Lots of Kony talk around these parts.

Lots of Invisible Children talk.

Sketchy or not sketchy?

Have not had time to properly research.

And I don’t like to speak without knowledge.

Which is why I generally only talk about Jesus, my kids and cupcakes.

But.

In the meantime.

Let me share with you a 100% non-sketchy campaign I can vouch for.

And a hideous picture to prove I’m vouch-worthy.

Pictured L-R: moi, Kim‘s sister Laura, Ang (Hi Ang!), Ash and Jaxie.

Final Supertones Concert at Biola University.

Fun fact: First Facebook photo EVER tagged in.

Had to scroll through 800+ to find it.

November 9, 2005.

Crazy that Facebook has been around so long.

Crazy that I wore that shirt in public, to a concert nonetheless.

Crazy that I didn’t wax my brows in 2005.

Anyhoo.

The Supertones are back!

And the Johnson’s are thrilled.

Their sound brings back such great memories.

Summertime festivals.

Youth ministry.

Long drives down Highway 5.

Camping in tents.

Simple times.

They need our help.

And they are giving away some fun prizes.

Got $2k in your couch cushions?

You get a pool party.

Julie will make you cookies.

Go.  Now.

Still a little sick.  Still a little bossy.

Ska!  Ska!  Ska!

Still a little delirious.

 

Good morning!

I’m guest posting here today.

And I get a little preachy like my husband.

With less facial hair.  And no pacing back and forth.

Have you read Leslie’s blog?

If not, change that.

Stat.

Her words are rich and encouraging.

Chicken Soup for the Blogger’s Soul.

But 500 million times better.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar for the Blogger’s Soul.

Also, I’m fighting a cold, didn’t get a ton of sleep and am delirious.

Excuse that terrible reference.

But go.  Read.  Now.

We went to see Toy Story on Ice on Sunday.

And Ashlyn keeps asking for her Buzz Lightyear doll.

But she calls him “Bud Light.”

“Where’s my Bud Light?”

Our trip to the grocery store later could get awkward.

 

Also, please make these.

Look.  She even made us a cute little recipe card printable.

I’m bossy when I’m sick.

Use Oreo’s 100th Birthday limited edition cookies.

Buy 15 extra boxes because they are limited.

They are also on sale at Safeway right now – 2 for $6.00

I don’t know who’s most likely to be running against Obama.

Or whether the stock market is up or down.

But I know the current price of these bad boys.

And you need to add sprinkles to the batter.

I made them for Leadership Meeting last night and Ellen brought the leftovers to her work today.

And now I’m regretting leaving them.

Because I want five for breakfast.

Starve a fever, feed a cold, right?

 

Happy Thursday, friends!

Now go say hi to Leslie.

Thank you, Maui.

For being warm and sunny and perfect and beautiful.

Thank you, Chevy.

For making an SUV big enough to cart around this crazy bunch.

Thank you, Lahaina Marriot.

You are also warm and sunny and perfect and beautiful.

Thank you, two hour time difference and salt water and sea air.

You made my babies sleep well.

Before they were even in their beds.

Thank you, snorkel gear.

You opened up a whole new world for Kayla.

Thank you, Dave.

For accidentally signing “shark” instead of “fish” to Ashlyn.

When explaining what she’d see underwater.

Geared up on the hotel balcony was the extent of her snorkeling expedition.

Thank you, Ultimate Whale Watch, for being just that.

A mama whale swam under our raft (yes, RAFT.) as two male whales were fighting over her.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that we did not become a segment of “When Vacations Attack.”

I was worried for a minute. Or 4 hours.

Thank you, God, for rainbows and sunshine.

And early ocean swims.

And for Your power that stops so much water so suddenly and peacefully.

I still don’t really get how that all works.

Thank you, shave ice, for still being one of my favorite island treats.

I’m glad my girls love it, too.

Well, one girl.

Ashlyn prefers a traditional vanilla cone.

Thank you, Nan for taking us shopping.

And buying the essentials.

Ukuleles.

Personalized wooden whales.

Personalized wooden turtles.

Personalized wooden dolphins.

You know.

Thank you, family, for swimming with the girls for hours.

And hours.

And hours.

And hours.

And hours.

While I did a whole lot of this.

Thank you, Marriot waterslide for bringing great joy to Ashlyn.

427 times.

Thank you, Target, for the most perfect Hawaiian dress ever.

Thank you, sun, for beautiful highlights.

Thank you, Lahaina Hyatt.

For having a geek on your staff.

The nighttime, rooftop celestial sky tour was delightful.

Thank you, random hotel pool, for making waiting in a long breakfast line 5,000 times easier.

Although they never ate.

Swimming > Eating.

I’m thinking my kids would soon starve if we had a pool in our backyard.

Thank you, weird bird man photographer, for almost giving my four year old a panic attack.

When you said the bird would “play dead?”

She thought it died.

Emotionally pricey photo opp.

Thank you, majestic whales, for making us happy.

And in awe of creation.

Thank you, Nan and Pops, for still wanting to hang out with us after all these years.

We realize that we wouldn’t be able to do this otherwise and we are so very thankful.

Thank you, fun memories.

We honeymooned here 12 years ago.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving me a sister-in-law that loves you.

And for the honor of seeing her baptized.

Thank you, Hula Grill, for serving Kayla lychee fruit and steamed broccoli for dinner.

Three nights in a row.

And for putting Ashlyn to sleep.

She never quite adjusted to that time change.

No thank you for being out of the Hula Pie.

 

Thank you, sweet church, for holding things together so excellently while we were gone.

You make it easy to leave.

 

Thank you, Bay Area weather for making it easy to come home.

I’m still in these flip flops.

And hoping it stays that way.

Aloha!

We went missing in case you didn’t notice.

Missing in Maui.

Post on that forthcoming.

In the meantime, I’m in denial that I’m home.

So I’m baking with tropical booze.

 

I pinned these a while back.

And they were calling my name.

In honor of our week in island paradise.

And my back-to-reality denial.

I made a few adjustments, based on the comments under the original post.

And my new need to add sour cream to every cake batter I prepare.

I also doubled the recipe because as it was, it only yielded 14 cupcakes.

Which is an unacceptable quantity for these tasty, tropical treats.

They are a big, huge Aloha win.

Ono.  Hawaiian for delicious.

And fish.

Which has nothing to do with delicious.

Silly Hawaiians.

OK, ready?

First of all, the recipe calls for 155 ingredients.

But I tell you it is worth it.

Pretend there is sour cream there, too.

I added it later.

For the cupcakes you’ll need:

2 sticks, salted butter, melted and cooled

2/3 cup pineapple juice

4 tbsp Malibu rum

2 tsp vanilla

6 eggs

3 cups flour

2 cups sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

.5 tsp salt

1/2 cup sour cream

zest from one lime

1 cup crushed pineapple

1 cup shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350.  Line cupcake pan.

Beat together melted butter, pineapple juice, Malibu rum and vanilla.

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until blended.

In separate bowl, blend flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

With mixer on low speed, add dry ingredients to wet, gradually.

Add sour cream and lime zest.

Fold in pineapple and coconut.

Fill liners 3/4 of the way and bake 20-22 minutes.

While cupcakes are still warm top with

Malibu Syrup:

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c water

2 tbsp Malibu rum

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp butter

Bring sugar and water to boil over medium heat.

After 2 minutes, add Malibu rum, vanilla and butter.

Let cook 3-5 minutes more until syrupy.

Lightly glaze tops of cupcakes with syrup.

Frosting time!

Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick butter

8 oz cream cheese

2 cups powdered sugar

juice and zest of one lime

1 tsp Malibu rum or vanilla

Combine all ingredients, except powdered sugar.

Add powdered sugar gradually to reach desired sweetness and consistency.

100% Delicious.

100% Ono.

Can’t recommend them enough.

Your turn.

What have you been up to?

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In years past, it’s always been about us.

Dave and I.

Making plans.

Making reservations.

And scrambling to find the last available sitter.

 

This year was different.

An outpouring from our hearts that reflects Who we love and serve.

An emphasis placed on what matters.

During church service on Sunday we spent some time praying for these precious women.

Women who have seen their Valentine go to be with Jesus.

Far right is my grandmother.

 

After service, we visited a local nursing home.

Hope Kids passed out flowers and handmade Valentine’s.

And gave treats to the nursing staff.

Ashlyn wished ever single resident, asleep and awake:

“Happy Bahhh-lentine’s Day!”

KK diligently prepared Valentine’s for her classmates.

“Fun Dip for the girls because they are fun.”

“Nerds for the boys because, well, you know…”

I kind of hope she always thinks that way.

And stays little forever.

My friend hosted a party for the kids on Tuesday.

Shirt and cookie decorating.

Red and pink food and treats.

So sweet and thoughtful.

Thank you, Carrie!

 

This Valentine’s Day I was reminded that Christian love is about sacrifice.

We’ve been given so much.

We’ve no choice but to give back.

 

It’s not enough to have the right words.

Or perfect behavior.

But we must LOVE.

And care for God’s people.

In word AND deed.

I plead with Jesus on a daily basis for compassionate hearts in my children.

 

And I know they learn by watching me.

So I am continually challenged to live accordingly.

To find creative ways to show God’s love to God’s people.

On and around February 14th.

And other days, too.

 

Blogging.  In the dark.  With ice water.  Very standard.

Ashlyn had a Valentine’s Day Party at school yesterday.

Ashlyn also had a mini panic attack on the front stoop because she forgot Play-Doh for her speech therapist.

I’m sure Rachel was super relieved she was not left out.

A $43 Starbucks date with a friend.

I dislike Burlingame parking meters.

I dislike them more when I forget about them.

As if you’re not rich enough, City of Burlingame?

Groceries.

Lots.

My lunch.

Frozen raspberries and peaches.

A banana.

Spinach.  You can’t taste it.  Promise.

Flax Seed.

Coconut Almond Milk.

One Packet Tangerine Emergen-C.

Weird?  Yes.  Good?  Yes.

$1.99 at the grocery store = balloon artist in training.

And hundreds of requests that I adjust the balloon to fit over the puffer thing.

Which I’m sure has a technical term.

After school iPad, cartoon and cereal time.  Pantless for one.  Also, standard.

Overseeing Taco Friday prep.

Trying to decide if she does, in fact, like meat.

She doesn’t.

Opening their Valentine’s from Nan and Pops.

They play music.

Well Ashlyn’s did.

Until she ripped out the music box.

We call her The Beast for a reason.

The Office nightcap.

Stuck on the couch.

Because it takes me 15 minutes to get up.

Thanks, Crossfit.

Do you like my new Target slippers?

All comfort.  Zero cute.

In case there was need for clarification.

Whelp.

That was our exciting 10th day of the month.

How was yours?

This month I’m participating in two photo-a-day challenges on Instagram.

Because obviously my life is not crazy enough.

I feel the need to drive around in a frenzy looking for mailboxes and front doors to take pictures of before the sun sets.

Yesterday’s challenge was my favorite so far.

Because what doesn’t scream romance more than a 90s mix tape?

Last month I participated in just one.

And I’ve been meaning to post my recap.

But crafting in Kansas wrecks you.

I’m just now recovered.

Just in time to participate in my first ever Crossfit work-out.

Now I’m a little bit wrecked again.

Which I guess is good.

It probably didn’t help that Ashlyn was sitting on my back during the push-up circuit.

Anyway, back to the pictures.

Here was January’s challenge:

 

And my response:

See?  Cute.  Fun.  AND I took a picture a day.  Which is kind of an accomplishment in itself.

If you’re weird and like to take pictures of mailboxes.

Happy Friday, friends!

 

Dave and I started dating on Valentine’s Day, 1993.

Well, for the first time.

The early 90′s were a tumultuous time for us.

Summer camps.

Other girls.

Other guys.

Meddling friends.

Meddling parents.

Meddling youth group leaders.

The problem was never with us.

Obviously.

 

I came across my diaries when we moved last April and couldn’t help but chuckle.

September 5, 1992

“Yesterday was the best day of my life!!!  Dave transferred into my algebra class.”

March 29, 1993

“Me and Dave are going out!!!!  It’s been about 1 1/2 months now.  February 14 was the best day of my life!”

July 3, 1993

“We got in a really big fight at Hume Lake and broke up.  It was the worst week of my life.”

I had problems, clearly.

 

You know what doesn’t have problems?

This.

Delish.

100% Pintertest approved.

 Let’s walk through it together, ok?

Super easy.

You don’t even have to turn on your oven.

 

You’ll need:

3 bags Pink Wilton candy melts

3 bags chocolate chips

Wilton cherry candy flavoring

Cherry M & M’s

assorted Valentine’s sprinkles

—————-

First, line large baking sheet.

I just discovered Reynold’s Pan Lining Paper.

A foil parchment heavily fusion.

Get some.

Next, melt 3 bags chocolate chips as per microwave instructions on back of bag.

Spread melted chocolate onto lined pan and let set in fridge for about 30 minutes.

On to the pink candy melts.

Melt three bags as per microwave instructions on back of the bag.

Add about 1 tsp. cherry candy flavoring and stir into melted candy.

Spread on top of chilled chocolate.

Quickly sprinkle with chocolate cherry m & m’s (I found mine at Target) and pink and red sprinkles.

Let chill in fridge for another 60 minutes.

Break into pieces and you’re done.

Make some for your Valentine.

It will be the best day of their life.

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I have decent handwriting.
And I once made festive PJ pants with Christmas tree fabric.
I never wear them because I can’t tell the front from the back.
And.
That’s about as crafty as this California girl gets.

My friend, Kim had traveling to Kansas on her bucket list.
So she put herself on the wait list for Meg’s Craft Weekend.
She was picked via random lottery.
And could bring a friend.

And that is how I ended up crafting in Kansas.

Strap on your craftalicious seat belts.
Here’s my recap.

We were scheduled to leave SFO at 7:45 on Friday morning.
Technical difficulties kept us on the runway for over an hour.
Our layover in Houston was 50 minutes.
Bad news.

We missed our connecting flight and spent 12 lovely hours at George Bush International.

We charged our phones in some interesting places.
And ate 30 United voucher dollars worth of airport food.

We arrived at Meg’s around 11:30 pm and were greeted by 12 new smiley faces.
Who were still furiously crafting away.
Serious biz in Wichita.

Exhausted, but not wanting to feel left out, I got my midnight ruffle on.
And started with my apron.
The women were sweet and friendly.
And didn’t make fun of my uncraftiness much.
Except for Karen from Houston.
Figures.

We also had some serious swag waiting at our table.

I think we finally closed our eyes around 3 am that first night.
In super comfy brand new beds.
With happy vintage quilts.
Dreaming of ruffles and bunting and lemon fabric.
Definitely delirious from our day of travel.

We were up early the next morning.
Kimberlee prepared a lovely breakfast with fantastic cinnamon rolls.
We chatted.
Ate more.
Laughed.
Bloggers are fun people.

We packed up the caravan and headed to an antique store and barn.
And I’ll just be honest, old stuff is not my favorite.
But when in Rome…
You buy hand-painted orange-shaped ceramic California salt and pepper shakers for $5.
And a Girl Scout pocket guide for Kayla from 1947.
My house already smells weird.

Also, Kansas is windy.

Quick stop at Sonic for lunch and back to our ruffles.

We also made bunting.
And painted on canvas.
And decorated totes.

We stopped only to eat.
Yummy enchiladas ala Kimberlee.
Peanut butter cake with chocolate ganache.
Which I didn’t enjoy as much as I should have because I was stressing about my inability to rethread a sewing machine.
Which is now on MY bucket list.

Chicago Jenny, sensing my troubles, came to the rescue.
With a screwdriver.
Standard.

We crafted into the wee hours of the night.
And shared stories.
And laughed some more.

We loved our Read Roomies: the very literate/no-blog 2 Karens and a Tara.

I enjoyed meeting Jade.

And chatting with Ashley Ann about their pending adoption.

And realizing that Amy and I had both guest posted for Jeannett’s special needs series.
She’s from Alabama. I’m from California. And there we were crafting in Kansas.

We shared technical skills.
Converted a few to Instagram.
And Pinterest.
My work there was done.

Overall, such a wonderful time and happy memories.
And a much-needed break for this busy mama.

Thanks, Meg, for letting crazies invade your home.
It was lovely.

Thank you, Kimberlee for the food and desserts.
It was all so delicious.

Thank you, new friends for a whirlwind, craftabulous weekend.

I loved every ruffly second.

 

Hello, Monday.  Hello, laundry.

 

Hello, spending more time in the Houston airport during one unexpected layover
than total hours of sleeping all weekend long.

 

Hello new canvas for Ashlyn’s room.

That I’ll probably re-do because I have crafting OCD.

 

Hello new burlap bunting for Ashlyn’s room.

That I’ll never re-do because burlap is an angry fabric.

And I’m allergic to it.

Hello nerd alert.

 

Hello new ruffled apron for Kayla.

Which was originally mine.

But she loves ruffles more than I do.

 

Hello lots of help from Chicago Jenny because sewing machines hate my guts.

 

Hello cute new tote bag.

Filled with amazing swag.

 

Hello five pounds more to lose thanks to lots of delicious food and desserts.

And Houston layover food.

 

Hello 13 new friends.

 

I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

I just need to take a nap first.

 

Oh!  One more thing.

THIS Thursday.

Be sure to link up.

 

Thank you and goodnight.