The first word that came to me was while reading Lain Ehmann's post yesterday on ways to keep your word in front of you. The Lisa Leonard necklace said "Courage." It felt too easy, but the more I think about it, that's the word I need. I have goals for the year that I'm afraid of, and we have possible changes coming in our lives that are exciting and scary. I sometimes lack confidence, and thought about that being my word, but really it all comes down to Courage.So that's it. My word for 2010 will be Courage. I'm sure I will share more about what it all means as the year goes by, but for now I need to keep it close. For now, I am seeking the Courage to meet my goals and face new things this year.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
One Word For the New Year
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About. . .
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate - just the thought of eggnog is disgusting to me
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
This year, Santa left unwrapped presents around our stockings. It seems a little more exciting that way.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I've gone back and forth on this over the years. As a child, I loved colored lights. Then I thought they were gaudy and only wanted white lights. Now, as the mother of a toddler, I think colored lots are lots of fun. We have blue lights on our porch and white/blue lights on our tree.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, but I would if I had access to it. I would if I didn't have a cat who thinks all greenery is edible, anyway.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
As soon as possible. I like to put them up by Thanksgiving, but we don't always get to. We didn't put up the tree until December 23 last year. Sometimes we try to get the tree up before Thanksgiving so we can get our family photo done early and get our Christmas cards in the mail.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
This is really tough. I'm a dessert girl, so I guess my favorite is the red velvet cake and lemon cheese cake that I make for Christmas, even though those are technically not holiday foods.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Perhaps getting the homemade Cabbage Patch doll that my Mama made to look like me. This was when Cabbage Patch was still only the soft-sculpture dolls that come out of Cleveland, Georgia, several years before the mass produced ones were the rage.
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, we exchange an ornament. Also, our daughter exchanges with her cousins.
9. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
With our blue and white lights, sentimental ornaments that we've exchanged over time, and an old fashioned Saint Nicholas-type Santa on top. Next year, I hope to start adding homemade ornaments. Those were my favorites as a child.
10. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
It depends. It seems to only snow when I have plans that I'd rather not cancel. If I can stay home and we have things to do and we don't lose power, it's not so bad. I really hated it in Georgia though, because we always lost power for several days, and there was rarely enough snow to play in.
11. Can you ice skate?
I tried many years ago with the church youth group - I'm really not good at balancing on thin blades of metal.
12. Do you remember your favorite gift?
As a child: that Cabbage Patch doll I mentioned before
As an adult: a beautiful necklace my husband gave me
13. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
spending time with family and getting letters, notes and photos from friends
14. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
I answered this above, but I'll leave both questions in case anyone else wants to write about non-desserts
15. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
baking cookies
16. What tops your tree?
a traditional Santa Claus
17. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
both - is that so wrong? I love thinking about what someone will enjoy, and I love seeing what other people thought I would like
18. What is your favorite Christmas song?
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by the Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan
19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
Yum - I love peppermint, but I also like the cherry ones. This year, we also got Spree candy canes and those were good too.
20. Favorite Christmas Show?
This is really tough, because I love so many of them. White Christmas is one of my traditions with hubby, though, so I really like it.
21. Saddest Christmas Song?
River? It's a Joni Mitchell song, but it's been covered a million times.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Today. . .Christmas Edition
I am thinking... that this Christmas is going to be exciting with an almost three year old!
I am thankful for... not being as sick as I was two weeks ago (even though the cough is lingering).
I am wearing... a comfy pair of jeans and a Life Is Good shirt I snagged on clearance a couple of years ago.
I am remembering... that I still have two cakes to bake.
I am going... nowhere else tonight, but to my sister-in-law's tomorrow for dinner.
I am reading... nothing at the moment, but picked up the 4th book in the Forensic series by Alane Ferguson at the library.
I am hoping... that this cough goes away sooner than the doctor predicted (several weeks).
On my mind... the few things I have left to finish before Christmas.
Noticing that... little girls get more excited and feelings get more fragile the closer we get to December 25.
From the kitchen... red velvet cake, lemon cheese cake, and a surprise cookie (I hope).
Around the house... wrapping paper, shipping boxes and Christmas cards.
One of my favorite things ~ getting photos, letters and special notes from friends and family in the mail.
Christmas Novels
Monday, December 21, 2009
Favorite Christmas Music
- Sarah McLachlan Wintersong - I think my favorite track is River (a Joni Mitchell cover). I prefer the Indigo Girls version, but Sarah's is beautiful too. Sarah just has a wonderful voice, and I enjoy listening to this over and over. An added plus is that my husband and mama don't dislike her, so I may be able to get away with listening to this one more often.
- Maybe This Christmas by various artists - If you like an eclectic mix, and don't mind odd-ball songs, this may be the right album for you. My favorite Christmas song is included - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by the Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan. Plus, the Ben Folds song may be the funniest thing I've ever heard in my life (but is SO not kid appropriate).
- John Denver Rocky Mountain Christmas - I am going to come out as a huge John Denver lover. I had some trouble locating any of his Christmas music about ten years ago, but a quick search of Amazon shows me that it's easily located now.
- John Denver and the Muppets A Christmas Together - I had a really tough time finding this album a few years ago. I had a vague memory of John Denver singing Christmas songs with the Muppets, and had a music store run a search for me. This is also easily available now. Such memories!
- This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday vol 1 - I picked this one up last year. It's a Christmas release by Jack Johnson's label. There are only two songs by him included, but the whole album has the same relaxed feel that his music does.
- Barenaked Ladies Barenaked for the Holidays - As much as I love the Barenaked Ladies, I can't believe that I don't already have this album. Maybe next year.
- Sugarland Gold and Green - I'm not really a country music fan, but I've been a fan of Jennifer Nettles for a very long time. I love listening to her sing, and I know I would enjoy this album.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Handmade Gift Ideas
- Photo Coffee Sleeve @ The Object Project - I can think of a few people who might like this one, if I can do it this year.
- Kid Tote @ Just Deanna - Ok, first how cute is the name of her blog? Love it. Second, I think this idea can be adapted with some of the other tote patterns I have.
- Animal Sewing Cards @ Chez beeper Bebe - I've been looking for ways to make our own sewing cards.
- Fabric Memory Game @ Chez Beeper Bebe - Too cute, and she sells it in her etsy shop with a fabric box, too.
- Full-length Apron from Tea Towel @ One Pearl Button - I think tea towel aprons are cute, but I really prefer full-length aprons.
- Ultimate Handmade Holidays Master List 2009 @ Sew Mama Sew - All of the above ideas I found this the Sew Mama Sew Handmade Holidays list. This is the link for the master list. Lots of great ideas!
- Sea Salt Caramels @ Through the Camera Lens - These sound wonderful, and would look so yummy under the tree.
- Caramel corn @ Orangette - This sounds like a crispy caramel corn that would keep well as a gift.
- Rag doll @ UK Lass In US - Isn't this doll the cutest? I bet the book where she found this pattern would be in your library or used book store, or perhaps you could find a similar pattern?
- Edible Gifts @ Simple Mom - This is a huge list of recipes from around blogland, including cookies, gifts-in-a-jar, jams, etc.
- Edinburgh Rock @ From High In the Sky - This looks kind of like after-dinner mints (but I don't think it is). I haven't tried it yet but it looks like a lot of fun.
- Coffee Cozy @ House on Hill Road - This might be more likely to get done this year (at this point). I think it would be cute, and those cardboard cozies never block the heat enough for me.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Best Christmas Tree Ever
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Family Connection
When we spend our days with small children, so much of life has to be focused on the here and now that we sometimes forget we're actually building long-term relationships. We forget, or just don't even think about, the fact that our children will one day be grownups with whom we will have lifelong, grownup relationships. And we will have those grownup relationships for a whole lot longer than we have small children in the house!I think it is SO important that we remember that these little people we love and tend to and get frustrated with and feed and bath and clothe will not be there forever. They are going to get bigger. They are going to change. And they are going to remember the lessons that we teach them when they are with us.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Gift Ideas for my Todder, 2009 edition
- more train components for her wooden train set (not Thomas)
- a doll (she specifically asked Santa for one, and has been adamant that he is bringing her babies)
- more play silks
- art supplies (glitter glue, paint, nice art paper - I'm getting ideas from Young At Art by Susan Striker)
- dress up clothes
- doll clothes
- wooden play food
- Olivia books (by Ian Falconer - we have none, surprisingly)
- sewing cards
- art easel (I especially like the one from Melissa and Doug that has clips to hang our art paper from)
- Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales illustrated by Lucy Cousins - Yes, Lucy Cousins from Maisy fame. I don't care for Maisy, but I love Cousins' style. She has the best Mother Goose book I've ever seen, but it's unfortunately out-of-print. This fairy tale book is new and I can't wait to see it in person.
- original Memory game
- family memory game (with family photos)
- handmade blocks (really, I will eventually finish these)
- Olivia quilt (I bought the fabric in June, cut it out several weeks ago - doubt I'll finish by Christmas)
- sock monkey (handmade, of course)
- little red wagon
- wooden play kitchen
Friday, December 11, 2009
Pumpkin Bread, Take 2
- Alton Brown's Good Eats recipe - calls for real pumpkin, not the canned stuff
- adaptable recipe - includes adaptations to make it sugar-free or vegan
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
There'll Be Days Like This
Monday, December 7, 2009
Our weekend
Christmas Books We Have
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson - This isn't a picture book, and is too old for Abigail anyway. This has been one of my favorites for years, but that's another story for another day.
- Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies - This version is illustrated by Tommy dePaola. I think it's basically the novelized version of the original screenplay. I love this story!
- The Snowman by Raymond Briggs - Our version is a chunky board book that has words. I bought it as a decoration years ago and now Abigail asks me to read it.
- Helping Holiday Hands - This a Rudolph board book that I bought as a decoration. The cover is the Abominable Snow Monster.
- The Night Before Christmas - a board book version I got for $1 at Walmart for Abigail's first Christmas when we really could only read board books to her (10 month olds are tough on paper books)
- The Velveteen Rabbit - another board book that I got for a $1 last year (perhaps I need to check there this year - I really like their little board books)
- The Snowman Postman by Andy Rector - An out-of-print book that Grandma sent to Abigail.
- The Gingerbread Boy - Another book from Grandma for Abigail.
- A Christmas Anthology To Ring In The Season edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi - One year when I worked at the bookstore, Christmas anthologies seemed to be in. I really liked the one Mary Engelbreit did, but sometimes her artwork is overwhelming. I ended up getting the Barnes & Noble anthology because it had several stories I thought were essential. Now I wish I'd gone with something a little flashier.
- 'Twas the Night of Christ's Birth by Donna Miles - I'm fairly certain this was a review copy given to me by the author who was hoping to do a book signing at our store (which I believe we did). The author is from Kentucky and pairs the Christmas story with sepia photos of children dressed up as characters. The cover is three children dressed as the wise men and one child dressed as a camel. It's really a beautiful book. It isn't available on amazon, but the details are here.
- The Sweetest Christmas (A Pooh Little Golden Book) - I love Little Golden Books!
- Merry Christmas Mom and Dad by Mercer Mayer - I'm a big fan of the Little Critter books, too.
- The First Christmas retold by Gaby Goldsack - The illustrations (by Caroline Pedler) are nice and colorful. This was sent by Grandma to Abigail.
- The Little Fir Tree retold by Gaby Goldsack - This is from the same series as the above and was also sent by Grandma.
- Christmas Is Here (a Strawberry Shortcake book) - This is a beginning-to-read book, which I mostly put away since I think it defeats the purpose of the book for me to read it to Abigail. My mom bought this one because our nursery is decorated in Strawberry Shortcake and I'm obsessed with it.
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss - My mom bought this either for Abigail's first Christmas or the Christmas that I was pregnant. We haven't read it yet, but I'm excited to have this classic.
- If You Take A Mouse To The Movies by Laura Numeroff - I bought this the year it was released. I've been a fan of the Cookie Mouse for years and was really excited to have a Christmas version. Abigail requested that I read it first.
- Toot & Puddle: I'll Be Home For Christmas by Holly Hobbie - I love all the original Toot & Puddle books and this is no exception.
- How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky - This is so cute. Santa tries out different jobs and then gets hired by the elves. There aren't too many words, and I used to read it at storytime at the store.
- The Night Before Christmas illustrated by Tasha Tudor - I'm a late-comer to Tasha Tudor. The intricate details of her illustrations are magical.
- Santa Cows by Cooper Edens - This is one of many adaptations of The Night Before Christmas. This was given to me because of my cow obsession.
- The Christmas Humbugs by Colleen Monroe - This was a review copy given to me by the publisher. The Christmas humbugs play tricks on the family.
- The Night Before Christmas illustrated by Mary Engelbreit - Engelbreit's excess lends itself well to this Christmas story. Her Santa is jolly, her decorations are festive, and there's a Scottie dog. I'm so glad I bought this one!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Decorating our Christmas Tree
- a golden Scottie dog with a halo to represent my friend Cathy (I bought 3 the year after she passed away, one for me, one for our friend Jen and one for Cathy's mom)
- a pine cone with two mice snuggled into it signifying our first home together
- a set of crocheted ballet shoes that my sister-in-law's mother-in-law made for me last year to symbolize my college roommate who passed away shortly after we graduated
- the El Salvadoran "G" I bought from a a shop that specializes in Fair Trade crafts (Just Creations, for locals) when we were engaged to symbolize that I would take my soon-to-be husband's last name
- the Delta Flyer that says "This is Captain Janeway of the Starfleet vessel Delta Flyer" when you turn it on - in Captain Janeway's voice!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Marie Antoinette Award

My friend and fellow blogger, Monica of Without Filters, gave me the Marie Antoinette award so long ago that I'm embarrassed to say when it was. It's also known as "The Real Person Award" and I appreciate so much that Monica gave it to me for "being true to myself."
- Kelli @ A Mountain Mama
- BreederMama
- Angela @ The Artist, The Mom
- Sian @ From High In The Sky
- Rachel @ Stop. Drop. Roll.
- Permission to Mother
- What Do We Do All Day?
Friday, December 4, 2009
For Today. . .
I am thinking... about ordering all my Christmas presents online
I am thankful for... my family
I am wearing... sweat pants and my Black Cat t-shirt from 1993 (Black Cat is my women's college version of homecoming)
I am remembering... to relax when I'm sick
I am going... to hopefully stay home for a while and get better
I am reading... my blog roll (between books right now)
I am hoping... I get more photo Christmas cards this year - I love those
On my mind... Christmas gifts for my parents, husband and daughter
From the learning rooms... I've been reading a lot about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi texts. Fascinating subject
From the kitchen... key lime coconut patties and leftover take-out chili. I so don't feel like cooking (or eating)
Around the house... toys, blocks, newspapers. . .Must clean up before putting up the tree this weekend!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Holiday Wish List
TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.
1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?
- family or mother jewelry (pendant with my child's name, etc)
- How To Make an American Quilt on dvd (I think I waited too long on this, and it's out-of-print - tragedy!)
- new books by some of my favorite authors: Silas House, Barbara Kingsolver and Isabel Allende
- music from artists I enjoy: Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Dido, Jason Mraz
- this is more of a dream request: a Cuttlebug or a Zutter Bind-it-all
3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?
5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?
6. What is your favorite holiday food?
7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?
8. What is your favorite holiday movie?
9. Favorite holiday song?
10. Favorite holiday pastime?
Another Sick Day
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tandoori Chicken
One of my current obsessions: tandoori chicken, masala sauce and a little garlic naan (not pictured). Garlic naan is a soft, warm, tender flat bread. Tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and barbequed in a tandoori oven. Masala is indescribeable. I love it.
I waited thirty-four years to try Indian food, and now I can't stop thinking about it.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Dia de los Muertos 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Our Nature Table - Autumn 2009



Monday, November 23, 2009
Making of a Dragon costume

My favorite part was sewing on the wristbands. They're just like wristbands for sweatshirts, made out of cotton knit. I had a hard time understanding how to pin them correctly, but once I started sewing it all made sense. They look so professional! (As long as you don't look too closely.)

Abigail really enjoyed going for tricks and treats. We went over to her aunt's house so she could go with her cousins. Her daddy, her aunt or I walked with her to the first three houses or so, and then she got the hang of it and started running up and yelling "Trick or treat!" This is the same child who will cling to me through an entire playgroup without looking at anyone. It all depends on perspective, I suppose.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Yesterday + Today

Saturday, November 21, 2009
Gorgeous Blogger Award!

- I got my navel pierced when I was twenty years old and kept it until I was thirty one and way too pregnant. I was afraid the hole would stretch if I left it in.
- I love dried pineapple. I can't get enough of it. I would love to learn how to dry it myself because it's expensive and difficult to find.
- I have eaten popcorn almost every day since I've been a stay at home mama. I've always been a fan, but now it's a staple.
- I have collected cows since I was in 8th grade. I have stuffed animals, rugs, figurines, blankets, towels, mugs, etc. Fortunately, the collecting has tapered off in recent years, but for a while it was a little crazy. And no, I'm not sharing the reason for the obsession.
- I am introverted. I enjoy socializing and if I push myself I can even be outgoing, but I find it exhausted. I really need some alone time to recharge. I love public speaking though, and hope someday to be able to incorporate it into my career again.
- I'm terrified of heights. Even while watching movies, I have physical reactions to perceived height. That said, I enjoy roller-coasters and mountains and insisted on climbing the lighthouse in St. Augustine. You won't catch me ever bungee-jumping though.
- Stevie @ TwoBoyzTwoDogzTwoCrazyParents - I've known Stevie for five years now, and I admire the way she lives her life with such passion. She's an amazing photographer and I appreciate the glimpses she shares on her blog.
- Robin @ Do You Not Know What Causes That? - I met Robin originally because she teaches childbirth classes in Louisville. When I searched for classes, I just happened to come across classes taught by the author of several pregnancy books that I'd been reading. I am so thankful that I found her. I enjoy reading about her life with eight kids and often find inspiration for my own life.
- April @ Capture the Memories - I love how April shares her life and details that will be memories for her family.
- Monica @Without Filters - Monica's philosophy is about sharing with the blinders off. I'm inspired by how honest and real she is.
- Amy @ The Salt and Pepper Diva - Amy is so adventurous in her cooking, and she always has wonderful photos. And she is just so sweet!