tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27940231779261564762024-02-20T21:45:05.657-07:00Rudy Family Rukus~Parenting tips and humor meet in one big "rukus"Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comBlogger507125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-46365757234057871462015-07-13T07:00:00.000-06:002015-07-13T07:00:01.004-06:00Master Bedroom Makeover Board and Batten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I highly recommend a few items although you don't HAVE to have them it just makes this project go so much faster. I bought a <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-Compressor-and-3-Tool-Combo-Kit-PCFP12234/203471431" target="_blank">pancake compressor with three nail guns</a> included saved me on this project and a miter saw. I bought both from Home Depot and they didn't pay me to say that it is just where I happen to shop. I actually had this all measured out and went to Home Depot and they cut the <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-11-16-in-x-3-1-2-in-x-8-ft-Primed-MDF-Board-242738/100061915" target="_blank">mdf primed boards</a> for me. However I later purchased the <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-7-1-4-in-Miter-Saw-With-Laser-TS1142L/202078684" target="_blank">miter saw</a> and was then able to cut things right here at my house. The nail gun I used is a 16 gauge gun that can shoot nails up to 3 inches. I used a 2.5 inch nail to cover the thickness of the board and wall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok so I recommend deciding how you want your boards spaced first and measure and mark on the wall where you want them. I tried to do every 16 inches because that is how far apart my studs were but then I realized my wall wasn't an even length and so I have some that look a little off on the ends. Lesson learned.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You will also need some liquid nails and caulk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did not remove my baseboards I just placed the first board just above the baseboard that gave me a nice straight line to work with. Then I started placing the boards on the wall at 16 inch intervals. Since the boards I used are 3.5 inches wide the 16 inches seemed perfect. I used smaller boards in my hallway project and those are closer together at 12 inches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall I love how this project turned out. I don't have a headboard so this looks really great with my bed on this wall. The only downside.... a few more surfaces to dust!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't mind the mess in my chair. I really really love this and I have since done a few other projects using this same technique. It has really improved the look and feel of our cookie cutter home. I just love making it a custom home on my own. I also refinished the bedside tables. That's another post....</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-76775046492711663872013-12-11T16:57:00.000-07:002013-12-11T16:57:04.534-07:00Fun Christmas Crafts for Kids<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am kind of a crafty person. I am not good at coming up with my own crafts but I am really great at copying others work and making it my own with my own little touches. So when my friend recommended I try making toilet paper snowmen I jumped all over that idea. My kids are on year round school and we are off track right now and I am desperate to entertain them. I took my question to Pinterest and found this great <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/34832597092344059/" target="_blank">idea</a>. I then ventured to Hobby Lobby and our mission was underway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also went to Target and got the cheapest TP available because I didn't want to use my expensive super soft kind for a craft (I know call me crazy but I'm weird about my TP).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Supplies:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 Rolls of TP per snowman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">jewels or buttons for eyes and mouth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">black pom poms for the front "buttons"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">orange pom pom for the nose</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ric rac ribbon for the hat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ribbon for the scarf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ribbon to tie around end of hat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">snowflake or pom pom for hat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">felt sheet for hat (we used black)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">white broadcloth to wrap around TP rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">glue gun</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got a yard of the broadcloth for the body and head of the snowman because I was unsure how much we needed that made 3 and I had some left over. I cut it into squares and then wrapped it around the TP and glued it in place</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I unrolled the second roll until the felt wrapped around it and overlapped a small amount.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I glued the two rolls on top of each other. I then glued the ricrac along the long edge of the felt and glued it to the top of the top TP roll.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I then took the end of the felt and bent it to the side and tied it off with the other ribbon. Then I let my kids put on the faces and buttons and tie on the scarves. It was a fun easy family project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love how they turned out. My youngest daughter recommended we could give them to their teachers at school and I thought we could do blues and purple for a cute winter class decoration instead of so Christmas-y. Hope you have as much fun as we did!</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-18517277964675698672013-12-08T22:16:00.000-07:002013-12-08T22:21:39.401-07:00Putting more meaning into Christmas with Mini™ Missions<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year our family wanted to put more significant meaning into our holidays. We were looking for new traditions to bring us closer together as a family and to also help others at the same time. When I heard about how Scholastic and Kellogg’s® teamed up I knew this was a perfect way for our family to be motivated to not only serve others but also help us feel the true meaning of Christmas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The program we registered for is called Every Day is a Big Day. As your family completes each Mini Mission™ you can earn free Scholastic books for your and family and a chance to win prizes for your school and community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can visit <a href="http://minimissions.scholastic.com/">http://minimissions.scholastic.com</a> to register your family for the Every Day is a Big Day program.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you complete each Mini™ Mission your family earns 2 free Scholastic Books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also as each mission is completed you are entered into a sweepstakes where 131 prizes will be awarded to schools and communities each month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can also download free monthly stories chronicling Mini's™ adventures against the evil Skipper. (these are so cute our family LOVED them)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">December's theme is Give and Get Back.The objective is to encourage families to do something good for others. Work together to think of ways to help others and put your ideas into action. Complete 3 projects that give back to your community or others in need. No action can be too small. </span><br />
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Our family chose to do a few services projects this month. <br />
We are working on some fleece blankets for a few local charities and we also made some "Survival Bags" that we keep in our cars to hand out to people we see on the streets who need help. These bags contain lots of items like toothpaste and tooth brushes, soap, deodorant, snacks, water, immunity boosts for the cold season and other necessities.<span style="line-height: 1.6em;"> We also donated to a giving tree from our church which gives to families in our own neighborhood in need. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.6em;"> It is not too late to get started NOW. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Register here <a href="http://minimissions.scholastic.com/">http://minimissions.scholastic.com</a> and there is also a bonus entry this month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6em;">Bonus Holiday Promotion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After you complete the December Mini™ Mission, enter a Kellogg's(R) Family Rewards Code on your Mission Complete page of Scholastic.com/minimissions and you'll receive an additional FREE BOOK!* Kellogg's(R) Family Rewards Codes can be found inside all boxes of Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats(R). Bonus offer ends on December 31st.<br />
*While supplies last.<br />
Seriously who doesn't like FREE stuff especially at Christmas time? I am thinking some new books would make some really great gifts or better yet something to donate to help give back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Join us as we try to make this Decmeber one to remember.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kellogg’s® Frosted Mini-Wheats® and Scholastic have partnered to bring you the Every Day is a Big Day program, created to benefit families, schools and communities across the country.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your family is invited to complete monthly Mini™ Missions to get free books for your family. Also, each month you’ll be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 131 valuable prizes for your school and community. As you earn books and enter the sweepstakes, your family is sure to have a blast and learn something new along the way!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.scholastic.com/minimissions">Start here </a>and register for your first monthly mission!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a sponsored conversation by me on behalf of Kellogg's(R) Frosted Mini-Wheats(R). The opinions and text are all mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also this little man (ahem NOT so little man) went and had another birthday. He made me a list of birthday gifts he wanted and clipped coupons for those gifts so he got everything he asked for. Love that he is 11 and frugal my work is done…..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And yes I am aware that I haven't blogged in forever. </span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-59460276241662951912013-04-02T17:00:00.000-06:002013-04-02T17:00:00.069-06:00Easter 2013....#WordlessWednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love Easter. I love the reason we celebrate, I love the bright colors, and I love taking pictures of my kids in their new clothes. It makes me smile. Hope you all had a lovely Easter too.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-23319980566014057212013-03-26T15:04:00.000-06:002013-03-26T15:04:42.926-06:00Wordless Wednesday....High Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't all 5 year olds play Jewels (Zen version) and wear beatsbydre and accessorize with packing bubbles. Just mine? Oh okay.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm thinking she's ready for the runway....That hair is everywhere. When the seasons change around here our dry hair struggles. Good thing she is so fashionable!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joining up with Lolli at <a href="http://betterinbulk.net/">Better in Bulk</a>, Angie at <a href="http://sevenclowncircus.com/">Seven Clown Circus</a>, and Alicia at <a href="http://projectalicia.com/">Project Alicia</a> and wordless wednesdays everywhere.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-82049887996605688862013-03-03T21:43:00.001-07:002013-03-03T21:43:48.587-07:00Firmoo Glasses Review<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When<a href="http://www.firmoo.com/" target="_blank"> Firmoo </a>contacted me about trying out a pair of their glasses I was thrilled. Although I don't wear glasses my husband does and he is always in need of a new pair. So we went to their site and picked out a <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/eyeglasses-p-2075.html" target="_blank">great pair </a>for him to try out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He has been wearing them for about 10 days and he LOVES them. They fit well, the prescription is correct, and they look great on him. Well see for yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The glasses shipped quickly and safely. They came with a hard and soft carrying case, a cleaning rag, and mini tools for fixing loose screws or parts. I loved that because I just thought the tools were really cute! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My husband says the only thing he doesn't love is sometimes after wearing the glasses all day they are a little difficult to clean all the oils off. But with a little elbow grease they do come clean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I personally think they are very flattering and love how they look. Of course I am a little biased ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.firmoo.com/" target="_blank">Firmoo</a> has a large variety of prescription, non-prescription, and sunglasses to choose from. They also have an awesome First Pair Free program see the details of that <a href="http://www.firmoo.com/free-glasses.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Also be sure to follow them on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FirmooGlasses?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for all their specials and updated information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was not compensated for this post. We were provided with one pair of glasses to review. The opinions are my own.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-5016563090839962032013-02-28T22:02:00.000-07:002013-02-28T22:02:44.916-07:00Title Boxing Club GNO...Photo Story Friday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My fabulous friend <a href="http://isthisreallymylife.com/" target="_blank">Emily</a> hosted an awesome Girls Night Out. Although she didn't call it that. I am because it involved Girls (aka female bloggers), it was night time, and it was not at my house (YAY for not having to host or clean). It was so much fun because it involved two of my very favorite things (ya that's a song) working out and FOOD!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got to check out the newest boxing gym here in the Salt Lake Valley and let me just tell you I am over the top impressed with this place!! It is called Title Boxing Club you can check them out on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TitleBoxingUtah?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. They post specials and motivation all the time and the boxing <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TitleBoxingUtah/app_139229522811253" target="_blank">class schedule</a> is on there too. (You will definitely see me there at several classes) Ok so now for the pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Those are 100 pound bags and they are awesome. They have 60 of them (that's a lot by the way). We did a one hour power-hour workout using the bags and body-weight exercises my shins were sweating people that's how intense this workout was! The rumor is you can burn up to 1000 calories during one of these classes depending on how much you push yourself. Did I mention if you want to try out a power hour class the first hit (class) is free? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out all these hot momma's! We all have our "fierce" faces on here. <a href="http://jill-k.com/" target="_blank">Jill</a> and I are hiding in the back trying to hide our big noses!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our amazing instructor, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=412925215458654&set=a.366500130101163.87936.364669083617601&type=1" target="_blank">Maryguenn Vellinga</a>! She was so great and helpful and not mean at all. Thanks Emily for letting me steal pictures from Flickr.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I put those gloves on and I pretty much felt like I was going to knock something out. I LOVED it. Did I already say that? Thanks again to Emily for the photo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is in the entrance and I thought it looked pretty cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want those arms so a boxing I will go....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks again to Emily for hosting an awesome event and to Michael Alger (owner of Title Boxing Club in Cottonwood Heights) for welcoming us crazy ladies!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am linking up with Lolli for PhotoStory Friday over <a href="http://betterinbulk.net/2013/02/seeing-green.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was not compensated for this post. We were able to participate in the class for free and I will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free year membership; however all opinions are my own.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-56143238603641489372013-02-25T17:26:00.001-07:002013-02-25T18:05:12.029-07:00How to get Urine/Sweat stains out of your Mattress <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you have kids you have pee stains I know it. If you don't lucky you or you are a liar and in denial. I have pee stains on more than one mattress. I also have sweat stains on pillows because well I <a href="http://www.rudyfamilyrukus.com/2013/01/my-playlist.html" target="_blank">sweat a.lot</a>. It's a gift I know. I digress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway I have tried many different ways to get urine/pee out of mattresses and I have been very unsuccessful so I did a google search and what do you know? Another mom had pee stains too. So I borrowed her <a href="http://www.inspired-housewife.com/2012/03/30/how-to-get-pee-stains-out-of-a-mattress/" target="_blank">recipe</a> and it totally worked so I am sharing it with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All you need are these few house-hold ingredients and a spray bottle. I bought a really expensive one (NOT) I used one I had for my kids hair. It worked great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You will need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 Tablespoons Baking Soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8 ounces Hydrogen peroxide</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 drop dish soap</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix together well and use right away. My mom discovered that if it is not mixed well the baking soda will clog the sprayer. You also can't store this apparently it doesn't last in the bottle and it is no longer effective due to the active nature of these ingredients. I didn't test that out I used all the mixture. (twice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is my mattress before</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know totally nasty. And this is my guest room bed so I was horrified when my child destroyed it. I tried my carpet cleaner and it totally made it worse AHHH! There were also a few stains on my awesome mattress that I paid a small fortune for. It totally worked on that one too hooray! It also worked on my pillows. But I realized I could just throw those in the washer. I'm lazy.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is the after. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's kind of magic and I seriously LOVE that. I do know the power of hydrogen peroxide I have used it at work as a nurse to get blood stains out of my scrubs, so I wasn't surprised to see it would also remove urine. Yay for cheap cleaning products! I am thinking it will work on any bodily fluid stain (I'm not trying to be gross). Blood, sweat, urine. I did the treatment twice. It dried really fast and it also pulled out the odor. Now I am oh so happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope you are as happy about this as I am!</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-6570382595987140732013-02-22T08:00:00.000-07:002013-02-22T08:00:07.899-07:00Five Question Friday....Random<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px;">1. W<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">hat is a hobby you would love to learn and why?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0e1029; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 18px;"> I would love to learn to play the cello. I think it is the coolest instrument ever... well besides the piano and I already do that :)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">2. W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">hat do you wish you could have delivered to your house but does not deliver?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Frozen yogurt all day every day LOL!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">3. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">What's your favorite snow day activity? Inside and out?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I love when my kids play outside in the snow and I get to stay inside in the quiet. Oh wait did I say that out loud?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">4. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Would you meet a stranger from an Internet dating site?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Nope never. I have heard too many horror stories; although any of my blogging friends I have met in real life have been awesome!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">5. I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">f you had to spend 35 hours in a car with 4 other people, who would you choose?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">My husband and my kids. They seriously make me laugh and after 35 hours I think we would all be pretty "punchy" I think we might laugh until we cry.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCvKZMXB0hyphenhyphenN_cogjW3YSG55Cjfh0a3ngy_HY4779cTpqbtlbXO1qa6v28Jh9JYOBE-v5e58Ve0NFg-AEQUsSCSVhHs-BUeQ43aX2LBPyu47VkayzMywvJHKWjhtjY1_BXzhdTpX2oxdJ/s400/Rudy_0547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCvKZMXB0hyphenhyphenN_cogjW3YSG55Cjfh0a3ngy_HY4779cTpqbtlbXO1qa6v28Jh9JYOBE-v5e58Ve0NFg-AEQUsSCSVhHs-BUeQ43aX2LBPyu47VkayzMywvJHKWjhtjY1_BXzhdTpX2oxdJ/s640/Rudy_0547.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Don't they look hysterical....</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0e1029; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Linking up with Mama M. at <a href="http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Little Life</a>.</span></span></span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-73660138840744090322013-02-21T20:46:00.002-07:002013-02-21T20:46:24.943-07:00Longing for Warmer Weather... Photo Story Friday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have some serious spring fever at our house. Today the sun was out and I sat on my porch in my sweats and felt the warm sun on my face I could still see my warm breath in the cool air but I tried to soak it in before the next storm moves in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course I forgot to pull out my camera so here are some great patriotic shots from this fall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can almost feel the sun on face can't you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Linking up with Lolli at <a href="http://betterinbulk.net/" target="_blank">Better In Bulk</a> for Photo Story Friday/GMYBS</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-86748782565566355922013-02-19T18:49:00.001-07:002013-02-19T18:49:48.535-07:00Valentines Success.... Wordless Wednesday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year I wanted to make Valentines memorable. I am not sure why. It is not in my nature to go ALL out for holidays. I am not THAT mom. I am not a super decorator or celebrator I just don't love it. This year I got a bug though and I decided Valentines Day was going to be LEGENDARY!! I put it to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/brandie.rudy/posts/10200527232404439" target="_blank">Facebook Friends </a>and they did not disappoint with the suggestions. I also went to Pinterest for ideas and also no disappointment although Pinterest does tend to make me feel inadequate on a good day. Those Pinterest guru's are super over-achieving crazies... ahem. So I made my cool craft from <a href="http://www.rudyfamilyrukus.com/2013/02/a-little-extra-crafty-even-for-me.html" target="_blank">Monday's post</a>. Then I decided to create some pretty great Valentine's boxes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And my cute friend Jane suggested a Valentines Cafe at home with my children as servers. I LOVED this idea. I went to the store and bought aprons and craft paint and made custom server outfits for each child to wear. I made a family favorite for dinner. You can see that recipe <a href="http://www.theblogfrog.com/1348314/forum/2452/recipes.html?start=1" target="_blank">here</a> in my blogfrog community and in a previous post <a href="http://www.rudyfamilyrukus.com/2009/08/menu-planning-101.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall Valentines was so fun and I know my kids will certainly remember this one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't mind my messy house I can only be expected to do so much ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My food photography has much to be desired but it still tasted delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course we had cute little table decorations thanks to my cricut and <a href="http://www.closetomyheart.com/busybmom" target="_blank">Close To My Heart.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Linking up with Lolli at <a href="http://betterinbulk.net/" target="_blank">Better In Bulk</a>, Alicia at <a href="http://projectalicia.com/" target="_blank">Project Alicia</a>, and <a href="http://sevenclowncircus.com/" target="_blank">Angie and Amanda</a> for Wordful Wednesday. And Wordless Wednesdays everywhere.</span></div>
Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-45360995596569707222013-02-14T20:00:00.000-07:002013-02-14T20:00:04.892-07:00Sledding...PhotoStory Friday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We live in a snowy place and we have yet to do any sledding. I know lame mommy! Luckily Dad came to the rescue this week and built a tiny sledding hill Hooray for daddies!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Linking up with Lolli at Better in Bulk for Photo Story Friday.</span><br />
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Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-7247520807087458042013-02-12T21:14:00.000-07:002013-02-12T21:14:04.513-07:00Winter Outside, Spring Inside...Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This little pumpkin plant came home from kindergarten a week or two ago. It apparently doesn't know that it is still winter. It is growing so fast that I need to transplant it already. Finding potting soil in Utah in February is NOT an easy task. I am grateful for this little spark of Spring in my home right now. I was getting a little dumpy in the snow, even though I expect winter to go until May it is still difficult sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Linking up with Lolli @ <a href="http://betterinbulk.net/" target="_blank">Better In Bulk</a>, Alicia @ <a href="http://projectalicia.com/" target="_blank">Project Alicia</a>, Angie @ <a href="http://sevenclowncircus.com/" target="_blank">Seven Clown Circus</a> and Wordless Wednesdays everywhere.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-63252227574589198702013-02-12T20:29:00.000-07:002013-02-12T21:24:38.754-07:00Raising Safe Kids NOT Scared Kids<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How scary is it to be a parent today? For me a lot scary. Considering that when I was a child there was no internet, no computers, no cell phones, and you had to actually BUY porn. You know from a store, not online, in the privacy of your own home or the privacy or your smart phone. How do we raise our children to be safe contributing members of society and NOT heathens that are scared of everything around them? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If I were an expert I wouldn't be blogging as a mommy blogger that's for sure. What I do know is what works for MY kids. Here are a few tips that might be helpful to other mothers of elementary age children.</span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Open lines of communication-I want my kids to come to me with anything. I want them to know that no matter what; I am happy to help them with problems, issues, concerns, and I will be loving and understanding.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Start NOW- That means don't wait until your kids are tweens to start talking about sex, drugs, porn, and the boogie man. I started as soon as my kids were old enough to understand hey you....</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't be afraid-There is plenty of good in this world and I try to mingle in the scary with the good. I want my kids to feel lucky and blessed to live now. They were chosen to be here during this time. They are prepared and I am helping them be successful and I want them to know that.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love Unconditionally-We are going to make mistakes. All of us. Children and parents. That is how we learn. I try to make this apparent to my children. Like I said I'm not an expert I'm learning as I go but this is what is working now. These things might change but my kids know I love them because I tell them a LOT! Then I ask them if they know. Sometimes they get annoyed with all the loving and asking but they know and understand just how I feel.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope that you might find this helpful in parenting older children. It seems like there is so much advice for new parents and once your kids are no longer toddlers you don't need any help. Not me I need LOTS of help still so hopefully these are ideas that will work for you too.</span></div>
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Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-29166380288546879242013-02-11T08:00:00.000-07:002013-02-11T08:00:11.569-07:00A Little Extra Crafty Even For Me<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway that's what my husband said when he saw this....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It started out as plain wood I got the letters and ideas at <a href="http://www.thewoodconnection.com/" target="_blank">The Wood Connection</a>. I primed it in white with my acrylic craft paint and then covered it with some cool Valentines <a href="http://busybmom.ctmh.com/" target="_blank">Close To My Heart</a> Paper. I have limited Valentines decor so this adds a nice little to touch to our home this time of year.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-42654415985335476352013-02-05T20:47:00.001-07:002013-02-05T20:47:56.674-07:00Wordless Wednesday....Game Time<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My two oldest played <a href="http://www.nba.com/jazz/community/jr-jazz.html" target="_blank">Jr. Jazz</a> this year. The season ended for my son this past week and my daughter will finish up this Saturday. It was fun to watch them both improve this year. It is amazing the difference a few months of practice can make. Here are some of my favorite shots from this past week.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_LxS6zGKuu3CzSTsYm8_HUp9x1gZ7-tMW6AqpzcXQCim5kS5Obrk8Sfm9gM4lB_vXku8piat19YDLNunjfnZSw2yQpv6Ykj0sym1UJDwbkj_WPyXPeXC6mDbB4dr26ee2YcsXie8SGQR/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_LxS6zGKuu3CzSTsYm8_HUp9x1gZ7-tMW6AqpzcXQCim5kS5Obrk8Sfm9gM4lB_vXku8piat19YDLNunjfnZSw2yQpv6Ykj0sym1UJDwbkj_WPyXPeXC6mDbB4dr26ee2YcsXie8SGQR/s640/DSC_0016.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Post game sheen. He gets that from both parents lucky him!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She really is having fun. And I LOVE it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously cracks me up this one....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am linking up with Lolli at <a href="http://betterinbulk.net/" target="_blank">Better in Bulk</a>, Alicia at <a href="http://projectalicia.com/" target="_blank">Project Alicia</a>, and Angie at <a href="http://sevenclowncircus.com/" target="_blank">Seven Clown Circus</a> and Wordless Wednesdays everywhere.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-10670530516892976112013-01-30T08:30:00.000-07:002013-01-30T08:30:06.474-07:00Dead Silent Snow...Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrUVEasNLwTeq5MEdsobc81_Z_1t71RC5Z-KBhOq1BmYJr_wo8T9i70rqI2fzPcTj0tuZGLBH4yUc-FmWw2fXe7fILb7pJEDV88XwW-sD0yF83Q210I3z-QYNwiJq8_qJHwWk4JgIk7HT/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrUVEasNLwTeq5MEdsobc81_Z_1t71RC5Z-KBhOq1BmYJr_wo8T9i70rqI2fzPcTj0tuZGLBH4yUc-FmWw2fXe7fILb7pJEDV88XwW-sD0yF83Q210I3z-QYNwiJq8_qJHwWk4JgIk7HT/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When it snows huge flakes it is so silent outside. Not in a creepy way. In a beautiful close to heaven sort of way. That's how it was here last night. Sometimes silence is good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joining up with <a href="http://betterinbulk.net/" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday'</a>s everywhere and <a href="http://sevenclowncircus.com/" target="_blank">Wordful Wednesday</a>.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-15395900319756447952013-01-29T09:00:00.000-07:002013-01-29T09:00:03.062-07:00Chicken Parmesan <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was inspired by my lovely friend <a href="http://isthisreallymylife.com/" target="_blank">Emily</a> yesterday when she posted on Instagram about a delicious chicken pot pie her daughter made from a <a href="http://progresso.com/Products/Recipe-Starters/Fire-Roasted-Tomato" target="_blank">Progresso Recipe Starter</a>. This triggered my memory of the Progresso Recipe Starters I bought a month ago. (Still working on inventory of my pantry....)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I got started. I'm kind of a make it up as I go gal. I follow recipes but I like to add my own touches so I can post them on my blog and claim them....ahem I mean so that my food is deliciously my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is what I ended up with</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIdGyb459GGHU8MqnigqNJHpoXP01LpN_MOSgYpVPmraUQVeC6D9rpcwMCmABgvGxFrLgEOhRvScw-8mUk-zdUYmsFbkNYYLu99v1tWDWgogmtnO4ZuklM1IS1oWHKFmfc4mIatfcl5hH/s1600/IMG_1551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIdGyb459GGHU8MqnigqNJHpoXP01LpN_MOSgYpVPmraUQVeC6D9rpcwMCmABgvGxFrLgEOhRvScw-8mUk-zdUYmsFbkNYYLu99v1tWDWgogmtnO4ZuklM1IS1oWHKFmfc4mIatfcl5hH/s640/IMG_1551.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the chicken you need</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Approx 2 lbs chicken breasts (I cut them into smaller pieces for my kids)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I used Walmart brand)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cube butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 clove of garlic minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 cup mozzarella cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 can Progresso Recipe Staters Fire Roasted Tomato</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rinse the chicken and cut it up (if you want it also cooks faster this way). Melt the butter and add the garlic. Dip chicken pieces in the butter mixture then place them in a ZipLock bag with the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Shake it up well and place in single layer in 9x13 dish. I did not grease the pan no need with the butter on the chicken.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Place in preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes turning the chicken once. Then pour Progresso Recipe Starters over the chicken and top with cheese and bake for 10 more minutes or until cheese is melted and chicken juice runs clear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I served mine over whole wheat thin spaghetti with broccoli on the side. My kids inhaled it and I'm still waiting for husband to come home to try it out. I loved the flavor and I loved that it didn't require a lot of extra seasoning. The recipe starter had lots of flavor but it wasn't overwhelming. Hope you enjoy it too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was not compensated in any way for this post. I just like to cook and when I find something awesome I like to share. And maybe if some from Progresso reads this they will send me more LOL!</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-33549292157449819132013-01-28T15:07:00.000-07:002013-01-28T15:07:10.889-07:00Yummy SuperBowl Snack<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the yummiest easiest treat I know how to make. The problem is I have been looking for these corn puffs for years. Finally Walmart started carrying them and I couldn't wait to make this treat for my family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You start with these bad boys</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can use the whole bag or adjust to a serving size you are comfortable with and then I use <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/caramel-popcorn-with-marshmallow/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=marshmellow%20carmel%20corn&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e13=A%3aSearch%20Results-List%28control%29&e7=Home%20Page" target="_blank">this recipe</a> from AllRecipes.Com because it is easy and my favorite. And my kids LOVE it. You put the corn puffs in a bowl dump the carmel over it and stir until covered. Advantage of this over popcorn no hulls or kernels to break your teeth on. Trust me it is delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And if you don't believe me believe them... it disappeared really FAST! It will make a great SuperBowl snack! And who doesn't love that?</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-75946205471713516522013-01-22T20:23:00.000-07:002013-01-22T20:23:47.778-07:00Wordless Wednesday....Family Fun at Scheels<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One lovely afternoon in the Fall we ventured over to our local <a href="http://www.scheels.com/shop/en/scheels-catalog" target="_blank">Scheels</a>. We were mesmerized; it was AMAZING. They have EVERYTHING that any sporting individual could want. I fell in love with the workout area and my kids fell in love with the shooting range and all the photo op spots. Here's what we came up with.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/DE392B3C-B30D-45EE-9038-E7C0A70BF424-2435-000005BBB0155F5F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/DE392B3C-B30D-45EE-9038-E7C0A70BF424-2435-000005BBB0155F5F.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cougars are scary when your a Ute! Except that is probably a mountain lion.....ahem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The girls didn't get the memo to be scared of the Bear.....</span><br />
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<a href="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/C4CEB495-24DC-4228-96CE-0E465785916D-2435-000005BB6CAA9F45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/C4CEB495-24DC-4228-96CE-0E465785916D-2435-000005BB6CAA9F45.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is my favorite. I love that they do what I tell them! Overall we had a blast. We ate lunch in the cafeteria and we wanted to ride the ferris wheel but the line was too long. Can't wait to go back for a fun filled afternoon!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joined up with Lolli at <a href="http://betterinbulk.net/" target="_blank">Better in Bulk</a> and Angie at <a href="http://sevenclowncircus.com/" target="_blank">Seven Clown Circus</a> for Wordful Wednesday and Alicia at <a href="http://projectalicia.com/" target="_blank">Project Alicia</a>. </span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-52465407224974971392013-01-21T20:13:00.000-07:002013-01-21T20:13:08.223-07:00Martin Luther King Jr. Tradition<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Almost every year we get a nice little family day on MLK Jr. day. Here in Utah the <a href="http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/saltlake" target="_blank">Auto Show</a> is this weekend and who doesn't LOVE to see nice new expensive cars. And of course dream a little. We spent the entire day wandering around the South Towne Expo center and dreaming....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I look good in a Cadillac right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can also see myself in this baby during the summer!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/0E392BD2-13C3-4794-BAFE-E1911F167F89-8333-000009479EEDBF76.jpg?t=1358820694" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/0E392BD2-13C3-4794-BAFE-E1911F167F89-8333-000009479EEDBF76.jpg?t=1358820694" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think my girls look pretty good behind the news desk too. KSL had a small booth set up with a real camera and camera man with prompter and all. So much fun!! Here Peyton is reporting of an alien attack in Salt Lake City!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDnyazIBN_FZsB7yttyPA8rtxDYPd_-Nzt1GJPCDLtHt4VhYk_ysVCAR-LtyRVAA9nHOVpjOlhYhNZLMMVntCCdz1VYpxXaUrPd0j4Wy_bp72JLaD72t0UllVWTPSCJC7f0dSlai7AfbZ/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDnyazIBN_FZsB7yttyPA8rtxDYPd_-Nzt1GJPCDLtHt4VhYk_ysVCAR-LtyRVAA9nHOVpjOlhYhNZLMMVntCCdz1VYpxXaUrPd0j4Wy_bp72JLaD72t0UllVWTPSCJC7f0dSlai7AfbZ/s640/IMG_1517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We ended our day with dinner at Famous Daves also a family favorite. Don't mind the frightened looks they were anticipating the very bright flash in the dimly lit restaurant. So I may not have worked on my organization today but I can catch up on laundry and cleaning later. These memories were totally worth making!</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-42190881049557012442013-01-20T07:00:00.000-07:002013-01-20T07:00:03.275-07:00How to Have THAT talk with your kids...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You know the one I'm talking about.... the Birds and the Bee's, the "we don't have sex before we are married", the "no drugs and alcohol" talk. The one that embarrasses the 10 year old and makes the 5 year old scratch her head and say things like what is sex? I'm of the opinion that if I talk about these things like it doesn't bother me my children will feel more comfortable coming to me with questions about the aforementioned topics. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I brought this up while driving with all three children in the car. I totally embarrassed my son and my daughters acted like I was CRAZY. We had the discussion anyway. I persevered. I yammered on feeling confident in my parenting role. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I went on a date with my husband and inhaled this.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/88D3ACBB-94FA-4093-B2A5-01582B29D83E-6768-00000723E845046D.jpg?t=1358659339" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/88D3ACBB-94FA-4093-B2A5-01582B29D83E-6768-00000723E845046D.jpg?t=1358659339" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall, I think, after today I'm pretty much winning. </span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-52758831461783088862013-01-18T20:09:00.001-07:002013-01-18T20:09:17.071-07:00The Post Where I Brag a Little<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I mentioned the other day how I love to work out. I thought I better put my pictures where my mouth is so you don't think I'm just making it up....</span><br />
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<a href="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/Casual%20Bloggers%20Conference%202010/ChubbyBrandie_zps5d06da23.jpg?t=1358563948" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/Casual%20Bloggers%20Conference%202010/ChubbyBrandie_zps5d06da23.jpg?t=1358563948" width="197" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was taken at the CBC Conference in May of 2010. I didn't take off my jacket because I was embarrassed of my chub. I was happy clearly but not the best version of me.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/80FD92F4-5D71-4A82-B4B5-7AC23482A655-13895-0000103A613C33C3.jpg?t=1358563740" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab123/jbrudy/80FD92F4-5D71-4A82-B4B5-7AC23482A655-13895-0000103A613C33C3.jpg?t=1358563740" width="276" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not the best shot but the only other pictures I have are in my sports bra and workout pants and I am not quite ready to put that all out there just yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been working out with a great group of women for the past year. We encourage each other we laugh together and we get strong together. We share recipes, workout tips, and our lives. We call ourselves Super Mom's. We have our own support group ahem I mean <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/supermomsworkoutgroup/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then in October a cute facebook friend <a href="http://jill-k.com/" target="_blank">Jill</a> invited me to a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LeanMoms?fref=ts" target="_blank">LeanMoms</a> event. At the time I wasn't sure what that was exactly but it sounded fun it involved healthy snacks and a Saturday workout. It was the best decision I have made in a long time. Lean Moms and Super Moms united and I started to see some real results. Clean eating and weight lifting are the answer for me. Apparently your muscles are made in the kitchen AND the gym not just one or the other. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> To read more about Lean Mom's go to the <a href="http://leanmoms.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. It might change your life too.</span>Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794023177926156476.post-50875424862495274032013-01-17T19:37:00.001-07:002013-01-17T19:37:45.436-07:00Photo Story Friday....The Pantry Project<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So as I promised here are pictures of the pantry project. It turned into a little more than I expected. To be honest I want to rip all the wire shelving out and start completely over but that is a DIY project for another day. </span><br />
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8391358280_3406e4bcf9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8391358280_3406e4bcf9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> For now I used some baskets from <a href="http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?Find=Find&_refineresult=true&ic=16_0&search_constraint=4044&search_query=organizing&cat_id=4044_623679" target="_blank">Walmart</a> and did my best with what I have. </span><br />
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8391354034_ae83aea2bd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8391354034_ae83aea2bd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I even dug out my old label maker and started labeling away until I ran out of tape. Oops!</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8391355216_d07dd1d7f6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8391355216_d07dd1d7f6_z.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you think it still looks bad this is what I threw away....</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8390269659_3bfbc49a2b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8390269659_3bfbc49a2b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know totally embarrassing. It is a work in progress. I plan to inventory everything in there tomorrow because I had 4 bottles of worcestershire sauce really that may last until well past the expiration date lets just say. I also have enough seasonings to flavor an entire third world country. That's a lot in case you don't get my sarcasm. Anyway I like the baskets with the handles so I can just pull them out and see what's inside. I'm pretty short so this makes it possible for me to utilize all my pantry space. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will keep you posted on the DIY re-shelving project.....ahem... if it ever happens. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am joining up with Lolli at Better in Bulk for Photo Story Friday.</span><br />
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<a href="http://betterinbulk.net/tag/give-me-your-best-shot" nbsp="nbsp" target="_blank"><img alt="Give me your best shot at Better in Bulk" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/1momof5/08Nov21_gmbs_1-1.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://mychaosmybliss.com/" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://mychaosmybliss.com']);" target="_blank"><img alt="PhotoStory Friday" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4235120634_71d9399b5f_o.jpg" /></a><br />Hosted by <a href="http://mychaosmybliss.com/" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://mychaosmybliss.com']);" target="_blank">Cecily</a> and <a href="http://www.betterinbulk.net/" nbsp="nbsp" target="_blank">Lolli</a></center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was not compensated or provided an product for this project I just thought I would let you all know where I got the baskets. You know incase anyone gets inspired.</span><br />
Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799452298248015251noreply@blogger.com