Thankful

On Thanksgiving Day I was thankful for many things...

• my husband for going to the store for me when I burnt the entire first batch of croutons for the stuffing...
• my Grandma for giving me so much Pampered Chef that I had an extra bar pan in the garage when I sat my hot pan of burnt croutons by the open window and it cracked the pan...
• my cousin for helping Grandma chop fruit for her salad since she has a broken wrist...
• my mother-in-law's homemade rolls...
• sweet memories of my Mom since her absence is always heavy on my heart during the holidays...
• my nephew for being so dang cute when he says my name I can't even stand it...
• Martha Stewart cast iron cookware...
• my sister-in-law for helping me during the chaos that always consumes the kitchen right before we eat...
• the Traeger grill which allowed us to smoke the turkey and free up our oven...
• my father-in-law for helping carve the turkey...
• getting to use my Grannie's china allowing her love to entertain her family live on...
• on-line recipes which make holiday recipe planning and sharing all the easier...
• my Aunt for catching all the great photos...
• my husband for doing all the kitchen clean-up AND sending everyone home with leftovers...
• having a mixture of families together ... AND
• my dining room table!

The night before Thanksgiving we went to Brad and Deana's. Jordan was in town so we had cake for his birthday. The boys posing for a picture - Bill, Casey (stepbrother), Jordan (brother) and Brad (biological father).

The boys and me.

It was a great dinner. I had more guests than I'd anticipated - which was a pleasant surprise.

Mmmmm... Turkey on the Traeger.



We couldn't find the whip attachment for the Kitchenaid and the whipping cream wouldn't "whip" without turning it up really high. That makes spray everywhere as you can imagine so we covered it with a towel. My nephew, Carson thought it was really funny that Auntie was making such a mess!



Serving up dinner - cousin Anthony, Uncle Robert and cousin Robbie.



Same as above, but with Robbie's kids (Shane and Peyton) at the bar and Uncle Scott and my brother, Corey.



My father-in-law, Fred, with Uncle Robert and Corey.



Some weirdo, mother-in-law Francie, Aunt Marianne and Grandma Jo.



More eating. That's what we do.



My honey.



Uncle Robert and Grandma Jo.



Grandma Jo, Uncle Robert and Robbie.



Silly Robbie - love it.



Corey.



My sweet nephew, Carson.



Grandma Jo and me.



He's being camera-shy.



Cutie Peyton.



Daddy and daughter.



Scott and Anthony.



Aunt Sue and Robbie.



Little cheesers.



I always enjoy taking pictures of the aftermath in the kitchen.



Carson totally spied me in the kitchen getting him a pumpkin bar. He was so happy!



Now that he has it, he was checking it out.



It was all about the whipped cream.



The end... I stayed up until 12:30 Thanksgiving Eve making desserts and back up early Thanksgiving Day cooking and getting everything ready. I was zonked on the couch at 8:30 p.m.

It is always a lot of work, but very worth it. Somehow hosting these events makes me feel closer to my Mom. Thanks to everyone who helped make the evening so great. Love to you all. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Recipes '09

It is that time of year again. Thanks again to Pioneer Woman - again she's behind many of my recipes for Thanksgiving.

I got a head start tonight - chopping, cutting, food processing some of the ingredients.

Here's the line-up of recipes for this year's Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanks to my Grandma, mother-in-law, Aunt and sister-in-law for filling in the gaps. Here's what we're doing.

Smoked Turkey - Traeger Style

Apple-Cranberry Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce

Trader Joe's Green Bean Casserole

Deliciously, Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Sour Cream Apple Pie with Streusel Topping

Caramel Pumpkin Pecan Gingersnap Cheesecake

Not-So-Sinful Pumpkin Pie Bars

Enjoy your Thanksgiving preparations - whatever that looks like. Baking a pie, making your favorite side dish - or just bringing yourself. Happy Thanksgiving!

New Moon Weekend

I joined the ranks of Twilight fans in 2009. I watched the movie for the first time and late this summer I ordered my first book on Paperbackswap.com. I read all four books in a matter of weeks. I finally got it. I was hooked. I found the books to be very different from my normal book club selections, but a fun, quick read and a great diversion. They're reminiscent of my younger years of falling in love - the overwhelming emotion, excitement, stress and oh, the drama!

Marcie and I made plans weeks in advance to watch the movie premiere together with her daughters and their friends. Taryn was so cute. She wore her Dad's Forks High School letterman's jacket and matching flannel.

For those of you who have seen the movies, didn't this gal sitting next to us remind you of Alice?



We couldn't all sit together since there were so many people. This was a Cinetopia theater so, Alisha and her friends sat down in front with all the pillows. We had booked the 21 and over showing. They had a full menu plus wine and beer, plus large footrests and reclining seats. We were set!

The movie was fun, held true to the book, full of great romance and cute boys. What more could you ask for?

Afterward, the whole crew went out to dinner. It was a fun night!



Next up - June 30. Eclipse! Yippee!

Kentucky!

I'm back from Kentucky visiting Carin. It was so great to spend time with her - she is a wonderful friend.

My fun welcome gift!

We went to Churchill Downs - home of the Kentucky Derby. My friend my high school, Jono, met us there. He is a huge fan of horse racing and helped explain all the details. First, you watch the horses come out and make your pick.

Such beautiful horses.

I always chose number eight for some odd reason (smile).

Another number eight.

Twelve is pretty too.

Now, on to the race. You'll notice there are no racing photos. I'd need a much better camera to capture that action. Plus, it just would never do justice what it is like to see, hear and feel them roar past you. Wow.

I do like how they water them down after the race and walk them past. After all the cracking of the whips during the race, it is nice to watch this.

It is a great experience, but my one complaint? Ugh - the smoking - cigarettes, pipes, cigars - SICK! Even outside it is awful!

Isaiah did pretty well.

He's a cutie.

I had him pose for me on our way out.

Check out what I had him climb to get that picture for me. He was happy to oblige.

Brace yourself. It is the one picture of Carin and me. She is one of the most beautiful people I know and she is awful about getting her picture taken! This really isn't a great one of either of us. But, I'm still posting it since it's the only one I've got.

We had dinner one night at a Buca di Beppo. They have great food and we ate the leftovers for two more nights! This salad was great.

A basil mojito. I had to try it - not bad!

Brief interruption. I shot this photo because I want to do two of these on my front porch (minus the tulle).

We had a day of shopping and I got my eyebrows and makeup done at Ulta.

She did a nice job overall, but I'm not used to wearing that much makeup. You can't really tell in the photos, but I felt like a stripper! I couldn't wait to watch some of it off when I got home. Sorry, Monique!

My last night... Isaiah cuddling with his Mom (notice she won't look at the camera). Stubborn girl!

Mika. She is such a good dog!



Getting back rubs and tickles from Mama!



Thanks for the wonderful visit Carin! It was so great to see you! Let's plan the next get-together!

Heading to Loo-uh-ville

Heading to Kentucky tomorrow for a week. Bill's on his own. I see a man room, Corona and DVR in his immediate future.

As for me, I see my good friend Carin and her little guy Isaiah in mine. She doesn't have internet access (I know - how will I make it?) so no pics 'til I get back.

See you next week!

Rounding out October

Here is a mish-mash of happenings throughout the end of October...

Wilson enjoying some afternoon sun.



Last week, we had Tanner and Maggie. I took them to a play at a local elementary school. They were pretty excited!



Last Sunday, was my cousin Velvet's baby shower. I thought this was the most adorable cake!



Of course I had to make her cupcake bites!



She was a cute little mama. So excited and appreciative of each gift.



Check out Grandma Jo on the right. She was definitely the peanut gallery in the back corner!



Velvet was pretty excited about this one!



Fast forwarding onto... Halloween. Corey, Keri and Carson came by and we went to our favorite cider mill around the corner.

Me and my sweet nephew.



He got a sticker from a clown. He wasn't scared at all!



So happy!



So cute!

<

Happy Halloween!

Two

Two years ago yesterday I watched him being born. Only four months after watching my Mom take her last breaths and leave this earth, I watched her only grandson and my nephew arrive. It was a wonderful moment and I felt so fortunate to be there. Life and death. Two equally monumental occasions to witness and share. There will always be something special about Carson. He will forever be the only grandchild my Mom ever got to know, think and dream about meeting during her time here. She would have loved to kiss on his cheeks and bury her face in his neck. She loved him from the first moment she knew about him. He will forever have a pretty special angel looking out for him.

Now, he is a happy little guy who is so proud to be TWO!

He's really into Thomas the Train. I was walking around Target last night worrying about what to get him - worried I wasn't making a good choice, hoping no one had gotten him the same thing when... I ran into my brother! That couldn't have been more perfect! He helped me out with what I was considering and assured me what Carson would love. Oh, what great timing!

We were going to get him Thomas sheets, but Corey noticed this Thomas DVD at the checkstand. Appears to have been a good choice from Carson's interest in it!



Then there was the fuzzy Thomas blanket. He realllly liked this!



Not the greatest picture. I was having trouble with the window light from behind. But, this at least shows you how excited he was. He grabbed the blankie to cuddle with a huge grin. It was so cute!



He had to show it to Daddy - we were surprised how big it was!



He wrapped himself up in it and walked around.



Ready to blow out his candle! (PS: Corey decorated the cake - pretty impressive, eh?)



Such a cutie...



The kids all gathered on the kitchen floor to eat their cake. I thought this was a great idea!!



Happy Birthday, Carson! We love you, buddy!

San Juan Getaway - Final Destination

Our last stop was supposed to be Victoria. That was until Bill snagged a ferry brochure at Anacortes and I looked at the charges. Are you kidding me? It would be $160.00 to take the ferry to Victoria! We'd only be there one night and not even have time to do much. We canceled our room and thought of different things we could do.

It was at dinner with Ron and Roxanna that I casually mentioned, "We should have planned to go see Bob and Helen our last night." Ron and Roxanna both urged - YES! I was a little shy calling them about it this late in the game, but they talked us into it. So, that was our plan. We'd leave the San Juans on Friday, stop in at the Premium Outlets and head to Bob and Helens.

Helen and I worked together before both she and Roxanna retired. Those were definitely the "good old days". We had a lot of fun together.

It was so great to see them. First, we spent time catching up and taking a tour of the latest changes they've made to their home. Their house is just amazing. They've paired Bob's love of antique toys and Helen's passion for decorating and anything vintage to create a home that is an amazing showcase. More to come on that.

We went to dinner to a tapas restaurant called Sazerac. It was an amazing dinner and happy hour lasted until 8 p.m., so it was also a fantastic deal. Everything was very good, but the bacon wrapped figs filled with goat cheese with a balsamic reduction - I must say were simply divine!

The next morning Helen made us a lovely breakfast and we spent more time catching up and telling funny stories. OK, here we go. Here are some of the highlights of their home.

The library. This was an idea from Bob's head paired with Helen's creativity. It is gorgeous.

This is a shot of their living room. Check out the beautifully carved marble fireplace.



Here is where we slept - in the Victorian Room. Such a comfortable bed.



Here are their cutie kitties - Hannah Bella, Sherman and Hunter. They weren't allowed to come in our room and they didn't like that much!



Bob was a flight attendant - check out the Pan Am room!





This was Bill's favorite part. Here is where the kitties sleep in the bedroom!



Lastly, here is the most incredible part of their home. Their basement is turned into an amazing toy village and re-creations of their childhood. These are steps downstairs into the Toy Room.



There is music and special lighting. The decoupage to the right was done by Helen and she glued on the beads on polka dots on the bottom.



Toy Town. Each little "closet" area is a different show case.



This is the drugstore - likened after the drugstore Bob's family ran for years in our hometown. If you look closely the clock is not a grandfather. It is a wall clock with painted adornments to make it look like a grandfather clock.



Helen's father owned a butcher shop when she was little. You'll notice the black and white photo on the butcher block. The painting on the wall is a re-creation of the photo. That's her father with the glasses.



Next, was a gift from Helen to Bob. He wasn't allowed to come down the toy room for a while. You can see the photo in the top right and the likeness painted onto the wall. This is Bob as a little boy - priceless!



Of course, you have to have a bank!



And the toys! Bob's greatest passion are antique toy soldiers and sets.









My dear Helen.



I loved this clown Helen found at an auction. It is the kind that would blow up balloons for children from it's mouth.



The kitties kept watch at the top of the stairs. Note, those aren't real drapes behind them - just painted onto the wall.



I mentioned the decoupage on the stairwell? Some of the clippings were from music written by Helen's mother, Hazel. These are the most special touches.



And, most important of all, my friend. I love Helen very much. She is a friend that doesn't have to ask what you need, she just knows. She has my heart.



I was so happy when she met Bob. They are a lovely pair.



Thank you Bob and Helen for such a wonderful visit. It was a pleasure being in your home and sharing in your company!

What a great end to a wonderful week. We're back home now. Furry ones are back where they belong too. Ahhhhh, vacation.

San Juan Getaway - Part Three

The next day we did some trekking around the island. We went to the English Camp. Here's the story.

We walked up a very steep hill that just kept going. I'd be complaining, but couldn't given how we'd eaten over the week. I needed this work! At the top of the hill was this small cemetery on a huge lookout. Beautiful.

We went to American Camp next.



It was very beautiful there.



Next we went to Lime Kiln State Park that had a lookout for whale watching. Everyone told us though that this wasn't a good time to spot whales, so we didn't have our hopes up. However, we reached the lookout and heard a couple excitedly tell us, "We have whales!" We looked out in anticipation... It was great, except we were missing something pretty important. My advice to you before you go on a trip to the San Juan Islands - bring, borrow or buy BINOCULARS. Pretty important item. Without these babies what we were told were whales looked like tiny black specks bobbing in the water. Without the tip, we surely would have thought they were seals or even birds that far away. I didn't even take a picture.

And we move on...

The park was beautiful.

Bill loves to make me nervous.





But, I still love him.



The lighthouse...



Next thing you know, it was time to say goodbye to our room at Friday Harbor House. I took this picture of our room number for Evelyn.



We waved goodbye to the San Juans. It was a lovely, satisfying and enjoyable trip. We really had a great time and cannot believe we've never spent time there before. We'll be back.

One more leg of the trip left. More to come.

San Juan Getaway - Part Deux

After Lopez, we went to Orcas Island. We checked into our hotel and were a little disappointed in the accommodations. The biggest problem was not the towel left from a previous guest or the old furnishings. No, it was the fact they had no water, but assured us it would be back soon. We dropped off our things and headed out to explore - hoping for the best.

Our first stop was Mount Constitution. Wow. Wow. Wow. This place was breathtaking.



Get a load of this guy hanging out just by the edge of the railing. Rox, did this look like your visitor? Yikes.

Prepare yourself for gratuitous scenery shots. I could not help myself.











Check out the rainfall in Washington State. Now THAT is depressing!



We headed back to our room and guess what? No water. The lady was none too happy when we told her we couldn't stay there. We called the hotel on San Juan where we had reservations the next two nights and were able to get in a day early at the same rate. Sorry, Orcas Island, but a hotel where we aren't assured a shower or even a bathroom just isn't going to work for us. So, we were back in the ferry line.



Friday Harbor is beautiful and our hotel is amazing! Jetted tub, gas fireplace, balcony with view of the harbor... We're in love.

Before we left, I searched "San Juan" on www.foodnetwork.com. Well, guess what showed up? Turns out Rachael Ray spent a day here!! Now, you know I had to go to some of the places she went.

First stop on the RR tour, Krystal Acres alpaca farm. We really enjoyed meeting and talking to the woman who runs the farm. I liked hearing about how they sold everything to take on this business eight years ago. She also told me all about when Rachael and her crew showed up. She even showed me the things she purchased. I loved her things, but without the celebrity salary, we just bought socks! :-)

The farm was just beautiful.



The alpacas were cute, but they don't like people we learned. Now, where's the fun in that?



Here is their home on the property. I can picture OJ loving it here.



Next, we went to Roche Harbor and walked along looking at all the boats.



Roche Harbor is just beautiful in the fall. But, given the time of year, everything was pretty buttoned up. We had lunch at the one place open.



Another Rachael Ray stop on the tour, was Pelindaba Lavender Farm.

We tried lavender chocolate, lavender honey and even spicy lavender peach chipotle.



We went to the whale museum next to our hotel and had an ice cream cone downtown. Tonight we'll be laying low and having a late dinner. Afterward, we'll be watching this...



I do have a great husband. More to come...