Olivia at Nine

Dear Olivia,

You are a precious nine-year-old this Christmas.  The changes I see in you this year is a maturity and appreciation for things.  How many times did you thank us for your toys yesterday, and you were soooo thankful to see Narnia today.  You are also an expert with the candle lighter this year.  Always before you loved to blow out the candles, now you are lighting them (with supervision) and arranging them.  Right now all the lights in the house are out except the Christmas tree lights, and you have five candles burning! 

What hasn't changed is your imagination!  Tonight we were steam cleaning the carpet, and as we put the towels down on the carpet, you would jump from one to one, smile on your face, and delighted as you flew over the wet carpet.  You disappeared upstairs for a few minutes, and came down with your big Belle doll, and she accompanied you on your journeys.  Then you would toss her to a towel and jump after her!

Now there are four more candles lit.  You knew I had a basket of candles, and you were determined to find them!  I love your determination!

Tonight we saw Voyage of the Dawn Treader.  During one of the scary parts, you leaned over and whispered in my ear "The good thing about movies is you know the good guy won't die." That's my girl : )  You are such an optimist.

I'm so happy you love your Christmas gifts.  Last night you went to sleep with your Rapunzel doll, and your survival kit next to your bed.  You like the dress design studio a lot, and your babies are all dressed and tucked into bed with warm blankets.  The pillow pet penguin - oh you wanted that so much!  We bought it and Grandma Lee sent the money - I wish she wouldn't have, though, because she bought you so much already!  You hugged and hugged it, and slept on it last night.  You have an amazing animal rescue shelter in  your room, everyone is tagged and has a special place to sleep.  Cozy beds, too, only the best for your animals!

We are grateful for you, and love you soooo much! 

We are so busy with school, errands, Bible study, AWANA ~ anything I can put together in the morning to be ready at night is a help!!  I've also been utilizing my crockpot more often. The less mess in my kitchen, the better!!


Mexican Mess ~ Kid-Tested, Mom-Approved : )

Crockpot Minestrone, bread

Meatloaf, sweet potatoes  (yippity-skippity, an oven meal!)

Oven Fried Sesame Chicken, Asian Garlic Broccoli & Red Pepper stir fry



Mexican Mess
1 lb ground turkey, browned with onion and garlic
1 can ranch beans
1 can seasoned black beans
Add beans and simmer 20 minutes. 

Cook brown rice.  Layer on plate, beginning with rice, then meat and bean mixture. 

Serve with: chopped tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, fritos, avocado.

Crockpot Minestrone
I made this last week, and we all loved it!  The measurements are approximate, but after all, it's soup, what can go wrong?!!

1 box chicken broth
1/2 jar leftover spaghetti sauce
1/2 finely chopped onion
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cups chopped carrots
2 cans kidney beans
1 can cannenlini beans
3 garlic cloves, minced
Italian seasoning, pepper

Cook on low until you come home!  I cooked my pasta separately, then added it right before we ate.  If I had zuchini on hand, I would add that towards the end of cooking. Serve with parmesan cheese and crusty bread.  Delcious!



Oven Fried Sesame Chicken
This is a new recipe.  We love sesame!  I also like to use chicken thighs occassionally, because I often am stuck in a boneless-skinless chicken breast rut.  I am planning on using breasts and thighs ~ we'll see what the grocery store prices are!

2 lbs chicken breasts, thighs or wings

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
4 Tbsp. sesame oil
1 bunch green onions, including bulbs, diced
4 tsp. minced garlic
Sesame Seeds


Directions:


Combine ingredients, except chicken, in a large ziploc bag.  Add chicken, coat well, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, turning at least once. Transfer chicken to a baking dish (discard marinade).  Sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake chicken uncovered at 425 degrees F. for about 45 minutes, turning once after about 25 minutes.

Good, clean fun

About a year ago, I was at HEB all by myself buying groceries.  I love my dear family, but it was good to have some time to myself.  I was checking off my list, and as I was standing in front of the laundry detergent, I discovered Shout Color Catchers.

Wowza, I thought, these are really great!  Because I've noticed my colors bleeding even though my mamma trained me well to separate my colors, and never - ever mix whites with anything.  Yes ma'am.

So anyways, the excitement that I felt over finding a new laundry product was...well, it was SAD!

I called my sister on my cell phone as I wheeled my buggy up to the front, and whined her "I HAVE to have something other than going to the grocery store for my fun night out.".

Of course she agreed.

She's a FABULOUS sister. 

In the past, I've gone scrapbooking.  Now, however, I'm 8 years behind on my 9-year-olds life, though, and the thought of dragging out all that self-condemnation just doesn't really motivate me. 

On our community website I saw a notice for a monthly womens Bunco night.  I sent off an email, and the Lord gave me wisdom to sign up only to be a substitute.  I didn't know any of the women, or what the group would be like. 

I had my first opportunity to sub last week.  I was encouraged as I saw ladies walking in, wearing big smiles and cute outfits.

A cute pair of flip-flops and fun jewelry with a friendly face is the ticket to my heart. 
The ladies were all friendly, and it was FUN!  No pressure except to enjoy drinks, snacks, and a great connecting point in our neighborhood.  I am so thankful that I found it, and that it worked out the way it did. 

FUN!  No angst over scrapbooking layouts, mourning as I look at pictures of our sweet 2-year-olds chubby hands.  Just FUN!

And I won't be the lady partying in the laundry aisle any more.

So glad I don't have to live in a box

I am so so grateful for summer!  O and I made a doll yesterday - hand stitched, and then I 'helped' her make a dress for it that does not fit at ALL!  A seamstress I am not! 

Other things I have time to do with her is sort out rocks and gems, and put them into labeled bags.  I offer choreographical suggestions for her 'movie songs', which are rarely used!.  Right now her favorite is 'You Belong With Me' and 'Cha Cha Slide'.  And then, of course, I watch and download her movies of herself performing these songs!  

O has tickets made for when my sister and her family come down this weekend.  Tickets for her piano performance, movie songs, and Empire Strikes Back movie.  Hope they bring enough quarters!!

Plus, I've done some much needed cleaning out - the bookcase in our bedroom looks much better, the freezer is cleaned out (there was orange gunk in there for the past two months from O's experiment gone bad), and all of the laundry is caught up - including organizing W's sock drawer.  

What is it about all these mundane accomplishments that are so satisifying?  For me, I think all these little things that I don't have make time for build up into a big pile of guilt.

Now my little sweetie is making gifts for her cousins, and she's learning the extremely varied musical preferences of her mama.  Love to hear singing "Grace, Grace, God's grace" and then "Stop! Cause I really love you.  Stop!". 

Why Don't We Just Dance - Josh Turner
Whip It - Devo
Sunglasses At Night - Corey Hart 
Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams 
The Power of Your Name - Lincoln Brewster 
Missing You - John Waite 
Melody - Kate Earl 
Love Will Keep Us Together - Captain & Tennille 

In the cool of the evening - Rosemary Clooney 

If This Is It - Huey Lewis & The News 

I Melt With You - Modern English
Heart of Rock-N-Roll - Huey Lewis & The News 
Grace That Is Greater - Bart Millard
Faithful God - Shannon Wexelberg
Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds  
Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John & Kiki Dee 

Cuts Like a Knife - Bryan Adams
All Your Promises Are True - Shannon Wexelberg 

Because I am an Overachiever

I've decided to have high aspirations for this summer.

I was reading the blog of a long-time friend last night, and she makes NOTEBOOKS for her children to write down their summer goals.

NOTEBOOKS.

What the heck is the schoolyear for?!!!

As a homeschooling mom, this is the only time that I truly get to only 'play' with my daughter - guilt free!

Clearly, a 3-ring-labeled binder is too much structure for me.

So here are my goals for the summer:






The End

Simple Pleasures

Leslie Sansone walking dvd's. I answer her questions out loud, laugh with her, and tell her that yes, I will see her tomorrow. And I know if I ever meet her in person, she will be absolutely happy with these facts!

Starbucks half-caff Americano with extra room for cream, please!

Best when with my wonderful husband and daughter, or mom, or sisters, or friends. Slatkin & Co candles. Any scent - they absolutely fill my house with deliciousness.

I love these witty signs for both the words, and the era they represent. And, this one is especially true, as sometimes when I go to bed, I am already looking forward to my morning coffee!

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Gloss. A-d-d-i-c-t-e-d

Love the smell, feel, and the trampy names!

The beach, and especially the beach with this puddin' pop! In love with Cape Cod, and north of Boston shore, and the Oregon coast. ahhhhh...

My mamma and puddin' pop enjoying an impromptu picnic at Revere Beach in Boston.

Love my mamma's love for people, her sense of adventure, and she is always ready to have fun! This was our best day ever together : ) We meandered up north of Boston, hitting Salem, Gloucester, and Rockport. And we happened upon Kelly's Roast Beef sandwiches, which were AMAZING!! So I love my mamma, and love exploring days that are full of fun surprises!

Art by Sally Huss.

Her paintings are full of bright colors, and wonderful words.

My list is not in order, it's just the way the photos uploaded, because my husband is the best happy I have! He is strong, protecting, wise, fun, and a wonderful expression of God's love for me.

Love taking walks. Some of my very best memories are being in the woods with my family at the cabin in southern Ohio, walking to the creek, walking in the snow with Warren at Highbanks Metro park, and of course, any walk/hike in the pacific northwest is always memorable. What a beautiful reflection of God's glory.

A few of my favorites!

Oh, how I love to read!



When I was young, I read and re-read all of the Little House books. Now I've read them to my daughter and love to share that world with her!



We read A LOT in our homeschooling. Here are some of my favorites from the last year that we've read together:



The 21 Balloons


Encyclopedia Brown books and Socks by Beverly Cleary


Any Hank the Cowdog book! I laugh so much reading these out loud!


Star of Light by Patricia St. John


Stepping Heavenward is one of my all-time favorites which I can't wait to read with Olivia when she is a few years older. I like to re-read it every couple of years. Such an encouragement to my heart.



I primarily read non-fiction. When I do read fiction, I really enjoy the Mitford books, All Creatures Great & Small series, and Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, and Persuasion by Jane Austen. And at Christmas time, I may or may not read those ridiculously predictable Christian Christmas romance books...



These are some of the non-fiction books that rotate on my nightstand:


Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp ~ this book is invaluable to us as we strive to raise our daughter with love and discipline.


Any book by Elisabeth Elliot. I read Passion & Purity in college, and have read and re-read all of her books continuously.


Having a Mary Heart in Martha World by Joanna Weaver

Lies Women Believe, and the Truth that Sets them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Becoming the Woman of His Dreams by Sharon Jaynes

I Truly Heart Lists

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?

Cleaning out the pantry. There’s a stuffed giraffe from O’s Easter basket, an E-Z bake oven, and a tiered can shelf which I knew would solve all my pantry-organizational problems.

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?

I wait to turn off the t.v. until I am positive I will fall asleep within ten minutes. I HATE to toss and turn. If I don't fall asleep right away, my mind starts reeling, and before I know it, I’m online at Mayo Clinic investigating the fatal disease I have now convinced myself that I have.

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?

The 30’s. Give me a flapper dress, long necklace and sassy hair. Which is almost what I wore to a wedding on Saturday, minus the sassy hair.

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?

Braised short ribs, parmesan polenta, and tipsy tomatoes.

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?

I love to impulse shop! Today I bought a bottle of Lauren Blue perfume at Wal-Mart, yes, Wal-Mart, for $6.00!! It’s a small sample size, which is perfect, because I’ve been wanting to try Lauren Blue.

Now, I only impulse shop for things under $20, though.

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?

That my daughter and grandchildren would be comforted by the fact that they’ll see me again!

7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?

Holding hands with my honey and daughter as walk around the neighborhood, talking to my mom on the phone while she is at Aunt Betty’s.

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

Crusty, artisan bread with kalamata olives.

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)

I battle laziness and grumpiness, so I guess greediness!

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

Persistence and consistency

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?

Our bedroom – coral and pink florals, with a lilac print on the wall. My favorite thing is a silk scarf I have draped over a table which I bought at an antique store in Indiana. Love it!

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?

Keep the main things the main things. Each day my main priorities are time in the Word, exercise, homeschool, meals for the family, and maintaining the house (in the loosest sense of the word!).

Menu Plan Monday

Salmon with Roasted Asparagus with lemon caper sauce


Seafood Lasagna, steamed broccoli - this is a little extravagant for a weeknight meal, but I need some more 'go-to' meals for company.


Sausage and Tortellini Soup -


Broccoli and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Ahhhhhh...Spring Break!

Who knew we all needed this so much?!!

We didn't have anything big on our schedule this week, so I didn't realize how good all of the nothingness would feel!

Monday we slept in, stayed in our jammies, did school work and then I cleaned and reorganized the family room.

Tuesday we picked up a single friend who didn't run screaming when I asked if she would help me clean my house. We've done lots of chick-flick nights, so this time we just cleaned bathrooms and vacuumed before watching North & South (the British version, not the Patrick Swayze version). That whole movie is so worth the last five minutes...sigh...that and the "Look at me. Look at me." part.

One of my dear friends is having all the family in town before an anniversary party. To say this friend has been through a lot in the past year would be an understatement. I happily made an oreo cheesecake for her last night. Actually I made two, and I am so glad I did because you know what happened when I tasted it? It wasn't so great!

Since this was the pre-anniversary party dinner, I had to bring something good to the table, right?! So this morning I ran out to the grocery and bought things to make Colophon Cafe's Peanut Butter pie. Soooo good! Her sweet cousins were there cooking and helping out, and they are going to stash one pie in the freezer for their own little midnight party : )

Tonight I'm making basil turkey burgers, then we're at a friends tomorrow night for dinner, Friday night we're doing pizza with another family and then Saturday night we're out for dinner with friends. No more cooking! Whoo hoo! I am ready to get this kitchen cleaned and just make our coffee and breakfast for the next few days!

Spring Break!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Life Lessons

I was talking with a fellow homeschool mom on the playground this afternoon. She has 4 little darling blondie girls under the age of six. As we chatted, we watched another mom's little boy crawl under the chain-link fence to join the older children, and then we watched a little two-year-old try to follow. The mom swooped up her little one, and said "No, sweetie, that's not for you to do."



She mentioned that she has a friend of an only child, who will tell her that her girls are being a 'bad influence' on her precious little one. My friend wasn't criticizing, merely observing that this mom will soon realize that life isn't perfect when her next one is born.



As the mama to a 9-year-old, I told her that the other mom will soon realize that it is an ongoing project. I, too, probably tried to keep my daughter from 'bad' influences. And these aren't really even 'bad', rather they are ways-to-add-gray-hairs-to-your-mama bad things.



O has a friend who is from a dear family, but there are issues that we've observed in the home that we don't want in our home. We've encouarged our daughter to 'obey no matter what' and to be firm in her beliefs. She has had a couple of opportunities to try these things, but it hasn't gone well.

During my devotional time the other day, I felt impressed to tell Olivia that what we're asking her to do is a 'hard' thing, and we don't expect her to get it right first thing. It's an ongoing thing that she needs to work on, and that we will make a point to pray before each visit with this friend.

After we talked, and she was comforted by this fact that we acknowledged it's a hard thing, the Lord directed me to my own struggles. I am so hard on myself when I fail, and fail, and fail. So then I was comforted by the realization that God is asking me to do hard things - die to my self will, and He doesn't expect me to be perfect all of the time, but I certainly need to pray, keep myself immersed in the Word, and keep trying.

What an amazing God! I am so so thankful for the priviledge of being a parent, and for what the Lord teaches me through being one!! Amazing Love!

Menu Plan Monday

Lunches: Salads are working out great! I make W’s salad for him to take to the office, and I make one for me, too and put it in the fridge.

My current favorite is spring herb mix, turkey, pecans, craisins, mandarin oranges and balsamic vinegar dressing.

Monday: Tuna Sandwiches, carrots, jello. Tomorrow is our stay-at-home day for a good day of school work, laundry, and cleaning.

Tuesday: Spiced Rubbed Salmon w/lemon garlic spinach, asparagus. Yes, this is the same salmon we had last week! It was so delcious, it gets an encore!

Wednesday: Basil Turkey Burgers (this is one of my favorites on the George Forman grill), carrots, orange tapioca salad (recipe below!) My husband loves these fluffy type of fruit "salads", so this one is definitely for him!

Thursday: Dallas Tacos (recipe below!)

Friday: Helping a friend host a rehearsal dinner.

Saturday: Homemade pizza

Dallas Tacos
2 lbs. lean ground beef
28 oz can whole tomatoes
1 can Ranch style beans
1-2 tsp salt

chopped tomatoes
shredded romaine lettuce
grated cheddar cheese
sour cream
guacamole or chopped avacado
salsa
fritos

Brown ground beef. Drain well. Puree tomatoes in blender and add to meat. Add beans (don't drain) and salt to taste. Mix well and simmer for about an hour for best flavor. You can shorten this time, but flavor is best the longer you let it simmer.

Arrange fritos on plate. Top with meat mixture and toppings of your choice.


Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad
3 c. Water
1 (3 oz) pkg Orange gelatin
1 (3.4 oz) Instant vanilla pudding
1 (3 oz) pkg tapioca pudding
1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (8oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1/2 bag of minature marshmallows

Directions:
1) In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Whisk in gelatin and pudding mixes. Return to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool completely.
2) Fold in the rest of the ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours - overnight.

Weekend of Blessings

W and I are wondering if we watch too much "American Pickers" with our sweet little girl.

O was talking about our much anticipated trip to the American Girl store in Dallas. She has saved her money for about a year, and every catalog is circled with her wish list.

"I'm not sure if I'm going to stick to my list when I shop, or just do freestyle shopping..."

Then we both went into fits of coughing because of all the laugh suppression : )

We woke up early ~ ugh, the THIRD day in a row! AND Sunday was coming - another wake up early day. I know...I'm such a wimp.

After another shopping annoucement that she would like some time to 'get her bearings in the store', we hit it hard.

So many choices! Accessories, Just Like Me dolls, historical dolls. We ate lunch at their little bistro, and then she decided on Emily, who is Molly's best friend.

We also went to the Sam Moon for cheap purses and bags, and the PGA Superstore for Mr. Wonderful : ) Then on the way home, we stopped at the kolache place in West, because no trip up I-35 is complete without mixed berry kolaches!

On Friday we went to the Crowe's Nest Farm. It is a great field trip, and very well run. The farmers were great with children and adults, too!

Today during our teaching meeting, we sang one of my favorite hymns ~ I Know Whom I Have Believed. There is so much to life I can't understand. Why some believers seem to have little suffering and others so much. But I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day. God has indeed carried me and kept me these past two months, and I am so grateful.

Clearly There's Been a Mistake

Because CLEARLY I am not old enough to have MY generation the theme of a 9-year-olds birthday party. And CLEARLY I can't have a daughter of my own attending said party.

I worked that denial for two weeks. I read the evite (which I hate to do because then they KNOW you KNOW about it!) which was adorable and lined with a rubics cube, walkman cassette player, and the birthday girl with a side pony tail.

"Come dressed!" Which means the MOM has to figure out something for the child to wear. I am blessed with a daughter who lets me give her an outfit for each day. But she was not into this 80's theme, didn't trust me and had to READ the invitation for herself before she let me talk further about neon and legwarmers.

Being the non-procrastinator that I am...on the morning of the party I went out to look for something for her to wear. I am a Gymboree shopper - but headed straight for Justice for girls - the store Olivia has called the "Hip-Hop" store. (When did she hear the word hip-hop??!!!)

Within five minutes I was texting my friend with "I have legwarmers with neon splatter-paint and a vest and skinny tie combo! This is awesome!!" It was a BLAST to shop. It was a blast to shop because the stores are FILLED with 80's apparel. (Not mentioning how sad/old this made me feel later).

$30 dollars and a trip to Target later, I headed home armed with leggings, legwarmers, pink neon shirt, wayfarer sunglasses, and...scrunchies! I think I just got rid of my last scrunchie in my makeup drawer when we moved two years ago.

Darling Daughter was thrilled with my purchases. She didn't think it was too 'hip-hop', and especially loved the sunglasses, which she insisted on wearing 'Rachael Ray' style on top of her head.

We listened to Tears for Fears and Duran Duran while curling and spraying her hair. She hated that part, but liked the outcome. She didn't want her hair too big. Too big? What? So I showed her how I used to wear my hair.

Oh. The joy. The joy of teasing my bangs. And then I did...the wings. I teased and sprayed the sides of my hair until they stood straight out, with a slight curve.

My husband was laughing so hard he had to leave the room when I excitedly exlaimed "Look! My hair remembers what to do!"

The birthday girl's mom was dressing up, so we dropped off O in all my big hair glory. All the moms loved getting their girls dressed, and the camraderie of 'they can't be doing an 80's party yet!' was very comforting : )

Menu Plan Monday

Breakfasts: Baked Oatmeal squares (recipe below!), our favorite yogurt, or cereal

Lunches: Salads with Barefoot Contessa's dressing - yum yummy!

Monday: Black Bean Soup w/french baguette, carrots ~ this was supposed to taste like Panera's, but we didn't think it did.

Tuesday: Spice Rubbed Salmon w/lemon-garlic spinach ~ this was GREAT! The lemon zest/juice on the garlic spinach, with the spicy salmon and cilantro was unusually delicious. Also served sweet potatoes.

Wednesday: Enchilada Casserole, steamed broccoli

Thursday: Baked Ziti w/veggie primavera sauce

Friday: Asian Pork Tenderloin w/asian veggies and brown rice

Saturday: Leftovers!

Oatmeal Squares

2 eggs, beaten

3 cups old fashioned oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup milk

1/2 cup oil

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup crasins

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

Pre-heat oven to 325. Mix all ingredients and spread in a greased jelly roll pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Makes 15 large squares.

The Olympics

We can't get enough of the Olympics at our house.

W and I are just six months apart in age, so we both remember the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. He remembers more of the hockey and curling (????). I remember more of the excitement of speed skating with Eric Heiden and I also loved the luge. It was mind expanding!!

At the time, I spent most evenings with our neighbors while my Mom worked. The Olympic fever was high at their home, too. Of course, this was when there were only 5 channels available, unless you had Qube with the big channel changer box attached to a cord.

Our neighbors were (still are) Catholic, so this was also my favorite time of the year because of Lent. I usually picked something to give up, just to join in, but I think I only avoided chocolate while at their house. The best part of Lent, in my opinion, was Fish on Fridays! We would have baby shrimp salads or fish sticks. Combine Fish on Fridays! with the fact that they could walk to their parochial school and their blue plaid uniforms, I often begged my Mom to become Catholic.

When spring time came to Ohio, we roller skated outside on our newly re-black-topped street. That is when the dreams of roller skating in the Olympics started. This would be followed in a few years of playing in the swimming pool and dreaming of being synchronized swimmers. And our 12-year-old minds knew WE WERE GOOD!

Our daughter doesn't seem as enamored of the Olympics. She just turned 9, however, and W and I were at the ripe old age of 10 at the 1980 Olympics, so maybe that is it.

And she just has discovered (my) her love of roller skating, so maybe she will fulfill my dreams!!

Menu Plan Monday...on Wednesday : )

Monday: Italian Chili (sauteed onions, mushrooms and garlic, a jar of chunky spaghetti sauce, jar of water and seasonings, plus two cans of white beans), Pesto Pinwheel bread from Gooseberry Patch Cookbook. * Both delicious - the pesto bread slice with turkey and tomatoes makes great sandwiches for lunch!

Tuesday: Ina Garten's Cape Cod Chopped Salad. This dressing is A-MAZING, and we had bought some fabulous blue cheese at Central Market over the weekend. I didn't add bacon, but it would only make it more fabulous, of course. Mushroom bisque. The main man and I loved it, the sweetie pie had a bit of a problem with the texture. She was gagging towards the end, and we were stifling laughter.

Wednesday: Spinach and mushroom over pasta.

Thursday: Funky Chicken with Sesame noodles.

Friday: Homemade pizza.

We drove all the way 'home' without stopping - something we will onlly do on the way UP when we (me) have plenty of adrenaline to get there!

It was such a great visit ~ I want to remember some of the special memories before they are all gone into my sad little brain!

Hanging out in my jammies all day at my Mom's house on Sunday while Warren relaxed and watched football. SNOW on the ground - enough to make snowballs and enough to make a snow sculpture. My sister, Joy, and her family coming over in the evening for hugs and us still staying in our jammies : )

Shopping at The Andersons with Mom and Warren then meeting my other sister and her handsome husband (he had just come from a business meeting) and having lunch at Panera. PERFECT weather 32 degrees, finding the PERFECT blue scarf and shopping with Mom and Lynn while the guys took the children home.

Working on puzzles with O and Taylor ~ the girls playing happily non-stop.

Wo and I finishing up Christmas shopping for O while snow fell softly. Lunch at one of our favorite pizza places, OSU paraphenalia EVERYWHERE, then shopping for stocking stuffers at Larson's and Coldwater Creek. More snowfall made more perfect by Christmas music playing while we walked. A trip to Starbucks and Cheryl's cookie sugar cookie almost put me over the edge. Amazing! Meanwhile Grandma took the girls shopping where she bought the most adorable baby bears for them - complete with cooing and bottles.

HUGS ~ nighttime ones from my Mom, spontaneous ones from my sister, my nieces sweet head on my shoulder, tender goodbye ones from my brother-in-law, tight ones from my sister, comforting ones from my Dad, the 'patters' from my brother and nephews.

Happily eating m&m's from the chubby two-year-old hands of sweet little Michael.

Laughing with my brother while cooking and chatting.

Coffee with my sister after laughing and crying our way through The Blind Side, then walking around Easton in the cold and SNOWFALL!

Christmas day walk! A Christmas rainbow miracle! Love my niece and nephew soooooooooo much.

Stimulating conversations with Warren and Ken after Christmas dinner.



Eating a great Italian dinner at my sisters home - one that I heard about so many times on the telephone.



Cold, snow, cold, snow, cold, snow, cold, snow, ahhhhhhhh!



An AMAZING snow fall of 3 inches, snowmen made, and still good driving conditions. How much more grateful could I be??!!!



The most hysterical makeup and photo session with Tresenny. I was so honored to be there.



Luke, the chilled-out cat.



Have I mentioned the delightful hanging out at Mom's house with her??!!



A trip to Trader Joe's and the Cheese Shop - wow!!!



A great visit with our old pediatrician, so reassuring, and fixed my daughter up from her strep throat super quickly.



Good, deep conversations and laughter ~ with my mom and sister ~ love them sooooo much.

My heart is full of gratitude - thankful to the Lord for such a wonderful time and true celebration of not only His birth, but His complete work on the cross.