Hoilday WrapUps

I can't believe I haven't even posted about Thanksgiving yet! I am such a slacker!For Thanksgiving my family comes down for the weekend. Mom, Dad, Jen and Blake made it this year. I didn't even get pictures of dinner, but we did eat! Mom and I made a whole spread. We also had Candace, Doug, and Miss little Ana Kate over for dinner. After dinner we got all our Christmas decor down and we decorated all evening. Firday I did everyones hair and then we did a little shopping in the afternoon and went to dinner at Grubs in Fayetteville. After dinner Mom , Jen and I went to go see the "Nutcracker" at the Walton Arts Center. It was a really good show and I had never been to the W.A.C so it was nice! Saturday we had planned to get some family pictures done. I had a client do them for us. We met her at Garden City in Bentonville the pics turned out good!

After pictures Jen and I got a start on my gingerbread cookie village! I finished that up on Sunday when everyone was pack up and on their way home. I had a Cookie Exchange and Chic Design Party planned the next weekend. So hence the cookie village!

I had a great turn out for the "Sweets and Treats" party. I am sure this will be an annual party at my house! Great friends, cookies, and food..... what could be better than that? Here are a few pictures of the party!

                                        Ana Kate shopping for some goodies!

The Christmas season came so quickly for me. I hadn't even started shopping until about 2 weeks before we left for Indiana! We both worked all the way up till the day before we left so it didn't give us time to get ready. I didn't have my suitcase out till the night before we headed home! LOL I just threw clothes in there and hoped for the best... but of course like every trip I packed to much and didn't wear half the things I packed (besides all the 6 pairs of shoes)!

Our drive home started at 6am and was going good until we where about 2 hours from home and we got stuck in traffic for an hour and a half due to a car accident. The weather got worse the further north we got so it wasn't a surprise that we ran into some delays. We went straight to the Bidwell's because it was 10pm before we got home. The next morning was Sunday and our niece and nephew had their Christmas program at Church. I was glad we were home to see the program. My MIL and SIL help with it every year also they all did such and great job. Nikohl was "Mary" and Nate was a "Wise Man".

                                                   Deric , Nikohl and I after church

                                                 Nate wearing Uncle Deric's hat

We spend most of the next week just hanging out with our families. It was nice not to feel rushed and pulled in every direction. We were busy every day but nothing crazy. It is so nice that our parents only live about 5 or less miles apart from each other! Makes our trips home so much more easy! Deric got to spend some time with Justin before he and his wife went to Canada for Christmas. I stayed home and bake with mom!

                                        This isn't the greatest of pictures but hey.. it was the only one we got!


  And I of course got to spend some good time with my best friend Aimee. I wish we could have seen each other everyday but that never seems to happen! I got to send a little time with Aimee's son Jaxson but it wasn't enough. I miss that little guy! I forgot my camera at home when I went to see Aimee so I have no pictures of us!
Christmas Eve we stayed at my parents and woke up Christmas Day with my mom's biscuits and gravy... yumo! Jen and Blake were at her in-laws so it was just the four of us. After breakfast Deric and I headed back over to the Bidwell's for Christmas. We had a great time with the whole family. We opened all the gifts and then Linda made a wonderful lunch. My MIL always spoils all of us kids for Christmas so it takes a while to open gifts!

                                           Kohl opening one of the gifts we got her
                                          

                                             Nate opening his carhartts from G-ma and G-pa


After lunch at the Bidwell's, we went back to my parents for dinner, gifts and games! Jen, Blake and Higgins (their kitty) were already there when we got there. Divot and Birdie are very interested in Mr. Higgins..... this year was MUCH better than last year... but this picture still sums up Divot and Higgins relationship!

                                                           (notice higgins hissing!)


We drew names at the Pelfrey house for the first time this Christmas. It was nice just having to get two gifts per couple. We are all adults no need to go out and get a bunch of gifts when it isn't needed. We just focused on being together as a family.

Mom really needed a new coffee pot... her's kinda broke last Christmas! It may be because she make pot after  pot of coffee when we are all home. Poor thing  couldn't take 4 whole pots of coffee in one day!

Jen in her super CUTE apron I got her!

 After dinner we got out "Mexican Train" one of our favorite games to play together. (Which none of us took pics!) We played for a few hours and I think I only won a game, Deric and Blake dominated the games for sure! Mom never once won and game but she doesn't quote "play to win". She will have a move she can make and she won't! She would rather draw a tile so others will have a better chance of winning. Trust me... when it comes to winning a game I will do anything to win! Not my mom she just sits back and takes FOREVER to make a move, I am pretty sure it takes her forever because she sits back and thinks about how she can make herself LOSE not WIN! LOL..... That is typical mom...... Always putting her family first.


Our last full day we had my half brother, his wife and their 4 kids down to have our last Christmas. Those kids got so big just from when they were all here for last spring break!

Lexie... with her big bow from her gift!

(can you see I am practicing for our little girl one day!Girls got to have a bow in her hair!)

After hanging out with them for a few hours we went to lunch with my in-laws and then back to my parents house for a bit. We packed up all of our stuff at their house and then went to the Bidwells for the night. I did my MIL, SIL and BIL hair and then played with Nate and Nikohl for a bit.
The pups were glad to see the kids one last time and I was glad they wore them out for our long drive home!

We had a wonderful Christmas and I want to THANK both sides of the family for making it wonderful! LOVE YOU ALL and Can't wait till we get to see ya'll again.
What a great way for us to end our 2009. I can not wait to see what 2010 brings us and all the blessing we may receive! I am hoping in 2010 we can see family more throughout the year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

Think PINK

I keep telling myself to just sit down and post this blog for the past two weeks. Somehow I never seem to do it. It isn't that I am so busy I can't take 20 minutes out of my day, half the night I am on facebook just wondering around on people's walls! LOL
But I do have something very important to talk about which is effects everyone in the world....

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month it makes all of us stop and think about our loved ones or friends who have been affected with this disease. On a not so serious side note I love the color PINK so I can stock up on a bunch of super cute pink gadgets for work (pink combs, clippers, cape, apron and I can go on and on).With buying all this stuff I support Breast Cancer and I get my pink fix! Really Breast Cancer is a horrible disease that no one should ever have to go through.
Just these past two months I have had my best friend's mom,JoAnn, and a very dear client of mine diagnosed with B.C. Both of these woman have the same type of cancer and only about 2 weeks apart of treatment plans. About two and half months ago when my client, Beth, told me she was going in for a mammogram we thought everything was fine because it always was. She called me about 3 days later and told me the horrible news. Then 2 weeks after that was her first surgery. Now let me tell you a little about Beth. She is a hard worker,upbeat, funny, sarcastic, sweet, caring, wife, mother, and grandma. Beth is always great to be around and she has one of those I don't really care what you think attitude! When I started to do her hair I could tell she was a worrier, she gave herself a bald spot at the back of her head over it. But through all of this hardship that has been thrown her way she seems to stay as strong as she can. Even when she was telling me everything her doctors had said and her treatment plans she stayed clam and focused. I just stood there in shock, I mean what do you say to someone who has stage 3 Breast Cancer. I knew what was coming ahead of her because my Granny (dad's mom) had cancer her whole life. She fought it for what I think was 17 years on and off... she passed away when I was in sixth grade. That is the only thing I could tell Beth. "Well my Granny had it, fought for 17 years you'll be ok"... but at the same time I wasn't thinking everyone is so different and there is so many different types of cancer.
Well what you do you know Beth, the fighter and Miss Attitude came right out and she said from the beginning she was going to win. I had given her two haircuts before her first Chemo treatments so I didn't know how her first round of chemo went. She called me after her first treatment and told me she was coming in. I figured it was for a haircut. She has a really short spiky funky hair cut which needs to keep trimmed about every 4 weeks. Beth walked through the front door and she looked great! I gave her a huge hug as I looked at the back of her head there it was... the horrible sign of Chemotherapy. She ran her fingers through her hair, looked at me and said "You have to shave it" as her hair fell to the floor. She told me when her hair started to fall out she was just going to shave it because she didn't want her pillow to look like a shedding dog had slept on it. At that time we just laughed about it but now it was real. I was scared, sad, and so proud of her all at the same time. I walked her back to my chair and put the cape on her. "You ready..." is all I said. I knew I had to stay strong for her, she needed me to, but as soon as I got to second swipe of the clippers (which are BC support Pink) I totally lost it. I looked in the mirror at her and she was still good just staring at me and with a nod of her head I knew to keep going. Beth didn't make it much longer without shedding a tear either but by the time I was done I think we were both were shaking from trying to hold the wales of sadness back. The whole time I wanted to scream "THIS ISN"T FAIR"
I turned the clippers off and kissed her check and gave her a hug. Beth said " Will you just put that stinking wig on me now!" We both laughed and dried our eyes as I reached for her wig. Beth got a wig from a B.C support group in Bentonville. The wig was o.k but not anything like her hair.. the color, texture, and cut were totally different and it looked like a wig. Right then I knew I had to find her a different more "Beth like" wig.
You see Beth told me before that her birthday was coming up and not only does she have Breast Cancer this year she was going to have a Chemo treatment on her birthday. I couldn't bare the thought of having to sit all day getting treatment on my birthday and on top of that being bald! I found her a great "Rene of Pairs" wig that was her haircut and color. The best part of it was only 60.00 bucks and 7 dollars shipping. I had Beth come up to the shop to make sure she liked it.
Yesterday, I got to place that new wig on her head. She had a smile from ear to ear when I got it all fitted. We had to trim a little for the bang area but other than that is was perfect!
You know you hear and watch all these stories of deserving people and I wonder how I can be a part of it.... I think that was one of my best days of work in all 6 years of doing hair. I knew I got into hair to make woman feel better about themselves I didn't do it for the money and long hours! I knew as I watched Beth walk out of the salon she had a pep in her step and a smile that was well needed.
A few weeks ago at Church our Pastor asked us "How do you think God wants to use you. How can we serve Him" I knew right away how God uses me. I think God put it in my head at a little girl that this is what I need to do. I have never really wanted to do anything other than hair and be a mommy! I know God uses me everyday to be a witness for Him. I just need to shine a little brighter for Him sometimes! It is hard to be a witness for God when you are in a public service business, in school one of the first things they teach you is not to talk about "Money, Religion, and Politics".
I have found ways to be a good servant without throwing religion at clients, but on the other hand I now live in the Bible Belt so I can get away with it a little more!
I just want everyone to stop and think about all of those who have lost, survied, or is fighting against Breast Cancer. This shouldn't just be the month of October it should be everyday day. At least we have a whole month to change a life.

blogging between the throw ups....

Don't worry Deric and I are fine but my baby Divot has been sick for the past couple of days. He is constantly throwing up. I think he has some drainage from allergies he is getting rid of. Now that I grossed you out! sorry!
I feel as if I really don't have anything to blog about this week. I did get to go to the LPGA this week and drive a golf cart on Wednesday. This wasn't for the tournament but for the Pro-aim. This is where a group of 4 people are paired up with a Lady Pro golfer and plays 18 holes with her. Our group was to tee off at 1:50 but since the rain wouldn't stop we were delayed 2 hours and ended up only playing 9 holes. But we had a great time and our Pro, Amy, was such fun!



The client that asked me to help out with the cart gave us all week passes to go watch the tournament. We did go out yesterday (Saturday), but didn't go today. It was supposed to rain and we don't follow any of the leaders so we just came home after church.

Speaking of church we kicked off the "Draw Near" 50 day challenge. Our church is working as a whole.... children, teens, and adults on the same study. During "Draw Near" our church is challenging us to get closer to our wonderful God, to build a stronger relationship with Him. We have a booklet that we will follow at home, small groups, and at church that has different verses and bible studies to lead us on our way. We are not in a small group and I feel like we need to get involved in one. I think we will feel closer to our church and have more of a church "family". Fellowship is so big it is easy to slip in and out of church without seeing anyone you know. Since we both grew up in smaller churches it was a little weird going to such big church when we moved here. But Fellowship is a awesome church. I love the praise team, the pastors and the way I feel when I leave. I feel and KNOW that we need to get more involved and it is time! This 50 day challenge is going to be good for me... can't wait to start!





But a funny side note. Most of you know Deric's love of Starbucks.(haha) Well today these words came out of his mouth " I think I might want a Vanilla Latte, if we don't go before church lets get one afterwards" Well after church and a quick run to Wal-Mart we went to Starbucks. When we got home Deric was really enjoying his Vanilla Latte and mentioned he wanted another one! This is coming from someone who ALWAYS complains about the overprice and overrated coffee spot! But I do have to say he didn't pay for it with his money. He pulled out money from my wallet, so he might not be converted over just yet! But for some reason I feel like I WILL be spending more money for Starbucks Coffee!
Hope ya'll have a good week!

Putting my Stamp on It

I wanted to try to figure out how to get one of those cute signatures at the bottom of each one of my post! I found this great site that is for free, but I am still going to be on the look out for something a bit more "girly"! I found a few sites that are super cute but you have to pay for them. I feel my blog is ready for makeover... so if you know of any awesome free sites please let me know! I will be keeping my eye out! I also wanted to put my signature at the bottom because if you ever noticed it still says posted by Deric. Not that this is a big issue but this account was made under his name and if I change it to my name that means having to change the site address and frankly I don't want to have to go through the trouble of that! HAHA This is also a test post to see if my signature works! Well I am sure I will post again this weekend but for now.... have a great long weekend!

"SHUT UP!"

The famous quote of Stacy London from the hit show on TLC "What Not to Wear".
Yesterday when I got into the salon a client mentioned that Stacy was at Sam's... and I about fell to the floor when I found out! I LOVE THIS LADY!! I didn't have any appointments that morning till 12 so I grabbed Shay (my co-worker) and we hurried our little selfs to Sam's! When we got there I was practically running to get a spot in line to meet Stacy. We were waiting there in line while I was calling everyone I know to tell them that I was about met her. The line seemed to be moving pretty fast when all the sudden a guy calls out " This will be Stacy's last picture". I was so upset and down right mad! I was 2 people back and was getting the boot! NO WAY
Well I stood there with my new camera in hand (THANKS TO DERIC FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!!) and shouted "STACY, CAN YOU JUST LOOK AT ME!" She did I told her I just wanted to take her picture.



While in mid shot she said "AWW, Just come here your so darn cute you have to be in the picture". So I ran over there and buddied right up to her all the while throwing Shay my camera.


After I got my quick photo with her, she was pulled away. So we left to walk over to pick up some foil. It is such a better deal than buying it at the Salon Supply House... and is works the best! HA So we make our way over to the foil and I mention to Shay "Oh look there is Stacy's Entourage" little did I know she was standing in the middle of them. I spotted her while saying " Oh,Don't worry Stacy..... we're just stalking you!" HAHA really did I just say that? Her crew just looked at me and she laughed..... thank goodness. For a minute I thought that I was going to be thrown down on that dirty nasty floor! Then I had to think of something fast to tell her why we were over there. So I told her "We buy our foil in bulk"..... WHAT?? Where are these words coming from??? I needed to ask her about my outfit or something! Then I have to say "Well, we are hair stylist and this a better deal and works great!" Stacy stylist agrees with me! Stacy must not have ever been to a Sam's Club because she says "I know don't you love this store... You can get everything you need in bulk like granola bars and green beans!"
Then she walked out the side door and off to her next campaign visit. She was at Sam's Club promoting Pantene Hair products. I was so glad she didn't ask me if I used Pantene because I would have told her...... NO, and I KNOW you don't use it on your hair either because your hair is too pretty!
But it turned out great, I got a pretty good picture with Stacy London and got to chit chat with her a bit! I should have told her it was the day after my birthday and maybe she would have given me her shoes! HA (you know she travels with extra)

Charlie Bit Me!!

This is my new favorite youtube video. We found it today and thought it was so funny. We wanted to share the enjoyment with our friends.


The Remix

Busy weekend

I have had a very busy weekend. Not only was it my birthday weekend it was our friend, Lena's baby shower. Lena and her husband Chris are expecting their first baby in October. I am so happy for them, Lena is going to be such a great Mommy. The shower was Saturday and I co-hosted with 3 other friends. It turned out so cute. We split up the duties of the shower. Angela, who opened her home for the shower did all the adorable decor, Ines did the games, Erika and I did the food. We had a great turn out and great time. Here are a few pictures of the shower. I made the cake and I had many request to do the cheesecake cups. You make em once and you will win anyone over!! Also I made some guacamole dip and Chicken Chili Queso Cups. I will add the recipe for the Queso Cups at the end of this post!






How do we know Lena and Chris?? Some of you know who I am talking about and some don't. Lena works with Deric and her husband Chris is a hairstylist! I know funny.... just the opposite of us! I just love Lena she is so sweet and Chris is such a funny, nice guy. I can NOT wait to meet Baby Hamilton. Lena and Chris have decided not to find out what the sex of the baby is util baby arrives. She is sooo hoping for a baby girl (so am I)!!! HA


As for my birthday(which is today)we didn't do much which is fine with me. We went out to dinner last night after the baby shower with some friends (Marcia, Ken, Val, and Spencer). I decided to go to Shogun for dinner. It is such a great place to eat. It is a Japanese restaurant. You can choose to sit at a grill and watch them cook right in front of you or sit a regular table. We sat a regular table, we have been at the grill before and wanted to sit at a regular table so we could visit better. The restaurant sits up on a hill in Fayetteville so the view from the tables is wonderful. You can see pretty much the whole city while you enjoy your YUMMY food.

Then today Deric and I went out for lunch and then to Sam's Club. So nothing to exciting today. It's funny how when we are younger how much you look forward to your birthday every year. And as you grow older even though it is still an important day to you it just isn't as exciting. I think of it now as just another day, I don't feel any different from what I felt yesterday. Maybe because when we are little kids are parents go out of their way to make the day so special and as adults we don't really need that anymore. Maybe when you hit more of the "milestone" birthday you will feel different!


I do need to do a Shout Out to Miss Ana Kate..... today is also her birthday! The little princess is 2 today! so HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANA KATE. Check out her momma's blog to see how much she is growing!



Now for the Queso Cups.... super good and easy gotta try them for your next party!



RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
2 eggs
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cooked chicken, finely diced
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack
30 mini phyllo shells
1. Heat the oven to 350°. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, toss together the chicken, chilies, cilantro, and cheese.

2. Place the phyllo shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon 1 rounded teaspoon of chicken filling into each shell, then add about 1 teaspoon of the egg mixture. Let the shells sit for about a minute so the egg can settle to the bottom. Then add about another teaspoon of egg to each shell, filling it close to the top.

3. Bake the cups until the custard is set, about 15 minutes. After the cups have cooled, freeze them for up to 2 weeks. To serve, simply reheat them in a 350° oven until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 30 quiches.

Random

So I was on a blogging streak...not so much anymore. This post is sort of "throw it all in". Most of our family knows by now that we got our new computer last week (which is totally awesome, Thanks to my husband!) As I am sitting a typing at this moment our laptop may be on it's way to the house! I told Deric that the laptop is mine and he can have the desktop! HA!
Well with all this new computer business we had to get our office all fixed up. I always wanted a home office that looks professional. I had big plans this time last year to rip down a wall and open the space up to the living room. But now I have had a change of heart......Deric, I know you thrilled to read that! So anyhow, last weekend (not this past one) we headed out in search for a new desk,shelves and chair. We ended up picking a really nice set from Target. Deric and I have always agreed on cheaper but nice looking furniture because we or just maybe me change our decor too much! The set is really pretty and the office looks so much bigger!!! It is amazing what some new furniture can do for a space! Here are some pictures



These shelves are in both corners of the room! Now I am on the look out for a canvas burnt orange color valance for the window. I think that will really bring out the orange in the rug.

Also that same weekend Deric and I decided to try to make different types of homemade pizza. We make pizza quite a bit but we wanted to fancy it up a bit! This is what we came up with. Thanks to Lena(our wonderful almost new mommy friend) for the dough recipe... it was delish!

Finally this last picture is for my mom. She has been asking me to post a picture with me and my new found love of bangs! She couldn't believe I cut them!! I haven't had bangs since I was in grade school like maybe 4th or 5th grade! So here ya go Mom!!

PHILADELPHIA 3-STEP Mini Cheesecakes recipe at Kraftfoods.com

I thought I would just post the recipe of those yummy cheesecakes! I took them into Deric's office yesterday and everyone loved them! The best thing is that they are super easy too! You most certainly need to make them for your next party! In other baking news.... I will be doing a baby shower cake for the 29th. Deric's co-worker Lena is expecting her first baby. I have planned to make the cake into a oneies. So it should be super cute! Have a great day!

What You Need!!

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
12 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
1 kiwi
1/2 cup blueberries
1/3 cup raspberries



HEAT~ oven to 350°F. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each just until blended.

PLACE~ 1 cookie on bottom of each of 12 paper-lined muffin cups; cover with cream cheese mixture. ( I used an Oreo... but other have used Vanilla Wafers)

BAKE~ 20 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours. Peel kiwi; cut into 6 slices, then cut each slice in half. Place 1 kiwi piece on each cheesecake. Top with berries.

August equals birthdays in the Bidwell family

Soooo.... I am calling myself a bad daughter in law!!!! Yesterday was my sweet MIL's birthday. I didn't get her post up in time!! SORRY.
Linda you are so sweet and kind. I am so happy to have you in my life! Deric and I both love you more than you will ever know!! We wish we could have spent the day with you! I am glad you had a good birthday and I am sure you had a great day shopping today with Kim and Kohl. Happy belated Birthday!!! Promise I will be on time next year and maybe I will have to send you a cake!!! LOL

Happy Birthday to a Wonderful Man!!!

Happy Birthday to MY sweet, caring, amazing, funny, and smart husband. I don't even know the words to express how lucky I am to have him in my life. He makes me smile, laugh and love him more everyday.
I was thinking about the first birthday we spent together... which was many years ago. He was turning 18!!! LOL right?? Yea, it was right before he started his senior year of high school! Anyhow, it was our first "date" which happened to be his birthday. I was head over heals about him then and still am!! At the end of that night was our first kiss. Well I decided it was going to be our first kiss. It was awful! He totally agrees! LOL I went right in for it and he wasn't even expecting it.... got him off gaurd! It was a MESS!!!
But after thinking about that day I realize that Deric's birthday always turns out to be more than just a b-day! His 18th b-day was our first date and his little niece, Nikohl, got to come home from the hospital after being in the NICU for about 2 months! This is the day I met Miss Kohl.Then his 20th birthday was when Deric got to go home from the hospital after he was in a serious car accident with his college roommate. He was in bad shape.... brain contusions and some memory loss.Then when Deric graduated from Purdue it was on his birthday... plus his other college roommate, Ray, was getting married that same day! Funny how so many other big events in his life happen to be on his b-day!
Mostly I wanted to post a blog about how much I care and love him. I don't tell as much as I should on how much I appreciate him and look up to him. I am so thankful to have him in my life, I didn't realize when I was younger what a gift from God Deric is! It was that car accident that made me stop and truly think about our relationship and where it was going. I prayed and prayed that God would heal him and guide me. At the time of his accident Deric and I were not together, we had broken up about 8 months before. Everyone says "God has good in everything, even when it is the worse thing in your life". I am here to say an "Amen!" to that! It was this very horrible event that brought us back together. He is such a great man with an awesome, loving family and I am truly lucky to call him my husband!
Deric I hope you have a great day and you enjoy your cheesecake!!! I LOVE YOU



Yes, I had to bake him something for his birthday!!!





PHILADELPHIA 3-STEP Mini Cheesecakes recipe at Kraftfoods.com