Funny Face

So, while I was uploading pictures from my camera this morning, I saw a few that I didn't remember taking. Then Carly came in and said she wanted to look at the pictures she took last night before we went to church. I guess she found the camera and took some pictures while I was getting ready in my room. Among them were several shots of the computer screen, walls, desk, and then a couple that she'd taken of herself...including this one...she cracks me up. I'm not really sure what kind of looking she's giving here.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Well, beside going to the performance on Saturday night, I had a great Thanksgiving week. It felt like our Thanksgiving started on Tuesday, because I was busy all that day making my first turkey and a ham for Jarod's Thanksgiving lunch the next day. Then I got to take the food, and spend the afternoon with Jarod at his work the next day. After the work lunch, I busied myself by making three pies for our Thanksgiving dinner with my folks the next day. I was so pleased with how they turned out. The rest of the week was spent with the kids and myself hanging out at Mama and Papa's house. It was a great time. My mom and I spent just about every moment sewing. We got a few pairs of jammies sewn, and a couple other sewing projects worked on. It was quite the busy time. Here are a couple pictures of the kids' new jammies.

Who Knew

Who knew vacuuming couches could be so fun? I decided to do the whole move the furniture, including couches and entertainment center, vacuum job yesterday. Carly was very enthusiastic about helping me clean. I really love it. She always wants to help clean the toilets, and yesterday I could barely hold the vacuum at all before she was telling me it was her turn again. I'm just crossing my fingers that she'll have the same enthusiasm for cleaning when she's a little bit older...wishful thinking, right?

Walking Jack

Jack took his first steps several days ago, but we were just able to catch it on tape tonight. He's getting better every day. It's hard to believe that our baby is walking now. The picture of Jack is super blurry because I had the camera on a weird setting. I still thought he was cute in it, though.

Our Famous Daughter

Carly is on the cover of the December issue of Austin Family. It's a little weird walking into the grocery stores and library and seeing my daughter's face on the front of magazine racks. We sure do think she's a cutie, though.

Christmas Bells are Ringing

It is tradition to set up the Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, and this year was no exception. It gets more fun every year, with the kids wanting to touch every ornament that comes out of the box. Josh was calling them "Christmas toys" and Carly was handing them to me faster than I could put them up. I thought I'd have a hard time keeping Jack away from the tree, but he hasn't given it much notice yet. Of course, it's been up less than a week. Carly was anxious to put the star on, so breaking with tradition, we put the star on first. This year has been more fun already. Every year the kids understand Christmas more and more. I've been proud that Carly knows it's Jesus' birthday. She loves birthdays...any one's birthday, so I knew that presenting it to her that way would stick.

Here is our tree this year.

He Cracks Me Up

Our Josh boy is getting so much more personality, and it's a lot of fun. Here are a couple pictures of him that I thought Kathleen would enjoy...if no one else. :)

For a few days Josh was wearing goggles everywhere. As soon as he woke up for breakfast, he wanted them on. Doesn't he look comfortable?

Jack's New Friend

I've introduced a stuffed animal to Jack, and he loves it. I think he looks pretty cute when he snuggles his little friend. He has started to be very possessive of him. If one of the other kids takes him, he lets them know he's unhappy about it.

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy

Last weekend Jarod and I went to see Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy with our friends Joey and Monica. I've never been to a Cirque production before. Joey and Monica had seen a show in Las Vegas so we were excited to see them in Austin. It was such a fun night. There were contortionists, balancing acts, trapeze artists, etc. It was such a fun time. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Black Crowes Concert

The weekend before Thanksgiving Jarod and I went to see the Black Crowes in concert. It was a highly anticipated event. We bought our tickets back in July or August, and we'd been crossing our fingers that they wouldn't break up before the show. It was such a great show. The venue was Austin Music Hall, which is essentially a converted warehouse. It's small enough that we were able to see the performers really well. It was a great date night.

I Think I'm Gonna Have Trouble

So, this evening Carly pulled out all her dress up stuff and proceeded to doll herself up. By the time she was done, she looked pretty fancy. She had on necklaces, rings, scarves, fancy shoes, etc. Then she came over to me and said:

"So, I'm getting married. That's why I have all my dress on."

ME: "Oh really?"

Carly: "Yeah, but I don't have my prince."

ME: "You don't have your prince?"

Carly: "Yeah, I don't know where he is...how about Chang?"

ME: "Chang?"

Carly: "Yeah, he's in the movie."

If you're wondering who Chang is, he's the object of Mulan's affection. This isn't the first time Carly has mentioned Chang to me. She told me one day that she wanted Chang to kiss her. If this is any indication as to how the teenage years are going to be, I think I'm gonna have trouble. So much for Jarod's plan of keeping her out of the dating scene until she's 25!!

Tags by Kathleen

(These tags are not actually designed by Kathleen.)

My wonderful sister-in-law decided to make up her own tag, and I, having nothing else to blog about, am going to answer it...as long as all three kids stay asleep.

What celebrities have the same birthday as you? Joe Penny, Jeff Beck, Mick Fleetwood, Michele Lee, Jack Dempsy, Ambrose Bierce...I don't know if I've actually heard of any of these people...does that make me un-cultured??
Have you ever eaten snow? I've caught snow on my tongue, so I guess yes. I've had many snow cones in my life.
Have you ever eaten play-do? No...not that I can remember.

How does your name appear on your credit card? Megan
Do you know how to tie a tie? Nope...I guess I should learn so that I can tie my boys' ties.
Brad Pitt, Michael Phelps and Edward Cullen are on an island, who would be eaten first, vampire-ness aside? Probably Brad Pitt...I still haven't forgiven him for breaking Jennifer's heart...and I'd have Michael swim for help.
Would you rather be O- (universal donor) or AB+ (universal receiver)? I'd rather be O. Doesn't that make me sound like a giving person??
Would you rather be trapped in Harry Potter or Twilight? Harry Potter...I've never read Twilight...I think I'd feel lost.
What is your social security number, last four digits will suffice?
What was your Halloween costume when you were 7? Does anyone really remember this?
What is your dream job and what salary do you think would be appropriate? I'm doing my dream job...but it would be nice to be paid to do it.
What is your mother's maiden name?
What is the theme song to your life? That's a good question...I'll get back to you.
Was Ally McBeal a lesbian? I have no idea...never watched.
Which holiday do you feel guilty for hating? I love all holidays...I even get excited when I see grandparents day, and flag day on the calendar....did you remember "sweetest day" this year?? :)
What is the number of your credit card with the highest limit?
What color toe nail polish are you embarrassed you wore in middle school? Blue
Are you angry this tag has no apparent theme and thus warrants no clever title? NO...I appreciate the originality and lack of sappy questions.
Do you secretly crave fried chicken, are you craving it NOW? Sometimes, and no.
What is your pin number?
Have you ever been (secretly) scared by the person you were sitting next to on an airplane, honestly post 9-11? I'm usually sitting beside my kids, so probably...I've been afraid that they'd scream the whole 3.5 hour flight.
Did you ever have a snorting problem accompany your laughter? No...my laugh is unique enough without adding snorting.
What is the security code on the back of your credit card?
Have you recently picked a booger? Yes...I pick my kids' boogers all the time...I hate messy kid noses.

Wiped a booger? Yes, kid boogers, hopefully into a tissue.
Which WWII evil dictator do you most admire? Yeah, I'm not so sure about this one.
Visa, Mastercard or American Express, Discover? I prefer American Express...it give great rewards.
Do you think Peter Pan was a jerk to Tinkerbell once he got the hots for Wendy? Not really...I didn't like how he behaved once they got to the mermaid lagoon, though.
What would rather be doing right now if not participating in the coolest tag ever? Finishing any of my many projects.
If you could name your child anything without fear of being called a minority or insane what name would you give them, please no vowels? I think I would name Carly Seven...it's her favorite number...when in doubt...say seven!!
Who would play you in a movie of your life, if you were played by the opposite sex?Wow...this is a weird one...you tell me!
What is your maiden name, do people believe you? Skinner...yes, why not?
Who would win in a fight, Dora the Explorer or Go Diego Go!? Dora
Who is more Bad A**, your grandma or your mom? Mom
What is your computer password?
Do you buy into any odd conspiracy theories, like the non-moon landing? NO
Do you really think organic food tastes better/good at all or do you just convince yourself it does so you'll eat it? I'm convinced that foods that say they're organic aren't, just to get consumers to pay extra for the same old crap in the non-organic labeled container.
What is the answer to your secret question?
Which superpower would you make a sixth sense for everybody in the world?
Do you sometimes get confused between the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge, be honest? I did, until my dad schooled me on it.
What is your gross annual income?
Have you noticed the identity theft questions scattered throughout? Yes...nice try!

Now, I tag Kathleen...because she didn't actually answer her own questions and Kerilynn, so she'll actually have something to blog about. Rock it out Sistas!!

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I've got DONUTS in my Tummy!

This post is just for Kathleen, since she's starved for pictures of my cute kids. :)

The kids love it when we make donuts from scratch. I love my new wok and wire ladle thingy. We discovered that Nutella on fresh donuts is quite delicious, and not at all good for you...in one serving...190 calories...100 from fat!! Wow. Talk about some fatty goodness.

Notice the cute nightgown Carly is wearing...that's right...I made that!!

Yippee!!

Okay, so if you hadn't already realized it...I'm a total geek. It's okay. I've come to grips with it. I have an obsession with gas prices. I know Jarod must cringe when he see that gas has dropped another two pennies, because inevitably, he'll get a call from me, informing him of said drop in price. While this picture doesn't display the current gas price, I'm still excited that gas has dropped to $1.88 at our Chevron station. Gas is now lower than when Carly was born, 4 years ago. I think that's something to get excited about, especially while I'm planning our car trip out to California in just 5 weeks. Woo hoo!!!

Mini-Golf

A couple weeks ago we decided to take the kids mini-golfing. Of course, it was raining, so we went to the indoor course in town...lit with black lights. It was a lot of fun, despite my dislike of black lights. The kids were so cute. It was hard to take any good pictures, because it was so dark. This is what I was able to capture.

Carly did a great job of holding the club the right way. I think she likes the Wii golf better though, because it's easier to get the ball into the hole.
Jarod would tell Josh to put his ball in the hole, so Josh would pick up his ball, walk over, and plunk it in the hole. He actually did a good job of using his club to hit the ball, also. By hole 9, he'd figured out that golfing granny-style is easier. Whenever he got the ball in the hole, he'd throw his arms over his head and shout "I DID IT!!" Such a cutie.

Sweet-Heart Tag

My sister tagged me, and I'm finally answering it. Enjoy my boring answers!!

What is your husband's name? Jarod

How long have you guys been married? 6 years
How long did you date? 1 year
How old is he? he'll be 30 in February
Who is taller? he is
Who can sing best? Probably me, although I think he sings well.
Who is smarter? Seriously, what kind of questions are these?!! Jarod has his Masters degree, so we'll go with him.
Who does laundry? I do
Who pays the bills? I do
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me
Who mows the lawn? We both do...although I usually make him do it.
Who cooks dinner? Usually me, but he's good about taking a turn.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? I'm never wrong, and if he knows what's good for him, he'll agree.

Who kissed whom first? I think he probably initiated the first kiss.

Pumpkin Carving

We had a great time carving pumpkins last week. I know this post, is over due, but I think the pictures are still cute. Carly was so cute cleaning the seeds. She'd get one detached from the stringy goop, wash her hands, and then start it all over. Josh kept trying to blow out the candles once the pumpkins were lit. All in all, it was some good, messy fun.

Delicious Microwave Caramel Popcorn Recipe

I was looking for a good recipe for caramel popcorn yesterday, and my mom found this one for me. It was similar to one that she used for classroom parties, etc. when we were growing up. It was so easy, and really delicious. Next time I think I might add peanuts.

INGREDIENTS

4 Quarts popped popcorn

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup margarine

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 t. salt

1 t. vanilla extract

1/2 t. baking soda

DIRECTIONS

1. Place popped popcorn in large brown paper bag (like the kind you get at the grocery store). Set aside.

2. In a 2 quart heat-proof glass dish, heat all ingredients except baking soda for 3 minutes. Take out and stir until well combined. Return to microwave for 1 min. 30 sec. Remove from microwave and stir in baking soda.

3. Pour syrup over popcorn in bag. Fold top of bag over once or twice to close, and shake to coat popcorn. Heat in microwave for 1 min. 10 sec. Remove from microwave, shake, flip bag and return to microwave for 1 min. 10 sec. Dump popcorn onto wax paper and let cool until coating is set. Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

Happy Birthday Jack!

Jack turned one on Saturday. We didn't have a celebration that day, because we'd already done a big party a couple weeks before. That post is still forthcoming. I'm waiting on some pictures my neighbor took at the party. My camera battery died during the party, so she was nice enough to run home and get her camera. Anyhow, here's Jack's first year of pictures in review.