~Pamela Susan~

Breaking in my new salt water sandals in salt water...

Last Saturday we found ourselves on the Oregon Coast... can you name the beach??  (One picture is a dead giveaway... can you say Goonies??) :)

 

Beatiful weather, beautiful day.  We sure are enjoying our time with Aaron's Mom!  And I must say, I'm loving my new sassy red salt water sandals.  They give me an extra little skip in my walk.

(all pictures were taken on Aaron's instagram iphone app... I am so diggin' that app.  It's nice to not always lug my big ol' camera around!)

 

Happy Friday, Happy weekend!

 

xo,

Pamela

Sea Salt Caramel Goodness

We made Oprah's Sea Salt Caramels a couple days ago, and though it tastes out of this world, it never hardened enough to the point where we could cut and wrap it up, darnit!  And we made three batches, too.  I think we should've cooked it until 250 degrees vs. 240.

Here's my cute little niece and MIL cookin' away...

And here's my little munchkin helping us in the kitchen.  Such a little ham she is!

Though the caramels were soft, we couldn't stop eating it. 

And can I just say that it makes the BEST apple dip?  Simply divine, I tell you!  It's the perfect blend of sugar and salt.  Seriously.

Have any of you made it?  If so, what was your experience? 

 

xo,

Pamela

 

p.s. A few of you have asked me what kind of camera and lens I use.  For the first 6 pics in this post I used my Canon 5D Mark 2 (50 mm 1.4) and for the last 2 I used my Rebel xTi (60 mm macro).

 

 

A Mustache Birthday Bash

I know this is a wee bit late, but I wanted to share some pics of my Dad's 60th Birthday bash.  My Dad, being the no-fuss-cowboy that he is, was adamant against a party with lots of people, so we complied.  We had a nice, low-key get-together at our home filled with "Pin the Mustache on Papa!" game...

 

(love the drawing Papa that Miss A drew!) hee hee

felt mustaches...

a mustache cherry pie...

and candles.

Yes, I love this Dad of mine.  And have I mentioned lately how I loooove living closer to him?  I do, I do! 

We've also been enjoying having my MIL in town for the last week.  I feel blessed to have her in my life.  I'll have to have a photo shoot with her and the girls later next week.

I hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend!

 

xo,

Pamela

 

p.s. We loved having screen-free week around here earlier this month.  It's kinda nice unplugging from the world every once in a while... it's good for the soul and the family.  I highly recommend it to everyone!

p.p.s. I made some jewelry as gifts this week... it felt great having my fingers in pretty gems again!  I'm going to have to open my shop pretty soon to sell some one-of-a-kind designs.  Yay! :)

A Miracle at Michael's

The day Miss Jane was born I donned her itty bitty wrist with a ruby bracelet I had made her weeks before her expected due date.  I included an extender to the clasp so she could wear it as she grew older. 

She had been wearing it earlier this week when I noticed Wednesday morning it was no longer on her.  I searched her crib, room, and every other room in the house.  It was nowhere to be found.

Before I panicked I thought about the previous day and what we had done.  Our dear friend Libby was over with her two children for a playdate, so I quickly called her.  She remembered seeing it on Jane.  Okay, then I knew it couldn't have fallen off in the river the day before while we were out playing in the sunshine.

Think, think, think.  Ahh!  We went to Michael's and Costco after Libby left our home.  I quickly called each store to see if it had been turned into their Lost and Found.  No luck. 

After Miss A arrived home from school I asked her to please help me find it and to say a prayer to ask Heavenly Father to help us find this special little bracelet.  We decided to go to Michael's to check the parking lot and the floors of the store.  Mind you, it had been 24 hours since we had last been there.  Chances were quite slim in finding it if it had fallen off there. (Oh, and how I didn't want to drag all three girls to these two stores!  Especially Jane... she has become quite the rambunctious little toddler!)

So we went to Michael's.  We were on a mission.  We searched the parking lot where we had parked the day before.  Once again, no luck.  We went inside the store, allowed Jane to open a bag of gummy bears to help keep her quiet and still.  (And quiet and still she became, thank goodness.)

As we traced my previous day's steps, we passed an aisle of yellow and pink silk flowers.  I didn't see anything on the floor, so I kept walking.  Little Miss A who was following me stopped and yelled "I FOUND THE BRACELET!!!".  And lo and behold, there on the floor was the little ruby bracelet, pushed a little to the right of the aisle, below the yellow and pink flowers.  The place my eyes had just looked at.  I couldn't believe it.  Heavenly Father had answered my six-year-old daughter's prayer.  Twenty-four hours had passed without the bracelet being picked up by inquisitive hands, or swept away during clean up... amazing.

What a powerful experience for Miss A (and me!).  We found a quiet corner of the store and thanked Heavenly Father for helping us. 

A miracle at Michael's, yessiree!

 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  My family is celebrating my father's 60th birthday tonight.  60!  How wonderful.

 

Happy Birthday, Papa!

We love you.

 

xo,

Pamela

p.s. I made my Dad a cherry pie with a moustache cut out of the top... pictures to follow!  :{) <--- see the moustache above that smile?  he hee

 

Even though Easter was over a week ago...

I still want to share some of the gifts that the Easter Bunny gave the kidlets.  My hunch was right... he did bring some Strawberry Shortcake dolls to add to their collection!

Miss J received Blueberry Muffin and her sidekick Cheesecake Mouse...

Miss C was gifted Apricot and Hopsalot...

And Miss A has been adoring her little Lime Chiffon and her companion Parfait Parrot...

Miss A also received some fabric to make a purse.  How many of you know the poem The Owl and the Pussycast by Edward Lear?  I'll have to post it later, but Miss A and C memorized it last month and I couldn't resist (um, I mean, the Easter Bunny couldn't resist) this fabric for her.  I think I got the last bit that was available on Etsy (YAYYY!).  Both the Owl and the Pussycat and guitar fabric was designed by Heather Ross.  OH, how I love her fabric.  Such gorgeous, whimsical designs and talk about high quality.

Back to the dolls though, I just love watching the girls play with them.  So sweet.  I just love the good old fashioned dolls, ya know?  

How many of you have these little vintage dolls in your home?

 

xo,

Pamela

Happy Easter!! {and here's a new twist on the mini Lindt chocolate bunnies, chicks, and lamb craft from last year!}

Ahh, Easter.  The holiday that brings out bunnies, chocolate and flowers.  Even though we just moved and can't find out Easter decorations, I was able to dig out some scrapbook paper, plastic baggies, trim, Lindt mini chocolates, and my trusty hot glue gun.  Do you remember the teeny-weeny Easter baskets I made last year?  Here's a new little twist on them--I added plastic Easter grass to the bottom and got busy decorating the tops...

They really are a hoot to make; you should make some!  They put a smile on my face and hope it does the same for their recipients!

And some more yummies... Easter egg cookies!  The girls and I had a grand ol' time in the kitchen dressing them up.

Lay them atop a plate of Easter grass and drop them off to friends and family!

Another tasty treat my tummy enjoys this time of year are Whopper's malt eggs... scrumptious.  I've been known to eat mass quantities of these little buggers at one sitting.  MASS QUANTITIES, I tell you!

And take a looksy at these beautiful tulips Aaron brought home to me a few days ago.  Their presence in the kitchen put a smile on my face each time I enter the room.

But amidst all the fun decorations and goodies that Easter brings, I try to keep my focus on the real reason for Easter.  If you have an extra 2 minutes and 40 seconds to watch this video, please do!  

 

 

 

xo,

Pamela

p.s. I have a feeling the Easter Bunny is bringing some friends for the girls' Strawberry Shortcake Collection... which ones will they be?? :)

Annnnd...

I'm back!  And I'm an Oregonian again, just like that.  The move went fairly smooth and we're adapting to all the new changes just splendidly.

This spring has been a fairly wet one for us Pacifc Northwesterners, but on Monday the delightful sun decided to grace our presence with its lovely face.  Instead of cleaning or unpacking boxes, I loaded the two younger girls up (while Miss A was at her new school, which she is loving by the way!) and headed to Canby to help my Dad feed our friend's sheep while she's on vacation.  The girls were excited to see some little lambies, and so was I!  It made for a great spur of the moment field trip.

Oh, how I love that Dad of mine.  I feel incredibly blessed to live only 30 minutes from him now!

And my girls are utterly obsessed with him, I might add. 

Cute, cute, cute!

These are Barbado sheep... ever heard of 'em?  Apparently they originated from Spain.

This one was quite fond of my camera. 

I'm not quite sure what this next type of sheep are, but they look much more similar to the Romney breed I raised as I child.  Love those cute little wooly faces!!

Afterwards we headed to my parents home to pick up a few things.  Their backyard was full of spring!  And here's Mom's pottery studio which is waiting for me to keep it company asap. :)

Mom created this little cherub years ago.

This is exactly how I felt while standing in the sun... warm and happily content.

Hellebores...

I have no idea what this flower is, but I'm sure my sister will know.  Ellen, help me out here!

Peonies making their yearly appearance...

And the cheerful daffodils... yes, Spring has sprung!

Here's a little moon I made many moons ago!  hee hee :)

And that's just about how I'm feeling right now so I'm headed off to bed. :)

I hope you're all well!

 

xo,

Pamelalala

 

our portland getaway in pictures {& some news!}

 

Aaron and I like to get away every now and then.  Without kidlets. And we usually like to go to Portland since it's so close and we don't like to be too far away from the girls.  Thank goodness for friends like Libby & Brady who make such occasions happen! You two seriously rock.

This getaway we stayed at the Hotel Modera in downtown Portland.  Very cool place.  We even sipped sparkling cider from complimentary goblets.  Fancy schmancy.  The two top pictures on the left were snapped from our window.  My favorite thing about the place?  The plant wall in their courtyard.  Isn't it beautiful? 

And I've decided to leave my camera behind for outings such as this so I don't have to worry about whipping out the camera every five minutes.  Buuuut then I discovered the Instagram app on my hubby's iphone, hence all the pictures above.  LOVE this app.  Easy to use, with a plethora of filters. I seriously recommend it for all you iphoners.  But since I'm always the last person to find out about everything, I'm sure you've already got it. :)

I love these getaways with Aaron.  What a fun guy to pal around with.   He doesn't even protest when I want to pay Anthropologie a visit.  He just dawdles around while I enjoy the store.  Aren't those little towels adorable?  I snuck some pictures as inspiration for some future projects. Shhh... don't tell 'em.

And the bottom right pictures?  Herbal tea from Teavana at Pioneer Place.  Love their tea.  I brought home some peachy-smellings tuff.  Can't remember the name of it and am feeling too lazy at the moment to get up to check.  But it really is yummy.  I highly recommend a visit there.

Aaaaaaaand speaking of Portland... we're moving there.  Like, in two weeks.  As in MOVING THERE.  In TWO WEEKS.  AHHHH!  So much to do, so little time.  Aaron accepted a new position smack dab in the middle of downtown Portland and began his new job today.  He'll commute until we move. 

So big changes for us.  But I'm incredibly proud of him.

Yet incredibly sad to leave my friends here.  I love them.  Though I know a few people where we'll be moving to it's always hard to start over again.  Making new friends.  Creating new daily routines.  Packing.  Unpacking.  But I'm up for a new adventure.  Thank goodness the girlies are excited for the move.  And I'm ecstatic to be only 30 minutes from my Dad!  Can't wait for that.

So wish me good luck and patience as I continue to pack up my house.   Oh, and energy, too.  I've been lacking in that area.

 

Many xo's,

Pamela

 

Our adopted gnomes...

Remember the Valentine gnomes I mentioned a couple posts ago?  Here they are!  Meet Tom and Cally, our latest additions to our Fairy Village.  (Tom belongs to Miss A, and Cally to Miss C.)

The creation of this cute little couple was a family affair:  my sister Holly drew them on the wood, my Dad cut them out, and I wood-burned and painted them (she was going to burn and paint them herself but we ran out of time before she had to fly back home to Utah).  I think Holly could totally sell these, don't you?

I was afraid the wood burner would have issues preserving the delicate facial features but luckily there was a tip fine enough to do the trick.

And if you're asking yourself what gift Miss J received, let me introduce Mr. Skunk to you. 

Ain't he a cutie?  I purchased him a few months ago while Amber Dusick's etsy shop was still open (I had to own another Amber original!)  For those of you who don't know who Amber is, you should get to know her.  She recently started the parenting blog, Crappy Pictures, that has taken off like no other blog I've ever seen!  Saying she's downright hilarious would be an understatement.  I'm thrilled for her and her success!

But we have to keep an eye on Mr. Skunk... he's constantly getting into mischief.  Or as Miss A likes to call him, a "mischiefer".  hee hee

Yes, our Love Day was filled with fun.

I was even able to find some time to make our sweet little Kelsi a felted Valentine cookie.  (Thank you for all your kind words and prayers on her behalf!  The stem cell transplant was a success, and she continues to feel a teeny bit better, but come March 28 and she has to go through it all over again--chemo and another stem cell transplant in hopes to kill off any remaining cancer cells.  Yes, this little girl can use all the prayers you can offer.)

I'm sure you've seen the following style of headband plastered all over the internet this past year.  I've been admiring them for quite some time now (they're just too cute!) and had to join the copy-cat wagon to make one for her cute little bald head.

I'll try to get a picture of her with it on to show you... it was part of her birthday outfit when she turned 2 two weeks ago!  Such a little sweetie.

If you want to make one, too, just follow the directions in this tutorial but make three and glue them together.  This little craft will surely bring a smile to your face!

 

I hope you're all well!

xo,

Pamela,

A lovely winner...

Oh boy.  Now I remember why I ususally randomly pick contest winners vs. chosing them myself.  It is HARD to pick just one winner!  I wish I had more Happy Boxes to give away because many of you deserve one.  I loved reading all your entries and the time and thought you put into your comments... thank you!

With that said, I was able to settle upon one winner...

Yes, Megan, a longtime reader of this blog, is the lovely winner of this giveaway. Thank you, Megan, for your thoughtful comment about your experience while observing your family's interactions with one another during the passing of a loved one.  Sibling love.  Family love.  The sweet, deeply-rooted bonds that make family just that... a family.  Hugs to you at this time.

Once again, thank you to all of you who left comments!  The majority of you wrote that the blessings of your family is what makes you most happy, and I'd have to wholeheartedly agree.  Family is everything.

 

xo,

Pamela

 

p.s. Megan, please email me your address and I'll ship your gift asap. :)  {psjewelry at gmail dot com}