Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
It was extremely tempting to keep the mittens I made for LaDonna in November. They were wonderrful and warm and would have gone with almost anything. But, having nothing else planned as a gift, I gave them up and made the Birthday girl very happy. Those were knit out of Kareoke yarn, a soy/wool blend that was a great treat to knit up. For myself, I have two skeins of Elann.com's 100% alpaca. Pure luxury, almost like cashmere but much less expensive. The pattern is from a magazine I picked up at Threaded Bliss and uses the thumb gusset method. This is my progress so far. I hope to finish them before our trip to the UK so I can keep my fingers from freezing.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Highlights of the Christmas season in the order that they spring into my mind:
- Enjoying breakfast a few weekends ago at Cracker Barrel as a family and then hitting the mall to see Santa. The kids were oogled by all the elderly people there and I felt puffed with pride at all the people who remarked at what a beautiful family we have. I couldn’t agree more! With the precious time that the boys were able to speak to Santa, they asked for lightsabers for themselves and Santa informed me as we were walking away that my eldest son had requested a magnetic car for Mommy. Christmas morning, I found a Rev-Up under the tree. So sweet.
- Grant refusing to go to his Christmas Chapel production at school. He was petrified at the idea of wearing his Chinese costume for “Christmas All Around the World”. Maybe next year.
- Picking up Grandad from the airport and having him to visit for three days. Watching him with his grandkids was priceless. The boys wore him out, and I think Lael captured his heart.
- Candlelight service on Christmas Eve with three young children on our laps. Parenting is not relaxing in these situations, but we’ve skipped the past year or two (for this reason) and it was nice to be in church. We followed up church with dinner at Sake in Cool Springs. Sushi, miso soup, tempura….Mmmmmm. Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were in the tiny little Japanese restaurant, also. Celebrity spottings have never meant much to me, but if I’d not been concerned about bothering him or his family, I would have probably approached and mentioned how I have enjoyed his music and lyrics over the years.
- Cooking. Some enjoyable, some not. By the time we were ready to sit for Christmas dinner, I was a bit tired of being in the kitchen. In fact, there were a few times when I got bitter about it and had to ask forgiveness for my attitude. Lesson learned, just because I can make something from scratch, does not mean I should on a big day when I’d rather be relaxing with everyone else. In the future, I might buy rolls, or cut the menu.
- Doing some last minute shopping with my dad on the Eve of Christmas Eve. The mall was not super busy and it was fun hanging out together.
- Presents: the boys got their lightsabers (what a simple request!) and were spoiled by grandparents and aunts and uncles. Eric gave me a Cuisinart 11 cup food processor, my dad gave us very generous checks, Eric’s parents gave me a gorgeous platter and mixing bowls. Seriously, it’s all icing on the cake because I don’t need a thing. We are so blessed.
- Christmas party for Eric’s company. If nothing else, we had a few hours together without the kids and played some casino games with “just for fun” chips.
- Christmas cake was perfect. I’ve been nibbling way too much on that and all the other goodies we’ve had lying around.
- Pulling up the Norad website for the boys to track Santa on Christmas Eve. Eric pointed out to me Grant’s eyes- filled with belief. Absolutely precious. Immediately after seeing that he was approaching North America, we put out brownies, milk, and carrots for Santa and the reindeer. Needless to say, they were gone in the morning. Grant also left a note for Mr. Claus asking him if Rudolph really talks like in the movies. We’ll definitely save the note for years to come, but in case you’re curious, Santa said “yes”.
- Coming home from Christmas Eve service and dinner to a star-filled sky. Before walking in the house, we all examined the roofline and talked about what was going to happen in just a few hours.
- Enjoying breakfast a few weekends ago at Cracker Barrel as a family and then hitting the mall to see Santa. The kids were oogled by all the elderly people there and I felt puffed with pride at all the people who remarked at what a beautiful family we have. I couldn’t agree more! With the precious time that the boys were able to speak to Santa, they asked for lightsabers for themselves and Santa informed me as we were walking away that my eldest son had requested a magnetic car for Mommy. Christmas morning, I found a Rev-Up under the tree. So sweet.
- Grant refusing to go to his Christmas Chapel production at school. He was petrified at the idea of wearing his Chinese costume for “Christmas All Around the World”. Maybe next year.
- Picking up Grandad from the airport and having him to visit for three days. Watching him with his grandkids was priceless. The boys wore him out, and I think Lael captured his heart.
- Candlelight service on Christmas Eve with three young children on our laps. Parenting is not relaxing in these situations, but we’ve skipped the past year or two (for this reason) and it was nice to be in church. We followed up church with dinner at Sake in Cool Springs. Sushi, miso soup, tempura….Mmmmmm. Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were in the tiny little Japanese restaurant, also. Celebrity spottings have never meant much to me, but if I’d not been concerned about bothering him or his family, I would have probably approached and mentioned how I have enjoyed his music and lyrics over the years.
- Cooking. Some enjoyable, some not. By the time we were ready to sit for Christmas dinner, I was a bit tired of being in the kitchen. In fact, there were a few times when I got bitter about it and had to ask forgiveness for my attitude. Lesson learned, just because I can make something from scratch, does not mean I should on a big day when I’d rather be relaxing with everyone else. In the future, I might buy rolls, or cut the menu.
- Doing some last minute shopping with my dad on the Eve of Christmas Eve. The mall was not super busy and it was fun hanging out together.
- Presents: the boys got their lightsabers (what a simple request!) and were spoiled by grandparents and aunts and uncles. Eric gave me a Cuisinart 11 cup food processor, my dad gave us very generous checks, Eric’s parents gave me a gorgeous platter and mixing bowls. Seriously, it’s all icing on the cake because I don’t need a thing. We are so blessed.
- Christmas party for Eric’s company. If nothing else, we had a few hours together without the kids and played some casino games with “just for fun” chips.
- Christmas cake was perfect. I’ve been nibbling way too much on that and all the other goodies we’ve had lying around.
- Pulling up the Norad website for the boys to track Santa on Christmas Eve. Eric pointed out to me Grant’s eyes- filled with belief. Absolutely precious. Immediately after seeing that he was approaching North America, we put out brownies, milk, and carrots for Santa and the reindeer. Needless to say, they were gone in the morning. Grant also left a note for Mr. Claus asking him if Rudolph really talks like in the movies. We’ll definitely save the note for years to come, but in case you’re curious, Santa said “yes”.
- Coming home from Christmas Eve service and dinner to a star-filled sky. Before walking in the house, we all examined the roofline and talked about what was going to happen in just a few hours.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
I kid you not
Our van is a family vechicle, so it's not pristine. There is some dirt, some grime, and a few spots on the carpet that I simply can not convince to go away altogether even after plenty of carpet shampooing attempts. All of that said, it isn't the worst minivan out there and while we drive a lot, we don't "live out of the car", if you know what I mean.
But, you see, Lael can not leave her socks on her feet. She takes them off almost first thing when we buckle her in her carseat. Click, click, click. Remove. Remove. If you put shoes on, she is quick to take them off, so you've simply delayed the sock removal by 1.3 seconds. For the past few weeks since the weather has turned more wintery, I have taken her favorite fleece blanket with us everywhere and use it in place of a bunting (it's quicker!) and have gotten in the habit of covering her legs (and as a result, her socks) during a journey. But even this leg covering blanket technique has failed me. Yesterday and today, she tossed the blanket aside because She Knows. She Knows that the fun-to-remove foot coverings are beneath the beloved fleece angel blanket. Ha. Ha. She's tricksy like that. On tights days, she is stumped. She tugs and tugs but they just grow longer without fully coming off. Let it be known that Mommy still finds this a bit annoying because the floppy tights need straightening before going in somewhere, but at least there is no digging to find where the tights were flung.
Yes, she flings the socks. And, I'm afraid, I don't bother to retreive them from the car every day. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I climbed around hunted down all of the far flung socks to bring them in the house and wash. But, the top drawer was a bit low and I knew that nearly all the laundry was clean, so I went on a safari of sorts just now in the car and have harvested enough baby socks for OCTUPLETS!
Sixteen socks (some matching, some lonely)! I kid you not.
Our van is a family vechicle, so it's not pristine. There is some dirt, some grime, and a few spots on the carpet that I simply can not convince to go away altogether even after plenty of carpet shampooing attempts. All of that said, it isn't the worst minivan out there and while we drive a lot, we don't "live out of the car", if you know what I mean.
But, you see, Lael can not leave her socks on her feet. She takes them off almost first thing when we buckle her in her carseat. Click, click, click. Remove. Remove. If you put shoes on, she is quick to take them off, so you've simply delayed the sock removal by 1.3 seconds. For the past few weeks since the weather has turned more wintery, I have taken her favorite fleece blanket with us everywhere and use it in place of a bunting (it's quicker!) and have gotten in the habit of covering her legs (and as a result, her socks) during a journey. But even this leg covering blanket technique has failed me. Yesterday and today, she tossed the blanket aside because She Knows. She Knows that the fun-to-remove foot coverings are beneath the beloved fleece angel blanket. Ha. Ha. She's tricksy like that. On tights days, she is stumped. She tugs and tugs but they just grow longer without fully coming off. Let it be known that Mommy still finds this a bit annoying because the floppy tights need straightening before going in somewhere, but at least there is no digging to find where the tights were flung.
Yes, she flings the socks. And, I'm afraid, I don't bother to retreive them from the car every day. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I climbed around hunted down all of the far flung socks to bring them in the house and wash. But, the top drawer was a bit low and I knew that nearly all the laundry was clean, so I went on a safari of sorts just now in the car and have harvested enough baby socks for OCTUPLETS!
Sixteen socks (some matching, some lonely)! I kid you not.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Here is my very first ever go at traditional English Christmas Cake with marzipan and rolled fondant (sugarpaste). Having "tested" bits along the way, I'm sure the complete thing will be wonderful on Christmas day because the marzipan by itself is great, the fondant by itself is great, the cake (I had to sliver some off to level the cake) by itself is great, and certainly the three combined with a brushing of rum between the layers is great. Without the nifty crimpers that my grandma uses for the fondant, I got creative and impressed designs in the sugarpaste with Wilton icing tips (#78 and #107); the result looks a bit like snowflakes. I'm pleased.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Hee Hee. I am so proud (December 18th entry). LaDonna and her little daughter are my first knitting proteges; it feels so good to teach another person a skill and watch as they enjoy the activity. Congratualtions you two on your completed washcloths!
LaDonna and I went to Starbucks on Thursday night (thanks to Eric who gave us his giftcard for our own personal use!) and not only enjoyed yummy holiday beverages, but sat in the comfy chairs and knitted on our projects- LaDonna on her first washcloth, and me on a secret present. Such fun.
LaDonna and I went to Starbucks on Thursday night (thanks to Eric who gave us his giftcard for our own personal use!) and not only enjoyed yummy holiday beverages, but sat in the comfy chairs and knitted on our projects- LaDonna on her first washcloth, and me on a secret present. Such fun.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
The day of Lael's birthday party, our new dishwasher arrived. I tried not to be a big baby about it, but handwashing 5 people's dishes for a week was a lot of work and took significantly more time than tossing most of it in the machine. Let's say it caused me to be thankful. The new machine is better than our builder-grade model the house came with- larger inside and much quieter! And best thing was the box it came in: watching Grandma and the kids play "restaurant" with Lael's new tea set (thanks, Angie!) and some cans from our pantry was priceless. I think they pretended for an hour without fussing, screaming, or whining. Pure joy!
Monday, December 12, 2005
We're feeling Christmas around here! I am finally able to start on my grandma's Christmas cake recipe after acquiring all of the ingredients. Fondant and marzipan were special orders, the mixed candied citrus peel was sent to me by Grandma all the way from England, the glace` cherries were hunted down and found at Harris Teeter, and I think everything else was easily obtained at the regular ol' grocery store. So, now I have the dried fruits soaking in apple juice for a few days and then the baking can begin!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
I keep meaning to post the little goody I got in the mail. Jess received the Christmas stocking and sent me the "SnB Knit Happens" Designer's Journal as an added thank you. I love it. And, knitting is happening- I just haven't been able to showcase any of it (secret stuff). This week I'm working on a pattern proposal for a book by Amy Singer, the head of Knitty.com. It might be a longshot (as I'm not familiar with the precise hoops one must jump through), but is worth a try. Required elements are a swatch, a description, and a sketch. If your design is accepted, they provide yarn and pay you for your idea and work. Apart from this, my Ribbi Cardi is still in need of the second sleeve, a button band, and a collar. Then, I have ideas for things I haven't started yet. This knitting thing seems to agree with me.
Clearly, my son loves superheroes
Grant has been obsessed with seeds for a few months now. Each vegetable and fruit that I have in the kitchen, he asks, "Does that have seeds?". He gathers the seeds and plants them in the backyard and occasionally waters them. He has even taken the seeds out of his apple at school and shared them with his friends as though they were prized jewels (and to him, they are).
This morning, we cut up a fresh pinapple and he asked the now-familiar question:
"Do pineapples have seeds?"
"Yes, but pineapple plants don't grow well where we live."
"Why?"
"They need a tropical climate"
"Oh! [he smiles over his knowledge] Like Metropolis!"
Grant has been obsessed with seeds for a few months now. Each vegetable and fruit that I have in the kitchen, he asks, "Does that have seeds?". He gathers the seeds and plants them in the backyard and occasionally waters them. He has even taken the seeds out of his apple at school and shared them with his friends as though they were prized jewels (and to him, they are).
This morning, we cut up a fresh pinapple and he asked the now-familiar question:
"Do pineapples have seeds?"
"Yes, but pineapple plants don't grow well where we live."
"Why?"
"They need a tropical climate"
"Oh! [he smiles over his knowledge] Like Metropolis!"
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Enriching Compost, at least for this year
Eric and I got married, and I thought we were in agreement. Real trees only. But, this year, he switched camps and has been mentioning the pre-lit artificial tree purchase that we should make. What?! Whom did I marry? This saddens me, and I guess I was a bit whiny about it all, so I got my way. But it has been declared that my real tree years are limited in number. He doesn't like the mess, the disposal, the trip to the tree lot in the cold. I love the smell, the selection process, the fact that each years' tree is different. I don't want to store a huge box, either. And the convincing fake trees are very expensive. And what if the pre-lit portion fritzes out partially and you're left with a half-lit tree? That happened to someone we know. And what if we move and need a bigger or smaller tree? Clearly, I have issues and am not ready to concede.
For some families, this isn't a big deal. They've always had a fake tree. That's fine for them, but I want a real tree!
Oh, and he pulled the environmental card on me! About how we'll be saving trees. My perspective is, "at least they're biodegradable". Also, these trees are specifically farmed for the purpose of cutting them down at Christmas- we are not destroying forrests to celebrate the birth of Christ. And however short their lives, they have given the world oxygen during that time and will enrich compost after their purpose is served. Maybe I'm wrong. I'd like to see the research. Where is the research, people?!
So, yes, I "won" and we picked up a real tree at Home Depot with Eric's parents on Monday in the freezing cold. Our noses stung a bit and it was lovely. Although, with a fake tree possibly joining our home in a year or two, I made sure to choose an extra smelly tree. We normally go with a Frazier fur because of the pretty and distinct branches. But I think the Douglas fur we got this year, while slightly more "scruffy" looking, offers up a stronger pine scent. I am not comforted by the ability to buy pine scent in a can, as Eric suggests. Seriously.
I love you, Eric, we'll get through this. :-)
So, the tree is decorated. We're stringing popcorn this week. I'm also considering making some decorations with the kids, inspired by this Chrismon page via JennySmith. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Eric and I got married, and I thought we were in agreement. Real trees only. But, this year, he switched camps and has been mentioning the pre-lit artificial tree purchase that we should make. What?! Whom did I marry? This saddens me, and I guess I was a bit whiny about it all, so I got my way. But it has been declared that my real tree years are limited in number. He doesn't like the mess, the disposal, the trip to the tree lot in the cold. I love the smell, the selection process, the fact that each years' tree is different. I don't want to store a huge box, either. And the convincing fake trees are very expensive. And what if the pre-lit portion fritzes out partially and you're left with a half-lit tree? That happened to someone we know. And what if we move and need a bigger or smaller tree? Clearly, I have issues and am not ready to concede.
For some families, this isn't a big deal. They've always had a fake tree. That's fine for them, but I want a real tree!
Oh, and he pulled the environmental card on me! About how we'll be saving trees. My perspective is, "at least they're biodegradable". Also, these trees are specifically farmed for the purpose of cutting them down at Christmas- we are not destroying forrests to celebrate the birth of Christ. And however short their lives, they have given the world oxygen during that time and will enrich compost after their purpose is served. Maybe I'm wrong. I'd like to see the research. Where is the research, people?!
So, yes, I "won" and we picked up a real tree at Home Depot with Eric's parents on Monday in the freezing cold. Our noses stung a bit and it was lovely. Although, with a fake tree possibly joining our home in a year or two, I made sure to choose an extra smelly tree. We normally go with a Frazier fur because of the pretty and distinct branches. But I think the Douglas fur we got this year, while slightly more "scruffy" looking, offers up a stronger pine scent. I am not comforted by the ability to buy pine scent in a can, as Eric suggests. Seriously.
I love you, Eric, we'll get through this. :-)
So, the tree is decorated. We're stringing popcorn this week. I'm also considering making some decorations with the kids, inspired by this Chrismon page via JennySmith. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Sunday, December 04, 2005
My little girl is turning one this Tuesday. Her party was Friday night and it was a complete success! Grandma and Papa are here from California and were a tremendous help in throwing things together the day of the party. And Lael was the perfect party girl. She didn't get fussy, she opened gifts, she played with the other kids, she smiled, she tore into the cake without hesistation (even trying before the candle was blown out!). It was a lovely time.
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