Michael & Melody Gleed

My new Kindle!

2012-02-06T14:49:00.007-07:00

My sweet husband gave me a Kindle for Valentines. I know its not Valentine's Day yet but I am going to the hospital tomorrow for surgery and wanted to have something to read while laid up. I got the kindle touch and I really like it even though I haven't figured it out completely. I made this cover for it and it was really easy.
As you can see when closed it looks like a book. Then you open it and it holds my e-reader.
I got an old book from the DI (for $2) and then cut the pages out. I found some reversible quilted fabric at the store. You only need about a 1/4 of a yard. Did a little sewing, but you could do it with fusible tape, and then got out the glue gun. (My second favorite tool!) I saw the idea on pinterest and just made it to fit what I wanted. So... cute cover and it only cost about $4.50 total.

Avocado sandwiches with chive spread

2012-01-17T11:40:00.004-07:00

Made this yummy & healthy sandwich the other day. Sooo good! It is from a blog called keepitskinny.wordpress.com, I will post the recipe here because I hate going from site to site looking for the recipes. 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 tomato, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
squeeze of lime juice
2 TBLS chopped fresh basil or cilantro
salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices of whole grain bread (but would also be great on tortillas)
1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts
2-4 slices of pepper jack cheese (I grated mine, it gives you the flavor with out using as much cheese)

Chive Spread:
1/2 cup greek yogurt
2 TBLS finely chopped chives
salt & pepper to taste

In a small bowl mix yogurt, chives, salt & pepper. Then set aside.
In a medium bowl, gently toss, avocado, tomato, cucumber, lime juice & basil. Season with salt & pepper then set aside.
Spread the yogurt and chive mixture on your bread. ( I lightly toasted mine) then put cheese on one side of your bread top with avocado mixture then top with sprouts and other slice of bread. So yummy!

Honest Opinions Needed!

2012-01-04T15:28:00.005-07:00

Honest Opinions Needed, Please! This is the bracelet that my dear friend saw and wanted me to make for her. The picture above is the Anthropology version and below is what I came up with. (She wanted hers to be pink, btw). So far the vote is even and I just don't know what to do. My husband laughing didn't help.

Always did love paper dolls!

2012-01-04T14:54:00.005-07:00

I have always loved paper dolls ever since I was a little girl. So this project was purely selfish. I sketched a doll figure on plain paper and then traced it on to an old book page. Then I made an outfit for her. But then what to do with her? I looked around and remembered buying a plain wooden box on clearance for about $3. It was roughly 11" X 9" X 5". Perfect. So I dug through scrapbook paper found some pieces that went together that were actually given to me a friend. Then glued my paper doll & dress on the top. Got out my acrylic paints and layered on a few different colors for hair. Used a q-tip to give her some cheeks (I can't paint faces to save myself). Glued on a ribbon for a sash and ta-da! Done! Well not actually done, I did need to decorate the rest of the box. But just used paper, ribbon, and mod podge.

So other than the $3 box and a little bit of time it didn't cost anything to make. I honestly can't wait to make another paper doll, just need to find something to put her on. :)

New grandbaby

2011-10-12T13:14:00.004-06:00

One week old, weighing a whopping 5lbs.Aunt Aubree and Anistion (1 day old) at the hospital
She didn't like the bright flash!

Welcome Aniston Faith Harris.

BOO to You!

2011-10-12T13:07:00.003-06:00

This is another new DIY decoration. I bought these letters at Hobby Lobby for about $2 ea. Painted them black and then Modge Podged the scrapbook paper on them. I inked the edges and attached a little ghost (Cricut) at one end and some tulle and ribbon at the other.

New little decoration

2011-10-10T10:16:00.008-06:00

My new little decoration. I figure it can be used for fall, halloween & Thanksgiving. I saw it on Pintrest, from a website called creationsbykara.com. It was super easy and cheap! This is a $2 frame , a half a sheet of 12X12 scrapbook paper & a small fake pumpkin that I got 50% off at Michaels. You cut the back 1/3 off the pumkin and glue it to your scrapbook paper that has been cut to fit your frame. After it dried I added a little bit of distressing ink, a bow (which is hard to see because I am not the best photographer) and a couple of coils of floral wire. And it was done. Fun, cute & easy.

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad | Cheeky Kitchen.com

2011-08-17T16:50:00.006-06:00

Aubree found this recipe on Pinterest and I LOVE it! It is so good. It would even be great on toast but I just had the toast on the side because I love me some avocado. I actually doubled the recipe and had some the next day.

Ingredients:
1 cup chicken breast, cooked and shredded
¼ cup corn (I just threw in some frozen corn)
¼ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup tomatoes, diced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup corn chips, crushed
2 tablespoons white vinegar
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt to taste
2-4 avocados, sliced in half with pits discarded
Directions:
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken breast, corn, black beans, green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and corn chips together. Add the vinegar and mayonnaise to mixture and toss to coat. Salt to taste. Spoon salad into halved avocados. Serve immediately with a spoon and fork. Enjoy!

Upcycle necklace

2011-04-08T11:39:00.007-06:00

This isn't the best picture but it turns out the only one I took was with my phone.

It all started when we moved my mom into an assisted living center. I found this cute yellow tatted bookmark in her closet and I just didn't know what to do with it. After some deliberation I found I had some grey wool felt leftover from another project. So I used a little piece of cardstock to make a shape that would work with the bookmark. Then used that cardstock as a pattern to cut out a piece of of the wool. I pinned the bookmark to the wool and then tacked it down with a needle and yellow thread. Then using my scrapbooking stuff, I pounded a couple of eyelets into each end of the wool. Finally I attched an old chain to each side and then using a glue gun I attached a grey shoe clip (also found at the bottom of my mom's closet). Considering what I started with I thought it was a clever use for a bunch of unwanted items.

Denim Bag

2011-04-07T12:15:00.006-06:00

OK, I love this bag way more than I thought I would. I found a size 0 mini skirt at the DI for $3. And it looked practically brand new. Of course, the world I live in... there really isn't anyone, besides a toddler, that wears a size 0. So why wouldn't it look new? Anyway I stitched up the bottom of the skirt and made a box pleat in the bottom so it would have better shape. I cut the waist band off another pair of jeans, that were destined for a quilt, for the strap, then put an old tie through the belt loops and pinned one of my "Tie Blooms" to the pocket. Easy, cute, & done!

My Favorite Chocolate Chips Cookies

2011-04-04T10:14:00.017-06:00

This is a really great chocolate chip cookies recipe. It has gotten 2 "thumbs up" from the kids and grandkids. To quote Taylor "Dats a weally good cookie grandma." I asked her if she needed another one and her response, "Ummm, yeths." She has the cutest lisp. Aubree came home from Weber with this recipe, she got it from someone in her ward. I have made a few minor tweeks to it just to get it to work right in my oven. It makes a large batch, all the better for sharing. They also freeze really well. I don't know how long they would last in the freezer mine are usually gone in a week or two. Enjoy!

1 cup shortening, 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups sugar, 4 eggs. Cream these ingredients together. Then gradually add the following: 4 tsp. vanilla, 3 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. baking soda, 5 1/2 cups flour. Once this is mixed really well, stir in: 1 bag Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 bag milk chocolate chips (I LOVE Guittard chocolate chips they are the best) Bake at 375 for 8-10 mins.

Beautiful Blooms!

2011-03-29T11:44:00.001-06:00

Here are some "flowers" I made using old ties. I think they would be darling on hats, headbands, bags, jackets and pretty much anything else you could think of. Let me know what you think. If anyone is interested in how to do them, I would be glad to post a tutorial.

Cutest Suitcase Ever!

2011-03-28T13:16:00.002-06:00

This is my latest find! I got this idea off a blog I found. But I have no idea where to find that blog now. I would love to give them credit but the way I blog hop I don't think I will ever find it. I bought this old suitcase at the D.I. for $2. It was a very beat up blue with a stained interior. I cleaned up the interior with my magic cleaner from from The Clean Spot. Then moved on to the outside. I taped off the latches and the metal under the handle and then went to work with my favorite tool. Spray Paint! This is after the first coat. I used a gray primer spray paint that said it was for automobiles. There isn't as much gray paint out there as you might think. I put on about 3 coats then let it set and dry overnight. Next I used this stencil adhesive on the back of the stencil. This is really great stuff. You just dab it on and let it set for 10 minutes and then it is ready to apply.This is my cute stencil stuck to the outside corner of the suitcase. This adhesive sticks down really well but if you decide it is not in the right spot it is really easy to reposition. I then pounced black stencil paint (which is just thicker that regular acrylic paint) on top of the stencil. Make sure all of your edges are tacked down so paint doesn't go underneath the stencil.

The finished stencil. Ta-Dah! My cute finished gray suitcase. I wish I had thought to take a picture of it before I started just so you could see the difference. I love, love, love it.

new recipe

2010-04-20T15:37:00.000-06:00

I told my daughters & daughters-in-law that I would start posting some of my new favorite recipes. So this is my first one.. Here ya go.
Croissant Bread Pudding
6 large croissants, cubed
1 large baking apple, peeled, cored & thinly sliced
6 eggs
1/2 cup plus 3 TBLS sugar, divided
2 cups half & half
1 orange (you will use about 2 tsp of zest & 1/4 cup of juice)
1/2 cup chopped pecan pieces
3/4 cup butterscotch ice cream topping
1/4 tsp rum extract
1/2 cup golden raisins, optional
In a 2 qt prepared casserole dish toss together your croissant cubes & apple slices. In a separte bowl beat eggs & 1/2 cup sugar. In a microwave safe cup or bowl heat your 1/2 & 1/2 on high for about 2 minutes. Slowly add your heated 1/2 & 1/2 to the egg mixture, whisking until blended. Pour egg mixture over croissants and apples, make sure all the croissants are coated. In a small bowl mix together your pecans, remaining sugar & orange zest then sprinkle over your croissant and egg mixture in the casserole dish. Bake @ 350 for about 35 mins. Should be golden brown and set in the center. For the sauce, mix ice cream topping, orange juice & rum extract. Microwave on high for about 1 minute. Add raisins to the sauce if preferred. The recipe says to serve warm but I love it cold. Try it and see what you think.

Brand New Grandbaby

2010-04-01T14:08:00.000-06:00

This is the newest addition to our family. Quincey Gilbert was born March 29 at 9:40 pm weighing a hefty 5lbs. 13 oz. She will need to be on oxygen for a while but we are hoping she gets to go home from the NICU today. Isn't she beautiful?

Our Aubree

2010-03-25T15:55:00.000-06:00

She isn't dramatic at all!

Aubree wanted a new profile picture on facebook so I took some for her. As usual I took a ton but in my defense she usually hates most of them so I figured if I took a lot then the odds were in my favor and there would be something she liked. These are a couple of my favorites. Hard to believe she cut her hair and donated it less than a year ago, it has already gotten so long.

Piggy Back Rides

2010-03-05T14:20:00.001-07:00

Hadley & Kolten had a great time riding on grandpa's back!

2010-03-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

(Seated in front L to R) Heather Halverson, Gwen Stockton, & me

(Back row) Brad Stockton, Garth Stockton, & Corey Stockton.

As many of you know my sweet dad died on January 2. It has been a hard couple of months and my mom is still not sure what is going on. We will miss him so much. He was a good husband, father and grandfather. We are so thankful for all of the love and support we have recieved.

The spirit of Halloween

2009-11-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

We had the cutest trick or treaters at our house. There is a chance I am slightly prejudice since they are our grandkids but I don't think so.Cowboy, who was by this point done. (Colby)
Momma & Baby Indians (Gina & Jackson, not shown Brandon was a Bandito)

Bronco Cheerleader (Hadley)

GI Joe, Snake Eyes (Kolten)

Skeleton (Easton)

Cowboy & Horse (Jace)

Aggie Cheerleader, which had eaten too much candy. (Alivia)

Kandy Korn Loving Kitty (Taylor Grace)

2009-10-26T12:51:00.000-06:00

We had a bridal shower this weekend for Kirsten, one of Aubree's best friends. I hope we still see Kirsten often after her wedding. It just wouldn't be the same without her in our home.

Jackson's 1st birthday.

2009-10-26T12:39:00.000-06:00

Taylor riding Jackson's new toy. It was a hit with all the little kids.

He got a new bouncy ride-on toy which Uncle Matt had to finish putting together while Jackson rode it because Jackson just wasn't waiting.

Can't shove it in fast enough with a fork!

Jackson wearing his birthday cake.

Jackson with his birthday cake.

Grandma's 80th birthday celebration

2009-07-07T11:58:00.000-06:00

The younger kids got a kick out of the fish pond. Aubree & David spent a fair amount of time at the pond making sure no one ended up face to face with the fish.

We celebrated Grandma's 80th birthday on Saturday at Donna & Kent's house. She is a sweet loving woman and deserved to be honored for all she has done for her family. Her kids were all there to celebrate as well as most of her grandkids and great grandkids.

Palm Springs here we come!

2009-07-07T11:54:00.000-06:00

Aubree & David left today for his parent's home in Palm Springs. They have some fun things planned and I'm sure they will have a great time with his friends and family.

Young Family Reunion

2009-06-29T15:41:00.000-06:00

Just a general shot of the Reunion. Lot of faces I didn't recognize this year, but a good turnout. Every year we are suppose to take something to put on the auction table to help raise money for next years reunion. This year I struck gold. I made a little 6"X6" album with all of the 14 kids belonging to Grandma & Grandpa Young. It was a huge hit and sold for $65!Jace discovered the canal running through the park. He was fasinated by the water.

Taylor found her dad's dessert plate and was suddenly starving. She was wearing all the goodies and then tried getting dad to lick her fingers. Such a funny little girl, she has her grandma's sweet tooth.

Catch Up

2009-06-22T13:03:00.000-06:00

My pretty Peonies, that bloomed the one day we had sun. The next day they were all face down in the mud!

Alivia enjoying a sucker on the swing.

Aubree with Papa

Aubree with Nana.

Taylor just watching the action from her chair.

Jackson smiling for Grandma.

Jace dragging his blanket around.

Easton showing off his soccer skills.

Sunday Dinner - Colby is swinging a bat like a wild man!

David came and got Aubree for a date and brought her these beautiful flowers that he picked and arranged.

Kolten got a colorful "parrot" hat at the dollar store and thought he was pretty cool. The kid hates to get wet so when he was running around in the front yard while it was lightly raining I warned him that he was going to get wet. He yelled, "I'm fine grandma, I have my hat on!"

Hadley had a chocolate cupcake and licked every finger to make sure she hadn't missed anything.

Adrie brought the kids and came for a weekend visit in June. We sewed, scrapbooked and made jam. Got a lot done plus we were well entertained by Aubree & the kids.

Parking Lot basket soccer

2009-04-22T11:29:00.000-06:00

We went to Roosevelt to help Adrie & Justin move into their house. We all stayed at the hotel the first night (no water or utilities at the house) and Grandpa & Kolten played a form of basketball in the parking lot. Kolten thought all the planters were "hoops". He was guarding Michael like he thought he was 6 feet tall but every once in a while he would forget they were playing basketball and just kick the ball. It was so fun to watch.

GOOD NEWS!

2009-04-10T15:17:00.001-06:00

We have much to celebrate this Easter Holiday but 2 really great things that have happened in the last few days. The first one is that Adrie and Justin are moving back to Utah. They won't be in Cache Valley but Roosevelt is only about 3 1/2 hours away. I can so do that! We are so excited to see them and the kids, you have no idea. The second is that Aubree was awarded a History Dept. scholarship for next year. She has worked so hard to get good grades we are really proud of her efforts!

Aubree's New Hair Do!

2009-03-23T09:57:00.000-06:00

Aubree is sporting a new look. She cut 11" of hair off so she could donate it to

Locks of Love. She cut about a foot off in June of 2007 and donated it. Looks cute

but then she can rock just about any hair style.

2009-03-20T14:01:00.000-06:00

I was tagged by Adrie to go to my 6th folder and get my 6th picture. But the instructions didn't say if I was to go to my 6th folder over or my 6th folder down. I choose down. It was this cute picture of Aubree & Kolten laughing because of the faces they had pulled for the camera. They thought they were hilarious. These were taken November of 2007. Now to tag 6 people.... How about Lonna, Tara, Amber, Ashley, Lacey & Debbie.

2009-02-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

I Love Books! So every year on Valentine's Day I get my kids & grand kids books. Adrie sent me these cute pictures of her kids with their new books that I had mailed. Michael got the "Joseph Smith Papers", he said he needed them because they were historically important. However you need to justify that is fine with me dear :).

2009-02-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

These are the pretty roses I got for Valentine's day from my sweet hubby. Love you.

2009-01-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I came out to Wisconsin to spend some time with Adrie & the kids. We made this poster for grandpa because he was so sweet to send me. The kids had a ball putting on stickers, glitter and tracing their little hands. We miss him a lot, in fact, Kolten was pretty disappointed when only I got off the plane. I promised him next time Aubree & Grandpa would come with me.

Catching up on November's Happenings!

2008-12-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

I got a picture of all my kids together, which hasn't happened since Adam's wedding. I love them all so much and feel very blessed to have such great kids.
Brandon & Gina Blessed Jackson while Justin & Adrie where here visiting.

During November we also had my mom's 80th birthday. Here she is holding great grandchild, Jackson Gleed.

My Piano still has little sticky finger prints on the keys that I can't bring myself to wipe off.

In November Adrie, Justin and the kids came from Wisconsin and stayed with us for a little while. It was way too short for me but I am grateful for whatever time I can have with them. One of the first mornings they were there I came down the stairs and there was Kolten and his beloved George sharing a blanket and watching cartoons. So sweet.

Doing Much Better!

2008-11-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

Mom would kill me if she knew that I had taken a picture! She was busy trying to figure out her remote so she didn't notice. We are very grateful that she is doing so much better. The fine doctors at Mckay-Dee figured what was causing her strokes and were able to get her blood pressure and blood sugar under control. I don't think my dad would last very long with out her. He sat there by her bed and held her hand for hours. Now with the help of family and neighbors maybe we can keep them healthy and happy for a while. Mom will be 80 on November 10. I am glad she will be here to celebrate.

Scarey Halloween!

2008-11-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hadley as a Poodle
Kolten as Batman.

Taylor was the cutest little bumblebee & Colby was a sticky faced ghost.

Baby Jackson was a skeleton.

Alivia was Sharpei (High School Musical) Jace was a baby Elephant and

Easton looks like a blind version of Batman.

Michael had to take the pictures of the grandkids this year. My mother had a stroke earlier that day so Amber & I were at the ER with my parents. We took her to McKay Dee hospital the next day and she was admitted to the stroke unit. It was a scarey night. I felt bad that I hadn't been there for the grandkids but Michael took care of everything on the homefront so I could be at hospital with my parents.

Pretty Pink Sunrise.

2008-11-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

The other morning I was getting ready for work and looked out the front window to see a gorgeous pink sunrise. I hurry and threw on my robe and grabbed my camera. The pictures didn't even do it justice and the pink light was already fading by the time I ran outside but still pretty.

New Storm Door for our birthdays.

2008-11-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

I know it seems like a weird thing to get excited about but I love the new storm door we got. I'm not sure how much Michael likes it since he had to install it but it sure is nice. I guess it's a sign of old age when you think a storm door for your birthday is cool.

A little Halloween treat!

2008-10-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

Jackson Gleed, 6 days old

What a cute little Halloween Treat!

Such a tiny little boy. He is only 6 lbs and looks lost in his car seat. He really looked tiny when Adam was holding him, wish I had gotten a picture of that.

Meet Jackson, Grandchild Number 8.

2008-10-15T11:28:00.000-06:00

It didn't take long for Colby to lose interest in the new baby. He just wanted to sit with Mom and watch a movie. Once he had the movie in and was comforable he was just fine.

Meet Jackson Eldon Gleed. Born October 14, 2008 at 12:48 pm. He weighed a hefty 6 lbs, 8 oz and is 19" long. Aubree made a quick drive up from school so she could see him.

Another musical comes to an end.

2008-09-17T16:26:00.000-06:00

High School Musical director & production crew.

(Left to right; Kim, April,

Kody, Kris, Jon, Debbie, & Michelle)
Debbie Berezay, me & Debbie Miles

This is not the best picture of me. It had been a very long day. But with such cute friends how could I not post it? Our final show for High School Musical was last night & it ended on a wonderful note. I got involved with Cache Regional Theater through my talented daughter, Aubree. I help out with costumes, Debbie B. does hair and Debbie M. does both production and performing. They are such darling and wonderful friends. I am very blessed to have them in my life.

80th Birthday Party or Convention for Redheads?

2008-09-16T12:50:00.000-06:00

Aubree & Taylor

Tara & Taylor Grace

Jodi & Anecia

Aubree recently did a search for trivia about redheads. Did you know that less than 4% of the world's population is naturally redheaded? And in the U.S. only 2% of the population is redheaded! And a redhead with green eyes is even more rare. Talk about a minority! Red hair is considered to be a genetic mutation. Other interesting trivia: Bees are thought to sting redheads more often. Red heads are prone to industrial deafness. A study in 2002 found that redheads are harder to sedate requiring 20% more anesthesia. A redheaded woman is more likely to hemorage during childbirth. And last but not least, in Denmark it is an honor to have a redheaded child. Well at this party we were pretty honored with 3 nieces, a son, a daughter-in-law, a granddaughter & a daughter all with red hair. My hair use to be red now more gray than anything. I am just grateful to have more hair than my paternal grandmother did. You could curl her whole head of hair with about 12 pin curls!

Grandma & Grandpa Gleed (back-middle) with

their long time neighbors the Wickhams.

On Sunday, September 14th we had Grandpa Gleed's 80th birthday party. With the exception of three grandkids (& their families) everyone came over to wish Grandpa a happy birthday and express their love.

Look at that wild hair!

2008-09-08T12:47:00.000-06:00

Taylor found a chair just her size. She looked so cute sitting there with her pretty red hair just sticking out. Her aunt Lisa "fixed" her hair for the party. Momma tried to tame it a little but with all that hair gel there weren't a lot of options. What a doll.

Grandson, Jace turns one!

2008-09-08T12:07:00.001-06:00

Jace is modeling the latest look for young men, a frosting beard! He really enjoyed that birthday cake. He let out at least 4 loud belches while eating it but it didn't slow him down any. Jace is the next to the youngest grandchild. Taylor Grace is the youngest for the next 4 weeks. That is when Brandon & Gina's new little boy, Jackson, will be born. That will bring the total up to 5 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. They say grandchildren are your reward for not killing your kids. Pretty sweet reward!

2008-09-05T13:16:00.000-06:00

Aubree loaded up and moved back to Weber State University for the school year. It took 2 days to get all her stuff moved in but she is excited about school. One of the classes she is taking is teaching her how to write her Senior Thesis. Hard to believe she is that close. Her dad is convinced that she has way too much stuff to be a starving college student. Like he wouldn't give her what ever she asked for...whatever! She is a good girl and works hard at being a good student. It sure is quiet around the house without her and her friends.

2008-09-05T12:02:00.000-06:00

This is the carport that Justin helped us enclose. Along with the "free" window that my brother, Corey found for us.

After

We just got new siding and I am so excited. These are pictures of the finished product and the ones I took before we started. I can't believe the difference. We still have to put up rain gutters and the mail box. Hopefully we can get the new storm door and shutter before too long.