To Do List:

1. Unpack from a couple days with the in-laws
2. Put up/out a few Christmas decorations..... to relieve the itch
3. Wash and iron a few heaps of clothing
4. Run on the treadmill
5. Pack for Whistler to hang with these guys:

• Snow clothes
• Hot Cocoa
• Coffeemate Holiday Creamer
  
• Christmas movies
• Knitting supplies
• My ipod filled with Christmas music
  
• A good book (Doesn't it all sound delightful?)

6. Make invitations for the neighbors inviting them to socialize at our house after this.
7. Share with my bloggy friends the awesomeness of Mama Jane's Cranberry Salad stuff

Mama Jane's Cranberry Salad

1 bag of cranberries, sorted and washed
3 apples, washed and cored
2 oranges, washed
1 cup sugar
chopped pecans

The night before Thanksgiving, get your kids together and grind everything up (skin and all) into a bowl. If you're very blessed (and have very cute kids) you'll have your own pastor's wife who will call you and tell you she saw a grinder at the thrift store.... and that she'll pick it up drop it off at your house. (Looking back, I think it was all just a big ploy for her to hug and squeeze our cute kids some more. But hey - I got a grinder out of it so I'm not complainin' ;-) Add sugar and let sit overnight. About half an hour before serving - top with the chopped pecans. (I forgot the nuts at home and it still tasted great!)

Now people, I cannot even begin to tell you the awesomeness of this stuff. I was NOT a cranberry fan before, but this stuff made me a believer! I made two different kind of cranberries and this recipe won hands down. At two different Thanksgivings with two very different kinds of people. You must try it. Jane told me the recipe has been in her family forever and that our Pastor Bert and their son would make it together every Wednesday night before Thankgiving. I loved that. It's a fun, new family tradition!

8. Post a few pictures from Thanksgiving - especially ones of my cute nephew sleeping and my cute, pregnant sister-in-law.

Thank you for all your sweet comments from my singing post.
I'm glad you all enjoyed it - it is such a joy for me to sing.
I'll be back Thursday! Have a great week!

He's Always Been Faithful

Because my mom missed it and because I promised Rachel.

But mostly because it's true - He has always been faithful to me.

A happy and blessed Thanksgiving to you all!
May you know and give thanks to the true and eternal Giver of all things.

PW Rocks.

I knew she'd pull through for me.

Even though I'm not positive I'm going to make exactly her cranberry sauce. But I couldn't believe the luck when I saw her post this morning. I wonder if she reads my blog? heh heh.

In fact, you guys are awesome! So many of you have sent links, e-mailed recipes. My pastor's wife reads my blog and called to give me a yummy sounding recipe. All mushed up cranberries and apples and oranges and such. So I think I'm going to try two different ones. I saw one recipe that called for a little vanilla in it - and I don't know, to my cranberry-questioning ears that sounded absolutely delightful.

I probably wouldn't stress so much except for the fact that it's for my in-laws. At least my father-in-law always like everything I make. He's cool like that.

I'll let you know how it goes.

This is NOT Helping My Baby Cravings

Click here.

HELP!

I just found out I have to make cranberry sauce for Justin's family's Thanksgiving dinner on Friday. I know it sounds crazy - but I've never made cranberry sauce before. I think because I don't really like cranberry sauce that much. I haven't tasted it in a few years though.

I looked on-line and found some recipes - pretty much just add sugar and water. Is this all? Or do you guys have some awesome cranberry sauce recipes that I absolutely must make? PW didn't even post a cranberry sauce recipe..... Odd, I thought.

Obviously, we're in short time here. Let me know what you think.

Martha? What about you? We're good to go with gravy, now dish it on the cranberries would ya?

Thanksgiving Meme

Courtesy of Quiet Life.

1. What are you thankful for?

• My family. My husband, my children, my mom, my grandma, sisters-in-law, all of 'em.
  
• The fact that God gave us things like art and crafts. I mean, he could have just let us knit hats solely for utilitarian purposes. But He clearly also values beauty and creativity. He made us creative and beautiful. He made us to make creative and beautiful things. I think that's cool.
  

2. What is your favorite thing to make?

• Pies. This year though, I am obsessed with PW's turnip gratin.
  

3. Do you have a special tablecloth?

• No. Because I haven't found quite the right one. I found a beautiful brown and white vintage tablecloth at the craft and antique fair this year. I should have bought it.
  

4. What is your favorite thing to eat?

• Everything, but mixed together. I love a bite with a little stuffing, a little mashed potatoes, some turkey - all dipped in gravy.
  

5. What time do you eat?

• I prefer to eat in the afternoon. Around 3 or so. But if we have it at my aunt's house (like this year) she likes to eat late. So my guess is we'll probably eat around 5 or 6. In my opinion, that's just way too much time to fill up on other stuff so that there's not as much room in your stomach for the real stuff.
  

Blog Updates

Check out the comments section of the last two posts for some updates.

Can I Tell You Something?

I'm really tired of owning my business.

For some reason, I sometimes want to just puke everything I'm feeling out on this blog. A lot of times I hold back but today I needed to say it. Well, I guess I didn't need to... but I wanted to.

And can I just tell you that I love, love, love being a mama and a home maker? I pretty much enjoy all that that entails - even the parts that can be mundane sometimes. Like laundry? I really don't mind laundry. I'm not always good at it but I really don't mind it. And cooking? Love it. Love cooking. Changing poopy underwear? Doesn't bother me either. And you all know how I feel about ironing. Do I get physically tired sometimes while doing these things? Yes, of course. I could go non-stop. But still, I love it because I know it's exactly the right thing to be doing. And besides that, I just love it. Did I say how much I love it? I love taking care of my chickens, canning jam and pickles, sewing clothes for Adia, knitting hats for nieces and nephews, having the kitchen clean when Justin gets home, having creative energy to decorate my house. Love it! I guess if I'm being honest I should probably tell you that I really don't love scrubbing the bathtub or shower. But I could learn to love it. Just like I've learned to love cleaning up the kitchen. More for the end result than the process.

But you know what I don't like? The stress of feeling like my business is jamming up time that could be spent loving my home and my family. I don't like that one bit.

I'll be the first to admit that when I bought this business I was naive to think that the more successful we got, the less work there would be for me to do. If you're buying a business - know this: It's not true! The bigger you get, the more you have to manage. More classes, more class managers, more money, more accounts, more paperwork, more employees... more problems with employees. Like today, for example. One of my instructors quit. Um yah, thanks for that one. GREAT timing. Let me tell ya. We just won't worry about Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. And before anyone starts in on me - I know, I know. I'm the owner. That's my job. That's what I get for owning my owning business. I know all that. And that's exactly the problem.

When I bought this business Steele was 3 months old. I had two other instructors, 12 classes a week. Easy shmeasy. But now? Two toddlers who want and need my attention (and who I desire to give my attention to), 6 other instructors (oh wait, five other instructors), 21 classes/week. It's out of control people!!!

My childrens' drawers are screaming to be organized and sought through, my weekly dinner menus are pleading to be planned, the junk in my basement is begging to be garage-saled or consigned - and who knows, my eggs may be silently arguing their case for some stress-free time to get fertilized. I really don't know. I'm only guessing.

The sad part is that I really do love teaching - I've just forgotten how much I love it amidst the craziness of owning it.

So if you're the praying type, could you maybe pray for me regarding all this?

I kinda, sorta, really need a miracle. And some clarity. Wisdom would be good. And while I'm asking.... if a 6 am instructor could just show up on my doorstep, I would really appreciate it.

Mt. Baker or Bust

Mt. Baker....

Bust...

Friday Fill-In

I like these lately. Although, last week's was about being bored. Hm. It was kind of boring. I filled it out and then didn't post it

1. The last band I saw live was: This is so sad. I can't even remember. There was a time when concerts filled my life. Wait! Rascal Flatts at the fair? I think so.

2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is: Every once in a while my cousins and I will go to a movie on Thanksgiving day. I like that the best. Makes me feel all family-ish again. Like I did when they were little and I used to babysit them. Instead of them being big young adults who drive fast cars and listen to rap music.

3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is: Decided. Now why couldn't they have asked about Christmas crafting? I've started that. The shopping. Well, there's always this little thing I have to get before I do any shopping. It's called money.

4. Thoughts of babies fill my head. Seriously. I've been pining away for a baby lately. Now, not in the way you might think. Not the heart wrenching-I-won't-be-happy-until-I-get-a-baby way. That doesn't do anyone any good. I am utterly overjoyed more and more each day with the children I have. But it just seems like it's time. To meet a new little person. To increase our joy. To love another. For our family to become fuller. Isn't God so good to bless us with children?

5. I wish I could wear size 6 jeans (that's not asking too much is it?) and tunic shirts. Especially the one in my bedroom closet that I fooled myself into thinking looked ok. I'll never be able to wear tunic shirts. My body just isn't built the right way. Just bein' honest.

6. Bagpipes make me smile. And dance a jig.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with my family (my most favorite weekend activity) tomorrow my plans include perhaps a craft fair (Justin's working) and Sunday, I want to worship. And knit. ;-)

Speaking of Cousins..

Cole, Cruz and Keenan


Sketch and Wendy


EJ IV and EJ III

And Morgan

Candy Cane, Gifts and a Sleep-Talkin' Husband

Before I get into the good stuff - I have to share with you what happened last night as I was crawling into bed.

I often stay up later than Justin. Especially when he has to work the next day because then he goes to bed around 9 or 9:30. So I stay up.... knitting, surfing, facebooking, crafting..... When I go to bed he's often been asleep for an hour or two (or more) and he's in that weird part of sleep. You know - the part where if someone tries to wake you up it's almost impossible? So last night - I start climbing into bed and Justin shouts:

YA-YA-YA-YA-YA-YA-YA!! (as in Karate chop "Hi-ya" or "Ya-Ya Sisterhood")

So I say:

Fightin' bad guys?

And he says:

Yah, well .... they're easy to fight when they're the cheap teams.

Then I bust up laughing hysterically, at which point he wakes up all the way and says to me:

Hush up. And creeps his way down the hall to the bathroom.

When he gets back I relay to him, still laughing maniacally, all that transpired and he rolls over and goes back to sleep.

I'm still laughing about it this morning...

Moving on..

I've been in such a Christmas-y mood lately. I've realized it's my blatant attempt to stretch this merry season out for as long as possible.

Yesterday I went to Fred Meyer. I cleverly disguised it as a trip to look for a couple things to finish up my sister Abbey's birthday present. But, in all honesty, I was on a mission for one thing:

Peppermint. Or more specifically, Candy Cane.

I love candy cane scent. I've acquired more of an appreciation for it over the last couple of years. I think it all started with this:
It must not be confused with peppermint tea. Peppermint tea is different. I'm not sure why - it just is.

So yesterday I set out on a mission and I came home with this:

Ack! That photo is blurry. Sorry. I need to work on my photog skillz.

I am certain that Mrs. Meyer really intended to call this fragrance "Candy Cane" rather than "Peppermint." I'm sure it was just a temporary lapse in product naming judgement. I also picked up that little candle. It's called "Wish" and is peppermint and vanilla scented. I got one last year at Haggen and looked them up on-line this year to see where to find them. I specifically wanted the little tin. They're made by Aroma Naturals and smell so good.

*snicker snicker* I'm totally laughing at the beer bottle I purposely left for that photo. We've moved on from Pumpkin beer in this household, folks. It's on to Brrrrr Beer. Whatever that is.

I've also been beginning work on Christmas gifts. I've knit a couple hats - one of which includes this "Sherlock Holmes Hat" that I am very pleased with. I made it for my nephew Jordy for Christmas. Remember Mad Model? She's back.

I know the color in this is terrible - it was just too priceless not to post.

I love the point where I'm at in motherhood where I can laugh about this.
Ahhh sinfulness. Happens to the best of us.
(I should also mention that this little girl is just about potty trained. Wahoo!)

Here's a cute picture of her - just so that awful Get Out of My Face image isn't stuck in your minds

I decided I definitely need to make a hat for Adia out of this pattern too. And probably Steele and any other little babies I can find that will wear them.

I also whipped this little notebook and pencil holder up for my sister Abbey's birthday yesterday. She turned 11 and I thought this would be the perfect gift when I saw it here. Abbey loved it. She especially loved the little white rabbit fabric that I chose in honor of her white rabbit, Marshmallow. Mine didn't turn out quite as cute since, as usual, I tried to fit in more than would fit (12 pencils instead of 10) but I still liked it.

I know I haven't been around much. I've been sick, busy. And then a little sick and a little busy.

Cute New Guy

So.... today I was browsing through some of my friend Rebecca's pictures on facebook. I noticed this really hott guy (yes, I meant to add that second "t".... for effect, you know) anyhow, I noticed this totally hott guy and asked her about him. She said he's married to some sexy aerobics instructor but I don't know - you think I have a chance? He's second from the left. He's sooo cute and all, but what really put me over the top was the socks and sandals combo.

Christmas Love

For those of you in the area - I recently found this handy little web site that you might also be interested in. I was looking specifically for Holiday Bazaars but it has a lot of good info. in it.

So.... I've already been listening to Christmas music. And I'm not ashamed of myself one bit. How about you?

Choosing

Today, right now, in this moment - I'm choosing joy and gratitude. Even though my heart and my flesh want to feel disappointment, betrayal, frustration, anger, defensiveness, weariness.... I am going to choose to put those things aside and choose joy. I have so much to be joyful for - my God, my husband, my family, my church, my home, my security in so many things.... And it's not that I ever forgot those things - it just that sometimes, in a fleeting moment we can either choose to let the things and the opinions of the world cloud our vision or we can choose to put them aside.

One of the many joys of following Christ is that He allows me to choose. He allows me to choose my family over the world. He allows me to choose joy over anger. He allows me to choose grace over defense. Tranquility over busy-ness. Peace over fret. Homemaking over career. Purposefulness over waste. Freedom over obligation and guilt. Eternal over temporal.

I'm so glad I have the choice.

I Have To Tell Someone!

So I'm watching Dancing With the Stars.

LOVED Derek and Julianne's dance..... but OUCH!!!

She just had her appendix out! Even if it was arthroscopic - I've had arthroscopic surgery before and I could not dance like that in 2 weeks. Now, one might argue that I could never dance like that in the first place - but you get my point. Even a month later it sometimes felt like my insides were ripping open during Jazzercise.

Ouch, ouch, ouch - I could hardly stand to watch that poor girl. And then with Derek on her shoulders?!?! Which one of her doctor's approved that?????

Friday Fill In

I haven't forgotten you!

Even if it's just a couple of you, I know there are those of you out there who love to read the silly words I put in this blog. I know you check it every morning and you tell me it brightens your day. So - this is for you. Because I love you!

I got this from a blog I've been reading lately - Quiet Life. She has beautiful photography and I grin every time she posts a sweet picture of her pre-teen daughter. I try to imagine a smile that sweet someday replacing my dear Adia Moon's recent kicking, screaming, tantrum-throwing face.

1. My blueprint for success includes
Well, you all know my true blueprint for success is the Bible. I also thought I'd share some every day things I've learned from my own personal life about how I feel successful.

• Time - don't cram it too full. I can only have about three time/personal/emotional commitments at one time. I have two standing ones - my home (the physical caring for - laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. ) and my family. That means I can really only add one other and feel sane (not to mention do a good job at any of them). I learned a long time ago that it doesn't do any good to be the "ministry martyr" - which, it seems, the evangelical church in America has produced a whole heckuva lot of - a bunch of people walking around feeling guilty because they're not doing enough "ministry" and then complaining about their lack of time and enthusiasm when they're over-extended in ministry. It seems churches these days create more and more programs that they need people to either serve in or feel guilty about - instead of encouraging people to minister to the specific things God has clearly called people to in scripture. Namely, their families. Sorry, I got off on a tangent....
• Physical wellness. You know what this means: exercise, eating to fuel your body, getting enough sleep. If you've ever had a newborn you understand the craziness that lack of sleep can induce.
  

2. Halloween Snickers was the last candy I ate.

3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is Aveda. (Although I really can't whole-heartedly say this. I'm still on a quest for the perfect skin care regiment)

4. Cuddling in bed with your kids and your hubby can be good therapy.

5. I'd like to tell you about a lot of things, but I don't have time. I'll be running late to Jazzercise as it is. For now, I'll tell you we have a meeting with our adoption agency on the 17th. It could mean a lot or a little or nothing. I'll let you know.

6. Humor is my strongest characteristic. I'm sure I have one stronger than this but I can't thing of any at the moment.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with these guys, tomorrow my plans include the Bellevue ski swap and dinner with my grandma and Sunday, I want to rest.... and maybe go for a fall walk at Boulevaard if it's nice.


Ok.... have a great weekend! Gotta run! Seriously, gotta get two kids and one mama dressed, fed and out the door in 20 minutes (give or take 5). And Adia isn't even awake yet!!!