Our friends Greg and Michelle Coxey are hoping to adopt again. They are a wonderful couple--truly great, fun-loving, hard-working people with a beautiful family of two little boys. I have visit taught Michelle for four years now, and know that she's not only a top-notch, A-one, terrific mother, but a wonderful friend and person as well. Both Greg and Michelle are much loved and admired around the community. They are very smart, funny, caring and compassionate people. Their sons Noah and Sam are both adopted through open adoption and stay in close contact with their birth families--they are very fortunate little boys! If you are looking to place a child, or know of someone who is, please look over Greg and Michelle's profile page and adoption blog. The links are provided below!
The Coxey's LDS Family Services profile:
https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/23260923/ourMessage.jsf
Or their family’s adoption blog:
http://greg-michelle-noah-sam.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Pieces of Schmobie
Schmobie's birthday! We kept it very small. 
He requested a "brown cake."
~~~
Below: Schmobie got ahold of the camera. Here's a collage of his "ouvre."
~~~
Schmobie crawled into the dryer one day while helping me unload the clothes. I've actually got a phobia about this--I knew a guy in college who had lost his arm in a freak accident involving a dryer when he was a little kid. Even more bizarre, he had an identical twin brother (who had both arms) who also went to BYU. If someone knew only one twin, he/she tended to freak out a bit (understandably) when he/she ran into the other. Coincidentally, I ended up being in the same ward as the two-armed brother and his wife when Scratch and I first got married. It was a little bit unnerving.
~~~
We've discovered that Schmobie is lactose-intolerant--he can't have cheese, ice cream, butter and drinks lactose-free milk. He calls it "black toes free milk." I think I'd prefer my milk free of horribly frostbitten toes too.
~~~
Schmobie loves to cook, and will "help out" any chance he gets! He even has his own apron. How cute is that?! ;)
~~~
~~~
He requested a "brown cake."
~~~
~~~Schmobie's an avid Harry Potter freak! I have no idea where he gets it from. (Okay, I might have a clue.) He likes to put on these Clark Kent-ish glasses, fly on his broomstick, and have spell wars with Bugman and me. Scarily enough, the kid knows his spells! He also likes repeating, "Bloody Hell," just like Ron. 
~~~
~~~Schmobie crawled into the dryer one day while helping me unload the clothes. I've actually got a phobia about this--I knew a guy in college who had lost his arm in a freak accident involving a dryer when he was a little kid. Even more bizarre, he had an identical twin brother (who had both arms) who also went to BYU. If someone knew only one twin, he/she tended to freak out a bit (understandably) when he/she ran into the other. Coincidentally, I ended up being in the same ward as the two-armed brother and his wife when Scratch and I first got married. It was a little bit unnerving.
~~~We've discovered that Schmobie is lactose-intolerant--he can't have cheese, ice cream, butter and drinks lactose-free milk. He calls it "black toes free milk." I think I'd prefer my milk free of horribly frostbitten toes too.
~~~
Schmobie likes to do sit-ups with big brother. Heck, he likes to do just about anything with big brother. Big brother is pretty intent on developing a six-pack, btw. He does six hundred crunches a day. (Between you and me, I think he was inspired by Taylor Lautner. Please disregard the pitiable state of the slipcovers.)
~~~Schmobie loves to cook, and will "help out" any chance he gets! He even has his own apron. How cute is that?! ;)
~~~Schmobie's angry face: all scrunched up nose and eyes. Cici calls it his "lemon face."
~~~When Schmobie wants me to hold him, he says, "Give me you!" I'll give you me any time, any day, Schmobie...
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Otter Crest
Way back in July, Scratch and I took a trip to the Coast...just the two of us...no rugrats allowed. We relaxed, played some tennis, explored the beach, and talked, talked, talked. Such a luxury!
Here's my man, hunting for tide pools. He's fascinated by them (personally, I don't really get it...you've seen one anemone, you've seen 'em all).
Coats in July? That's the Oregon Coast for you!
The scenery, however, is spectacular:
I have to admit--on my first visit to the Oregon Coast, I cried. Not with joy, mind you. We had JUST moved to Oregon and I was so excited to live in a state with a beach again--but it was freezing, we were in winter coats, the beach was all rocky, and the water was just SOOO COLD--NOT my idea of "beach"! Where do we lay out? How do we get tan? How do we get hot enough to brave the water??? Anyhoo, I got over it, learned to appreciate it for what it had to offer, and am now proud of our beyond gorgeous coastline.
My good friend M&M took care of the rugrats while we were gone. M&M and fam took them sailing:
Captains Bugman and Schmobie. ( I just love it when Schmobie sticks his tongue out when concentrating!)
Thank you M&M and Ranell (who offered up her condo) for making the trip possible! You guys are awesome.
Here's my man, hunting for tide pools. He's fascinated by them (personally, I don't really get it...you've seen one anemone, you've seen 'em all).
Coats in July? That's the Oregon Coast for you!
The scenery, however, is spectacular:
I have to admit--on my first visit to the Oregon Coast, I cried. Not with joy, mind you. We had JUST moved to Oregon and I was so excited to live in a state with a beach again--but it was freezing, we were in winter coats, the beach was all rocky, and the water was just SOOO COLD--NOT my idea of "beach"! Where do we lay out? How do we get tan? How do we get hot enough to brave the water??? Anyhoo, I got over it, learned to appreciate it for what it had to offer, and am now proud of our beyond gorgeous coastline.
~~~
My good friend M&M took care of the rugrats while we were gone. M&M and fam took them sailing:
Captains Bugman and Schmobie. ( I just love it when Schmobie sticks his tongue out when concentrating!)
Thank you M&M and Ranell (who offered up her condo) for making the trip possible! You guys are awesome.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
60%
I just learned this rather (okay, very) daunting figure last night: 60% of professionals in Scratch's industry are unemployed in our metropolitan area. Sixty percent!! Six out of ten...Months and months ago, Scratch stopped looking for employment in his line of work because it was like looking for unicorns or Sasquatch or Glenn Beck's integrity--you can't find something that isn't there. So he's been mostly trying to score interviews for jobs that are related (even remotely) to his field--jobs that he could do, but that he doesn't necessarily have experience for. Sounds good, right? The problem--so is every other unemployed person in his field--as well as the out-of-work souls who actually used to work in the related fields, and therefore, have more experience. I guess I needn't mention what this means in terms of competition for each and every opening that may pop up...
I probably should interject right here that I remain relatively optimistic. I wake up every day thinking that Scratch's new job is just around the corner. Scratch's new job...it's like the phrase should be italicized, in shimmery webfetti:
Yeah, something like that.
Yet...yet...it's getting a little harder to believe in, like Scratch's great new job, in or out of his field, is as mythical as those unicorns. But I do need to remind myself that it could be worse--much, much worse.
Last night we went to a Christmas concerto. The music was searing, heavenly, and did much to lift the spirit. We ran into some friends at the concerto, and afterward we went out for dessert. (Ironically, I learned about the 60% statistic while at the concerto; Scratch had also run into an old acquaintance from his graduate program.) We didn't want to wait in the overcrowded lobby for a table, so we bought our desserts to go (heavenly cheesecakes--heavenly was kind of an ongoing theme last night), and ate them in our friends' car. As we were eating our heavenly waist expanders, I looked up and noticed several sleeping bags and blankets piled into a makeshift bed, right on the cold, concrete stoop of the townhouse we were parked in front of. I took a few more bites of my cheesecake and then saw the bags rustle. Hmmm...whoever owned those bags was currently in them. As if in answer to my thought, a head of curly, brown hair peeked out momentarily and then snuggled back into its cocoon. You've gotta understand--it has been well below freezing for days now. I can't even imagine...
So yes, I realize we are blessed. But I can't keep from hoping for another, bigger blessing--you know, the one in shimmery letters...
PS: I hope Mr. Sleeps on a Cold Stoop finds some blessings soon too.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Bugman and the Drunken Duck Fan
On December 5, the two big Oregon college football teams (OSU Beavers and UO Ducks) battled each other in their yearly "civil war" game. This time, however, the stakes were higher than ever--the winner would go on to the Rose Bowl. Fevered anticipation was high all over the state! I talked Scratch into writing the following post about Civil War 2009:
The day began at Bugman's school, with students wearing the colors of their favored teams, and teachers joining in (encouraging!) the confrontation. In Bugman's class, Beavers were counted as on time, Ducks were all counted late; in gym class the 42 Beaver students creamed the 12 Duck fans in dodgeball; Ducks were allowed first in the lunch food line with Beavers getting sloppy seconds.
For the actual football game, I treated Bugman to a “guy's night out” at a local family-friendly sports bar to watch the big screens.
The evening started out pretty calmly; there was an even representation of each team throughout the packed restaurant. Bugman and I arrived almost 2 hrs early and still got the last seats, right up front under the biggest TV. We ordered food right away and the four-hour feast began.
Anyone who watched the game will tell you that it was a real teeter-totter of emotion for awhile. One minute one team was up, then next it was losing. Fans took turns cheering and sulking, but always in good comeraderie. Early in the game the Ducks had two unforced errors: throwing an interception and fumbling the ball, giving the Beavers the advantage. By the end of the first quarter we had finished our appetizers.
As the game approached half time people began getting drunk. Bugman wondered what people were like when they were drunk, never really having seen that before. As people continued eating, they kept drinking, and of course the bar offered tremendous deals on mass alchohol. The guy sitting right behind Bugman—a Duck fan, wearing a green shirt and a yellow duck skull cap—was a family friend who had made a deal with a Beaver fan at the back of the bar that each would buy the other a shot anytime there was a single rushing play for more than 40 yds. If you saw the game you'd know that every third play was for more than 40 yds. The 'Duck' got wasted. Fast. Two girls—loud Duck fans sitting near me—were drinking their own weight in beer.
During halftime the bar had raffle drawings and prizes and we all had fun. Bugman and I finished our salads.
At the end of the half hour the bartender announced $1 shots-- yellow fuzzy navels for Duck fans, and some-other-color-coded-beverage for Beaver fans. “I'll take two!” a girl in the corner screamed.
And that's when the fun began.
During the third quarter the fans became drunker and more raucus; completely nonconfrontational, but definitley more emotional. The loud girls in the corner had grown quiet, and couldn't seem to be able to see past their own noses. They were making dancing motions with their hands but were focusing elsewhere. The 'Duck' went over to comfort them. Bugman and I finished our burgers.
By fourth quarter the plays grew longer, and the clock was drawn out. The 'Duck' started screaming at the girls to "get alive! get focused! get hyper!!!" And that they did. They jumped up, staggered around screaming something about offense—even though it was a time out—and blew there duck whistles: obnoxious quacking noisemakers. The 'Duck,' after every play—Every Play—did the Vonage dance and whooped and hollered with the drunk girls. After 20 minutes of this Bugman turned to him and innocently asked “why do you do that??” This was the opportunity the 'Duck' needed. He grabbed Bugman up at the very front of the restaurant, in front of everyone, and made a show of demonstrating the dance, teaching him every nuance, and the crowd was eating it up. Now he not only had beer in his veins and an audience, but he had an underaged accomplice! So now, after every play—Every Play—they did the Vonage dance together, and whooped and hollered and high-fived the drunk girls, to the crowd's pleasure. Bugman became the 'Duck's' best friend. He grabbed Bugman and theatrically beat on his chest: “Do you feel it pumpin'? It's pumpin' Yellow and Green! Yellow and Green, baby! Whoo-hoo!” Then the Vonage dance. Whenever he was in the mood he would turn around and violently tossle Bugman's voluminous hair. “Wooh-hoo, here we go! C'mon Ducks!” And the drunk girls in the corner were shouting “C'mon offense! Get those Beavs!” The Beavers had the ball.
To Bugman's chagrin the 'Duck' turned around again to tossle his hair again in front of everyone. I said “Bug, if you want, you can rip that ugly yellow hat off his head and rub his hair!” So Bugman put his hand up. “Sure, bud,” said the 'Duck,' “here ya' go!” He ripped off his hat, revealing a sweaty, flushed, bald head with withered little whisps of hair trying to breath under the hat. Bugman recoiled in repulsion, and the crowd went wild, laughing to tears. The 'Duck' danced around the floor singing “I...smell...roses...” and the drunkest girl came over and hugged us with drunk-strength 'til we couldn't breathe: “I love you guys, **sniff**.”
The game was over.
“I wanna get outta here,” said Bugman.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Gypsy
During Thanksgiving break, MIL and FIL took Scratch and me out on a double date to one of their favorite hangouts. It was a fascinating place: part cafe, part fair trade store, part gathering place for concerts and public forums--all parts off-beat and funky. Colorful wall hangings from artisans around the world adorned the cafe walls. I fell head over heels for the work of an African artist named Esa-Tai. This isn't her work (below--her stuff is simpler, and dealing with ordinary themes like feeding chickens), but it gives you an idea of the genre:
Posters around the room proclaimed the "10 Myths of Immigration" and the evils of L.A. sweatshops. A notice board advertised, among other things, new-agey type yoga classes and organic food markets. One flier took me by surprise--a course in how to communicate with the dead presented as if it were some run-of-the-mill class, like how to knit or budget your checkbook.
We had come to eat and then hang around for a concert--I can only describe the band as "eclectic." While the band was setting up, Scratch and I explored the fair trade store. Beaded purses from Afghanistan, earthenware from Nicaragua, Bamboo t-shirts (yes, really) from Sri Lanka, all sorts of items made from recycled material (check out the bracelet made from magazines below). Fair trade is somewhat controversial (like any type of trade, I s'pose), but the stuff there was beautiful.
Having satisfied our curiosity, Scratch and I took our seats. As I stated before, the band's style was pure eclectic, and they played everything from Texas Swing to Motown. Scratch and I have a thing for live music--even if we don't typically enjoy the genre, we still love it live. I was introduced to two new genres that night (new to me, anyway): Gypsy Jazz and Bohemian. It was love at first listen. I decided on the spot that I had most definitely been born in the wrong century and that I really should have been born a Bohemian Gypsy. Long skirts, hoop earrings, barefoot and dancing by the campfire until the wee hours of the morning...
I tell myself that if I had really been born in that time, that lifestyle, I'd probably be forced to marry my one-eyed uncle, he'd die in a knife-fight defending my honor (or caught stealing--whichever came first), and then I'd have to sell my gold tooth to help our kids survive. And let's say I made it to the ripe old age of 40--I'd probably have no teeth (hygiene wasn't really emphasized), withered skin (ditto moisturizing), and cackle as I gave people tragic fortunes.
But when that aching, melancholic music plays...I'm 20 again, long dark hair a-tumble, and twirling as the firelight casts strange shadows on the caravans.
Posters around the room proclaimed the "10 Myths of Immigration" and the evils of L.A. sweatshops. A notice board advertised, among other things, new-agey type yoga classes and organic food markets. One flier took me by surprise--a course in how to communicate with the dead presented as if it were some run-of-the-mill class, like how to knit or budget your checkbook.We had come to eat and then hang around for a concert--I can only describe the band as "eclectic." While the band was setting up, Scratch and I explored the fair trade store. Beaded purses from Afghanistan, earthenware from Nicaragua, Bamboo t-shirts (yes, really) from Sri Lanka, all sorts of items made from recycled material (check out the bracelet made from magazines below). Fair trade is somewhat controversial (like any type of trade, I s'pose), but the stuff there was beautiful.
Having satisfied our curiosity, Scratch and I took our seats. As I stated before, the band's style was pure eclectic, and they played everything from Texas Swing to Motown. Scratch and I have a thing for live music--even if we don't typically enjoy the genre, we still love it live. I was introduced to two new genres that night (new to me, anyway): Gypsy Jazz and Bohemian. It was love at first listen. I decided on the spot that I had most definitely been born in the wrong century and that I really should have been born a Bohemian Gypsy. Long skirts, hoop earrings, barefoot and dancing by the campfire until the wee hours of the morning...
I tell myself that if I had really been born in that time, that lifestyle, I'd probably be forced to marry my one-eyed uncle, he'd die in a knife-fight defending my honor (or caught stealing--whichever came first), and then I'd have to sell my gold tooth to help our kids survive. And let's say I made it to the ripe old age of 40--I'd probably have no teeth (hygiene wasn't really emphasized), withered skin (ditto moisturizing), and cackle as I gave people tragic fortunes.
But when that aching, melancholic music plays...I'm 20 again, long dark hair a-tumble, and twirling as the firelight casts strange shadows on the caravans.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Online Auction Update
The bidding has begun! I've never shopped at an online auction before, and I think I went a little bid-crazy. If I win everything that I bid for, I'm gonna be in trouble...
www.rallyforrafe.blogspot.com
Here's an additional note from my sis-in-law, H-girl:
Our neighbor and friend Rafe has been battling cancer. He is an incredibly good man, with an amazing wife and three beautiful little boys. Many of his friends and neighbors have been rallying together to show Rafe we love and support him and his family at this time. In order to help alleviate some of the burden associated with his extraordinary medical expenses we are conducting an online auction. Any support you are able to give will be put to great use and much appreciated. The online auction will begin on December 7th (TODAY!) and will end on December 14th at 5:00 p.m. Please check out the blog for more info and to bid on items. There have been tons of amazing items and services donated, so check out the blog
www.rallyforrafe.blogspot.com, do some Christmas shopping, and know that 100% of the proceeds will make a huge difference for this young family. Please take a few minutes to bid on a few items, and encourage your friends to do the same (via email, facebook, blog, etc...). Thanks! Let the bidding begin!!!
www.rallyforrafe.blogspot.com
Here's an additional note from my sis-in-law, H-girl:
Our neighbor and friend Rafe has been battling cancer. He is an incredibly good man, with an amazing wife and three beautiful little boys. Many of his friends and neighbors have been rallying together to show Rafe we love and support him and his family at this time. In order to help alleviate some of the burden associated with his extraordinary medical expenses we are conducting an online auction. Any support you are able to give will be put to great use and much appreciated. The online auction will begin on December 7th (TODAY!) and will end on December 14th at 5:00 p.m. Please check out the blog for more info and to bid on items. There have been tons of amazing items and services donated, so check out the blog
www.rallyforrafe.blogspot.com, do some Christmas shopping, and know that 100% of the proceeds will make a huge difference for this young family. Please take a few minutes to bid on a few items, and encourage your friends to do the same (via email, facebook, blog, etc...). Thanks! Let the bidding begin!!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Online Auction
This is from my sister-in-law--I thought I'd pass it along...
Dear friends and family,
We need your help. Our neighbor and friend Rafe is battling cancer. He is an incredibly good man, with an amazing wife and three beautiful little boys. Rafe's cancer has spread to multiple organs, including his brain. He has undergone chemotherapy, radiation and most recently, a surgery to remove a large tumor from his brain. During the surgery the surgeon found two more tumors. They are planning on doing radiation again to his head, in an attempt to shrink the tumors. You can imagine the financial strain that this has placed on their young family.
Their family has been very private in their struggle and have had a difficult time asking for help from others. They are independent and humble, yet gracious and kind, the type of people who would do anything for anyone. Although this will remain anonymous, many of Rafe's friends and neighbors have been rallying together to show Rafe that we love and support him and his family at this time. In order to help alleviate some of the burden associated with the extraordinary medical expenses we are conducting an online auction. Any support you are able to give will be put to great use and much appreciated. The online auction will begin on December 7th and will end on December 14th at 5:00 p.m. Please check out the blog for more info at http://www.rallyforrafe.blogspot.com/ about the auction.
If you have a special skill, talent or product that you could donate for the online auction, please do so. Here are some ideas just to get you thinking....jewelry, haircolor/cuts, photography, timeshare/condo stay, free tax service, clothing, products, massages, discounted services, gift certificates, Jazz or BYU tickets, hair products, body lotions, home decor, quilts/sewing, handmade items (i.e. cards, aprons, purses, hair accessories), tutoring, video games, piano or guitar lessons, party planning, graphic design, invitations, baby products (nursing covers, slings, hairbows, beanies, clothing), etc... No donation is too small. Also, if you know someone who might have something they could donate, please forward this email to them. Or simply post a blog or facebook message with the blog website http://www.rallyforrafe.blogspot.com/ and encourage people to donate raffle items or to bid on items. Once again, the online auction will begin on December 7th, so mark your calendars and check the blog on that day to see the list of items up for bid. The auction will end December 14th at 5:00 p.m. Even if you aren't able to donate, please spread the word about the online auction!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you have anything you would like to donate. In order to make things easier, I'd be happy to coordinate on your behalf. Thank you!
All the best,
(H-girl)
Dear friends and family,
We need your help. Our neighbor and friend Rafe is battling cancer. He is an incredibly good man, with an amazing wife and three beautiful little boys. Rafe's cancer has spread to multiple organs, including his brain. He has undergone chemotherapy, radiation and most recently, a surgery to remove a large tumor from his brain. During the surgery the surgeon found two more tumors. They are planning on doing radiation again to his head, in an attempt to shrink the tumors. You can imagine the financial strain that this has placed on their young family.
Their family has been very private in their struggle and have had a difficult time asking for help from others. They are independent and humble, yet gracious and kind, the type of people who would do anything for anyone. Although this will remain anonymous, many of Rafe's friends and neighbors have been rallying together to show Rafe that we love and support him and his family at this time. In order to help alleviate some of the burden associated with the extraordinary medical expenses we are conducting an online auction. Any support you are able to give will be put to great use and much appreciated. The online auction will begin on December 7th and will end on December 14th at 5:00 p.m. Please check out the blog for more info at http://www.rallyforrafe.blogspot.com/ about the auction.
If you have a special skill, talent or product that you could donate for the online auction, please do so. Here are some ideas just to get you thinking....jewelry, haircolor/cuts, photography, timeshare/condo stay, free tax service, clothing, products, massages, discounted services, gift certificates, Jazz or BYU tickets, hair products, body lotions, home decor, quilts/sewing, handmade items (i.e. cards, aprons, purses, hair accessories), tutoring, video games, piano or guitar lessons, party planning, graphic design, invitations, baby products (nursing covers, slings, hairbows, beanies, clothing), etc... No donation is too small. Also, if you know someone who might have something they could donate, please forward this email to them. Or simply post a blog or facebook message with the blog website http://www.rallyforrafe.blogspot.com/ and encourage people to donate raffle items or to bid on items. Once again, the online auction will begin on December 7th, so mark your calendars and check the blog on that day to see the list of items up for bid. The auction will end December 14th at 5:00 p.m. Even if you aren't able to donate, please spread the word about the online auction!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you have anything you would like to donate. In order to make things easier, I'd be happy to coordinate on your behalf. Thank you!
All the best,
(H-girl)
Friday, December 4, 2009
Longevity
I love to make Scratch laugh. He's got such a great laugh--totally unique and recognizable. Even before we started dating, I remember my roommates and I would sometimes hear him laugh (usually at something e.'s future husband said--they were roommates) out in the parking lot somewhere, and we'd all smile. When we did start dating, every time--and I mean every time--we went to the movies, friends would recognize his laugh in the dark theater and come find us afterward. (This also demonstrates what a small world Provo is...) ;)
One of the nice things about being married for awhile is that you build up a repertoire of inside jokes. They'd probably sound pretty lame if we tried to explain them, but they still make us giggle. (Sometimes at very inconvenient moments...) This morning, as Scratch was pulling out of the driveway to go to a networking meeting, I made our family's crazy sign for "I love you." (We point to ourselves, cross our arms in the shape of an X in front of our chests and then point at the other person, but as fast as we can--we have competitions to see who can do it the fastest-- so that it ends up looking like some sort of threatening gang symbol.) I hadn't done that in awhile, so it caught him off guard and made him throw back his head and laugh. He did it back, and I went back inside the house smiling.
One of the nice things about being married for awhile is that you build up a repertoire of inside jokes. They'd probably sound pretty lame if we tried to explain them, but they still make us giggle. (Sometimes at very inconvenient moments...) This morning, as Scratch was pulling out of the driveway to go to a networking meeting, I made our family's crazy sign for "I love you." (We point to ourselves, cross our arms in the shape of an X in front of our chests and then point at the other person, but as fast as we can--we have competitions to see who can do it the fastest-- so that it ends up looking like some sort of threatening gang symbol.) I hadn't done that in awhile, so it caught him off guard and made him throw back his head and laugh. He did it back, and I went back inside the house smiling.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Chocolate, Pink Elephants, Vampires, and Santa Claus
Sounds like a really bizarre dream, doesn't it? Well, it's actually the events of one magical day in the lives of the peapod.
The day after Thanksgiving found us in the heart of downtown Tacoma, desperately trying to find Brown & Haley's little round outlet house. We had been to the outlet several times before, but it had been a few years--and to be honest, we always have to feel our way. We were on the verge of being late to Scratch's Aunt Lo's Christmas brunch, and we wanted to get her and her family some yummy Brown & Haley Chocolates--but we would have to give up and find the highway if we didn't run across the little house soon.
Then, I saw it. No, not the house, but the giant pink elephant sign.
Kind of hard to miss... Somewhere in my clouded memory, I had stored this crucial bit of information--the outlet store was right next to the Pink Elephant Car Wash. (Who'd've thunk it? A round pink house right next to a giant pink elephant in downtown Tacoma. Ah, the cool little surprises you find in the city.) We took a right, went past the car wash, and sure 'nuf, there was our house. Phew! We'd have a present for Aunt Lo after all--as well as some delicious treats for ourselves, of course! ;) Because you just cannot walk into Brown & Haley's without buying some type of delectable treat. Each kid selected their own brand of scrumptious, and the adults may have picked up a thing or two as well, and we were off.
A word about Aunt Lo--she's one of those women who'll be young and gorgeous her whole entire life, even if she lives to be 110. A lot of it has to do with her joie de vivre--it's present all year long, but it really comes out at Christmastime (which, in this case, started immediately at 12:01 am the day after Thanksgiving). Her house literally looked like the North Pole had relocated to the Northwest. Well, okay, not that bad--but the house was definitely decked out. Creche scenes, Santas, reindeer, a fully decorated tree, candles, boughs and bows, stockings hung by the chimney with care--you get the picture. Aunt Lo greeted us at the door dressed like a Christmas elf (see, how can you grow old when you do cool stuff like that?!!). Also elfish--Aunt Lo's daughter-in-law, Cousin C. They were adorable.
Then we were treated to a Christmas brunch to end all brunches--bacon, ham, and eggs, naturally--but also cinnamon rolls, grapes, oranges, heavenly hashbrowns with sour cream and cheese, these absolutely sinful Scandinavian pastries--whose name I learned and then promptly forgot, and to top it all off, dual colored (red and green, of course) pancakes in Christmas shapes, topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Aunt Lo's son (and Cousin C's hub) Cousin X made them. I'm still not sure how--they were like works of art--perfectly shaped Christmas trees with red ornaments, rectangular pancakes with the words "Merry Christmas" in perfect lettering--uncanny, really.
The festivities had only begun--the brunch was followed by a scavenger hunt (created by Cousin C) for Cici and Bugman, who came away from it with bags full of chocolate. (You'd think with so much that they'd be willing to share--but no.) At some point, we noticed that Aunt Lo's husband was nowhere to be seen. No matter, cause this is where Santa Claus made his appearance, much to Schmobie's delight. He was ENCHANTED. Couldn't keep his eyes off the jolly old elf. Cousin X and C have twin boys who are a month older than Schmobie--and their eyes were round as well. Santa doled out gifts for the children, including Cici and Bug, who know better. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Christmas program that followed--we all played a part--Christmas carols were sung, the story of the birth of Christ retold. There were more than a few misty eyes by the end of the program. Truly, a magical day.
But there's more...evening was drawing upon us, and Cousin C decided to treat Cici and Bugman to a certain movie with a few vampires in it, maybe a werewolf or two. You may have heard of it.
She ended up treating me as well, which I still feel weird about--I'm going to have to get her back for that...*shaking my head at Cousin C*. Seriously though--can I just say right here that Cousin C is awesome? And not just cause she treated us--she's one of those people who is just really cool and rad and that you love to pieces the moment you meet them. That's Cousin C for you.
About the movie--I have to admit that I love it. Sure it's cheesy (what was up with that part with Bella and Edward skipping through the forest??? Seriously? I think the whole audience snorted with derision--including me, the uberfan--during that scene...) Other than that, though, (and a few sporadic acting moments) it was a very entertaining movie that had me hooked from the first scene to the last. Have you seen the movie? What did you think?
The day after Thanksgiving found us in the heart of downtown Tacoma, desperately trying to find Brown & Haley's little round outlet house. We had been to the outlet several times before, but it had been a few years--and to be honest, we always have to feel our way. We were on the verge of being late to Scratch's Aunt Lo's Christmas brunch, and we wanted to get her and her family some yummy Brown & Haley Chocolates--but we would have to give up and find the highway if we didn't run across the little house soon.Then, I saw it. No, not the house, but the giant pink elephant sign.
Kind of hard to miss... Somewhere in my clouded memory, I had stored this crucial bit of information--the outlet store was right next to the Pink Elephant Car Wash. (Who'd've thunk it? A round pink house right next to a giant pink elephant in downtown Tacoma. Ah, the cool little surprises you find in the city.) We took a right, went past the car wash, and sure 'nuf, there was our house. Phew! We'd have a present for Aunt Lo after all--as well as some delicious treats for ourselves, of course! ;) Because you just cannot walk into Brown & Haley's without buying some type of delectable treat. Each kid selected their own brand of scrumptious, and the adults may have picked up a thing or two as well, and we were off.A word about Aunt Lo--she's one of those women who'll be young and gorgeous her whole entire life, even if she lives to be 110. A lot of it has to do with her joie de vivre--it's present all year long, but it really comes out at Christmastime (which, in this case, started immediately at 12:01 am the day after Thanksgiving). Her house literally looked like the North Pole had relocated to the Northwest. Well, okay, not that bad--but the house was definitely decked out. Creche scenes, Santas, reindeer, a fully decorated tree, candles, boughs and bows, stockings hung by the chimney with care--you get the picture. Aunt Lo greeted us at the door dressed like a Christmas elf (see, how can you grow old when you do cool stuff like that?!!). Also elfish--Aunt Lo's daughter-in-law, Cousin C. They were adorable.
Then we were treated to a Christmas brunch to end all brunches--bacon, ham, and eggs, naturally--but also cinnamon rolls, grapes, oranges, heavenly hashbrowns with sour cream and cheese, these absolutely sinful Scandinavian pastries--whose name I learned and then promptly forgot, and to top it all off, dual colored (red and green, of course) pancakes in Christmas shapes, topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Aunt Lo's son (and Cousin C's hub) Cousin X made them. I'm still not sure how--they were like works of art--perfectly shaped Christmas trees with red ornaments, rectangular pancakes with the words "Merry Christmas" in perfect lettering--uncanny, really.
The festivities had only begun--the brunch was followed by a scavenger hunt (created by Cousin C) for Cici and Bugman, who came away from it with bags full of chocolate. (You'd think with so much that they'd be willing to share--but no.) At some point, we noticed that Aunt Lo's husband was nowhere to be seen. No matter, cause this is where Santa Claus made his appearance, much to Schmobie's delight. He was ENCHANTED. Couldn't keep his eyes off the jolly old elf. Cousin X and C have twin boys who are a month older than Schmobie--and their eyes were round as well. Santa doled out gifts for the children, including Cici and Bug, who know better. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Christmas program that followed--we all played a part--Christmas carols were sung, the story of the birth of Christ retold. There were more than a few misty eyes by the end of the program. Truly, a magical day.
But there's more...evening was drawing upon us, and Cousin C decided to treat Cici and Bugman to a certain movie with a few vampires in it, maybe a werewolf or two. You may have heard of it.
She ended up treating me as well, which I still feel weird about--I'm going to have to get her back for that...*shaking my head at Cousin C*. Seriously though--can I just say right here that Cousin C is awesome? And not just cause she treated us--she's one of those people who is just really cool and rad and that you love to pieces the moment you meet them. That's Cousin C for you.About the movie--I have to admit that I love it. Sure it's cheesy (what was up with that part with Bella and Edward skipping through the forest??? Seriously? I think the whole audience snorted with derision--including me, the uberfan--during that scene...) Other than that, though, (and a few sporadic acting moments) it was a very entertaining movie that had me hooked from the first scene to the last. Have you seen the movie? What did you think?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Fer Shizzle
My mom's response to my last post?
"That's great!! Fer shizzle!"
Huh??? Since when is my mom hipper than I am?
And...*blushing cause I hate to admit I don't know this*...where did "fer shizzle" come from? What does it mean??? And...(gulp), have people been using this term for awhile?
Yikes. I'm going to go turn on NPR, sip my Metamucil cocktail, and ponder the disappearance of my youth...
"That's great!! Fer shizzle!"
Huh??? Since when is my mom hipper than I am?
And...*blushing cause I hate to admit I don't know this*...where did "fer shizzle" come from? What does it mean??? And...(gulp), have people been using this term for awhile?
Yikes. I'm going to go turn on NPR, sip my Metamucil cocktail, and ponder the disappearance of my youth...
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