first snow

We woke up to a few inches of snow this morning! The forecast is calling for up to six inches by tomorrow, but not sure that's going to happen since the snow tapered off this afternoon.

Everything was coated in white so I snapped a photo of the very large tree in our backyard.

It's been nice to have 6 days off...back to work tomorrow. Have a good week!

thanksgiving, part one

We just returned from our first Thanksgiving celebration (with my family). I was going to post photos of the frosted sugar cookies I finally got around to making. However, I didn't realize I left my camera at my mom's house until we completed our 45 mile trek. Ugh. So instead I will just tell you they were beautiful and delicious.

I also made a very tasty sweet potato dish. Now I know many of you out there discriminate against this poor vegetable, but I bet I could sway your tastebuds if you gave me a chance. A big thank you to Brian Burch's aunt for the recipe that has become a favorite at our house around the holidays.

Gotta go digest so I can prepare for round two tomorrow.

trade-offs

Since Barack Obama was elected president I've been thinking a lot about Michelle and the girls making the move to D.C. I switched schools more than a few times as a kid, and I faced a major upheaval when we moved from Kansas to Illinois in 3rd grade. It wasn't easy (and may dad wasn't the president of the free world either).

I also think about Michelle (and there is a very interesting article in the Trib related to this topic) - a highly educated, achievement-oriented, powerful woman giving up her job, circle of friends, etc. to move to D.C. and become first lady. No doubt this has an enormous set of amazing perks too, but it is an undeniable fact that Michelle's goals will be on the backburner while her husband is president. I do hope Michelle finds her special niche as first lady, in addition to being a spectacular mom. Clearly she has and will continue to balance her many roles.

I have found it so interesting the way Bill Clinton has stepped back (as much as he can anyway) to let Hillary shine the past few years. First he supported her senate bid, then her presidential bid, and now he's opening up his foundation to intense regulations so she can be Secretary of State. It's the least he can do, IMO, but it's great to see. I have no doubt Barack will do the same for Michelle after the presidency.

All partnerships seesaw according to this give and take. Sometimes it's your turn to drive and sometimes you are the passenger. It's all part of the fun, crazy ride we call marriage.

tidbits

It's hump day, but it doesn't feel like it. I guess the week before Thanksgiving drags since we're all eagerly anticipating a day or two off next week.

We're not hosting Turkey Day this year. We'll celebrate with my mom and Lawrence on Wed. and with Ben's mom and dad on Thurs. That's a lot of turkey, etc. in 24 hours. We're up for it (as long as pie is involved).

I haven't heard much movie/Oscar buzz yet. Seeing movies is normally one of my favorite things to do over the holidays ... I can hardly think of anything to go see right now. The Reese/Vince romantic comedy looks so-so.

Scrabble is definitely on the agenda for next week. Ben's dad is the overall leader, but I think I can surpass him with a win or two. Gotta go get my dictionary out and start studying.

holiday shopping

I ran some errands one night this week and today and am amazed at the number of people out Christmas shopping. I don't know if they are scavenging for deals or what, but I was surprised to see so many people out, parking lots packed, long lines at the registers, etc.

I have a few gift ideas brewing, but have yet to start a list or purchase one item. I'm just not ready. What about you? Let me know by taking the poll.

poppy

would be my code name as president (or a CIA agent or anything requiring a code name). 

The past presidential / first family code names are very entertaining. 

I wonder if you get to pick your letter? I can think of other fun names if 'P' isn't available. Marigold. Lily. The options are endless, but I would prefer something flower oriented.  

As a 'P,' Ben would be Pepper. What about you? Or other ideas for us? 

attack of the leaves

When we were living in LA I really missed fall - the leaves especially. Fall out there is just another day of sunny, 70 degree weather amidst the palm trees. 

Now we live in an older Midwestern neighborhood, and the trees on our street are plentiful. And OMG you can not imagine the leaves. Tons. You get a few at first and it's lovely. You think, "oh, look at the leaves! fun!" And it is fun the first time you rake them, but not the second, third or fourth. 

I took this photo yesterday from our back door - week two of raking. It's been all Ben so far because I've been painting the kitchen. Just a few touch-ups on the trim left to do and then it's done. 

I'll try to post a photo of the leaf pile - seriously, this thing is every kid's dream - as long as the giant leaf vaccum doesn't come tomorrow.  

4 years ago

We were sitting in our Chicago apartment watching the results come in. A few states away, my brother and sister-in-law were anxiously awaiting the birth of their daughter. My mom was calling every hour with updates and the roller coaster election results coming in were making me insanely stressed out.

My niece finally arrived in the early hours of Wednesday, November 3. By that time on the election front it was looking like Bush was going to the white house.

It was a very good and very bad night.

Fast forward to today: Abigail just celebrated her fourth birthday and we are waiting (for what I am praying) is an Obama victory.

tootsie pops

Anyone need a couple hundred tootsie pops? I got nervous we didn't have enough candy for the trick-or-treaters since it was like 70 degrees here on Friday and I expected hordes more kids than last year....so I bought a huge bag of tootsie pops...and now we have nearly the entire bag left. We had about 150 kids (well, a few college students too) which is about the same amount we had last year. My favorite costumes: little red riding hood and 2 twin boy dragons.

I'm glad Halloween is behind us and Election Day is just ahead.

I spent another entire Sunday painting the kitchen. One more coat of paint and it's done. I'll post the before and after photos soon (hopefully).