Amber's Design on a Dime (or 400)

My mom gave me a dresser that I LOVE,and we've needed some end tables in our bedroom for a while. I found a pair on Craigslist for $15. They were totally ugly with a gray washed veneer. I really wasn't sure I'd be able to use them.

A friend of mine had told me though that I could get the same finish as my dresser by painting and then wiping some wood stain over the top. I first spray painted the tables a cream color, applied the stain and voila! Matching bedroom furniture. Sort of. :) There's obviously less detail and trim to these guys, and I want to still switch out the hardware, but I'm so glad for people out there who know how to do these at-home projects - it definitely saved me a lot of money and now I have customized end tables!

"Here's your end table, and it's HAPPY to see you!"

Halloween Time

B and I made this spooky cake creation for our ward halloween party. I think we found a new family holiday tradition.

In case you are not a Disney channel buff, these costumes are inspired by Nora's favorite show, Phineas and Ferb. Ike is Phineas, Nora is Perry the Platypus, Branden is Dr. Doofenshmirtz, and I'm Candace.

Happy Halloween!

San Diego!

We dropped the kids off with my parents last Thursday and took off for three days in San Diego, a quick birthday/anniversary re-do trip. It was very relaxing and so nice to have a short break from nap schedules and toddler meltdowns. (Thanks Mom and Dad!) We took a trolley tour of the old town, downtown, the seaside, and Coronado. I love all the bits of history you get from tours like that.
We visited the Mormon Battalion Museum in Old Town. It was really cool - they have recently updated it with new interactive movie presentation.

We honeymooned here four and half years ago and even though the weather was just as grey, we still had a wonderful time just being together! I am so blessed to have this patient, self-sacrificing man in my life forever! Love you B!

To Get to the Other Side?

Last night Nora woke up in the middle of the night. After settling her back down in her bed, she asked me to stay with her one minute. She was quiet and I was about to leave when all of a sudden she said, "Mom? How did the chicken cross the road?"

Then she immediately dropped back to sleep. Good thing too. I didn't have an answer for her - he walked? he ran? he flew? Glad she doesn't ask the hard questions during the day! :)

Ballet Class

This picture says it all!

...Well, maybe not everything. :) We thought she would LOVE this little ballet and tap class because she LOVES to dance, but...I guess she doesn't love following the crowd. At her last lesson, instead of doing what all the other girls were doing and following the teacher, Nora went around to all the parents on the sidelines and bowed to each one, saying "thank you, thank you!"

Because obviously she had been doing such a great job dancing that she deserved applause and praise. :)

Maybe we'll try hip-hop next time!

Oh Dear!

I had the radio on today and the song True Colors came on. After hearing the line "your true colors are beautiful...like a rainbow," Nora turned to me and said completely sincerely "I think they're talking about me. They said beautiful."

Well, :) yes, little lady, I must agree your true colors are beautiful!

Debates of Logic

(After trying to grab Daddy's toast off his plate, and being rebuffed)
Nora:Dad! God wants us to share!
Branden: Yes, but Mom asked you to finish your waffle before eating toast, and God also wants you to listen to your parents. Do you remember that?
Nora: Well...!