Score one for the husband

On Sunday Kyle told me I needed to be available Tuesday from 10am - 1pm. Okay, I thought. What the heck does that mean? Available for a delivery to the house? Available for some cheesy kidnapping scheme? Available to do some laundry and clean some bathrooms?

Well, as today was Tuesday, I found out! A babysitter showed up at 10am, along with Kyle. He then whisked me away to our local mall to choose some



Wow! It's been a long time since I got any jewelry worth writing home about. Like, say, 11.75 years. Kyle and I picked out a new anniversary band. My old one was small and getting kind of thin. The new one is .5 carat of channel set princess cut diamonds. It's exactly what I wanted! I looks great with my solitaire. I'm waiting for it to be sized, so I can't post a photo. But I'm so excited to pick it up on Christmas Eve and have something new and sparkly on my finger.

After we picked out the ring we went to lunch. What a fun few hours out in the middle of the day. I'm not even going to ask which budget category this purchase is going to come out of. I'll let the accountant deal with that. Thanks, babe!

Fashion Friday

I know, it's been a while, huh? I've been feeling like my fashion skills, photography, and styling are rather amateur, but I'm over it. This is my blog, darn it, and I can say whatever I want to the 50 people who are reading. Right? Right! And I don't live in a very fashionable city, or lead a fashionable life, so there you have it. It's good enough for me.

Now that I've psyched myself up, here are a few of the more memorable outfits I've put together over the past week or two. I'm hoping Santa brings me new inspiration and gift cards. I've decided one major piece missing from my wardrobe is a pair of jeans in a darker color that are a slimmer silhouette. Maybe not skin-tight skinny, but definitely not boot cut. I tend to go for boot cut because I think they're most flattering on my figure, but with tops having more volume these days (due to the popularity of layering, blousing, and more feminine fabrics), I need to slim down my bottom half to stay proportional. So that's what I'll be looking for in the after-Christmas sales. A slim pair of dark denim jeans. And boots. And belts. And scarves. And a statement necklace. And tights.

Here's an outfit where slimmer, darker jeans (or black pants) would make the whole look a bit more chic. But I do look cute decorating the tree, no?

This day I wanted to wear some lighter colors. I like the cool green with the gray. And I find myself choosing this simple cream scarf a lot.

I've been layering with lightweight turtlenecks a lot. I like this pop of red. I'm wearing a cuff bracelet make out of a wool fabric with a big button. Very hipster.

I threw this outfit on yesterday to run some afternoon errands after a late workout and shower. I ended up being too hot in the down vest -- I think it was 55 degrees outside! I could not get a good photo, so I gave up. Thus, my head is cut off.
Here's what I wore today for my lunch date with Kyle. I got the skirt for $5 and it's a very versatile piece. Kyle bought me the gray slouchy boots. I love them and wear them all the time! My cowl neck knit shirt I scored for $1.99. So if I only wear it a few times, I've gotten my money's worth. The date was fun! Kyle said I looked cute.

Tomorrow Kyle and I are throwing a holiday party at our house. Fondue, sparkling juices, gift exchange, funny games, and holiday casual dress. What should I wear? I'm thinking trouser jeans, handmade Christmas crystal earrings, and a red or black top. Cheers!

Photo Shoot -- elf edition

I don't know if I'm going to do some sort of e-card, blog post, or actually send Christmas cards, but I thought I should snap some photos of the kids. I picked up some sweaters yesterday at Children's Place for $5, well, not Hayden's, but the girls'. Here are a few snaps. What's your opinion on what I should do about sending Christmas greetings? I love getting the cards, but honestly, we don't have much to say this year. I'd rather save the time and money. However, there's a little part of me that feels like I MUST do it, and I do value our friends who are far away. I need advice! Besides, we got a few good photos to choose from.

Shame On Me/Good On Me

Shame on me:
For raising my voice about 2037 times in the last three days.
For skipping out on swimming twice today, even when I had a babysitter.
For feeling anger (the ugly seething kind) over stupid stuff.
For wanting a keg of diet coke to make it through the day.
For feeling disappointed that the ward Christmas party was merely rescheduled, not canceled altogether.
For wanting to veg on the couch with lots of fat and sugar instead of working out.
For being snippy at my husband, who is a great guy.
For feeling sorry for myself when I have nothing to feel sorry about, if you really think about it.

Good on me:
For doing my visiting teaching today (the first time in about three months).
For reading the kids Christmas stories by the tree (amidst the yelling).
For dipping pretzels in chocolate and goodies for the neighbors -- with the kids.
For getting on the treadmill to kick my own butt (I totally deserve it) at 9pm.
For saying a prayer to calm down.
For wrestling with the kids instead of crawling into bed.
For deciding to do Christmas cards and buying the kids sweaters to wear in the photo.

Tough day today. Definitely blaming it on hormones. What else could it be?

California Trip

Too soon to post again? I think not! I've neglected to mention anything about our trip to sort of sunny California. We started driving on Tuesday night and made it to Mt. Shasta before checking in for the night. We could see the mountain looming and glowing in the moonlight, but not until morning did we get a good view. It was breathtakingly awesome. Did I take a picture? Nope.

We made it to California Wednesday afternoon. I went with my sister to pick up my parents from the Oakland airport. Then the adults went out for a nice dinner at a local restaurant. The conversation was quite lively. My Dad was the center of attention, not his usual place to be, and we had some conversations I won't soon be forgetting.

On Thursday I went for a run in the morning. Then most of us (the lazy video gamers stayed home) went up to some hills for a little hike. It was really pleasant and nice to be out and moving. Dinner was yummy, I had my customary nap (I don't want to mess with tradition) and we watched football or something that night.

The next day my Mom, my sister Marisa, and I went to the deYoung Museum to see some art and a King Tut exhibit. I love art museums, but I felt right in the middle of things. Marisa does everything, and I mean everything, at the speed of light. Imagine her cruising through the galleries, fast-walking past most everything, but still taking it in. My Mom was the opposite. I think she could have spent all day. She looked at most every piece of art and read every plaque. I was in the middle, trying not to lose Marisa or my Mom. But it was fun! Unfortunately the weather didn't exactly cooperate, so our plans in the city were cut short.

The next day we enjoyed Tilden Park in Berkeley, went for dinner an ice cream at Fenton's (featured in Up!), and went to the Oakland Temple to see the lights.

All in all a great trip. The cousins all got along, Marisa and Wayne have done a great job remodeling their house, and it was fun to go somewhere I haven't been in a long time. The 8-hour drive is a pretty easy distance to do, so I'm sure we'll be back. Thanks, Moose!

The Bean was excited to spot a real palm tree at a Taco Bell. She was thinking California was covered in palm trees and sandy beaches.

My only photo from Thanksgiving dinner. Bean digs in!

Our group after the train ride at Tilden Park.

Asparagus is lucky to have a big sister to carry her.

The Pea and his cousin J were so excited to ride the train.

Fenton's was busy and loud. The ice cream was good!

Our fam outside the temple. So pretty, and such a great view of the bay and San Fransisco.

Warms my heart

First of all, did anyone notice my little pumpkin has been replaced by a snowflake? Kyle said it wasn't worth the work it took to change it (and the $5), but I like switching up that little frame on my header. And I'm going to try to get a picture where I don't look 16. But I'm so darn unphotogenic, it seems, or not aging well, or something.

Today was a chilly Sunday here in Oregon. I feel so wimpy that the 30 degree temperatures make me pile on the layers and crank up the heat. I went running when it was about 26 degrees yesterday morning and was cold for a good two miles. You Michiganders and New Englanders are probably snickering at my thin skin. What has happened to me? I used to run in 8 degree weather (and snow!), and the thought of a 30 degree day was sometimes blissful. December temps here normally run in the mid-40s, and sometimes even that feels cold. There is a chance of snow predicted for later this week and I'm a bit apprehensive at the possibility. How quickly I've acclimated to a more temperate place.

Fortunately for me, we had some fabulous credit and haven't had to pay the gas bill for a few months. I also have this handy dandy switch that turns on a glorious gas fireplace right in my living room. With our tall tree and new stockings (quilted and embroidered from Pottery Barn Kids), I might curl up on the couch with a good book for the rest of the month.

To further my good spirits, Kyle declared that he wants to cook once a week. Yippee! He made a very tasty shepherd's pie (with turkey instead of beef) and some cranberry orange muffins. I played games with the kids while he cooked. I also had a delightful tea party with Hayden and Kara. Hayden served up a most interesting concoction of hot chocolate and Sprite. Mmm?? Then I did the dishes while Kyle and Jillian played together. Oddly enough, they were throwing a football around, then using it to practice volleyball serves.

Earlier in the day, I also took a long winter's nap. Those two hours of reading and dozing were just what I needed. It has been a very busy week (I say that every week) and I like to take that whole "day of rest" thing seriously. The downside was when Bean and Pea attacked me with lightsabers to get me out of bed and one ended up in my eye.

To round out the day we had a giggle fest and some weight training (huh?) while watching the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional this evening. Hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing a selection from The Messiah was awesome. I had some good thoughts and feelings about being a Christian and becoming a better person because of the example of the Savior. I'm also going to take all their advice to heart and slow down and enjoy the season. That means you may not be getting a Christmas card from our house. How about a New Year's card?

Stay warm out there this week, if it's cold where you live. We're going to be back up to 46 degrees by Thursday, so I'm sure I'll survive. And I have a garage now, so the frost scraping days are over. See, so much to be thankful for.

Item of the Week

No finance or fashion today (although I do look dang cute!). I just wanted to give you a heads up on a great deal for something you may or may not need or want. Target has a large plastic bin with a cool lid and easy-closing feature. This bin holds your wrapping paper! I have wanted these ever since my friend Bethany asked for one for her birthday about 5 years ago. At my Target it was about $7. I was so excited to put all my new Christmas wrapping paper in it. Now I won't have to reach way under my bed to pull out a dusty roll of crinkled paper when I want to wrap a gift. There's even storage in the lid for bows and ribbons.

And, if you have an Old Navy card and got those coupons for $10 off, you don't even need to buy something that costs more than $10. I walked in, got two tissue-weight turtlenecks for $5 each (Love the lightness of them! Great layering pieces.), and walked out without paying a cent. You can be sure I'll be using mine every week.

We're getting our tree tonight. I'm so excited for the new stuff I bought. I hope it looks chic when I'm done.

And, last of all, I hope you enjoy this photo of me and Kyle and our new hobby.

Taste of Tuesday -- pumpkin muffins

Just because today is December 1st (What?!?! PANIC MODE! I have nothing done for Christmas and we're already counting down. I'm still catching up on November!) doesn't mean you have to stop cooking with pumpkin. And after you try these muffins, they'll be a year-round staple. I got the original recipe from Ellie Krieger on foodnetwork.com. However, I made a few more modifications and am satisfied with the result. These muffins are very moist and very tasty. Kyle loves them and wants me to make them weekly.

Best Pumpkin Muffins

2 C whole wheat pastry flour (made with white wheat, but still whole grain)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2/3 C packed brown sugar
3 T molasses
1/4 cup canola oil (scant)
1 egg and 1 egg white
1 C canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 C lowfat buttermilk, or 3/4 C skim milk plus 2 T sour cream


I added in 1/3 C dark chocolate chips and 1/3 C dried cranberries. If my kids liked nuts more, I would have done walnuts as well.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare muffin pans with liners or non-stick cooking spray.

Mix together dry ingredients in medium-sized bowl. Set aside.

In large bowl, mix together sugar, molasses, oil, and eggs until well combined. Add in pumpkin and vanilla and mix again. Add in buttermilk and mix again.

Carefully mix together wet and dry ingredients. Do not overmix.

Fold in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts as desired.

Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and cook for 15-20 minutes in preheated oven.

Let the muffins cool before eating them.

These make a great breakfast too, and are full of healthy stuff. Enjoy!