Mimi Sue's Cottage

Sunday Sayings

2012-01-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

"Man can not discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." Andre Gide

Road Trip!

2012-01-26T21:58:00.000-08:00

It started getting cold here in Northern Utah so the mister and I decided to

hook up our trailer and hit the road.

We drove down to southern California to see our two little sweetpeas.

Look who lost a tooth!

While we were there we ate lots of this...

And this...

After almost a week we headed north along the beautiful California coast.

We camped right on the ocean at Rincon.

See that island out there? That's one of the channel islands off of Ventura.

Have you ever read Island of the Blue Dolphins? Well, that's the island in the story.

Every morning and evening about eight dolphins would glide by our campsite just beyond

the breakers. A beautiful show but hard to get a picture of them.

This was the view from our trailer. It was magical.

Gorgeous sunsets, temperatures in the 70's. Flip flops on my feet.

Heaven.

Sunday Sayings

2012-01-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

"A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle."

Benjamin Franklin

Pioneer Woman Pot Roast

2012-01-18T21:58:00.000-08:00

Pioneer Woman Photo

Have you been watching Pioneer Woman on the Food Network?

It's a pretty darn good show and her recipes are pretty darned good too.

A few weeks ago she made a pot roast so I decided to make one too.

It was delicious! Go here for the recipe.

It's perfect for a cold winter night.

Sunday Sayings

2012-01-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Martin Luther King Jr.

Sunday Sayings

2012-01-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

"People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges." Anonymous

Happy Anniversary 40th Edition

2012-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

I was nineteen, he was an older man of twenty five when we married.

Boy, did we ever have a lot to learn.

As in all marriages there have been ups and downs.

The last few years it's been definitely up.

We've had four great kids and now eight fabulous grandkids.

We've been so blessed.

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Working on the Entry

2012-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

We've been in our house for a little over three years now.

Our contractor built our house to the drywall and then we (meaning he)

did all the finishing. We (he) installed the kitchen and bathroom cabinets,

and the hardwood floor, tiled, finish plumbing, finish electrical,

painted, landscaped, and lots more. Did we save any money doing it ourselves?

I think so, but I'm not sure. The mister and I enjoy working on projects together

so I guess it's been worth it. After awhile you get used to not having things

finished. I hardly noticed all the missing baseboard and door trim.

We are finally getting around to doing some finish carpentry.

The entry wall before...

Plain old drywall.

Getting ready for the paneling...

Paneling going up...

Stuff from the entry stashed in the living room...

Checking out wallpaper books for over the paneling...

This is where I'd like the wallpaper to go...

Paneling still needs to be caulked, painted, and trimmed.

See that cool door on the coat closet? We bought 12 doors from

an old house that was being demolished. Ten dollars each vintage hardware

included. Still needs to be painted. Escutcheons need to be plated.

Feels good getting a few projects started.

Sunday Sayings

2012-01-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

"What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly." Lao Tzu

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2012!

New Years Eve Punch

2011-12-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

I found this delicious punch recipe on Pinterest.

HERE

We served it at our church for the home tour and then

I made it again for Christmas Eve.

Very refreshing.

It is

1 can frozen Pina Colada mix

1 can frozen orange pineapple juice

4 cans water

Mix in large jar. (I got mine at Walmart)

Add pebble ice (my friend Lisa calls it rabbit poop ice)

You can buy it by the bag at Sonic

Then carefully add 2 two liter bottles of lemon lime soda

(I used one regular and one diet)

Add one bag of frozen raspberries

I added mixed berries cause that's what I had in my freezer

The berries kind of sit on top and look pretty and sometimes

they end up in your glass and then they taste pretty.

Hope you enjoy this as much as we did. It was a great big hit.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!

Packing it Up

2011-12-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

I hope your Christmas was as much fun as ours.

There was lots of family, friends, and food.

Very delightful, although we missed the California kids so much.

Now all of this needs to be put away until next year.

Even though the decorations will be put away, I'm hoping to keep

the Christmas spirit going all year.

Sunday Sayings

2011-12-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given...and his name shall be called... 'The Prince of Peace'." 2 Nephi 19:6

Merry Christmas from Mimi's Cottage!

Christmas Fun

2011-12-22T21:09:00.000-08:00

We've been having some Christmas fun around Mimi's Cottage this week.

We started out on Sunday with cinnamon rolls for dinner.

A cinnamon roll and a cup of hot chocolate.

Well balanced and oh so healthy.

Then on Monday we made a boatload of candy cane popcorn

for neighbors and friends. I found the recipe and downloadable tag

HERE

On Tuesday I made a couple of Christmas stockings for a son in law

and our newest little grandgirl.

Today one of the grandboys and I made these snowman ornaments for

his mommy and his Mimi's tree.

They are made with the littlest canvas painted red.

The snowmen bodies are fingers painted white and used as

a stamp. Snowflake fingerprints, sharpie pens for the details,

and ribbon to hang them by. We tried to make some

with his 6 month old sister but that turned into a disaster!

Got the idea from HERE

Last week I made a couple of these cute candy holders. They're made out of an old jar with the lid painted red and a Dollar Store candlestick also painted red. I got the idea from HERE.

While the paint was drying on the snowmen ornament we made reindeer

cookies that I saw on Pinterest.

Sooo many fun ideas out there!

Not one single original idea once again.

Tomorrow I hope to come down from my sugar high.

And clean up the mess we've made having all this fun.

Sunday Sayings

2011-12-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

"True love was born in a stable." Anonymous

Timing

2011-12-16T20:31:00.000-08:00

December is always a busy month for me.

Well, I guess everyone is busy in December.

There's home tours, parties, shopping, wrapping, decorating,

baking, cleaning, and the list goes on and on.

So here's the conversation the Mister and I had the other day.

Him: "I think this would be a great time to get a few things

done around here."

Me: "Really? Like what do you have in mind exactly?"

Him: "Like finish up door trim, baseboards, things like that."

Me: "NOW??"

Him: "Well, not if you're going to get snippy about it!"

We've lived in this unfinished house for three years now. And NOW

he wants to start moving around furniture and empty the linen closet?

Aaaaaah!

One thing I've learned after almost 40 years living with this man

that when the project mood strikes it's best to just get out of the way.

Pantry

Unfinished door trim...

Pantry

Finished door trim

Gotta love it.

Holiday Home Tour

2011-12-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

Last night we had our neighborhood Christmas home tour.

We met at our church building for some appetizers and a

nice little lesson on making our Christmas more meaningful.

I was in charge of the refreshments and the serving table decorations.

So I made these little flags out of scrapbook paper and stuck them in

a pot from the dollar spot at Target.

I made a table runner out of aqua and red Christmas fabric.

It was simple, not very expensive, and I think it turned out pretty cute.

I took my camera with me.

But I didn't take one single picture.

So here they are waiting to go to the party.

I didn't take any pictures of the home tour either.

Sad, but true.

Sunday Sayings

2011-12-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

"If Christmas can point our hearts toward our Savior, we can rejoice even in the imperfections of the season..." Dieter Uchtdorf

Apple Dumplings

2011-12-09T20:56:00.000-08:00

It's been colder than normal here in northern Utah this past week and when

it gets cold I want to turn on the oven and bake something.

A friend of mine gave me this easy recipe for apple dumplings a couple of weeks

ago so I thought I'd give it a try.

When apples are baking it sure makes your house smell good.

Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced into eighths

2 tubes crescent rolls

2 cubes butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp vanilla

cinnamon, to taste

1 can Mt. Dew (I know, weird huh)

Roll each apple slice in crescent roll. Place in buttered 9 X 13 pan. Or

you could use cooking spray if you're on a diet. ;)

Melt butter, add sugar and barely stir. You want grainy, buttery, sugar.

Add vanilla. Pour mixture over crescent rolls. Sprinkle cinnamon over all.

I probably used about a tablespoonish. Now pour Mt. Dew all around the

edges of the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. Pour juices from the pan

over all. Delicious.

Pretty Poinsettias

2011-12-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

I love so many things about Christmas.

Poinsettias are just one of those things.

Every year the Mister and I visit a local nursery just to

look at this beautiful Christmas treasure. Well, and

to buy a couple to bring home.

This year I remembered to bring my camera.

AND I remembered to take a few pictures!

(A Christmas Miracle)

One greenhouse for the red...

One for the pink...

Gorgeous symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.

Sunday Sayings

2011-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

"May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through." Anonymous

Wild East Wind

2011-12-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had quite the windstorm.

The weatherpeople said we had category 2 hurricane winds.

Kind of unsual for our land locked State.

This is what it did to our patio.

And this is what it did to our neighborhood.

We lost a lot of our hundred year old trees.

Our patio. (pics are loading out of order!)

The Mister and I spent the afternoon at our friends home.

(Along with lots of neighbors and friends)

We helped them cut up and haul to the front yard

what's left of a huge pine that crashed onto their roof

punching a big hole in a guest bedroom.

Siding and shingles are everywhere.

Fences are down, metal sheds are crumpled, and trampolines are

no longer in the correct backyard.

Our daughter #1 and her little family are staying with us until they get their electricity restored.

We've been so blessed! Our trees have survived, losing only a few branches.

It's been a wild couple of days here in Northern Utah!

Sunday Sayings

2011-11-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

"True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives--that is, our time and choices--to God's purposes." D Todd Christofferson

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

I have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Not the least of these things is you!

Happy Thanksgiving

Love, Mimi

Pinterest Projects

2011-11-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

I've been spending a little too much time on

Pinterest lately. But there sure are some

cute ideas all over that website.

Saw this easy idea there.

I had to make a couple for the

California sweetpeas.

And a baby one for their little cousin.

Super Cute!

Should I make one for me?

Sunday Sayings

2011-11-20T14:45:00.000-08:00

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." Epictetus

Baby Turkey

2011-11-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

Saw this cute idea on Pinterest.

Had to make one for our newest little grandgirl Margaret.

Probably won't wash very well since it's made out of grosgrain ribbon.

She's gonna be adorable for Thanksgiving.

Where did this week go? Time is flying by waaay to fast.

Sunday Sayings

2011-11-13T04:35:00.000-08:00

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melody Beattie

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2011-11-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

Don't you think it's a little early in the year for this?

The temperature this morning.

Not good for my roses.

Sunday Sayings

2011-11-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Arthur Ward

Brittle

2011-11-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever made peanut brittle? It's pretty easy and sooo yummy.

It does have a few calories.

But it's totally worth it.

Bag it up in a nice little cellophane bag, tie a cute ribbon around it, and you've got a great gift

for a neighbor or friend.

Nut Brittle

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp light corn syrup

2 cups peanuts (or any nuts will do)

Melt butter in a large, heavy pan over high heat. Add the rest of the

ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir constantly

until the temperature reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Quickly pour candy on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet (with sides).

Let cool then break apart.

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

Hope your Halloween has been as fun as ours!

Sunday Sayings

2011-10-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

"They say that age is all in your mind. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body." Anonymous

In the Mood

2011-10-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week here at Mimi's Cottage. I had a mountain of laundry to do after our fun trip plus when you take a trailer half way across the country it needs a little TLC when you get home.

Unpacking a suitcase is easy compared to unpacking an 8' X 26' fifth wheel.

Not to mention the inch of dust on every single surface of our little cottage.

Not even complaining. It was so worth the effort, we loved every minute of it.

Tomorrow is the deadline for turning in our projects for the boutique that's at the Festival of Trees.

I'm on the Kids Korner committee and we all are asked to turn in ten projects that could be sold at the Festival. (It's a charity event for Primary Children's Hospital held on the first weekend of December at the Expo Center in Salt Lake City.) So of course I should have had these all done last April but I left it to the very. last. minute.

I made a little forest of trees. Got the inspiration over at Under My Polka Dot Umbrella.

When we got home I was totally surprised that I still had some produce in my unwatered garden.

So daughter #1 and I made a few batches of pepper jelly.

Blogger, you shouldn't start drinking so early in the morning!

You're loading my pictures out of order!

When we got home our beautiful tree was all decked out in it's fall outfit

which got me in the mood to do a little Halloween decorating.

I was just going to put a couple of things out...

But when the bins came out I went a little crazy.

What a surprise.

Four days to enjoy it then back in the bins it all goes.

Can you get jet lag if you don't drive faster than 65 mph?

Sunday Sayings

2011-10-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." Jane Austen

Greetings from Kansas

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

At least I think we're in Kansas...

We've had a great trip so far. The US of A is an awesome place.

We've been so impressed by the natural beauty.

The monuments to daring deeds.

The history.

(Independence Rock)

Of course, we've had some mishaps.

And some donkeys in the road. :)

Some peaceful glens.

(South Dakota, you're so beautiful! I had no idea.)

Custer State Park

Some amber waves of grain.

(And corn, and soybeans, and sorghum.)

Some pioneer cabins.

(I was sooo tempted to put those redwork shams in my purse on the way out of that museum!!)

But I was good...

Some great old houses.

Some interesting modes of transportation.

Some beautiful rivers.

(The Des Moines River in Iowa. This was the view from our campsite.)

A Harvest Festival.

A barge on the Mississippi carrying corn down river.

A Folkart Festival in Hannibal, Missouri.

Mark Twain's boyhood home.

A few adorable shops that I couldn't pass up.

(Thank you for stopping sweetie!)

Some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.

(Over a Home Depot parking lot in Nebraska.)

We tried to stop along the way at farm stands and small hometown

cafes whenever we could. So fun!

We really do live in a wonderful country. We've flown over it a few times. I'm so glad we've had this opportunity to go and

see some of it for ourselves. We're headed toward home and should be there in a few days.

I'm looking forward to playing with a few grandbabies when I get there.

As Dorothy would say "There's no place like home."

Sunday Sayings (Wednesday Edition)

2011-10-19T18:38:00.001-07:00

"America is so vast that almost everything said about it is likely to be true, and the opposite is probably equally true." James T Farrell.

Dear T Mobile

2011-10-18T18:37:00.001-07:00

Dear Mr. T Mobile,

Sadly I must write to you today to tell you our long time relationship is over. Usually I am a very loyal and supportive individual but you have been neither loyal nor supportive to me so we must call our long and mutually respectful affair to a close.

You see, we have been paying you each and every month a rather large sum of money so that we can be connected to our family, friends, and the world at large. Unfortunately, when I needed you most, you let me down.

I have spent most of the last three weeks wandering around this beautiful country of ours but you couldn't seem to keep up. Out of 19 days you spent 17 of them "roaming" which means I couldn't connect to the GPS which we certainly needed since a certain person, who shall remain nameless, refuses to ask for directions.

I also could not download adorable pictures of my precious grandchildren, check my email, read or write blogs, google important information like, do female oxen exist? or the recipe for monkey bread! In other words for most of our trip your "smart phone" wasn't really very smart at all. There were several days we were sitting directly under a cell phone tower and still nothing, nada, zilch! How can this be, Mr. T Mobile?

I know you will understand when I say how disappointed I am in you. You are supposed to make my life easier, happier, better. Instead you have made me frustrated, annoyed, unhappy.

So so long, adios, happy trails Mr. T Mobile. As soon as my contract with you is up, our relationship will be over.

Sincerely,

Mimi Sue

Sunday Sayings

2011-10-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

We all have a responsibility - a responsibility to make a difference, to be an influence, to lift someone. We are all in this together to work out our salvation, to reach our potential, and to be our brother's keeper - to help each other.

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Sunday Sayings

2011-10-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway."" Henry Boye

Wonderful Wyoming

2011-09-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

This has been our view for the past few days.

We're traveling with some friends that we've known since 1977.

We've been on many adventures with them and their family.

When our kids were little we camped all over

California from Yosemite to the coast. Now we're

kidless and traveling is just a little bit more relaxing.

We've seen deer and antelope playing so you know

we must be out on the range.

These are wagon

ruts made by covered wagons and handcarts by

pioneers who were looking for a new life in the west.

Wyoming graffiti.

More to come. If at all possible.

Sunday Sayings

2011-09-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.

Then take half your clothes and twice the money." Susan Heller

We're Outta Here!

2011-09-22T22:24:00.001-07:00

The Mister and I have been packing up our 5th wheel trailer.

We're heading back east.

We'll be gone for awhile.

Not sure how long exactly.

Just going where the wind blows us.

We're going to try not to kill each other.

When I find a little pocket of wifi I'll try to post.

Did you know I have beadboard in my trailer?

Just a little but it makes me happy.

This is going to be fun, right?

Sunday Sayings

2011-09-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping that it will kill your enemies."

Nelson Mandela

Vintage Trailer Fun

2011-09-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Mister and I have been working on our Summer 2011 Project for

the past few weeks. We're installing sprinklers and digging ditches.

Not that much fun really. In fact no fun at all. But it'll be

so nice when it's all done. When it becomes too hot to work outside

we come inside. I've been working on this wool felt pillow for our

trailer during the hot afternoon hours.

I saw this adorable kitchen towel at The Beehive Cottage.

And I "borrowed" the idea for my felt project.

Maryjane has an adorable vintage trailer named "Buttonwillow" that you just have to see.

Sunday Sayings

2011-09-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

"Our enemies have made the mistake that America's enemies always make. They saw liberty and thought they saw weakness. And now they see defeat." George W Bush

Summer Project 2011 Continues

2011-09-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

Our Summer Project is moving slowly along.

Last spring our plans for our backyard were to get the sprinklers installed,

get the lawn planted, build a fence and a pergola, plant some

trees, install walkways to the shed, plant some plants, and

spend lots of time in the heat of the afternoon sipping on

lemonade (or diet pepsi), and enjoying our retirement.

Well, we may or may not get the sprinklers installed this year.

And I know the rest of the list will be waiting for us in 2012.

A couple of weeks ago we rented a trencher from The Depot.

And then we (meaning he) dug some trenches.

Then we (he) added some PVC pipe. (While I held the blue glue can and made

lunch and or snacks as needed.)

Hopefully we'll be ready at the first sign of spring to plant our lawn.

HOPEFULLY.

Before and After

2011-09-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Sunday Sayings

2011-09-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." Celia Thaxter

Implants

2011-09-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Mimi was lucky enough to have an implant done this week. No not that kind of implant! One of my teeth!

I've had a bridge for many years but I guess they don't last forever so this procedure was the next step.

My dentist thought I should have one so I wouldn't walk around looking like Ma Kettle. Great idea!

I just have to say to whoever invented Lortab, THANK YOU!! I can't even remember Tuesday and just bits and pieces of Wednesday.

We could have gone on a luxury cruise to Hawaii for what one tooth cost.

The mister said it was totally worth it. I guess he didn't want to be married to Ma Kettle.

Sunday Sayings

2011-08-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

"Let us from this day forward be a little better, love one another a little more, treat one another with greater kindness, and look to God and live." Gordon B Hinckley

Our Home on Wheels

2011-08-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

Last week the mister and I spent a few days in our beautiful Utah mountains.

We brought our home away from home with us.

It's always ten degrees cooler in the mountains.

It was a nice little break from our big 2011 Summer Project.

(I'll show you our progress next week)

Garden Tour 2011

2011-08-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to live in an old historic neighborhood that has large yards, old

trees, and fun people.

Last week we had our second annual garden tour.

Want to come along?

Have you ever seen a climbing spinach?

Me either but here it is...

We saw vegetable gardens and flower gardens...

square foot gardens...

Unusual planters...

Some feathered friends...

A real cabbage patch...

A cozy porch...

A furry friend....

Truly inspiring and so much fun.

Sunday Sayings

2011-08-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." Mother Teresa

Upside Down Tomatoes

2011-08-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've all seen these Topsy Turvey planters on TV.

We found some at our local garden center and decided to give them

a try. They worked pretty good.

You have to water them every single day.

On extra hot days you have to water them twice.

You have to feed the tomato plants at least once a week.

But they're starting to produce.

No bending over to pick your produce.

No weeds.

Kind of fun.

Sweet 100's

Sunday Sayings

2011-08-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

"The only real stumbling block is the fear of failure. In cooking you have to have a what-the-hell attitude." Julia Child

Happy Birthday (August 15th) Julia!

Car Seat Cover

2011-08-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

When my babies were little there were no laws that said we had to keep

our little ones in car seats. My kids wandered around the car without even

a seatbelt for protection. One summer we drove 1800 miles in our big brown

station wagon with the back seat folded down so they had a nice place

to play. I'm cringing just thinking about it!

Anyway, today's babies have as much protection as NASCAR drivers. Thank goodness!

Last week I decided to make a car seat cover for our sweet little

Margaret Ann.

Moda fabric...

Covered buttons...

Pretty easy to make. I found the pattern HERE.

She's a little milk drunk but she's sure cute.

The mister says he needs one that'll fit his recliner...

Hmmmm.

Sunday Sayings

2011-08-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk in faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." Gordon B Hinckley

Winner!

2011-08-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Look what I got in the mail today!

I was the lucky winner of a giveaway from Susan at Ash Tree Cottage!

Susan has an adorable cottage, inspiring blog, and the cutest little

dog named Bently. Go over and say hi.

I won a darling little tureen to add to my collection.

See the details?

Adorable!

Now I'm looking for the perfect place to put it.

Thank you Susan! I promise I'll take good care of it.

The First Harvest

2011-08-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Usually by the middle of July we're enjoying lots of produce from our garden. But not this year.

It's been relatively cool here in northern Utah. Not one single day in the 100's so far.

Our first picking of cucumbers, peppers, and Sunsugar cherry tomatoes. Someone recommended the Sunsugars last year so we gave them a try. They are delicious. Sweet and not too acidish acidy.

We're looking forward to some great salads in August.

What's in your garden?

Sunday Sayings

2011-07-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

"The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it." Thomas S Monson

Cleaning Out the Coop

2011-07-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

The mister and I have been cleaning out our chicken coop.

It hasn't been a place for chickens to reside for many, many years.

It's been more of a storage unit.

We dragged every ~~piece of junk~~ treasure out into our yard.

Some stuff we haven't seen for a long, long time.

One of our neighbors walked by and said he thought it looked like our coop

had barfed all over our backyard. Nice.

He was kind of right.

Sunday Sayings

2011-07-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

"No matter how difficult the trail, and regardless of how heavy our load, we can take comfort in knowing that others before us have borne life's most grievous trials and tragedies by looking to heaven for peace, comfort, and helpful reassurance. We can know, as they knew, that God is our Father, that He cares about us individually and collectively, and that as long as we can exercise our faith and trust in Him there is nothing to fear in the journey." M. Russell Ballard

Happy Pioneer Day!

One (Wo)man's Junk

2011-07-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

The other day I was walking by one of our elderly neighbor's homes.

The wife died a few years ago and the husband now resides in a care center.

Their adult children were cleaning out their childhood home and

they were throwing this in the dumpster!

Ummmm. If you don't want that anymore, I'll give it a good home...

You all do understand, don't you?

What a treasure.

New and Shiny

2011-07-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

After almost 40 years of marriage (that's right, I was 2 when we tied the knot), some

of my equipment seems to be wearing out.

Also some of my housewares.

So I decided to do a little upgrading.

My stainless steel flatware was dull and dated after

14,965 dishwasher washings. Go ahead do the math.

So I started to shop around and found these beauties at

Horchow online.

They are perfect since we live in the Beehive State.

Aren't they cute?

New and shiny.

They're making me feel like I just might need a face lift.

Sunday Sayings

2011-07-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

"If we thought of life as a gift, we might not demand nearly as much from it. And if we lived

more graciously, giving of ourselves more freely to the well-being of others, many of

our personal concerns would disappear, and life would become easier for all."

Lowell Bennion

The Shed

2011-07-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Remember how the shed looked in April?

Me either so I found a picture to jog my failing memory.

This is how it looked in May after our adorable son and his

friends finished up the patio cover.

This is how it looks in July.

Do you love this sign? Got it at Brenda's adorable shop

Just A Bed of Roses.

In Farmington, Utah.

I love sitting out there in the morning when it's cool.

It's one of my favorite places.

Now if we could just get our lawn planted.

Volunteer

2011-07-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love it when plants show up in unusual places?

Nothing planned or tended just a lovely little surprise

from Mother Nature.

That old trash can is halfway full of potting soil and a little

bird must have deposited a little seed last fall.

The rain and sun did the rest.

Looks kind of cute next to our shed.

Thank you Mother Nature!

Sunday Sayings

2011-07-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

"They say genes skip generations. Maybe that's why grandparents find their grandchildren so likeable." Joan McIntosh

27 Days of Fun

2011-07-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy, busy month here at Mimi's Cottage. One of the

reasons we've been so busy is because

these two little sweetpeas came for a visit.

The mister and I went to southern California to pick them up.

Then we put them in the backseat of my VW Beetle and

drove across the desert.

For twelve hours. In the heat.

AC is the greatest invention ever!

We had a great time.

See, they're still smiling.

While they were here we went to the Tree House Children's Museum

in Ogden, Utah, where they milked a large plastic cow.

And they rode a bucking bronco with their cousin.

And made refreshments for all.

We loved the child size potties at the museum.

We spent many hours at the park.

And we got all dressed up and went to church.

We swam...

We made s'mores...

We slept in a tent...

Mommy flew out just in time for her birthday on July 3rd.

They went home last Thursday.

Now I have plenty of time to clean house, go to

the gym, or blog.

All is calm.

Mimi sure does miss them.

July 4, 2011

2011-07-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July

With Love From

Mimi's Cottage

Sunday Sayings

2011-07-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have

never had it taken from you." Anonymous

Want S'More?

2011-07-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

The other night we had a fire in our firepit, and of course

since the grandkids were here we had to have some s'mores.

Have you ever used a peanut butter cup instead of the

traditional chocolate bar?

My new favorite!

Look Who's Home!

2011-06-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Margaret Ann is out of the NICU and home with her mommy, daddy, and big brother!

We are so happy!

She's still hooked up to a monitor because she likes to hold her breath every now and then which

scares us all half to death. Considering her due date is still three weeks away she's doing remarkably well. She weighs over six pounds now and is just the sweetest thing ever. Her mommy and daddy are

so happy that their whole family is under one roof.

We are just so grateful for the wonderful care she received at the McKay-Dee Medical Center

NICU in Ogden, Utah. It was such a comfort knowing that she was being cared for by such a competent and compassionate staff.

Thank you again for all the prayers for our family!

You are simply the best!

Sunday Sayings

2011-06-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

"Love people, not things; use things, not people." Spencer W. Kimball

Wind Dancers

2011-06-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple little summer project.

Just tie and hot glue various lengths of ribbon to some kind

of stick (I used bamboo plant supports from Home Depot).

Then stick it in the ground or a flower pot and you're done.

See them dancing?

I made a few patriotic ones too.

It's a great way to use up some short pieces of rick rack.

A fun project for the grandkids to do too.

Sunday Sayings

2011-06-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

"The greatest thing a father can do for his children, is to love their mother." Anjaneth Untalan

Happy Father's Day

Happily Ever After

2011-06-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago the Mister and I went to a fabulous wedding reception.

It was at the beautiful home of the bride's parents.

Here's the cake. Rolled white chocolate, yellow roses.

The flowers were gorgeous.

Don't you love the colors?

Check out the groom's cake.

Did I mention the father of the bride is a

real estate developer?

The food was great.

And of course I had to wander around taking pictures for you.

You're welcome.

Can you see the waterfall?

Beautiful home, lovely party, happy bride and groom.

Sunday Sayings

2011-06-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

"It's good to have money and the things that money can buy; but it's good also to check up once in a while and make quite sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy." George Horace Larimer

A Public Message

2011-06-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

Solar Cute

2011-06-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

First I just wanted to thank everyone for your prayers for our little Maggie.

She is doing great! She's still in the NICU and has a feeding tube

but she is disconnected from all the IV's so we get to hold her

and her Mommy is able to nurse her a little. Hopefully

she'll be able to come home soon.

I know the Lord has had a hand in her care.

We are so grateful!

My adorable friend Janis gave me a little gift a few weeks ago and I wanted

to share it with you.

It's a solar light that you can buy at Walmart or Home Depot for a couple of dollars.

( Don't look at the broom thrown on the ground!)

She took the top off the base, (you know the thing you stick in the ground), then glued the top of

the solar light that has the collector on it (and tiny LED light bulb) to

the top of a canning jar that she'd frosted and put butterfly stickers in.

And then she embellished it with beads and wire so that it can hang on a

hook or a patio cover or a tree.

It gives off quite a bit of light at night. I love it! I'll be making a few more

of these this summer.

Thank you Janis, my adorable friend!

Sunday Sayings

2011-06-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

"The first and most fundamental virtue in effective prayer is faith." David O. McKay

A Busy Week

2011-05-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

This little guy spent lots of time with Mimi and Grandpa last week while his

mommy and daddy spent time with his baby sister.

We decided to put him to work.

While sister hung out in the NICU just relaxing and

growing stronger everyday. (She's doing great! Thanks for all your prayers!)

Betsy had an appointment with the groomer over at the Paw Spa.

Why yes, we do know she needs braces!

Mimi had an appointment with this ~~torture~~ diagnostic equipment.

We're more that 200% of our annual rainfall through the month of May.

We've broken all kinds of rain records this month which I do

believe the flowers love since they seem to be happily growing.

And so is the lawn.

And guess what we woke up to on Memorial Day?

Snow! Can you believe it?

We're hoping for a little spring weather before the

heat of summer sets in.

Sunday Sayings

2011-05-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things--wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."

Eda Le Shan

An Early Arrival

2011-05-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you remember or not but a few months ago I told you our

oldest daughter was expecting a baby boy in July. Well, that baby he

turned out to be a she and instead of coming in July she decided she wanted

a May birthday. So here she is, sweet little Margaret Ann, born seven and a half weeks

early! She's currently residing in a NICU but she's doing very well.

Mimi and Grandpa think she's adorable.

All four pounds of her.

Her big brother likes her too.

Almost as much as his new motorcycle.

Sunday Sayings

2011-05-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

"Jesus Christ is not our last chance. He is our only chance. He will show us the way because He is the way." Sheri Dew

Polka Dot Porch Pillows

2011-05-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

It's been FREEZING here in northern Utah.

And raining for days on end.

There was no

way I was going to work outside, so I did a little sewing.

Inside where it's warm.

New pillows for the porch rockers. For when it's

warm and sunny. I'm trying to be optimistic.

A Mother's Day Gift

2011-05-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

There were some good guesses about what we'd be building with our big

pile of wood. But nobody guessed it would be a patio cover, and that's

what we built with the help of our son and three of his friends.

A perfect spot for the potting bench.

And a great place for watching summer lightning storms.

Not quite finished but almost. When one lives in the

desert like we do, shade is important. Thank you son!

I love it!

Sunday Sayings

2011-05-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun." Mary Lou Cook

Summer Project 2011 Begins

2011-05-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

We've been very BUSY here at Mimi's Cottage this week.

Buying wood...

Digging footings...

Buying more wood...

Painting every single stick of wood...

Two coats, primer and finish...

We're doing all this so that we can have a little shade.

I'll show you the finished project next week.

A Box Full of Chair

2011-05-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Mister went to California and while the cat was away the mice

decided to play. So I went to IKEA and brought home a big box full

of chair.

Isn't it amazing how they figured out how to get a great big chair into a kind of small box. Good job engineers!

I'm the smiley one on the right.

I love it! It was kind of fun putting it together without any supervision...

Sunday Sayings

2011-05-08T05:23:00.000-07:00

"I looked on child rearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully

as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that

demanded the best I could bring to it." Rose Kennedy

Happy Mother's Day!

Wash Stand

2011-05-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I bought an antique washstand from a friend of a friend.

I'm going to use it in our guestroom as a bedside table.

She has another one available if anyone is interested.

It'd be adorable painted white don't you think?

Or do you believe good wood should never be painted?

Just email me if you're interested.

(email address is on my sidebar)

River Rock

2011-05-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the weather is finally cooperating and we've had a few days of dry weather.

The temperature is still a little cool but perfect for moving rocks and mulching flower beds.

So we did.

The river rocks in front of the fence and the mulch should really cut down on the weeding this summer. Hopefully we'll have a few more days of spring before we settle in to the heat of summer.

Sunday Sayings

2011-05-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

"Happiness? The color of it must be spring green." Frances Mayes

Quilt Stories

2011-04-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

Last week a few of the ladies of our church took a little field trip to the

Church History Museum in Salt Lake City to see a quilt exhibit.

It was awesome!

There were contemporary quilts...

This one had a mixed media feel to it.

There were historic quilts...

There were antique samplers...

Three dimensional work. Can you see that tiny stitching? It's all hand quilted.

The dress belonged to the woman who made the quilt that's hanging in the background. She lived in the 1800's.

Every quilt had a story, or told a story.

There were some interactive displays too.

If you're anywhere near Salt Lake City it's worth the time to go have a look.

I think you'll be happy you did.

What the Hail?

2011-04-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

On the 37th day of spring...

April has been a wetter than normal month here in northern Utah. We've been trying

to start our 2011 project, (putting in our backyard) but every time it dries out enough to

step foot on our dirt, we get more rain. Or snow. Or hail. I'm

sure by the 4th of July we'll be able to get something done! We can only hope.

Sunday Sayings

2011-04-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

"Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness." Floyd W Tompkins

Hoppin Down the Bunny Trail

2011-04-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

This year I just haven't had the time or energy to decorate for Easter

but I did manage to stick a few things here and there.

Like last years mega-hit, Bunny on a Stick.

Oh, and a duck with an umbrella. Seems kind of

appropriate for this wetter than normal April.

We NEED to have our Easter tree displayed, of course.

The little chickie is something I bought this year. Like I need one more decoration for any holiday!
But she was too cute to pass up.

My adorable crocheting friend Janis made me these cute little egg warmers. She has mad crochet skills go check out this post on her blog.

Last summer I found an orange wool sweater that someone had felted by mistake at a yard sale. So of course when I saw that sweater I thought Easter Carrots! Wouldn't you have thought the same thing?

I cut off the sleeves and made a couple. Now I have an orange vest that might fit a four year old.

My chunky chick that I've had for a loooong time.

I guess I can't stop making giant carrots because I made another one. Does anybody think that's weird?

Anyway, hope your Easter is filled with family, friends, food, and fun! And at least a few minutes to reflect on the Savior and His atoning sacrifice for each of us.

Happy Easter!

Let the Memories Begin

2011-04-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

The mister and I went on a little outing last week.

Can you guess by this picture where we went?

Isn't this bed of zinnias gorgeous?

Now can you guess?

That's right! We went to the Magic Kingdom! (We've been to Disneyland dozens of times but it was the first time we've ever been to Disney California Adventure Park)

With these two little sweetpeas. And their mommy.

We got to spend five days with them and we had so much fun. On Saturday we watched three soccer games. In 90 degree heat. But I'm not complaining.

We really had a wonderful time making a few fun memories with our adorable grandgirls.

Sunday Sayings

2011-04-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise man grows it under his feet." James Openheim