Jingle Banner

Before it got too far past Christmas I wanted to post a picture of the Jingle Banner I made. Can you tell I love these things? I think all I need is one for Valentines and St. Patricks and I have every holiday covered.

Close up of one of the letters.

I love the way it turned out. I think I might sell kits for a Valentine Banner that says BE Mine if I get enough interest. Lemme know!

Christmas at the Heaps

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. The boys are at a perfect age and were so excited about this Christmas decorations, Santa, Charlie (our house elf on the shelf), cookies, presents and all the joys the season brings.

The night before we open our Christmas jammies and put our stockings out...as well as cookies and milk for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer.....this one is only for Prancer!

Hayden got his Light Saber...

and Gavin got his World Globe. (It also lights up and shows the constellations at night.

Santa was very good to all of us this year.

We relaxed all afternoon and then had a big Christmas feast at my moms with all the cousins....this isn't even all of them....it was a wonderful day!
Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas as well! Here's to the New Year!

Hayden

I just had to post this picture of Hayden. He is in a Tough Kids class taught by a friend in my ward. He loves going to this class and it really wares him out. I just love seeing him pulling these weights....he looks so determined and I just think it's adorable.

Apology

I don't know how many people actually check this blog...but for those of you who do....I apologize for the lack of posts.
I have recently been called to be the Young Womens President in my Church. It is a HUGE calling and is taking up a lot of my time...not to mention I still am doing my other calling as Choir Director until the Christmas Program is done, I work 2 days a week, I have 2 small children, I have my baking business and oh yeah....IT'S CHRISTMAS IN LIKE 2 WEEKS!!
So needless to say, I will not be doing much blogging for while...although I am not sure anyone cares...but my apologies just the same!
Love to you all and have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Treasure Chest Cake

For a birthday boy....to see more picks go to The Sugar Shack

Thanksgiving Greetings!

Hope your Thanksgiving is filled with family, food, fun and much gratitude!

Birthday Party

Gavin has been invited to his first "friend" birthday party. This is a big deal around here because if you don't already know this about Gavin...he is a little socially awkward. He is kind of a stick to himself kind of kid. Don't get me wrong, he plays ok with his cousins and stuff and he has gotten better about it, but it has always been a struggle for him to make friends.
Well he got this invitation and it turns out it's for a girl, which was a surprise at first because its a Scooby Doo party. Not that little girls can't like Scooby Doo, I just don't know that many who do.
Anywho, so we have been discussing this little girl trying to figure out what she likes so we can get her a present (if anyone has any thoughts on the matter please let me know...she is turning 6) and Gavin says to me,
Gavin: "Mom, lets just get her flowers, cuz all girls like flowers right?" We train them early around here. "I mean remember when I got you those flowers (part of a mothers day gift) and you gave me a big hug and kiss."
Me: "Is that what you want from this girl, a big hug and kiss?"
Gavin: "Eeew, that's gross mom!"
Me: "Well, then maybe we better think of something else."
Gavin: "Yeah I guess we better!!!"
Gotta love 6 year old boys....AND we are back to square one on this gift thing. Seriously...any thoughts???

Fall Sugar Cookies

I just had to post pictures of these sugar cookies. I made these for an event I participated in and I was so proud of the result that I had to share with you.

For the full story behind what I made these for you can click here

Halloween 2010

Just wanted to post a few pics of this years Halloween festivities. Gavin really really wanted to be the Solar System this year. This is what I came up with. For the helmet I just spray painted an old one yellow...for the sun and then I got a solar system kit from the craft store and hand painted them to look like the planets. Then I just put glow and the dark stars all over a pair of black pants and a black shirt. I think he looked cute. He loved it and that's all that mattered.

Hayden made an adorable pirate.

This year, because Halloween was on a Sunday and as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we don't trick on a Sunday, my mom had a huge party.
There was carnival games, a pumpkin carving contest, chili and hot dogs, and trick or treating at every door of her house and guest house. The kids had a blast and I don't think they even realized it wasn't actually Halloween.

Thanks mom for such a fantastic evening. As you can see the kids were thoroughly tuckered out.

Carrot Cake

First order of the week done. This was ordered by my bosses mom....hope she like it.

I like how the carrots turned out.

I did a practice cake yesterday...it tastes awesome! Although she didn't want ANY nuts in or on it...I think it would taste better with them, but what are ya gunna do?

I sooo need this....

For my Sugar Shack business.
Tater Tots and Jello is offering an amazing giveaway from Indiechick Designs for a complete blog makeover.
Go on over to her site and check it out!

Bridal Shower

Just some pictures of what I made for a bridal shower this weekend.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the Pumpkin Patch last night! The boys had a lot of fun.

Gavin wanted to know if he could carve a squash....we said no.

Hayden tried to pick up pretty much every pumpkin in the patch.

Getting bigger!

These are the pumpkins "they" picked.

Tomorrow night.....carving time!

Halloween Apples

I have had quite a few orders for these this Halloween. They are granny smith apples dipped in home-made caramel and the in milk chocolate. Drizzled with orange tinted white chocolate, sprinkled with black and orange nonpareils and tied with cute Halloween ribbon.
I'm still taking orders if anyone is interested.

Makutus Island

Justin had Columbus Day off (gotta love city jobs) and so we decided to take the boys to do something fun.

We headed on over to Makutu's Island in Chandler. It's a bit of a drive, but well worth it.

If you have never heard of Makutus Island it's basically a McDonalds play area on steroids. There are a ton of tunnels and slides and crawl through spaces and a lot of them go up way high and it's all decorated in a jungle theme.

I thought Hayden would be scared, but he got in there and was all over the place.

The adults can even get in too if you are so inclined (I was not) but Justin climbed up a few things with the boys.

It was a lot of fun and we will definitely be going back.

Pumpkin Bread

I have been longing to make this for a while now but have been waiting for it to start feeling like October before I did. It's been over 100 degrees here in Arizona until yesterday. It was a rainy chilly day and it put me in the mood to bake. So.....let's get started.

PUMPKIN BREAD

In a large bowl:

3 1/2 C. unbleached all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon

whisk together until well combined.

In another large bowl combine:

3 C. sugar
1 C. vegetable oil
2/3 C. water
4 eggs
2 C. pumpkin

mix until well incorporated.

Add your wet ingredients to the flour mixture and combine well.

This recipe makes 2 9" loaves so I decided to add chocolate chips to one of the loaves.

Place loaves side by side in a 350 degree oven and bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes and then invert and place back on rack to cool at least 1 hour....unless you like it warm like me! :0) Then you can dig into it sooner!

It is super moist and I have to say I love the chocolate chips in there. Really put me in the mood for the season.....finally!!!