Thanksgiving

You know when you get back from a really big trip and try to summarize all the little wonderful things that happened but, out of fullness of mind and loads of laundry to catch up on, you can't? Whew. Here's some of the bullet points:

- Walking into my parents house, swearing that it smells like the fragrant kitchen my great-grandmother had and trying not to tear up.

- Watching Morgan tease her uncles and adore her aunt.

- Going shopping for Christmas presents with my Mom. Finding that we want to peruse the magazines for Christmas cookies for us instead. hehe

- Oooing and aaahhing with my Mom at Anthropologie and G Street Fabrics.

- Hugging my family incessantly.

- Enjoying a feast with my family. Being truly thankful. For my uncle's recovery from his stroke this year. For Dan's better job situation. For loving siblings and parents. For God.

- Watching my brothers, husband and father as they rib each other at poker. Watching them the morning after as they lament the money the lost or the drinks they had.

- Marveling at how my kid sister is now a woman. Marveling at how, although she has had her choice of men for ages, she is willing to wait for one in particular. She is learning love.

- Watching the glimmer come back in my brother's eyes after many hard years of searching for truth.

- Watching an Jane Austin movie with my mother.

- Marveling at the way my father can see the potential in an old house, flip it and make it someone else's home.

- Seeing a long friend of Dan's and grateful how God has given her a beautiful child and husband.

Buche de Noël

I made my first yule log cake. It wasn't as hard as I thought! Give it a whirl, friends. You can make it in stages.

We Likey Our Desserts...

...at Thanksgiving

Images of Maryland Thanksgiving...

Ahhh... Coming home...

Life Coaching

I mentioned in my earlier post that I'm enjoying an ecourse on the Energy Equation, a family of 8 lessons by life coach Lori Radun on bringing energy back into our lives. She spends the first part of the lessons talking about decluttering.

A little back story: As a stay at home mother, I spend approximately 50% of my day moving stuff. Seriously. Moving Dan's shoes from downstairs to upstairs. Moving Morgan's toys from the middle of the floor to a less dangerous setting. And, lest I sound too self-righteous, I pick up my own castaways as well. Stuff.

Living in a small house the past 5 years taught me to be choosy about the stuff I brought into my house. I miss my old house sometimes for that very reason. I liked the coziness of it all.

There is a point to this. I promise.

Ever since we moved into this larger house, there's a lot more storage for unused stuff. I'm trying to be vigilant about purging our house as often as possible from things that no longer fit our lifestyle or our future lifestyle.

I found it interesting, then, that Lori Radun has devoted the first lesson in her energy course to decluttering. I was surprised. I honestly thought she'd throw in some vitamin research, ways to workout better and a few wise proverbs. Nope. She has an action plan. Though a throughly spiritual person, she approaches this course from a very physical standpoint: get the junk out of your way that is keeping you from resting.

Let me show you two results from my recent endeavors. A few weeks ago I installed track shelving in my office. The shelving is modular in case I need to move it around. It's very strong... can hold up to 400 lbs per shelf. And as a result of this installation, I now have a sense of peace in my office; everything has its home.


Additionally, I finally framed Dan's September 11th airline ticket. Now it holds a precious place in his side of the office along with a reminder that our days are in God's hands.


I won't say that I'm bursting at the seams with energy, but it sure feels great to know that each item has a home and that I can find it easily.

Check it out. You may enjoy it as well.

Here's the syllabus:
Week 1 - Introduction - Identifying the Energy Drains in your Life
Week 2 - Clutter in your Environment - Why we hang on
Week 3 - Clutter in your Environment - Letting Go
Week 4 - Clutter in your Relationships - Energy Draining Behaviors #1 - #4
Week 5 - Clutter in your Relationships - Energy Draining Behaviors #5 - #8
Week 6 - Clutter in Yourself - Self-defeating Behaviors #1 - #4
Week 7 - Clutter in Yourself - Self-defeating Behaviors #5 - #8
Week 8 - Creative Ways to Refuel your Energy

Ch-Ch-Ch-Christmas?

I may be alone in this sentiment, but I have a small phobia. Of malls.

I know, I know-Crazy, right? I'm a woman who somewhat enjoys shopping, but there's something about the vastness of choice, throngs of people and- I'll be honest- "Made in China" labels on nearly every item that make me uncomfortable. I avoid malls like the plague. Maybe I overdosed on shopping as a teenager. Who knows?

What's more, I don't particularly like to have a lot of excess in my house, either.

So it follows that I have a tinge of anxiety when Christmas rolls around. Malls. Stuff I don't need. Decision making--eeek! For years, I haven't known quite what to ask for when my family requests my Christmas wish list.

What I really want sounds lame on a holiday list:
- A nap
- A baby. (Oh, c'mon, laugh. It's funny.)
- A good husband- already have that
- A darling daughter- got her!
- Uninterrupted time in the bath

I'd like to throw out some ideas to my bloggyland friends which may prime the creative pump of yours when giving or receivng gifts this holiday season:

1. A Class
You heard me right. A class. Dance class lessons. Swim lessons for the kiddo. Gymnastics lessons. Cooking class. My in-laws bought Morgan a class last year for Christmas and it was SO fun. It was the gift that kept on giving.

2. Something Homemade
I'm starting to get to that age where the best gifts involve memories of good times. Photo albums. Hand painted watercolors. A poem. A collection of black and white photos of deceased relatives who are special.

3. Life Coaching
I'm serious. Doesn't that sound like fun? I met a life coach last year named Lori Radun. She has fantastic ecourses on mothering and I'm in the midst of one now on energy... and why mothers lack it. It's pretty interesting.

4. An Experience
What does a tired business professional or weary parent need for Christmas? Forget the crock pot. A little buzz in the creative juices would do wonders. How about concert tickets? A swanky picnic in the park. A day downtown. A pedicure. A makeover. Something to remind one that they are not only human, they have a heartbeat and a personality.

These are just a few suggestions for those suffering from bulging eaves and support walls. A house can only hold so much stuff comfortably, right? Let China make a few things for their own country while you try some unconventional gift giving techniques. It's worth some thought.

It's DAN'S BIRTHDAY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETIE!

He is 33 years today! Yeah!

Morgan and I will work hard to sing you a heartier version of Happy Birthday. Your 6:30 departure this morning did not leave time for our vocal chords to warm up.

Countdown to Dan's Birthday: 2 Days

Did you know that Dan is studying Russian?

Countdown to Dan's Birthday: 3 Days

Bet you didn't know...

Dan's mother broke 400 years of family tradtion when she named him Dan. Previously, parents had named their first born sons John and Clarence with alternating generations. Dan was slotted to be nominated "Clarence", but his mother saved the day. His middle name is John, after his father.

Countdown to Dan's Birthday: 4 Days

What You May Not Know About Dan:

Dan is a pretty convincing actor. He played the Tin Man in his high school's production of Wizard of Oz. And from what I hear, he did a great job. In fact, early in his college career, he was thinking about going into theater. This is no surprise to me or Morgan. Dan is always doing funny facial expressions and has the uncanny ability to mime things that others would consider difficult. You should ask him to show you his miming impersonation of the day I put extra fiber in his morning routine. Let's just say that there's a worn path in the carpet from Dan's desk to the men's room. haha

On a more serious note, as talented as he is in acting Dan was unable to shake his nervousness when he asked me to marry him. It was a very touching and beautiful moment.

Countdown to Dan's Birthday: 5 Days

Another tidbit about Dan Dykstra:

He can't help himself from quoting verbatim snippets of movies and TV shows. It secretly irks him if someone misquotes a movie. He often laughs and gently corrects the person (me) by requoting the entirety of the quote complete with appropriate pauses and voice inflections.

I got your number, Dan Dykstra!

Countdown to Dan's Birthday: 6 Days

In celebration of my husband's birthday, I've decided to write one thing every day for the next 6 days telling the entire world tidbits about him. I don't think I'll run out of material.

DAY SIX: What You May Not Know

When Dan was 16, he lost part of his big toe on his left foot to a lawnmower. It was a terrible experience, but my humorous husband put it on his calling card, so to speak:
"Ten fingers and nine toes, but generally all there."

Overheard

After telling Morgan the story of Good King Wenceslas, I told her that "the story tells us we should take care of the poor."

Morgan's face lit up. "I'm four! I'm four!"

I clarified: "I said POOR, Morgan. Not four."

________________________

Morgan and I went for a walk at the park. There was lots of goose poop everywhere. Morgan had a great idea: "Wets ax Jesus to disappear the poops."

________________________


Emily: "Morgan, it's cold outside. You need your hat on. Is your head cold?"

Morgan: "My brain hurts."

________________________

Morgan: "Mom, can you open this can for me?" She shows me a can of olives.

Emily: "Why?"

Morgan: "So I can do this." And she pointed to this picture.

Sunday

Man! I haven't blogged since last week.

You'd think I had a lot to write about since then, but the truth is that I'm fighting a sinus condition that makes me feel falsely *yawn* sleepy. I rested most of the weekend.

A few months ago, Dan and I were visiting Sarah and Jason, friends of our from Grand Rapids, Michigan. We stayed on a Saturday night and really enjoyed our Sunday with them. Jason and Sarah have two youngins and the Sunday morning shuffle to church is not so harmonious in their home. They have the option to attend an evening service on Saturday night. So Sunday is restful family day.

Our time there was so relaxing. We weren't rushing to get dressed and go to a service. We enjoyed the fellowship of some pretty cool cats. Now we already knew that we loved this couple, but then Jason brought out some homemade brewsky. Dan immediately deified him. I normally don't drink beer, but this blend was nutty and fruity and wonderful.

Sarah treated us to an amazing savory egg dish that morning. I try not to love her only because she makes good food, but this dish was a humdinger. Dear Sarah, do share you recipe.

We talked theology. We talked children. And I'm sure we threw in a couple jokes. I'm loathe to admit it, but I think this is what God had in mind for Sundays. Ah, home church.

Dan and I took a page out of their book this past Sunday and stayed home. We were all sharing a cold and some sinus trouble. We needed rest. We made homemade rolls as a family. Dan is a good cook and his baking skills aren't too shabby either. There was flour everywhere as our resident baker decide to baptize the kitchen with powder. But for once I didn't fret over it. Could've been the drugs I was taking that made me slow to respond, but I think it was just plain Sunday.

We read together as a family. We baked. We rested. What a gift.

Car

*sniff*

Well, after getting new tires, a new battery and new brakes/rotors on my Corolla, we may very well be having to sell it. I had to get a new starter in it today. It's a TEN year old car and that starter is the only non-maintenance repair I've had to make. Sorry to my domestic car owning friends, but I love Toyota.

At the repair shop, the nice man who helped me gave me his phone number. He'd like to buy the car for his daughter when I'm ready to sell.

Dan and I are ready to turn in our "cool" cards and become minivan owners in the near future. Right, DJ?

Um, More Morgan Stories... Just Can't Stop!

Teaching Morgan the days of the week:

Emily: "Okay, Morgan, what comes after Sunday?"

Morgan: "Monday."

Emily: "And then?"

Morgan: "Tuesday."

Emily: "Right. And then Wednesday. And then?"

Morgan: "And then twenty."

Too much drilling of 123's and ABC's?


__________________________


Morgan: "Mom, are we going somewhere where they have lunch? Because if they do have lunch then we can get lunch. But if they don't have lunch, I'll have to share my snack with you."

YES! She is a thoughtful girl!

Overheard

I saw some spots on Morgan while she was in the bath. I asked her to show me if she had any other spots on her leg. (She didn't.) Instead, she pointed to her oval-shaped birth mark and said, "Mom, this isn't a dot. This is a bookmark."

_____________________________

Emily: "Morgan, get your coat on. We have to pick up Daddy from the train station."

Morgan: "Mom! I have blue hands! Like Cookie Monster!"

(You know those blue Color Wonder sheets that are only supposed to rub off with special markers? They also work with saliva and a little elbow grease from one fiesty 4 year old.)

We were not late to the train station, fortunately.

_____________________________

Morgan was talking to an imaginary child this morning in the bathroom. It went something like this:

"Now when Mommy tells you to hold hands in the street you hold hands in the street. Do you want lemon in your mouth? Now you won't do that again. Do you know what rhymes with wathtub? Bathtub! That's right. What rhymes with ploshcloth? Washcloth! Good job!"

Question: For the sake of recording these imaginary conversations for posterity, would I be infringing on any laws of privacy if I installed a video recorder in her bathroom? Just asking.

Meatloaf

This recipe is dedicated to all my domestic friends, esp. Pam, who wanted to know what to do with her extra ground beef.

American Meatloaf
By Marion Cunningham (aka "Fannie Farmer")
"The Supper Book"

T'aint pretty, but it's durn good.

2 T butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 carrots, chopped into round pieces 1/4" wide
3 celery stalks, chopped into "arc" pieces 1/4" wide
1 lb. ground beef
2 lbs. ground pork
3 cloves garlic
1.25 cups bread crumbs
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. cayenne
1.5 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2/3 cup water


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in large skillet. Add onion, carrots and celery and stir until tender.

In a large bowl, combine meats, sautéed veggies and the rest of the ingredients.

Mix thoroughly with hands but do not squeeze into hard brick (like most loaves). Gently pat into oval shaped mound in a baking dish. This way it will stay moist and tender. Bake 45-50 minutes or until middle is no longer pink.

If you've been begging your best friend for a movie night, this meatloaf will have him/her knocking on your door every night.

If you've been nagging your mother to come visit, give her this loaf o' love and she'll move in next door.

or... if you've been pestering the hubby for, oh-I-don't-know, every item in Pottery Barn, then he'll still say you can't have it, but he'll at least let you look at the catalog. *ahem*

Point is: It's good.

Overheard

Lately, in an effort to get Morgan to realize how bitter words taste (words like "I don't like you!" or "NO, I WON'T!"), I've been giving her a taste of lemon. Timeouts and other discipline were not proving effective, but the lemon tastings cause her to pause and think.


This morning she was playing with a pretend wooden lemon. She must have been thinking about my new discipline methods when she said:
"Mom, lemons would taste a lot better if they had M&Ms in them."


_____________________________

This morning, Morgan started the day with theology that went something like this:
"Mom, Jesus can't be with us because he's helping other people right now. And that's why I told Jesus to be with Daddy."

Anyone want to tackle omnipresence with a 4 year old?

The Gift

When my daughter Morgan was born 4 years ago, my parents were recently separated. It was immensely difficult.

Subconsciously I had reasoned that my parents gave their all to their 5 children and left none for each other; that was why they separated. And subconsciously I refused to let Morgan get in the way of the health of my marriage.

It didn't occur to me that I had these feelings for my daughter- these feelings of anxiety- as if she were a marital time bomb waiting to explode in a decade or two. In fact, it didn't occur to me at all until one day, when asking a friend how to take care of an infant, I added, "I don't want her to come between me and Dan." Yikes. Did I really SAY that? Did I really FEEL that way?

I decided it was time for counseling. I was having a hard time allowing Morgan in my life. I went to a great counselor who had me do a very special homework project. She asked me to go and buy Morgan a gift. Better yet, she wanted me to take Morgan with me (she was 1-1/2 years old then) and have HER choose the gift.

I took Morgan to a store. She chose a ball with a smiley face on it. It cost less than a dollar. I tried to get her to choose something more flashy, but she insisted on the ball. What a weird homework assignment, I thought. But when I saw my daughter light up when she chased the green sphere around the store, something grinch-like melted away in me. I'm not sure what it was. I delighted in HER being delighted.

Fast forward to present day. I was at Meijer buying groceries. Since Morgan was at preschool, I had the opportunity to browse the toy section for Christmas gifts. I picked up a Fisher Price doctor set, imagining her responsible first-born nature taking care of her Daddy and her dollies. I picked up a few other things. Each one I chose with thought, being careful to not just buy something for a gift's sake. It has to be special.

This lesson is immensely spiritual to me. Fisher Price had no idea how important this act of buying gifts was for me. It was a sign of growth and love. It meant that I cared for her and wanted her to be delighted and provided for.

And then I remembered:
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!"
Matthew 7:11
The Bible

There's a New Cat in Town

Some claim that the little feline resembled Sully from Monsters, Inc.

Halloween Fun

There are a contingent of people who really dislike Halloween. I suppose the glorification of spooky and bloody things is rather disconcerting. There is another spirit of Halloween, however, that is immensely positive. Allow me to share:

Last night was a brisk evening around the mid-50s. And when I stepped outside, costume-clad and happy for a special occasion, the evening did not disappoint. A few trick-or-treaters trickled in at the posted 4pm hour, little ones mostly. Very cute. Between the visits of each giddy child, I enjoyed the music of geese above my head and marveled at the way they know how to fly in formation. Amazing.

My own daughter, dressed like a kitten but as ravenous for candy as a lion, partook in high pitched screams to the neighborhood: "I'M SO EXCITED! I'M SO EXCITED!" she shouted to everyone who would listen. The uninhibited excitement is something adults rarely disclose to other adults. I laughed at her pre-sugar enthusiasm.

When Dan arrived home, Morgan promptly attacked him with information about Halloween. He gobbled down his dinner and made haste for the neighborhood beg. They claim they had fun.

I really enjoyed seeing the families of the neighborhood walking leisurely around the block, laughing and taking photos of their silly, cute and scary children. I anticipate that I won't see them much for the next 6 chilly months, so I welcomed the opportunity.

By 6:30, we had to turn off the front lights. We had given candy to 152 trick or treaters. I counted. (See list above.) We were plum out of candy. We all came inside with pink cheeks and full hearts. What a great night.