I'm so grateful!!!!

Let me just start off this post about how grateful I am to have AMAZING friends. For those who watch Lizzie for me, Bring me soup when I am sick, bring me sour cream since the weather is horrible and Lizzie is too sick to take out of the house, bring over a spring form pan so that I can make a certain type of dessert for the missionaries coming over tonight, dropping off papers so I don't have to drive all over town to get the information I need for Primary or any other calling I have had in the Church, a listening ear when I just can't take it anymore, going out to lunch just for fun, making treats together, and always a shoulder to cry on. Thanks to ALL the women out there that have done a nice deed for me!

I'm extremely grateful for you in my life!

Bacon and Potato Soup

*Have you been looking for the perfect soup for that cold night? Here it is!!! Trust me it is amazing!


What You Need
1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) reduced sodium chicken broth
1-1/4 cups milk
2 baking potatoes, baked, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Center Cut Bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled and divided
3/4 cup KRAFT Cheddar CLASSIC MELTS Cheddar & American, divided
2 Tbsp. green onion slices, divided
1/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream


Make It
MELT butter in heavy saucepan or Dutch oven. Add onions and celery; cook and stir 5 min. or until crisp-tender. Add broth, milk, potatoes, salt and pepper; bring just to boil, stirring constantly. Slightly crush potatoes with back of spoon. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 min., stirring frequently.


RESERVE 2 Tbsp. each of the bacon and cheese and 1 Tbsp. of the green onions for toppings; set aside. Add remaining bacon, cheese and green onions to soup just before serving; cook until cheese is melted, stirring constantly.


SERVE topped with reserved bacon, cheese, green onions and sour cream.

Valentine's Weekend with my Hubby in Vegas!

Let me just start this post off with telling all of you in the blogging world that I have the most AMAZING husband! He planned a getaway weekend for us to Vegas without any help from me. I was ONLY in charge of finding a place for Lizzie to go. I knew David would do a great job, since his surprises are always a lot of fun. We started off the weekend by dropping Lizzie off with my parents so she could spend with weekend with Gigi, Steve, the kids, and my parents. Lizzie had a great time playing with her cousins and visiting everyone up the mountain even though she was sick the whole time.

THANKS TO EVERYONE TO WATCHED OUR GIRL FOR US!

So David got us reservations at The Luxor... I have always wanted to stay there so I could ride on the inclindators (The elevators they go up the sides of the pyramid) Let me just tell you they are a lot of fun! When we checked in I asked if we could stay in a room where we would be able to ride them, she did a quick switch-a-roo in the computer and we were up on the 19th floor. It was really high! Our room overlooked the freeway and New Orleans Hotel, but it was still a pretty sight at night with all the Vegas lights going... Then we headed over to the RIO, and ate at the LARGEST BUFFET (I think in the World if I got that right?) Let me just tell you the food is AMAZING!!! There is food from every country, plus they have a Gelato bar... what more could you ask for? David and I were stuffed so we headed back to the hotel.

The next day we headed down the Strip to see what we could find. We were going to see a show, but we didn't want to stand in line for tickets so we just took in the sights. I was SUPER hungry all morning and I needed to eat but EVERY place was packed full of people and the wait was FOREVER!!!! So we ended up talking to an employee at the Paris Hotel, and they gave us directions to Ellis Island Casino and Bar. It is behind Bally's, and the prices of their food were way reasonable and you got a ton of food for the price. (A Little secret of Vegas check it out next time you are in town)

So we headed back to the Strip and ended up back in the Paris Hotel since I wanted a Peanut Crepe SUPER BAD!!! let me just tell you, they aren't as good as the one's I had in Paris, France, but they are the best I have found in the States! (*Another hint: Next time you are in the Paris Hotel go into the bathroom! Trust me you won't be disappointed!!! Over their PA system they teach you pick up lines in French! What more could you need? I was dying... so I text David and told him to check them out too)

Maybe someday we can visit the REAL Eiffel Tower together in Paris, but this will have to do for now...

The Arc De Triumph.. .Why aren't there 21 streets trying to attach themselves to this round-a-bout like in Paris?

After a great day on the Strip (we had more adventures, but too many to name) we headed back to our Hotel to get ready for the Valentine's Dinner David had set up. He told me the restaurant was around Planet Hollywood Hotel and the only restaurant I saw I was PF Chang's, and I was excited about that, but that wasn't where he was taking me. David took me to PAMPUS Brazilian Grill, and let me tell you it's out of this world!!!! Super yummy! It is located in the Miracle Mile Shops connected to Planet Hollywood Hotel.

Sunday we headed to church and found some ward in downtown Vegas. The Young Men of the ward spoke and it was really good. One of the Young Men talked about how he was struggling with the Gospel and how one of his leader gave him a scripture to read, and how he never gave up on him, and now he is preparing for a mission. It is amazing to see how each leader in the church are examples to our children and youth even though sometime they think we are dorks, we really are there to help lead and guide them. Changing topics now it was making me crazy though cause everyone had their kids there, and I was missing Lizzie so BAD! David and I just watched the little kids do such cute things, and we both looked at each other and smiled knowing how much we missed our girl.

Thanks Hunny for the AMAZING getaway!! You are always so thoughtful and loving and make me feel like a Queen! We hope you had a great Valentine's Day too!

FHE Valentine Style

FHE this past week was a lot of fun. We had sticky chicken, rice, jello, veggies, and rolls. Then for dessert we had Valentine Sugar cookies made by Marla! Since Lizzie, Jarren, and Ashlyn finished their dinner they were able to decorate the cookies for the family. I think they turned out pretty good... look at those decorators go! I especially LOVE this picture of Ashlyn! She is growing up so fast, and before we all know it she will be in High School. I just love moments like like this... A family that decorates cookies together... stays together!

Then for our lesson Marla and Josh made homemade valentine's for the WHOLE family where we were able to write down someone we LOVED about each person in our family.

I WON!!!! I LOVE PBS!

So the other day I was watching PBS with Lizzie.. oh wait that is an understatement I watch PBS with Lizzie EVERYDAY, but to get back to my point... and PBS has a NEW website for Parents now. I wanted to check it out to see what it all involved, and I came across the SuperSisters Blog. So I quickly scrolled down their blog and noticed that EACH DAY they raffle prizes off if you post on their blog. So I did it not thinking I would win, and what happened... I WON a Jay-Jay Jet Plane movie and some other fun stuff. PLUS they are giving away a FREE Printer and some other cool prizes!!!

ALL MOMS should check it out!!!! http://www.pbs.org/parents/supersisters/

WE HAVE BEEN ATTACKED!!!

So this morning David and I woke up to the sound of rain, and I just love these kinds of morning when you can turn on the fireplace and drink some hot chocolate. Well David got ready for work and I laid in bed like all mornings. Well David came back and got me out of bed to look at the front door. I was thinking " OH no we have water all the way up to our front door... FLOODING!!!" but instead I found this!!!! Thanks to whom ever heart attacked us!!! We sure feel special!!!

Parker's 4th Birthday

So the day finally came... Parker is OFFICALLY 4!!! I can remember when he was just little, Marla probably feels like her little baby is now a BIG boy! Thanks to Chani and Marilyn for a great pony party. The kids got so excited when the pony showed up and they each were able to get a ride. Lizzie LOVED the pony she did really good holding her daddy's hand as the pony walked around the backyard. The weather really cooporated too, it didn't start raining until all the kids were on their second ride. Mr. Birthday Boy on the pony

Lincoln and Lizzie enjoying some snacks waiting for their tur with the pony

Mommy and Lizzie enjoying the nice weather Momma... Look at me!!! David the cowboyChecking out the ponyMy all time favorite.. Lizzie giving a thumbs up... Papa would be so proud of his little rider!

Getting ready for Valentine's Day

Well since Christmas baking didn't happen since I was so sick as most of you read.. I decided to adventure this Valentine's and do a little baking. It is a family tradition in our family to make homemade sugar cookies and decorate them and leave them for Santa. I was sad that I didn't get to partake in that tradition so instead I think I'm going to start a NEW tradition for Valentine's and make the cookies then. They are super yummy and moist.. and are all that a cookie should entail. This was the first time Lizzie has tasted one, and let's just say she LOVED THEM!!! Instead of lunch we ate cookies and frosting.. the BEST lunch a girl could ever have.. right?

Lizzie can do it!!!

The other day Kera, the kids, and I took a trip over to Cawston Park in San Jacinto. It is a cute park in the middle of a quaint neighborhood, and I thought it would be the BEST place for the kids to play. Let me just remind you it was 80 degrees outside just a week ago. Well at this park there are 2 different playgrounds one for younger kids with smaller slides and climbing equipment, and then there is the BIG KID playground with the BIG twisty slide and swings and climbing equipment. Well I guess Lizzie thought since Kera's kids were playing on the BIG KID equipment that Lizzie should too. So there she goes climbing the HUGE stairs up to the BIG twisty slide. I asked Kera if she would stand at the bottom to catch Lizzie... and let me just tell you she LOVED IT!!! She must have done it 8 times. She thought she was so BIG!!! I was so proud of her!!!! She is only 14 months and going down the BIG SLIDE... she is growing up way too fast. Then we took a trip over to McDonald's so the kids could get a snack and play a little more. Lizzie once again thought she should play with the BIG kids and climb up the tree towards the slide. Well Lizzie can climb stairs well, but she can't come down them. SO here is a picture of Lizzie at top of the tree, and not knowing how to get down.. Thanks Kera for climbing up the tree and getting Lizzie down, because there was no way I could have done it.

LIZZIE'S RANDOMNESS

I want you!
CHEEEEESSSSE!!!

Lizzie loves to eat her snacks right here!!! It is in front of the kitchen sink, not the greatest place for when I'm cooking

Look at that pose!!! I love my girl!! check out that hair

The clothes she mostly wears.. you got jammies!!!!


THINGS LIZZIE LOVES

SHOWS:

1. Elmo's World/ or anything Elmo
2. Blue's Clues
3. Super Why
4. Sid the Science Kid

FOOD:

1. Mac and Cheese
2. Twisler's
3. Gummy bears
4. Veggies
5. Captain Crunch
6. Fruity Pebbles

TOYS:

1. Ball Pit
2. Putting toys in something and then taking them out (repeating action)
3. Dominoes
4. Ball Popper

ACTIONS:

1. Dancing
2. Loves giving Kisses to family. friends, books
3. Blowing kisses to strangers
4. Running
5. Doing the moon walk
6. Playing with her friends
7. walking sideways

"SAYS":

1. Dada
2. Momma
3. YES!
4. I did it!
5. Baba- the only animal sound she can make
6. Papa
7. Night-Night

MY HUSBAND IS GENIUS!!!!

Sorry to the blogging world for neglecting you. My husband had such a GENIUS idea, that is another reason why I married him. We were talking one morning before Church about how I lost the cord for the camera. He was confused and lead me into the office and showed me the USB Compact Flash Reader, and asked if this is what I was looking for. I TOTALLY forgot about that. So now I am able to upload pictures that are on my Cannon so now I just need to tote that along where ever we go now!!! HOORAY WE ARE BACK!!!!

Okay first of all I'm giving props to Chelsea Fenn. She has been making all these way super cute colleagues of events that happen in her family. She FINALLY gave out her little secret about how she creates them. This whole time I thought she was using some scrapbooking website or a super expensive program, but she wasn't.. she was using Microsoft publisher mixed with clip art and google images. So I decided to try it out... and WA-LA!!! Here is my first try at it. It was easy and fun to work with... the only issue I had was layering different images so CHELSEA if you could help me that would be awesome. Sorry no new pictures, but I found these pictures on the craptop and I thought they would be fun to work with. 2 little love birds!!!!

THANKS AGAIN CHELSEA FOR SHARING ALL YOUR GREAT IDEAS WITH THE BLOGGING WORLD!!!

SUPER BOWL FOR ALL THE LADIES!!!!

Super Bowl Mystery Host Phone in Show

Where our husbands turn to the TV, and we are able to spend their money…
Place a phone order with me on Super Bowl Sunday, February 1st and earn the discounts that follow:

Call During~ Receive
1st Quarter ~ 15% discount
2nd Quarter ~ 10% discount
Halftime ~5% discount
3rd Quarter ~ 15% discount
4th Quarter ~ 5% discount

** NOTE: Past Hostesses will receive 10% discount in addition to the discounts listed above

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS…

When you call me Sunday Feb. 1st during the game:
You will receive ONE ticket stub entering you into the drawing
Monday Evening (Feb. 2nd) I will draw a ticket and that lucky person will be our “Mystery Host” and receive ALL the hostess benefits (free and half-off items)

HOW TO EARN EXTRA TICKET STUBS FOR THE DRAWING…

Product order $50 or greater (prior to discount): 2 extra tickets
Product order $75 or greater (prior to discount): 5 extra tickets
Schedule an Open House in Feb., March, or April: 8 extra tickets

Mark your calendars and give me a call at (951) 514- 6083 on Super Bowl Sunday, February 1st with your order. I accept cash, Check and Pay Pal.

To view the catalog: katrinaparker.uppercaseliving.net
Remember anyone can participate so please forward this to anyone who loves Uppercase Living and may be interested!!!

ENJOY THE GAME!

Hooray for the New Year!!!

Well I'm so glad 2008 has gone, and 2009 is here!!!! I know that kinda sounds strange to be glad another year is over, but I'm happy to start with a clean slate and a healthier family. I'm usually overly excited for Christmas each year, but this past year I was happy for it to come and go. I was still in my 1st trimester and sick as a dog. We got a wonderful flu/cold in our house that has wonderfully lasted over a month now, but the doctor thinks it is just allergies with all the strong winds lately. It is hard to have the Christmas spirit when you feel like you have been ran over by the garage truck five billion times, and then he wants to come by just one more time for kicks. I sorry to all our family members who didn't get their presents wrapped this year, but at least I made it to the store and bought them for you :) Christmas involved sitting on the couch watching videos and PBS, and hoping Lizzie wouldn't pounce at any given moment. Drinking hot water since it felt good going down my super sore throat, and wishing I was drinking a chocolate shake from In-N-Out. Staying in my jammies for days, and hoping no one stops by to see how we are doing because it was a frightful sight. Trying to get excited about Christmas baking, and wishing I could call on the elves in the book "Elves and the Shoemaker" to make 5 zillion goodies to pass out to all my friends an neighbors, and just wishing each second that my head would just explode to make my sinus headache come to an END!!!!


So as you can tell the Holidays were kinda hard on me this year with all the different elements of Christmas and sickness weighing on me... but with a lot of time to think (thanks to Kera for always enlightening me.. with her time to contemplate) I wanted this New Year to help me in more ways than none.. I know each year people make resolutions to change certain things from the past year. I have always been HORRIBLE at keeping my resolutions so this year I just wanted something different. Something to spark my interest and help me get though this rut I had myself in... Our Ensign (church magazine still gets delivered to David's parents even thought we have lived in our house over 7 months.. I really need to change the address) but going back to my point we finally got our Ensigns that I always forget to pick up. I love reading all the different stories and they are always enlightening. I came across the October issue and was flipping though the pages in bed one night, and I came across an article on Visiting Teaching and stories from different sisters around the world how Visiting Teaching has touched their lives. I have always been a firm believer that Visiting Teaching is something that was sent from God. The different ladies had such strong testimonies (firm understandings and belief) about the power of visiting teaching and how important it is. The stories touched my heart... and made me want to become a better/BEST visiting teacher. I know sometimes we feel that by just going by and teaching a simple lesson or making a loaf of bread seems tedious sometimes, but I know that the ladies I visit teach need me, even though sometimes they don't think so :) ex: it was late in the month and we are able only to visit this sister on Sundays due to her work schedule. It was the last Sunday and she was busy, but I felt inclined to drop off some goodies and a conference message that I felt would inspire her. I took it to her door and gave it with an open heart even though I was late that month, and felt silly for my simple goodies and talk I included. A few weeks later I saw that sister in the hallway at church, and she came up to me and gave me a huge hug, and said thank you; that is exactly what I needed. I know if we just follow the simple promptings of the Holy Ghost and follow though with it, we won't be sorry. We are blessed in numerous ways when we serve one another with simple acts of service. The following Sunday I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting in my brother and sister-in-laws ward for their daughters blessing. It was fast and testimony meeting too, which I usually have a hard time listening to since Lizzie is such a busy girl, and trying to explore and meet everyone. Thanks to my wonderful Husband and father-in-law I was able to listen to the meeting and able to be inspired by the simple things that the people had to share with us. How amazing it is when the words are just for you to hear, and are able to touch you in a variety of ways. I'm grateful for these amazing experiences and how such simple things turn out to be tender mercies from the Lord.

New Spring/Summer Uppercase Living Catalog!!

(click on the cover or the link to see the new catalog)

We just came out with the NEW 2009 Spring/Summer catalog!!! There are tons of new ideas and of course new vinyl colors to choose from!!!! Check out my website to look at the new catalog. http://katrinaparker.uppercaseliving.net/OnlineCatalog.m

If you want to schedule a Open House to earn FREE vinyl let me know!