WIWW, Take 6

 Dress:  Target, years ago

Cardi, botos & tank:  Old Navy 

Belt: Target 

My cute little six-year-old came running down the stairs this morning as I was leaving for another day of subbing.

"Mama, we haven't taken your picture yet!"

Her big sister and my usual photog was still fast asleep so I handed Sienna the camera and she snapped away.

It's blurry.  And grainy.  And out of focus just enough.

And I love it.

Thanks little Squish for being my helper this morning.  She was thrilled with herself and the smile on her face sent me out the door in the best possible way. 

Linking up!

This Week:

-We are getting back in the groove after the holiday weekend, which included lots of yummy new recipes that I will post soon

-Welcoming strangers into our home as they direct our kids in the Missoula Children's Theatre production of The Wiz of The West

-Wrapping up Girls on The Run

-Subbing three days in a row

-Having a bladder study (good times!)

-Playing dodgeball (don't ask)

-Providing Spence with lots of milkshakes and oatmeal as he gets his Herbst appliance in on Thursday

-Running the Jingle Bell Dash on Saturday as the culminating event for Girls on The Run

-Racing to the school after that so we can be ready for two performances of the play

-Setting up Christmas

-Finding time to sleep & eat, in that order

We're busy, but we're healthy so it's all good.  I'll be back as soon as I've had two minutes to myself.

So Many Thankfuls

Well worn sweat pants.  Salted Carmel anything. 

Running farther than before.  Nail polish.  

Cute kids.  Who are kind.  And loving.  A husband who loves me. 

And shows me everyday.  A big, fat curling iron.  

Scarves.  Homemade & store bought. 

Belly laughing.  Friends who feel like family. 

Family that are my friends. Cold morning air that takes 

my breath away.   A warm home. 

Health.  In all things.

Spencer showing his wit.

Hannah relaxing into her beautiful self. 

Sienna reading anything & everything, in English and Spanish. 

Austin singing along in the van. 

Crocheting. Hummus & cucumbers.

The perfect playlist on my ipod. 

Knowing that I am loved. 

The chance to do better tomorrow.

Trials.  And the lessons they bring. 

My family.  My one & only.  

My beautiful life. 

Happy Thanksgiving friends.

WIWW5

My sweet Hannah reminded me late Monday night that we haven't been taking pictures each morning.  She is right.  So she snapped this right before she crawled into bed which (hopefully) explains why my face is a pasty mess and my hair is, well, like that.

 

The sweet thing about this outfit is that I was warm all day long which hasn't happened in ages around here.  Might have something to do with the turtleneck, tunic, sweater AND scarf combo but it was so comfy and warm.  I wore this running around doing all of my Thanksgiving prep and it was perfect.  

White fitted turtle: Shade

Maxi dress turned tunic: TJ Maxx

Sweater & Boots:  Old Navy

Jeggins and Boot Socks: Kohls 

Scarf: Made by me

I'm giving myself permission to rock my sweats today as I prep for tomorrow.  Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

I'm Thankful, Day 1

This morning I saw a cat get hit by a car.  

And I don't even like cats but it was upsetting.  The poor little bugger ran straight at the front wheel of a car and didn't stand a chance.  And I'd like to say that at least it died instantly so there wasn't any suffering but that didn't happen.  The car didn't stop.  I'm not even sure they knew that they hit the poor cat.  It happened so quick.

I'm still thinking about it.  

The last few weeks around here have been hard.  Stressful.  Anxiety-ridden.  Upsetting.  And it's okay, because for the most part, we are luckier than most so now it can be our turn for a bit to see what we're made of.  We can have our confidence knocked down a few notches to make sure our priorities are straight.  We'll be okay and we obviously needed to learn a few things.  

I think we're learning.  Just a bit slowly. 

To be clear, we are fine.  There is nothing going on that we can't handle but that doesn't mean that it hasn't been hard.  That doesn't mean that I haven't dissolved in tears on say, a daily basis.  That doesn't mean that The Rizz and are are saying and doing everything right.  Because we're not.  We're bickering and nagging and lashing out.  We're handling our stress differently and it's taken us a bit to figure out what we need for ourselves and what we can give to each other.  

I tend to be a do-er by nature.  I tend to jump in and try and fix things and often feel that if I just throw my whole self at a problem, I'll be able to fix it.  I don't often slow down and see the whole picture.  I  start ticking things off the imaginary checklist of problems and see how I can change it.   The Rizz tends to relax, to let things work themselves out and see what might come our way.  He lets things go and knows better that to stress about things he can't change. 

I think I drive him crazy.  

I think he drives me crazy.  

But as I've been thinking about that dumb cat today, I've realized that neither approach is wrong.  My get-in-there-and-fight approach and his relax-and-see-what-happens mentality are just another example of why our marriage works.  Why we balance each other out and get through all the good and all the bad, together. These last few weeks have been hard and we've been a bit off kilter but now that we've reminded each other of where we stand and what we need, we'll regain our balance in no time. 

I am the cat.  I run full steam ahead with everything I have.  I don't always take in my surroundings or notice how my actions will affect my well being. 

The Rizz is the car.  He isn't careless or reckless but he knows that sometimes things happen.  And it's more important how we handle what happens than trying to change the fact that they did. 

I know it was just a cat.  A cat having a bad day and a car that was at the wrong place at the wrong time, but for me, they were the palpable example that I needed to see. The reminder that while bad things happen, it'll be okay in the end.  As long as we cling together instead of pushing apart, all will be well. 

And for that, I am thankful. 

Tapping My Inner Julia

Life has been a bit stressful around these parts as of late and yesterday it all came to a head.  I was thisclose to completely losing it.  I went for a run which helped tremendously but I wasn't yet back to my normal self.

Only one thing left to do. 

For me, feeling like that means I need to head to the kitchen and get to work. 

There is something about being in my kitchen that calms me.  I love looking through recipe books, or more recently, searching my Foodie Girl board. I love having a well stocked pantry (something that took me years of marriage to figure out how to do well) and finding everything I need.  I love the smells that come and the literal excitement I feel as I watch something come together.

The Rizz says that serving others is my love language or more specifically, that cooking is.  If I adore you, I will go to any lengths to show you with a well crafted meal.  He likes to joke that I do this for family and friends and that my own family is left eating cereal every night for dinner.  Sadly, this has been a titch true around here as I've struggled to keep up with everything on my plate. 

Last night I changed all that.

On the menu:

Ham & Cheese Sliders 

Four Cheese Mac & Cheese

Salted Carmel Butter Bars

I've talked about the sliders before and really encourage you to try them.  My whole house loves them and they are easy and delicious.  I whipped up some mac & cheese to pair with the sliders and it turned out mighty tasty if I do say so myself.  I'm usually a recipe-follower but as I've gotten more experienced in the kitchen, I've branched out a bit and like creating my own recipes.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.  Last night it worked.  Once I figure out exactly what I did, I'll post it for you to try.  

Dessert is what I want to talk about today.  Kids, these suckers were amazing.  Like  melt in your mouth, curl your toes with joy, slammin' good.  

It may have been the full pound of butter.

It may have been the entire package of carmels.  

It may have been the sea salt that gave it just the right flavor.  

Whatever it is, add this to your holiday baking list.  Your peeps will love them.  

For the Crust:
1 lb salted butter, room temp
1 cup sugar
1½ cups powdered sugar

2 T vanilla 
4 cups all purpose flour

 

For the Filling:
1 bag (14 oz.) caramel candies (about 50 individual caramels), unwrapped
1/3 cup milk or cream
½ t vanilla

1 T coarse sea salt

 

Preheat to 325F

Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray

To make the crust:

-In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars

-Using mixer on medium speed, beat together until creamy

-Add the vanilla and beat until combined

-Sift the flour into the butter mixture and beat on low speed until a smooth soft dough forms

-Press one-third of the dough evenly into the pan to form a bottom crust

-Bake until firm and the edges are a pale golden brown approx 20 minutes

-Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool about 15 minutes

 

While the bottom crust is baking and the remaining dough is chilling, make the caramel filling. Place the unwrapped caramels in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the cream. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth. If caramels are not completely melted, microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.

Pour the caramel filling over the crust.  If you are going to salt the caramel sprinkle it on caramel layer now.

 Remove the remaining chilled dough from the refrigerator and crumble it evenly over the caramel.

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is bubbly and the crumbled shortbread topping is firm and lightly golden, about 25 – 30 minutes.

Let cool before cutting into squares.

 

Seriously kidss, you have to try these guys.  You will love them, your family will love them, and they'll make that cereal you plan on serving tonight seem so much better!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh The Places You'll Go

It is no secret that The Rizz and I live our lives on the move.  From here to there and everywhere in between, we are always traveling someplace.  We have been known to swing by our house in the summertime only to wash clothes, reload the car, and head out again in one day's time. 

We sort of love it.  Our kids sort of love it.  It's just how we do things. 

Case in point:

In the last two weeks, I've been: 

From home to Portland and back. 

From home to Spokane and back. 

From home to Seattle and back (in one day and only 36 hours after getting home from Spokane!)

and finally, from home to Couer d'Alene and back. 

We've also had house guests on two different occasions during this time. 

Crazy much? 

Even for us, that's a bit insane.  But it was all completely necessary and I can't see how we would have done it any differently. 

In Portland, The Rizz and I recharged with some dear friends and had some much needed married time. 

In Spokane, my get-in-there-and-fight  friend Tracy and I attended the Relay For Life Summit and I'm squirming with ideas on how to build our event and continue the fight against cancer.  It came at a perfect time and although we spent a good portion of the weekend crying, we came away uplifted and renewed in our fight.  Want to join me? 

In Seattle, I made my Hannah's birthday dream come true with a day all about her.  The American Girl store is crazy expensive, a long ways away, and completely ridiculous but if you have a daughter, you have to do it.  It was magical.  We will remember it for years to come. 

In Couer d'Alene, we helped some of our favorite people move into their new home.  A home that has been a long time coming and one that is perfect for their family.   

While I've loved every second of the last two weeks, I have to say that even I,  with my love of all things travel, am a bit warn out and am super excited to have a quiet weekend coming up. This time of year finds me yearning for the comfort of my home, the smells, sounds and memories that we make here.  I'm ready for early evenings cozied up on the couch and late mornings curled up in bed.   

Sadly, that will probably only last a week or two and then I'll be itching to hit the road again.  But for now, I'm loving being at home. 

WIWW 5

Wednesday already?

Sheesh, I need to be better about having the camera with me.  For the life of me, I cannot figure out how to take pictures of myself in the mirror so that they turn out. Maybe if I had a better camera...hint, hint, Santa.

This week was a fun one.  I tried to be less inhibited in what I threw on and in turn, felt pretty good most days.  The challenge of mixing patterns, textures and colors has made me re-think my wardrobe and I'm digging it.  I've even vowed to stay out of the stores this month...more re-working what I've already got and less buying something new.

Can you hear that?

It's my husband celebrating.

 Hannah and me, ready to tackle the American Girl Store for her birthday.  Isn't her smile infectious?

ME:  

Boots, Maxi Dress turned Tunic & Scarf:  TJ Maxx

Leggings:  WalMart 

Cardi: Old Navy

 Earrings: Forever 21 

 HANNAH:

Tunic & Sparkly Socks:  The Children's Place

Sweater: Hand-me-down Abercrombie (score!)

Jeggings & Boots:  WalMarrt

9

Dear Hannah,

Today is your ninth birthday.  

Well, it was your ninth birthday.  It's quite late now and we've had a busy day of celebrating but I couldn't let the sun go down on this day without your birthday letter.  

You are nine,  sweet girl.  And at nine you are compassionate, kind, and loving. You are silly and fashionable and sweet.  You are shy, serious and strong.  You are all of the things you've been working to be and it makes my heart swell.  

At nine, you are finding your way.  

At nine you are capable.  You work hard.  You love to cook and pretend and be helpful.  You are loyal. 

At nine you are becoming a voracious reader.  A runner.  A girl who knows how to tend to those around her.  

At nine, you show love to your brothers and sister.  You know that your example is powerful.  At nine you are sassy.  Full of life.  And tender.  

Nine is right where I want you to be.  My eldest daughter, whose beauty and smile blows me away.  Nine, where you said yesterday as you stood in church on your own for the very first time, that you know you are loved by your Heavenly Father.  And by your family.  

And you were right.  

Nine, where the world lies before you just waiting to see all the things that you'll do and the places you'll go.  

I am proud. 

I am in love. 

I am transformed. 

By you, my daughter at nine. 

Happy Birthday Munners. 

Love,
Mama

WIWW 4=FAIL

I have no pictures this week. Hannah and I didn't get our act together (read: I didn't get my act together) and so I have nothing to show for the week. Lame, I know. But I'm happy to report that I did try some new things this week and for the most part felt good.

It was a rough week around these parts as our community collectively watched a friend pass away. After a four year battle with breast cancer, which she fought valiantly and courageously, she passed on. She was wife to the love of her life. She was Mama to three sweet little souls. It was heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. I didn't know her extremely well but I learned volumes from her example. I find myself thinking of her family most of the day. They are strong and true and brave. I hope the lessons I've learned over the past few weeks stay with me.

I also threw a bit of a Halloween party for 400 of my closet friends. Lindsay and I were asked to coordinate our ward's Trunk or Treat and we decided to go with gusto. A pasta bar with homemade Alfredo or marinara sauce, meatballs, grilled chicken, Cesar salad, and rolls. We started with 400 plates. We had 7 left over. It was exhausting but a ton of fun. I'm just hoping they have someone else in mind for Christmas...

Because the week was exhausting, the Rizz and I ran away to Portland for the weekend. We talked these guys into joining us and our spontaneous get away was just what the doctor ordered. Good food, good friends, and a good night's sleep. I highly recommend it.

I'm off to tend to Spence who is home sick for the second day. We're cozying up with The Sandlot and lots of Wassail. Happy Wednesday to you.