Scrappy Christmas!

Oh boy! Christmas is here! We were good (insert giggle) all year long and Santa treated us right!

New blankets and toys

 
Lola seems to think that she is a fashion critic, she is not a fan of OMP's new shirt.

The girls have decided to leave us and go live with my father. I don't blame them, he's pretty good at spoiling little girls.

Pete was a little sad that he didn't get his Red Rider BB gun, Maybe next year, little guy...don't want to shoot your eye out.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. May today and every day be filled with love, peace and joy in your heart.

Merry Christmas Eve

Ohhhhh.....my tummy....so much food.....so many good things to eat.

We had BBQ sweet and sour meatballs, sausage balls, buffalo wing dip and the crown on the table, the yule log.

If you need a quick appetizer, here are two easy recipes you can whip up in no time.

Sausage Balls

1 tube (a pound I believe) of sausage

1 cup of Bisquick

2 cups of sharp cheese

Mix the sausage, cheese and Bisquick together.

Roll into tiny balls and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees. You know they are done when the cheese and the balls are golden brown (oh, so many that's what she said...I can't stand it)

Buffalo Chicken Dip

1 bottle of Frank's Red Hot sauce

2 cups of shredded chicken

1 block of cream cheese

2 cups of cheese

Spread room temperature cream cheese into a medium glass dish (9x13)

Mix the hot sauce and chicken together and spread the chicken mixture over the cream cheese.

Spread the cheese over the chicken cream cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes

If you want a little more of a crusty cheese, turn on the broiler for about 2 minutes-be careful not to burn!

Oh my goodness....I'm glad I put out that bowl of Tums. 

Feel Good Friday

 via sweetidings.blogspot.com

Only a few more days until Santa comes to Casa de Pedersen. I hope I'm on the nice list this year!

I believe! I believe! KonnyKards stitched up this adorable Santa, just in time for the big day.

Wanna see where Santa is with your goodies? Well,  Norad has a website where you can check on Santa's flight and see if he  is near your town.  This is a popular website at our house. What? Didn't you read the cross stitch above....if you don't believe, you get underwear and socks...

Speaking of gifts, I think that the pups might need this. It allows your dog to tweet! Crazy right? The great thing about this gift is that you can check on your little one when you are at work. You put the little transmitter on the dog's collar and when it barks, it updates the tweet.  It comes in blue and pink and leaves messages such as "I miss you, hurry home," or in Pete's case, "Sorry about the rug."

Ahhhhh......feel that holiday cheer? It's pure bliss. Happy holidays to all of you from all of me! Now, if you will excuse me, I have an OMP and cookies waiting for me. Yep, pure bliss.

My Wrist Hates Me

What do you do when you're upset? Eat? Not eat? Curl up in a fetal position? I stitch. 

While Lola was on the mend, I sat beside her and between kisses and hugs and tears, I stitched up this Merry Christmas cross stitch. I found the pattern in Cross Stitcher magazine and knew I had to make it. My wrist hates me for so much stitching in such a short amount of time, but I promised it a few days off before starting the next project. 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. May you have peace, love and lots of puppy kisses-with just a sprinkle of pink, now and into the new year.

Happy Birthday OMP!

Today is my sweetie's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY OMP!

I made you this cake...

But Pete ate it...
 

I was going to get you these drums...

But I remembered that Lola had a problem with drums...





I was going to sing you Happy Birthday...but Jujube decided to follow her dream of being, Olive, the other reindeer....




So, I guess the best I can do is wish you a very happy birthday. You bring a smile to my face every day and each morning waking up next to you is the best day of my life. You make me laugh. You allowed me to finally breathe. I'm not sure what the future holds for us, but I know with my hand in yours, we can face any of life's challenges. I love you.



Now, go get funky, cause it's your birthday! Whoop! Whoop!

Just a Quick Note...

Hi gang!

I want to apologize for not being around as much lately. You see, sometimes things are not always as great as they should be around Casa de Pedersen. I know I told you about Lola and her bum tooth, well, now we are confronted with an older dog who is having some hind leg problems and a mother who has been in tears every since Sunday. So please forgive me for not being here to share all my adventures with you.

Lola is a feisty little monster and I'm hoping will be back on top soon as will her silly sobbing mother.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

This week has been very scary at Casa de Pedersen. My little Ms. Lola had a bad tooth. We had to take her to the vet and get her checked out. I was slapped in the face with the reality that Lola isn't a puppy anymore. She is now a senior dog and while in the back of my mind I always knew that, the stark reality that she is not going to follow me all through my life hit me like knife through my heart.

I found this online and it pretty much explains my love for this little girl.

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"
and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand
phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust,
and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away
from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog",
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog"
just smile...
because they "just don't understand." 

 

by Richard Biby

Salivating Saturday

The cookie chaos is about to begin at Casa de Pederesn but to get my strength up, I need a little snack. I saw these yummy treats on pinterest and OMP was out the door getting the ingredients before I could finish my sentence.

Special thanks to So Wonderful, So Marvelous for the recipe, check out the blog for other  goodness!

Homemade "Turtles" are the easiest treat EVER! They are even easier than Rick Krispie Treats.

Ingredients
Rolo candies
square pretzels
pecans (or another nut,if you aren't a fan of pecans)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
On a cookie sheet, lay out pretzels. Make sure you are just doing one row, don't stack!
Place Rolo on top of the pretzel and place in oven for about 4 minutes. Until Rolos look shiny.
Remove from the oven and place pecan on top, press slightly into the Rolo, don't smash it!
Let cool and eat!

YUMMMMM and now I have my strength up to kick cookie chaos' butt! Bring on the flour and sugar! I'm ready, after one more little nibble.

Feel Good Friday!

thank you theberry.com

HO HO HO! Merry Friday! Time to shake those holiday rumps and enjoy the weekend!

Doesn't this Christmas owl look like he's waking up to see if Santa just landed on his roof? Bearpaw made this adorable pin cushion/needlebook. The bonus is you can find her tutorial on her website. How is that for spreading some Christmas cheer? Maybe she should change her name to Santapaw...HA! I am so clever!

You know I am a huge fan of the puppy dog, well, I found a blog that shares my love of the pooch. Dog Milk has so many great finds, I could spend hours looking at it.  Love it!

I am 100% sure I need this book.

I just found him under the tree, can I keep him?

Oh my goodness! The sun is setting and I need to get to work. Those presents won't wrap themselves. Well, the monster I got Mark, might...oh, I've said too much. Anyhoo....Have a great weekend!

Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Calvin Coolidge

Chrismas Crafting

I know, I've been so neglectful this week, but I had a legitimate reason. My poor little Lola has been battling a bad tooth and we finally had to take her to the vet. Needless to say, OMP has been comforting Lola and me for the past week. Not a fun job. So, forgive me for being a little lost but Lola is doing better, I'm wonderful and OMP is exhausted. Now then....let's get to crafting!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I completely go overboard with decorating, baking and spreading cheer. This year, I decided to add an extra special element. PINK AND GLITTER!

My first project was an ornament wreath that I had been dying to make for years. My good friend, Tara, gave me a bag of pink ornaments and I finally broke down and made that wreath.

I wasn't satisfied with just a sparkly pink wreath. I decided to make some bottle brush trees. I dyed them and killed them with glitter.



Putting them both together with my pink tree....HEAVEN!


I couldn't just stop there and decided to make garland out of recycled ornaments. Check out the video!


Finally, the tree with the garland I made last year.


Yep, the Christmas crafting bomb pretty much exploded at Casa de Pedersen and I couldn't be happier. 

Open Letter to Hallmark Channel

Dear Hallmark Channel,

Why, oh why do you create TV movies that you know will make me cry? Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.  You know what you are doing. Sure, your form is exactly the same, but I can't help crying each time you show it! . Boy and girl meet, there is some sort of problem  (the town Santa is retiring, their childhood memory is being torn down, a lost dog), they will fight and finally, they will end up together, in love and saving the town, Santa and the dog.

Even your animation makes me cry! Jingle All the Way...YOU LEFT A PUPPY OUT IN THE SNOW! Who does that? How is that a children's story? Sure, the puppy ends up just fine but for the first 25 minutes, you have me sobbing about a a stop motion animated puppy. You realize, you're killing me...right?

And then, last year, you bring out the big guns...Sam Elliott. It's like your little band of writers got together and said, "Let's see what will drive Pam right over that edge." Not only do you show Sam Elliott being absolutely wonderful but you throw in a little girl dying of cancer. Really Hallmark? Really? Sam Elliott and a little girl dying from cancer-you have just gone too far.

Now, I know I am doing a lot of complaining, and yes, I can turn the channel but the truth is, I love these movies. I want to live in that small Hallmark town that is free of all hate, helps eachother out and has Sam Elliott living in it. I love that you renew my faith in Christmas. I love that I get to have a good cry and in the end, the good guy wins and lessons are learned.

So, Hallmark Channel, with your well written formula, it may seem like I want you to change, but in reality, I'm asking for more. More people falling in love, more bad guys learning the true meaning of Christmas and more "B" movie actors renewing their careers. You keep churning them out, I'll keep watching.

Your biggest fan,

Pam

PS-just no more puppies in snow, okay? It took OMP days to calm me down from that one.

PPS-I really think Martha should invite me to be on her show. I am an excellent crafter. Can you make it on the day that everyone gets a free ipad. I really want one. Thanks!

Feel Good Friday

 Thank you Simply Cumorah!

I can't believe I made it to Friday! YAHOO! I'm getting my December groove on!

You've heard of Santa, right? Well what about Panta? LimeRiot over at Craftster.org created this adorable Panta with candy cane bamboo. If she wasn't so adorable herself, I would dislike her immensely but she is so nice and sweet, I just can't do it. Check out her blog too, lots of great stuff over there!

I think everyone knows how much I love baking, I just wish I could decorate cookies like they can over at Oh Sugar Events. I was drawn in by the Christmas Story Cookies but when I saw the Elf cookies, I about fell over. Don't even get me started on KISS. 

 These lockets from Khara Ledonne are so wonderful and whimsy. She also does custom orders. Swoon! I'm in love! 

Look everyone! It's Grumpus, the other reindeer! He's here to spread his Christmas joy!

Well, I am off to finish decorating Casa de Pedersen. I'm so excited! This time of year is definitely my favorite!

Christmas is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.

~Dale Evans

Tie One On Tuesday

Remember when it was totally acceptable to give your neighbor, coworker or boss a bottle of alcohol for Christmas? I remember my parents going to the liquor store and buying a nice bottle of whiskey for our neighbor every year. I wonder why people don't do that anymore. How did we get away from the prestige of home bars to drinking our wine out of jelly glasses? (it's not hip or ironic-it's kind of embarrassing) I say we bring back the pageantry of the home bar with these little goodies.

Remember that neighbor I was just talking about? The one that loved whiskey? Well, for the whiskey lover in your life, why not surprise them with these whiskey stones. The stones are non porous soapstone that you put in the freezer then pop in your glass. The wonderful thing about these stones is that it won't diffuse the whiskey. The last sip across your lips will taste just as sweet as the first.


I swear by the Rabbit corkscrew. It is the best invention in the world of wine. A good one can be a bit expensive but trust me, it is worth it.

When I found these handpainted pilsner and martini glasses, I squealed with delight. They are SOOO cool. I would never drink out of them but how great are they for a conversation piece in your homebar.

These are just a few ideas for your bar loving, whiskey swigging friends and family. Turn up that Dean Martin Christmas album, shake that cocktail and serve up your best holiday cheer. It's time to bring back the holiday happy hour.

Helping Hank

 Normally, Mondays are my movie days with you but this Monday is all about Hank and how you can help him for the next few hours (until midnight tonight).

I am stealing this from my friend Krissi's blog page so you will have the 411 on Hank.

To all my friends who love animals (as well as music and lifting heavy things)...Allyson Seconds was my first trainer at BodyTribe and she rescues animals. In fact, she was late to our first session because she was rescuing a squirrel. Her most recent rescue (that I know of) is Hank, a very sweet black lab whom she has had for about a year. He has come down with Leptospirosis, and has had some vet bills this past week that are tough for Al to handle. Her other dog, Lulu (also a rescue) had two vet incidents this month too, and Al makes her living making music and making people strong, so her financies are limited. There are a couple of ways to help. You can buy something (and support a local artist) from Krissi Sandvik through Monday, or donate directly to Al via PayPal. See both options here: http://krissisandvik.blogspot.com/2011/11/hank-dog-and-sale-update.html

Just think of it, you can get some great art and help a great cause! How cool would you be? People dig kind hearts. It's true. As an added bonus, if you help, I'll give you a hug next time I see you. That should be incentive right there. A hug and helping out. They might make you a saint.

Remember, you have until midnight tonight, so get on it!  

Happy Thanksgiving!

 Happy Thanksgiving to all of my wonderful family and friends. Without you, I would be nothing.  I am so thankful for all aspects of my life, even the rough spots-for without those, would I truly know the meaning of life,the meaning of friendship and the meaning of a smile? I don't think so. Just in this year, I have been through so much, both happiness and sadness, triumph and tragedy and the one thing that has remained constant is love. When it comes to the end of the day, and I count my blessing, I count each of you, for all of you are a blessing in my life, a giggle across my lips and a warmth that surrounds me.

Much love, peace and lots and lots of pie on this holiday. I hope your belly is full of yummy goodness and your heart heavy with the abundance of happiness.

31 More Days!

Oh my GAWWWDDDDD! 31 more days! I can't believe it! Now,  I'm not gonna get into the whole Black Friday thing because really, do you need to get up early to get that glow in the dark chia pet? No you do not! You need to get online and support your indie artist!

One of my favorite saucy stitchy artist is Schnidermania. She is sweet and yet very naughty! What a combo! Her pillows are just stunning.  Guess what? She also just launched a new line of hankies. Did I hear you squeal with delight? I thought so! (there are a few NSFW images, so it might not be a great idea to have your six year old on your lap while cruising around)

I would love to give this one up but you'll have to pry it from my cold dead hand. Can you figure out what it says? Hee hee!

My friend over at Bubble Off Plumb Production Inc. rocks my socks! She makes creepy zombie teeth, voodoo varmints and cute dog collar cozies. I really think I need to get the pups some collar cozies. They are reversible and washable, which is good if you have a drooler. Don't you want your pup to be stylin' and profilin', if you said no,  then what kind of parent are you. Shame on you! I demand that you go and buy a cozie now-your dog demands it.

Don't have a dog, then get a voodoo varmint to ward off what ails ya. Right now, I think I need this.

So, skip those big box stores and support your local and indie artist and shops. It will add lots of goodness to your karma bank. Can you really buy this kind of love at Walmart-I didn't think so.

I'm Thankful For...

To kick off the Thanksgiving week festivities, I decided to list a few movie related items I am thankful for.


I am thankful for Carmen Miranda.

I know what you are thinking, Pam, really? Carmen Miranda? Yep. She is sassy, had great jewelry and could dance her butt off in 5 inch high platform shoes. Plus, she was hysterical!  When Carmen was on Broadway, she insisted that her back up band be Brazilian, to keep her music authentic. In  movies such as A Weekend in Havana, Something for the Boys and The Gangs All Here, she showcased her singing, acting and comedic abilities as well as supporting the US Troops by asking theater patrons to buy war bonds.


I am thankful for the new Muppet Movie

Whoa! Where did that one come from? Yes, I am thankful for a new Muppet movie. I just can't wait to see the gang back together and reconnect with my childhood heroes, Kermit and Ms. Piggy. I'm not 100% sure what this movie is about, but who cares! It's the MUPPETS!

Last, I'm thankful for Sam Elliott.

I really do not need to elaborate here, do I people? Sam Elliott, c'mon....

Yep, just a few things I'm thankful for. I'm sure I could think of a million more , but I have to check on my turkey. The pups have began circling it. 

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Last weekend we took the dogs to the beach. It was Pete's first time, he was a happy dog!

 

Did I mention he was happy? The blue blur...that's Pete, jumping for joy.

To the girls, the beach is old hat, but that doesn't mean they don't love it.

Did I mention Pete loves the beach?

Did I mention that I love OMP?

 

Even after a day on the beach, Lola looks as beautiful as ever. I wonder what her secret is?