My Glittering Idea

As opposed to a "bright" idea, perhaps?

Anyway, it was a fun little inexpensive project that maybe your family would like to do too. This is what we did.

We went to a park that had pine trees. This was so we could find pine cones. I hope it isn't illegal to take pine cones from a city park. I don't think it is but I've heard of crazier things. Maybe you have pine trees on your property ;). I just couldn't bring myself to buy pine cones at Michael's for 2.50 for a small bag of them. But while at Michael's, I did buy some glitter (on sale with a coupon, booya!).

We took the cones, spray glued them then threw them in a bag with gold glitter. Then the kids shook to their hearts content. I suggest you do this project outside, by the way. It look liked Abby was carrying a bag full of fairy dust.



Then I used some regular thread and tied it around the top of the glittered cone. Made a loop and another knot to make the hanging part. Tada! We hung them from the maple tree that I think I killed this year.

Garlic is Confused

Now, that's a good post title. ;)

Late October, I did my annual spring flowering bulb planting. This year I stuck to mostly daffodils but I decided to go ahead and plant some garlic I had in the pantry. Now, the garlic is from China, I had bought a two pound bag of it at Sam's Club (we use a lot of garlic). I had very little hopes of it growing at all. You see, much of the garlic we buy in the stores has been sprayed with an inhibitor, so that it will not sprout before you use it. But I thought, why not? I've got two pounds of the stuff!

So I finished planting my daffodils (about 80) and then came in and grabbed a head of garlic. I decided to plant them on the west side of the house as I had some gladioli over there that came up even though they are not hardy in our zone. I did this because I believed that the garlic I was planting would not be hardy in our zone.

To my extreme surprise, it has sprouted already! In fact, it is about 8 inches tall. We've had temperatures in the single digits at night and it really doesn't look too bothered by it all. I think it is confused. Maybe something got lost in translation between here and China. ;)

I Heart Huckabee

Not the movie. :)

We got to see Mike Huckabee in person today. He had a book signing at Barnes & Nobel. There was quite a crowd! We were in line for about 45 minutes and Mike got to hand him his newest book to sign. I won't tell you what Mike said but Huck agreed. ;)

This Year's Specialtea Samples

A couple of weeks have passed since this year's Holiday Specialtea at church. As always, it was a great event with a WONDERFUL meal and lots of samples. If you don't know about the event, we provide samples of recipes along with recipe cards for each. The idea is so that the ladies can sample and see what might be a recipe to include in their holiday celebrations. So we always try to include some unique recipes. This year's theme was Cookies & Candy. Here is a list. Just click on the name and it will take you to the recipe link. All got good reviews, however, the Cracker Candy topped the list for ease and taste.

Cracker Candy

Mounds Candy

Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Spring Lime Cookies

Buckeyes

Panocha Fudge

Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies

Peppermint Snowball Cookies

We had two others: Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies & Chocolate Coconut Log but alas, those don't have web links. If you'd like me to type them out, then please leave a comment.

My Fickle Daughter

Ahhh, Abby. She is a girl full of contradiction, that's for sure.

The wonderful couple we had watch the children while we were away for our anniversary trip asked a favor of us. You see, Chris is one of the pastors at our church. They were promoting some new children's books and asked if they could "borrow" Abby for a skit during announcements. Abby was to say "This one is my favorite!" as she picked a book out of a basket and hand it to Rachel and she would start reading it to Abby. Chris would then come up and talk about the books.

So, Chris & Rachel came over Saturday night to practice a little with Abby. Well, Abby turned out to be in a very uncooperative mood. First, she was too tired. Then, she was scared. Rachel explained that she had bought a little surprise for Abby for after the skit and she would get it then. Abby perked up but still said she wouldn't say the lines and that was fine. All she'd need to do was get the book and nod her head when asked a question.

The next morning we hustle out the door. I drop Abby off with Rachel and go to the nursery with Libby. (Mike took care of Luke and ran the video slides for the music that morning so we didn't sit together during service). Everything is going as planned and the time comes for the little skit. And I see a microphone is involved.....

Abby happily goes up on stage with Rachel, gets the book as requested. Rachel then asks her if this book was her favorite. (This is when the nod was supposed to take place). But the microphone is now in play. I see Abby's eyes light up and twinkle with excitement and anticipation. She then, to my surprise, bends down to the microphone and says in a breathless voice..

"I like this book. It is my favorite. Because my Mom told me to say so.."

Needless to say, the congregation laughed. I was slightly mortified. But, hey, at least the girl was obedient! With salesmanship like that, the books sold out.

Abby had done so well and was very excited to get her "surprise." With sheer anticipation she opened the gift bag and then she saw it. "It" was a very cute grey, stuffed hippo. Abby was completely let down. Crestfallen. I'm sure she expected a crown or some other beauty pageant worthy reward. But she didn't say anything. I was very proud of her because I remember getting a rag doll for Christmas one year and having the same excitement. And I threw it down in disgust after opening the present and said "I DON'T LIKE IT!" to the absolute horror of my mother as everyone watched on (yes, I grew up in a sit-in-a-circle-and-open-one-by-one family).

But, as this post is titled. My daughter can be fickle. After church, she decided she loved the new hippo and named her Adeline and slept with her that following night. Adeline is a very nice new addition to the family as she is very quite (according to Abby) and sleeps very well (again, according to Abby).

These happenings give me encouragement that one day, she will start liking all those veggies that she currently detests. After all, a girl can change her mind, right?

Halloween 2008

We had absolutely BEAUTIFUL weather on Halloween this year. At most houses, the people just sat outside with their bowls of candy. We had a good time seeing our neighbors and other kids in the neighborhood. Here is a picture of the kiddos dressed up. It was the first time Libby got to go (although she didn't get any candy) :)