{tickles and smiles}

1940 in 40

February 22, 2012 5 Comments

Today it is only 40 days until the 1940 census will be available online.

The 40s have always been one of my favorite time periods. I think it’s mostly about the music. A little about the hair and fashion, but mostly about the music. And the stories. I love the stories.

On April 2nd the images of the 1940 U.S. Federal Census will be available as free digital images – something not available previous census years. According to the website, “upon its release, the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project, a joint initiative between Archives.com, FamilySearch, findmypast.com, and other leading genealogy organizations, will coordinate efforts to provide quick access to these digital images and immediately start indexing these records to make them searchable online with free and open access.”

“Here’s a chance for you to remember the spirit of volunteerism from the 1940s by adding your name to the roster of indexers for the 1940 US Census.” (1940 Census Blog)

And a related ambassador… my mother, a Family and Church History missionary at the Family History Library. We received this photo in our weekly email (February 5th) with this info: “On Friday night the FHL was open until midnight – so we stayed late. We were encouraging people to sign up to help index the 1940 Census – thus would explain the dark lipstick and scarf in my hair. FYI – it’s not too late to sign up to help index.”

Learn how to get started here. (It’s easy!) History is waiting.

Filed Under: {1940 census}, {Ta-Da! accomplishments}, {tickles and smiles}, {worthwhile}

Freckles

February 7, 2012 Leave a Comment

Is there anything cuter than oreo freckles?

Nope, I didn’t think so.

Filed Under: {happy times}, {tickles and smiles}

Month of Love

February 5, 2012 1 Comment

During a lesson a few weeks ago at church we were challenged to show love everyday for the whole month leading up to Valentine’s Day. Simple or grand, well thought out or spontaneous – show love. The sweet sister teaching the lesson talked about how “all people are our brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father”. She said she might be taking it a bit literally – but how do children show love? There was a whole list on the board – children are so good at it! That was the other aspect of the challenge – share child-like love – whole-hearted. Cute notes on pillows, weed bouquets, prayers, hugs and big kisses… a whole month of love.

Here’s my first week:
Made cherry pie for JB, explained gingerbread nativity and let little ones go for it (had all the parts for about a month – kept putting it off – no longer 😉 ), painted Katey’s nails, let Katey paint mine, made banners for Family Story Night with lots of help :), had a baby!, nursed, loved, snuggled, sweet-talked, repeat :), back rub for the mister, and shared my brownies.

The last one might have been the hardest. 😉

I loved President George Albert Smith’s thoughts in the same lesson, “… the more we give of that which is uplifting and enriching to our Father’s children, the more we have to give. It grows like a great fountain of life and bubbles up to eternal happiness.”

It’s been wonderful focusing on showing love in simple ways. Care to join me? It’s down to a little over a week now – but truly, anytime is a good time to show love.

Filed Under: {happy times}, {holidays and celebrations}, {tickles and smiles}

Meri Jane

January 22, 2012 4 Comments

America Jane Pipes

born the 18th of January at 6:10 pm

8 lb. 19 3/4 inches long

red hair, blue eyes

Such a sweetheart! 🙂

photos captured by Jim Bob, how I love that man.

Filed Under: {happy times}, {Ta-Da! accomplishments}, {tickles and smiles}

A short time ago in a land not too far away…

January 7, 2012 6 Comments

a fun event took place. Our ward’s second annual chili cook-off occurred on October 21. Thrilled that it happened for a second year – with bishoprics and Relief Society presidencies both having changed this last year. Our bishop and counselors this time were also good sports and along with their wives gave beautiful performances as the “Squeeky Cheeks”. A fine musical group with colorful bow-ties that played rousing renditions of ol’ time favorite songs – with their instruments of choice…balloons. Sometimes the silly fun that causes tears to run down your face can be so bonding and downright enjoyable.

We once again tied two quilts and had a wonderful evening.

I decided to enter a new kind of chili (because I was feeling dangerous, spontaneous and decided – what’s to lose? – except the candy bar prize I suppose. Luckily it paid off. 😉 ). Introducing:

Buffalo Chicken Chili

I heard about Rachael Ray’s recipe and checked it out. I’m sure it’s yummy, but I didn’t have some of the ingredients and I wasn’t too sure about lots of celery in a chili – although I do love bleu cheese. And no beans? I just couldn’t do it. So instead I took my basic recipe:

Chili

Put four cups of beans in crock-pot. Fill water to within an inch of the top of crock-pot. Add palm-ful of salt, 3 oz. chili powder, 2 cloves of garlic, 3 liberal shakes Chicago Steak Seasoning by Weber, small handful dried onions and a dash of crushed red pepper. Cook for 6-7 hours. Throw in 1/4 lb. browned ground beef and tomatoes or salsa.

…And then substituted using 3 kinds of beans (white, pinto and red kidney) instead of just pinto as usual. I then added a whole bunch of hot sauce, chicken chunks, and a little more hot sauce.

Ready for my award? (we won’t talk about the fact that about half the pots of chili there win prizes. 😉 )

That’s right! Thankfully I didn’t eat but a small nibble of my chili that night – there were too many other yummy ones to taste! Not sure I would have wanted that result. 🙂

And the inside of the prize:

yum.

Maybe I’ll have to try a dessert chili next year…

Filed Under: {happy times}, {Ta-Da! accomplishments}, {tickles and smiles}

Happy 12 years…

December 31, 2011 2 Comments

to the one who makes me laugh, cry and love with my whole heart…

Happy Anniversary Mister!

{credits here}

Filed Under: {digital happiness}, {happy times}, {holidays and celebrations}, {Jessica Sprague}, {one little word}, {Ta-Da! accomplishments}, {tickles and smiles}

Spotlight: Andy-roo

November 7, 2011 Leave a Comment

Katey: I like when Andrew says “good-bye” to me when he goes to work. He was pretending and I was pretending to make lunch for him. I like when he plays with me.

Autumn: I like when Andrew is willing to help – when he comes along with me to sell cookies and cookie dough (school fundraiser time). {They are a very cute sales couple.}

Joshua: I like that whenever Nathan comes over, the three of us always want to play pirates. Magician pirates, ghost pirates, skeleton pirates, any kind of pirates… even spy pirates.

Jacob: Andrew likes pretend gun fights. Nobody gets hit because we have bad aims. Andrew used to always call bananas, banana boomers. I’m glad that he is always willing to play if I need to play with someone.

Mommy: Drewby-do is an excellent reader. His comprehension is amazing too. When we do reading lessons he can tell me all about the story before I even start asking the questions. He also rocks the dishes. Daddy: I love how throughly entertaining Andrew is – all the things he says and does and the funny faces he makes. His quips and quick wit.

Andrew: I love how fast I run. (He says as he demonstrates and then proceeds to suck on his big toe – ??)

We love our multi-talented, fun-lovin’ boy – and my best twitter material at the moment. 😉

Filed Under: {*spotlights*}, {tickles and smiles}

Spotlight {Autumn}

August 29, 2011 Leave a Comment

Daddy: Autumn Michelle – I love you because when you offer to help someone you are so good to do it quickly and cheerfully. When you decide to help someone you do it with all your heart.

Jacob: I love Autumn because she has so much energy and enthusiasm.

Autumn: Do you want to see how fast I can run?

Daddy: Um, no. I want you to sit nicely and take in all the good things being said.

Andrew: Because she trades candy a lot. (The fair parade was last Saturday.)

Caleb: Sister, seeeeester! (He loves his sister and loves to say sister too. When he says his nighttime prayer, he always gets distracted when he starts talking about his sisters.). *big squeeze hugs and a huge mmmmmuah!!*

Autumn: I am very talented! I can do back bends and cartwheels!!

Josh: I love Autumn because she trades candy with me.

Mommy: I too am thankful for Autumn’s help around the house. One day she cleaned the table three times for me. She’s good at cheering up her brother and sister. She was a huge help at the fair booth. She would pass out stickers and talk about the books and was such a big help. I love Autumn. She’s my oldest girlie!

Filed Under: {*spotlights*}, {tickles and smiles}

Love Stories…

August 19, 2011 Leave a Comment

A few stories I don’t want to forget. 🙂 I love the words+photos process for that. The +colors+polka dots+digital paint+toothpick flags… that would be for me. The little heart(s) “hidden” on each layout I do… that’s for all of us.

My silly little one. One morning she came running into our bedroom, hopped on the bed and announced “I am going to juggle oranges!” Her daddy helped her and there were many smiles and giggles.
Epilogue: The next day, Katey threw a party for one of her oranges.

{Credits}