Day 29 ~ I am grateful for the relationship I have with my children. Everything I do, every choice I make, I ask myself, how will this effect my relationship with them. I will only follow a path that strengthens my bond with my boys.

Day 28 ~ I'm grateful hair grows. I'm also grateful for people who listen well.

Day 26 ~ Couldn't sleep and with my nervous energy, I started moving furniture around at 3:00am. I couldn't make it work. I'm grateful for my understanding husband who helped me fix it. My nest now feels right. Day 27 ~ I'm grateful for sleep. 10+ hours and I'm back to mental health!

Day 25 ~ I'm grateful for such a perfect weather day for cutting down our Christmas tree and for the strong boys rocking the tree saw.

Day 24 ~ I am so blessed with a wonderful family! My favorite part of Thanksgiving, the laughter!!

Day 23 ~ I was grateful he was half dressed and I promise, promise, promise to ALWAYS knock before I close down the men's locker room.

Getting Ready For Thanksgiving

What's been keeping me so busy?

I'm learning HTML coding along with a list of 24 other projects I want to complete before the end of the year for work. I'm trying to convince myself I'm not biting off more than I can chew, but rather all true geniuses have several unfinished projects going on at one time. Wasn't this true of DaVinci? 

I'm also reading several books, one of which is a work of fiction! GASP! Dawn is reading FICTION?!! I'm reading, Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindquist. I'm reading this because the movie was so well done, but mostly I'm reading this because DH just read it. I thought it would be nice if I actually read a book he has read so we can discuss it. The man only reads fiction and well, I rarely do. I thought I'd make the effort because I love him so.

We're getting ready for turkey feast. Since the bird was free, I picked out a 22 pound beast with our Piggly Wiggly points. I took him out last Friday night, but today he still seems icy. I hope he thaws in time. I made the cranberry sauce and brownies, (my crew doesn't really like pie), and tomorrow I'll cook the sweet potatoes and stuffing. On the big day, I'll get up at 6:00am to prepare the bird for the oven and throw the stuffing in the slow cooker. I'll take the rolls out to rise and bake them when the turkey comes out. Lastly, on the stove top we'll cook up garlic mashed potatoes and sweet corn. I just hope people show up to eat it all! 

I did something to my ankle, but have no clue what it was. For a few days it felt like I was recovering from a twisted ankle only I didn't twist it. Now I'll be walking and all of a sudden it will give out on me and it feels like I've shattered it. It almost feels like if I could just snap or crack it back to where it should be, it would be okay. I think its a nerve thing. Or my feet are missing my birkies!!! (I wonder if Birkenstock make boots for winter? Hmmm...)

Hopefully my ankle begins to cooperate since Turkey day looks like it will be perfect outside. I'd love to walk off some of the feast. We'll probably hike out to chop down the Christmas tree too.

If I don't get another chance, Happy Thanksgiving! 

Catching up!! Day 20 - I'm grateful for music! Its my drug of choice. Day 21 - I may have said this before, but I'm truly grateful to be an autodidact. I love to learn! Day 22- The tickle in my throat is telling me I need to eat raw today. I'm thankful for broccoli slaw and smoothies!

Day 19 ~ I'm thankful to have strong men to carry stuff for me. :)

Day 18 - Its so wonderful to have an 88 degree swimming pool all to yourself. I'm grateful for work perks!

Catching up with my thankful list ~ Day 16 I was grateful to receive a just because I love you call. He had been thinking of me all day and called as soon as he could. :) Day 17 - Today I am grateful I can stay home and take care of those I love.

Day 15 of 30 days of thankfulness ~ I'm grateful today was a beautiful day to walk to the library and the book I requested, Four Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman was ready for me to check out. Now I'm dreaming about building cold frames or even a mobile greenhouse next year!

Day 14 of 30 Days of thankfulness ~ Opportunities to learn new things, an appreciative boss, a chance to hold an itty bitty baby in my arms, free Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies, I have the best job ever! I'm grateful to work where I do!!

Day 10 of 30 days of thankfulness ~ I'm grateful we live close to a Piggly Wiggly, especially since I burned supper in the slow cooker today. Hoping the burnt taco smell doesn't stick around long. :)

Day 9 of 30 days of thankfulness ~ As I watch the rain change over to snow, I'm grateful for this quilt covering me and the hands who sewed it. Think I'll give my mom a call today because I'm so grateful I can still do so.

MW 3 Midnight Release Party 11/7/11

I finished my shift which usually signals the start of the end of my day, however on this night, I had a promise to keep. He had worked so hard, and saved his money. He waited for this night to come, counting down the days for weeks now.

I stopped in at Game Stop before my shift and paid off his game. I asked the clerk honestly, what time should we show up for this midnight release shin dig.

"We are expecting over 300. You can start lining up at 6:00pm to get your wristband."

Seriously?

We left the Sleepyhouse around 11:30pm, driving through the dark, hoping to avoid the jumpy deer. Arriving back in the city we saw the line at Toys R Us and the line at Best Buy, and I was a little surprised to see a few dozen lined up. When we pulled past the parking lot of Game Stop, my jaw dropped. Yes, 300 is about the correct number. I'm such a mom.

We had to park at Target and walk over through the dropped evidence of a serious tailgate party, Mountain Dew cans, bags of Chilpolte. The ratio of male to female, 297 to 3. The 3 included myself and two other moms.

We took our place at the back of the line just about at midnight, but were told we first needed to go inside and pick up our wrist bands. This turned out to be a lucky break because we were actually inside the store at the stroke of midnight to catch sight of the few lucky gamers who had indeed been waiting since 6:00pm.

DS16 brought the video camera. I'm hoping soon, when they decide to stop playing, he will upload the video and I can share it here. There were people dressed up in costume. The crew from Raven, a local video game design company, were there too. I don't know why. This wasn't a game they had designed.

Wristband in hand, we went back outside to wait our turn back in. The line did move quickly and we had our game in hand around 12:30am.

Walking back to the car, we had to avoid a few crazy ones, peeling out to race home and play, but several groups remained to party on. My favorite group were the air horns. They kept blasting their air horn to show their excitement. I couldn't resist. I shouted out, "We need more air horn!" Of course they obliged.

Driving back home to our sleepy bedroom community, we came across a pair of moronic raccoons. (Maybe all raccoons are morons?) I slowed down and one ran off, but the other turned and tried to scamper off directly in front of us for several yards. We also witnessed several deer backsides, but thankfully, their timing was much better than the raccoons and we didn't hit any.

DS16 made it to 2:00am, DS12 made it to 3:00am. They were both awake again by 8:30am, plugged back in. They are taking breaks to eat. That is good.

Day 8 of 30 days of thankfulness ~ I'm grateful for the few hours of sleep I did get, but mostly I'm grateful my children are happy.

Swedish Style Pancakes - Dawn's version

Description:
I adapted my grandmother's recipe, trying to make it more healthy. My mother would make these for us rolling them up with plenty of butter and maple syrup or jam. My sister taught me to roll them with vanilla pudding and whipped cream - YUM!

Getting back to trying to be healthy - I used whole grain flour, almond milk and rolled them with plain non fat yogurt mixed with homemade applesauce. Another great filling is left over sweet potato!

These pancakes, which are like crepes, cook up very quickly, so have your fillings and/or toppings ready to go. I prepare and warm up my fillings/toppings before making the pancakes so everything rolls up warm and toasty.

Recipe easily doubles if you have a crowd.

Ingredients:
1 egg
1 1/2 C almond milk
1/2 t vanilla
1 T brown sugar
2 T melted butter
1 1/4 C whole grain flour

Filling/topping ideas (some healthy, some not) - applesauce, yogurt, sweet potato, jam/jelly, maple syrup, pudding/custard, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, banana, chopped dried fruits, nuts.

Directions:
1. Mix together your pancake batter by whisking together the egg, milk, vanilla, sugar and melted butter. Stir in the flour until mixed.

2. Prepare your fillings, warming them if necessary.

3. Heat a non-stick pan with a little pat of butter or non-stick spray.

4. Pour in a few tablespoons of batter and swirl the pan around, spreading out the batter. Swedish pancakes are very thin and cook quickly!

5. After about a minute or so, using a non stick spatula, flip the pancake/crepe over and quickly cook the other side for a few moments.

6. Remove the pancake to a waiting plate, add fillings and roll up.

7. ENJOY!

Day 7 of 30 days of thankfulness ~ I'm grateful I can walk to the library, have the sun shine on me, fresh air fill my lungs, and all the inspiration my backpack can carry.

Day 6 of 30 days of Thankfulness ~ I'm grateful for my wonderful husband, who is always willing to pitch in around the house even though he works 40+ hours a week away from it.

Day 5 of 30 days of thankfulness ~ I'm grateful to have an entire weekend free, to enjoy with my family.

Day 4 of 30 days of thankfulness ~ I'm grateful for the hug I received from DS12 just because he was feeling happy. Unsolicited hugs when you least expect them are wonderful. :)

Day 3 of 30 Days Of Thankfulness ~ Today I'm grateful I'm tuned in and listening to my song.

Day 2 of 30 days of thankfulness ~ I'm grateful rest restores. A new day, a new chance for change.

Day 1 of 30 days of Thankfulness - Today I'm grateful the mortgage comes out on the 5th not the 1st. Making it to payday is a huge blessing!

Its Tuesday, not Monday, And We've Made It To November

I think because it was Halloween yesterday, and I had someone cover for me at work, this is why I feel like today is a Monday. I will be telling myself its Tuesday all day long.

DS12 enjoyed his last year of trick or treat, even though his Al Capone belly pillow fell out only a block away.

I'm thinking next year we throw a party and ask everyone to bring a different bag of candy. Then Christmas cookie exchange style, all the guests can put together an assortment to take home.

We watched several episodes of R.L. Stine's the Haunting Hour we had recorded and had a nice evening. I tried to make a healthy supper, salad with chicken breast and roasted potatoes, but we still probably ate too much sugar.

Another plan for next year, DS16 says we should get many more pumpkins and carve a pumpkin a day leading up to Halloween. How I will fit all those pumpkins into our tiny composter after Halloween, I don't know, but I like the idea of lining the driveway with pumpkins.

I had an interesting conversation with DS12 yesterday while he was carving his pumpkin. I thought he was being too hard on himself and he said back to me, "Mom, being hard on myself is what motivates me to do better."  Whoa.

We talked about the importance of knowing when you cross that line. We also discussed how every person creates their art differently and what's important is that you stay true to your individual style.

After he had finished carving, he did say he was pleased and it came out better than he had expected. I guess I shouldn't worry so much.

I can't believe it's November already. We've made it to November without putting on our heat!! Last night we got close to putting it on, but I had this goal to try and make it to November. It's only in the 50's on average during the day, and the evening temperatures drop down to the 30's, but with all the living we do in our Sleepyhouse, it somehow naturally stays warm enough. Our house temperature has maintained around 65. I joke its the heat from all of our glowing electronic rectangles!

On my agenda for November, organize my closet. I would have more room if I store way the summer gear.

I also hope to accomplish Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving. I say this every year, and never quite reach that goal. I would like for the shopping to be done, so I can completely enjoy the season without the stress come December.

My last goal for November, stay healthy! So far so good, but November brings the serious start of cold and flu season. At work I'm constantly exposed, although at home I try to keep the bottle of Lysol on hand. I think if I have DS12 hide away all of his Halloween candy, that will help me keep the sugar intact down. I know sugar and stress are what weaken me.

On that note, I suppose I should get moving here to help me reach that "be healthy" goal. Have a great TUESDAY!