Out with the old, December

Here are a few memories from our holiday gatherings. Much love to all of our family and friends. Thanks for a happy 2008!

Bargain Hunter's

Brynn and I have the week off from work and day care. She's the best little shopping buddy I could ever ask for! We're making tracks hitting the 60 - 75% off clearance items stacking up on all sorts of things that Daddy claims we don't need. We'll promise to post more as things settle from the hustle and bustle. Happy Holiday's to all!

Oh! You better not pout.

Where's Huck?

Just a bunch of squirrels

The old gang got together for the annual White Elephant dinner this past weekend. Quality gifts were exchanged while enjoying a quiet and conventional dinner.

movie monday

WALL-E

Normally I can stay away from Pixar films. Not because they are lacking talent; imagination; beauty; or anything else, but because I get kind of antsy during animated movies. Ooo, I'll pay for that statement from somebody eventually. WALL-E is a romance film between two robots, taking place in a post-apocalyptic New York City and outer Space. Not much of the English language is spoken, but the soundtrack makes up for it with artists including Peter Gabriel and Louie Armstrong. Save this one for the adults, I think it's too harsh for the young ones. Turns out this is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Check it out.

All I want for Christmas is a hair stylist.

Kewpie

Before parenthood, I was all 'pshaw Mickey'.

Why? ... What happened?

Farewell, November

"If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."
~ Rabbi Harold Kushner ~

The Woman behind the Man

"Eat Santa, eat. The children expect a fat Santa."

Ode to the Rolling Pin

The time of year has come to clear the kitchen counter, preheat the oven, and get to work. Flour, sugar, butter. You'll see the damage in my cheeks in no time. But heck, I love to bake!

The season began with the annual lefse fest with the Nephew's. The 3 of us each make a batch of lefse dough and gather for a day of lefse baking. I can't help but think of relatives from both my side and Nick's doing the same thing for generations. It's fun to hear what people like to stuff their lefse with - butter, jam, meatballs, mashed potatoes, or just plain. No matter how you dice it, lefse seems to mark the beginning of the holiday preparations.

Shortly afterwards, I decided to pull some more butter out and get crackin on some holiday cookie baking. I try to have an assortment for the holidays and I've truly been inspired by Nick's mom, as her assortment is so impressive each year. It makes for a festive plate of caloric craziness that can be shared with neighbors, co-workers, friends. And it's just nice to turn on the oven cause Nick likes to keep the house at a cool 62. Crazy man. Ok perhaps I'm exaggeratting a little.

The first batch I've named 'Pistachio Nutmeg Moonbeams'. My own title, someone else's recipe. I just didn't have the cookie cutter to name them 'Nutmeg Squares'. Tasty. Hidden in the freezer. Do Not Sneak! (I tell myself.)

Free to Be

Perhaps you are familiar with the album and illustrated children's songbook 'Free to Be You and Me'. I remember as a kid being in the musical... several of you readers were up on that stage singing those catchy songs right along with me. It wasn't until our old friend Maren bought Brynn an updated copy of the book and CD a few weeks ago, that I thought of those songs once again. It has been such a treat to share this with Brynn, and will be even more so in years ahead when teaching her the importance of individuality and that anyone can achieve anything they want. At this moment I'm proud to raise my child in this country, where the children are free. Thank you Maren for the wonderful gift.

movie monday

Iron Man. Seriously? Many of you are thinking, hmm... that doesn't seem like Sara. I bet Nick forced her to watch it. And yes, you're right. He did force me upon this comic book super hero adaptation. And I fought it for about 2.5 minutes. Then I was hooked.

Robert Downey Jr. rocks as Tony Stark. How fitting he plays a character who finds a second chance at life and uses his talent towards humanitarian efforts. Stark inherits his fathers military weapon business. While visiting Afghanistan, he is captured by the enemy who forces Stark to make the biggest, baddest weapon for him. This is when Stark secretly designs himself a new outfit, his escape - Iron Man. He comes home with a new direction for the business and puts halt on any new military weapon engagement. Forget about the "ya right's" and just enjoy the film. A stellar cast also includes Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Terrence Howard. Pop some popcorn and sit back for an evening of entertainment.

America needs our own Iron Man. Vote for Change.

Spook you later, October

A creepy, crawly monster is coming straight at me.
Closer and closer he climbs upon my knee.
Up to my shoulder the monster's much too near,
"Happy Halloween", he whispers in my ear.

Where's Huck?

Hey, Can we get some lights on in here?

Ah, that's better.


Let me show you the new color in our dining room!














The soft color makes for a relaxing ambiance just right for my dining experience.














Umm Dad... Is that Mom? So help me if it is.

Blue Door Pub

I'm happy to have finally been able to check out our new neighborhood establishment. A 4 block walk, makes this my new favorite place to grab a $2 Bell's Two Hearted before 6:00! I ate the 1/2 pound bleu cheese/garlic Blucy and 14 hours later, I think I'm still trying to digest all of that beef. Been there, done that with the stuffed burger. Next time I'll try a lighter fare. Brynn enjoyed the chalk board walls that align the large cozy wood booths. If you're even the slightest bit hard of hearing and you want to enjoy a good conversation, check out the Library about 3 blocks away because this isn't the place for that. The area is so tiny, it almost has a feeling of being at a house party. I still love the Nook, but there's room in my heart for another pub -my waistline is another story.

Work is frightful these days.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

And some random little boy who really liked Brynn....If he only knew about her wild side.

There's a hole in the ceiling, dear Sara. Then fix it, dear Nick!

Ouch! I guess we're experiencing a hiccup of sorts, as this kind of threw us for a loop. Fixing a leaky pipe isn't so easy when it's made of lead dating back to 1914. Thank goodness for the YWCA and South Import Motors for their showering devices.

Brynn's bath time is taking place in the kitchen sink. She loves it. I kind of wish I could fit in there.


We're definitely still enjoying ourselves. Early October in the Twin Cities is prime. I was stuck in traffic on the Lake Street Bridge overlooking the Mississippi on Sunday watching the Twin Cities Marathon, the crew competition, and the changing leaves. Glorious. All of it.

The colors of the vegetables and fruits at the St. Paul Farmers Market are so vivid, what's not to love!

Cousin Henry turns 3 and so the entire family went for a Hayride and had a blast celebrating his birthday with a Dinosaur-themed party! Awesome!







Our little pumpkin....