13 Christmas Classics

This week's T-13 is a tribute to some of my favorite "classic" Christmas songs. Next week I'll delve into some of my "newer" favorites (And no, Mand, your favorite didn't make the list this week...but maybe next week...we'll see)

Feel free to post your favorites too, and I promise I wont sue you if you click on over to i-tunes and download every song on my list. Who on earth could blame ya?

1. "Happy Holidays" aka "It's the Holiday Season" (Andy Williams) Favorite lines: "He'll have a big, fat pack upon his back (yeah!) with lots of goodies for you and for me, so leave a peppermint stick, for Ol' Saint Nick-- hang it on the Christmas tree!"
2. "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" (The Drifters--from the "Home Alone" soundtrack)
   
3. "The Christmas Waltz" aka "Frosted Windowpanes" (Frank Sinatra)
   
4. "Here Comes Santa Claus" (Burl Ives) Does anyone else picture Frosty the Snowman every time they hear Burl Ives?
   
5. "The Christmas Song" aka "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" (The Carpenters) I could have put the Carpenters down a lot of times for this list...their Christmas album is good! But I'm trying to be diversified so you wont get bored...you're welcome.
   
6. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (Dean Martin) I could listen to this song all day and not get tired of it. That Dean-O....so charming!
   
7. "Jingle Bells" (Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters) Did you know that the part of the song when they pause for a second ("Jingle _____ all the way") began when they were singing live and someone got the hiccups? The audience loved it so much that they started singing it that way every time. Just a little Christmas music triva for ya.
   
8. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Andy Williams)
9. "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays" (Perry Como)
10. "Run, Run Rudolph" (Chuck Berry)
11. "Carol of the Bells" (Directed by John Williams from the "Home Alone" soundtrack)
12. "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" (Gayla Peevy) Ok, this one might fall more into the category of "Little-Known" classic, but trust me, its totally worth the download. (Gramps and Karen will back me up on this 100%)
    
13. "Christmas Time is Here" (The Chipmunks, who else!?) I don't know about you, but "I still want a Hoola-Hoop!"
    

Little Miss Mohawk

Not much has transpired in Robinson County since our big Thanksgiving-fest...but that's no reason to withhold new Norah pictures! Daddy and Mommy had some fun last night playing with Norah's hair...and as you can see from the pictures, Norah had a pretty good time, herself!

I'll admit, I'm a little embarrassed to say that I, the self-proclaimed "Queen of Christmas" still do not have my Christmas tree decorated. In all honesty, the tree isn't even out of the attic yet...and I don't know when I'll have the time--we have a full week/weekend! But rest assured, once its up, there will be pictures!

I did, in a feeble attempt to make myself feel less like a Humbug, hang stockings and decorate the mantle yesterday...but its just not the same without our dazzling tree! Even without the tree, we've still been listening to Christmas tunes in the house and car since Thanksgiving Day. (There's something warm and fun about listening to Christmas music while you cook food for the family...I hope it'll be a good memory for Norah as she grows up in our house)

I have my 2006 I-Tunes Christmas Mix CD in the works...I make a new one (with different songs) each year, so that I am building a definitive collection, and so I can listen for hours on end without having to hear a commercial, or a repeat song. Feel free to suggest your favorites...if you can come up with something I don't already have, but would like, you just might score yourself a copy of my 2006 Mix!

Well, I've got cakes to bake and house to clean, so I guess this is it for today...but I'll leave you with 4 fun shots of Little Miss Mohawk. The first is her sweet smile, she's singing in the second one (the cutest high pitch squeal you've ever heard!). She's showing us her tongue (which she discovered last week and has had a hard time concealing ever since), and the last one is my personal favorite...its Norah's favorite, trademark funny face (which strangely resembles an English Bulldog). Happy Wednesday!

Happy Thanksgiving! (Part III)

Saturday's "Thanksgiving Feast Finale" was at the Gilmore house. Amanda and Trae came in from Austin to spend the weekend with us. It was so good to catch up with my sister! (And I think Jason enjoyed his "guy time" playing disc golf and shooting with Johnny and Trae)

After a fabulous joint-effort dinner (Dad smoked a turkey and a ham, AND fried a turkey, so we had PLENTY to eat!), we played "Loaded Questions" until 11pm! Then we finally called it quits since the pre-set plan was to attend Early Service at 8am Sunday morning. (Amanda & Trae and Jason & I walked in opposite entrances of the church building at 10 minutes after 8am, at almost the exact same time!)

AA spoiled Norah, by giving her her first cell phone (Its a Sesame Street toy phone that has Cookie Monster and Elmo's voices and lots of other fun bells and whistles...Norah loves it!) She also soaked up every possible moment she could with her "Ma-Norah" (Amanda's newfound holiday nickname for Norah)

Norah took a good nap while we played games, but she fell asleep on her hand, leaving a very visable handprint on her face (no, we did not slap her...like our hands are that small!) It took so long for it to go away, we were starting to wonder if it was going to leave a bruise. Thankfully, it didn't! (Daddy kissed it away)

Of course, we had to take a few more pictures...(I think Norah was finally pictured-out when we took the one of AA, Norah, and me, but at least she had my necklace to play with)

















Norah had been eyeing Grandpa's four-wheeler, so we took her over and let her have a sit. She had a blast pretending to drive and sitting in Grandpa's lap.

Finally, we decorated the Gilmore Family Tannenbam. Above are the before and after pictures. Was that corner just ASKING for a tree, or what?! This is the first year we haven't had an angel or a star. (The star suffered a mid-decorating casualty, so we settled for the less-traditional bow...I think it still looks nice...but I do miss the star!) It was a busy, but fun weekend. Thank you so much, sweetheart, for being so flexible and patient so that we could spread ourselves around and see all of our family over the holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving! (Part II)

Today marked Phase II of our Weekend of Family & Feasting. We even helped Norah "maroon out" (complete with matching bow), in preparation for the A&M/UT game. (Yeah, I know I'm supposed to call it the A&M/ tu game, but I've got family from both places, so cut me some slack!)

We tried all day to get a good shot of Norah & Uncle Grant in their Aggie t's, but Norah kept crying everytime she got close to him. (We think it was the beard--she seems to not care for facial hair...she gets that from me, just ask Jason!) It was pretty funny--when we took this photo, she had crawled up to Uncle Grant of her own free will...then, just after Jason snapped the picture, it was as though the light went off and she thought to herself, "What am I DOING!" The second shot is of Norah crying, and crawling away. Poor Uncle Grant!














Norah enjoyed day 2 of "Fatty Food Fest '06". A little too much, I'm afraid (judging by the sweet potatoes on her nose). I started out spoon-feeding her the messy, non-finger-friend foods like the sweet potatoes, but Norah outsmarted me. She would open her mouth wide and take in the bite, then fish it out with her hands so that SHE could feed herself with her hands. She started making a huge mess, so I just gave up and let her go nuts with the whole plate. The photo at the right was the end result. I'm still completely amazed that she managed to keep it all out of her hair!







I know it might seem pretty cruel posting this photo of Grandmother's post-turkey snooze, but I vow to take it down if she asks me to...and it was a legitimate part of our day, so I felt obligated to document it. Grandmother is notorious for falling asleep in the floor in 4 seconds or less, followed by an impressive evolution of snores, ranging from a gentle buzzz, to saw mill worthy. She even occassionally carries on nonesensical conversations with people in the room (which often contain the words, "I'm not alseep"). Today, Grant & Jason asked her if she had been picking cotton, and she told them, "Yea, but I think I'm gonna put my sack down and go lay down under that shade tree." We all had a good laugh. (And kudos to Grandmother for being a good sport!)

After Grandmother's "Long Winter's Nap" (or should I say, after Jason and Grant had thrown everything within arm's reach at her to halt her snores so we could hear the score of the Aggie game), Jason and Grant lectured Grandmother on the benefits of well-fitting footwear. I hope Grandmother took notes. It was a fun (and funny) day, and certainly reminded us of even more things (and people) who bless our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving! (Part I)

Phase One of "Robinson Thanksgiving Weekend Extravaganza 2006" is complete, and it was a great day (we have so much to be thankful for)! We headed over to Aunt Lynne and Uncle Wayne's house at noon, and waited with eager anticipation as the foil was slowly taken off each of the covered dishes that everyone had brought to our family feast.




My cousin, Donna, was the last to arrive to the feast, so we had to give her a hard time by greeting her at the door with the camera. She was a good sport and gave a sheepish smile. I personally pardoned her tardiness because she brought an incredibly delicious buttermilk pie...if you haven't tried it, don't knock it. Its not much to look at, fancy-wise, but it was one of the best desserts I've ever tasted!





Cousin Chris got a little tired of waiting on Donna to arrive...so he snagged a pre-lunch deviled egg, and popped the whole thing in his mouth in one bite! Good thing I had the camera handy to catch him in the act! Anyone who knows Chris knows this look...its the "I'm busted, but I think I can get out of trouble cause I'm so dang funny" face.





Here's a shot Jason got of MY Thanksgiving plate (perhaps his subtle way of clueing me in that I ate way too much?) but I thought I'd post it anyhow, to show you how good the food was, and also so I could brag on Norah, because she ate some of everything on my plate (except for the pickle and green olives). In case you can't tell, on my plate I have (clockwise from the pickle) : Dorito Catalina Salad (Uncle Paul's specialty), smoked turkey with gravy, homemade dressing, cream corn casserole, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes (that's right, I gave them a try...and they're fantastic!), jalapeno cornbread, green olives, and some ham. I'm pretty sure Norah's favorte was the dressing...yum!


...And here we have Norah, sampling her first ever Turkey. By the thoughtful look on her face, she may have a future as a food critic (and we all know she loves eating enough for the job!)











Here's a snapshot I took from Jason's and my traditional spots at the "kids table". (The coolest spot in the house!) I love this picture cause it has both a classic Patrick "silly face" (lower left) and a classic Helen "Chrii-iiisss!" face (upper right).














Jason was kind enough to snap this photo of Memaw, Norah, and me. It sure was good to get to spend some time together!















To the right, is a (less than fantastic, but its the thought that counts) picture of our annual Thanksgiving day "42" match. Jason and I laid out this year...I'm hoping we'll get a chance to play when Amanda and Trae come Saturday night (hint, hint). The picture was obviously taken before the Cowboys game, because everyone is intently looking at their dominos, and not the tv.






Finally, we had our traditional Christmas names drawing. This year, to hush any whisperings that we rigged it (somehow, several of us always manage to wind up with the same name every year), we let Norah do the drawing. She did a great job, except for a couple of times when she sampled the paper before handing it over (soggy, but still readable) to Donna to record. (Amanda-- you drew Melissa and Andress drew you--we told her you wanted a barbie doll or a Pontiac Grand Am...just kidding)





Tune-in soon for the next edition of our Thanksgiving Weekend Marathon...next stop...OUR HOUSE, for Thanksgiving with Mom R, Grandmother, Uncle Grant, Aunt Paige, Jill & Earl Davidson, and Aunt Ruby! Gig 'Em, Aggies!!

Baby Bed-Head

This morning, I discovered that "Bad Hair Days" are not reserved for teenagers, single women, wives, or mothers. Nope. Bad Hair Days can effect anyone...even precious baby girls! I have no idea what our daughter did in her bed last night, but whatever it was left her with one wild and crazy do! I couldn't resist capturing the first (of what hopefully will not be too many) "bad hair day" on Norah's record.

Yes, the shadow behind her head exaggerates it a little bit...but it also helps you see just how much it really was standing up! Of course, Norah didn't seem to mind her Einstein-esque hair...but seeing as we were going to the grocery store to pick up a couple of last minute things for our Thanksgiving menu, Mommy had to do something about that mess! (I photo-documented this as well, just to prove that I cared enough about my daughter to not expose her to public disgrace by hair embaressement...you know, just in case she asks later on.)

The yellow thing in her hands (in the picture above) is her newest favorite toy. Its a teeny-tiny "baby ducky" that goes with her "Mama Duck" in the bathtub. I found it yesterday while I was cleaning and thought Norah might like it, so I put it in the tub for later. I forgot all about it, and Daddy gave Norah her bath last night. Jason said that she immediately noticed the new addition to her tub toys and grabbed it right up. She didn't let go of that little baby duck throughout the duration of her bath. She still had it in her hands when he brought her into the living room in her pjs! This morning, she found him again and has spent a good part of the day chewing on his bill and squishing him to hear him squeak. Whatever floats her duck...

Hooray, Daddy's Home!

Jason left early last Friday morning to play in the Texas Teams Disc Golf Tournnament. Its was a long weekend without daddy, so we girls were thrilled when he returned home to us, safe and sound, Sunday night! The photo to the left is one we took not long after he got home. (Just long enough for a shower---the camping facilities didn't have one, so it was poor Jason's first one since Thursday night!)

Jason and the rest of the Aggie Disc Golf Club played well--probably 3rd place (they mail the results/prizes), which isn't too shabby, considering there were between 2-300 people there! Jason had a great time, but said he missed "his girls" and was happy to be home.




In other news, we finally got a good photo of Norah's illusive fangs! She was being so silly after her bath last night, Jason rushed and got the camera to capture her less-than-toothy grin. As you can see, we're still waiting on those two front teeth, but we think she's still pretty cute without them. Its funny to watch people react to her smile when we're in public. They almost always are caught off-guard and laugh. Several have even commented, "I've never seen a baby's teeth come in like that." We just chalk it up to her being special.

Clapping, Cake, and a Cold Snap

It's been a busy (but good) day. Norah, Grammy, and I took off to run a long list of errands around 9. Norah was such a good girl! At lunch time, we stopped by the church to buy tickets to a fundraiser for Sunday, and stayed for "Lunch with Friends". (a new, weekly time of fellowship that just started a few weeks back) It was our first time to attend a LwF, but we both agreed it was a good time and we'll have to make a habit of going when our schedules allow.

The picture to the left is one of Norah, clapping her hands. She's got really good rhythm--I'm amazed at her ability to clap on-beat. Definately not a trait she inherited from me---I mean, I can clap on-beat, but rhythm is not so much my forte.

I only had one cake this week, which was a nice break after several weeks of 4-6 each. (For those of you who don't know, I decorate cakes for diva/princess/rock star parties at a local My Party Palace). It was nice to have a little extra time this week...even if about all I chose to do with it was slow down!

The one to the right is the princess cake I decorated this afternoon after mom and I got back from our errands. (And yes, her name is Logan) Complete with my trademark top feather boa border (of course now that I posted it on blogger, I'm sure everybody's gonna copy, haha) and coordinating pink pearl bottom border.

Its funny. I've never really considered myself a "girly girl", but having a daughter of my own has definately helped me to get in touch with my "inner pink". I'll even go as far as to say I enjoy making super-girlified cakes...although I think at least for this year, I'm gonna go a different route for Norah's birthday. (I mean, come on...would you want to make you're first-born the SAME cake you make for all the other little girls every week?)


We've actually had some cool (not-humid) weather this week! In fact, it was so windy and cold Wednesday night, that we didn't dare take Norah to church without a hat to cover her head and ears. (Check out that little double chin!)It was funny...she didn't care to keep it on for very long when we were indoors--but when we were walking outside, she didn't fight it at all! The cold snap (and a fun post at SarahStation) has really gotten me in the mood for Christmas. Don't get me wrong--I'm in NO way implying that I'm wanting to skip Thanksgiving...no sir! I'm quite pumped about the entire holiday season! Including the day after Thanskgiving when we'll (hopefully) get to put up the tree!

13 Favorite Thanksgiving Feast Foods

I love Thanksgiving! I love seeing family. I love spending the morning (and sometimes even the night before) in the kitchen. And of course, the feast is always fun! I especially love that no matter where we choose to celebrate, it is always pot-luck--so everyone brings their specialties to the table and it just feels special. Hooray for Thanksgiving!

Yes, I know Thanksgiving is next Thursday, but who knows if I'll have time to post next week, and besides, I'm in the process of deciding what to bring to our family Thanksgivings, so I thought this list might help me choose (in addition to making my mouth water!) I hereby submit to you a list of my 13 most favorite Thanksgiving foods. (And I'm sorry, but you wont find pumpkin or pecan pie, cranberry sauce, or sweet potatoes on it...in truth, I've never tried any of them, but I've made it my goal to try at least one this year. I'll let you know how it goes!)

1. Cajun Fried Turkey-- Jason is the king. After growing up eating Gramps' incredibly delicious oven-baked turkey (the traditional, cook it ALL night and toture yourself with the tantilizing smells, way), I didn't think there was any possible way to improve. However, a few years ago Jason got a turkey fryer...and we've never looked back. He injects the bird with his top secret, cajun marinade and fries it up in under an hour. It is moist, and tender, and not at all greasy like fried chicken. (The hot oil immediately sears the turkey, locking in all the delicious juices and locking out all the grease) Gramps' turkey is still scrumptious, but I'll never pass up Jason's fried turkey!
   
2. Smoked Ham-- because on Thanksgiving, one meat on your plate just isn't enough.
   
3. Cheesy Broccoli & Rice-- Mom R makes a mean cheesy broccoli & rice casserole. The rice is never crunchy (unlike mine, everytime I try to duplicate it), and even Jason will eat broccoli when its enveloped by creamy, cheesy goodness!
   
4. Ramen Strawberry-Broccoli Salad-- Ok, so maybe I love broccoli. And this sounds really wierd, but Mom G made this a few years ago for Thanksgiving and its been a family favorite, ever since! I couldn't tell you what's in it, but if I had to guess, I'd say a little bit of pixie dust, because how else could broccoli and strawberries taste so good in the same bite?
   
5. Green Bean Casserole-- I don't care who makes it. It's a T-Day staple! Bring on the cream of mushroom and french fried onions!
   
6. Dressing-- I say dressing, cause I'm not a fan of "stuffing" it back inside the turkey cavity. (I had that job one year for Thanksgiving, and it was a little unappetizing) Stuffed or not, I love this delicious mish-mash of cornbread, cooked celery, and whatever else you throw in it.
   
7. Ultra Creamy Potatoes-- Usually one of the sides I choose to bring because I can not do without potatoes! And its Thanksgiving, so I'm always careful to load them up with all the good stuff-- sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, and butter (guess my taters aren't for the lactose intolerant) and maybe some chives just for a little color.
8. Texas Rolls-- the super, jumbo yeast rolls (I like Rhodes) that rise for 6 hours prior to the feast. Perfect for soaking up any left-over gravy or mashed potatoes that may have clung to your plate. (What can I say, I like to do my part helping clean up the dishes.)
9. Banana Blueberry Pie-- Jason's grandmother's most famous dish. Graham cracker crust, layered with bananas, blueberry pie filling, and a 3-inch layer of dream whip! Yum!
10. Peanut Brittle-- Uncle Wayne makes THE best peanut brittle in the whole wide world. He always makes a big batch for Thanksgiving, and another one for Christmas. And I love that every year (for as long as I can remember) he has put it in the same, giant, frosted tupperware container---and the entire family knows what's inside before they open it. I love that the whole family is careful to keep the lid closed, so that it'll stay fresh, and so that it'll hit whoever opens it up for the next piece, with the overwhelming aroma of mouth-watering, fresh peanut brittle!
11. Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake-- Honestly, I could have done a whole T-13 of "favorite Thanksgiving desserts"...but this one is another favorite--it's sweet, but not too sweet, and has a good variety of texture (cookies, chocolate chips, cheesecake--what could be better?)
    
12. Corn on the Cob-- Because every Thanksgiving feast should have a little something yellow. And I like corn. And because corn on the cob is fun to eat (and fun to watch your family eat). And its not too hard for even a rookie cook to make.
    
13. Big Salad--sure, we have salad just about every night of the year with dinner. But my Thanksgiving plate just seems, somehow incomplete without it. (Maybe it's just my feeble attempt to have some real, non-starch, veggies in the sea of unhealthy, but delicious consumables that is my plate)
    

White Fangs

Ok, I've heard your cries of "Update your blog, already!" Man. I think this is the longest I've ever gone between blogs. I even missed Thursday Thirteen--that's not like me! What have I been up to, you ask? Lots. But that's not the main reason for the hiatus. I go through periodic phases of being "down" on my blog. Not everyone is a fan, and I don't take criticism well. However, thanks to a little encouragement from my sweetheart, and without further ado, I'm back.

The first picture was one I caught of Norah, making a funny face. I had to share it, just cause its one I hadn't seen her make before.

The bottom picture is a hint as to what its been like in Robinson County the past couple of days. (And yes, those are fresh tears in her eyes) Norah, aka "White Fangs" has been hard at work, cutting teeth. As of this morning, she has 4, visible "teefies". Two on the bottom, center, and one on either side of where her two front should be, but aren't just yet--that's right, folks--she has baby fangs...but they're pretty stinkin' cute. (And also very illusive when the camera comes out...sorry, no pictures) Guess we could get away with saying all she wants for Christmas is her two front teeth.

In addition to the new teeth, Norah has a few new tricks! Last week, she learned how to clap. She'll do it on command (if she's not in diva-mode), and sometimes does it spontaneously if she sees something she deems "applause-worthy". She's also gotten the hang of waving "bye-bye". The picture to the right is of Norah trying to "share" her paci. She's very thoughtful.

Sunday, Jason and I discovered that Cheerio's are very helpful for keeping Norah quiet during Foree's sermon. (She's been a little too chatty during church, as of late. Not fussy...she just seems to think she has as much right to preach as anyone else)

Well, I hate to cut my first blog entry in over a week short...but I have laundry to turn over, food to deliver to a new mom, a grocery errand to run, and dinner to get ready...so I'd better shake a leg!

The Caped Cheerio-inator

Norah has joined the ranks and is now a card-carrying Cheerio-chomper. I really think she has figured out the word "snack", because it is one of those few, "powerful" words that can hault her sobs, mid-cry. Today I, heard her starting to fuss and looked at my watch and said, "How 'bout a snack". She whipped her head around and looked deep into my eyes with eager anticipation...I took that as an emphatic "Yes!"

Now that she's into snacking, I decided it was time to break out a nifty new bib with a "renegade cheerios/peas/you-name-it catcher " pocket. It works pretty well. Each time I've put it on her, its done its job effectively, protecting our floors from Norah's less-than-honed aim.

This afternoon, I left her bib on her and stepped out of the room for a minute to catch the phone. I returned, only to find that Norah had found a new, much more exciting use for her bib-- Low and behold, it doubles as a cape!

I thought I'd share a couple of her super hero feats. The first photo is of Norah, moving the furniture. (She was helping mommy get ready for a candle party and we needed a little extra room) She never would attempt this task un-aided, but with her super-cape, she made short work of it.







Next, she used her x-ray vision to see through daddy's socks. (She has this obsession with his feet, but she didn't want his feet to get cold, so she just used her powers to look at them)

Mommy started getting a little nervous when Norah whipped out the x-ray vision, so it was time to recall the cape. And thus, the Caped Cheerio-inator was restored to her civillian state.

Don't worry...I'm sure she'll return again, someday...say, around snack time tomorrow afternoon? Just be sure if you stop by the house around 3pm that you wear an extra layer or two of clothing...unless, you're one of the lucky few blessed with a perfect physique, and aren't concerned with the threat of x-ray vision!

Pass the Peas, Please

We are having lots of fun with food this week in Robinson County! Dr. Easley said to turn Norah loose on table food, so turn her loose we have. She is loving sitting in her high chair between mommy and daddy's chairs, feeding herself, while we eat our meal with her. We laugh because the moment there is food put on her tray, it's as though nothing (or noone) else exists in her world. She becomes very serious as she engages in the act of consumption.

Its been especially fun watching her facial expressions as she tries these new tastes and textures. But so far, she's been a trooper and hasn't spit anything out (despite some very confused and/or displeased "yucky" faces).


This is a learning experience for Jason and me too. For instance... food can wind up in all sorts of places when your dealing with an inexperienced eater. The photo of Norah looking down, is her trying to figure out what happened to the pea she just had in her hands a second ago. I think for a while there, she thought mommy and daddy had pulled a trick and given her magical disappearing peas. By the time we pulled her out of the chair, she had around 15 renegade peas nestled in various crevices of the chair and folds of her clothing...but considering how many peas she attempted to eat, that was pretty good.

Norah experimented with several ingestion techniques. First, we have the "popcorn" technique, in which she carelessly scoops a random handfuls of peas into her hand and "pops" them in her mouth. (This one definately resulted in the most renegade peas). So next, she tries the "modified double-fisted popcorn" approach, wherein, she steadies the feeding hand with a second hand. This attempt fared a little better...but still, not the accuracy or precision she was looking for. Finally, she moved on to the "pincher grasp, which proved to be the money maker. She cleared out the remaining peas with astonishing vigor!

And in the end, was left scratching her chin, contemplating, "Hmmm.... when do we eat?"

13 Recent Gifts I've Loved

Ok, Halloween is officially over, and Thanksgiving is coming...which means I've got Christmas (especially Christmas shopping!) on the brain. This week's T-13 is a list of 13 gifts I've received in the past few years that I have absolutely loved. (This is by no means an all-inclusive list...I have received so many awesome, generous gifts, so please don't be sad if I didn't mention yours--I promise, I loved it!) Please feel free to share some of your favorite gifts...I'd love to have some ideas for shopping for my friends and family!

1. Standing Mixer from Jason (for our first married Christmas, Jason got me a cobalt blue Kitchenaid standing mixer. I love the color, and I can't tell you how useful it has been. I have made countless batches of icing, whipped mashed potatoes, cakes, bread, and who knows what all else...and I still think its the best appliance in my whole kitchen!)
2. Beautiful, homemade "Country Star" throw quilt from Paige. (My sister-in-law has a real knack for knowing my decorating taste. This quilt, that I KNOW was a lot of hard work, is perfect. I love the colors--red and cream--and she did an awesome job sewing it. What an honor to receive one of her first quilt projects!)
3. Beautiful Cedar Chest from Mom and Dad (My last December I lived at home before I got married, I had mentioned to mom that I wanted a cedar chest. She bought one at an antique store, and I wanted to cry when she showed it to me...it was aweful! Green, looked like something the cat drug in. I didn't know what to do, but I did not want that ugly thing to go with me to my new house. A few weeks later, on Christmas, I was given the surprise of my life. Jason, and another guy who worked for my dad had spent a few nights working together and had completly gutted and refinished the ugly cedar chest, restoring it to its natural, cedar glory. I never would have believed it was the same piece of furniture, but it will always be special to me)
4. Stainless Steel Pots and Pans from Jason (Ok, so I begged and begged for these for MONTHS...and Jason kept telling me he didn't want to buy them because they weren't a "fun gift". I was so bummed...until I found out he was totally tricking me! He really did think it was a boring gift, but he bought them for me anyway, and I still love them every, single night when I cook in them. They are beautiful, shiny, and very useful!)
5. Gorgeous homemade king-size "Rail Fence" quilt from Mom R (I couldn't have hand-picked colors or a pattern that I love as much as this quilt. It is absolutely an amazing, work of art, and knowing that she put every quilted stitch into this massive quilt by hand, makes it that much more special)
6. Clothes from Amanda (my little sis has an uncanny ability to find clothes that I would never choose for myself, but that look great on me, and I love! She's the best personal shopper a girl could ask for!)
7. Pair of handmade twin "Butterfly" quilts from Mom G (They're still my favorite for cuddling under in the living room during the winter months!)
8. Denim Apron from Paige (I have made tons of aprons to be given as gifts, but this is the only useable one that I own, and let me tell you, I have used the fire out of this apron! Great gift!)
   
9. Giant basket filled with Gooseberry Patch cookbooks, cooking utensils, marinades, and seasonings from Jenny & Daniel (I love to cook. I love cook books. I love baskets...it was a perfect gift!)
10. Sewing Machine from Jason (for our first anniversary, Jason bought me my first ever sewing machine. It has been a very useful gift, and I have really enjoyed using it)
11. Handmade Cedar post head and foot boards. (Jason's brother, Grant, literally chopped down a couple of cedar trees, stripped them by hand, and made a gorgeous bed for Jason and me. It is beautiful, and looks fantastic with our homemade quilts!)
    
12. "The Quiltmaker's Gift" by Jeff Brumbeau from my former office-mate, Christina. (Quilts are a very special to me and my family...this is one of the most wonderful children's books I've ever come across. The pictures are beautiful and the story is really special...I highly recommend it!)
    
13. Gift certificates and cash from various friends and relatives. (I know this is kinda of a cheater one, because it refers to a lot more than just one...but I have loved every gift certificate or cash gift I've been given, because its always fun to spend "play money". I've really gotten some great buys with my gift cards---everything from a GORGEOUS kitchen faucet (don't think I'm wierd...you'd fall in love with it too if you saw it), to clothes, to picture frames for our house...you'll never hear me complain that gift cards and cash are too "impersonal"!)