Real Quick

I really like my hair, don't love it, but we'll see how it goes over the next few days. Tonight we are teaching swing dance to a church crowd. I don't feel prepared and I don't want to talk on a microphone. Running late, better go!

Oh... and how could I forget?

Yesterday was a blessed day! My maid of honor/great friend Lisa who lives in Dallas called me last night to tell me she had her second baby just a few hours earlier. We don't keep in touch very well, but our friendship seems to be unwaivering. She is one of the sweetest, smartest, most savvy women I know. Once we bonded when sharing a hotel room during a scientific conference (Society for Neuroscience) in New Orleans(we were co-workers), we seemed to be right on time to help each other through very difficult life events. She is currently a professor at UT Southwestern, married to a great guy (who also works there) and is a wonderful mommy to now TWO girls. Can't wait to see the photos of the new arrival! She is very successful in her career and travels frequently on grants and rewards.

Old Pics From a Year Ago

While contemplating how to get my hair cut tomorrow (I need a drastic change), I thought about these photos which were taken right after a cut that I loved. I'm not ready to go that short now, but I did really like this cut. I remember the photos vividly because it was such a fun time with the family.




But for tomorrow I think I'm going to break down and get more layering. It is just too heavy at the bottom and I'm starting to get that "bell" shaped thing going on.

Are We There Yet?

To December I mean.

I almost forgot to post today. Not much to post about. Most of the things I've been making are for gift for people who either do read this blog or might (but I'm not sure). I am making some more of my little scrapbooks. I thought they were great, but apparently not a whole lot of other people do? So why am I making more? Well I promised to give my leftovers to an event, but I don't think I'll have as many as I promised, so I'd better make more, eh? Also I got some different paper. This set is styled by Amy Butler. When I get some finished I'll take pics.

Just when I thought I was lifting the mood around here, everyone is dropping out of our small group for church like flies. Jason is depressed. How much cheering up can one woman do? I'm exhausted!

Better go finish the laundry. At least the kids are mesmerized watching a Christmas special. I don't let them watch much TV, but tonight I think it's ok.

First Christmas Card Received Brings Back Wonderful Memories

Our first (and only so far) Christmas card received this year is from the farthest away of those we normally receive. I'm happy to say we receive one from this particular couple every year since we've been married. It is from New Zealand (Bay of Islands) and is from a couple who own a B&B in Opua where we stayed for part of our honeymoon. We hit it off right off the bat with this couple and they frankly felt like a wonderful aunt and uncle to us. Every year we exchange Christmas cards and I am touched by the handwritten note always included. This year it was 2 pages long. :-) It came at a good time, when we both can use some positive energy flow around here. Luckily we've been creating a lot of our own, but other input doesn't hurt at all!



In other news, our wonderful daughter made this totally awesome drawn, cut and pasted together little girl! She wants to make up a game for her bday party called "pin the nose on the boy and girl." I'm excited to get her going on making the boy and girl and the noses.

We are also gearing up to teach swing dancing at our church's volunteer appreciation night. They will be having a live band and I just got our baby sitter in place as there was a little miscommunication on whether we had one or not or whether the church had child care that night. It should be fun.

Yesterday I didn't take my new allergy medicine for the first time in several days. I am not real happy to admit I might have allergies for the first time in my life (besides penicillin, darvocet, many other pain relievers and muscle relaxers, and carrots (yes I said carrots)). So last night at the end of the dance class I teach my throat started getting very sore and after I went to bed I woke up in the middle of the night with completely clogged sinuses. I gladly took my meds today and feel MUCH better. Darn, I was hoping I didn't need them.

Today I've been trying to rest as my insomnia is catching up with me. I took a nice bath and just about fell asleep in the tub. The most precious part of my resting was Miles joining me and cuddling and insisting we sing "Itsy Bitsy Spider". After each song he'd say "More spider mommy." Each time he got the words a little better. It is just so fun working with each child on their development and learning. I actually broke down and bought the 1st grade math book for Ella. It is a little scary to admit she is ready for it. But if she loves it and is good at it, why not. And it is not too hard to believe she'd be prone to be good at math. Look at her parents, look at her grandparents... I just hope that stupid stigma that girls aren't good at math has diffused since I was in school.

Let the Christmas Season Begin!

After the stress of Thanksgiving, we started out the new holiday season with some recovery time and lots of good fun.

Saturday night we were in need of some rejuvenation time, so Jason and I went on a date while our dear friends watched the kids. We went to eat at Cracker Barrel for some comfort food. We had an excellent waitress and delicious food. The green beans remind me of my grandma's and put a smile on my face. We both had chicken and dumplins, my favorite! Then we went to a movie, which is a rare event. We saw American Gangster. I wasn't used to seeing Denzel Washington in a bad guy role, so it was strange. It was way to violent.

The kids were really good for our friends. My friend just loves them and they love her. She is like an aunt to them and a sister to me. They also just love their son James who is 5. And to give the husband some props here, it was he that Miles went to for comfort when he missed his parents.

They looked too cute sleeping when we picked them up to take home.




Sunday on the way to church we saw a nursery where pretty Christmas trees were being sold. After church we went back and got a gorgeous one! The whole family is happy! Jason is a pro at securing trees on top of cars!




For most of the afternoon Ella did a craft and Kristi worked on a gingerbread house with "help" from the kids. Ella actually did put some of the candy on a window and the roof. Miles made "bear tracks" in the snow. Ahem. It was fun and I might try to put together a gingerbread house making party next year! If not, I'd definitely like to make this a tradition in our family! Also, we all enjoyed some hot chocolate that afternoon. While we were working on the house, Jason was putting up lights outside in the COLD!







Back to the tree. I think we found the perfect place for it this year. A little nervous about it being so close to the fireplace. After we straighten it up and got the lights on, we let the kids put on the ornaments with minimal help. I did move a few up higher. The point is: it is more important that people had fun than that the tree look perfect. I have mentioned this before, but all of those snowflakes are a Czech tradition and were make by Jason's mom. We love to look at them every year.

With an attitude of gratitude, we focused on the positives and truly enjoyed the weekend. We hope that you too will experience the joy and miracle of the Christmas season!

Thanksgiving

Miles with Uncle Scott

Miles and Grandpa

Ella the Pilgrim

Miles and Uncle John

Uncle Scott and Ella



The Turkey


The Thanksgiving Party minus Jason.

AHHHHHHHHHH

Our cordless keyboard isn't working and we were able to restart one computer and plug in a corded keyboard to get it to work. Still doesn't work on my computer.

Well, at least I made a post in time today before midnight (my time at least!)

What I Made on Tuesday

These valances in the eating area of the kitchen.



Here's a close-up of one of them.



They match the one I made a while ago above the sink.



On Thanksgiving no one noticed them.

First Accumulating Snow of the Season

Swap Fun!

I thought it was great when our Christmas photo cards arrived only a couple days after we ordered them.

But THEN today I received all kinds of red and white Christmas wonderfulness from my Sweet Goodness Sister Holiday Swap partner, Andrea! She had sent it Priority, so it arrived quickly. I hope my poor parcel post package isn't still being carried along on horseback. Ha ha! I also hope Andrea likes it, I didn't send half the fun stuff she did. I did put a lot of time into everything, so I hope that partially makes up for it. Plus the December one will be full of fun presents for her, not just for decorating and to put on gifts.

Here is the cute swag. I love it! Andrea, you will notice a bit of a similarity in our swags! Andrea was very anxious about the swag and I think she did a wonderful job! It's funny, I was first going to make her a Thanksgiving swag and bought those same letters, but in gold to spell out THANKS. (I returned them when I remembered she said she didn't decorate much for TG and I thought a Christmas one would be better.

Here are the rest of the goodies. A peppermint scented body lotion, a cute note card set, a soft fluffy white scarf, tags to put on presents (each stamped with a greeting and adorned with a cute green and red ribbon and candy cane), a little mystery box. What's in there?!

And here is the beautiful bracelet that was in the little white box!
What a lucky girl I am!

If you ever see a swap and are feeling hesitant, I'd say try it out! It is fun both to give and receive.

People Who Know Me

can't believe I used to take improv classes in Chicago at Player's Workshop (which I believe no longer exists). Not only that, I took them for over a year, not only that, I graduated from the program and was in the grad show.

Well, I'm pretty shy, soft spoken and scared of crowds (socially). On the other hand, I love(d) performing dance and baton and doing public speaking, so maybe it's not that hard to believe.

--------

Today was so dreary, dark, gray, misting rain all day.

I ordered a tea kettle today since I destroyed the one we have. I am so particular that I had to order it through the store so I could get the model and color I want. Microwaved tea, it just isn't right.

I made 3 valances today. One is up on a rod with magnetic rod holders. The other two require the installment of some wide rods. I usually mess that stuff up, so I'm waiting before I put those up. Plus I did a couple of little vertical gathers on one valance, but not sure I'll like it. I'm waiting to either gather the other valance or take out the gathers of the first one.

I have ballet tonight.

I'm tired.

I wish I could finish my book. I hate to say, I haven't really enjoyed it much. That is the first time I haven't enjoyed a book in a LONG time!

Oh, yesterday my Shaklee (environmentally friendly) products came in the mail! (well UPS)

I'm wondering if anyone is even reading my blog. How pathetic, I got 3 spammer comments in the last three posts, and then crickets chirping...

Dear Etsy Shoppers

I just bought a boatload of new mailing envelopes. Please feel free to purchase something in my shop as I have all the necessary supplies to mail it to you! :-)

Cleaning Cleaning

Today I got on a roll of cleaning. I started with Miles' room and then shampooed all of the upstairs carpets. Then cleaned up the office and most recently the scary cabinets in the kitchen near the desk that contain piles of coloring books and workbooks, all kinds of kids art media (not in their appropriate boxes, including markers that have no lids and need to be tested to see if they stay or go), plus a desk covered with stuff and finally... the JUNK drawer. Phew, that's done. Now maybe I'll get up enough guts to tackle the "tupperware" (thought none is actually tupperware, so we should probably call it plastic storage and other plastic stuff) cabinets.

Almost Forgot

to post today! Today I did a lot of cleaning, a little resting, went to some friends' for dinner. Miles cough has gotten worse and now has a high fever. Ella is coughing, but not as much.

Ella cleaned her room today all by herself! I don't know what got into her. She usually comes up with excuses and goofs around when I ask her to, but she did it today. Perhaps because I was cleaning our room at the same time. She even "made her bed"! It was so cute, she took her door throw blanket and put it neatly over her bunched up sheets and quilt. Good effort! She also did some cute playing having a tea party on her bed with her stuffed animals and playing doctor (or vet) with her "Curly Pig".

I hope Miles gets better soon. These fevers lately haven't been lasting long. I hope this is one of the same.

Happy Saturday, whatever is left of it!

Kids Getting Ready for the Holiday

Ella's preschool had a big feast today and all the kids dressed up as pilgrims or Indians. Last year she was an Indian. I'm glad she is a pilgrim this year because I made a pilgrim costume for Miles last year for TG dinner and it was HARD! I think it will be much easier to make an Indian costume.

Miles does some toy research for Santa.

Miles just looking cute.

Mattes for Artwork In

I purchased a couple of prints from Etsy this year that really needed custom mattes, due to the size of the pictures. I ordered some from JoAnns and just picked them up today. I feel like I am so bad at picking out colors that will compliment or bring out artwork.



I'm afraid the dark tan here draws attention from the art. I had just learned that a dark border will draw you in. Or is it the frame that doesn't work? Or both? (Artwork: "Rose" by Askey).



Here I'm afraid I've somehow made the light colors in the art look even more faded. And the frame, is it too much of a contrast taking attention away from the art? Overall this piece looks so much smaller than it did in the frame with the slightly too long matte. I do like the style of the frame. I think it is a carefree piece that needs a non-sophisticated, even fun frame. (Artwork: "Growing, Growing" by Ashley G.).

Have I really ruined this art with my lack of intuition or knowledge in this area? What would you have done?

Or perhaps I'm being too hard on myself and I just need to let these choices grow on me.

To see other artwork from the above artists in their Etsy stores, click on their names above.

Knitting Progress

I finished my first scarf. I think it looks a little strange with the blocks of different kinds of stitches. But that was good practice doing the three types on a first project, garter stitch, stockinette stitch and ribbing. It is all curly now, but I plan to block it to try to flatten it out.

I've very excited about my next project, The Irish Hiking Scarf, which I am copycatting from Junie Moon. She got the pattern from Hello Yarn. I was afraid of cables, but they aren't so bad. The only problem I'm having is that Joann's didn't have a cable needle, so I bought a thin holding needle. Well, the loops I'm holding somehow shrink and it is nearly impossible to get them back on the needle when I need to knit them. I just put them on the tip and do the best I can. It is a bit irritating, but at least it only happens every 8th row. Plus it is worth it to see the cool twist when I'm done. I think I will be looking around for a cable needle though! Do you think this color could be worn by a man? It may be hard to see the shade in the photo, but the yarn has a bit of dark fiber in it.

Thanks for taking a peak at my new hobby!

In other news, I had a fabulous day today with my friend Tania. We had some excellent bonding time over Indian food, taste testing samples of my food from my food coop and hyperactive children running around. I guess my kids and her younger daughter were happy to see each other too!

P.S. These needles are smaller than my first project as well as the yarn, which makes it a bit harder as well.

Recipe

My mom wanted this recipe, so since I typed it all out, I thought I'd post it here to. This is from the Sept/Oct issue of Midwest Living. I made this for our Halloween gathering.

Sour Cream Pumpkin Bars

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanillla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Browned butter frosting (recipe follows)
Chopped pecans or walnuts for topping (optional)

1. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan; set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Beat in sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt until combined. Add all-purpose and whole wheat flours; beat until combined. Stir in 1 cup nuts.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into a prepared baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan or wire rack.
4. Prepare the Browned Butter Frosting as directed; spread over cooled bars. If you like, immediately spring the frosted top with additional chopped pecans or walnuts. Cut into bars. Makes 48 bars.

Browned Butter Frosting: In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup butter over low heat until melted. Continue heating until the butter turns a light brown. Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer butter to a medium mixing bowl. Add 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until combined. Beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make a spreadable frosting. Use immediately. Makes about 1 cup frosting.

Favorite Quote

To be honest my favorite quote is one I heard from my mother. I don't know its origins, maybe her mother? Or maybe someone famous?

Anyway she always told me "Take all the advice you can get and do what you want." It's kind of liberating. Do the research and then make YOUR best decision based on what you think of the data, or even not.

So anyway, I'm supposed to share my favorite quote for the Sweet Goodness Swap and how it relates to a Thanksgiving story. Well I really don't know how that relates to a Thanksgiving story specifically, but I do have another quote I like.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is."

- Albert Einstein

I like this one because I studied chemistry in college and so many of the physicists studying subatomic matter didn't fit God into their equations. I was impressed that Einstein didn't completely go along with the theory of quantum mechanics (a mathematical machine for predicting the behaviors of microscopic particles) because it involved the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle which has to do with the fact that we cannot measure the location OR the velocity of a particle (such as an electron) and thus an equation uses probability for both. Einstein's intuition was that this shouldn't be used in the equation because as he says "God does not play dice with the Universe."

So anyway it is comforting to know that an intuitive genius like Einstein did consider God.

So I guess there is no one story other than several of the years I hosted Thanksgiving were miracles. Once I was 8 3/4 months pregnant. Once I was 5 months pregnant and had an 11 month old running around. Last year I had two toddlers. Hosting at those stages were truly MIRACLES! I was also carrying or a mom to two miracles.

Hope all the geekiness wasn't too confusing.

Holiday Recipes

As promised, here it the final recipe card. Unfortunately it is a little hard to see the green border. I looked for laminating at Staples, but the self laminating system (the one you don't need to buy a $99 heat sealer to work) was about $9 for only 5 - 4 1/2 x 6 sheets. Yikes! Maybe I'll look elsewhere! Thanks for the idea Sarah! I'll keep looking for some that are more affordable!

Must Post

I haven't mentioned it until now, I signed up for NaBloPoMoNa in which I have to post EVERYDAY for the month of November to be eligible to win a prize. I'm not real sure on the details, but I'm trying to post everyday.

First of all, I feel foolish. I thought a cookie exchange was today and had baked DOZENS of cookie yesterday and bagged them all up today. Found out it isn't until Dec. 10. Luckily my friend called to tell me. Otherwise I would have been at the hostess' door REALLY feeling foolish!

The same friend who is a native Spanish speaker offered to have my kids over and ONLY speak Spanish to help them to learn the language. YAY. She said I could learn too.

Before I get around to taking a photo of the progress on my scarf, I think I will have it finished!

I bought the Turkey today.

Ella is almost done with her K-1st grade Math book. She is 3 going on 4. I am wondering if I buy the next book, or just keep working with her on the stuff she already knows.

Does anyone know how to laminate 3x5 cards? Is there a way to do it at home. I made up the recipe cards for the cookies exchange and they look really cute, I'd just like to make them water and cookie dough proof! Would clear contact paper work?

OK, off to make some tea and either read or knit myself to sleep.

By the way, there are some REALLY cute recipe card templates you can use in MS Word, either 3x5 or 4x6 here. Here's the one I used, then used rubber cement to attach them to a slightly bigger green background. They turned out so sweet. When I upload photos, I'll post one.