Thursday, September 30, 2010

Big and Chunky

Yesterday it was the Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, and today I made Pioneer Woman's Raspberry Crisp again. What am I doing to myself? The temperature drops ten degrees, and I am eating like I'm getting ready to hibernate.

Madagascar 2 is a huge (ha.ha.) hit around here. I can't seem to get this out of my head.




Big and Chunky.
Must exercise soon.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

I don't know how I stumbled upon the recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. I was blog surfing, and there it was. Heaven help me. Every time I looked in my fridge yesterday afternoon I saw this.
I'm a dough girl. I almost always like the dough better than the cookie itself. And while the dough sat there calling my name over and over again, I was shocked to taste that cookie is even better! (Under baking is really the secret.)
I mean, what's not like about a roughly chopped peanut butter cup hugged by peanut butter cookie dough? (Yes, my cookie pans are old.)

Talia loved them.
I could've sucked that chunk of peanut butter cup right off her thumb...but then I remembered that she's almost three. She got to it before I could, so no need to weigh the pros and cons of that decision.
Make these. But be warned. You won't be able to leave them alone.
This is the kind of goodness that I had to give away so I wouldn't eat any more. Yes, I am that undisciplined.
I gave them to carpool friend when she picked up Ella for school this morning.
I left them in a friends van when I knew she was dropping her son off at story time at the library.
I begged another friend to "be a pal" and take these off of my hands.
And I dropped the rest off at Bruce's office mid morning.
"Get thee behind me..."

Seriously. Make them.
But don't give any to me.

P.S. Mom, make these for Dad!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

True Fun

When we picked up the girls from Grandpa and Grandma's on Sunday, I took a few pictures in their backyard.
Ella was in the mood to have her picture taken. That never happens, so I jumped at the chance. I love the blue marker on her face. Hilarious.
Talia was not in the mood have her picture taken. That's okay. She wanted to swing. Like Ella.
Grandma installed this swing after our Day at the Farm. They have one there just like this.
Could someone show me how to take pictures in movement that aren't blurry? I am talking to both of the photography Megan's in my life, or anyone else that knows!
Grandpa and Grandma think that Ella + Talia = true fun.
Ella and Talia think that the weekend at Grandpa and Grandma's + the swing = true fun.
I think that the weekend at home + a little date out with Bruce = true fun.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Let's do math like this again soon, okay?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Not Fair

I Wore Purple






The only other people crying at the game (besides me) were undercover Jayhawks....
and maybe  Wade Weibert's mom.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wade is from our little town here in KS and was in our youth group at church all through high school. Needless to say, I have a soft spot in my heart for all of the kids that were there during those years. I'm crying now thinking about each of them. Good grief. I need to get a grip.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Weekend Happiness

Happiness is: 
-being four hours away from the girls going to Grandma and Grandpa's for the weekend.
-sleeping through the night.
-seeing a friend reach their goal.
-a crisp morning.
-being told you're loved and liked by your youngest child.
-cinnamon rolls.
-purple.
-work you know you were meant to do.
-silence.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Happy Birthday, Taryn. You are a category of happiness to me that must stand alone.
I love you!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

In Style's "On My Mind"

Last night I took a bath with my In Style magazine.

On the very last page they have a feature called "On My Mind" where they ask famous people to comment on various topics about themselves.  I always think it's fun to see if I would say the same thing as whomever the star is. This month it's Blake Lively from Gossip Girl. I loved her in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...the second one, not so much.
Here are In Style's topics for Ms. Lively. Here are my answers.
Morning perk...Currently Starbucks Pike Place...black. I started buying this because when you save the bag and turn it into a Starbucks store, you get a free tall coffee with purchase. 
Fall fetish...Wal-Mart's Mulled Cider candle. At $3 each, I can buy and burn them all fall long!
Guilty Pleasure...Keeping Up with the Kardashions. They're a beautiful wreck. Can't. Look. Away.
Gametime...Talia thinks it's funny to run away from me. This is a game I'd like to quit playing. Is it too early to teach her Uno?
Signature Scent...Chanel, Mademoiselle. Bruce picked it out for me during our first year of marriage. I've been wearing it ever since. Love it.
Just saw...You've Got Mail and Something's Gotta Give...again. I had them playing today while I worked on Kiltzing my entry way and doing other house projects.
"If I ever get out of here, I'm having my eyes lasered."
Workout... Right now I'm trying to do yoga twice a week (still not focusing well) and trying to walk/run three times a week. I don't remember the last time I did all of this, though. I think I'm in between workouts. What should I do next?
Favorite happy hour...Sonic's 2-4 pm half price drinks. Dr. Pepper with lime. Theee best.
New hobby...I would like to know how to reupholster furniture. Anyone want to teach me?
Dream vacation...Italy for a summer. It did say "dream" didn't it?

How about you? I'd love to hear what you have to say. Copy and paste the categories in the comment section and fill in your answers. Answer them all, or answer a few. I can't wait to see what you have to say.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Chunky Monkey

I'm thinking a lot about Talia today...at this age. She was ten months old.
She was a chunky monkey.
I miss those legs.
The rolls and the folds of those legs. 
Chubby feet not yet walking...
a strong upper body that could forgo a workout because she was all I needed to feel worked out.
I am thinking about her inflated ankles.
If I didn't know better, I'd think she wore rubber bands as anklets that had left their mark.
I am thinking about her first word and how it confirmed so much that was swirling around inside of me. And then the swirling stopped. And it landed.
"Ella," is the first word she said.
Some of you are wondering if I have "the fever"---the answer is no. 

Sometimes, it's helpful for me to look back and see the road I've walked. 
Sometimes it feels like I've walked it all barefoot.
I have been allowed to feel more of it than I would choose.
Someone once said that it's not until you look back that you see 
that you've been carried all along.
At nearly three years old, my monkey has lost her chunky.
I don't know why I am surprised that the One who has carried me all along 
knows how to swing through this phase of Talia's life. 
I may need to take a few motion sickness pills, though.
I'm getting a little dizzy.

Monday, September 20, 2010

The Winner of Two Books

Random.org chose the winner of the Message Bible and the Stormie Omartian book of their choice. It's number 17 out of 20. And the winner is.................................................
M. Wiebe!
Hey, M. Wiebe! Leave me a comment letting me know which Stormie O. book you'd like, and I hope you have a great Monday with those fourth graders!!!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Jacuzzi Lifeguard and a Reminder

Yesterday during the Arts and Crafts Fair it felt like it was the middle of July. I'm guessing it was in the mid 90's and there was very little wind. It is a rare day in Kansas when there isn't wind. We were wilting. The girls were in our pool in the morning and hit the neighbors pool in the afternoon.
Talia looks like she's taking her role as Lifeguard pretty seriously. I'm reminded of that Jim Carrey and Will Ferrell sketch on SNL...The Jacuzzi Lifeguard. The bullhorn. The rope. The binoculars. One of my favorite Jim Carrey moments for sure...next to Dumb and Dumber, of course!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Reminder:  my giveaway for the Message Bible and a Stormie Omartian book of your choice ends tonight at 9pm. If you haven't entered yet, you can enter HERE.

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Vintage Soiree

It's Arts and Crafts Fair Eve here in town. I've made it an official holiday by taking the day off from work. While I look forward to the Arts and Crafts Fair every year, it's the Vintage Soiree Sale that I look forward to the most. And it started at noon. I was there at 11:15. :)
What's The Vintage Soiree?
"The Vintage Soiree features affordable antiques, including painted furniture, primitives, repurposed items, home decor, architectural pieces, linens, dishes, vintage jewelry and clothing, books, and much more!"
You wanna get a little closer, don't you? I know you do.
Soiree means party. I'm so glad they didn't go with Vintage Fiesta.
 I guess that could be fun, too. Just a different flavor.
These are my friends Carisa and Debbie... you might remember 
seeing them when we all took
They make up two thirds of the trio of The Vintage Soiree. Debbie's sister Beth, who lives in Arkansas, makes up the other third. (We missed you today, Beth!)
I sat down to interview the girls this afternoon. I am not kidding. There were all sorts of interruptions and there were plenty of laughs, too.
Kimberlee: I know no one is going to see me, but I feel the need to put some lipstick on. (In case anyone cares, it was Mac Lustre.)
Carisa: Do I need to put some on, too?
K: No, you look great.
C: Well, I can tell there's still a little on there.
K: I sat on the piano bench to eat my lunch at my dining room table today. (I purchased it from the VS this morning)
Debbie: That piano bench is from my husband's family farmhouse.
K: No way! I like it even more.
C: Okay, before we turn the recorder on...
K: It's already on.
And then there was silence....for about one second.


I'm running short on time, here are the VS highlights.
---Carisa and Debbie met when they were both working for schools in the area and discovered they both had a similar decorating styles.
---They threw together a gourmet caramel apple booth for their first sale at a local Oktoberfest and made a whopping $75. 
---The VS has been hosting their sale on Friday and Saturday during the Arts and Crafts Fair for five years.
---They get a lot of their inventory from the curb. You know, people getting rid of stuff. Debbie's dad adds to their inventory from curbside Kansas City. They have also been known to do a little dumpster diving.
---The VS only sells things they love.
---They do the painting and their husbands make the repairs.
---The prices are reasonable. I don't know how to underscore this more. I asked them why they sell things for the price that they do. This is exactly what they said, "We try to price things based on what we would pay for them and at the heart...we are bargain girls." Well, I think they are bargain girls with a heart. Today, for example, you get ten percent off your purchase if you bring a can of food for our local food bank.
---Their next sale is in December.
---You can find them on Facebook under The Vintage Soiree.

If you're coming to the Arts and Crafts Fair tomorrow. Visit them. You can find them at 108 South Lincoln. Just one block east of downtown. Take Grand to Lincoln and turn right. 

The Vintage Soiree: it's thee party you don't want to miss.
Friday 12-6.
Saturday 8:00 am-mid afternoon.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

His Autumnal Love Language

Brach's Candy Corn (and salted peanuts...don't try it. You won't be able to stop.  If you don't want to eat this because you're trying to lose weight or you don't want someone else to eat it because you want them to lose weight, purchase any other candy corn brand not made by Brach and no one will think twice about a second handful. In fact, they'll probably just push them into your couch cushions when you're not looking. I'm completely full of advice today, aren't I?

This is Bruce's autumnal love language. Having it in the house makes him feel loved. He didn't tell me this. It's just something I've picked up on. We started shoveling it in this week, and it will be a staple adult snack at our house until Halloween...or potentially Thanksgiving. I hope come Christmas his love language is pants with elastic waistbands worn by yours truly.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

A Book Giveaway

This morning I am going to a new Bible Study. For the weeks to come we will be discussing this.


I read it 7.5 years ago when I was pregnant with Ella. I still have the copy and am enjoying the underlined parts from way back then. I loved this book then. I love it now.


Christianbook.com describes the book this way:
In 30 easy-to-read chapters, Stormie shares from personal experience how parents can pray for their children's safety, character, adolescence, peer pressure, school experiences, friends, and relationship with God. As an added bonus in this edition, Stormie's grown-up children reflect on the way their praying parents raised them and what a difference it made.


The giveaway:
One of the following written by Stormie Omartian...Ms. Stormie has been busy! 
(And really, she has more books than this!)
The Power of a Praying Parent
or

The Power of Praying for your Adult Children
or

The Power of a Praying Church 
or
The Power of a Praying Life
or

The Power of a Praying Nation
or

The Power of a Praying Wife
or

The Power of a Praying Husband

AND
a copy of the Message Bible.
As I have been seeking out scriptures to pray for my girls, I have been using the Message Bible. The simple, truthful words speak to me so much...I just have to give another one away.


To enter:
Leave a comment. Any comment.
I will close the comments at 9 pm on Sunday evening Central time.
The winner of both the book and Bible will be chosen by random.org and announced Monday morning.
Love to each of you! I've gotta get to the study!!!!


+++++++++Comments are now closed! I'll announce the winner soon!


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

"Deep" Yoga Thoughts

I went to yoga at 6:30 am. 
Hopefully it won't be "sporadically."   
Hello, Clueless fans.  

Here are a few of my thoughts during yoga class.
1. I'm late.
2. Am I doing this right?
3. There's a seafoam green electrical outlet! Carisa would love that.
4. That's the only outlet in here.
5. Tree pose.
6. Shaking like a leaf. (Laughing to myself.)
7. Focus. Be a tree already.
8. Breathe.
9. I think my stomach is hanging over my yoga pants.
10. I can see my stomach hanging over my yoga pants.
11. I hate crunches.
12. Mountain pose. 
13. I look like a speed bump.
14. I'm going to wear Spanx to yoga.
15. Don't cough.
16. I'm going to cough.
17. Parenthood starts tonight!
18. I think we're about out of coffee.
19. Tree pose again? How many times are we going to do this today?
20. Am I going to have to drink decaf coffee for breakfast? 
21. I'm going to get a headache.
22. Focus...seafoam green outlet
23. I didn't bring money for coffee.
24. Yeah, see ya Thursday. 
25. Maybe.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

What I Love About Sunday: Getting Dressed



Ella has just started to dress herself on her own.

She still lets me choose what she's going to wear,
and I love that. 
I'm probably more thrilled to do it than I should be.

Talia not so much.



 I did let the little Rambo go to church with her hair done like this a few weeks ago.***
(She did it herself.)
There were a great cloud of witnesses. 
And they can testify.

***Screaming, Running, Naked Lesson 1,045: Choose your Sunday morning battles wisely so that you can still see what you love about the rest of the day.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Ten on Ten::September 2010

It's Ten On Ten day again!

Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month. 
Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments. 


Ten on ten is definitely a challenge when you spend most of your day giving massages to people who would rather not be exposed on your blog...but it ended with a beautiful view of my oldest greeting me when I got home. Ten on ten plus one more. I love you, Lady Ella.


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