Thanksgiving 2008

This year I didn't get any pictures of our Thanksgiving. I didn't have the big family meal this year, it was over at Justine's last Sunday. We weren't able to go due to schedule conflicts and a freshly neutered lil' fella.


I made dinner for what I thought would only be four, Lee, Mark, Brittany, and myself. Andrew insisted that he had to work that day. Brittany ended up inviting her friend, Joe, so that would make five.

I made the works. Turkey, stuffing, real mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green bean casserole, rolls, egg nog, and sparkling cider. Topped off with pumpkin bread and double layer pumpkin pie. It was all very delicious, if I do say so myself.

Oh, did I mention that about 2 hours before dinner was ready, Andrew surprised us by walking through the front door? He DIDN'T have to work!!! Yay, Thanksgiving for 6! We enjoyed our meal and then we went and saw "Twilight" as a family. It was my second time. My family enjoyed it and they didn't even read the books.

I am still ever so grateful that I won the big prize at Bunco last year in time for Thanksgiving. My roaster oven has changed my whole life as far as my stress level on this day goes. I'm grateful that my husband and I are employed and are able to provide for our family, so many are struggling in this regard, and we are ever mindful of them. I am thankful for my family, and the special bond that I share with each one of them. I am thankful to have so many wonderful friends who add love, meaning, and purpose to my life. Happy Thanksgiving.

I Am.

I am: a wife, mother, sister, friend, daughter, aunt
I know: not nearly what I need to.
I want: to know that my kids are going to be alright.
I have: all that I could have imagined.
I dislike: Halloween.
I miss: my grandmother, Colleen Hedberg.
I feel: uncomfortable.
I hear: the Beagles playing in the back yard.
I smell: the anticipation of making something for dinner.
I crave: sweet hugs from my kids.
I cry: at the drop of a hat.
I search: for answers.
I wonder: if anyone really likes me.
I regret: too many things to mention here.
I love: my family.
I remember: what Christmas smelled like when I was a child and my grandma was alive.
I dance: when no one is looking.
I don't: want to get old.
I argue: probably too much.
I write: when I feel sad and throw it away.
I win: hardly ever.
I lose: my keys pretty regularly.
I wish: my kids would stay little.
I listen: when people talk to me.
I can usually be found: at my desk
I am scared: of what is going on in the world and being alone.
I need: the love of my family.
I forget: about how many times my name has been butchered.


PS. My beautiful daughter informed me tonight that she is moving out in about a week and a half. I am: sad.

I tag: Jen, Crystal, Melissa, and Sharon.

Good times, good times.

I really liked Twilight! It wasn't what I would call blockbuster material, but, the sheer numbers of those who have seen it thus far may send it into that sphere. I'm not sure what the budget for the movie was, but it was pretty good.

There were some really funny scenes, and Jasper cracked me up! I loved how the ending hinted at the fact that there could be more to come. I have heard rumor that they will do a movie sequel, and I hope they actually do all four books. This first one pretty much followed the first book nicely.

I went with "the ladies" and we had our "Got Blood?" shirts on that we had made for the Breaking Dawn book party at Borders in August. We were in line about 5 hours prior to midnight, but we were seated at about 8:45 pm. Not too shabby. The only thing was my knees hurt from having them bent into the seated position, theatres only have so much leg room.

Valynn, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Candi, Heidi, and Michelle T we had a great time didn't we? Again, Heidi, I am sorry for physically pushing you into the line where we were. I hope I am forgiven for that. Until the DVD release party..........

Aaaaaggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can hardly stand the wait!



Yes, I am a grown woman. Yes, I am happily married. Yes, I love Edward Cullen.






I'll report back after the movie. Yes, I'll be there at midnight tonight!

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you.....

Today is my favorite daughter's birthday. My baby girl is 19!!! She asked me today, "Does that make you feel old?" I said, "Nah, you getting older doesn't make me old." Just you wait til your kids call you old.

We took Brittany to Cheesecake Factory for lunch. It was her request and don't we always give our kids what they want?



Isn't she so pretty? Sometimes I look at her and I still can't believe that she is mine. The years have really gone by way too fast. Sometimes I see really cute girl clothes at the store and I wish she were little again.

BRITTANY

B is for your brains and beauty beyond belief.

R is for the rich blessing you are to our family.

I is for the incredible talents you have and the fact that I LOVE YOU.

T is for your tenacity. Taking the time necessary to do things well.

T is for the time you take to get ready to go anywhere.

A is for always being this amazing gift from God.

N is for your niceness and your natural ability to make friends with just about anyone.

Y is for just being You.

Brittany, you have been and continue to be one of the best things that has happened to me in this life. Your dad and I are so proud of you. You are a great sister to your brothers and I enjoy being a spectator to the closeness you share with each of them. It hasn't always been easy for you to be the filling in the brother sandwich. You are beautiful without vain. I love you so very much and wish you all the best in the year to come. Happy Birthday, Brit.

Riley.........put your shoes on!

Bring it on down to Neuterville! Yep, Mr. Riley is getting the ole' snip snip. We will not be having any family jewels in this house. He was so excited to get his leash and go "somewhere".

Reprieve

"To delay the impending punishment or sentence of (certain condemned dogs)". Poor Grandma Johnson. She was so worried about the fate of the dogs after my last post. She sent me an email asking if we still had the dogs.

Bleeding heart
A person (me) who makes an ostentatious or excessive display of pity or concern for others. (Riley and Berkeley) I don't necessarily agree with the ostentatious part, since I don't believe I make a "showy" display. I am inclined towards the "pity" part.

Pity
Sympathetic or kindly sorrow evoked by the suffering, distress, or misfortune of another, often leading one to give relief or aid, or to show mercy.

It isn't the dogs fault that they have hair all over their bodies and shed it at will. It isn't their fault that dirt and grass get trapped in their paws until they come into the house. It isn't their fault that their breath is bad, dog food doesn't smell good to begin with.

I was having a really bad day. Today, when Lee came home, the leaf blower was "in" the house. Don't ask.

I'd like to tender my resignation....

as a dog mom. I have had it. I'm not cut out for this. The only reason we have dogs is because of my husband. He wants them. I'm tired of doing all of the "dog stuff".


Oh sure, this guy is cute and all, but, he is incredibly destructive and orally fixated. There are two dog sized holes in the back yard that I keep filling and he keeps digging back up. He has more toys to play with than most babies. He got my glasses out of my bag and completely destroyed them. He has confettied more roles of toilet paper, paper towels, and boxes of tissue than I can even count!

I don't want to pick up dog poo anymore, it's disgusting, and my husband refuses to do it. So who does that leave? Me! The dog hair. Don't get me started. I am forever scolding and dragging the dogs off the couch and/or my bed. I vacuum all of the time. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.



Tread lightly President-elect Obama, in your search for the "White House" dog. Your life could be mine.

My tiny little rant

I love Saturday Night Live. I always have, even from the Rosanne Rosanna Danna and two wild and crazy guys days. You remember the "Bass-O-Matic" don't you? Saturday Night Live is even better during election years where the political humor is over the top dead-on.

Tina Fey was really starting to tick me off. While she did a great impression of Sarah Palin, off camera she made it clear how she felt about her. Clearly her politics went the "other way". Nothing is more ugly than someone who bad mouths another! Doesn't she know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?

John McCain made a visit last week. He is definitely someone who can handle a joke, and dish one out too. So, as my final act on the political battle of 2008, I am posting this little gem. Remember, scroll down to turn down the volume on the music, then scroll back up and press play. LIVE from NEW YORK, it's SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!

On to more important things.....

I am loving this weather! It was so nice and breezy today, perfect for making.....


I haven't made these but maybe twice before, but they are delicious. Washington apples? Good. Caramel? Good. Yummy treats on a stick? Good. Semi nutritious dessert? Good.

Brittany requested that I make these this last weekend.....


She rarely requests anything specific, so I was more than happy to oblige her. Oatmeal? Good. Peanut butter? Good. Cookies fast? Good.

Mark wants me to make fry bread tomorrow. I'll probably turn that into dinner with some refried beans, cheese, olives, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.

I am so looking forward to the holidays. I just hope they don't speed past too fast so that I can wring every last moment of enjoyment out of them.

Well, I guess it's done.....

Got my ticket, got my ticket........

The countdown is still on! Only 19 days, 6 hours, 56 minutes, and 58 seconds to go! The tickets for "Twilight" are on sale! I bought mine online yesterday for the midnight showing! Yes, I am crazy! But, in my defense, I love me some Edward!