Saturday fun & Christmas Sunday Pictures

Saturday we made "Trish's Brownie Pancakes" , you can go to kobialkafamily.blogspot.com to get the recipe. Then we made some ornaments and window decorations. The kids had a fun time chilling with mom.

Christmas Pictures

We took some pictures today after church. Odelia is wearing her Christmas dress from last year, but I did make her some new bows. And Harrington is wearing his typical Sunday attire. He did get his new Volcom dress pants a few weeks back. I wanted to buy him a sweater vest but couldn't find one I liked. My kids are polar opposites so we couldn't get them to smile at the same time, except for when they made silly faces or when Harrington had his hand over Odelia's face. Harrington took the one of just us, he said he was trying to get the nativity in too.

Now I see where Harrington gets it from.

My Sassy Apron is here!

A big thanks to my Sassy Apron Swap Partner, Marla. I hit the motherload of good stuff from her. She even got me a subscription to EveryDay with Rachael Ray. For those of you that know me, thats the perfect gift. I love magazines, I subscribe to 5 magazines already and this is one I don't have that I have wanted for a while. She even got me the Christmas mini cookie cutters I have wanted since last year. I bought the Fall ones after Thanksgiving last year, and I have loved them they work so great to make cut outs in pie crust tops. A picture of me in my apron, Harrington took it, I think he did quite well. You can see the bulge in the middle from my baby belly.

This package totally made my day. I tried to go on my partners blog to thank her, but its a private blog. So if you read this Marla send me an email so I can log on. jamirayrsmi@yahoo.com

So excited to use all my new stuff!! Money is tight this year so I told my husband no presents, just a few things in my stocking (I don't want the kids to think I was on Santa's naughty list.) What fun it is to open a present that I new was coming, but had no idea how many extras there would be. It's a Christmas miracle, and I am so greatful! My kids are gonna have so much fun making cookies when they get up from their nap.

Ready for Christmas

Are we really ever ready for anything? Probably not. I think sometimes we get all caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all we forget why we celebrate this time of year. I have always thought of myself as someone not tied up in materialistic things and that I enjoy the season more than I plan for it. The last few weeks I have been sick with a cold, and have been grumpy and sleep deprived. I have been yelling more than usual and the other night I went shopping and was so tired I didn't even enjoy it. And for those of you who know me well, that is not typical. Usually I enjoy retail therapy, I crave it. Anyways, on Thursday night I went to Relief Society and the Stake President shared a story of a Christmas past when he had a son die a few weeks before Christmas. It made me want to go home right then and hug my babies. So tonight as tired as I was from being at home with the kids all day, making and cleaning up dinner; (Without the help of Zeb, this is his busy time of year at work.) I snuggled in bed with Harrington and Odelia and read them a book. Usually book reading is Zeb's thing, it gives me time to myself to unwind. But he wasn't home yet and I know they needed that time with me. I am so looking forward to tomorrow, to play with my kids, do some crafts and maybe even let them cook in my kitchen. Am I ready for Christmas, probably not. But my kids are ready to just have mom to themselves. I might even sneak a room cleaning project in to get them ready for what they are getting for Christmas. Harrington loves to organize, as long as I am calm and let him help. He's even slightly neurotic at times, definitely my kid. So to anyone who is reading this who feels like they have so much to do, just stop it... stop it right now. And realize that no child cares if all the projects are done, if the house is spotless or if your postman got the collage you made him. Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the tender moments you share with those you love.

Precious Children

I have two very precious children and one on the way. My eldest Harrington is much like his mother (before children) and sleeps about 11 hours a night soundly. We call him a lunk head, that's probably why he wets the bed. He doesn't get up even to pee. Which brings me to tonight. My daughter is a night owl and not a sound sleeper, about 10 last night I heard, "Harrington needs medicine, he's coughing". Sure enough her brother was hacking up a lung sound asleep. So my husband walked down the 5 steps to take him some medicine which he swallowed completely asleep. I wish I had thought to take a picture. Then this morning my Eliza (the little girl in my tummy) woke me up to pee at 2:05 am just in time to watch Martha Stewart's canning show. It was great, but then I was up and decided to go online to check Saturday's specials. They have a few things I need at Toys R US for the kids and Zeb so I decided to set my alarm to wake up at 5:40 and go get what I need before Zeb leaves for work at 7. About 3:50 I heard my sweet daughter cry out in her sleep, so I went to see why. She must have had a bad dream. I asked if she wanted me to turn her TV on, to which she replied "Yes mommy, you lay down and sleep on snow white with me. "(That's her pillow) So I turned on the TV, snuggled her in her blankies and layed down. About 2 1/2 seconds later this is what I saw...

I know that she is mine and I am partial, but she just looked like the most beautiful sleeping angel to me. Having children has definitely cut into my sleep, but who wouldn't love to get back out of bed to snuggle up to this sweet little girl. I took this picture so I can show her when her babies are little just how much I loved her, even at 3:50 in the morning. So thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who entrusted these sweet spirits to me.

Baby Belly and Odelia's New Hair

First and foremost I hate taking pictures of my pregnant self. However my niece Desie asked me too and because I love her so much I decided to oblige. But don't expect anymore shots when I am embarrassingly huge.

Me at 22 1/2 weeks pregnant. Not my best picture but then again I am not a great photographer. Side Shot of my belly.

Princess Odelia's new Hair, a few sassy new photos.
Look at that pout.

Some day my prince will come.

I am an angel.

Yeah I am cute!!

Odelia's hair was rapidly approaching her butt, and she hated getting it brushed or braided. She screamed when my friend came over to cut it. But she calmed down eventually when she got to hold her barbie doll. Plus I bribed her with a chocolate bar. Now she tells everyone she meets that she got her hair cut, she is so proud. Between the new hair cut and her going potty on the toilet she has just grown up over night. I think she's getting ready to be a big sister.

My Productive Saturday

I have soooooooooo many projects to get ready for Christmas. I was so proud that this Saturday I finished my Peace & Joy sign, Odelia's Jewelry box, and a bunch of bows. I still need to make her bow to go with her Christmas Dress but I haven't decided if she is wearing the same dress from last year or if I am buying her a new one. I loved her dress last year and if it still fits it will probably make a return visit. Then I can buy new shoes and make a cute bow to match. Maybe even a sweater. The dress is silk so I just have to take it to the cleaners. Harrington will probably just get a new tie and vest. I will wear whatever fits and Zeb doesn't do Christmas outfits. I still have a bed and two dressers to paint as well as move the office in to the basement so we can get started on the nursery. Whoo.. so much to do. I better go. I love you all and hope you are enjoying the Christmas season.

Metro Station Concert

In The Venue 11/18

Okay so last night Zeb and I went and saw Metro Station. I checked them out and their music seemed pretty "poppish" with some electronica from the 80's ala Pet Shop Boys meets pop. Well they rock pretty hard live. There was no where to sit and the bathrooms in the venue were awful. Don't even get me started on the bathrooms. However Zeb was totally surprised that we were going for his birthday and he had a great time. Lets just say I tried to enjoy myself and not make dirty faces at the band when their language was lets just say, not what I have heard in a while. Their music was good as was the opening band, The White Tie Affair. The best part was that we got to park right out front of the venue, since most of the attendees were dropped off. 15 year old girls scream loud, really loud. At the end of the night I needed my bed and some Tylenol. It felt real late, but I was in bed by 10:30. I would love to say it rocked and I had the time of my life, but really it was great because Zeb loved it. He went to many concerts in his younger days and I think he loved reliving those memories. He probably would have gone in the front and got in the mosh pit, but have a wife who is 20 weeks pregnant we stood behind the sound guy. He even aked us to watch his station when he went to the bathroom. I think I got called mam like 5 times. Crazy. FYI if you have teenagers I would not let them attend a Metro Station concert. Too many f bombs for my approval, not in their songs, in between when they were just talking. They kept telling us to put our hands in the air and I told Zeb that I would only do it on the times they didn't curse when they asked us, total times that happend 2.

Random Ramblings

Okay so I haven't blogged since like forever ago. I am not sure who even reads my random thoughts. But hey it feels good to write. I've been busy lately, but nothing interesting enough to blog about. Just taking care of kids, and working on my Mary Kay business. So far everything has ran pretty good. I just need to get all my stuff organized. I am kinda putting it off because on Wednesday we find out whether we will have a boy or a girl. As soon as we know we will be moving the office in to the basement and working on the putting the nursery together. For those of you that know me, that involves painting of furniture, a new theme and quite a few trips to DI. Should be fun though. I will take pictures of the process. What that also means is that I start to feel guilty about my other kids rooms so I will be cleaning and organizing them too. Odelia will have to get a new dresser, as her dresser is the only changing table that I have. I really hope I am having a girl because I am so much better at decorating girls rooms. Anyhoo's it's off to the store. Zeb is turning the ripe old age of 27 on Thursday and I need to buy him a few things. We are pretty tight, but the dollar store is always fun. Love you all.

Ward Halloween Party

Here are a few pics from our ward Halloween party and chili cook off. I made pumpkin pie, but next year i am definitely making chili. While what was there wasn't bad. It was definitely Utah Chili. I will have to show them Arizonan chili, you know where there is actually a little heat to it. I should probably mark it as hot so they don't burn their taste buds. The kids had a great time. I even got asked to be in a skit with the RS presidency, it was an American Idol theme. I was Simon, not very convincing though since I have only seen the show a few times.

The Costume Parade

Odelia after being pushed in the Parade, oh the drama.

Harrington & Odelia before we left, all smiles.

Salsa & Pumpkin

Last Tuesday I set out to make a few quarts of Salsa, as we were all out. And tomatoes are so cheap right now and I already had the rest of the ingredients from my garden. (Unfortunately I never had enough tomatoes all at once to use the tomatoes from my garden.) Anyhoos Zeb had the day off so I figured he could help keep an eye on the kids while I made the salsa. So after my prenatal appt. I came home picked up Eva, one of my babysitting kids and headed off to Walmart. I bought all I needed and two pumpkins. I failed to inform Zeb of the two rather large pumpkins that were in the back. One fell out of the back of my SUV and landed right on his toe. Since it was cracked it was throw it away or can it, waste not want not. So we had salsa to make and pumpkin to can. 14 quarts later I still have about 5 more quarts to do, so tonight I am taking my double canner to my Cousins (it doesn't fit on my stove under my micro hood) and we will finish the pumpkin as well as do some pinto beans. So much for a few simple quarts of salsa.

Pumpkin Pie anyone?

Mary Kay

Okay so I decided to try something new. Starting my own business. I have been researching direct sales for a while and I kept coming back to the same company, Mary Kay. For those of you that know me I am not to prissy when it comes to make-up. But their business plan made the most sense to me and I already use a lot of their products. They encourage God first, family second and business third. Which is the way I have always felt. I am so ready to suceed at something new. So check out my website and email me with any questions.





www.marykay.com/jamiray


jamiray@marykay.com





If you are interested in hosting a beauty class, or would like to order product let me know. I look forward to being a sucessful director by this time next year. But I will need the help of my friends and family. I am soooo excited to be a part of this great company. If you are interested to know why I am so excited just ask. I would love to have you on my team!

Wild Hair Day

It was wild hair day at Harrington's school, something to do with Red Ribbon Week. Anyhoo, I got Harrington's overgrown buzz cut in to the best mowhawk I could. He better live it up, because if he ever comes home with a real one, he's in a lot of trouble. He liked it a lot, he didn't even complain about all the hair gel, hair spray and the blow dryer.

Fall Color

I just thought I would add a pictures of some of the beautiful fall colors and scenes that surround my home. A great picture taker I am not, but hopefully you will see some of what I see. Heavenly Father blesses us with such a beautiful world, and Utah has some great sights. If I can get up to Provo canyon and shoot of some pictures I will. I am so grateful for this time of year where we reflect on the fall harvest, not just the food but the blessings we receive all year round.My Front flower bed

The view out my front window, the mountains look way better in real life.Odelia's new monkey P.J.'s, not fall colors. But so cute. Don't you love when it's warm enough for footie P.J.'s

Tutu tutorial

Princess Tutu Tutorial

Odelia has about 4 Tutu's but none that match her butterfly headband that she wants to wear for Halloween. So I decided to make her a pink and green tutu. Here are the steps if you want to make one. They are super easy, and require very little sewing.

Materials List:
*6-8 yds toole (can be two colors, make sure you buy the kind with the small holes, it looks better)
*1/2-3/4 inch elastic - long enough to go around waist
*Thread

Step 1-Measure the princess's waist, even if they refuse to smile. Cut elastic just smaller than waist, by 1/4"Step 2 - Over lap ends of elastic 1/4" and hand sew or machine sew together. I like to Zig-Zag it about 4-5 times back and fourth, you want it hang up to lots of play.

Step 3 - Set waist band aside and cut all your toole in half lengthwise. I use the crease from where it is folded on the fabric bolt as a guide. You may want to cut shorter than half if you have a short princess.
Step 4 - Cut strips 1' wide.
Step 5 - Separate by colors in to two bags. Or put all in to one bag if you use all one color.
Step 6 - Go turn on your favorite TV show and get ready to tie knots. Place toole on inside of elastic band. Make sure the elastic band is in the middle of the strip and tie a square knot. Alternate colors until all toole is used up.

Finished Tutu
Princess Odelia Rose modeling her new Tutu

Cheesecake by Odelia Rose

Recipe Courtesy of The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook, cute little girl courtesy of Heavenly Father.

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350, combine crushed graham cracker 1 2/3 cups with 1/4 cup Sugar.

Step 2 - Add 6 tbs of melted butter to Graham Cracker mixture and stir.
Step 3 - Firmly press mixture into spring form pan, and bake for 8 minutes.
Step 4 - Prepare cream cheese filling. Beat 3, 8 oz pkgs of cream cheese in electric mixer until creamy.Step 5 - Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well. (Sugar not child)Step 6 - Add 3 Large eggs one at a time.
Step 7 - Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla, mix well.Step 8 - Spread cream cheese mixture over prepared crust, bake for 35 min at 375.
Step 9 - Lick beater, then wash beater and bowl so you are ready for to make sour cream topping.Step 10 - After the cheesecake has baked 35 min, beat 16 oz sour cream, 3 tbs. sugar and 1/2 tsp of vanilla for 2 minutes. Then spread over cheesecake and bake additional 5 minutes at 400. (Picture not taken for this step)

Step 11 - Cool Cheesecake to room temperature on wire rack, then cover and chill 8 hours.

Enjoy!!