Weeble Wobble

Do you remember the Weeble Wobble people from our youth?  The Playskool toys who wouldn't tip over...I believe Peanut is one of these objects.  She struggles to go to sleep at night, not "tipping" over into her bed to fall into a restful slumber.  She just pops right back up, ready to play and chat.  Recently it has gotten to the point that I fall asleep in her bed because I cannot stay in a quiet dark room and stay awake.  Seriously!  I'm that pitiful.  I try and motivate myself by thinking I get to go back downstairs and see Dear, but not even that can keep my eyelids from slamming shut.  A dear friend suggested using melatonin, as she did with her son, and it worked wonders.  The only flaw is that Peanut must drink the stuff, which I'm afraid will lead to her wetting the bed in the night.  Any suggestions?  Is my fear totally out of whack, which is totally possible!!!!

Mother Nature is quite confused these last two days.  She has let the temperatures soar up to 70 degrees!  Hellooooo, it's December and it's supposed to be COLD.  I have suffered all the way through summer, the humidity and heat, eagerly anticipating the arrival of fall/winter.  When I dressed this morning, I found my sandals and linen pants.  No long sleeved shirts for this chick.  So, my point is this...Mother Nature, if you're listening, can I please have some winter weather?  I'd like it to snow this season so my children can play in it.  Is that good for you?  Good, thanks for listening and I expect the changes to commence soon. 

L

Funnies

So, I've been contemplating certain things that make me laugh.  For example, in our new master bath, there is a large mirror directly opposite  the clear glass shower.  I happened to notice this one morning while showering, because I'm just really a blond beneath my dark hair, and was immediately like, "OMG!  I can't believe someone put these two things in line with each other!!!!!!!  EWwwww!  I can totally see my flaws."  Then it has since become a train wreck: I can't stop noticing, thinking if I stand up taller, suck it in a little more, shift this way or that I'll start to look better in that awful mirror.  As I was telling this story one weekend with my friends, when one of the guys said, "Oh, that was totally made by a dude!  You know dudes would stand in the shower, slap their "goods" on shower door and totally be like, "I look HOT!"  Needless to say, all of us there for the conversation erupted into laughter.  I cannot remove the image of any guy being so proud of his jewels, admiring themselves in the mirror....

Yesterday Dear went to play the extreme sport of paintball with the boys.  I thought it would be a quick jaunt, only 3 hours, but in fact it was like a 6 hour excursion.  After reuniting with him at the homestead, I inquired as to how the game went.  I laughed so hard I cried listening to the rendition of events as they played.  Dear first described how their referee was with their group, monitoring them at all times.  He described him as a shorter, skinnier Tickle, from the show Moonshiners.  If you don't watch that, think of him as a true redneck...no teeth, country bumpkin accent...you get the drift.  Well, all the boys had to wear their gear, including masks.  Keep in mind, Dear is no shrinking violet and is of solid stature.  So, they begin hiking up to the field to begin play, which he said was like climbing Mt. Everest.  Imagine a group of 6, 40 something boys, hiking up the side of a mountain, huffing and puffing the whole way....you should be laughing by now.   :0)  The mask Dear was wearing kept fogging during their trek.  So, every so often, he had to stop, try and blow air up through the mask in a futile attempt to defog it.  He described in conjunction with his pants, which were layerd, sliding down his body as he ran, while his mask fogged up, and he attempted to get to the "safe zone".  So, after ducking behind a wall or getting to a safe zone while running, holding up his pants, that were tied with rope to help, attempting to blow on his mask so he could see, in the middle of a field, dodging paint balls.  Oh.my.goodness was this vision hilarious.  I just had to share. 

Today has been a recovery day for him, while I avoid trying to make a menu for the week.  The Captain and Peanut are outside playing with friends (so excited about this!!!!!).  I don't know what to make for dinner. I'm in a funk where nothing appeals, despite looking at every blog and pinterest pin known to mankind.  Well, perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, but it feels like it  :0)  If there is a recipe you adore, or that your children really like, will you tell me about it?!  I'm in a recipe rut.

L

The Weekend!!!!

After an indeterminately long week, the weekend is FINALLY here!!!!  I was lucky enough to attend a training for work today, so I was out of the building, hooray!  The training was rather fast, finishing early, allowing me to get home to the kiddos early, avoiding the usual hellacious Friday traffic.  I bumped into a friend at Peanut's daycare, whose son also goes there, who commented I was off early.  I replied yes, I sure was and I was happy to pick up the children.  She replied that she would've gone home alone first.  Ahhh, that would've been nice, but the thought of fighting the traffic later in the afternoon/early evening was motivation enough to pick them up when I did.  After explaining my reasoning, she agreed, reluctantly.... :0) 

The training today was all about how to incorporate technology into the curriculum, helping a variety of students access the content areas.  The topic is broad, too broad actually, and I was hoping that the leaders of the group would have narrowed it somewhat.  Ummmm, this was not the case.  There was so much information and so many good ideas, presented at warp speed, it made it hard to know what to pick as helpful, or even practice during the training.  I did work on using Microsoft Word to create multiple choice quizzes, with a drop down menu, which was really good.  I also learned how to put together a power point from individual slides from groups of students.  That will come in helpful.  I also think I can read through it and find other things that will be beneficial.  Maybe the next meeting will also allow for us to redefine the goals for the group.  Either way, I'm learning and that is what is important.

The children are clamoring for the arrival of our Elf on the Shelf, Edgard.  I suppose that if Captain is saying things like, "I suuuuuuure hope Edgard arrives tomorrow!!!!" is a not so subtle clue that I'm slacking.  Of course, Peanut is the one who pushes the limits and wants to touch the elf, removing the "magic".  During Christmas of last year, Edgard had to constantly be placed hanging from light fixtures, curtain rods, clocks....really anything that would keep him out of reach of Peanut.  Another friend got her elf out last year, only to have her son tell her that she should send him back because he couldn't be good all the way until Christmas.  I would likely reason that Peanut has the same feelings, just has not articulated so eloquently. 

Dinner out tonight as a treat on a Friday, so I'm off the hook for cooking.  Tomorrow morning I'm really hoping to make eggnog cinnamon scones.  I love eggnog and in the form of a scone....mmmmmmmm!!!  I think I might have to go to Starbucks soon for an eggnog latte....Or do you prefer the gingerbread latte?  Enjoy relaxing tonight with your loved ones, or alone, reading a book....
L

Breathe in.....

**Well, loookie what I found....it's a bonus post!
Dear found a perfect couch, put all 6 pieces in his truck and brought it home.  It fit down the basement stairs AND looks amazing in the space.  Did I also mention that it is comfy??? It's really just an added bonus.  I mean, I would've sat on it even if it felt like rocks just because Dear brought it home for me.  Maybe I lie just a little bit....lol!

Thanksgiving day arrived with pictures hung, couches assembled, children running crazy, and bottles of wine needed to tolerate the craziness.  It was just the kind of Thanksgiving day I had hoped it would be.  Relaxing, filling, and great family in the new house.  I was proud of Dear and me for making our first turkey together, complete with stuffing that tasted almost as good as my mother's!  Boooya!  Can you feel the joy???

The day after Thanksgiving was relaxing.  The only reason that I showered that day was because I spilled coffee and gravy on my jammies and thought I was starting to smell a little like a barn animal.  But it was just the kind of day Dear and I needed, never mind that the children thought we were brain dead.  They kept wanting some kind of attention and focus.  Eh.  Dear and I tried, but I can promise you it wasn't pretty.  They still live so we didn't fail all that much  :0)

Christmas is right around the corner.  My parents were kind enough to bring me a wreath for the front door and two small poinsettias for the family room.  That is as far as I've gotten in decorating for Christmas.  Peanut did volunteer to go downstairs and get everything for decorating, but I was able to intervene quickly enough to prevent her from succeeding.  I suppose that it will have to be done this weekend.  Sigh.  It will be great once it is done, but in order to finish it, there must be motivation first.  Did I mention that I am getting my hair cut Saturday to avoid this?  I have such excellent avoidance techniques....

Off to complete dinner and feed my family.  They are thisclose to having a mutiny if I don't get it done soon....

Breathing....

I refrained from crying after the post I typed disappeared.  I couldn't tell you where it went, but all of a sudden...*poof* it was all gone.  It was funny though because it was all about how I have had to practice breathing recently to remain calm, so I can now firmly attest to the fact that I practice what I preach.  This time at least.  :0)

Thanksgiving was a strong push to get the house ready for the family to come and celebrate.  Dear traveled all over hell's half acre to find a couch for us to put in the basement, hung pictures, and made sure the turkey was defrosted.  What would I do without him?!  Don't answer that question because I'm sure there are days when I could imagine it, but he does the same, of this I'm sure.  :0)  The pictures were hung, furniture arranged, and children bathed.  We considered ourselves prepared.  Thanks to that frame of mind, we were able to relax and really enjoy having everyone here.  The food was delicious, with contributions from everyone.  As a house warming gift I received a beautiful table cloth from my brother and sister-in-law.  That was a treat.  As luck would have it, the table cloth matched the decor in the dining room and fit the table quite well.  I almost felt like a grown up.  Naaaaaaah!

The day after was the ultimate lazy day.  I only changed out of my pajamas because I had spilled coffee and gravy on them and began to smell of a barnyard animal.  It was really best for all that I got clean.  I did put pajamas right back on after  my shower so as not to ruin the tone of the day.  It was much needed for all, despite what my children would tell you.

It is feeling though like life isn't showing any signs of slowing down.  Between working full time, getting settled in the new house, taking care of the new house, and trying to bake when I feel stressed, it's almost like living in a time warp.  I can hardly believe that Christmas is just around the corner.  I sure hope Santa and his elves have been working hard so I don't have to.  Some dreams should be  allowed to come to fruition, even if they are couched in children's fairy tales.  I'll get motivated real soon, promise.  How do you motivate yourself for the holidays?  How much do you decorate?

Off to put the children to bed, since Dear is upstairs bathing them.  Never mind if I sit still any longer to type I'll tip over on the couch and fall immediately to sleep.  OH!  I just had an idea!!!  I should buy the Anyreader pens for my children to use so that one of us doesn't have to read to them every night!  Bingo!  I am brilliant, I tell you.  Think it will work???!!!  That's what I thought....not so much....*sigh*  It was a brilliant idea, if even for a moment....

L

Long Time....

I had no idea that it had been since May that I've written here.  I think during these last 6 months I've lost my marbles more times than I care to count.  It has been a crazy time, leading to some insane decisions that have brought about some big changes.

The school year wrapped up in June, so I transitioned to a stay at home mom, leaving behind teaching if just for 8 weeks.  During these not so boring 8 weeks, Dear and I met with our realtor and decided that we would put the townhouse on the market just before we left for the beach trip in August.  Thus began the emptying of the house for staging, making everything immaculate, and attempting to control the two minions, who had other ideas about what to do.  I also hired a handyman to come and paint the house, power wash the deck and siding, and make a few small repairs.  He worked efficiently, albeit not perfectly, but hey, what did I care...it looked good on the surface.  Suddenly, it was August, time for the beach trip and the final touches for getting the house on the market.  We left, the revolving door of Realtors began, and we got an offer!!!!!!!!!  The contract was ratified while on vacation, so upon returning home, we didn't have to keep it neat and clean.  Never was my exhale so loud as it was when we walked in the front door, knowing I didn't have to keep it immaculate. 

As we had to look for somewhere else to live, Dear and I were a country divided.  He wanted to move West, I wanted to stay local.  To say we gave our wonderful realtor a few new gray hairs might be a significant understatement.  A huge reason for my desire was to keep the kiddos in the same school.  Dear's reasoning was valid, i suppose, as he wanted to go west to be closer to family.  Going west meant sacrificing what we could get for our money, something I didn't like whatsoever.  My commute to work would've sucked big time.  Dear's might have improved significantly, but round here, traffic generally bites no matter what... :)  After numerous highs and lows, houses seen and left unseen, we stumbled upon 2 in the local area.  I thought for sure I had found THE one.  On line, it was amazing, appearing to have all that we wanted.  There was a second one, with a red door, which looked nice but not really so great in comparison to THE house.  The fateful Saturday we chose to go out looking, our realtor said she wasn't coming to see just one house, so we'd be going to see both.  The yellow house, THE one, crumbled before my eyes as we toured it.  There were so many things it lacked and flaws.  So, to the red door house we went.....We were in for a treat after walking through the front door.  Freshly painted, new carpet, an open kitchen, granite counter tops, a finished basement with more storage than anyone could fathom, and in the same school boundaries. It appeared to be a win/win for all. 

So, two months later, we're settled in the new house with the red door.  We left behind the Hood and traded it for Pleasantville.  It is awesome.  There is so much space.  The children love it too.  We were lucky enough to host my side of the family for Thanksgiving, so the kitchen was put to the test, as well as my cooking skills.  Sooner rather than later, I'd now like new ovens, a new dishwasher, and to get the microwave off the counter.  I think these 4 appliances will be on the 5 year plan.  See how much I've grown up, I didn't say immediately....of course, if they happen to be replaced sooner, I'm not going to argue one iota!!!!!

In the midst of all this commotion, I found that I was pregnant with our 3rd.  Dear and I were surprised and over the moon.  I thought the timing was perfect.  The baby was due in May, which being a teacher is amazing timing.  On Columbus day, I went for a sonogram.  The term they used was blighted ovum, which meant something had gone awry during the cell division.  Recognizing this fact, my body had reabsorbed the baby, which was what the sonogram showed: just an empty amniotic sac.  Tears fell like Niagra Falls as I sat with Dear in the car to explain to him all that I'd just been told.  The journey of healing has been emotional and fraught with so many different thoughts.  Should we try again?  Are we happy with the two healthy, amazing children we have?  Can we afford it financially???  We can't end on a sour note, we must try again!  Do you get a sense of the Sybil like character Dear has been stuck with these last few months???!!!! The final decision really has yet to be made, which makes my official title of Queen Flaffel, rather fitting  ;0)

Maybe I'll be able to find more time to visit here and post about the lunacy.  With a Peanut like mine, there is no shortage of stories. Of course, the Captain first born provides for many as well. 

L

Cyclical

Life is cyclical, I've known this for quite some time, however, with it spinning even faster than ever right now, I feel like a hamster.  The house is finally put together after the great flood in January.  It only took 3 months and firing one contractor.  Do you know how liberating it was to fire the first contractors?!  It was awesome, not that I am vengeful, but seriously, if as a project manager there isn't a return phone call for 10 days, I reserve the right to fire you. Thus, the 2nd contractor arrived, fixed everything and repainted my kitchen the most lovely shade of green I've ever seen.  I told the two guys here painting I wanted to kiss them I was so grateful.  I would've offered to cook for them, but they were in the kitchen, so I had to offer sloppy seconds...lol!  No, neither of them accepted my offer and my husband was relieved (that's still funny too!). 

After the house was finally reconstructed, I proceeded to increase my business level by adding t-ball for the oldest cherub.  However excellent this choice may turn out to be in the development of his character, it's driving me batty right now.  The Dearest husband in the world has assumed the greatest amount of responsibility for this season, but I still want to help get him ready, make sure the uniform is clean, find lost socks that are hanging under a sweatshirt on the banister, etc.  His team is adorable, their coach is good with them, and Dear helps coach a base during games, when it appears to be a sudden attack of "herd ball".  We've been graced with fans from the family coming to cheer him on in his quest for greatness.  It's been a joy, really.  (Don't tell Dear I ever admitted to it though!)

SOL season is upon us.  Have I ever mentioned just how much I appreciate Bush, the 2nd one, for putting into law NCLB?!  I am so glad that the used skewed data, incorrect information, and his charm to put into action the most ridiculous piece of legislation.  These SOL tests are such a joy to administer every spring, with students struggling and muddling through them.  When it's all said and done, summer vacation will be immediately around the corner!  Now, there's something to celebrate.

I've been cooking and baking a bit, just to see how different recipes turn out.  I've some I adore, others I detest, and some I'm indifferent about.  For the most part, I'm pleased with everything I've attempted.  I also got the newest Pioneer Woman cookbook, Food from my Frontier.  I fell in love with it immediately, but the first cookbook will always hold a special place in my heart.  I now need to get on the ball and purchase the Joy the Baker and Smitten Kitchen cookbooks.  I need an infusion of new recipes.  Can you tell I'm struggling with menu planning and such?  I'd be fine if desserts were acceptable for all 3 courses, but I've been told that this is not the case.  I mean, Bill Cosby was able to justify chocolate cake for breakfast, so why can't I?  ;0)

Harketh, the time to cook dinner has suddenly arrived...whatashocker!  What am I making?  That's an excellent question!  I haven't one dag gone clue!  However, it's Sunday Fun day, which means no matter what I make, it'll be delicious....sort of......hahahahaha!

It all started when.....

How many people can look back and see exactly where something started?  Was it the flood?  Was it when I slipped and fell?  Was it when I bonked my head?  Was it when the trip was canceled?  These are just some ideas, but not necessarily what happened in my simple, complex, little life.  Sometimes though just one question can lead you to the root of where it all started....

If I think about it, it all began with the bathroom flood and the chain of events that followed, related to repairing the damage and not, have lead my life to where it currently stands: in a very delicate balance of attempting not to resent my husband and children and keep everything else going in a smooth direction.  I tried to discuss this with 2 coworkers yesterday, neither of whom worked when their babies were little.  When trying to explain how frustrating it is to get things done within the home and work, while not having help from a husband or partner, is damn lonely!  Neither of them could understand how this might work or how to relate to it.  I had to stop myself from talking about it because my passion and frustration were about to spill over into the conversation because they don't understand and I couldn't make them feel my experiences with my words. 

On that fateful Saturday when the flooding happened, which led to fans and dehumidifiers being added to our normal din within the house, just before the two teacher work days.  Those two days were used to (1) get work done at work and (2) meet with the estimator for the damage, as well as stay at home b/c the truck was dropped off at the shop for repairs.  At the conclusion of day 2, I was expecting that the truck could be picked up, life would return to normal the next day, and all would be "normal", aside from the increased noise of the fans and dehumidifiers.  Alas, this was not the plan.  Running out late that night, to fetch a spare vehicle from a family member, so Dear could go work, while I had my first class the next night, and coordinating the return of the borrowed car, etc.  I should have turned around at the end of this day, and hid. 

I didn't hide, I persevered through that week, with the thought that life would slow down.  Bawhahahahahahaha....that was a very funny thought!  Basically since the last week of January, I've been the one to do everything related the household, work outside the home, and been a single parent. Dear does come home, which is lovely, but frustrating at the same time.  He wants things to flow smoothly, to have the children listen to him, follow his expectations, and allow him to relax.  Well, well, well... this idea is a good one, except I haven't sat down since I fetched the children, and I would like the same thing.  It's not really going to happen for both of us at the same time now, it it?  Also, if you think the children are listening to him or want anything to do with him at night, you're just as crazy as I am, thinking that I could just turn it over to him. 

As I continue to move through this time, I want peace and solitude.  I want Dear home at a reasonable hour (not 7:30 or 8).  I want my children to be happy, healthy, and very well adjusted.  If I build any more resentment, I think I'd better start therapy funds for them instead of college funds.  It will get easier, right?  To women who've never had to work through this, just offer a kind listening ear, not a comparison to you previous life.  I want someone to understand how hard it is work at work every day, only to have that work day continue when I get home.  These two things aren't comparable.  I wouldn't trade the life I have built with my family but how much Dear works, I would gladly trade away to someone else.  I just want my husband and friend home, without worrying about work and turning on his work computer after the kids are sleeping.  Life marches forward, ready or not!!!!!!!!!!

Karma

I firmly believe in karma.  I firmly believe that I have been the recipient of karma coming back around to bite me in the ass.  For example, I complained last year about a co-worker being out with her sick children what I thought to be excessive.  Well, wouldn't you just know that at the beginning of this school year, my children were the sickly ones and I had to call out frequently, arrange for subs and eat crow on this.  Hence, I don't like the stinging in my ass from being bitten by karma.

Now, this year, I have been working on avoiding the karma biting snake, working diligently and accepting responsibility for my actions.  As I look at what I've done, I don't have very many regrets in my choices (this year..lol!), but I do regret allowing my anger to erupt the other day, but I had had just about enough!  I'm thinking that I have to write a script tonight so that I can follow it during my meeting tomorrow.  Now, knowing that I have accepted karma as being present, I can't boss karma where to go, but I would like to walk away from the meeting knowing that it will strike regardless of where I am.

Things continue to revolve around me like I'm the sun...hahahaha. 

Pigs in Spaaaaaaaaaaaace

This is how I view my life at the moment: I am a piglet, floating around clueless in space, almost as if I have not a care or responsibility in the world!  Example: I asked my son what he would like for lunch on Tuesday night.  He asked for a home lunch.  I wrote it on his menu, highlighted, and put away his folder. Yesterday morning was crazy!  Everything that could be challenging, was.  After surviving the day, zooming home to fetch the children before going to Chick-Fil-A for a school fundraising night, I sat down to breathe at home.  It was about 6:05.  I forgot to check my son's folder, (a) because it was in the car and (b) I forgot to ask him to go back out and get it.  So, this morning, I brought it inside, because we had to pick what he wanted for lunch today.  I looked down to review the choices for today, when my heart skipped a beat in the sudden realization that I had FORGOTTEN to send him a lunch yesterday!  What is the world?!?!?!  I can't believe that I forgot what my own son needed!!!  I was mortified that I failed in my parental duties.  Not to mention that I probably confused his teacher to no end.  I think I need a spring break.  I need a moment to slow the hell down and get my head out of my a**! 

I was wondering though how do some wives motivate their husbands when their jobs are crazy.  I am watching my husband struggle, struggle, struggle, struggle with demands, blaming from his peers for not doing things, but he has the brains and doesn't get recognized for his hard work.  He is amazing but it's like watching someone in slow motion as they fall and hit their fanny on the ground.  How do you help a boy???

ironic

This morning i was awakened by the alarm on Dear's phone.  Normally this wouldn't have been an issue, but since it's Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, I have the privilege of honoring it by staying home.  I had grrraaaaand visions of sleeping in this morning, snuggled under the covers, while he dressed to go to work.  Alas, this was not the actual sequence of events.  Instead, I fumbled to turn the darn thing off, only to have it screech in my ear again, 10 min. later.  I supposed this is the point of the snooze button, but I thought for sure it meant off in my delirium.  It's a good thing that coffee freshly brewed can erase the memories of being summoned from my bed rather rudely  ;-)

On the plus side, I did find some motivation to make it through the evening.  I made the elusive grocery list, which just happened to coincide with the creation of a menu, sent Dear to the grocery store, made dinner, rotated the laundry, and assisted in bathing the children.  I was exhausted after all that I tell you!  Maybe I do need a recovery day today....even if this was supposed to be my motivational day. 

Happy Birthday to MLK, Jr. and in his honor I will persevere through my list of tasks, as he did so many years ago...Although is had a much larger impact on society and law makers than my completing laundry will have. 

xoxoxo

Lacking....

i believe that I have come do epitomize the phrase "unmotivated".  it started yesterday when i chose to let my children to have Doritos for breakfast.  yes, that's correct, i willingly chose to put the Doritos in bowls, brought them to the children in the family room. i then chose to plant my arse in the recliner, watched them eat them, and made zero attempts to make anything else.  it was almost like when Billy Cosby was able to rationalize serving chocolate cake with orange juice to his children.  I felt guilt about this poor choice, so I served them grilled cheese with apple sauce for lunch.  Whew!  I felt so much better after that!

Today, I modified my behavior from yesterday and went to the opposite extreme; sawmill gravy & biscuits with scrambled eggs.  i feel so much better that i fed my children quite well this morning.  Did we have lunch?  Why would you assume something so absurd!  That would require me to cook 3 times today...so, I'm looking for dinner recipes.  I've not really found anything that appeals.  Although I did find one recipe and the website wouldn't pull up!  Bummer!!!!  It had a recipe for the pepperoni rolls that Dear and i used to get when we traveled to Radvegas.  Well, since that didn't work, I decided that i should write on my blog.  Are you following me through this crazy paragraph????  I mean, it's not like I've jumped around  :-)

Finally, I've not moved the laundry today, made my menu, gone grocery shopping....really, tomorrow might be my saving grace of a holiday.  Perhaps tomorrow I'll find my groove and get movin'....BAWHAHAHAHAHA!  No, seriously, I really think it will be a positive turn around.........

xoxo

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  It's 2012 and I can't fathom what happened to 2011.  I know that I worked hard, fought battles large and small, triumphed along the way and found myself exhausted by my own high expectations.  I found 2 blogs that I follow religiously (www.thepioneerwoman.com and www.annies-eats.com) to improve my cooking skills, as well as just enjoy reading what these fine women have to say.

I've contemplated moving  from my townhouse, suffered from home envy for  a hot minute, or months if I'm going to be totally honest, but I've remained where I am, waiting my turn to move into just the right house. I'll get there eventually.  I know I will.  I might have to spend more time outside to realize my house isn't that small  ;-)

To ring in the new year, I decided to make my first German Chocolate Cake.  I've been handed the torch from my wonderful mother in law, it's Dear's birthday cake.  I thought his birthday wouldn't be the best time to attempt my first one, so last night was it!  I was proud of my product, but was informed it was too chocolate-y and I just might have run out of icing about three quarters of the way around the outside of the cake...good thing it wasn't a cake decorating contest.  I thought this would be a great start to the new year.

May your day be joyous; your memories strong; and the future bright!