This & That

The frame is from TOM and so is the vinyl. I put this together with some of the heart shaped rocks that my boys have collected for me over the years. The script says, "three little boys stole my heart and gave it back over and over again." Those rocks are my favorite material thing so I just wanted to showcase them better. My guys have been giving me heart shaped rocks since they were little and this March Dan brought me one that he had picked up in United Arab Emirates. Does a mama's heart good that her guys are always thinking about her, wherever they are.

I sat in the hot tub for a bit after getting the boys off to school this morning. I've had a sore shoulder since last week when I tried to artfully tie a scarf and reached behind myself incorrectly. Photo is my view from the tub.

My friend Karen is looking great! She is participating in the faculty Biggest Loser Competition at LCHS. She is doing well and it shows. I asked her what she was doing and it is basically the "eat less, move more" thing. Easier said than done. I am happy that the staff where my boys attend school are seriously getting healthy. I asked Sam if he knew the teachers were doing the Biggest Loser at school. His response, "ugh, yea, they're all crabby...they can't eat." I assured him it was for the greater good. Now my hubby is at the gym this morning, I may have to get going too.

Today I am baking and if anything looks good I'll post the recipes. Fred is going to help me-he volunteered. Dieting to baking, not sure how I got here. Anyway, some old favorites and new recipes.

This post has ended up a bit scattered, I don't want you to think I've dropped my basket...I'm fine...really!

Making a List and Checking it Twice

I hope I am not coming down with something, like an early dose of Christmas crazies. But I think I may be. Not like Vivie dropping her basket, but a bit of the jitters. I think I need to do some big time list making to settle myself.

Fred and I went to Treasury Of Memories yesterday and I got the 7Gypsies spinner. So excited. Also, bought a frame for some of my heart shaped rocks from my boys. I will try to post a photo of the finish product soon. The vinyl I bought was tan instead of black, it has to go back, so disappointed. Also, bought paper for making placecards and menus for the dinners we are hosting over the season. I think if I just get started baking, shopping, wrapping, & making the said placecards I will feel better.

We also went to the Haggen's wine sale yesterday-got some good wine with pretty Christmas labels. And we picked up a package of Starbuck Christmas Blend. So, I guess we're ready for anything...except me dropping my basket.

Fridge Notes

I read this book this past fall. It is written by Alice Kuipers. A very fast and light read but did make me cry a bit too. I might go and get it for my teen niece for Cmas. Katie is a reader. Anyway, it did get me thinking about notes on the fridge and I have saved several over the years. My guys like to doctor up the grocery list on the magnetic pad I keep on the fridge.

Here is a favorite: "eggs, romaine, crystal lite,*toys for Sam, red potatoes, chicken, hamburger, *candy for Danny, *Brains for Sam & Dan, *brains for whoever wrote that (w/ an arrow to previous item), *horse for max, crisco, *brains for Dad, *chicken legs for Pastor Vriesman"
*I did not put these items on my list. This was about 7 years ago.

This is a more recent one left by Fred; " Boys, Feed animals, empty dishwasher and don't make a freakin mess.

If I leave a list of errands someone will write, "get a clue." Like get groceries, get gas, stop at the library, pick up paint etc.

I hope fridge notes are not a lost art in the world of cell phones.

Decking Ad's Halls

Last night Fred, Max and I went to our friend, Adelene. I have been doing her Christmas decorating for years, I say years because I am not exactly sure how many, maybe 7+. I had lots of help last night from the guys. We always have a good time and lots of laughs. Fred helps with getting the tree and lights up and Max's job is the mistletoe. Max took on that responsibility several years ago and I just want to wish Ad good luck with that for this year. We helped her & Dorothy throw the BIG party in their house before they moved to the condo and since that time I have been waiting to be the event gal for Ad's wedding reception. Pic is Max and Ad next to that gorgeous tree!

Girl Time

Caleb & Emilyn came over last night during Fred & their parents' choir practice. I didn't see much of Caleb as we have guitar hero, he scooted right upstairs and barely came down for a snack. Miss Emilyn & myself made mini brownie cupcakes with frosting & Christmas sprinkles. Sam & Max came and bugged her constantly for a taste or to give advice. They love to tease her and she can give it right back. I asked her what she wanted for Christmas. She said, "Tami...at my house, and burn those boys." Okay I am not sure if she meant literally or figuratively. But you have to admit that would kind of put those boys in a bind if I went to live with Miss Emilyn. Where we could bake, craft and giggle to our hearts content.

Santa Photos

We have pictures of our boys with Santa every year, from Dan's first Christmas until they absolutely refused. I love to look back at these pictures. I put them up at Christmas and every year I think this is the last time I'm putting these up without updating the display. It just doesn't get done and may be that is part of its charm. Anyway, aren't they cute?