This is My "Real" Blog: November 2008


Angie's Blog!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The Smells. .. they are a-changin'

The heavenly aromas of cookies have been replaced by the aromas of cooked bacon, sauteed onions & celery, and toasted nuts.

Yeah, I love this holiday!

This afternoon, I made wild rice for the Pioneer Woman's Corn & Wild Rice (to be completed tomorrow). I also prepared tomorrow's breakfast casserole, and it's in the fridge -- just chillin' out. The 7-Layer Salad is also in the fridge. And, lastly, the sauteed celery and onion, along with craisins, sausage, and cooked bacon, are hanging out until tomorrow, when they get "amalgamated" with old cornbread and biscuits -- and become cornbread dressing.

I am planning on making a loaf of cranberry bread this evening, as well as a batch of scones (in the morning) for breakfast. I bought pre-cut fruit at the grocery store, and there's juice in the fridge.

So, basically -- I'm set.

I was able to complete Caroline's curtain for her bedroom last night. Mark and I attempted to hang it while she was sleeping last night -- but gave up on that idea because it did not have a happy ending.

I also completed one of the BIG Christmas present/projects. I have one more to go -- and if it doesn't get finished, I may show it in its incomplete stage, and mail it to its recipient when I finish it.

As I type, I am happily munching on pizzelles. This is a new thing for us at Christmastime. Mark's mom bought herself a pizzelle iron, and let us be the guinea pigs for her trial run. They are delicious. The first batch is good -- kinda vanilla-ish. The 2nd batch includes anise extract -- and these are AMAZING!!!

So, we're good. We're all healthy. We're tired. . . but we're blessed. That's why we celebrate Thanksgiving -- to celebrate our blessings, and to rest, if only for a few precious minutes.

Well, I'm off to sew! When I get a chance, I'll post a few pictures. In the meantime, here's a recipe. It's an easy one.



Angie's 7-Layer Salad (In memory of my Aunt Judy)

1 head lettuce (rinsed, blotted dry & torn into pieces)
1/2 c. each -- chopped celery, red onion, green pepper
1 c. frozen peas, thawed & drained

2 T. sugar

1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. sour cream

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. parmesan cheese

1 lb. bacon, crisp-fried, chopped (drain well)


Layer the ingredients in the order given:

Lettuce
Celery/Onion/Green Pepper
Peas

Sprinkle the sugar over the pea layer.

Mix together the sour cream & mayo before adding this layer. You can also mix together the cheeses, if you choose. Cover tightly and allow this to sit in the refrigerator overnight. When serving, allow guests to dip down THROUGH the salad, rather than tossing it.

Enjoy!!

My Aunt Judy used to make this salad each year at Thanksgiving. Every time I have this salad, I remember her, and the special person she was in my life. She instilled my love of crafting and sewing. I miss her -- especially during the holidays.

I don't know whether I'll be posting again before Thanksgiving or not. If I don't get the chance to do so, have a wonderful, tryptophan-induced day! Enjoy time celebrating with friends and/or family. And most of all, know that you are a blessing to me! I am thankful for you this Thanksgiving!
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Monday, November 24, 2008

Ooo-ooh that Smell. . . .Can't you smell that smell?


Today, it's freshly-baked cookies.

Mark's mom has been baking up a storm in my kitchen. For the last number of years, she has made all of our Christmas cookies during the Thanksgiving holiday when we're together.

So far, there are:

Chocolate Chip cookies
Thumbprint cookies
Pecan Crescent cookies

And soon there will be:

Snickerdoodle cookies
Jelly Nut Wreath cookies
Cherry BonBon cookies

. . . .gracing my kitchen. . . and my hips. Sigh.

Seriously. These are phenomenal cookies. She traditionally brings a large platter of them to our family Thanksgiving feast on the farm. They're always a hit.

I was given my assignments for Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday morning, as we left church. This year, I am providing:

Corn & Wild Rice (Pioneer Woman)
7-Layer Salad
Cornbread Dressing (w/sausage, pecans, & cranberries)
Cranberry Jelly (the kind that "sloorps" out of the can)

I am looking forward to making these dishes, along with our traditional Aubrey Family Breakfast Thursday morning. It varies from year to year, but always includes a breakfast casserole of some kind. This year is no exception. I am planning some sort of breakfast casserole, scones or biscuits, fresh fruit, and of course. . . . cookies!!

On Friday, no one from the family will be shopping (burn me once. . .etc.). Instead, we'll have homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and a dinner of Pork Roast, Cheesy Potato Casserole, Green Beans, some sort of salad, and homemade rolls.

Yeah. . . we never skimp on the food around here. Surprised?

I didn't think so.

I'm off to do some more damage on the Christmas presents I am attempting to finish by Friday morning/afternoon. Pray about that one. I'm not as far along as I would have hoped.

Until later. . . .
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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Sounds and Smells

As I type, Mark is out in the yard -- blowing leaves onto the property behind us. The whine from the leaf blower I got him for Christmas reminds me that I did a good thing. A really good thing.

Lest you think that we are irresponsible homeowners. . . the FOREST is on that property. We just get "blessed" with all the leaves that fall from the trees. We're just "giving back to the giver" so to speak.

Edison helped for a while this afternoon. It's a big job. There are lots of trees behind us -- and we're kind at the receiving end of a wind tunnel effect in the neighborhood. All the houses on our side of the street that are adjacent to the trees experience the same "joy" of autumn leaves.

Edison and I went for haircuts this morning. I even "pampered" myself by having my eyebrows done. It hurt like heck -- but really felt SO good when it was done. I think they look good -- my skin is just VERY white underneath where the eyebrows were. Oh well. . . that's what makeup is for, I guess.

We stopped in a WalMart after haircuts. I picked up what I hope is most of the food I need for this next week. We also got Caroline a winter coat -- it's not too heavy -- but our winters aren't that harsh. I also got her a sweater for Christmas. I have learned my lesson -- if I see something I like, and don't get it that day when I go back, most likely it will be gone. This sweater was too cute to risk that.

I finally got the perfect material for her bedroom curtains. The stuff I'd bought before is just TOO harsh. I'll use it for a baby blanket for her babies, or something. But, today's fabric is white seersucker with tiny pink rosebuds. That's more my speed -- and it will help subdue the overwhelming PINK that you experience when you go into her room. It will also compliment her new comforter/quilt -- so it's all good. I hope to get that valance made today -- and get it in place before our "Ohio" company arrives on Wednesday.

The other cool thing I got at Wally World??? I found some clearance trim -- for pillows, or something. I want to continue making Christmas trees like I did last year -- and this will be another fun, unique tree. I have high aspirations of making it today -- shouldn't take too long. If I get it done, I'll post a picture later.

Well, a little girl is beckoning at my right arm -- and there are lots of projects to finish, as well as make homemade pizza tonight for supper. I was inspired to make homemade pizza by one of my friends on Facebook last night. She said that she'd made homemade pizza for her family, and then they were watching "The Grinch" which sounded totally delightful.

Us? We'll probably have homemade pizza and watch some form of holiday entertainment. I'm about ready to watch "A Christmas Story" for the buh-zillionth time. I love that movie!

I made a batch of caramel corn last night. Oh my goodness -- I forgot how much I love caramel corn. You know BIG love with a pink puffy heart. And then today, I made Crispix mix. My intention is to have this done before our company arrives on Wednesday, but I fear that I may be making another batch before they arrive. It is SO good. . .and it makes the house smell so delicious.

Oh, one more thing. . . . I was delighted this week to reconnect with four or five friends on Facebook that I haven't spoken to in YEARS. One was a friend from back in 3rd grade. Nancy and I were very close friends--which meant that we were either getting along or fighting like cats & dogs. We slept over at each other's houses. We shared the dates & times of when we "became women," and talked on the phone into our high school years for hours on end. It was a real treat to learn that she's back in Chicago, happily married, and eager to renew our friendship.

I also got to reconnect with my 7th grade art teacher. I know that sounds totally bizarre -- but he and his family became members of our church shortly after he was my teacher. You might think that I attracted them to the church -- but more likely it was that he needed the LORD after having taught me! :) One of his daughters was especially precious to me, and wrote me letters when I went away to college. I haven't caught up with her yet -- she's married with kids now. But, it has still been a phenomenal week to catch up with these and other old friends. I'm putting emotional emphasis on the word "friends" rather than on the word "old."

The only other "news" of the weekend was that Caroline went to (survived) a birthday party yesterday for a little boy from our church. She had a great time. She even sang the WHOLE birthday song with everyone else. It was pretty cool.

You might not think that is noteworthy, but I think I've shared this before. . . . Caroline doesn't always get invited to kids' birthday parties. I am not sure if parents don't want to associate with her, or if they're trying to protect her from the mayhem that typically ensues at a child's birthday party because she's sensitive to lots of noise and chaos. Either way, I have been reminded this past year that there will be things that she will naturally be excluded from -- because of her "situation." And yes, if you're wondering, it SUCKS to type that. But, by the same token, I don't foresee us holding lots of slumber parties in the future. And no, that does NOT make me sad! :)

Our life is just going down a different path. It's not a bad path. . .it's just a different one.

I cannot remember if I've ever shared this particular piece of literature with you or not. Many of our friends gave us a copy of this when Caroline was born. The name of the piece is "Welcome to Holland" and it still makes me cry when I read it. The bottom line? It's true. Every word. If you've ever wondered what parents of a child with a disability go through (especially those first few days & weeks) this piece of prose will give you some idea.

Here's a link. Enjoy!!
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Friday, November 21, 2008

A break in the week. . .

It's Friday, again. As Mark pointed out last night, Christmas is going to be here before we know it. And no, I'm not ready. I spent a little time sewing today. I need to spend some more time sewing tonight.

And, we've been attacked by the "snack monster" at our house. I've been trying diligently to buy less CRAP at the grocery store, and to make more stuff from scratch. Hence, the apple butter and homemade whole wheat bread yesterday. It was TASTY!! (It still is. . . and I may go grab a slice before too long!)

We also enjoyed Smoked Chicken earlier in the week, courtesy of my friend, Dan. It was yummy.

I just made a batch of caramel corn, and while it "bakes" and gets all delicious, I'm going to submit to the wishes of my 14-year old, and give him the computer to check his Facebook.

That's right. . . . you read that correctly.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone! We're going to enjoy a quiet, productive Saturday. Beyond that, I can't say. But, it will be fun. It will involve food and family. And, above all, it will be a BREAK.
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Thursday, November 20, 2008

Busy Days. . .

Yep, these are some crazy busy days around here. But, what else is new?!

Today, I'm home. Mark's parents are helping at Caroline's school. Caroline and Edison are at school. Mark is working. And me? I'm home.

I've got apple butter cooking in the kitchen. I have got to get the jars sterilized. . . but I may take a shower first. After that, it's apple butter time!

I'm going to spend a little time sewing today. . . haven't spent a lot of time doing that lately. I've missed it.

Other than that, I've got floors to vacuum, toilets to clean, and laundry to wash.

Yeah. . .it's just another busy day in paradise!







Oh yeah.....and one week until Turkey Day!
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Sunday, November 16, 2008

You can never have too much. . . .

Okay, it's another bullet-point blog entry. Here we go. . .


cherry pie
We had a Thanksgiving dinner at church today -- and although there was cherry pie available, I didn't manage to get any. In fact, I didn't manage to get any dessert period. I'm not bitter. In fact, here's another one

frozen cherries
Last month, my parents traveled to Michigan to see my sister and her family. While there, they traveled up to Traverse City, MI and purchased 40 lbs. of frozen pie cherries. These cherries currently live in my freezer. I'll be making one pie this week. . . just because of today. I gots to have me some cherry pie.

church offerings
We took four (4) offerings at church today. I know that seems excessive. And, to anyone visiting, that might have seemed excessive. But, here's the skinny: It was a "Thank" offering where everyone got a chance to give back to God because of how MUCH He has blessed us. Our church is making a concerted attempt to rid itself of a $750,000 debt (building fund) and we made a HUGE dent in that debt today. We gave/received over $150,000. Everyone was given a chance to participate -- even the preschoolers. And yes, Caroline looked absolutely scared to death as she came into a room of nearly 425 people--and we were all singing loudly. Yeah, she's not so much a fan of loud crowds.

music on a big Sunday
Those of you who know me know that I'm the music director at our church. This service was chock full of singing -- both by the choir, a couple soloists, the children, and our praise team. On a normal Sunday, we average 6-7 songs. Today? 12. And, because we were waiting for the money-counters to count money after each offering, we had to "vamp" a little. It was a little nerve-wracking at times, but it was awesome.

sleep on a Saturday night
Yeah. . . services like this tend to make a music director lose sleep. Last night was no exception. We turned out the light at 12:30 a.m., and I believe I fell asleep somewhere between 3:47 and 4:09 a.m. Needless to say, when the alarm went off at 6:35, I was in NO mood to get up. In fact, I did NOT get up. I stayed in bed until 7:30, got up and made sweet potatoes for the dinner, and got ready for church.

NASCAR
Well, for the next couple of months, yes, you can have too much. The season ended today. Jimmie Johnson clinched his third consecutive championship. It wasn't Jeff Burton's year. I still maintain that I'm a diehard fan of #31. . . .and I doubt I'll be changing my allegiance anytime soon. So, in the "off season" I'll keep an eye on NASCAR.com and see what the scoop will be when the Daytona 500 comes in February.

hand-me-down clothes
When Mom & Dad went up to Michigan, not only did they bring home frozen cherries...they brought Edison a bag of hand-me-down blue jeans, khakis, and awesome shirts for Edison.

time to make Christmas presents
Yeah. . . after having the flu this past week, it's been difficult getting a grip on the Christmas presents that need to be completed in the next couple of weeks. I'll get them done -- but I'm going to have to start spending some serious time working on them.

homemade hot cocoa and "real" popcorn
Growing up, Sunday nights were traditionally "fend for yourself" nights. I read about this on Facebook the other night, and I realized that this particular tradition has up until now, escaped our family. So tonight, following a somewhat large Thanksgiving meal at church, I made the executive decision that we would pop popcorn, and enjoy a cheeseball and crackers, and some leftover fresh pineapple for "supper" tonight. And yes, I used the word supper on purpose. I heated up some water and enjoyed some hot cocoa, and really had fun just sitting around the table with the whole family. Caroline loved the popcorn. . . or PAH-KERN as she calls it. I think she'd eat her weight in the white fluffy stuff, if we'd let her. When the rest of the family come for Thanksgiving in a couple weeks, I'm going to make some homemade caramel corn. Talk about YUM.

just happened's -- yeah, this is where she drives it home!
Yesterday, in Mark's pursuit of a new fridge, our friends Lee & Beth just happened to be at the Lowe's at the same time. And they just happened to have their big truck with them. And, because I'm a completist -- Lee just happened to know someone who owns and runs an appliance center that doesn't sponsor a NASCAR driver. After calling this guy, we learn that they just happened to have the same kind of fridge we were purchasing, and it just happened to be $300 less than the one at Lowe's. And of course, it just happened to be in stock, and they just happened to be able to bring to the house and install it yesterday afternoon.

And please don't think for a moment that the whole fridge dealio or the two bags of clothes for Edison just happened. I know in my heart that God was allowing our faith to be stretched . . . all the while he was planning to bless us in response to the thank offering.

As always, God just happened to be faithful. He will always be faithful. I should never doubt him. Little, inconsequential details are just that -- little and inconsequential. Even when I'm lying in my bed until 4 a.m., tossing and turning in anticipation of things that could go wrong, I need to lay there and thank Him ahead of time for a day I will never forget.

Now, do you really think that all just happened? I didn't think so.

P.S. If you really want to be blessed, visit Beth's site and read her beautiful poem. Then, when you're done, head over to Stephanie's site (that is "That Chick's" real name) and read this entry. You will be blessed.
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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Happy Birthday Edison!

Fourteen years ago today, I became a Mom. It was a good day.

It was a long day.

Speaking of long days. . . . Caroline came down with the flu on Tuesday night, a couple hours after our company left.

Mark came down with the same flu on Thursday night.
I came down with said flu 3 hours later.
Edison fell victim yesterday -- after winning his school spelling bee.

We didn't know he was even in the spelling bee.
Yeah. As parents? Sometimes we rock.
Other times? Not so much.

I can honestly say that I have never felt as crappy as I did with this flu bug. Every joint, muscle, and bone in my body ached. The fever wasn't as bad as it's been in the past, but we just hurt everywhere. The wretching didn't help that, by the way.

Mark and his dad partipated in a heart walk today -- in the blinding rain. They paid their money and promptly came home. Remember? We're all recovering from the flu?

And, oh yeah, the other thing? Our refrigerator died today.
Mark has gone to get us a new one. A bigger one. A stainless steel one.

Life? Rocks.
Stuff? Happens

Happy Birthday, Edison. . . . your dad and I will try to ensure that you'll have more memorable birthdays in the future. Really, we will. Because you're a great kid, and you deserve a birthday even more awesome than you are!
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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

gulp. . . I cannot believe I'm admitting this....

We are having company at our house (non-family) for the FIRST time in a long time.

One of the things I wanted to do at this house was have people over for dinner. Our previous house just didn't give us the space we needed for that (Sorry, Kath!) We used the kitchen as our "eat-in" area, and it just wasn't big enough for more than about six people. And once the high chair took it's place of residence. . .it was all over with!

So, when we moved, I was so excited because we'd have people over, and we'd have all sorts of room for people to eat meals with us. We even bought a new table and chairs to help accomplish this.

However. . . other than family, and our small group that meets every other week, it really hasn't happened except ONCE last year.

That, my friends, is humiliating.

So, tonight, we're having some friends over for dinner. We're going to watch a movie after dinner. I'm excited. But, I'm freaking out -- because I've not cleaned for (non-family) company in YEARS, or so it seems.

What's on the menu? Glad you asked:

Baked Marinated Pork Tenderloin
Roasted potatoes, carrots, onions, and red peppers
Green beans
Apple Swiss Cashew Salad
Homemade Bread (some kind, haven't decided yet)
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake -- homemade -- it's cooling as I type!

So, it will be a great dinner -- but I've got a lot to do before they get here in THREE HOURS!!!

More later, I promise!
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Saturday, November 08, 2008

All that clay. . . . it's such a disgrace!

No, I am NOT talking about the California Raisin cartoons of the early 90s. (those were so creepy)

And no, I am NOT talking about the love scene in "Ghost" where Patrick and Demi got all hot & bothered to the tune of "Unchained Melody" while spinning clay. Again, ICK.

I'm actually talking about the death of dozens of clay pigeons today -- at the hands of some of Edison and his friends. You see, Edison took a hunter safety course that was offered at his school over the past couple of weeks. Being the good Republicans that we are, we decided to enroll Edison in the class. Next step? His membership in the NRA.

Okay, the real story is that Mark and I both feel that gun safety -- especially in the arena of sport hunting, etc., is crucial. It's life-saving. And, because Edison has shown some interest in these areas, we wanted him to take a state-approved hunter safety course.

I am pleased to report that he passed the 100-question test with a 95! According to Edison, it was all common sense. I don't doubt that for a minute. However, using the excuse of It's just common sense, Mom, was his excuse not to study, if you ask me. Regardless, he passed.

After the written exam, they took the kids out to a private farm, where they practiced some skeet shooting. Edison, of course, regaled us with stories of how it was so easy -- and that he hit two out of three pigeons. That's right -- somewhere in the Seven Islands area, there are clay pigeons roaming around, hopelessly looking for their other friends who managed to escape from the rest of the middle schoolers. Oy.

He did well. That's what's most important to me. Mark said that he was safe, and that he was very careful and respectful of the instructor. Wanna see some pics? Here you go. . .

Here's the motley bunch getting their last-minute instructions before actually shooting:



And here's my boy, taking shot at some renegade clay pigeons:



Now onto the finer things in life. Our friends, John & Laura West:



. . . asked me to play at their daughter Ashley's wedding today. I did. It was fun. It was interesting. I have to say that there are some people born to be wedding coordinators. Others? Not so much. Regardless, it was a fun day for our little Princess to get all dressed up and enjoy being a little girl.

My favorite part of the day? Well, that's obvious. When the singer was singing "When You Say Nothing at All," in the front of the church, I could see Mark dancing with Caroline in the foyer.

Yeah. . .Caroline still doesn't have the "talk quietly or whisper in church" thing down. So, many funerals and weddings are spent with Caroline in the foyer.

Oh well, she sure looks cute all dressed up! Wanna see? I thought you might:





Yeah, she decided to play "peek-a-boo" with the rose petals on the reception tables. Quite inventive, actually.

This weekend has been busy -- but I have a feeling the next couple are going to be every bit as busy as this one was. We will celebrate Edison's birthday next Saturday -- Mark's mom and dad are headed our direction -- and we're looking at a football banquet AND a birthday party that Caroline was invited to attend.

Yeah. . .this week is gonna rock!
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Thursday, November 06, 2008

Busy Week, Random Thoughts

Here goes. . .
Once again, I find myself in the midst of a very busy week. Sorry for the lack of posts. Some of my quiet is on purpose. I'm still mulling this whole political process. And I know I'm not alone.

It breaks my heart that politics divide rather than unify. And it's not worth your time typing or talking to say that either candidate is about unity. If that were the case, we'd be seeing other things play out. . . and let's just leave it at that.

There are opinion polls.
There are blog entries.
There are media sources.
There are newspaper articles.
There are statistics.
There are trends.

Bottom line. . . there is a God-shaped void in every human heart that is not fully surrendered to Jesus. Politicians, celebrities, world leaders, everyday "Joes" can claim to be Christians. Heck, I claim to be one. But the ongoing challenge of being a faithful Christ-follower is not easy.

Personally, I'm tired of political talk. I'm tired of hearing what people think about the candidates, process, current leadership, and various conspiracy theories. I'm even kind of tired of hearing people say, "Well, it's allright. God is in control." And yes, I know -- I've said that myself. It's almost like saying that makes it allright to be disappointed. . .or bitter. If "God is in control" is said in the same breath where cynicism and anger are uttered, is God really honored by that statement? I wonder.

Unity in the body?
Members of an infamous (or notorious) church in the midwest are scheduled to arrive in our area to protest at the funerals of four young cheerleaders who died in a car accident a week or so ago. These people who DEFAME the name of Christ have this "habit" of showing up at funerals for soldiers who died in the line of duty. They've obviously got an agenda -- and grace, love, and mercy seem to have no part in that agenda. That, my friends, makes me sick at my stomach.

And their reason? To the best of my knowledge, they are going to demonstrate because they believe the death of a young person is God's retribution for the sins of the state of Tennessee.

Now, speaking for my current state of residence, we are not perfect. But, I hardly think that God was punishing these girls, the driver of a car, and an unborn baby for the state's sins.

Besides. . .
Someone died for our sins.
The debt has been paid.
In full.

And yet, again, I tell myself God is in control. But, as I meditate on it, I cannot help but think of these people who, in the name of God, are spewing hatred and negativity to grieving parents, friends, and communities. And when I think about the fact that Jesus loves them, and died for them, I realize I'm no better in my thoughts of them.

So, there you've got my thoughts for today.

I wish I had a funny story.
I wish I had pictures to share.
Instead, you got a little piece of my heart.


Do with it what you will. . . .
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Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Well Now. . .

I'm going to bed. Things didn't go the way I had wished they would go. They went, however, the way I suspected they would go. And, gratefully, they aren't going to stretch out for hours, days, and weeks on end.

Am I disappointed? Sure.
Am I mad? Nah.
Am I nervous? Yep.
Am I gonna pray? You betcha.

That's the only response I've got. . . prayer. But, all things being equal, I would have been praying non-stop for a McCain/Palin presidency, too.

Folks, this is not the world's most glamorous job. It's literally a job where the weight of the world sits squarely on your shoulders. Some carry it well. Others drop "the ball" as it were, and we pay the price.

I have friends who are jubilant.
Congratulations. (I mean it!!)
I have friends who are upset.
Yeah, I know. I'm praying about my response -- and yours.
I have friends who are just plain mad.
Remember that there is ONE who holds us in HIS hands.

I have friends who are confused. . . scared. . . disilluisioned. But even more daunting?

I have a son who is going to wake up with hinty-billion questions that cannot be answered. And somehow. . .in some way, Mark and I will expected to provide the answers.

Talk about the weight of the world. . . .


Goodnight.
God Bless America.
America? Bless God. Please?!?!
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Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Well, I did it. . .

I voted.

It's done.

And now, we wait and see.

I always say a prayer before I hit that last green button on the screen. I also traditionally get a lump in my throat. I did both today.

I know that we are blessed. I know that we have rights that some people only dream of having. And because of that, and so many other thoughts swirling through my heart and mind, I always get a little "verklempt" as I hit that final button.

I am ready for this election to be finished. . . .but, of course, I will be one of the masses, watching endless coverage of the election. It's all right, though. I have a blanket that I need to finish crocheting. And, if I finish it before the coverage ends, I have other (not-to-be-named) projects on which to work. So, it will be fine.

For that matter, I can also get the laptop out, and do some real *work* for this week. I'm home with Caroline today. Public schools are out. Private schools? In. I went to vote after taking Edison to school.

So, what am I going to do today on this sunny, yet chilly morning?

Well, to start off, I'm drinking a hot cup of cocoa. It's a homemade mix (recipe to follow) that I was inspired to make by a friend of mine. I tweaked her recipe some (I know. . .I never do that kind of thing -- wink, wink!) It's very good, if I must say so myself. Edison loves it -- and he's become quite the cocoa fiend. I was getting very tired of paying HUGE amounts of money on those little packets -- and I know this is better for him. So, everybody wins. (Did I mention? It's caffeine free, too!)

But, back to my morning's activities. . . I need or desire to:

*clean our bathrooms
*make bread -- Wheat Berry, this time. YUM.
*continue the endless cycle of laundry
*work on Caroline's bedroom curtain (that's a big MAYBE -- depending on how she cooperates)
*go to the dump
*make dinner

. . . you know, the usual! Ha!

So, on this sunny Election Day, I pray God's presence as you make your selection. I pray that you will be confident in your candidate(s) (tall order this time around) and that you will find peace in the midst of the strife between political parties.

. . .and if you need it, have a cup of hot cocoa, and be glad for freedom! Here's the recipe. Enjoy!


Hot Cocoa Mix

2 c. powdered sugar
25.6 oz. box powdered milk
8 oz. jar non-dairy creamer**
1 lb. box Nestle's Quik (3.5 cups)
1/2 c. baking cocoa

Mix all ingredients together. Goes into a large container. Makes four (4) quart jars for gift-giving.

To make cocoa: Put 4 -5 heaping teaspoons (1/3 to 1/2 c) into a mug of hot water.

**Here's where I had fun. They now have all sorts of flavors available for purchase. I used French Vanilla. Other options were: chocolate, hazelnut, sugar-free vanilla, etc. We have really enjoyed the vanilla. I think I'll do hazelnut next time! :)
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Saturday, November 01, 2008

That is NOT my foot next to the Butterfingers!

. . .in my mouth. I did NOT insert my foot in my mouth. I know in my previous post, I declared a POX on Halloween as a "holiday" and I stick by that. It's not a holiday. It's a day that people celebrate, but I don't consider it a holiday.

I don't get the day off.
It's not a holiday.

But, we had a good time tonight at the "Door to Door" Halloween Alternative at church. Then, after eating copious amounts of cotton candy and walking around "snatching" candy wherever we could, we headed home. We even had trick-or-treaters. I didn't give away all the Baby Ruth bars. I'm not silly.

We did manage to snap a couple pictures of Caroline in her costume. Here they are:

Johnny Adkins is a very loyal UT fan. I knew that he'd enjoy seeing Caroline in her costume. I was right. Very right!

Here's our girl. Does this give us a glimpse into the future? Quite possibly. If this is a glance at the future, I hope she adapts to having pigtail put in her hair without crying and fighting.
Have a great weekend!
I am sure I have more to say, but my favorite episode of Frasier is on. It's the Halloween episode where they dress as their favoritie heroic figure -- Sigmund Freud, Joe DiMaggio, Wonder Woman, Elton John, and Marty Crane. Comic GENIUS!

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