Addicted to...

My three year old Karson had a new addiction... Nintendo DS. He is constantly on it. His favorite game is Mario Carts. Latelt it has started to become a problem since he won't stop for potty breaks, causing him to have accidents. The other night as I was turning out the lights in the house, long after the kiddos had gone to bed. I peeked my head in to check on Karson and there he was underneath his blankets playing Mario Carts. Little stinker!

Smells Like Disneyland???

I found this cute dresser for Brinley the other day at Finders Keepers in American Fork. This store has THE CUTEST FURNITURE EVER! I also bought Ashlynn a Dresser and Desk there too. I pretty much wiped out a little corner of their store with my purchases. Anyway's the lady that owns the store takes old furniture and refurbishes it. I would call it shabby chic. And it was exactly what I was looking for. And thier prices are SO reasonable. I only payed $150 for this dresser and it is solid wood. Ashlynn's dresser was only $120 and the desk which came with a chair, was only $170. I will post pictures after I go pick up the desk.

Anyhow Brinley's dresser was made in the 1940's and it has that old musty smell. I told Brinley that I was going to have to get some drawer liners or something so all her clothes didn't stink. She said "No! I like the smell. It smells like Disneyland" Huh??? She says it remindes her of the rides at Disneyland. The only thing I can think of is maybe the Pinochio ride? Or Snow White? Since they are in those old wood buildings they kind of have that musty smell. Maybe Small World? Not sure. So anyhow if my daughter is smelling musty or like Disneyland, you know it is from her dresser.

Super SIMPLE Valentine Decor.

I don't have much decor in the way of Valentine decorations and I didn't want to go out and buy stuff. But I really needed something to go on my entry way table. So here is what I came up with. real simple. I took the glass out of the frame so it would give it a more dimensional look.

Making this made me remember why I scrapbook. It has been a hard week at our house. The Mama Bear has been a little bit ornery. Had a couple blow ups and had to sit the little kiddos down and have a little heart to heart. While making this project it gave me time to think and realize how much I really do love my kids...even if they REALLY get on my nerves sometimes. Each of them have such great personalities and take life with their mom in stride. Sometimes you need these quiet times to realize how Lucky you are to have such great kids who are happy and healthy. It also lets my kids see that know matter what... their mom ALWAYS loves them.

My new Scrapbook Blog

Check out my new Blog! There isn't much there yet. LOL! But I plan on using it to post my Scrapbook layouts, Card making ideas and stuff like that. There, I will also let you know about the workshops I have in my home. Hopefully it will be a spot that you check out often for a little inspiration and ideas. brenda-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com

Mr & Mrs Durrant Goes To Washington

It has been quite fun watching the coverage of President Obamas inauguration and being able to say with Brian I've been there...remember when we were there? It has been fum to reminisce about our trip we took to D.C. last April for David and Vanessa wedding. It was the BEST trip. EVERYONE needs to put the Nations Capitol on their MUST places to visit. This amazing! Full of history and awe. I didn't know quite what to expect...but it was FAR more inspiring than I had ever thought it would be.

So I thought I would share a few photos of our trip. This is just a taste of what we saw and did. It would take me a week or so to blog about. In fact we still didn't see everything we wanted to and are planning a return trip with our kids...when they are a little bit older of course.

The Capitol Building. President Oboma will take the Oath of office today on those steps.

The reflecting pool in front of the Capitol Building. What a gentleman Brian was to LUG my big old purse all over Washington!

Statue in front of the Capital. I forget who the guy on the horse is. I know he is someone important. But there was just too much to remember.

The thing with Washington D.C. being so old, for at least U.S. standards, is that there are all these little gems hidden throughout the city. This is actually what I guess you would call a little courtyard out on the lawn of the Capitol.

It had little benches and a drinking fountain. Behind that little window There is a little waterfall. I couldn't even imagine what great Statesmen have come here take a little break and relax a bit.

Drinking Fountain Outside the Capital Building. No I did NOT drink out of it. Although it was working.

This was by far my most absolutely FAVORTIE building. The Library of Congress. I wonder how you get a Library card. Trust me these pictures do not give it justice. This is the most Beautiful building I have ever seen.

Look at that marble Staircase and pillars

The HAND painted walls and stained glass window were truly breathtaking.

Gorgeous!

Monuments Everywhere! Here is the Jefferson Memorial. All of the monuments and buildings for that fact, are massive.

Thomas Jefferson. They had just gotten trough Celebrating his Birthday a couple days before. That is why you see those wreaths there at the base.

We Stayed at the Gorgeous Mayflower Hotel. Most recently made famous for the Hotel Governor Spitzer used to entertain of be entertained by his high end call girls. Hmmm I wondered why Brian chose this hotel.

Here's Brian hanging outside our Hotel waiting for my LOST luggage. Here's a little funny. Upon arriving to our hotel and unloading the car we realized that we had lost MY luggage somewhere between here and the Airport. Called the Airport to see if it was left on the curb...it wasn't there. Called the Hotel where we had just drop off Craig and Crystalee...wasn't there. So As soon as we checked in our hotel we headed across the street to buy me some new clothes and ALL that other stuff. Wahoo! However when I was in the dressing room Craig calls and tells us that someone had found my luggage. I guess when they unloaded the their luggage they had to take mine out to get to there's. Well apparently they drove off leaving mine on the curb. They said they were going to put my luggage in a cab and send it over to me. Boy were we surprised when a limo pulled up to deliver my luggage. The driver said I'm not sure how much to charge. I haven't ever just given luggage a ride. We ended up paying him $50! Too bad I missed out on getting a whole new wardrobe. However I was glad to get my luggage back. What a fun way to start out vacation. We just laughed about it. Brian Couldn't believe hoe calm I was being over the whole ordeal. Hey what could we do?

Brian was so funny. He was so excited to be running into Senators and such in Washington. He knew who everyone was. I think he was a little star struck. While walking to our Hotel we ended up standing on the curb with George Steffanopolas(sp) I have know Idea how to spell his name. Brian's all under his breath saying "Do you know who that is?" "Yeah Yeah Brian I know". Brian was so excited and went and stood RIGHT next to him. And as soon as George got in his cab. Brian stepped off the curb and snap a photo. What a geek! Now George probably thinks he has some stalker after him.

Lincoln Memorial - It's HUGE!

The New Obama residence

Brian was absolutely fascinated with the White House. We went back a couple of times.

He was really concerned about the Security! He didn't think it was Adequate LOL!

Brian wanted to talk to George Bush about his concerns. Some contractors showed up to set up for something on the White House lawn. Brian thought that maybe he could just sneak in with them. Actually he is on his phone talking to his work. Can I just tell you how much I HATE BlackBerrys. You can never get away.

Brian STILL trying to find George.

This was cool to see. The Tomb of the Unknown.

Even though I have just hit the tip of the iceberg, I have to go now. We loved our trip to DC and I had sooo much fun just spending time with my hubby!

The Dawns Early Light

Every morning when I look out my window I am amazed at the beauty of the morning sun rise. The first thing I do in the morning is open the blinds in my kitchen so I can witness the amazing gift God has given us. Every morning is different, but just as breathtaking. What a beautiful way to start the day.

Cool Socks Dude!

I believe in buying only white socks. So much easier to mate. Aunt Karen however gave Karson a package of socks that have stripes...airplanes...trains...and so on. Karson LOVES these socks. The only thing he hates is that when he puts his pants on, they cover up his socks, so he can't see them and neither can anyone else. So he insists on having his pants rolled up when he wears these socks. Brian took him down to the Top Stop to get a drink. As soon as he got out of the car he insisted on pulling his pants up as he walked through the store. Can you imagine? Too Funny! This little boy just gives me the chuckles.