MY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Have you all been wondering?... The big announcement is finally here and I haven't slept for a week!!! The day has come...YAY. I am so excited because this has been a work in progress for the last year, and......

Ribbon Blossoms Chic Boutique is now LIVE! And we’re celebrating with an Awesome Giveaway! If you have been following my blog, you know that I have a small business with my friend Xazmin making and selling hair bows and other girly accessories. Until now we have been selling our items at craft shows and our local boutique mall. We also have had a few of our items listed on Daisy Craft, an online site for handmade items. But now, TODAY…we have our very own WEBSITE!!!

Please celebrate with us by entering our Fabulous Girly Giveaway! Now don’t run away if you are not a mother of girls…this prize will make a wonderful baby gift or birthday gift for someone you love! Are you ready? Are you dying to know what it is? The winner of this giveaway will have their choice between 2 fabulous gift bundles! Each valued at over $50.00! Our Girly Girl Bundle includes: 1 pink and brown Bow Holder, personalized with your girly girl’s name (I.e. “Melissa’s Bows), 2 Hair Flowers - 1 white and 1 white with pink polka dots, 1 hot pink Alexys Bow, 1 Chocolate Strawberry Korker Set, and last but definitely not least 1 Raspberries and Cream Fluffy Tutu!

Our Baby Girl Bundle includes: 1 Pink Delight Bitty Baby Bracelet, 1 Pink Leopard Bitty Baby Bow Set, 1 White Bitty Bling Band, 1 Pink and Brown Flower Bitty Bib, 1 Bitty Belchers burp cloth set, and the finishing touch - 1 Chocolate Strawberry Petite Pouf Tutu!

As if that weren't enough - we aren't just looking out for your little girlies in this giveaway - we want to pamper mom! So as a bonus we are also including this fabulous pedicure package. Includes 2 fun nail polish colors, 1 double sided pedicure tool with 4 different foot pampering functions, creamy pumice foot scrub, and 2 pairs of comfy socks to warm those pampered toesies! All bundled in an adorable mini tote!

Now, I know you’re asking yourselves, “Ooh what must I do to win this fabulous prize?” Well it’s just this simple:

You receive 1 entry for checking out our new website, http://www.ribbonblossoms.com/ then coming back to let us know which item you’re just dying to have!

You receive an additional entry for visiting my partner’s blog and making a comment on her post as well. (no need to come back here to comment about that).

You receive 3 additional entries for posting about this giveaway on your blog. Come back and let me know that you did.

You receive 5 more entries if you put our button on your sidebar! Again come back and let me know that you did.

Want to know how to get 7 additional entries on top of these? Sign up to host an online Bow Party that will take place sometime before March 31. Go here to learn about online bow parties.
Email ribbonblossoms@aol.com if you are interested and we will send you all the info you need, and place your additional 7 entries.

Giveaway ends Friday, March 13 at 11:59 pm! (MST)

Thank you so much Channa for all your wisdom, dumb questions answered, and many hours you put into making the website possible. You are GREAT!!!

TOTALLY THANKFUL THURSDAY!...and...It's almost time!!

So many things to be thankful for, but the five that popped in my head right now are...

1. Microwave popcorn... it's been a life saver on my diet, when I am craving something salty.

2. My cell phone...keeps me in touch with my family when I am feeling lonely for the small home town I am from, and they still live!

3. Hats... today will definitly be a hat day, because I had 3 hours of sleep, and still have eight million and one things to do...before FRIDAY!!!

4. For Jibbity...she is always pleasent in the mornings, and talks to me right now with an English accent... and acts like I am her royal servant, and she'd like some cereal for breakfast.

5. My comfy bed... that I will rediscover sometime Friday night after "the big announcement".

Don't forget...Tomorrow...is the big day!!!!

Big Announcement...

Don't forget on Friday there will be a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT... I am so excited, and have been putting in long hours preparing. Be sure to check back!!!!

Hair It Is!

With three little girls there is always hair to be done... I love it. As a teenager I always hoped I'd have daughters to make pretty, and I loved fixing all my nieces hair. I always wanted the long beautiful permed hair that was" in " back in the late 80's, early 90's...but I was not that lucky. Oh don't get me wrong I could "rat" it with the best of them, and always had a perm, I just didn't have the thick beautiful locks that were in all the Rock Ballad music videos...*sigh*. WOW... hope those "big bangs" don't come back, but they were beautiful back then. I guess?

I should have realized why my hair was falling out. And those cutie Rocker boys...YUM!

Meet Jon Bonjovi... he was and still is my * boyfriend*. O.K. I am happily married, but isn't he so cute? I loved him back then and he has aged VERY well! Wow did I get off the subject!?! Back to hair... here are some styles I've done on my girls recently, it is SO fun to play with my little cuties.

Jibbity has a lot of hair but it is cut in an A-line...it's still fun, I just have to be a little more creative for up-dos, and dance recitals.

Ashie doesn't have much yet, but she's working on it.

Lexlee has a lot of hair, and it is so fun to "pin" up. She would just prefer it down now most of the time, she thinks she is getting to big. I always tell her "I had girls so I could do their hair"...

This was for "crazy hair and pajama day at school... I even got to play with Bug's hair that day. Lexlee's hair was like that in the back too, and she even won an award. That was a fun morning! I think next year they won't tell me when "crazy hair" day is!

Have a great day!!!

Friend Makin' Mondays!

Something fun...over at Kasey's , she has Friend Makin' Mondays, where you can get to know some fellow bloggers through her "tasks"...so go over and link up.

This weeks task is... 10 Favorite Things!

1. Shopping...whether it's at a thrift store, a department store, or the grocery store, I LOVE to shop...it is therapy, the only problem is...NO Money, oh well at least I can window shop. It's still fun to be out and about.

2. I love the color yellow, especially bright yellow. It is so happy and warm, and makes me smile!

3. The smell of fresh cut grass... there is nothing like a saturday in the summer of yard work , and when we sit in the swing in the backyard when we're done... I love to smell the dirt and the newly cut grass. (kind of weird huh?)



4. My Mom and Dad, (and all other extended family) They are the best parents ever! Oh I wish we lived closer!

5. Fingernail polish...in lots of wild colors. I love them for my toes, it just always makes me happy to look down and see these bright, happy toes smilin' up at me!

6. Daisies, daisies, and more daisies. I love these delicate little flowers.

7. Camping with my family in the great outdoors. I am not really someone who likes being dirty, I am pretty much a "make-up" girl all the time, but I love being out in the wilderness, where it is quiet, and being able to sit around a campfire and laugh and enjoy each others company.

8. Dr. Pepper...oh how I love thee... I don't drink it but on rare occasions anymore because I'm trying to shed pounds, but there is nothing better then a fountain D.P. with "light ice". Refreshing!

9. Sunflowers... just like daisies these bright, happy flowers make my day, I have big, huge ones in my garden. I dream of someday seeing one of those fields full of them in person.

10. My handsome husband and my beautiful children. You make my days brighter and my life so much better. I love you all to the moon a hundred times! (these are some camping pics from last summer...refer to number 7)

Be sure to check back on Friday...I have an exciting announcement to make and can't wait to tell you all!! YAY!!

PICTURE TAG

"That Girl" over at Sunshine and Rainbows photo tagged me...

***Rules***1. Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.2. Go to the 6th Folder and then pick the 6th Picture.3. Post it on your bloggy and tell the story that goes with the picture.4. Tag 5 other glorious peoples to do the same thing and leave a comment on their bloggy tellin’ them ’bout it.

I TAG...

Tracy at The Sharp Family
Michelle at High Family Highlights
Cori at Meet the Robinsons
Camielle at The Alleman Family Moments
Amy at All Grown Up...Almost
Kylee at K.y.l.e.e.&M.i.c.h.a.e.l.
Xazmin at This is the Year

Here goes...

Oh so much fun...my annual camping family reunion...our theme in the camp was "cowboy" and Grandma gave everyone these plastic cowboy boot cups, and cowboy hats. Lexlee, my sweet niece, and Jibbity were so excited and had to "toast" with the new boots. Grandpa is in the back there laying on the picnic table...such a rough life. I can't wait for our reunion this summer. I am really a girly girl, but I grew up camping and there is nothing like getting out in the beautiful fresh air, and hangin' out with your family!!! I love you all...can't wait to "c u at the basin".

SOOOOOOO.... tired tonight. Ribbon Blossoms had a craft boutique today. It was as usual a rush to get everything done...and of course I stayed awake late at night and into the early hours of the morning, cutting, sealing, and hot gluing ribbon(and my fingers) to make bows. My schedule for the week was crazy with a fussy, pinkeyed one year old, laundry that doesn't do itself, and a family that thinks they need to eat. But it all turned out great, and I am ready to sleep for three days. I won't be going to church in the morning due to the spread of pinkeye to Jibbity, and Hunter Dan has to teach his Primary class so he can't stay home with the two youngest...maybe I will try to rest a little. Oh... and thanks to my sweet husband who took care of the cooking and kids while I finished up last night. Much appreciated!

Being Thankful and "Me an Award?"

TOTALLY THANKFUL THURSDAY

Sometimes I find that I get caught up in the things I want, the things that aren't going my way, and the things I wish I could do... I often need a little kick in the buns to remember the many blessings I do have, and so I am starting "TOTALLY THANKFUL THURSDAY" this will be the top 5 things that I am thankful for, from the huge to the tiny...and everywhere in between. The rule for myself is it has to be what I think of when I turn on the computer, I can't be thinking of it before hand... only spur of the moment. Join along if you'd like.

1. I am not thankful for the pinkeye my little Ashie has, but I am thankful that I was able to get an appointment with the doctor at 9:10 this morning and get her started on a prescription.

2. I am thankful for the few little tulip bulbs I see peeking up through the dirt in my flower bed.

3. I am thankful for the heater I can turn up while my Husband is at work...just to take the chill from my toes.

4. I am thankful for cute earrings(silly I know, but it came to my head). They can cheer you up, especially big wild ones that you might feel a little self-concious wearing because you're not 16 anymore.

5. Toilet paper...I just had to leave my computer because my two older daughters just spilled an entire bottle of finger nail polish remover on the bathroom counter... luckily they mopped most of it up with toilet paper before it hit the tile and the rugs.

Happy Thursday!!!

Wow, I am so excited I got an award!!! Thankyou so much Xazmin from This is the Year. My super good friend and business partner. You are so amazing!!! Love ya!

Now I get to pass it on to some of you blogging sisters that show great attitude and gratitude!!!

1. Missy from Two Little Monkeys...she is a fun and cute Mom of twin girls, and always a joy to read, she's quite a talented gal too!!!

2. Lori from Time of Your Life... I love reading her posts, way too cute!

3. Girly Stuff... this is a lucky lady living with three guys...she is fun to read and she is a super cute blogger.

4. Limefreckle... she is awesome, she has great ideas and is too adorable!!

5. Mammatalk... so fun and witty, I love to read this blog!!

6. Katie from Sunshine and Bubblegum... She is one talented lady, gotta check her out.

7. Wendy from Some of My Favorite Things... such a joy to read!!!

8. Kally from A Little Bit Of Life On the Side...She is funny and cute, glad I found her blog.

9. Kris from JesseKate Designs... she makes beautiful things... one very talented lady!!!

10. Jodi from Mouse Tales... she is a cutie, and always grateful.

I have had such a fun time getting a glimpse into these amazing ladies lives. There are so many others out there and I can't wait to find them. I heart this blogging world, what a fun way to meet others. It was quite a task narrowing down to these 10...oh what fun I've had in my short time...thanks again Xazmin!!!

Now here are the rules:Put the logo on your blog or post. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude! Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

PAY IT FORWARD!!!

This is how it works..... the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. when and what will be a surprise. BUT, in order for you to leave a comment on my blog, you have to post this on your blog first. (that means that sometime during this year you will send a gift to 3 people as well.) get it? so, the first 3 people to comment on this post will be the lucky ones!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Summertime Anyone?

Is anyone else kind of tired of the snow, cold, and lack of sunshine? I really love the snow until it's the night of December 25th, and then I am ready for some warmth. Don't get me wrong I actually love the snow and know we need the moisture, and I really am grateful for it, I'm just needing some warm sunshine on my face.

I couldn't resist...it's a favorite of mine and reminds me of fun summer afternoons in the backyard!!

I'm at least ready to think spring!!! :-)

Happy Big "1" Ashie!!!

Ashie... one year ago, you were the new, beautiful, little baby girl, we'd been

waiting for. Oh, how very excited we all were to finally see you.

You had a little bit of a rough start, and we were so worried about you...


but you pulled through and have been such a joy in our lives.

You had a beautiful blessing day, so tiny and pure, and your Dad was amazing with his new baby girl.

You were beautiful, and your brother and sisters absolutely adored you from the first sight.

Lexlee is like a little mother, and she is always ready to pick you up and take care of you!

Your "tough" Dad thinks you are wonderful!

Now you are a big ONE year old, 18 lbs, and so full of mischief, I love you to the moon a hundred times.

You are so busy and so... fun. Happy Birthday "little big eyes", that's what your Dad calls you.

We love you so much and are so happy you are here.XOXOXO

A typical Sunday morning!!

Oh, the joys of getting ready for church! I start on saturday night... I iron like crazy, lay out all clothes for everyone, including socks, slips, tights, hairbows, jewelry, and shoes(I am a little obsessive and function better with organization...kind of weird I know). Then I eventually go to bed knowing the early time of 6:30 will come around WAY too fast. When my alarm goes off I think...here we go, I will have a happy attitude, I will be pleasant, I will not get frustrated when my 11 year old Bug asks me for help to tuck in his shirt, or when my sweet Lexlee takes seriously 20 minutes to put on her tights. I jump in the shower, get out and immediately start sweating because of the task ahead. Oh well here goes... Bug is extremely grumpy, Jibbity is happy but can't eat her breakfast too fast, because she has to chew her food carefully. Lexlee is pleasant, but does not want to wear the dress I had ironed the night before, she would prefer a skirt. Ashie sleeps in. THIS NEVER HAPPENS! So she isn't hungry, and we can't put her dress on until she eats. Slowly but surely we get everyone dressed and start to work on hair. Three pretty girls, 1 needing his hair spiked son, and me. P.S. Hunter Dan finally rolls out of bed and goes in the bathroom to... of course the bathroom where all the hair stuff is. Grand! I wisely use this time to make my bed and put dishes away, and try not to yell at the kids for arguing about who gets the toy out of the cereal box. It's sunday lets get along o.k....PLEASE! Ashie gets in the bathroom because Hunter Dan leaves the door open, and unrolls the toilet paper as she walks down the hall. At least the toilet lid was down. Hair finally gets done, shoes are on, sweaters on, scriptures ready to go, and then I hear"hey Mom we only have 20 minutes and you're not dressed, your hairs not done, and your face isn't on yet." Then Hunter Dan pipes up" with we're waiting on you".... I have perfected the art of a quick get ready, and we are out the door at five to 9. Yes... we've made it. I am flustered and sweaty, and not in the best of moods by now, but as I walk into the Chapel for Sacrament meeting... a new calm comes over me, and I see the other mothers who have gone through the same thing and they smile and I smile back...because I know we have made it through yet another typical Sunday morning...( we were actually 5 minutes early because my Mom was here to help!) I sure love my beautiful children and my Hunter Dan, and I love going to church and learning about our Savior and the gospel with them, and having the incredible knowledge of being an eternal family, I love you all to the moon. Now I need a nap!!!!!

Be My Valentine!

I had a really great V-day. Not because it was super romantic or anything, but because it was laid back and relaxing. After we got dumped on with a good snow storm, my Mom and Dad were able to arrive from my home town a few hours away. On their way they picked up Bug and Lexlee from their Dads house(where they had been for the last two weeks) and I was able to have my little family back together. Oh how we miss them when they are gone! My sweetheart,"Hunter Dan", gave me a super amazing gift, a laptop!!!... better than flowers, more weight concious than chocolates, and so practical. I have been grinning from ear to ear!!! Hope you all had a wonderful day and got spoiled a little! I think we all deserve a little spoiling sometimes. YAY! Now I get to spend a couple days with my Mom and Dad. AND... my little Ashie is turning one on Monday...sniff, sniff...the year went by so fast!