We went with our good friends to go see the temple lights last night.  It was so beautiful seeing everything lit up!!  I think the highlight of the evening was seeing Sam’s reaction to Jesus Christ.  He couldn’t stop staring, pointing, and oohing over him–as it should be.  Of course I forgot my real camera, but luckily the iphone does a great job…

..however I am a bit disappointed Jesus got cut off, cause these pics are just beautiful.  He loved His hands.  He loved His feet.

I hope he learns early that he can always turn to Jesus Christ.  He is our rock, our constant, our best friend.  He will always be there for us.

And the instagram pic of the night…

I’d go for Bieber, but that’d be a little too cougar-ish.  Mr. Micky would be way more fun to meet up with under the mistletoe anyway.

I made these for a cookie exchange I never made it to.  The cookies are unusually soft for gingerbread cookies, and the dip will keep you double-dipping.  Trust me, this is an amazing combo!!

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

3 cups flour
2 tsp. Ginger, Ground
1 tsp. Cinnamon, Ground
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
1/4 tap salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl.
Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add molasses, egg and vanilla; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies just begin to brown.

Spiced Pumpkin Dip

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1/2 peeled orange
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbs pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger
2 tbs brown sugar

Place all ingredients in blender in order listed.  Blend until smooth.  Viola!  The most deliciously sweet dip!
(I also like to use this with sliced apples or as a spread on fruit quick breads)

We had a great weekend with the perfect amount of activities and relaxing.  Finding babysitters here in the city is a hard task; and when it’s December it’s even harder!  I was lucky to reserve one for Friday night.  I had this nice date planned with Mick and I, but some friends invited us to a show so we opted for that instead.  We had a lovely evening catching up with friends and laughing our heads off at the comedy show.

Saturday we had another party with a Santa encounter that went as expected.  I’m hoping next year Sam will be excited?! And later in the afternoon we relaxed with football watching and fort building.  Kind of perfect.

At twelve weeks we were told our baby is a boy…with 95% certainty.  Six weeks later we come to learn our baby is actually a GIRL!!  It’s a pretty big twist when you’re mentally preparing for two little boys and then all of a sudden be told it’s a girl.  Little Sammy is going to have a sister, I get my girl!!!

Thanks Nicole for the cute idea.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with Hagens.  Lots and lots of food.  I don’t know if it’s from all the food I’ve been eating, but my belly sure has popped while here.  I’m really starting to look the pregnant part.

I’ll start with the crying picture: another screaming Sam.  To quote Mick, “He really didn’t want to put on that pilgrim hat.”  And indeed he didn’t.  Nor did he want to sit with all his other cute Indian and Pilgrim cousins.  This was our family attempt to get all the cousins for a pic.

But we did have some pretty cute little happy Indians…

And when Sam’s not being forced to sit by humans dressed up, he is a tad bit cooperative for our family pic.

{Here I am thinking my belly was too big to cuddle in with my boys.  Still pretty big though…}

It’s amazing how much malls cater to moms and kids these days.  It’s actually a really good idea.  Carousels, indoor play places, trains…all perfect little breaks in-between the moms’ spending spree.  The only spending spree I had yesterday was on the kids activities (and in reality, my BFF kept spotting me since they only took cash.  So embarrassing).  I love old friends.  Libby’s mom and my mom are best friends, we are best friends, and our sons are surely to become best friends.  I mean, they really do look a lot like each other–they could totally pass as brothers.

***”Look mama! Buttons!!”

***Before Colin arrived Sam was in heaven: car, dog on the shoulder, and plenty of buttons to push.

***Hitler Ketchup Stash.  Can’t really drink ketchup Sammy boy.

***Cute little BFFs

***Aunt Libby took the boys on a train ride through the mall.  So sweet.

***Not so sweet?  The moms forcing their kids to take a pic with Santa.  Picture of the century. This one is going down in the books.

I know it’s Thanksgiving week, but Sam’s grandma keeps nagging asking me to post these.  Although the hood didn’t stay on very long, Sam was still the cutest little monkey on the block.

Speaking of blocks, we went trick-or-treating down the most festive, beautiful Halloween-spirited street in the Bay.  No really, I think we did.  People drove from all over to go in this area.

After going to a handful of houses, we stopped by our friend’s place (who happened to live on the block) for chili and treats.

It’s funny, Sam was always drawn to my favorite candies…

Sam and Shrek had an epiphany…

Sam’s first BYU basketball game was such a proud moment for the Hagen family.

We even got to meet Cosmo! Although Sam was a bit apprehensive…

In Cosmo’s effort to get Sam to look at the camera, he threw a cup of popcorn in the air…unbeknownst to me.

Having about half of it fall down my shirt.  We’ll have to work on that one Mr. Cosmo.

Hellooo!! We are alive, just suuuuper busy.  And sometimes the blog gets pushed to the back burner when things are crazy.  I hope to be back blogging soon.  In the meantime, head over to The Color Issue where I guest posted.

And did you know they’re giving away a HOBO wallet?  The easiest, cutest mommy-wallet out there?  Perhaps you should enter their giveaway too. :)

Love ya!

Be back soon.

We’re back from a much needed trip to Arizona.  Lately I’ve been so, so stressed with everything going on in our lives.  We have so many grown-up decisions to make, people to take care of, and responsibilities that I’ve just been overwhelmed.  Perhaps Sam can sense the stress, cause he hasn’t been the easiest kiddo on the block.  Tantrums, and whining, and being demanding.  All things I like to think any young toddler goes through…right?

With all these grown up things, I decided to run away from my problems and go to who else?  My mom.  I love the way going home feels.  I didn’t even grow up in this house, but there’s something about visiting mom and dad that make everything better.  (and it’s not the massages and facials.  although those are quite relaxing) It’s something I hope to provide my kids one day: comfort, strength, love, guidance.

Sometimes my mom can be pretty matter-of-fact with things, or a give little tough love.  Whenever I complain to her about something with Sam she’d usually just reply, “That’s just how kids are!”  She’s raised seven kids—I like to think she knows a thing or two.  But hearing her say, “Boy, he really does fight you on everything!”  or “Rachel, he’s playing you.  Just ignore him.”   Was actually really comforting to hear.  Sam has been draining lately.

I’ve decided to come back to our home with a fresh look on things.  And so far (first day back), things have been good.  Today we did our weekly outing: Pet Store, Grocery Store, and FroYo.

It seems my old little Sammy is back too.  He squealed with excitement watching the gross little rodents run around in their cages.  As for the fish, he’s learned to pucker his lips and make kissy faces (not how you really make a fish face.  That’s pretty hard).  It’s the one time he’s quiet, so I know to look down and see his trick.  There really is nothing better than seeing your child so happy.

Speaking of happy.  I received a package in the mail today from a friend.  I really only try to complain to Mick  :) , but I think she sensed my spirits and sent the most thoughtful package.  I can’t explain how surprised and special I felt.  The package had a few activities for Sam and I… but it turns out the box is way more fun.

I ended the day by dropping off dinner for an ill friend.  Talk about a kick in the pants.  I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed with my own life, and I’ve always known there is so much I have to be thankful for that I start feeling guilty for not praising and thanking God for all that He’s given me.  It’s a vicious cycle I tell ya!  Truly the devil is behind my glum.  Anyway, there’s nothing like spending time with friends who have real issues (like, fighting cancer issues) that get you back on track.

I’ve lightened my load with my responsibilities, and I hope to be able to focus a bit more.  Here’s to a simpler life.

Hi friends! I feel so loved with all the texts and emails wondering if everything is okay with us.  {how sad that a month of non-posting causes concern. :)} Things are going great!  It’s been a crazy month on hosting out of town visitors, parties, showers, and weddings.  And on top of that, design has kept me quite busy.  Every time I come up for air, it seems that something new is thrown at us.  I guess that’s good.  It’s good to be busy and have things always going on and something to look forward to (or “I can’t wait until ______ is over”).

This past month has been a roller coaster month. I think have whiplash from how many highs and lows we’ve had.  Mostly highs.  We feel so fortunate for where we are right now.

The only pictures I have are from when Mick’s parents were in town and we went to the Discovery Museum.  This place never gets old for Sam and I.  I mean, look at the backdrop!

There is an inside eating place, but why would you want to eat inside where you’re protected from the wind, fog, and chilly weather?

Because I just love having the bridge in the background…

Meet Elena.  She was a professional Italian tennis player starting at the young age of 14.  She traveled internationally competing for the next four years of her life until she yearned for consistency, schooling, and time with her family.

We met her fiance a few years ago while vacationing in Italy.  And thanks to technology and strong friendships, we’ve been able to reconnect here in SF.  {Both our boys are in the tech world.  That’s an entirely different story}

She’s teaching here in the Bay Area, and was kind (and patient) enough to give me a lesson!  I played tennis when I was very young, and I mess around with Mick every so often, but to actually have a lesson from the best was amazing!  Elena was so patient with me and taught me so much in such a short time.  I actually feel pretty confident in myself!  Although, I’m sure once I play with someone not teaching and getting excited for me,  I’ll feel otherwise.  I definitely have the tennis bug now and am itching to play with someone!  It’ll only be a matter of time before you see me in one of those cute tennis outfits…

Elena charges way too low for her lessons, but if you’re interested I’d love to connect you.

Our weekend was pretty low-key.  Brunch on Saturday morning, and animal shelter in the afternoon.  I don’t think we’ll ever have to go to Disneyland…Sam was unbelievably happy.  I love cheap thrills.

I made myself sick with chocolate Friday night and chocolate for Saturday morning breakfast.  I guess I didn’t get that sick cause I had chocolate for dessert on Saturday.

We tried a new ice cream place–Humphry Slocombe–and were brave to try some of their crazy flavors.  I decided to go with Chocolate Smoked Sea Salt and Honey Thyme…and I’m still craving that Honey Thyme.   SO SO Yummy.

Sam is definitely changing from baby to boy.  And when I mean boy, I mean boy.

Like scream for no reason boy,

Make car noises boy,

Rev up your body and scream boy,

Scream *again* for no reason boy, {noticing a pattern?}

And completely forget all of that when your dad walks in to the room boy.

{I kind of love how they’re twinners}

Since I know you all come here for fabulous recipes, I thought I’d spill my favorite summertime recipe: Pina Water.

You ready for this:  Pineapple + Water= great flavored water

Our water dispenser sits nicely in our kitchen corner, right by the backdoor and is always ready to serve us when we get in from the (mild, mild) SF heat.  And since we have bright orange walls outside (still trying to fall in love them), I bring a little of the orange inside with art and flowers.  What do you think of my $8 Goodwill cross-stitched art?

I love gladioli and the height and volume they give to a space.  And I love my pina water.  When you’re itching for a challenge in the kitchen, I recommend you try it.

I love seeing Sam go into his own little world and explore.

Since Pixi is quicker on the rough terrain, she often finds something and Sam will follow.

They both dig around and try to catch whatever it is that first caught their eye.  Pixi is persistent, Sam moves on to something new…

The flowing fountain is always appealing to him.  But today he was attracted to its stillness.

He gets so focused and blocks everything out around him…and then something breaks his concentration.  {That darn trigger-happy mom!}

And he wants to be held again.  And his magical moment is gone.

One day I will own these beauties.

I’m pretty certain I’ve blogged about them before, and I just recently pinned them, but sometimes I need a refresher on how beautiful they are.  Okay, I have had my want moment.  Thanks for that.

We had a nice, relaxing weekend together as a family.  Hung out on Filmore St, and gardened all afternoon.  Cheers to family time!

I walked through one of my favorite showrooms the other day.  I’ll admit, I have yet to buy something here for a client, but I would love to!  I think it’s great to add an unexpected art or furniture piece to the mix.  You know, keep people on their toes! :)  While the showroom is packed with loud, quirky pieces, I think an entire space with these might be a little too much.  One here and there would be the perfect dose.

I like the contrast in texture and size here:  The big, smooth, shinny sumo paired with a pile of rice.

Animal head with lady body.  Maybe a little too crazy for a family house…more for the bachelor pad.  Don’t want to be scaring the kiddos! 

Love the swing with fur seat, and love the rope suspending it.  Adds great texture.

Looove this vignette.  Love the chandelier, love the leather sofas (and I usually hate leather sofas), and love the (hidden) rustic rocking horse.  Comfortable and quirky.

Cool chandelier, and rounded bench.  The bench sort of has a Klisomos vibe to it… And I’m a sucker for classic design of the Klimsos Chair.  I think it’s a great example that anything classic is always in style.