Try the pot!

December means one thing, sinus pots. Never heard of them you say? Me either until yesterday when I tried my first Neti Pot. Jake & I have had a perma-cold all fall so when Aunt Jill suggested we flush our sinuses, we rushed out to get the goods. We love gross things, remember those Biore blackhead strips? I really didn't think my nose would do it but I guess your sinuses are connected as you can pour the water in one side and it flows out the other. I always thought each nostril did it's own things but clearly not. I'm not cured but it's really fun so you need try one!

Are cards dumb?

I have serious card anxiety. I stress out so bad when, usually at the very last minute, I am scouring the card aisle at Target trying to find just a decent one (forget actually funny or meaningful) for someone's birthday/wedding/new baby, etc. Are cards that accompany gifts a waste? Waste of time looking and looking for one, waste of money, usually $3-6, and frankly not that appreciated? Maybe the gift receiver would rather have you spend that dough on a better gift or even a mocha for your efforts. Now cards sent in the mail as a thank you or birthday wish are awesome and worth the effort, not that I actually get around to that either as that would require a level of pre-planning that escapes me. But wait, I do need to contradict myself! I just realized I saved every last baby card we got when Nori was born and I had them hung on her door for months, now they are still stacked in a wooden box on her bookcase. Maybe I just hate shopping & paying for cards but I actually like them? Maybe I am dumb.

Happy Birthday Grandma Audrey & Britney Spears!

My two favorite people with so much in commom!

Behind the times...

It's only Dec 1 but I feel so behind! Everywhere I turn people have holiday decorations up, trees lit and so on. Being gone all week put me behind. This weekend we will find that tree, start some shopping and hopefully hit the Holidazzle parade. I read that you should choose your very favorite traditions and just do those since there is never enough time to do everything festive you could do. I think I will just stick to the essential things year like: caroling, building a gingerbread house, volunteering at the soup kitchen, dressing up as Santa at work, directing the church nativity play, leading the bell choir, hosting a holiday party, baking cookies for the soldiers, homemade soaps for the nursing home and passing out in the nog.

for Ellen

Sunday Summary - turkey edition

Helping Gramps Steve cook bacon
Norelle advising Grandma Liz that for moister turkey, baste often

Back to work tomorrow? Can't be true but then again I am organizing a big graduation reception on Thursday at Eastcliffe so I have caterers to talk to and name tags to make. Hmpff.

Laughing at... er... with Papa MichaelNori jams with Uncle Dunkel

We had a super visit to Winona, grandparents and great-grandparents alike where happy to spend time with Nori (Megan who?) witnessing her new found love of giraffes and pointing. So much happened since Tuesday, here are the highlights: baby hams it up late at night after crying all car ride, lunch at Acoustic Cafe with Char, dreadlock discussions with Elle, emotional meeting with Pastor Schoen and family about saying goodbye to Grandma Audrey (he made a great point that blood is not what binds us but rather the emotional bonds are what make a family), lots of family time, hang with Hol, delish turkey, cranberries and Parkerhouse rolls, Papa sees doctor and gets on right meds for heart and other issues, coffee at Blue Heron with Fluffy, Abby & Case, Emily's surprise baby shower, turkey sandwiches, Sarah's 30th birthday, Makenna's dedication, Andy's monkey bread and a Sunday afternoon to get ready for another week.

Makenna is dedicated to God!

'Tis the season to be jolly and joyous!

It's that time of year again and like everyone, we are trying to be wise about what we buy. I want Nori to connect with the holy significance of Christmas, not the commercial. Have you heard of the Say YES to NO campaign? I really want to be deliberate about not spoiling her with material things but rather with love and experiences. Since she can't read or log on to the Internet yet, I think it is safe for me to share what we plan to gift her with. When shopping for her, we followed this rule: something you want , something you need, something to wear, something to read

So here is what we bought...
want: push & ride toy for walking skills
needs: 18 mo onesies
wear: cream sweater dress
read: art board books I picked up in Seattle

And maybe Santa will drop off something too...I can not help what he does with his polar money. Our family gift was having our photos taken and framed. It is such a joy to be a family as last year at this time it was just a hope with an uncertain timeline!