maybe this is it!

We are hoping that the flu that 's been haunting us for the past 6 days will be the only sickness we see this season!
While we were out of town for Thanksgiving, we all took turns getting sick...some of us more than others. Even the family members we were staying with (and others visiting) were hit by it.
I usually just say, "bring it on" when I know someone in the family is sick. I expect the rest of the kids to get it sooner or later. This year, for some reason, I wish I had quarantined the first sick one. Having a new family member sick every day, (and then myself not feeling great as well) just isn't something I want to be dealing with this time. But, since we've all had it now, maybe (hopefully) this will be the end of it and it won't bug us any more.

jumping the gun

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but we decided to decorate for Christmas today so it would all be up when we get home from our Thanksgiving festivities. So, complete with Christmas music blaring, the kids and I started to put up our Christmas stuff. What a fun way to start their week-long Thanksgiving break!

Between Face Book and Blogs, and friends in the non-computer world, I feel so loved.
Thank you for sending your birthday wishes! It's been a great day.

plug (part II)

I have finished my book, finally.

I feel like I know the characters, and it's always so bitter-sweet to finish a book...I just want it to keep going. This author is an amazing writer. Such imagery and personification to make the story come to life.

On the con side...as the book went on, the bad language increased; I'm not a big fan of that.
There were also some parts that were hard to swallow. (I guess that comes with reading about the Holocaust).

Time to start my second novel of the year (it takes me sooo long to read a book these busy days).
Any recommendations?

10 days

It's so nice to have friends that feel like family.
We've been so lucky to have THESE FRIENDS be with us for almost 2 weeks.
Aside from the normal, busy, everyday events, it was like a vacation for us while they were here.
Here are just a few things we were able to enjoy during their stay:





We were introduced to Daphne's Greek Cafe (a place I've been Dying to try...but it takes friends in town to actually get me there) Yummy! We are now huge fans!






Every night was filled with some sort of game...This one being our favorite...it just never gets old!













Keeping up with our old tradition of watching the Office every week together was a MUST! It is so much fun to watch it and laugh together.


Trips to the stores are much better with a friend.
(especially when she is the one who knows how to get there. It's great that she knows this place better than me).



The daily evening serenade by our talented musician was always welcome. If I could just have him play live every day, the witching hour wouldn't be so witchy. (Check out his stuff, and look forward to his music and video out soon!)


What would an evening of games and laughing be without some DELICIOUS peppermint drinking chocolate? oh wow, this is on my list of favorite things! Thanks for sharing!









Now, hearing a sweet, one-year-old voice say "mighty bites" each morning is certainly a good way to start the day. I just love that little voice.










Last, but certainly NOT least...let's not forget one of the most delicious soups I've ever had. THIS is a comfort food in it's most superb form.

fun for a change

Those of you who know me, know that this is a change.
Oh the joy of running fingers through hair!

Reason to celebrate!!

This is a big deal for us around here!
Ezra is on his way out of diapers.
Yesterday he actually did the duty on the toilet.
The #2 duty...the real thing.
I'll spare you the details of my child's potty-training experience.
Just know that we are all pretty excited for him
(and for no more diapers, soon).

a plug

Very few books capture me right at the beginning.
I am choosy about what books I read these days.
I don't have too much "spare" time for pleasure reading.
This one, however, has now taken it's place on my TOP 3 list.
(along with The Good Earth, & The Poison Wood Bible).
I am only 1/2 way through, and I'm already mourning
the fact that it'll be over soon.
I love this author.
I've never read anything so captivating
or so vivid.
I love his style and unique point of view.
So for now, even though I've not finished reading it,
this is a definite new favorite.
(There is a little language in it...)

I did it!

I can officially say I have made a pumpkin pie that is worthy of praise
(which basically means it was edible and didn't look too terrible).
I even used the pumpkins that we had for Halloween
(I know , I know...but I've learned so much from my good Mother-in-Law about being resourceful).
Pumpkin pie is Ryan's favorite fall treat and I've been wanting to feel confident making a delicious pie for awhile.
I have a friend who makes perfect pies every time *yummy*,
and a Mother-in-Law who does the same.
My memory of my mother making pies was seeing the frustration of trying to get the dough just right and then placing it Just-So in the pie pan...just to crumple it all up and start over again.
Of coarse, when hers were finally finished, they were no less than perfect.
I set all intimidation aside and set out to make my own pumpkin pie!
Who better to practice on than a houseful of little anxious mouths, awaiting a fall goodie?
Enough about the pie-making, I'm just happy I finally did it!

Sometimes I wish...

I know I can't
I know it wouldn't be wise
I know they wouldn't learn
I know they wouldn't grow
but there are many times
I would love to keep them
just the way they are
If we could stay in our little family bubble
wouldn't life be so much easier?
I just want them to stay little
happy
full of life
energetic
innocent...