Thanksgiving Cookies

I know, I know - it's almost Christmas but I haven't even blogged about Thanksgiving!

My mom and her husband made the trip out from Oklahoma and spent the holiday with us. We had the best time even though Brian and I were worn out from trying to get the house back together in time for their arrival. We've been in the middle of this remodel thing upstairs that's been goin' on way longer than it should. The good news is that we did indeed get the guest room back in working condition.

We decorated cookies the night before. These were supposed to look like this:



But they ended up looking like this and this. The main thing is that the kiddos has a blast and yes, the mess did wash out.






Belated Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours! At this rate, our New Year's greeting will probably come about about mid-June or so. ha.

Catching Up

My poor blog is so neglected these days so I'm going to attempt to catch up since Thanksgiving so we can get on to Christmas things!

The middle school band participated in the Shelbyville Christmas parade and it was brrrrr cold that morning. The girls and I headed off to the coffee shop and enjoyed some hot chocolate while waiting for the parade to begin.

We caught up with some friends to watch the parade and the girls really enjoyed themselves visiting with one another but the big attraction for the day, none other than the mail slot for a downtown business. It was the funniest thing to watch the little ones go up and peer in the slot and at some point they organized themselves into a line and were patiently waiting their turn to peer in. I really think they could have continued this little game all day long if left to their own devices.

Here they are, peering in!

And then came the band, except I never saw Ryan. I think that is him in the Santa hat on the far left but I'm not completely sure!

A few days later Brian & I used a vacation day to spend some time together. We headed out to explore a few towns that were new to us and didn't do much other than explore some little antique shops and bought some books. The highlight of the day was lunch at Shaker Village, we didn't realize we were going to be so close to there. What a relaxing lunch! Here's a few shots even though they really do not do the restaurant justice.


And lastly, this picture just says it all. This was on our way home from our day out together as we were driving through the countryside. We had just passed some very, very nice horse farms. I cracked up when I saw this sign! And yes, there really is a Nonesuch, KY and if you're interested there really is a Rabbit Hash, KY as well. Oh the things you learn when you venture off the beaten path.

Back to Thanksgiving later ... it's almost 10 a.m. and the girls haven't had breakfast yet!

For Today

Outside my window: That's funny, at least today ... I'm at work and my cube is on the interior and my window, well - I like to describe it as a jail cell type window. For months now I've been saying I need to install a phone on the outside.

I Am Thinking: Of the things that need to be done for Christmas, not just for us but for things that should be done for bus drivers, daycare workers, preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers, Sunday school teachers and the list goes on and on. To be quite honest here - I get very overwhelmed. Not to sound un-Christmasy or bah-humbuggy. Nor am I sure that either of those sentiments are actually words. But really, how do you mother's out there get it all done? I'll have to admit that it was pretty easy to do when Ryan was in kindergarten. But is that because I was 6 years younger? Or was that because there was just one child and one set of all the teachers listed above? How does one adequately show appreciation during the most wonderful time of the year when quite frankly, it's difficult to find the time to actually get it done?

I Am Thankful For: Another orphan being united with her family. I know that I know that I know, that the angels in heaven just have to be rejoicing! There's a long story to share about this family, and their new daughter Jubilee in particular, but I'll have to save that for another time. I'll just have to leave it for now by saying that she is a child of answered prayers and not just prayers from her delightful family either. Something about this precious child touches my heart and has since the first time I saw her picture on our agency's list. Hop on over to their site: http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/ and give them a big ol' THANK YOU JESUS!

From The Kitchen: You'll be impressed. I actually did cook this weekend! Homemade meatloaf from The Pioneer Woman's new cookbook! My timing was off and I didn't have it made in time for Brian to be able to enjoy it before he left for the Christmas play that he was in this weekend at church but we'll be enjoying it tonight. We both love meatloaf but unfortunately he doesn't particuarly care for the way I make it and I don't particularly care for the way he makes it. Needless to say, we just avoid it. But surely to goodness this recipe will work for both our tastes. If not, I'll officially give up on meatloaf!

Oh, and the girls and I made some delicious little treats last night. Dab some peanut butter between cheezits and then dip in melted chocolate. YUM! Brian saw it on some show, not sure which one, so we tried them last night. Tasty little things they were - but oh my, my - messy to say the least! The main thing though is that the girls thoroughly enjoyed the mess. He said that on the show they said they taste like little butterfingers. Not so sure that's how they taste to be but they are good!

I Am Wearing: Black slacks, white turtle neck and purple vest.

I Am Creating: Someone please throw out an idea that fits me for a category? I did help Ryan with a school project on Spain yesterday and used some of my scrapbooking things so I guess that could technically fall into 'creating'.

I Am Going: To be starting a new job next week. I know, I know - I haven't shared anything about this. I've only been at my current job for a little over 3 months at this point but something better came along from a financial and location perspective so I'm making the change. This has been a very difficult decision for me because a job changer I am not. When my job was lost back in January, my world really did feel like it was falling apart and then I went those months with very few interviews. Not at all an easy time for me. Prior to working for YUM, I had only had one real grownup job and had almost 10 years in at both places so I do not take changing jobs lightly. There were all kinds of jobs I did while in high school and college but you just have to do what you have to do when you're young. It's much different as a grownup, especially when there is more to consider than just yourself.

I Am Reading: Shanghai Girls. As soon as I'm done w/ that, there are all kinds of things to pick from. Brian and I picked up some new, old books on our day out last week. Several Pearl Buck books, some other China history books that were written before the Cultural Revolution and then for fun, a few first edition Garfield books. Brian has some older comic books that Ryan is now enjoying so he thought Ryan might like to have them. There was a sign hanging up in one of the antique shops we went in that said "Any unread book is a new book". I liked that! I also picked up Bill Cosby's "Fatherhood" book. I remember years ago laughing so hard from that one that I cried. He's such a funny guy and right now, I can't wait to re-read it and enjoy reading for just pleasure as opposed to learning something! There was one more, can't wait to read it either because it's written by my favorite humor columnist Dave Barry, although I don't think he has an actual column anymore. We used to read his columns when we were in Texas and he was always good for a laugh. I'm a little hesitant to share the title but if you want a good laugh, I'll share it once we're finished with it "Dave Barry's Guide to Marriage and/or S**". LOL. I've only read the preface and that had me in stitches. He starts it off by talking about the importance of finding the right spouse. Not as important as finding the right caterer, but it does rank right up there.

Ok, enough of my book reviews for now. For a lesson on oddity, one only needs to visit our book shelves.

I Am Hoping: That my new job is all that I want it to be.

I Am Praying For: The new friendships that were made while working here and hoping that those relationships remain even with my change. Also praying for the family mentioned above who is in China now adopting their daughter.

I Am Hearing: The sounds of a typical office. Typing. Talking. A little laughter thrown in here and there.

Around The House: Presents to wrap, todo lists to write.

One Of My Favorite Things: Movies. Something I truly enjoy but rarely ever get to spend the time doing. While Brian & Ryan were at church last night and after the girls went to bed, I treated myself to "The Proposal". I think I may even go see "The Blind Side" one day next week. The last movie I actually went to see was "13 Pounds" and that was back in January, the day before we left for China. I really should get out more :-) Nothing quite like watching a movie totally alone, I know - it's probably weird. But I enjoyed doing that even back when I was in college. My favorite time to go is the middle of the hot summer and just enjoy the time in the dark cool theater. Now that's nice!

A Few Plans For The Rest of The Week: Basketball practice tonight for Ryan, maybe some more treat making for me and the girls. Twelve month post placement meeting with our social worker Tuesday night. Our last one! We'll be traveling to Lexington that night and we're planning on dinner at our favorite Mediterranian restaurant and then hopefully be able to drive through the Christmas Light display at the Kentucky Horse Park. Time may not permit, but I hope it does! Wednesday so far is open for me, but Brian and Ryan will be going to church. Ryan and Emma both have holiday concerts on Thursday and at separate schools. Not sure if we'll both be able to go to both or if we're going to have to divide and conquer. I'll save that decision for Thursday. Then on Friday we will be ringing the Salvation Army bell at Wal-Mart. We typically buy the little candy canes and let the kids hand them out. It's funny to watch people, and I'll have to admit that I fall into this category when I'm on the other side of the bell - but people approach, some make eye contact but I'd say that most do not. Which I understand, while we do give - we certainly do not give every time we go by. But when little Emma taps them on the arm, hands them a candy cane and wishes them a Merry Christmas ... well, something magical happens. It's amazing to watch. Something about that little dumpling just makes people smile and almost always they come back to the kettle and drop some money in.

Have a good week everyone!

Tales From Christmas Past

Oh my, I'm in 'clean out my inbox' mode and ran across some pictures I had emailed to myself back in February when I was cleaning up my hard drive at work. That does count as cleaning right, when you move things from one pile to another?

Anyway, I just busted out laughing when I saw this. I am pretty sure this was taken in 2007, Emma would have been 3. The trip to see Santa the year before had been futile and tear filled so I just went out to our local little farm/feed store. Certainly didn't want to fight mall traffic and a long line for drama. We walked in, Emma calmly walked up to Santa, stuck her little hand out for a handshake and said "don't touch me". Then climbed up into his sleigh and told him what she wanted for Christmas. Can't really get any more direct than that can ya'? You know us Hunter girls, we're so diplomatic, sensitive and subtle. Yes, subtle. That's the right word.

Photo For The Day

We recently had pictures taken of the kiddos by my friend Melissa at Over The Moon Photography. She was more than awesome with them ... and the pictures, well - they are just better than awesome! This one just so happens to be my favorite! Can't you just see the love and affection between them? They are both truly smitten with Melissa and you can just see from the pictures how much they enjoyed having her attention. I think I had as much fun watching her with them, as they did having their pictures taken.

Thank you Melissa, I'll treasure these always and forever.

Not quite sure what I ever could have done to deserve all of the wonderful friendships that have been made here in ol' Kentucky. But I tell you, it's truly a wonderful gift. This just has to be the friendliest state in the union.

For Today

Outside my window: It's snowing in the 'Ville!

I Am Thinking: Of all the things that still need to be done upstairs to get ready for carpet to be installed in the hallway and the kiddos rooms. Yes, this is a repeat from last week - we had a terribly busy week and while I did get a few things done, it's still not ready for carpet. I'm also thinking about getting my behind in gear because Brian and I have taken the day off to spend together. This is an annual thing we do while the kids are in school/daycare. Nothing big, nothing planned - just a day out together where we do a little shopping, exploring, lunch someplace that we wouldn't typically take the kiddos. Very relaxing indeed. Our once a year chance to talk uninterrupted!


I Am Thankful For: My sweet hubby and so thankful that he enjoys spending time with me as much as I him.

From The Kitchen: Well, not exactly qualified for this area. We need to find a Carolin friendly topic :-)

I Am Wearing: Sweats, bare feet ... about to change into jeans and sweater for our outing.

I Am Creating: Again, maybe I need a new category for me. Not much creating these days but it would be nice to be able to scrapbook again one of these days.

I Am Going: Out with Brian! We're going to go explore Danville, Harrodsburg and Perryville. We may not make it to all 3 but we'll give it the old college try.

I Am Reading: Just on a lark, picked up a "Log Home Living" magazine at Lowe's last night. Not that we'll ever live in a log home but it does remind me that at one time that was my dream. Who knows, maybe we'll have a little cabin in the woods one of these days.

I Am Hoping: That the weather holds out today.

I Am Praying For: My mother-in-law and for Ryan as he learns about state government these next few days. Miss the little guy. That a decision I finally made is the right decision. Not really anything I can share now but hopefully will be able to in the next week or so.

I Am Hearing: The sounds of Rebecca playing. She loves to take little things like marbles or any little pieces of anything that she can find and put them in a toy coffee pot. She has her little dishes on the floor and is just as busy as can be. What a blessing she is! I'm just now remembering that it was on our "day out" last year that we received the call with our final travel information to be able to book our tickets to go and get her.

Around The House: A clean kitchen and for now a clean den. That is until Bex brought her toys up. But it's so fun watching her that it's really okay. Such a busy little girlfriend.

One Of My Favorite Things: Stillness and quietness, not too much of course - and not often. But with Ryan and Emma gone and Rebecca playing so quietly ... it's nice. Very nice.

A Few Plans For The Rest of The Week: Tuesday night - taking the kids shopping for the family the preschool is providing Christmas for. Wednesday - maybe a date night with Brian? That one is still up in the air. Thursday gymnastics and then on Friday the Christmas play starts at church and Brian is in it. This year it is running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Have a good week everyone!

KYA - Kentucky Youth Assembly

We packed Ryan off to KYA today. To quote their website, KYA is a "three day, hands on experience of Kentucky's state government. KYA is a student-led conference in which teens experience first hand what it's like to debate a bill in the capitol chambers, run for state office or argue a case in the State Supreme Court".

He has really been excited about this opportunity and was very involved in writing a bill and also writing the speech to present the bill. I wish I had kept a copy of it before he carted it off! They are also required to dress up, at least during the legislative part so this ol' mama really enjoyed buying something for him to wear other than a hoodie and jeans. I thought he looked pretty spiffy, if I do say so myself!

He's been gone since after church ... sure missin' the little guy already.