I'm back

This month has gone so fast. I have had a hard time getting in the spirit of christmas. I love christmas so this is quite unusual for me. I hurt my back the beginning of the month and was out 2 weeks of work. Not very fun-it was a blur, pain medication makes me a little loopy. I am now gettting around pretty good and go back Monday-thank goodness for a short week. I am so thankful for good friends who supplied yummy dinners and did some ironing. My honey and kids stepped up and took care of the house. So a couple of days ago - Greg gave me a lecture-I need to get in the spirit of christmas -sooo we are watching the christmas shows, I am playing the music,and I wore my christmas necklace(oops forgot about the earrings) I think I am almost there. The month has gone so fast without me but I am reminded I have a lot to be thankful for and my family has received wonderful service this month. My goal this week is to remember the real meaning of Christmas and to share it with all I know.

Background

This new background is called "sassy Christmas". I know I can get sassy sometimes but I don't think this background fits the title but I liked the background and Loved the title. Hee hee.

Jennecas Quilt

My friend Janice had a baby in October, cute as can be I made this spin on a rail fence for her and gave it to her awhile ago but hadn't posted. I love the purple. Her name is Jenneca (spelling?) I think that is so cute. I am getting so excited for black friday. That is when I stock up on flannel for the year. Fleece is priced awesome too. Oh, I almost told you what I am doing for christmas presents-never good to post until after the event.

Football playoffs

Football is over. Howards team made it to the playoffs but then lost. It was so weird not to have football 4 days a week. Greg came home the next week and didn't know what to do. Of course basketball is right around the corner. This is Greg and Howard. Of course, I was standing on the wrong side but still it is a moment. The last of the season. :( I think I might be missing football a little. ahhh

Howards Birthday-7

I can't believe it is the middle of the month-I am behind. Howard had a birthday on the 4th. and had 4 friends over for a sleepover over the weekend. Originally he wanted his whole football team-but 17 boys way too many. I am crazy but that is insanity. So he narrowed it down to 4. They played football outside until I called them in about 9 - it was such a nice night. Then they played xbox. It is what Howard wanted to do. Imagine that football. :) love that kid.

Halloween

I love halloween. It has been a busy week, last weekend I did a lot of sewing. Of course I didn't finish too much except for a halloween tablecloth. so cute. I did finish 2 quilt tops I had been working on but still need to put the backs on. We had a trunk or treat at the church on tuesday, we carved pumpkins on thursday and trick or treating tonight. That is all in addition to the normal stuff that goes on. football etc. Melissa went to the roller staking rink with a friend tonight and Andrew passed out the candy. So it was Howard, Russell and Me and since they are younger they don't feel the need to go, go go. We were gone 1/2 hour. Spoiled too. We don't get lots of kids in our neighborhood. (Greg said we got 6) so they usually get alot from our neighbors. Now they are in bed I will raid their buckets. Yum.

My Quilt

I checked on the boys one night last week and Howard had climbed into Russells bed and they were out. Usually I am always reminding them to quit talking. I finally finished the quilt for our bed. Greg bought me the fabric for my birthday last year, so this is a 1 1/2 in the making. I love it now I want to paint the bedroom. Look how cute the boys look, they were good helpers.

My Best Friend

My dear honey told me today I don't have any pictures of him on my blog.--Well if you know Greg he doesn't like his picture taken but since he commented I guess that is free reign. I did have to search pretty hard for these. Look at how little Russell is. Ok the football coaches picture is from last week. Lucky.-- I guess I am lucky, I married an awesome guy who is my best friend and a great dad. love ya babe.

Homecoming

I can never figure out what stuff to post/facebook etc. So usually you get a double dose. And of course I am a little slow. Melissa had homecoming last weekend. But you know when you are going to homecoming there is all the early prep. We went dress shopping a couple of weeks before. And if you know me I don't like to shop - it was a little painful. Where is Aunt Michelle when I need her. But of course I love Melissa so I went. Unfortunately the mall wasn't great. Too short, too low cut, sleeveless. etc. So we had tears at the end of the first day.

:( but we needed to find something, my mother in law suggested TJMaxx.- we attacked and found five dresses that all would have been perfect. She narrowed it down to 2 since they were such great deals--one was 20 the other 30, I bought them both. There will be more dances I'm sure.- Luckily she decided fast since we had all 3 boys with us. She is on student council and helped do the float and decorate so she was very involved this year. Kyle is in our ward and a friend of hers. Ps Mom does the necklace look familiar?

Mud Bowl

What does 3 days of rain plus football equal===mud bowl. It was very muddy!! But the game goes on, it was fun to watch. Howard had a great game yesterday in the mud. He made 3 touchdowns, 2 conversions and had 12 tackles. I think Howard was in his element, he loved playing in the mud and I think you can tell by how dirty he is compared to the rest of his team.

Busy weekend

An old missionary, Renn Olsen, came to visit this weekend. He served here 5 years ago when Greg was ward mission leader. We enjoyed visiting with him and wish him the best.

Finished this quilt for a friends baby.I love the fabric but had trouble with the quilting, my machine is having problems

Andrew had a game on thursday, he played Glen Estes rival middle school Amelia. 1/2 of the kids on Amelias team were kids he played league football with. It was a fun game we won 14 to 0. Andrew had two really good tackles, he tackled the quarterback and lucky for me I was camera ready for one. woo hoo
this was all in the wrong order but you know me- I'm learning. :)

Breadsticks

I love bread, pastries, baked goodies. Even though my life is crazy and time is valuable I still find time to bake-well I try to. Tonight I made Spaghetti Carbonara, homemade breadsticks and the last zucchini from our garden. My friend Melissa Cass gave me the recipe for breadsticks, it is easy and delicious so I am going to share.

Breadsticks
2 T yeast
1 1/2 c warm water
2 T sugar
1/2 t salt
3 c flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water. mix sugar, salt, flour into yeast mixture and knead with a mixer for 3 minutes. The dough will be very soft and stick to your fingers. Add a little flour if necessary, but not too much or the breadsticks will be tough. let rest 15 minutes. Melt one cube of butter and pour in bottom of cookie sheet. Spread flour on counter and roll out to same size as cookie sheet. Cut into one inch strips (I use my pizza cutter) fold in half and twist together. Roll each srip into butter and place 1/2 inch apart. (Sprinkle with seasonings if wanted.) let rise 15 to 20 minutes Bake 375 for 15 to 20 minutes. yum. (Seasonings---garlic salt, parmesan cheese, cinnamon sugar, etc. )

Cute kids-back to school

I am a little slow in putting pictures up of back to school-I did take them though. Melissa claims I haven't taken them in years. I will have to search and prove her wrong. They look so happy for 6 in the morning don't they. Of course Howard didn't leave until 7:45. They are all liking school, I think Melissas favorite is the social part, Andrew football afterschool, Howard loves art and Russell just wishes he was big enough to ride a motorcycle. (he has to count how many we pass every time we are in the car). It is nice to be in a routine-if I can call it a routine. You know how busy we are-but I love my kids and Greg. hugs to them all.

Blue, blue table runner

If you know my mom, she loves the color blue. Earlier this year I had made her some festive table runners but thought she would need one to leave on all the time, so I made her this blue table runner. I love all the scraps, they are scraps from the quilt I made her 6 years ago. Also scraps from Derrick and Christines quilt I made with mom when they got married. I do like the way it turned out. Very Blue.

First Football games

On Saturday the games began. FOOTBALL GAMES. This is a big deal at our house. Of course Howard and Andrew have both had practices starting in July but this last weekend we started the games. Andrew had a scrimmage down in Carrolton, KY. He is playing 7th grade and plays tight end and linebacker. His game was at 9 am. We had to leave by 730 to get there. Then that night Howard got to play in his league game at Paul Brown Stadium. It was awesome. Howard is playing quarterback and doing really well. It is funny to watch the 5/6 yr olds play.Greg is Howards head coach, he looks like a giant compared to the little boys, and he is assistant coaching Andrews team. From here on out we have thursday games for Andrew and Saturday for Howard. Go Boys!!

Michelle in Town

Greg read my post and told me I had not mentioned that my sister was in town. So here you go- my sister Michelle is in town for a week. Yea!!

Woodland Mound

One friday Michelle and I took Howard and Russell to Woodland Mound. Howard and Russell were best buds there, they went down the slides together and played in the water. It was such a nice day. The boys got really wet and Michelle and I sat and talked in the shade. I am so glad to have her visit us. Love her tons. ( Notice the haircut on me, red low lights on Michelle?-That was our thursday activity-fun at the salon)

Happy Birthday MOM

My moms birthday is today. Happy Birthday Mom!! I am so glad you are my mom and my friend. I enjoyed the time we lived close and now now that we are far away I miss you tons. I just wanted to tell you I love you and I hope you have a great birthday mom. Love ya

Melissa's Birthday

Happy Birthday Melissa. Can you believe my beautiful little girl is 16. Time sure does fly. Melissas friend Jessica came to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Bingham. Howard made party hats for everyone in the family. Very cute. After a yummy dinner the boys played with paper airplanes, throwing them off the hill to see whose went the farthest. Melissa is a beautiful young woman and I am so proud of her. I love you Melissa xxoo

whistling a little tune

Howard decided this last weekend to learn to whistle. He licked his lips then puckered up and blew all weekend long. Late sunday we heard a small sound, he was so excited and continued to practice until he has a pretty good whistle. Once a week he hangs out with Rebecca Cass, they play together and have fun, anyway, I told him he should give her a picture and tell her thank you for playing with him and he told me no, he knew something better than that- yes he did say whistle, he wanted to whistle for her. What a cutie. Makes me smile.

Wall Quilt

I finally finished this wall hanging for Mr. Taylor. His classroom is across from mine. He liked the baby quilt I had done for Mrs Kirk and asked me to make a wall hanging for his house. I really like the way it turned out, if he doesn't like it I have a spot perfect for it. I have had a little bit of time and have been sewing. I have 2 baby quilts almost done. Melissa loved the fabric so much in the one she asked me to make a blanket with the leftovers. I would show you but I like to show the finished product.

Quiet Week

This week has been so quiet! Melissa is at girls camp this week and Andrew is at scout camp. It is weird just having the 2 youngest at home. They go to bed early and don't have lots of places to be. It has been nice but i miss them both tons.

Yummy wings

Happy 4th, we have had a very rainy day but Greg made an awesome dinner. He made avacado potato salad and wings. He made teriyaki, honey glazed, and spicy chicken wings. Yum, I am sharing my favorite of the 3. Spicy Chicken wings with Alabama white barbeque sauce. I love dipping the wings into the sauce, it has spice and a little kick with the horseradish. Just writing about it makes me wish we didn't eat them all. :(

Spicy Chicken Wings W/ Alabama White Barbecue Sauce

2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
3 tablespoons olive oil

In a small bowl combine all dry ingredients. Rub the chicken wings with the olive oil, then liberally with the spice mixture. Store in a resealable bag and let set at least 4 hours but up to 24.

Grill the wings over medium heat or in an oven on 350 degrees for about 15-20 mintues. Serve the wings with helping of Alabama White Barbecue Sauce to dip in.

Alabama White Barbecue Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients, cover, and refrigerate until wings are cooked.

Bowling

Greg and I had off yesterday, yea! It isn't often we both have the same day off. We decided to do something fun with the kids and took them bowling. We had a blast, and the fact that it was less than $25 for us to play 2 games, it was just a fun afternoon. I haven't bowled in 16 years and none of the kids had been before except Andrew. We decided not to use the bumpers for the little boys and they didn't hit too many pins but they had a ton of fun. We let Russell try and roll the ball by himself but it stopped halfway down the lane so then Andrew or I "helped him roll it down" Andrew didn't have to many gutterballs but did when Greg took this picture. His face makes me laugh. What a cute bunch. :)

Gator Room

In January when we traded the boys rooms we finished Andrews new room (howards old room) but still needed to do something with Howards new room with Russell (Andrews old room). We had all the supplies just needed the time and energy to make it a cute gators room. When mom and dad visited we finished it, Yea!! I wasn't sure about the orange, but love it. As you can see by Howards face he likes it too.