Just Me!!

She describes the last few days in Seattle, right on! Click here for a few pics and an accurate descript of our cooking day (minus her praising my cooking abilities). Katie (Shannon's Boston Terrier) did taste test the cinnamon rolls, however some lucky family member will be getting to taste that "special sauce." Most of the recipes should come with a dentist's referral note, but hey it is the thought that counts, right? All said and done, we had a TON of fun! We love laughing and giggling our way through each recipe. Today is the year anniversary of Gweens passing...! We truly missed her prescence at our feet when we were baking yesterday! We miss you Gweens!

1. Arrived before the great Northwest Storm 2. Stayed in Tacoma because the in-laws electricity was out for 5 days. 3. Took a bus trip to Leavenworth Washington to watch the annual Christmas lighting 4. Shopped, shopped, and shopped some more. 5. Eaten Sushi twice 6. Purchased one sushi book 7. Ate at the Rain Forest Cafe ...right under a pack of wild gorilla's! 8. Took pictures of Mount Rainer in all it's glory 9. Watched a "feel good movie" with the in-laws! 10. Played a round of "May I?" and lost 11. Played at a local park with new and unique toys...got sick off one of them (same concept of a tire swing). 12. Held my new nephew, kissed him, changed him, and wished him mine! 13. Helped my mom with her kids christmas party 14. Got held up in the worst traffic for 45 minutes! Grrrr! 15. Spent time with family.... 16. Searched for some great coffee. 17. Noticed my MIL found a coffee system that makes some great brew :), and she has had it for years. 18. Call...

My parents have always loved and spoiled my kids! Her, my mom, love language is gifts, and she constantly sends them packages full of exciting toys, food, and clothing. The Christmas Season is differnt though! She created a wonderful tradition(while my sister and are were away at college)years ago, that I will in the future continue for my children's children! It is similar to the Advent calendar. Each year she wraps little gifts, for each child, starting with the 1st of December, counting down to Christmas. Every day the children get to wake up and open one pre-christmas gift. I loved it as a college student. It served two purposes, made my last weeks of the semester bearable, and it counted down the days till I was able to be with my family. Nothing says love to a college kids, then a "care package." So, I thought I would give you the chance to count down with us. It is a fun tradition that does't have to be expensive....(you'll see)! One year Mark and I did it ...

Warning ...The list below contains many of "MY" favorite things. Please be aware that this is not my Christmas list, as I already own many of these items. Enjoy browsing, and I hope this helps with your holiday shopping! Sorry that I couldn't afford to include all of these lovely items as surprise gifts under your chair this holiday season! Maybe next year... 1. 13 slot file folders -I discovered this unique little bill filing system from ItchyBits , so I will let her describe why this has become one of my favorites. Instead of stuffing all my receipts, copies, statements etc. into shoe boxes, drawers, file cabinets etc. I came upon the 13 pocket plastic file folder. Exciting huh? But it is! I tab this thing out by the month and I stick all my transactions in the appropriate monthly slot and it slides neatly onto a bookshelf. I label with the year and it is organized. I've been doing this for the last five years and have them all lined up. Because they are plastic the...

I didn't say crack....I said crank! I know that it is only three days from Thanksgiving and I have a ton to feel blessed for, but I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, I guess (that's what Mark calls this). I feel angry inside! Alot of stuff has been brewing inside me lately and for awhile I just push it back down, then every now and then (usually before I start a new work week) I let it consume me. So what is it you say? How about a list, for all you who are considered list lovers ! 1. Really ready for a break...to be with family! It always kills me around the holidays. 2. When in laws fail to remember us, unless we are smack dab in front of their faces. 3. When liars get unwarranted family attention. 4. The kids taking their socks off at church, even though we have told them not too. 5. Using our tithe to help a family member...not knowing if others would disapprove. 6. Spen...

Mr. Jim has kept us busy this week blogging our thanks for people, relationships, and everything else we can think of! Today I have taken a moment to name five people (apart from my family), that I have met and am thankful for. The past months, because of Journey , Mark and I have had a ton of people fluctuate into our lives, so if you are not on this list it doesn't indicate that you aren't included in our thoughts. Here is my list... 1. Wendy Knoblock (my loyal, anytime I need her, friend) 2. Holly Shelton (co-worker and friend) 3. Amanda Hunicutt (co-worker and friend) 4. Misty Morgan (friend) 5. Jerry McLemore (my daughter's horse riding instructor)

My Kids - For each little toe, foot, finger, bum, smile, curl, nose, hand that I love holding, patting, kissing, snuggling, counting, and loving. - For their health, their minds, their intelligence, their problem solving, their creativity, and awesome personalities. - For every minute, hour, day, month, year that I have been granted to spend with them. Mark - For his willingness to sacrifice his time and his career for my education. -For all the time he spends alone, missing me at night. -For his desire to pursue his doctorate...to continue his education. -For showing me parts of the world I thought I would never see. -For keeping me safe at night. -For loving me despite all my faults (not that I have but just "one"). Dad's Place -For the great tasting cup o' brew. -For remembering my "regular" -For creating a Place to come and fellowship. It allows Mark and I to have time during the week to be together (on our coffee dates). -For being better than Starbuck...

Last year, Mark and I had the extreme pleasure of seeing a Live Transiberian Orchestra concert in Little Rock. We received it as a pre-Christmas gift from his parents. We knew the concert was going to rock, literally and figuratively, but we were no where prepared for the intensity and talent this group of singers/artists brought to the stage. It was incredible, complete with a light show, and snow. We were moved by every song that they sang, and the story line that accompanied it, wrapped it all together. This year, our circumstances have allowed us to purchase those same tickets for Mark's mom and dad to see the show in Seattle, whom are the original avid fans. I hope they receive the same joy as we did when we went last year. If you've never heard of the group, go to their website and browse around. I've attached a YouTube video for your listening pleasure (it is not one of the Christmas ones though). If you're still undecisive and would like to hear a sample with ...