Last Day...

That's right, it's the last day of November. Tomorrow December will show up and bring all of the craziness with it. So before the craziness ensues, and because it's Monday I give you an awesome video that's been making the rounds.

Dude

Tomorrow is the last day of November. Meaning that Tuesday is the first day of December.

I have trips to take, presents to make, and cookies to bake (like my cheesy rhyme?). And I'm not entirely sure I've given myself a good amount of time.

Actually, I'm really excited about my trips. Going to SoCal with my parents (sadly, hubby has to work) for a big party. I get to see family I don't get to see nearly enough. Then as soon as I get back I'm going to Tahoe! Seriously, as soon as I get back. I'll come home sometime Sunday, repack my stuff, and head out Monday morning.

I'll attempt to keep good blog posts coming, but I may get caught up in getting ready for Christmas, so forgive me if posting isn't regular. I know y'all will understand.

Brrrr...

Okay, so even though we have a major draft in my living room, I'm really excited that it's going to be in the thirties tonight.

We have firewood.

I'm thinking... fire, blankets, hot cocoa, a Christmas movie, and lots of snuggling with my little Tad. And maybe some more pumpkin pie. Because he's WAY into it. With "whooped cream." haha

We had a lazy day, which is translating into a lazy blog post. Sorry about that. Have a great Saturday night!

Oops

I totally didn't make a wish list. Sorry. I honestly had every intention of doing so. I even started one, but Blogger gave me issues and it didn't save and Internet Explorer froze and I had to get busy with things I had planned.

The good news is that I plan on uploading some pics this weekend. So you should be treated to some random fun.

P.S. - Tad really likes my chili. He told me I should make it every day. He's back with me this weekend.

One More Thing

I'm thankful for a lot of things, but it might get kind of boring for y'all if I had spent the whole month of November elaborating on what I'm thankful for and why. So I left a big one for today.

I'm thankful for my husband. :)

I'm thankful that he's introduced me to new things. Like "real" camping where you have to drive to the bathrooms. And hunting (even though I'm not totally sure I'll do any hunting of my own). But there are times where I'm sure my mom is thinking, "WHAT happened to Ashley and why is she into these things?" Blame it on the hubby.

I'm thankful that he'll be an amazing dad one day. He's amazing with the kids, and Tad is like our own (but you knew that). I love watching them together because I know he'll be adorable when we have our own.

I'm thankful that we're the same person at times. There are plenty of times where we look at each other and KNOW that we're thinking the same exact thing. We would probably frighten people if they listened in on us while we're vegging at home.

I'm thankful that he takes me on random adventures. Whether it's a random trip to the movies, a trip to the shooting range, or a drive to find some snow for me to play in.

I'm thankful that I found this wonderful man and that he's not only put up with me, but loved me for seven years now. He honestly makes me a better person (just ask my mom) and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

Love you honey.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I'm busy planning my optimal outfit. Comfy, but cute. And not tight on the tummy. Because I'm going to EAT today.

Happy Turkey Day friends!

Wow

Growing up I felt like I had a big family. My parents each have three siblings. Then I had all my cousins. It always felt like a lot of people to me.

Then I got married.

I ended up with parents, step-parents, grandparents, four more siblings, over ten aunts and uncle, and close to one hundred cousins.

Hubby has a big family. And that's an understatement. But I like having a ton of family. So today, that's what I'm thankful for.

I'm thankful that I have the chance to go visit my family, even far away. We were able to go visit my grandpa a couple years ago in Alabama. And I'm hoping to swing in for a visit when we go to Florida next year.

I'm thankful for siblings that I love spending time with. And for the fact that my brother and I have become closer as we've grown up. I also love that we have the same hair.

I'm thankful for friends that are part of the family right now. Leon (on the left) and Scott (on the right, grabbing my face) have been part of our lives for over ten years. I've known Leon for more than half my life now. They're just a couple more brothers for me. And I love it.

I'm thankful for my boys. My husband, dad, brother, and Tad. They're always entertaining. Especially last Christmas when they all got lightsabers and started a battle.

And I'm thankful for my sisters. I didn't have a sister growing up even though I had some cousins that were pretty close. And when I met hubby, I was petrified about meeting his sisters. Because I didn't get along with a lot of girls. But I love his sisters. We're close enough that we just drop the "in-law" title. And Beth and I have shouted "sissy" at each other more than once.

I'll finish with the thankful list tomorrow. And the wish list that normally shows up today, will show up Friday. Because, duh, it's Black Friday and you guys will need to know what to buy me...

Today I...

I'm thankful that I'm fortunate enough to be good at something and actually enjoy it. I have no clue where the baking gene came from. My mom and grandma can bake, but they've never been super interested in decorating. Perhaps it came from my time working at a bakery? Which would surprise me because I didn't enjoy myself while I was there. THAT'S for sure.

So today I'm thankful for my random cake baking/decorating talent. I just wish I had more opportunities to use it.

There was the birthday cake for my Tad this year. Which he loved. And I'm still pretty proud of. Totally his idea and I was able to do it for him.

I'm also thankful for friends that have had enough faith in me to put me in charge of their parties! It takes a lot to trust your son's first birthday goodies to someone. I'm so lucky to have people who have that much trust in my work.

And I'm thankful for friends who are just awesome and give me a chance to try something new. I played with fondant, I played with shimmer powder, and I attempted my first red velvet when I made these for a friend's birthday. It was SO fun.

I'm aware that I could totally come off as cocky about my skills. But I'm just thankful that I have them. I could never get paid for baking again, and I'd still enjoy doing it.

Monday and...

I'm going to try something this week. Seeing as how it's the week of Thanksgiving I'll post some things I'm thankful for. So original, right? Well, deal with it...

This is kind of a given, but I'm unbelievably thankful for this kid.

I'm thankful that I've been able to watch him grow and get ready for school. And I'm loving watching him learn at this insanely fast rate. I swear I'm helping raise a genius!

I'm thankful that hubby and I are able to take him to experience things. Whether it's the beach, the zoo, the snow, or just the movies. I love the times we spend with him and I love asking him what we should do next.

I'm thankful that he's such a wonderful, compassionate child. We're beyond lucky with this little one around. He's funny. He loves so easily. He sings. He's just amazing! I hope when hubby and I have our own one day, ours can be as cool as Tad.

Okay, so I was kind of sappy today. But I've spent the last couple days with him and I'm loving every minute of it. From making snowflakes and cards at my mom's, to making up songs, to playing pirates with my brother... this kid rocks.

That's Tad

Last night we took Tad to dinner (he asked for Red Robin) and then went to meet a friend of mine at Starbucks. Here's our little conversation...

Me: Okay, Tad. We're going to Starbucks before we go home.

Tad: Why?

Me: We're going to meet my friend, Steven, over there. He has something for me.

Tad: Ooohh. Not Steven the cat, huh?

*Steven the cat is my mother-in-law's cat

Me: (laughing at this point) No, not Steven the cat. Steven my friend.

Tad: (very seriously) Yeah, because cats can't drive, huh?

Seriously, this kid cracks me up. I love it.

Perfect

Perhaps you've already glanced over at my Twitter today. I have the formula for the perfect Saturday. That's the condensed version. Here's the full one.

Listen to a 5-year-old play in his room for a little bit. Smile as he does his Wall-E and Eve voices.

Snuggle on the couch with that same 5-year-old because the apartment is cold.

Make oatmeal with the 5-year-old. Let him help and avoid freaking out when he makes a bit of a mess.

Let the 5-year-old put the brown sugar and cinnamon into his oatmeal. Dread the coming sugar buzz when you see the heaping spoonful he puts in.

Watch The NeverEnding Story and relive your childhood while wishing it kept the kid's attention better. Also, try to convince the kid that Falkor is NOT a dog. Even thought he has dog-like ears.
What's next on our perfect Saturday? We're going to my mom's as soon as we're dressed. We'll veg in our jammies a little longer.

Best. Husband. Ever.

I really do have the best husband ever. He happened to get me an early birthday present.

Oh yes. The very things I wanted most from my wish list this week. I talked about them as I wrote and then yesterday he asked me if I really did want makeup for my birthday. And then he said, "Okay, we'll order it when we get home. I don't want to go IN to Sephora."

So these lovelies are on their way here! I'm really hoping that UPS is quick enough to get them to me next week, but it'll probably be the week after with Thanksgiving throwing a wrench in service days.

And yes, I'm aware (as is hubby) that my birthday isn't actually for 25 more days. But hubby figured I would probably want to wear the fabulousness ON my birthday, and if it gets here in time, ON Thanksgiving.

He's the best ever. Thank you honey!!!

Attention

I am not feeling entertaining at the moment. I have to run to the bank, and I have a mountain of laundry to do. I shall return later with some excitement though.

Time to Shop!

Well, hopefully most of you have at least started Christmas shopping. Hubby and I are going to get some stuff for the kids today. I'm way excited about Tad's present. He's apparently been asking for it for awhile.

But actually, today is about a little event coming up in town. I MUST go. If any of you enjoy my wish lists that come from Etsy, you should probably go too.

I got this from a friend a couple weeks ago. He knew I'd be interested. I'm assuming you can read, but just in case you haven't figured it out, it's essentially a craft fair.

I'm going. If you want to come with, hit me up. And if you want to share this with everyone in your address book, feel free.

Here's the blog I got it from in the first place.

Wish List Wednesday

I love makeup. It's fun to play with, even though I'm not a kid anymore. I love going out to a club or something and having the excuse to actually use dark colors and stuff. So naturally I signed up for a Sephora Beauty Insider card a while back.

Sadly my finances prohibit me from heading there unless I'm at the point where I NEED something (we're getting dangerously close to the end of my mascara over here...). But when I got an email from them yesterday I decided to go play.

Oh how I miss you, Sephora.

I've been pretty good about keeping my nails painted lately. And I'm loving dark colors right now. Well, except for the light purple on my nails right now... anyway, this set is so pretty. I'm pretty sure my nails would stay purple all winter. Although that taupey-greyish color on the right is kinda cool. And pale pink never goes out of style.

Now, I already have a brand and formula of mascara that I'm loyal to (it just so happens to be from Sephora as well). But who could say no to a sampler of mascara?? I would have so much fun testing all of those out! You never know, my formula could prove wimpy next to one of those.

I love lip gloss. It's the easiest thing in the world. Better than lipstick because you don't have to be as precise. And this set has some pretty colors.

Then there's THIS. This actually came out in October (I think) and I just didn't get it. I couldn't justify spending money on it. Yup, it's a Twilight edition of the wonderful Lip Venom from DuWop. I love their Lip Venom. I love Twilight. Maybe I should just get over it and buy it. Unless I can convince someone it would be the best birthday present ever (accompanied by an Edward doll of course).

More lip gloss. But these colors are a little stronger than the set from Nars. I'd happily take either.

Ohhh, and these. I love eyeliner. And Urban Decay apparently has the best out there. And this set comes with navy. And purple. And a SPARKLY black. *sigh* Okay, maybe this could accompany the Edward doll and Twilight Lip Venom to really make the best birthday present ever...

Haha, She Did It!

My mom just called me cracking up because she totally did the "Rufio" thing. Just like I said she would.

Humorous

I'll stick with the theme of funny things for now. Partly because it's always nice for a laugh. Partly because I want to make sure my mom sees this. And partly because I'm not feeling inspired to write about any one thing in particular.

Look carefully. Does he remind you of someone? Some movie character?

Think about it...

Got it?

Okay, here ya go.

RUFIO!!!!!*

The top center is the pic from the movie. Amazingly enough there aren't many pictures of Rufio on the interwebz.

Hahahahahahahaaaaaa!!! This is from People of Wal-Mart (and if you haven't been there yet, go now and kiss a productive day goodbye). I cracked up when I saw it and totally quoted the movie. "Rufio! Rufio! Rufi-oooooooo!" Which I hope my mom is doing in her office as she sees this.

Happy Tuesday.

*Don't you dare ask me who Rufio is. Just click here if you're that sheltered in life.

Yup, It's Monday Again

I thought I'd help you fight off any Monday blues.




I very much want a French Bulldog now.

My Weekend...

I've been semi-lazy. I've watched a few movies (holy crap, Atonement is depressing). I went to the fabric store and a different craft store to get ready for Christmas. I watched UFC last night (yay Randy!!).

And that's pretty much it.

I'm now painting my nails (with the foulest-smelling nail polish ever, don't tell me it's gone bad, it's brand new). And I should probably call my grandma.

I should really be more productive seeing as how Christmas will be here quicker than I would like. But oh well.

Interesting...

This isn't a regular occurrence or anything, but I LOVE cold leftover pizza. Not just any pizza. The absolute best cold pizza is mushroom pizza from one of our local places (that shall not be named because even though their pizza is good, the people that run it are jerkwads and I don't want to give them publicity). My husband finds this beyond disgusting and is always really grossed out when I eat cold pizza.

Our discussion continued on to include cold fried chicken the other day. He gagged. And it got me thinking, I can't be the only weirdo who enjoys some leftovers cold. Can I? So I went to Facebook hoping for some input.

Here are the answers I got:

• Chinese food (I actually had three people respond with Chinese food, which makes me contemplate trying it)
• plain spaghetti noodles
• pizza (six people were with me on this one, I started doing it at the suggestion of my dad)
• tri tip (LOVE that one)
• pancakes
• fried chicken (only one person went with me on this one)
• meatloaf, especially on a sandwich (it's debatable whether or not this is limited to Steven's mom's meatloaf)
• chicken/turkey (this makes me excited for Thanksgiving)
• au gratin potatoes (the argument is that if they're reheated the sauce separates and gets yucky)
• pasta with pesto (I just can't work with that one)
• and cold hot chocolate. Wouldn't that be chocolate milk? Courtesy of my sister-in-law. Other than that, she's with hubby and thinks food needs to be hot.

So, do any of you have input? It's kind of funny to see what you learn about people through these random surveys. I may have to it every once in awhile. Feel free to give me your thoughts!

*gasp*

I just looked at my countdown.

Only 68 days until Lost. Guess I should start that rewatch soon...

Happy Friday!

I'm giving you a lazy post today. But it made me crack up. Hopefully you'll enjoy also.

So. Stoked.

Seriously. I usually fart in the general direction of remakes, but this... well, I can't wait for this one.

Wish List Wednesday

Okay, so there's plenty I'm wishing for, but I wasn't totally sure where to find some of it online. I'm currently on the hunt for a bedding set, but I saw some FABULOUS fabric at a store last weekend that makes me want to make my comforter. So there goes that wish list. Still a little early for a birthday/Christmas wish list. So here's something Christmas related.

I need a tree skirt. It's not like our tree is up now or anything, so it's not immediate. But since I plan on making it, I'm on the hunt for fabric. I found these super cute fabrics on Etsy, but they're sadly not how our Christmas looks. But someone please swoop in on these babies. I might even make your tree skirt for you just so I can experience the cuteness.

Let's start with a collection from Sheri Berry. Pastels wouldn't quite fly with hubby, but I love them!

I think the ornaments on the pink background might be my favorite. You can find all these pieces at Quilt Sandwich.

Then there's these fun Michael Miller pieces. These are much closer to reality for me. I love the whole mix of pink and red and green. I've used it with my wrapping before (yes, I'm one of those people that has nice matching presents every year).

My favorite of those is EASILY the piece with the deer. It's so cute!! But again, not so sure it would actually "go" with our Christmas stuff. I should probably stick with something safer. These came from Fabric Closet, Buttercuppity Fabric, and The Fabric Farm.

Well, I guess I should go look for fabrics that hubby will actually LET me use. Off to do some research...

Good Stuff

I have some good randomness for you today.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, but my husband is weird. His whole family is weird. Proof of such...

That's my mother-in-law trying on the Max hood from my nephew's costume. Since the hood is attached to the costume, she actually has the rest of the costume hanging down her back. She amuses herself this way. Putting things on, taking pictures, and sending said pictures to her children. I asked hubby to forward it my way so y'all could enjoy.

Second bit of randomness: I won another giveaway!! The so-cute Holly over at Berrysprite had a giveaway last week and I'm actually one of the winners! I'll be sure to take pictures when I get my little peach.

Happy Tuesday! I'm off to clean and come up with activities for my little visitors today (the oldest niece and nephews).

Here It Comes

It's November. Like, a full week in. That means craziness. Last night I was watching the news and the anchorman said, "Only about six weeks until Christmas!"

I promptly cursed the man.

Everyone tends to have a lot going on this year. So in order to make some of you feel better, I'll share the upcoming stress with you.

3 days until cupcakes for mom's work.
11 days until New Moon (I'm not actually seeing it opening day though, so this doesn't technically matter)
12 days until a cupcake order for a birthday party (I'm super excited about these)
17 days until Thanksgiving (maybe I should offer to make my pumpkin cupcakes)
32 days until I head to SoCal with the parents (hubby has to work) for a big party
35 days until I leave for vacation (Tahoe!)
36 days until my birthday
40 days until we celebrate Christmas with my father-in-law (he always gets the Saturday before Christmas)
45 days until Christmas Eve
46 days until Christmas

Holy crap. Somewhere between days 36 and 45 I have loads of baking to do. It's not Christmas without a kitchen (and dining room) full of cookies. I also have sewing to do. Because I'm a genius (or crazy/stupid/insane) and decided that I want to make some gifts this year.

Wow.

I Need Suggestions

I've mentioned that I plan on doing as much crafting/sewing/making of my Christmas gifts this year as I can. Some things will be easy (pajama pants for the kids) and some will take a little more time. I can deal with that.

Most of you know that I'm also that aunt that lets the kids do and make whatever they want. So I'm going to try and get them involved with Christmas. I already have a couple ideas (especially an easy teacher gift) and can't wait to get them over here. But I need some more suggestions.

Requirements? Preferably something that only takes a couple hours. Between attention spans and the fact that I have to drive twenty or so minutes when I want them, these things need to be easy. It would also be great if I could get some ideas that use a lot of stuff I might already have. Or supplies I could find SUPER cheap.

So send your ideas my way! And if you've ever been a recipient of homemade gifts (that you didn't find lame), send some ideas my way.

Now I'm off to my mom's so we can hit the fabric store. Enjoy your Sunday!

Uh...

When I turned on the television for some background noise this morning, I couldn't find anything I wanted to watch.

Except Playhouse Disney.

So now I'm enjoying Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and really wishing Tad was here to watch it with me. Also kid-related? I set my DVR to record The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. There's a good chance I'll watch it even without Tad.

Okay, off to help my mom out today. If only it was Christmas sewing, but we have other things to do first...

Bust Out the Tissues

I know it's Friday, and I normally like to keep things upbeat around here, but I couldn't help it today. Hubby showed me this story late last night and I had to post it in the hopes that I have good friends and readers who will spread the word.

Five-year-old Noah Biorkman is celebrating Christmas this weekend. He was diagnosed two years ago with Stage IV neuroblastoma (the most common type of childhood cancer). He went into remission, but relapsed last fall. He's not expected to make it to Christmas, but told his parents he wanted Christmas cards. They decided that they're going to celebrate this weekend.

So send your Christmas cards!!! Hubby and I are sending one, he's taking one to work for everyone to sign, and I have plenty of others if anyone is interested (I can come by work if you want, mom). It's such a little thing to do today. And if it makes a little boy happy, why not do it? Seriously, take a couple minutes today and send Noah a card. Then count your blessings if you have healthy children at home.

Send cards to:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI 48178

Hmmm...

Humor me for a moment today.

While visiting my favorite food blogs this week I came across these cupcakes on Cupcakes Take the Cake. They come from Cupcake Central's Flickr stream.

Cute, huh? But they look kind of familiar to me...

Oh, wait. THAT WOULD BE BECAUSE I MADE MONKEY CUPCAKES BACK IN MAY. Curious George for an adorable first birthday to be exact.

Okay, maybe they didn't steal my idea, but I'm going to sit over here and tell myself that my cupcakes were so awesome that that is EXACTLY what I did. So just humor me today. Thanks.

Cute!

Google is featuring Sesame Street in their logo for the next ten days in honor of the show's 40th anniversary.

I'll remind you guys to check it out via Twitter.

Wish List Wednesday

Okay, so actually this was my second choice for a wish list today. Technically the thing I want most right now would be a house. Where I'd have alarms and locks and such that would far outdo the idiots running our apartments...

But that's a tangent.

So for today, I kind of went crazy. I've mentioned that I'm loving the color purple. I have a pair of purple tights that I bought in Vegas. I am DYING to wear them, but it just isn't cool enough right now. Plus I would have to find the perfect outfit. Since I've been wishing so badly that I could wear them, I thought I'd make up today's wish list based on the color.

And just so you know, I wouldn't wear all of this stuff together. I'm not going for the Barney the Dinosaur look.

Here's some purple clothes. That plaid dress is from Old Navy and I'm kind of dying to see if they have it in the store closest to us. I think it would be okay with my purple tights. Right? I have a few choices when it comes to brown boots to pair it with...

I also had to find some random purple accessories. I'm sure the sequined headband is too young for me and I have no business wearing it, but it's sparkly! How could I not include it? But I would totally wear that beanie.

And shoes. I can't neglect shoes. I own one pair of purple shoes. But they're sandals so I really can't wear them during winter. But any of these would be amazing. I really can't pick a favorite. They're all making me drool.

Sorry if you don't like purple. Or if you're sick of it after today. But I had too much fun looking at all these babies. Too perfect. Now I really wish I could go shopping...

I Was Not Aware of That...

Apparently November is National Blog Posting Month. I'm not making this up. See? Which means I should probably attempt to post every day.

Hey, I have so far!

So today, I'll tell you a little story.

About the suckiest apartment complex ever. Wait, that would be MY apartment complex!

Since we've lived here management must have changed. Because where they used to care when we had issues, they totally don't now. We can barely open our sliding glass and screen doors because of a tree whose roots are growing under our porch. Their answer to this problem was, "Oh, we would have to tear the porch out." Hmmmm... couldn't you have offered to put us in a different unit so I could, oh I dunno, ENJOY MY PATIO!

I've also had various creepy-crawlies come into my apartment. Making me want to faint and throw up.

Then there's the fact that we're a gated complex, but until recently nobody bothered closing the gates at night. Oh, and now that they're usually closed it doesn't really matter. People will just wait until someone with an opener pulls up and zip in right behind them. Or go in the exit gate. Because, guess what? No one mans the little security station at the gate. No one.

Of course this leads to a lot of break ins. Hubby and I have been lucky. The worst we had happen was when someone took our little tiny grill off our back patio. But then today we couldn't open our garage door. That would be because some idiot tried to break in last night and BROKE OUR DOOR. We finally shoved it open. And then called maintenance.

Maintenence was called over an hour ago. I've yet to see them pull up in their fugly golf cart. They WILL fix my door. And not just some ghetto rigging. They're going to replace crap. Or I'll blow up at them.

Ugh.

So hope everyone else is having a good Tuesday. I'm considering playing the lottery so we can move sooner.

Better Than the Original

Christopher Walken is the man. And I think his version is much better than Lady Gaga's.

Happy Monday.

You Ready???

I LOVED our costumes this year. I think they were our best ever. I totally get what my mom was telling me about it being fun even while it's stressful. And I haven't been this proud of anything I've done before.

So, are you ready? First some hints.

stripes...

scales...

some fuzziness...

lots of fur...

some yarn hair...

horns...

teeth... (and no, this isn't a shark mouth)

Are you ready?

Really?

You sure?

Tim and I were WILD THINGS!!!!

Here's the cutest Max you've ever seen. He LOVED his costume and told my mom he was going to wear it forever. I think he's serious.

And here we are with our little Max. People could not get over our heads. There were strangers asking to take pictures of us (of course we obliged). Our youngest niece kind of freaked out until we took off the heads. And yes, the heads were completely made by me (with some help from mom).

I used football helmets for the base. Tons of quilt batting to get some bigness. I had to make my own pattern (a first!) for the head coverings. It was probably a total of 10 to 12 hours just for the heads. But I'm SO happy with how they turned out.

Best Halloween costumes EVER.