Murphy's Law Of Family Pictures

Yesterday we had our family pictures taken.  Of course it wasn't a simple journey to that magical appointment, it never is when more than one person is involved (or three 'smaller' ones, that is).  Here are a few, um, less than fantastic things that happened while getting ready.....

~  I didn't have a new favorite shirt I wanted to wear (what a bummer!)
~  so Ryan chose his new favorite shirt and I built our color scheme around it (not necessarily a bad thing)
~  the kids had nothing to contribute, which means buying new shirts for all three of them.
~  I took three kids shopping.
~  three stores and two agonizing afternoons later.....I realized I didn't have to bring them. Duh!
~  found two shirts that would work for the girls, but Mae wanted one and Isabel the other. (and I want        them matching!)
~  finally got all the kids set, then I decide I don't like the shirt I picked out for myself.
~  I have to go shopping for a color-specific shirt.
~  4 stores and 2 outings later I found it (and it was on sale!)
~  got Mae some hair clips to wear in the photo shoot.  but they matched my first shirt and not the new one. ~  she couldn't wear it.
~  Caleb got a hair cut three weeks before the shoot.  could have used a touch-up before the pics (scraggly guy)
~  Isabel needed a hair cut.  got one a week prior.
~  Caleb only has black jeans, we are all wearing blue.
~  kids want to go outside the afternoon of the shoot.
~  Isabel played in the dirt.
~  with her picture jeans and shoes on and we have less than 2 hours before camera time!
~  Mom is getting frantic and crazy.
~  who wants to smile and be around  crazed mama after all that??!

Turns out that everything went fine.  I was able to clean up Isabel's jeans and shoes and have them dry before leaving for picture time.  I also had time to decide to not be crazed and frantic.  And I'm pretty optimistic about how the pictures will turn out.  The kids aren't so bad, they clean up pretty good.  And their smiles aren't so bad either.

How Cats Are Not Like Lizards

This is Edward, our cat.  He's had a rough afternoon.  Right now he's holed up in the garage trying rest and recoup from loosing the tip of his tail.  *shudder*

This poor kitty is an outdoor cat, but loves to come inside (or try) several times a day.  Since we love our kitty (who eats spiders in the house for me and brings us occasional tokens of affection), we let him from time to time.  But when we do let Edward in, we always close up the bedroom doors to restrict him from most areas of the house.  Today, Isabel was trying to close up the doors really fast so Edwards wouldn't slip into one of the rooms and, well, maybe she acted a little too quickly.  All I knew was that I heard Edwards loud protests, watched him dart quickly out of the hallway, and then I saw the leftover bits of fur stuck in the closed door.

I will spare the other details.  But, I'll say is that it's apparent that Edward no longer has the cute little white tip on the end of his dark brown tail.  Right now he is safely curled up in the garage with his tail protectively wrapped around himself as he snoozes the day away.  He can't be suffering too much if he's letting us give him scratchy loves under his chin, just as he likes, and is purring.  But I wonder if he's maybe not quite as anxious to come back inside.

Isabel feels terrible.  And when I say terrible, I mean TERR-I-BLE.  She also wants his tail to grow back. But we know it won't.  Why?  Because cats are not like the lizards that Edward rids our yard of.  Unfortunately.

Photo Friday

I am waaaaay behind in posting and sharing pictures.  I have a slew of pictures that I meant to share about some of the things we did over the summer.  So I'm totally taking advantage of NaBloPoMo and I fully intend to get caught up.  Or at least get closer to current events.

This is a picture (albeit a poor quality one) of Isabel on her birthday back in July.  She opened a card from her great grandma and found her present inside, a twenty dollar bill.  Isabel is not filled with glee over her monetary gift, rather, she's laughing at the fact that there is an old man pictured on it!

I love my six year old girl, she's a hoot!

My New Favorite.....

....Snack!

I've mentioned before how a friend of mine makes ah-mazing popcorn. Well, she told me how to make it, and now my family and I eat it. A lot.

I know, I know, there is such thing as microwave popcorn. But this stuff is better than any popcorn I've ever had. Period.

Want to know how to make it too??!? It's super-easy.

Grab a stock pot and pour just enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pot. Toss in three popcorn kernels and turn the stovetop on high. After the three kernels pop then you know that the oil is hot enough to pop popcorn. Add enough kernels to cover the bottom of the pot, then put the lid on the pot. As the kernels pop, I shake the pot from side to side a little, just to keep it from burning, but it's not necessary. When the popping kernels slow or when you no longer hear them popping then it's done! I sprinkle salt on and mix it up real good, then and serve.

Wah-lah, homemade popcorn! And it's healtier than most microwave popcorn. Can't beat that!

**and I still contend that popcorn is a vegetable! *wink wink*

Don't Forget To Floss

Today is my birthday.  And so far this week I have been blessed by my family and friends showering me with cards, emails, tokens of love, and lunches.  Then there was the one little email I received that got the biggest emotional rise out of me.

From my dentist.

*ugh*  Nothing says happy birthday like a reminder of 'the chair of doom'.

If they really wanted to bless my day, why couldn't they push my next appointment back a few months?  Or tell me that my six month check-up has been cancelled and they'll just see me in a year?

Nope.  They wished me 'happy birthday' and 'look forward to seeing me soon'.

I wish there was a way to make certain emails explode.

Here We Go Again

It's that time of year again.  Yep, that's right, I'm getting my typing fingers warmed up and I'm on the lookout for blog material because.......... it's NaBloPoMo!!!!



I'm going to try this posting-everyday-thing again. Day one down, 29 more to go!

In years past I think I've pretty good, but it always gets difficult toward the end of the month.  So please feel free to give any suggestions for content. Consider the comment section as your own personal suggestion box. :)

See you tomorrow!

* * News Flash * *

Attention all Homemakers, Cooks, and Personal Chefs ! ! ! !

When using the crock pot for a meal, always always ALWAYS, remember to check to see if it's plugged in.  Turning it on is not enough.  The crock pot MUST be plugged in order for it to work.  Even if you've used it successfully two times before in your current week, you have to make sure it's connected to a power source.  You just have to.  Unless it's your way of trying to finagle a night of eating out.  But then why go to all the trouble of assembling a meal for the crock pot?  Also, it would be a waste of fresh baked cornbread that you made to go with the white chili that didn't cook in the crock pot.  And you really don't want to waste a good batch of hot-from-the-oven cornbread.  So save yourself the time and potentially wasted effort and just make sure the silly thing is plugged in.  Then, just for good measure, make sure it IS turned to the 'on' position.  After all your checks, re-checks, and double checks, THEN you can walk away knowing that dinner will be ready when the cornbread timer goes off.

This has been a friendly reminder from a fellow crock pot user.

What I Did This Weekend

Remember that pallet project I said I was going to do?  Um, well, it didn't happen.  I had seen the picture of the pallet coffee table and remembered that we had a pallet at the side of the house, left over from the delivery of our now-in-use shower doors.  But what I failed to remember was the actual size of the pallet.  I looked at it the other day after seeing the coffee table idea and it was clear that I could not use it in it's current length.  Which is at least 6 feet.  Which is too long for a coffee table.  So, I will have my handy husband look at it and see if it's worth cutting down to an appropriate coffee table length.  I was bummed, I was looking forward to this project!

Instead of working on the coffee table, the kids and I worked on t-shirts.  I had seen this idea earlier in the week and thought the kids would have fun with it.  All it took was a solid color t-shirt, a bleach pen (normally used for laundry purposes) and some imagination.  Each kid drew out their ideas on paper first,  then I helped put it on the shirt.  Wa-lah, customized shirts!  The kids had fun and all love their creations.

So this was our weekend project.  No coffee table, but happy kids.  I'll take it.

I got the shirts at Michael's (reasonably priced for our project).  Mae really wanted the turquoise shirt but it was out of stock in the child sizes, so we an adult small instead.  After the shirt was finished (after bleaching then washing/drying), I cut off the excess from the bottom and sleeves so it would not be too big for her.  From the leftover material from the bottom I was able to use it to make a headband for Mae.  She LOVES it!  Great solution, I thought!

Weekend Project

I think I just found what I'll be working on this weekend.

We have a pallet at the side of the house that isn't doing anything.  All I need is a sander, which we have, paint, and some castors.  Then I'll have a nifty new coffee table!

As for color, I'm thinking a lovely shade of graphite gray.

Power, I Love Thee

Dear Electricity,

I love you.  Really.  Like, I really, really, really, really love you.  I know I don't say it as often as I should.  And I know that I go for days and weeks of taking you for granted.  But not today.  Today, I am so very thankful for you and all the many things you give me.  Things like, but not limited to; lights, air conditioning, fans, cooling of the fridge and freezer, phone chargers, electric ignition gas stove, the washing machine and dryer, and my coffee grinder.

However, in the light of recent events (no pun intended), I am also thankful for batteries and a stockpile of scented candles.  I also really like the bar-be-que grill and powder drink mixes that keep me from having to open the fridge and release cool air and therefor saving my milk from spoiling.

If I ever fantasized about what it would be like to be a frontier woman......well, maybe I should just go camping more often.  For now I will remain thankful for lights that come on when I desire them to, and for ceiling fans.

Thank you again, dear Electricity, for returning to our home.  We missed you.

Your faithful user,
Deanne

Making His Father's Heart Swell With Pride

My kids have shown quite an interest in cars lately.  And when I say 'kids' I mostly mean Caleb.  And when I say 'interest in cars' I mostly mean they are pointing out the make and model, and they quiz each other on passing cars.  I hear things like, 'what's that Caleb?', 'which one is that?!', 'look, there's a Mustang!'. 

Caleb is getting pretty good at knowing brands.  The other day he saw a Dodge Charger in the parking lot and not knowing it was a Charger, he said 'sweet Dodge!'.

Ryan has encouraged Caleb's growing interest in cars.  Recently he and Caleb were having a conversation about Mustangs.  It came up that a Mustang is a muscle car.  Well, of course Caleb wanted to know what that meant.  Ryan informed him that a muscle car is a short back, long front, big engine, American-made car.  Caleb just listens and soaks it all in.  And I know that this stuff is sticking!  How do I know?  Well.......the other day Caleb was with his friend Nathan and I overheard bits of their conversation.  It went like this

Caleb - Blah blah blah blah blah Mustang.  Blah blah muscle car.

Nathan - What's a muscle car?

Caleb - It's a short back, long front blah blah blah blah blah......

See?!  He is listening and taking it all in.  Now, if only his teacher can relate her lessons around car facts then I think Caleb will really excel in his education.

Above And Beyond

Kids are known to get out bed at nighttime for various reasons.  Such as, a drink of water, to go potty, or they are just plain 'ol not sleepy.  But Mae is not like most kids.  She likes to take things to a whole other level.  Mae comes out for thinking too much.  Her mind gets whirring at night when she lays down, and she'll come out to ask questions or to voice a concern.  All of which border on the ridiculous and are not really important, especially when the light of day hits.

The other night was no exception.  True to Mae-form, she came to the family room where Ryan and I were detoxing from the day, only this time she caught me off guard with her question/concern.  This is what she said

I think my tongue is too big for my mouth.

Are you kidding me??!?!  I tried (without success) to not laugh.  Apparently she had bitten the side of her tongue and it was bothering her.  It amazes me how her mind works, and comes to conclusions that, again, border on the ridiculous.

Is there a contest for the most ludicrous nighttime excuse?  If so, I think I can win it.

Weekend (cleaning) Warrior

I cleaned out both vehicles this weekend.  On Saturday I tackled the truck.  All the nooks and crannies were overflowing with food bits and candy wrappers, with a fair amount of sand sprinkled in for a perfect balance of NASTY.  Needless to say, it was time to clean it out.  Four hours and too much quality time with the shop vac, a scrubbing rag, and windex later.....I now have a splendidly clean vehicle in which to drive my brood around in.

While I was cleaning the truck I had these two thoughts:

1) I'm pretty certain that we could feed a small African village with the crumbs.

2) do I have to let the kids inside when I'm finished?

Sunday found me doing the same for the car, Ryan's vehicle.  The kids aren't in the car as much as the truck, but they still have left their presence known.  Although it wasn't as bad off as the truck, it was in desperate need of some one on one time with the shop vac.

I also had two thoughts while cleaning out Ryan's car:

1)  again, the feeding of the village in Africa.

2)  do I have to let Ryan back in the car when I'm finished?

Now that I'm done with both vehicles, I have a strong sense of accomplishment.  There's nothing like looking over the finished product of hours of scrubbing and cleaning and knowing that it sparkles because of the elbow grease you applied.  Speaking of elbows........have you ever heard of shop vac elbow?  I think I have it.

Neighbors

When we moved into our house, my kids were the only ones on the street.  Now, after a couple new neighbors have moved in, my kids have playmates and potential friends.  It's awesome! 

Mae has a friend that lives next door, a girl her age.  And Caleb has three boys across the street near his age/grade as well.  I'll pray that a little girl Isabel's age will move nearby soon.  So far she's content to follow along with Mae and her friend or the boys.

Having neighbor friends for my kids makes me think of my own childhood friends.  I had great neighbor friends and I hope that my kids have the same kind of experience as I did........playing all day and into dusk, making up games and experiencing made-up places, and coming home only after being called in by mom.

The other bonus is, when the doorbell rings I no longer wonder who's trying to sell me something. 

Irony

Yes, I find it ironic that my son received a good character award at school.  Not because he isn't a good boy.  He is.  It's just funny that the day before the big assembly, he was at the park with his class and decided to be funny and pee all over the bathroom floor!

Not his typical behavior.  Good thing the award isn't based on a momentary lapse of judgement.

It's Going To Be A Loooooong Summer

Today was day one of summer vacation for the kids.  It went ok.  Nothing super exciting, but not entirely boring either.  At least I didn't think so.

We went to Isabel's school for her last conference.
Then to a friend's house to drop something off.
Can't forget a weekly Target run!
And back home for an afternoon swim.

After Caleb and Isabel played together in the pool, they played in Caleb's room.  They did well together so I was surprised when Caleb later said to me "I want a new roommate.  A boy this time, so I can have someone to play with not be bored".

Hmmm.  This is weird.  Especially considering that Caleb shares a room with no one.  However, to his request I say this - too bad buddy, the baby making shop is closed for business.  Learn to play well with your sisters!

I think it's going to be a long summer vacation this year if he keeps this up.

Stuck A Feather In Her Hair And Called It Macaroni

As a birthday gift for one of Mae's friends, I took the girls to get a feather put in their hair.  Isabel wanted one as well, so I obliged her.  Afterwards, as Mae and her friend were pleased with their new accessory, Isabel was ecstatic!  She wouldn't (couldn't!) stop talking about it.

Doesn't my feather look pretty?
Can you see my feather?
How 'bout now?
I love my new feather!
Thank you Mommy for my feather!
I have to be careful with my feather.

That is just a sampling of what she said.  A small sample.  For she became obsessed and wouldn't stop talking about it.  If you want a real idea of what it was like to hear her, this is what it sounded like for the rest of the day

Lalalalala feather!  Feather lalalalalalala. Lalala feather feather lalala feather.  Feather feather lalala feather! Lala feather lalalala feather lala feather feather lalalala.  Lalalalala feather.  Feather lalalalalalala. Lalala feather feather lalala feather!  Feather feather lalala feather. Lala feather lalalala feather lala feather feather lalalala. Lalalalala feather!  Feather lalalalalalala. Lalala feather feather lalala feather.  Feather feather lalala feather. Lala feather lalalala feather lala feather feather lalalala!

I love my little girl.  Even when she's hyper-obessed with a silly feather.  But if I hear that word one more time I may have to be admitted to the loony bin!

Too Much Of A Good Thing

Isabel talks a lot.  I mean A LOT!  She's always asking questions and wanting to know things.  Although it is great that she is so inquisitive and feels free to talk to us, sometimes it can get to be too much.

I was in the truck today and realized I had another headache.  It made me wonder if it was the radio that I always have on when I'm driving.  Also because it seems that I am only aware that I have a headache when I'm in the truck.  So I turned off the radio.

Then Isabel asks me the 143rd question of the day - "why do we have nose boogers?"

*sigh* I turned the radio back on.

Don't Quit Your Day Job

I love conversations with my kids.  I get an inside peek into what they're thinking.  But sometimes it makes me wonder who their parents really are.

Caleb - Did you know there are two kinds of plumbers?

Me - No, I didn't.  What are they?
(seriously, TWO kinds of plumbers??  This I must know.)

Caleb - Well, one kind I don't know how to explain, but one kind of plumber works on sinks and showers. The other one fights crime.

Remind me to do a background check before calling our next plumbing 'professional'.

Typical Boy

It seems that lately I get my giggles from overhearing conversations that my kids are having.  Here is what I heard this morning on the way to school.

Mae (to Caleb):  Why do you collect hair bands, that's gross!

Caleb: Because then I can slingshot them at girls. (insert giggles here)

Gotta love that boy.  He has always had a thing for the ladies.  But I hope it doesn't get him into trouble.  It might be too late for that though.

I Think I Need To Secure A Lawyer

The other day I was helping Isabel pronounce tsunami (remember when she called it a salami?)  Here's how it went....

Me:  Su-nah-me.

Isabel:  Sue-mommy.

I give up.  But I admit that I will miss these mispronunciations of hers.

It's All About Perspective

Caleb loves playing soccer.  I mean LOVES soccer!  He recently ended his latest season and we had a conversation about it and about some of the players on his team.  Caleb was telling me that a certain player was not very good, and he was right.  The little girl was not aggressive (at ALL!) and it was clear that she wasn't really interested in being there.  It just wasn't her thing.  I tried to explain to Caleb that not all people are good at soccer and that there may have been reasons why this girl was signed up to play.  Maybe her parents made her?  Or, maybe she wanted to try soccer and then realized she didn't like it?  Who knows, but my point was that she may not be good at soccer but I was certain she is good at something else, just we all are.

Caleb thought about that for a minute and came to this conclusion.  The girl is probably a good artist.  Ha!  I love my son!  He's got a great way of looking at things sometimes.

Mae Day

As of today I have been a mother for ten years.  Thanks to Mae!  Yep, today is her birthday.  Ten years, wow.  Sometimes it feels like it's flown.  Other times, I know I've lived through each and every day.  Oh the joy of being a mom. :)  The question is - will either of us survive the next ten years?

I wrote Mae's birth story a few years ago, thought I'd re-post it today.  Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day before Mae was born I stayed home from work. I had been having irregular brackston hicks for weeks (with no pain) but that morning, as I got ready for work, I thought maybe I was having some more and wondered if it was 'the day'. It was 3 days before my due date, so I was hopeful. Turns out it was nothing, but I did enjoy a nice day at home.

Early the next morning, say around 3:00, I was quickly awoken when my water broke. I was so excited! I woke Ryan up, then called the doctor (who told me to make my way to the hospital). We took our time getting ready as we had learned in our birthing class that most first-time labors went slow and there was reason to rush to the hospital. After I had eaten some breakfast and gotten dressed and ready to leave, I called my parents to let them know that 'today was a great day to have a baby!'

just before leaving for the hospital we took this picture

And we were off!!!!

We got to the hospital around 7:00 that morning. I could feel some contractions, but nothing with any pain, yet. I remember in my birthing class, seeing a chart with varying degrees of happy faces, ranging from very smiley to a a serious/unhappy face. I walked in the hospital with a full smiley face. I was happy and excited to finally to this show on the road!


In fact, I was quite excited about everything. The hospital we were at was like a nice hotel and there would be no room changing at all during the course of my stay. My room was a one-stop shop, the only time I would leave would be when I checked out with my baby in my arms. And it was a nice hotel hospital room too! The room had updated everything, from the carpet, furniture and colors to the jet tub in the bathroom. In fact, I was looking forward to using that jetted tub!

A couple hours after arriving, my contractions still weren't anything to complain about. I could feel the tightening but with minor discomfort. The nurse suggested I either talk a walk around the halls or take a bath to maybe speed things up. Hmmmm.....walking halls with socks and a hospital gown - or - check out the jetted tub???

I opted for the bath. Thank you very much.

It must have worked. As I was in the bath, my contractions went from minor discomfort to uncomfortable to GET ME OUT OF THE TUB!!!

I didn't really have a birth plan. I'm a 'go with the flow kind of gal', so I figured we'd make decisions as they came depending on the circumstances. I had thought of forgoing the epidural though. My sister in law had had two babies and all she had for meds was something to take the edge off. Sounded good to me. So, there I was (out of the bath by this point) sitting in a rocker talking to the nurse about meds. I told her I'd like to take the edge off. She was fine with that, but did mention something about it wearing off by the time I need to start pushing.

Um, WHAT?! No. There will be no wearing off of drugs! Please give me an epidural. Thank you!

So, around 10 o'clock is when my happy face went from 'smiley face' to 'hurts a whole lot'. But by 10:30 I got my epidural (or 'hapidural' as a good friend called it) and I was back to my super happy face, albeit a bit scared and tired.

Seems things progressed quite well after that. Not that I felt anything. Mostly I rested and waited for my doctor to check me, then tell me any news of my progression. Shortly before 1:00, they started prepping me for birth. They reconfigured the bed and I got into postion. And I said an absolute NO to the mirror. Ewe.

Around 1:00 I was pushing. I pushed for about 15 minutes and she was out! There she was, all red and squirmy and crying. Our Mae Elisabeth.

And our lives were changed in an instant. At exactly 1:16 on the afternoon of May 18, 2001.

Super-Duper-Crazy-Busy-Full Day

I had a busy-crazy day. I'm overwhelmed just recalling all that has been done and experienced today.  Nothing out of the ordinary, just jam-packed with everyday mom stuff.


It all started after breakfast, I followed Ryan to a bike shop to get his bike that had been worked on. He then left for work and I went to Costco on my way home. As I was finishing at Costco, my hairdresser called to ask if I had forgotten my hair appointment.  Crap, I did forget!!!  Good thing I was in her side of town and was able to run over to get my hair cut!  Then I hit a chocolate store on my way home (I received a call this morning that my name had been drawn for some free chocolate melts!). I picked up my free goods and went home.  Isabel and I barely had time to fix lunch and take a few breathes before picking up Mae and Caleb from school. Then Mae asked if she could stay late to help with a video she was working on (I said yes).  Which meant I had to stick around school for an extra hour. We made it home shortly before 4:00. And Isabel and I hadn't had time to do any school, so we worked on that. Then I threw in some dino chicken nuggets for dinner and slapped some honey dew on the table and we ate. 


I think I'm sitting at the computer, resting, now (and blogging). I'm pretty sure that's what I'm doing. That, and counting the time left to bedtime. One hour.  I think I'll sleep well tonight.  Whew, what a day!


**please note that I really really wanted to type this post without any spaces between words.  Looking back over my day, that is how I feel.  No wonder I have a headache!


***the good thing in all this (so far) is that I have not been ugly with the kids!  Truly the Lord is with me, for there is no other explanation for such good motherly behavior.  

NYC

Ryan and I took advantage of several things last month.

1).  Flyer miles
2).  Hotel points
3).  Spring Break
4).  My parents compassion, generosity, time and love of their grandchildren (and for us)

Put all those things together and we got a trip to New York city!!!

Yep, Ryan and I dropped the kids off with Mom and Dad and headed off to NYC for a week.  Alone.  It was bliss.  All of it!

Neither one of us have been to New York, and it was great to explore the city together for the first time.  I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with the city.  We both were.  New York was a great vacation for us, and we look forward to going back someday.

While we were there, I downloaded a new app for my iphone.  Hipstamatic!  It takes vintagey pics, and I basically took lots of pictures using only the Hipstamatic app.  Here are a few that chronicle our trip.

Ryan took a picture of me after we went through the Guggenheim museum. (the only picture of myself taken with my iphone.  Ryan has a few on his fancy schmancy camera).

I took this shot as we were walking from the Guggenhiem to yet another museum, across the street from Central Park.  I got all artsy fartsy with my new app, can you tell?

Central Park had these neat lampposts throughout, and I just loved them.  What can I say, this is me being all artsy again.

This shot was taken by Ryan.  His turn to be artsy fartsy with my app/camera.  On Ryan's list of places to go was the Apple Store.  On the way, this shot was taken as we walked by Central Park, where the horse carriages are.  It was a beautiful dreary morning and Ryan took advantage of the low clouds hugging the buildings.

We purchased City Passes that gave us admission to many museums and attractions in the city.  One of the things used the pass for was the Empire State Building.  We went to the 87th floor (typical observation deck).  It was neat to look out over the entire city and see several sights from one spot.  This shot was taken after our tour and when night was upon the city.

We also took a tour of the Hudson and East River.  The boat took us past the Statue of Liberty.  I think next time we go, I'd like to actually go to the statue instead of quickly floating by.  Next time I'll also know that I'll need to purchase tickets for the crown months in advance.

I love this shot of the city, taken while on our river tour.

Ryan.  On the subway.  We took the subway every. where.  It was great.  At first we thought we'd have to take taxi cabs when we wanted to go places.  Turns out that the subway is cheaper, easier and more fun to use.  We were careful not to take the subway during late-night hours, so we were pretty safe (contrary to how I felt about NYC subways before our trip).

One night we went to a broadway show, Jersey Boys.  We got all dressed up for our night out.  Consequently, this is the only picture of Ryan and I together in the city.  After dinner, we had time to kill before our show, so we walked over to Times Square.  Oh.  My.  Goodness!  The sidewalks were crammed with people!  And the big signs all lit up, too!  I'm not a huge crowd person, so walking a few blocks on the super-crowed streets was enough.  But I can say I've been to Times Square.  And have no desire to go back.  Been there, done that.

Like I said, we'd LOVE to go back to New York.  There is so much to do!  We missed out on Soho and Greenwich Village, to name a few.  Hopefully next time we'll hit those places.  I also wouldn't mind spending more time in Central Park.  Maybe rent a couple bikes and have a picnic lunch in the park.  All with my man.  Alone.  It will be bliss.

Until then, I'll treasure the 5 days I had, alone, with my husband as I dream of the next trip.

Is That Why We Don't Get Visitors?

Tonight we heard coyotes in the vicinity of our backyard.  They were cackling their strange song, so Ryan went outside to scare them off.  I stayed inside with the kids and watched from our dining room window.

Caleb was quite upset about his dad being out there with coyotes.  He didn't cry, but was close.  Isabel reassured him that Dad would be ok.  She said "Dad will be ok 'cuz he smells bad".

Apparently Ryan doesn't smell so appealing to wild coyotes.  It must be a scent undetectable to the human nose.  Or maybe we all smell bad and no one is telling us?

This Week In Quotes

Isabel has been saying some pretty cute stuff, as usual.  And I feel the need to share it/write it down so I don't forget these things (I'll need bribery material come her teen years, you know).

So, here's the latest from the mouth of my babe.......

"Japan had a salami" (tsunami)

After we found a caterpillar and put him in an old fish tank with lots of leaves and sticks, Isabel asks "when will he make his raccoon?"

"I hurt my funny bone and now there are sparkles in my arm."

"Dad is runned out of hair." (yes, his hair is not as prolific as it used to be)

Day 5

It's been five days since Mae has been her usual self.  Granted, today she really does feel and act better, despite the lingering hacking cough.  It's also been 5 days since either one of us has ventured out of the house (and going to/from school to get kids doesn't really count).  So today I am putting my foot down on this silly flu thing and Mae and I are going out!

Out of the house, I say!

I have a fabulous Jamba Juice coupon (that expires today) and I fully intend to use it!  How's that saying go....'starve a cold, feed a fever'?  Or is it 'feed a cold, starve a fever'?  Whatever, doesn't matter.  Jamba feeds the 'I've been confined inside for DAYS' part of the soul.  And so Mae and I are busting outta of this joint.  Watch out world, here we come.  No, really, watch out.  And to all those that are behind us in line, you should go ahead and get the immunity boost, just in case.

Sick Days

Today marks day 4 of Mae being sick with a off/on fever and cough.  She's logged a lot of couch and movie time.  A LOT.  Thanks to streaming Netflix, Mae has watched numerous movies.  As thankful as I am for Netflix and the ability to stream instant movies, I'm also ready for this to be over and for life to return to normal.

Here's the top ten things I've said countless times over the last 4 days.

1 - How are you feeling?
2 - Better?
3 - Let's take your temperature.
4 - Here, drink this.
5 - Are you drinking your water?
6 - Drink your water.
7 - Hungry?
8 - you need to eat something.
9  - What do you want to watch now?
10 - What movie is this? This is weird.

Simply The Best

My friend Amy makes the most amazing popcorn.  Like, EVER!!!!  She pops the kernels on the stove in her handy dandy stock pot along with a secret mixture of oil and salt (not that it's really a secret secret, it's just that I don't know).  When we get together for Friday afternoon play dates Amy inevitably brings her homemade popcorn.  And instead of watching my kids or talking with my friends, I usually end up scarfing up most of the popcorn.

It's sad really, my obsession with Amy's homemade popcorn.  I really should learn how to make it myself. Then I won't be so rude during play dates or neglect my children.  Maybe.

In the mean time I will console myself with the fact that popcorn is a vegetable.  It has to be!

He Still Loves His Mama

Today is St. Patricks Day.  A day that most people (or kids) wear green so as to avoid getting pinched.  I talked with the kids yesterday about what they would wear today so they'd be prepared (and cut down on any potential morning rush to get out the door and off to school).  Seems that everyone was ready and prepared for, save me.

On the way to school this morning we were talking about what each was wearing to guard against the dreaded pinch.  Me?  I just threw some clothes on in order to get out the door, which meant no green.  No one made a move to attack me, on the contrary, Caleb said "I will guard you".  Awwwe, my sweet boy still loves me!  My plans of finding something green for the day may be scraped just to see my son provide a defensive shield of protection for his mama.

I love that boy.

Saved By Text

I was saved from a life-long grief this morning.  All because of a good friend and her handy dandy texting abilities!

My morning was not typical as I got up to get ready for the day and take the kids to school.  I had to actually get up and be ready for the day before I leaving the house.  No staggering out of bed, throw on a sweater and grumble out a 'get ready, let's go!' as I make my way to the truck.  Nope.  Caleb had his yearly doctors check up at 9:00, and this meant that I had to be presentable for the world before leaving the house to take Mae to school.  However, I did have time to put the finishing touches on between the time of the school drop off and leaving for the doctors office.  

Just as I was unplugging the flatiron and heading to the coffee pot, I got a text from a friend.  She was asking if Caleb was ok and that they didn't want to leave without him.

What??!?

It's amazing how quickly the mind can process things.  In 2.7 seconds I realized that Caleb's class was going on a major field trip and they were leaving in 12 minutes!  Good thing Caleb was ready to leave (as was I!) and that it only takes 5.3 minutes to get to school from our house.

In conclusion, I made it to school just in time for Caleb to board the bus (and exchange a few smiles and thanks with my friend and Caleb's teacher).

Whew, saved by a text.  Saved from a life-long recollection of "the time Mom didn't let me go to Wally World!".  I may be stripped of my Stellar Mom award, but this is not that day!

Project Baby Blanket

Over Christmas I asked my sister-in-law if I could crochet a blanket for her coming baby.  After agreeing, she gave me her color choices - Classic Pooh, specifically Piglet colors (sage with some pink).  Fortunately Isabel had a swatch that I used to select the perfect yarn colors to match the specifications.  Then I had to think about the pattern.  You see, I've never followed a pattern when crocheting.

For this blanket I decided to do the whole thing in the sage color then edge it with the pink.  The kicker was that I wanted to add a few flowers to it.  This is when I thought I needed outside help.  Enter the magazine.  However, after playing with the yarn, I figured out how to make the flowers I wanted without the assistance of a pattern.  I got a great scarf pattern out of the magazine, so it wasn't a loss (more on that another time.  maybe.)

Anyway, here is the finished blanket.  I'm so very pleased with how it turned out.  I hope my niece likes it. Or more specifically, my sister-in-law!

I've Been Busy

There are some projects that have been in my queue lately.  There is a little baby niece on her way very, very soon, and I took an order for her baby blanket over Christmas. While I was working on her blanket I bought a crochet/knitting magazine (I needed some tips!) and came across a lovely scarf pattern that I had to try.  Then I found this idea the other week and now I am figuring out a way to put it into action! (thanks Susie for the tip/link!!!)

As of this very moment, the baby blanket is finished and so is the scarf.  And now I'm working on scarf number two and thinking about implementing the next project.

See?  I've been a busy girl!

Wanna peek at the blanket??  Come back tomorrow!

Sick? I Think Not

Caleb is home sick today.  We had to go in and wake him up this morning, which is unusual for this boy who is usually up with the sun!  I guess he was coughing a lot through the night last night and when we got him up he still had a cruddy cough.  Ryan asked him if he wanted to stay home from school.  Of course the boy said a pathetic little 'yes'.  And so Caleb is home from school today.

However, I am thinking he is just fine now that he's been up for a while.  He rarely coughs and is doing all kinds of house work for me so he can earn money for an ipod touch.  I mentioned to him that I doubt he's sick and that he seems just fine to me.  His response???  A few quick coughs.  Yeah, I think he's fine and will be going to school shortly.  The bum!

In the mean time, he's brought in the garbage cans that have been sitting out on the street since 'garbage day', taken out the trash in the house, and vacuumed the living and family room.  After that he's going to vacuum the couch for me, and sweep the family room and kitchen.  Maybe sick days aren't so bad.  Maybe we should have routine 'sick days'?!

I've Never.....

turned the car stereo up louder as to drown out the noise of children in the back.

And I'd certainly not share a conspirator smile with my husband while doing so.

Of course he'd not smile back either.

Never.

Giddyup

Recently we took the kids to an aquarium.  Here is a little conversation I had with Isabel before we left for our outing....

Me - Isabel, we're going to an aquarium today!

Isabel - What's that?

Me - It's like a zoo for fishes.  And they have seahorses there!

Isabel - Can I ride one?!?!

She's killing me with the things she says, and I just love it.  I want her to never stop!

I'm In Love

Last night after dinner the house got pretty quiet.  Now, as a mother, this initially causes me to wonder where my kids are and what they are doing.  I start to ask myself questions like "is someone about to get hurt?", "will there be a fire?", or "I hope nothing gets broken!".

But my fears were quickly put to rest when I realized that all three were in Caleb's room quietly, peacefully, playing with Legos.

"Quietly"??  "Peacefully"???

Yes.  ALL three were together in one small room and being relatively quiet and peaceful.

I love Legos.

Pocket Full Of Kisses

Some people find money when they do the laundry.

Not me.  I found kisses!!!

*also known as 'tile spacers', but today I will think of them as a coded message of love.  

She's An Artist

Mae has displayed amazing abilities at art even at a young age.  Ryan and I have been astonished over and over throughout the years with some of the things that Mae has created.  She says she wants to be an artist when she grows up, and I certainly think she can!  It will be interesting to see what she ends up doing.

Mae's most recent product came from doodling on Ryan's ipad.  She was trying out the new stylus that he got for the ipad, and this is what she did:

You saw it here first, a Mae original.  Contact me if you're interested in purchasing a print of Mae's art. ;)

Onward and Upward

For Christmas, Isabel said (repeatedly!) that she wanted a jet pack.  She's also mentioned wanting Heely's because "I wanna roll".  But now it's something different.  I was just informed that for her next present, for her birthday (which isn't until July), she wants a pogo stick.  This girl has a thing for personal mobility.  With a side of danger.

Sleepovers

If this weekend was to have a theme, it could summed up in a word - Sleepover.

Friday night Isabel had the opportunity to go to a friends house (and stayed up until 1:30!).  Then Caleb had a friend stay the night at our house on Saturday night. 

Isabel is now obsessed with the idea of sleepovers.  It's all she talks about.  I told her that she and Mae have sleepovers together every night (especially Mae, seeing how she sleeps in the top bunk!  get it, sleepOVER?).  Now Isabel talks about how she and Mae have sleepovers.  Then comes the next part.....she wants to know if Mom and Dad have sleepovers?  Why yes, yes we do! :)

Another Re-Filling

I wenbt to the bentist tobay.

She used a lot of Nobacain.

I'm kinba glab she bib, but I wonber how long it will tabke to wear obff?

Done!

Your looking at the cookies I made for the cookie exchange.  All 102 of them.  Turns out that I didn't have to make 240 cookies after all since some ladies backed out of the exchange as well as others opted to make only 1/2 dozens instead of full dozens.  So, my final count went down to 126 (including two dozen to be eaten at the party).  I'm looking forward to the party, but I am so very glad to have the cookie making part over with.  Whew!

It's been a busy week.  Including the cookies, I also made two batches of carmel corn and two batches of chocolate pancake mix.  Those batches of holiday goodness equated to 12 small personal gifts and one large container of carmel corn (for Ryan's co-workers and the larger one for Mae's teacher).  The pancake mix made four large containers full of mix for the other kids teachers and a couple of my friends.  

Being a perpetual procrastinator, I am very proud of myself for breaking my pattern this week.  I worked on one project each day, instead of the typical rush at the end of the week to get it all done in one night.  There was only one point in the week when I got stressed, and that was when I had to make an appetizer/side dish for our couples bible study gathering, which meant I had to cut 15 roma tomatoes in half and core them and make a stuffing mix and, well, stuff them.  I was trying to make just a few more dozen cookies while starting my side dish.  But other than that, my week was pretty stress-free considering all the things that needed to be done.

Needless to say, my kitchen has seen a lot of me this week.  I think we need to start seeing other people, you know, take a break for a little while.

Brought To You By The Letter F

Isabel is learning to read and part of that process is recognizing letters.  The other day she and I were playing a game while we drove around town running errands.  A letter would be chosen, then we'd each say a word that began with that letter.  It was an impromptu game that I thought worked out rather well for my homeschooled kindergartener.  Although, it didn't take too long for me to see that we still have some work to do!

Isabel - Let's do letter F!

Me - Alright.

Isabel - Fan!

Me - Finger.

Isabel - Fumb!

Big Week

I don't have a whole terrible lot going on this week, but it will still be a busy one.  Mainly because of the cookie exchange I'm going to on Saturday.  Did I mention that I have to make TWO HUNDRED AND FOUR cookies??!?!?  And let's not forget the teacher gifts I've decided to make this year (chocolate pancake/waffle mix!).  Oh, and also there's the 12 gifts of carmel corn that I'll be making for Ryan to give to his coworkers also.  That's all.  No biggie.

Yeah, right!  Did you read the part about the TWO HUNDRED cookies??

But I refuse to freak out and be stressed.  I'll save that for Friday night, when I'm literally hours away from having to need those cookies!

I did knock one thing off my baking list yesterday.  The teacher gifts.  I'm so excited about them!  I hope the teachers like them as much as I do.  How could they not?  Just look at how well they turned out!

Three gifts down and 12 packages of carmel corn and two hundred cookies left to go!

Moments That Make Me Smile

There are many moments that make a day.  Some make me smile or laugh and others, well, not so much.  It's those pesky latter moments that make me want to throw up the white flag and surrender.  But it's the sweet ones that cause me to pause, smile and keep holding on to make it through one more day.

Today one of those moments happened.  The ones that make you stop and take note of the good and fun times.  The kind that make you push aside any grievance one may have about rearing children.    The sort that make you want to choose the good that the Lord has in your day instead of dwelling on the mundane or tedious.

I was sitting in the living room as Isabel came galloping down the hall and came to a stop right beside me.  In a whisper, she said "I'm trying to fly!", and then was off again.  I watched her as she took off at a run back down the hallway to her room, and just as she came to her room she leaped into the air.  And for just a moment she had lift off!  Instead of calling after her to tell her to not run in the house, I did something different.  I giggled.  I thought of what Isabel must be thinking as she flew down the hall in hopes of true flight, and I decided to enjoy the moment and to smile instead.  Besides, it never hurt to let the child fly, now did it?  And it didn't hurt me either, as I let her imagination soar interrupted by commands of mothering.

Sometimes it's just good to sit back and let life do a little fly by.

Keeps Me Laughing (and on my toes!)

Isabel.  She's may be five, but she's still saying cute and funny things.

"Only cats get hair bombs."

"What you call cheese that's not yours?  Notcho' cheese!"

When at the zoo, she saw "pokeypines" and "gir-a$s".

What does this imaginative girl want for Christmas??  A jet pack.  Well, I'll just go down to The Jet Pack Store and get one.  Easy peasy!

Gift Idea

Every year it seems that while I'm busy getting gifts together for family and gathering my thoughts about where we're going to spend our time celebrating, I forget about the kids' teachers.  Last year I happened upon some cute little container-type ornaments at Ikea, and even though it was October and Christmas was two months away, I snatched some ornaments and was ready to fill them with holiday candy and give them to the teachers.

But that was last year.

However, this year I found this idea.  It's a chocolate pancake and waffle mix that the kids and I can mix ahead (minus the wet ingredients, of course) and fill in cute air-tight containers.  I plan to make festive holiday labels for the instructions to be placed on the containers as well.  I think it's going to be a great teacher gift this year.  I can't wait to get started!

Speaking Of Cookies....

I found this video and just had to share!  Enjoy!

Christmas Cookies

It's that time of year, time to bust out my awesome Kitchen Aid mixer and cookie sheets!

Every year I make snickerdoodles at Christmas time.  It's a tradition, I suppose.  And Christmas just wouldn't be the same if there weren't any snickerdoodles.  I've always liked the light sugar cookie texture they have, and coupled with the cinnamon and sugar that the cookie was rolled in before baking gives it the perfect touch of sweetness.  I always like my snickerdoodles to be soft, so I bake them just long enough to cook through then I whip them out of the oven so they don't dry out.  My dad, on the other hand, likes the cookies to be crunchy, so I usually do at least one cookie sheet just for him - crunchy.

Last year I stumbled upon a recipe for pumpkin-oatmeal raisin cookies.  I found it in a magazine and it was boasting that the it was a more 'healthy' cookie, though I don't recall why (it has a cup of sugar AND a cup of brown sugar!).  Maybe it's the oatmeal?  Anyway, I didn't buy the magazine but found the recipe online after doing a search.  It a light cookie (not rich or too pumpkin-y) but after making one batch I decided to add a teaspoon of cloves to give it a little more flavor, which totally worked and now is more of a holiday cookie than it was before.  I finish off the cookie with a light smash with a sugar-coasted fork (kind of like one would do to a peanut butter cookie).

My mother usually makes persimmon cookies at Christmas.  She adds golden raisins to her recipe, as well as a nice little swath of vanilla frosting on top.  With the frosting, they are perfect Christmas cookies!

Next week I will need to bring about three dozen cookies to a moms function at church and I can think of no other cookie to take than my fabulously delicious Christmasy cookie.  Then later this month I am planning to go to a cookie exchange and I'll need to take several dozen cookies, like, I'm talking A LOT of cookies, not just a few dozen.  So I'm not sure if I want to take my snickerdoodles, they take too much time to make into balls then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then bake.  So I'm not exactly sure if I'll go with the pumpkin or persimmon cookies.

Do you have a Christmas cookie that you make every year?  A tried and true recipe you'd like to share??

It's So Fluffy I Could Die!

I pulled out the artificial tree the other day, and now it's all assembled and lit!  Now all that needs to be done is to fluff out the branches so it doesn't look like the tree has been crammed into a box for the last 11 months.  And since Mae is home 'sick' today (really, she is sick, but it's amazing how quickly she recovers after I get home from taking Caleb to school.  ok, so it's not that quick, but she is feeling better and its too late in the school day to take her to school) so I'm putting her to work on fluffing the tree.  She doesn't seem to be getting the point.  I showed her this clip from Despicable Me to give her inspiration.



I want to walk into the room, look at the tree and say "IT'S SO FLUFFY!!!"  Is that asking too much?

Heebie Geebies

Is anyone else creeped out by this commercial??



Frankly, it does not make me want to go out and buy any.  In fact, it has the opposite effect.  I'm thinking the ad department went in the wrooooong direction on this one.

Ewe.

Oh No She Didn't!

**warning, some content may be considered harsh, untrue, and at times, vulgar.  descriptions and verbatim comments told here are NOT the views of this author and should not be considered as such.  read at your own discretion.

Mae is clearly not my child.  And if she is (which is highly doubtful after what she has said) then I disown her here and now.

The other day, the kids and I were making Christmas ornaments and even though it was just days before Thanksgiving, I thought it was appropriate to put on some Christmas music.  I opted for my very favorite, When My Heart Finds Christmas by the one and only Harry Connick Jr.  We decorated and talked all while listening to Harry C and his orchestra belt out some of my favorite holiday tunes.  We even sang along.

*stop reading at this point if you are of weak constitution

Later, Mae was looking at the cd case and commented on Harry's picture.  She then asked me (brace yourself, Harry fans!) if I thought he was strange looking. Of course I said HECK NO!!!  Mae disagreed and even went as far as to say that (prepare yourself!) he was kinda weird and (gasp!) freaky looking.

How can Mae, a child whom of which I brought forth into this world and given such love and care, say such things?

Where did I go wrong?

How could I have made such error in her upbringing?

Answer:  She's not mine.  Another sweet, pretty baby must have been switched at the hospital!  I can think of no other reason.

Night Out

Tonight I finally had a date with my husband.  It's been over four months since we last got out for an evening.  That's too long, in my opinion.  Life gets busy with small events here and there, then couple that with sitters that have busy lives themselves and that's how you go four months with no date night.

So, needless to say, we had a nice time out.  The evening was simple.  Just dinner and a movie (with thanks to a gift certificate that we got for our anniversary....four months ago!).

I only hope it doesn't take another four months to go out again.  Who knows, there could be a Christmas miracle for us next month!

Thanksgiving

We prepared food.

We ate food.

Then we had pie.

All with some family and friends.

Yep, it twas a great day.  

My favorite part may have been this morning when Isabel said "It's Gis-giving!".  I'm thankful for the cute little things that little girl says.

The Calm Before The Storm

This is my range.

Of which I just finished cleaning.

The day before Thanksgiving.

Which, also, will be the commencement of all kinds of spills and messy carnage that will occur on top and all around (and inside all kinds of nooks and crannies).

I don't know why I bother cleaning it.  For no one will see it in this state of cleanliness.  Except for you, my most loyal of blog follower(s).  But it gives us a great starting point for tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!  May you eat, fellowship and give thanks to The One who blessed you with it all!

One Day Left

....to shop for Thanksgiving, that is.

I've got my shopping list together.  And Ryan has already purchased the turkey.  But I have, like, 50 other things yet to buy.  And only one more day to tackle it.

*sigh*

I hope that I'm not too late and that the shelves are still stocked with the things I'll need.  

A Rigid Search Has Ended

Yep, I did it.  I bought me some pretty red ruffley shoes!!!!

If you recall, the other day I found these perfectly priced pretties but couldn't decide if I should a) get them in size 7 and have them be a teensy big.  b) buy the 6 1/2's even though they were an itsy bit small. c) not buy either and keep looking for a pretty pair of red flats.

I went back to the store today and went with option A.  You see, I had a idea.  I can sum it up in one word - inserts.  Yep.  I put in a pair of inserts and now the 7's fit juuuuuust right.

Now I an tap my heels together and say "these red flats make me happy"!

Whoops....

....almost didn't make it today!  Whew, just in time too!

My major accomplishment of the day (aside from slipping this post in under the wire, of course) is I have two people taken care of for Christmas.  If I keep this up, then maybe I'll have extra time to play!

Goldilocks Looks For Red Flats

I've been a hunt for the perfect pair of red ballet shoes.  They can't be just any 'ol pair of red ballet shoes either.  I'm just picky that way I guess.  It all started when a friend showed me these

And that was when the bar was set.  The only problem is that pesky little thing called 'the price tag'.  These little beauties are normally about a hundred bucks.  Which is too much, in my opinion (or is it only because I don't have a hundred dollars to spend on shoes?  Doesn't matter, I'm not buying them. *sigh*)

Then today, I found a pair that might make me mostly forget about the above-mentioned/pictured-shoes.  Some very lovely red ballet flats with a few ruffles.  They kind of look like these

Only, the ones I found were a tad different, they have an extra ruffle.  On me they look like this

As awesome as they are, I didn't buy them.  Not yet anyway.  Normally I wear a size 7, but the 7's felt just a wee big.  And the 6 1/2's felt a teensy bit tight.  So I have a delima - do I buy the 7's and deal with the extra wiggle room?  Or do I get the 6 1/2's and hope they stretch just a bit?

*sigh*  

I just don't know.  Priced at thirty bucks, they're totally right!  But I'm just not sure.  Maybe if they are still there tomorrow, then I'll buy them.  Or....if they aren't there, then I'll know they were the ones!  Isn't that how it is, the one thing you're looking for is always gone?  Especially when it comes to shoe size.

To Be Continued.....

Too Tired

Long day.

Long night.

Must.  go.  to.  bed.

Completed Projects - The Dining Room

Completed?  Well, not exactly.  But it's a whole lot closer than it was when we moved it. So to me, that's progress!

Here it is, the 'completed' dining room.  (please overlook that there are not curtains, or rug, and also the light fixture isn't really our style and one of these days we may, or may not, replace it).  (also overlook that  I do not have a 'before' picture to show off the grand scale with which I have 'completed' the room).

I guess when I really think about what I put into the dining room, it isn't much.  I bought the tablecloth (that brings in the dark brown and turquoise from the living room).  And I bought the mirrors at Ikea and painted one turquoise, then arranged them just so.  So, yeah, there isn't too much there than what I started with.  But when I look over at my living room and see that the two rooms flow together, the dining room gives me a pulled together feel.  And that makes happy.

Preview

It's late and I'm having a difficult time putting words together for a decent post.  I've got one coming tomorrow, I promise.  In the mean time, here's a little sneak peek of what I'm working on.

The Other White Meat

I was digging around in the freezer yesterday and came across a package of pre-cooked ham slices.  I want to use what we've got, but I had no idea how to use the ham slices.  So I went to my trusty ol' computer.  I typed in "ham slices recipe" and among the results was this recipe.  I looked it over and printed it out.

The recipe was super-easy, I couldn't pass it up.  Including the ham, there were only three ingredients; cranberries, honey and cloves.  I must admit, however, that it sounded weird to me.  Honey?  With meat?  But then I thought about honey-cured ham and how tasty that is, so I figured it couldn't be too off-base.

So I whipped us up some Cranberry Ham Slices and served it for dinner.  And the crowd!.....went!.......wild! (insert crowd-pleasing cries here).

Ok, fine, so all I got was a 'this is good' for an accolade.  But I'll take it!

Burden Lifted

I completed a big project today and I feel elated!  A couple months ago we bought a Groupon for two photobooks for ten dollars each from Shutterfly.  I had over two months to upload photos and think about and put together layouts.  But why rush?  I had time.  Which is why I wait until there is, like, two weeks before the cutoff.  Actually, there is very good reason as to why.....

Can you say pro.  cras.  ti.  na.  tor.  ???

Yeah.  That's me.  I must work better under pressure.  Or, I must really really really like stress.  Because I do this to myself all the time.  For all kinds of reasons and occasions.

So, anyway, I just finished putting together the two photobooks.  Whew!  What a load off my mind!  But really, it's not that bad.  The cut off isn't until the 22nd.  So you see, I had time to spare.  Which makes me think that maybe I set a precedent for myself.  I got something done early!  Watch out America, Christmas shopping will be done ahead of schedule this year - by the 23rd, and not a day later.  Ah yeah!

Under The Wire

Dear NaBloPoMo,

I almost forgot about you today.  I'm about to turn in for the night and yet you have this ability to keep me from following through.  Speaking of following through.....this posting every day thing is getting to be a bit much.  Do I have to really have to post every day?  Seriously?  I know, I know, I signed up for it, it's not like you made me do it.  But I thank you for your persistence and keeping me on track for daily posting.  Kind of.

Alright.  That's enough for today.  Adios.  Goodnight.  See you tomorrow.

Regards,
D

Today

Saw a children's musical with the family.

Cleaned the leftovers from the fridge (gotta make room for Thanksgiving!)

Started house-wide laundry.

Vacuumed all the rooms of the house (even the kids rooms because they CLEANED THEIR ROOMS!!)

Went to Saturday night church.

Tucked kiddos in bed.

Folded laundry.

Sat on couch and started watching Notting Hill.

Full day, time for bed.

Completed Projects - The Living Room

One of the rooms that we have finished putting together is the living room.  This is the first house that we've had that has two living spaces.  Well, maybe that's not entirely true.  The rental we were in before this house had two living rooms.  We used our garage-sale-futon to furnish the second room in the rental, but I sold it before we moved, so when we got to this house we had no furniture for the front living room.  I had a rug, old storage chest, and a lamp, but that was pretty much the extent of the furnishings.  Over the months of this past year we have bought a few pieces of furniture for the living room.  And now that I have picked out the curtains for the room, I feel like the room is finally complete.


before

I've never really put a room together before.  But after watching too many HGTV design shows, I feel as though I've received an interior design education, of sorts.  While thinking of this room, I remembered the rules of design that Karen McAloon always talked about on Find Your Style.  Karen would talk with the homeowners about choosing the main color and metal/wood finishes for the room as well as what style to stick with when shopping for furnishings.  I knew what our style was -modern (clean lines, no foo-foo) and we wanted to incorporate dark brown since one of the walls had already been painted a striking shade of chocolate before we bought the house (I'll feature the brown wall later).  The finishes were an easy choice, chrome, since that's what we tend to like.  The only thing left was to choose an accent color.  Turquoise is 'in' these days, and goes well with dark brown, so turquoise it was!

So, after a purchase of a couch, lamp, side table and a few accents of color.....here is our finished room!

After buying three different curtains, I've found the ones I want.  Of course, now that I know what I want, I can only find one curtain and I need two.  Frequent trips to Target are in my future as I continue to check for updated stock.  For now though, my newly put together living room sports only one curtain (with two lovely graphics mums, I might add).

Wrong Number

Dear people who are calling for Kate So-n- So,

She does not live here.  Nor is there anyone at this residence that answers to that name.  We have had this phone number for over a year, and within the last few months we've received a lot of calls for Kate.  Next time you see her, can you please let her know that she's giving out the wrong number?  You may also want to mention that she needs to pay her bills.

Regards,
The Real Occupants of This Phone Number