boy oh boy.

let's make a lunch date.

For those of you who check my blog often enough--know that I belong to a co-op preschool. This week it was my turn to host. From experience I know that lunchtime is probably the most exciting part of preschool, maybe because it's like a mini show and tell. Today was especially entertaining.

As all the kids gather around the table, it's customary for each to present his or her treat for inspection and have their moment in the spotlight as the others ohh and ahh. Of course, there is always one person that has the treat that is coveted by all, today it was Tyler's yogurt covered raisins. What a buzz those things caused. Every single child had to have their turn holding the bag, I could practically see the drool forming on the sides of their little chops as they compared their treat to the yogurt raisins. Lucky for them, Tyler was in a sharing mood and made sure that everyone got 2 apiece!

The next order of business is the telling of the jokes. Josh usually moderates and makes sure that every child gets their turn. Today all the jokes consisted of princes and princesses. Who knows why? But oh, the laughter shared at that little table. I'm sure it could revel any grand comedy club. And boy, is it contagious.

Lastly, much was spoken of bits and pieces of the days lesson. Since the theme for the week was being unique, a lot of attention had been drawn to their little differences. At the table, the topic was eye color. The observations started conversations on each child's unique eye color.

"My eyes are brown," Josh said "like Jeffrey's!"

"My eyes are blue like water." Janelle said.

"Tylers eyes are blue too!" Said Jeffrey.
"My eyes are brownish blue." Said Ben.
"My eyes..." said Sammy, pausing. "are hazel-licous!"

frankly, my dear...

Ooooooo-- and don't I look ravishing in my sweeping southern gown?!


Jeff just left for work. He won't be back until Saturday, so tonight I am going to pretend I am Scarlett O' Hara. Why?-- you may ask.


You might think I am weird, but who wouldn't want a smashing green dress made out of velvet green drapes. (Talk about thrifty!) And Ashley, well-- we won't even go there. I live in the South (so they say) and being a poufy skirted, well polished, male swooning belle has been something that I have always admired (even if only from afar). I must say though, I don't think I could get use to the corsets. (that, and delivering your own babies at home...out of the question.)


So, why not!? If even for 4 hours. I only do it once a year. And only for special occasions, you know. My special occasion this year? Well, it may seem silly to you, but it's this--



I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. Low fat peppermint ice cream! Well, I had to find a reason to justifying sitting around and eating it, and pretending I was Scarlett O' Hara seemed like the perfect excuse.

sweet birthday.

Ushering in the 28th was lovely.

My preschool kids behaved like angels.

Jeff made my favorite cake of all cakes, Red Velvet--

and let me choose the establishment to have my birthday dinner.

(Fajitas at Pappasitos!)

It was a perfect day.

28

Yes, it is true. 28 years ago today I was born and made my appearance in this world. Since that day I have done many things--

Thank you to all the well wishes! It's been a very happy and enthusiastic 28th!

Love, Em.

giddy.

Today I feel like this:

Simply giddy. Here is the reason why.
#1. I absolutely adore the boots Jeff "got" me for my birthday. Good job hon, you have wonderful taste.
#2. My parents special birthday box came today, and among other treasures, I found this bottle of french perfume tucked inside.
#3. I had a "moment" in the dressing room while shopping this morning when I tried on this sweater-- I could have sworn it was made just for me she fits so perfectly. My jaw dropped open and I could not stop twirling in the mirror. This kind of thing never happens. Thanks to my Mother in Law for sending me the money so I could bring her home with me.

#4. I felt famous at church yesterday. People were handing me cards and well wishes. My friend Sarah handed me a lovely little package with Eiffel tower coasters inside! And tonight, my girlfriends are taking me out to dinner!

And it's not even my real birthday yet!

♥

searching for santa.

It was cold.

Oh, was it cold and the wind was whipping.

The rain was drizzling and the temperature was dropping. My breath was puffing with each step. Looking and hunting for Santa.
.
But, we were brave.

Oh were we brave. The determination we all had to see Santa.

The kids had their lists ready to read on his lap. I had my camera tucked away in my pocket. Looking and hunting for Santa.
.
And then we saw a sign.

Oh, not a big sign, but a sign none the less. With a teeny tiny arrow pointing over to Santa.

We were so sorry we didn't bring ear muffs, as we made our way down through and between the icy raindrops. Looking and hunting for Santa.
.
And then we saw it!

Oh, we thought we saw it! The little pavilion set up for Santa.

We scurried through the cold and windy air, only to see an empty chair. It was too cold for Santa!

second best.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, (the fact that our car's heater went out and had to spend a good chunk of the weekend at the service shop, and rain, and a sore throat...) we postponed our luxurious cabin getaway. But, we are making the best of it. I had a lovely Black Friday with plenty of good deals to go around.

We started off our morning with a french breakfast right next to the crackling La Madelines hearth. Of course we ended up at World Market where we browsed the hundreds of gorgeous ornaments. I had to get the quaint French chocolate stuffed advent calenders for the boys. They were thrilled and can hardly wait for December to start.
Jeff wrapped up our morning with a rousting round of Christmas carols. There's nothing quite like a good Jeff ad-lib carol!

The holiday season is here!

giving thanks.

I truly love Thanksgiving! And this one was pretty spectacular. It started off well with Jeff getting home from work way earlier than expected. Even though the airport was packed, and his flight was crazy, he was able to get home early. I love tender mercies.

The food was divine. Sometimes I wonder why I don't cook a Thanksgiving type meal more often during the rest of the year, and then my bathroom scale reminds me so.

To good food, good family, good friends, and good health. Happy Thanksgiving 2007!

Love, Em

Fear Factor Thanksgiving.

I am still itching just thinking about it!

Imagine my horror when I peer into my "table-scape" bag and spy 3 creamy white, black faced, chubby little grubs wiggling around in there. Gross. Believe me, I didn't wait around very long to see if there were other ones hiding out in there. The bag went straight outside and into the trash can. (so much for the elaborate nature theme for my table, thanks a lot Sandra Lee! ) I did manage to salvage some of the acorns, but we had to de-grubify them first.

The kids thought it was great fun to give the acorns a bath. Then it was inspection time, anything looking the slightest bit fishy when into the trash can outside. We came out with 7 acorns left. What can I do with 7 acorns? I guess you will just have to wait and see. (Believe me, don't get your hopes up.) Thanks a lot gross grubs.

On the up side, my table is pretty dry. Looks like we will actually be using it this year. (whew!)

With all the excitement, I will be so glad to get away this weekend, here. Jeff surprised us by booking a lakeside cabin for a family weekend getaway. What a way to usher in my 28th birthday!

joie de vivre

Things are getting a little crazy around here.

Even though this Thanksgiving will just be the 4 of us, I have made every effort to plan the perfect feast. This year I get to use my little ceramic place cards and everything. They sit waiting on my kitchen counter top. I have already inscribed our names on them.

I don't know what it is about Thanksgiving that brings out the over-zealous nature in me, but around nine o'clock last night I decided that our dining room table top needed a smacking fresh coat of jet black paint (this instant!). And so, that's what it got. Little did I know that the humidity would spike last night, leaving it tacky in the morning. I did manage a second coat though-- I am praying that we don't have to have a Thanksgiving picnic on the kitchen floor because of my well intentioned choice.
This afternoon I took the kids to the lake to pick fall foliage for our (Food Network chef, Sandra Lee word coming up here) "Table-scape". I scavenged that whole area for the coveted "hairy" acorns that I fell in love with at our last trip out to the lake. My hopes were too high, after turning over every leaf in that blasted forest we managed to find 2 in tact and about 6 that were rotten. I was so desperate I almost (ALMOST) brought home the half rotten ones but decided against it. Oh well, next year! I know where you live, hairy acorn tree!

I am extra excited about the food this year. I have not had a true-blue homemade pumpkin pie for about 4 years, and even with my horrible pie crust record, I am going to attempt the unthinkable. (I did buy a few spare frozen crusts just in case though.)

I know I make my own craziness, but that's just who I am. I want things to be special for my family. I want to know that I did the best that I could at making those fond holiday memories for them through traditions, details, and extra effort.

I'm sorry to say though, that the table top painting tradition will not be carried out next year. (and hopefully we don't start a feasting on the floor tradition this year.)

That one dies in 2007!

autumnal delights.

I'm warning you-- I am a big copy cat. I see an idea and run with it. This morning it was a kitchy little turkey made from yarn that I spotted in my current issue of Martha Stewart Living.

The boys and I went to work. (they love a good craft project just like me.)

There was a buzz of excitement while we worked on our turkeys. Ben said his turkeys name is "Lurkey".

Even though the pattern was originally for table place holders, we think they look cute on a shelf.

Or in a lap.

To make your own little turkeys, go here.