Work Christmas Party

So, I know I don't work outside of the home anymore, but I still refer to my old place of employment as "work". Today they had their annual Christmas party, and Finn and I crashed it (not really, we were invited). Of course Finn cannot stand still, so I was chasing him all over while trying to eat. I tried to keep him from discovering the stairs because all he wants to do is climb stairs if he can find him. I was successful in that endeavor thank goodness. However, he did get into the big ice cooler. I found him playing in it - picking the ice out of the cooler, placing it on the floor, and then putting it back in the cooler again. I'm sure they just cleaned the carpet, right? Although I can't vouch for the cleanliness of Finn's hands... He was also putting his hands all in the cup they had put in the ice to use as a scoop to keep everyone from putting their dirty hands or cups into the ice. One of my work friends saw this and said, "Oh it's ok. It's just baby hands". I'm glad at least she felt that way because I didn't stop Finn from playing in the ice - it was keeping him busy while I hit the dessert table. I figured he was cute enough to get away with it.

Weekend

Finn bundled up and ready to head to the Christmas parade downtown. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the parade. When we got close to downtown and saw all the traffic, we were grateful we had a kid who couldn't talk and beg to go. We turned around and decided we would go next year and arrive earlier.

Here's Finn drinking some milk at the free cupcake tasting at Magpies. My favorite cupcake was the chocolate peppermint, while Daniel liked the gingerbread. Finn didn't get a cupcake but he liked the milk. They also had delicious coffee cake and cheesecake for tasting.

Here we are at the Holiday Homemade Craft Show. We got some presents for ourselves. We both got a mug from the pottery place in the picture. Daniel also bought me a Christmas present, but he couldn't wait to give it to me so I got it when we got home. It was a handmade zippered pouch. I love zippered pouches. They help me keep organized. I also bought some Christmas cards for my friends and some blank notecards from the BirdDog Press. I really like their designs and the fact that the cards are letterpressed. The craft show is going on this weekend and next. So check it out if you haven't already and support our local artists.

Jill Bliss

I discovered Jill Bliss a few years ago and really enjoy her whimsical designs. She sells paper goods, posters, and fabric goods along with some magnets and pins. If you're looking for unique gifts for people on your Christmas list, check out her website.

Weekend Happenings

Sorry this is kinda last minute, but I just found out about these events myself. First, tomorrow night, Friday, Dec. 6, there are free cupcakes, a homemade craft show, a free concert, and a parade. The free cupcakes can be found at Magpies from 4 - 8pm. From there, you can mosey up the street to the Holiday Homemade Craft Show, which takes place from 4-9pm. Then, you could head downtown to hear a free concert at the WDVX studios in the Knoxville Visitor's Center on Gay St. starting at 6pm. At 7pm, you could step outside and watch the Christmas Parade. After which you could go back to the visitor's center and hear more music. If you follow my plan, you will have a fun evening without spending a penny. Well, unless you buy something at the craft show, but you would probably only be buying a gift for someone else who you were going to spend money on anyway, right?

Nubbins

If you need a laugh today, listen to this. It's a story that was told on the NPR show This American Life awhile back, and I still think it is one of the funniest stories I've heard, although it is a sad commentary on our society. It was actually the last story told on the show that day, so you can skip over the beginning stories if you want. It starts at about the 41:00 minute mark.

Hope you like to color...

Daniel showed me this color you own wallpaper last night, and I just had to share this. It's a cool concept, but I think my eyes would hurt after awhile. It's a little busy for me. I actually like it better uncolored. If you want to find out more about it, go here.

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Memphis at my parent's house this year. I ate way too much, but the food was so good! We also exchanged Christmas presents with my family and we got a new digital camera (finally!) with which these pictures were taken. Finn got to eat his first Thanksgiving turkey and he really liked it.

This is Finn on the Memphis to Nashville leg of our return home. I wish I had that set up!

I took this picture outside the Quizno's near Crossville to document the snow, but you can't see any in this picture! I promise that if you were there in person you would have seen snow on these trees. It was actually quite a beautiful site. Hello December!


Finn has amazing bed hair. The top one was taken on Sunday in Nashville at my friend Whitney's apartment after he awoke from a nap. The bottom one was taken on Monday after waking up from his first nap after arriving home.

Lotta Jansdotter

I had to put up at least one post on my blog about my favorite designer - Lotta Jansdotter. I was fortunate enough in June to go to a launch party at her Brooklyn studio for her new book, and I got to talk to her and her family and the members of her very small staff. They are all very kind (and very creative) people. I absolutely love her stuff and would buy everything she put out if I could afford it. However, she has published two fabulous books, Simple Sewing and Lotta Prints, that teach you how to make beautiful things all on your own. If you are looking for a gift for someone or yourself, checkout her website. Happy browsing!

Oh, the places you'll go!

To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. Happy discoveries!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23.Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie/tv show
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Give it a try!

Weekend, Part 3

Saturday was really busy. I left the house at 8:30 and went to the gym for a couple of hours. Then, I met some friends at Tomato Head for lunch in preparation for the big event - Twilight. After eating, we saw the 1:00 show of Twilight and I loved it! We were all ready to see it again right after it ended. A lot was left out, and it felt rushed at times, but the two hours were over before I even realized it. We all agreed that the movie should have been 3 hours long. After that I got a haircut and then headed home. I didn't get home until 6:00! What a day! I have to give a big thanks to my wonderful husband for watching Finn all day so I could go have fun. Thanks Daniel! You're the best!

Weekend, Part 2

Sam Beam of Iron and Wine

On Friday night, I had the pleasure of taking Daniel out for his birthday (it's a little late but I don't control when bands are scheduled to play). We ate at Nama first and then headed to the Bijou to catch the Iron and Wine show. They are another of my favorite bands. Sam Beam is super talented and a great songwriter. I love the beautiful melodies he comes up with. Two nights in a row of great music! Blitzen Trapper opened for them, and they also rocked the house. I was basking in musical glory the whole night!

Weekend, Part 1

Sam Quinn and Jill Andrews from the everybodyfields

I haven't posted in awhile because I have been super busy having super fun. I had been looking forward to the past weekend for over a month. So, my weekend got started a little early. Thursday night I had the pleasure of going with Taylor to see the very wonderful the everybodyfields. They are from Johnson City, although most of them now call Knoxville home, I think, and they create beautiful music. One of my favorite bands, especially live. The two acts who opened up for them, Katie Herzig and Erick Baker, were pretty good also. All in all I was very pleased to spend 4 hours at the Bijou listening to great music.

I wish I was a Waldkinder

I was reading my copy of Mothering magazine the other day and came across an article on waldkintergartens. Apparently, it is quite common in Germany and Scandinavia and sounds way cool. The kids that attend are anywhere from 3-6 years old. They meet up with their teacher every morning at an indoor location and then head out into the woods for the rest of the day, even in rain or snow. They spend the time exploring and observing nature and learning about animals, plants, cooking, building fires, sharpening sticks, and other outdoor skills. I wish I could have gone to one of these. I wish they had them here now so I could send Finn to one. I think kids spend way too much time inside and hate to think of Finn spending every year after he turns 5 sitting inside behind a desk all day. Maybe I'll have to start my own waldkindergarten. Here's an article that the Telegraph did about waldkindergartens. Don't you wish you could have spent your first years of school outside?

Gratitude

I just wanted to put a link to this story here to help us all remember that we are very blessed to live the life we live. Sometimes we can get so caught up in our own lives that we forget that there are others out there who are really suffering and need our help. So if your having a bad day, complaining about your life, or throwing yourself a pity party, read this and start counting your blessings.

Last night

The book club last night was great fun, although it did take us an hour and a half before we finally got around to discussing the book. It was good to just get together with the girls (Ashlee, Mandy, and Desi) and chat and eat cupcakes. I'd also like to give a big thanks to all the husbands who watched the kids. We couldn't have had our fun without your help. We are tentatively planning to meet next on Dec. 18 at Desi's house. Our next book - Wuthering Heights. Start reading!

Book Club tonight

Tonight I am getting together with a few friends to discuss Northanger Abbey. I'm excited about starting a book club because I often read a book and want to discuss it but don't know anyone who has read it. After we meet tonight, I'll post and tell you what the next book is. If anyone is interested in reading it and joining us for a discussion, just let me know and I'll tell you when and where we're meeting. We will also be eating Magpies cupcakes and drinking tea (herbal of course)!

Making faces

Daniel took these photos of Finn during dinner a few nights ago. I never knew he made so many different facial expressions in such a short period of time!

Free Godiva Chocolate!

Just wanted to let you know that on Thursday, November 20 from 1pm-3pm Godiva is handing out a free truffle to anyone who stops by. I just might have some shopping to do on Thursday...

Tag...You're it!

So, I got my first blog tag! What an exciting day! You can thank my friend Laura for this next post full of things you probably didn't know about me (and maybe don't care to know). However, I will warn Desi, Natalie, Mary, Katy, Sara, and Laura C that question 23 asks me to tag more people, and well...tag you're it.

(Sorry, Laura, I stole some of your answers, but they are exactly what I was thinking. Great minds think alike)

1. Do you like blue cheese? No. Blech.
2. Do you own a gun? Um, no. But I do have a funny video of me shooting a gun for the first time a couple of years ago. I'll have to post it.
3. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? None. It just ruins the taste of the Dr. Pepper.
4. Do you get nervous before doctor Appointments? No
5. What do you think of hot dogs? Veggie dogs are good.
6. Favorite Christmas movie? The Christmas Story.
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? water
8. Can you do push-ups? If I must.
9. Age? 29
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring
11. Favorite hobby? Reading
12. Favorite Actor? I don't know, but I was absolutely in love with Keanu Reeves when I was 12.
13. Do you have A.D.D.? no
14. What's one trait you hate about yourself? It's hard for me to make decisions.
15. Middle name? Elizabeth
16. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: 1-I need to put the clothes in the dryer. 2-I need to stop blogging because I think Finn just woke up. 3- I need to stop blogging.
17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday/today? A present for Jula's baby shower, fruit, gas
18. 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Izze, Dr. Pepper.
19. 3 Current worries? Getting everyone's Christmas presents...that's about it. I don't worry about a lot.
20. Favorite place to be? On a beach
21. How did you bring in the New Year? Asleep - I had a very small baby this past new year.
22.Where would you like to go? Anywhere I haven't been already.
23. Tag three to six people... Desi, Natalie, Mary, Katy, Sara, Laura C
24. Do you own slippers? Nope.
25. What shirt are you wearing? White tank top under a brown cardigan sweater.
26. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I've never done it before, am I missing out?
27. Can you whistle? Used to. Not so much anymore. Wonder what happened there.
28. favorite color? Blue.
29. Would you be a pirate? Absolutely. I would love to sail in the open ocean. Though, the stealing and fighting are downsides for me.
30. What songs do you sing in the shower? "Aeroplane" by the everybodyfields
31. Favorite girl's name? boy's name? Boys: Finn. Girls: Dylan, Cedella
32. What is in your pocket? One penny
33. Last thing that made you laugh? A story Daniel told me about his childhood antics. It involved melting a GI Joe.
34. Best bed sheets as a child? Strawberry Shortcake.
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Car accident - Hurt my hip and couldn't walk right for over a month. Or any one of my three broken bones I incurred throughout my childhood.
36. How many TVs do you own? 1
37. Who is your loudest friend? Laura Newton
38. How many dogs do you have? One. His name is Pi.
39. Does someone have a crush on you? Daniel
40. What is your favorite book(S)? The Fountainhead and Jane Eyre
41. Where were you born? Nashville
42. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate with almonds
43. Favorite Sports Teams? The Vols!
44. What songs do you want played at your funeral? I have honestly never thought about that.
45.What are you doing at 12 A.M.? Sleeping
46. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I need to pray.
47. Do you live away from your home town? Where are you currently? Not too far. Memphis is my home town.
48. Do you like to celebrate the holidays? Absolutely I do.
49. Do you own/use exercise equipment, if so what kind? Free weights.
50. What do you think of this long list of questions? I've just wasted a lot of time.

Hola!

Costa Rica

Argentina

Buenos dias, mi amigas! So, for those of you who don't know, I love to travel. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do much of that over the past few years (money, work, kid). However, since I'm turning 30 next year, I'm rewarding (or consoling) myself with trips! I will definitely be going to Costa Rica with my lovely husband. I also plan to go to Argentina and possibly another short trip with some friends I met in college. Anyway, to prepare for my trips I am trying to learn Spanish and have found a wonderful website that has free beginner courses in quite a few languages. The courses are supposed to be completed over a 12 week period. The site contains audio, video, and various activities to help you learn. So far I really enjoy it. If anyone else wants to learn Spanish, let me know so we can get together and practice. Hasta luego!

Things I take for granted

I know that most of the time I take for granted the wonderful life I live and that I don't even recognize half of the things for which I should be grateful. One thing I realized today that I take for granted is that when I send my child to school someday, I expect that the school building itself will not fall down on him. I feel really sad for the families in Haiti that are dealing with the collapse of two schools within a week. I love to travel and visit new places and learn about new cultures, but I'm glad that I live in the USA. It's not perfect - no place is - but it's still a great place to live.

Finn's Birthday

I wasn't blogging when Finn had his birthday on October 6th, so here's the classic "I'm one and I have cake on my face" pic.

Homemade Pizza

... well sort of. I love farmer's markets. I'm kinda addicted. Luckily there are only 2 farmer's markets (instead of 6) going on now since the season is coming to a close. At the one on Fridays at the Laurel Church of Christ there is a lady who makes wonderful breads, granola, muffins, and pizza dough. The name of her business is Hillside Bakery. I bought some of the pizza dough this past Friday for the first time, and Daniel and I made pizza with it tonight. It was fabulous. The dough is not cooked. You just freeze it if you are not going to use it within the next day. She has whole wheat and regular crust. I got the whole wheat. It's great for those of us who do not have time or do not want to take the time to make homemade dough but still want homemade pizza. It was very yummy. Finn liked it too. Go check the Hillside Bakery out at the market, but go soon because all the farmer's markets end this month and will not be back until April! What will I do!

Weekend...

So, I can't believe I went all weekend without blogging! Well, actually I can. Daniel's family was in town for the weekend so we were busy with them, and I actually got sick this weekend and did nothing but lie around in bed after dinner on Saturday. I would have laid in bed all day Sunday, but it was the Primary program in our ward and, since I'm in the presidency, I wanted to be there to support the kids. But I was back in bed right after church. Today I'm feeling better, thank goodness! Being sick is the worst! However, lying around did give me the time to finish Northanger Abbey and I also started and finished Pride and Prejudice. I now understand why the latter book is so popular. I really enjoyed it and it is my favorite Austen novel that I have read so far (the others I've read are Emma and Northanger Abbey). However, I still prefer the Bronte sisters. Anyway, I did get to go to the Magpies grand opening. We took Daniel's family there after dinner and it was delicious! Sorry, to all of you who missed it. For all of you coming to the book club next week, I plan on serving some Magpies!

3 Rakes, 2 Boys, 1 Girl and a Leaf

While I was walking my dog Pi last night, I passed a house where 3 kids were outside raking leaves in the yard. The girl was the only one doing any actual raking while the two boys were using their rakes as swords to fight one another. The younger brother then started to hit the tree branches above him with the rake. The older boy said, "Stop doing that! You'll make more leaves fall down!". It's nice to see that the older boy was so concerned about his sister that he did not want to make her rake one extra leaf.

Free happenings around town

When I started this blog 2 days ago, I did not know how addicted I would become. I have started another side bar that lists free events for families around Knoxville. If you have any questions, just leave a comment on a post with the question and I'll get back to you. Also, if you know of any free events I don't have listed, please let me know. Free is the new black in this economy.

Good Reads

Since I've had Finn, I've been a voracious reader. On the side bar, I've started a list of books that I've read and recommend. I would love to hear from any of you about books you would recommend. I'm always in search of another great book to read.

Yummy and free!

Magpies. If you have never had the pleasure of eating any of their cakes and cupcakes, wait no longer. They are having a big grand opening for their new location tomorrow night and they will have free sampling of their yummy treats. There will also be a band, face painting, balloon animals, and a fun table (whatever that is). It's from 5-9. I am so sad that I will not be able to go. Daniel's parents are coming tomorrow afternoon and I think we will be too busy visiting them at the cabin where they are staying (which is not close to Magpies). I hope some of you can go so I can live vicariously through you. If you go, you will not be disappointed. Go eat some cake!

Excitement all over

The whole world seems to be excited about the Obama presidency. Maybe now we can make some improvements in diplomatic relations that have suffered over the years with some countries.

Obama wins!

I was excited when, at 11:00, NBC announced that Obama had won the election. Although, as I mentioned earlier, I believe both men to have been good candidates, Obama does give me the most hope for the future. I thought McCain's concession speech was very gracious and showed him to possess excellent character. I really wish he could have gotten the nomination eight years ago. I probably would have voted for him then. I also was glad to hear Obama talk of the challenges facing this country. It reassured me that he recognizes the difficulties he will face as president. My impression of him is that he is an optimistic realist, and I think that is an important quality for the president to possess at this time. So, I hope he will continue to inspire hope and that the next four years will be better than the previous four.

Finn

... discovering life as a dinosaur

... enjoying a fall day

... taking a sip

I Voted!

I just got back from the polls. I got there just in time. I didn't have to wait, but when I had finished casting my vote for Obama, there was quite a line. If you haven't voted yet, vote soon!

Election Day!

Election day is here and, for the first time since I have been able to vote, I'm excited about it. I honestly feel that both candidates are good men and would serve our country well. I do have one I prefer but, no matter who wins, I feel the country will be in good hands. I have not felt that way in the two previous elections. In fact, this is the first time I will vote for a major party candidate for president. I hope all of you out there will be voting also. As soon as my son wakes up, I'll be on my way to the polls!