Our Jelly Belly's

It takes 7 to 21 days to make a single Jelly Belly jelly bean.

Enough Jelly Belly beans were eaten in the last year to circle the earth more than five times.

A portrait of President Ronald Reagan made from 10,000 Jelly Belly beans hangs in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif

and

During the presidency of Ronald Reagan, Jelly Belly beans were served in the Oval Office and on Air Force One. A holder was designed for the plane so the jar of Jelly Belly beans would not spill during turbulence.

rock on, baby. Rock on

"Lets take a picture"

"ok"

"Makana! Take a real picture. You always take silly ones."

"Fine"

"Really Lei? I mean, really?"

Very Cherry remained the most popular flavor of Jelly Belly beans for two decades until 1998, when Buttered Popcorn moved into first place. In 2003 Very Cherry moved back into top position by a mere 8 million beans.

We also got to go through a sample bar where they gave out samples (that was pretty obvious). The gross ones we tried include: Moldy Cheese, Canned Dog food, boogers, barf, and Skunk Spray.

On our tour, the tour guide Ron, said that the flavors for Jelly Belly's start out with the actual flavor. So if they want to make cherry, they start out with cherry extract at the core. I don;t even want to think about how they made barf and dog food.

The Rock slide

During our trip we went for a hike. I typically do not enjoy hikes. I used to. Then I went to Hawaii and the hikes there ruined me for any other hikes. In Hawaii, you go on a hike and end up generally at a beautiful, breathtaking waterfall and pool to swim in. I just think that walking around the side of a mountain is a little boring. I mean, I could be home crafting! :)

In a valiant effort to enjoy the things the hubby enjoys, I have tried to always say yes to anything he wants to do. (since he always tells me yes) This, sadly for me, included hiking. On the bright side, we live in Houston and hiking does not exist. So when we had a chance to go in California, I cheerfully said "yes!" And I am happy I did. We had a great time as the pictures below will show.

this was AFTER we were done. McKay and Harry Potter. It warms my heart

This is little McKay, my cousin. His little brother is named Tanner. Funny eh?

The famous Rock slide. You should have seen them trying to get up. Most cheated and went up the back.

The kids having another go at it. I need one of these in my backyard. It kept them entertained for hours!

Does this remind you of anything. Think: Seven Dwarfs.

I made shoes.

The shoes are at the bottom.

i saw this and wanted one for me. I liked it so much....

I decided to make a few for Jaedyn Maliana. Thank you The Lucky Penney for the idea.

This is the back of another shirt...

and the embellished front up close...

Cuffs. Really easy ruffled cuffs I saw on a blog somewhere. I just covered two big bracelets and added lace.

My house slippers. I made some similar ones for my sisnlaw McCall. I hope you love em! Its just tulle and beads.

Merry Christmas

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home! I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. -Charles Dickens

We spent Christmas 2009 in Sacramento with my family I grew up in. We were missing three people this year, Leilani, Robbie (in Hawaii lucky duck) and Jon (on a mission in Denver). And so, In the spirit of the season when all hearts are a little softer and we can remember our dear Lord and Savior and his birth, my prayer is that I, like Mr. Dickens, will honor Christmas in my hear all year.

Here are some of the highlights:

Family picture. this is what most of my pictures look like since the hubbs is tall

And a kiss under the mistletoe...

Jaedyn and her cousin Mason Man. She used to try and sit on him but he is big enough now to take care of himself

Christmas time is a time for playing games with each other

Since before I was born my mom has made these for every classroom at school. She made an extra one for a family we know with lots of little mouths to enjoy all the sweets. I got to help and it brought back a LOT of equally sweet memories. (if you can't tell, this is a really big gingerbread house covered in all sorts of candy)

Kiana and her favorite toys. :)

Leialoha. Apparently all she asked for was this robe. I admit... I am a little jealous

me and my gram. I love her. She is my inspiration for so many things in life

Playing hide and seek. And at moms house the possibilities are endless!

Jeffery got his snuggie... nice cheetah print LOL!

I got a sewing machine

Thank you my wonderful friend Terry for the sewing machine. I look forward to the many VT visits we will have. :) And now I don't have to give up my clothing budget.

I knew it McKay!

Santa Baby

The result of trying to get a tired and independent toddler girl to pose

Why I love Enrichment

Because I go home empty handed and come home with this little beaut... (the toy, not the baby)

I feel like this a lot.