.003-06:00

Photo of Ben in a drug induced coma. (okay not really... but it seemed like a coma)
Poor Ben, poor me, poor kids, poor us. but mainly... poor Ben.

I hope Ben doesn't mind that I'm posting this photo I took with my camera phone this morning.
It was his third time visiting the ER in 10 days. He had another gall stone attack this morning and the pain killer they prescribed for him to take at home did squat for his pain. So, back we went.
He was scheduled to see a surgeon next Monday about getting his gallbladder yanked... but after
this mornings ultrasound they sent us right over to his office. The surgeon then sent us to be admitted to the hospital. Ben will join the ranks of 4(?) other family members who have given up their gall bladders for a better nights sleep.

We were scheduled to leave on vacation to gallstone---oops, I mean Yellowstone tonight.
HA HA HA... I swear... that was completely accidental.
We were planning on being there 5 long... nice ... relaxing days. Instead, Ben thought he'd have surgery. Sorry Ben, I really don't mean to make you feel bad. :^(
The kids are bummed... I'm bummed... Ben's REALLY bummed. But I guess it's better that this happened now instead of next week when he would have already used up all his time off.
I just want him happy and healthy again... whatever it takes!

If you read this, keep him in your prayers.
Love you, Ben!

everybody must get stoned

2008-07-13T23:09:00.003-06:00

Poor Ben went into the ER again on Saturday with another gallstone attack.
At least this time they were able to diagnose him correctly (which they were unable to do at the previous hospital we went to).

What is up with stones in this house!! Ay Caramba!