November 28, 2014

November: The month of Facial Hair


Have all of you heard of this No Shave November 

or Movember? 

or NoShember?

How many have husbands or boyfriends participating?
(Insert raised hand here!)

The rules are simple, you go the entire month without shaving. Girls can even participate by refraining from shaving their legs for the entire month. 

All in the name of charity.

My husband was a little late jumping on the band wagon and didn't get started til around the 10th. But as far as I'm concerned that's still too early. 

I am not the biggest fan of facial hair. 

Don't get me wrong, I am all about raising awareness for men's prostate health, and even yesterday donated to the American Cancer Society.

You too can donate HERE!

My husband is a really handsome guy. (At least in my opinion) 
I've always had a soft spot for him. Wink Wink



At his current stage of hair growth, I'm sitting here on the fence, trying to decide if I should jump off on the 'like' or 'dislike' side. 

I really don't like the hair, but he still looks so handsome. 

More distinguished maybe? 

or maybe not?


I mean really, he keeps touching it like it's his baby blankie.

I want to like it because it looks good, but goodness those prickly hair kisses are aweful.


It's like kissing the wrong end of a pin cushion. 
Heck, it's like being a pin cushion.

I for one, can't wait for this month to be over.

Where do you sit with facial hair?
I'm stuck in a love/hate relationship.

You can read all about Noshember at the

AND

There is a list of charities you can donate to HERE.

K

November 27, 2014

Thanksgiving Tradition and a Pumpkin Soup



There are so many things to love about Thanksgiving.

The time spent with family
The food
The desserts
The pie
The tradition

My favorite of all of those comes down to a tie between the time spend with family and the food. Or maybe it's the desserts and the pie? Or maybe its the tradition. Okay, okay, it's all of it.

My favorite tradition started 12 years ago when I celebrated my first Thanksgiving with my now husband. We woke up early and went to Starbucks for a warm beverage. My favorite is a Caramel Macchiato with extra caramel, and Zach's is a Mocha Velencia. (Seriously Starbucks, bring back the Valencia.)

With our hot coffees in hand, we drove down to Riverside State Park and walked along the Spokane River. The best morning! 

To this day, I still love doing this and want to send THANK YOU shout out to the lovely employees at Starbucks that work on Thanksgiving Morning. 

You make my day!

One tradition that my mom started several years ago, is to make a soup to start off our always wonderful Thanksgiving meal. 
Cause why not add one more delicious something to our already big menu of delicious somethings? 

Since we clearly don't have enough pumpkin in our menu with the pumpkin pie and the pumpkin bread, and the pumpkin seeds we snack on; we now enjoy a nice cup of pumpkin soup as well.
It is a beautiful soup from Rachael Ray.

This soup is savory, creamy and delicious, with a little spice kick at the start and a sweet finish from the cran-berry, apple relish. The perfect addition to any Thanksgiving meal. 

It's my turn to make it this year and I'm going to make it ahead of time and put it in the crockpot for the big day. Yum!

You can find the recipe HERE.

Photo Courtesy of The Food Network

What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
I'd love to hear about it!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
K


November 24, 2014

Meeting a Beautiful Baby and the Perfect Baby Blanket



One of my dearest friends, Jackie, recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl to her growing family of four.

Everyone say hello to Teagan Rose.



Isn't she perfect?!?
I finally made it out to see them the other day.
Her mama let me snuggle this sweetie for our entire visit.



It was so nice to sit and visit.
We spend hours just talking and catching up on our past adventures and sharing our future plans. Life has been crazy and it's been a while since we got to visit.

I wanted to give her a special gift.
Something homemade.
Something she can keep forever.


I worked up this simple crocheted blanket and attached a super soft blankie to one side. It turned out just perfect for this perfect angel. 





I have several more babies on the way that need a blanket like this. I better get to work.

Looking forward to another visit with them soon.

K

November 21, 2014

My Mama's Pumpkin Custard



When I was a kid I used to love love love snow days.
Living in Eastern Washington, back then anyway, we had a lot of snow days.
No school meant that us kids were left home alone for the day. That almost never happened. My mom always did her best to be home when we were home, but of course, there were always exceptions.Snow days were one of those exceptions.

My little brother and I had a little tradition on those days.
We'd make pumpkin pie filling... and drink it like a smoothy.
(I'm pretty sure we omitted the egg, but I can't make any guarantees.)

It was our favorite!
My mom wasn't always happy with us.
Okay... she was never happy with us.
See, we didn't have canned pumpkin back then. My mom would grow our pumpkins in our garden, then cook them down and make the puree herself. 
We usually had enough to get through the winter... usually. 
Making all the pumpkin puree and freezing it was a lot of work. Something us kids didn't quite understand then. Our little anctic didn't last long. Once mom realized what we were doing, she quickly ended it.

One year my mom was pretty upset with us when Thanksgiving came around and she didn't have any pumpkin puree to make pies. Oops!

I still look back and remember those times fondly.
Even the times we got in trouble.

Ahhhh memories.


Back in the day, on cold snowy mornings, my mom used to make us Pumpkin Custard. It was a warm and delicious thing to wake up to. A wonderful way to welcome the snowy winter days. There was something so comforting about it. And the smell, oh the smell! It smells like Fall and Christmas all wrapped up together.

Since the snow started this morning, I am making this for Zoie.
This is the recipe I got from my Mama. I think it originally came from my Great-Grandma.

This recipe can be made either into a Pumpkin Pie, OR a Pumpkin Custard. A pumpkin custard is really just a pie without the crust. 
Which is my favorite part!

Mama's Pumpkin Pie/Custard

2 Whole Eggs, slightly beaten
16 Ounces Pumpkin Puree
3/4 Cup Sugar or Sugar Substitute
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon Cloves
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1 2/3 Cup Heavy Cream

One Uncooked or Pie Crust


Pie Instructions
Preheat oven to 425. Mix filling ingredients in order given. Pour into prepared pie shell. Bake at 425 for 15 Minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and continue baking for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near center of pie filling comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.
Serve with Whipped Cream or Cool Whip.

Custard Instructions
Preheat oven to 425. Mix filling ingredients in order given. Pout into 9x13 pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until knife inserted near center of custard comes out clean.
Enjoy warm or cooled with a dollop of whipped cream or cool whip.




I prefer cool whip on my pumpkin pie.
Yum!





Time for breakfast.


I can totally justify eating pie and cool whip for breakfast!
Enjoy the weather where you are.
I hope we get enough snow to make some angels.

K


November 20, 2014

Throw Back Thursday - November 20



Today is Thursday.
Which makes it Throw Back Thursday!

I love Thursday's. 
It's almost Friday.
The weekend is almost here.
And I get to reminisce with old pictures.

Today is a throwback to July 2006.
Camping with the Klontz Family at Skookum Lake.

From Left to Right: Ayden, Ryleigh, Josiah, Linda, Ariana, Kara (Me), Michaella

Caleb, Linda, and the kids recently moved back home after spending several years in Italy.
It is SO GOOD to have them back!

November 19, 2014

What I Wore Wednesday (Nov 19)



Good Wednesday Morning to You!

It's another beautiful morning here in Eastern Washington.
The sun is shining.
Only a few clouds in the sky.
Gorgeous.... And Freezing. 
According to my thermometer, it's 21 degrees this morning. 
Which is about 10 degrees warmer than last Wednesday. 
Brrrrrr.

Ready for Spring!

To keep warm as I drive Zoie to school on this balmy morning, I am going with my basic, go-to leggings and Uggs look. 


I know its a little matchy matchy.
I've been trying to get my husband to get me a new pair of boots.
He's not having it. 

Now I know what you're thinking. I'm another one of those annoying ladies that wears leggings for pants. I've been hearing everywhere lately.
"Leggings aren't pants! They are supposed to be worn like tights!"

I hear it and I don't care. 
I like them.

Don't hate me. It's comfortable.
And I always make sure my bum is covered with a tunic or long sweater. I promise!

What I Wore:
Boots: Uggs Bailey Button
Top: Maurices Clearance Last Winter


On a side note:
I'm going to visit my friend and deliver what's inside this package this morning.


More on what's inside later this week.

Have a Happy Wednesday.
K





November 17, 2014

Weekend in Review


We had another busy weekend.
Not surprising after having another busy week. 

Friday night my dad stole Zach away for an evening out.
There was a "Man Show" at the fairgrounds this weekend. I was assured they had a great time. Enjoyed dinner at Outback.
And my husband brought home another RC plane.
Yay me!

Zoie and I were able to spend the evening just the two of us.
We had hot chocolate and popcorn while watching Mary Poppins in bed.
The best date ever!

Saturday we RAN.
All. Over. Town.

Cause how else would you plan a busy Saturday?
Got a million things to do? Sleep in til 7!

My sister had asked to take Zoie for an overnight with Maci that night also.
I think they had a good time.
As evidenced by the chalk drawings in the driveway.
Even though it was only about 20 degrees out.



I made a pumpkin soup for Jake to take to a Thanksgiving pot luck with his friends. 
It turned out super yummy!
He totally took credit for making it.
I'm okay with that.
(Recipe to follow later this week)

Saturday evening Zach and I ventured out to the Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights to meet up with some family for dinner. I even got a little dressed up.
I put on makeup and curled my hair.
All in the same day.
I assure you, this never happens.



After dinner, we gambled a little and then headed out for our hour drive home.
Wish we would have gotten a room.
Now that would have been smart thinking!

Sunday was another day of sleeping in.
Catching up on the DVR.
Running a couple errands.

Then a Birthday dinner for my step son.
Who turned 23!
What the heck?!?



Dinner was delicious.
Dessert was even better.


Happy Birthday Jakob!
Enjoy the next year!
We Love You!

I think that about covers it.
How was your weekend?
K

November 13, 2014

Zoie Turns 3 in a Cowgirl Kind of Way



Most days I wake up and can hardly believe what day it is. 

Do ya'll ever have days, weeks, or even years like that? 
Last Saturday, November 8, I woke up and my baby was 3!

Three years just flew by like it was nothing.

 Seems like we just welcomed her to the world. 
It's been 3 YEARS! 
CAH-RAZY!!


Our little Cowgirl is pretty much obsessed with all things horses.
So we had a Cowgirl Party!

I chose to go the traditional cowgirl/boy color route.
I just like it better than pink. It's a personal preference.  


I got the idea for this super simple banner from The Foley Fam.
I think it turned out great!

Since the weather was forecasted to be a bit chilly, I had a hot chocolate bar set up in my garage and fire barrel in the driveway. The hot chocolate was a hit.


We had BBQ from Dickey's Barbeque Pit here in Spokane. Their pulled pork was delicious and the mac n' cheese was a huge hit with the kiddos.

The ponies showed up as soon as the sun was breaking through what had been a cold and foggy morning. Perfect Timing!

We had a pinata and cake and I think all the kiddos had a great time.
I know that I did!

Here's a few more pics to round things off.
I know it's a lot, but I just can't help myself. 


"Howdy Partner!"


Maci was cold. She looked like the perfect Outlaw Cowgirl!


Zoie and her trusty stead, Smokey.


"Lots of Tootsies Mama!"



Cookies ~ Cake ~ Cupcakes ~ Candy
I may have gone a little overboard. There were a lot of leftovers. 
In fact... I had a cookie for breakfast this morning.
(Shhhh... It's our secret!)



It only took me a month or two to plan and put everything together. 
Wish I would have taken more pics of the kids playing.
Hind-sight and all that Jazz.
Next time :)

Time to start planning for next year!

Loves
K

November 12, 2014

Where have you been?!?!



My friends have been begging me for months... a year almost to start my blogging again. 
Begging and begging and begging.

I get it. I miss it too.

To be honest, I never really quit blogging.
I just got really busy.
I mean really, really busy.

Here's a gist of my last year...

We bought a car wash.
Zoie and I spent a week in Phoenix.
My dog got hit by a truck. (Don't fret, she's fine now)
We went to Las Vegas. Twice.
We went on a 16 day road trip.
I got to spend time with my bloggy-bestie.
We went camping.
We saw a circus.
We went to a fair.
Zoie rode some ponies.
We spent a week camping at the beach.
We made it out on the boat. But only once.
We traveled back and forth to Montana. Twice.
My two year old got potty trained.
I worked 50+ hours most weeks. 
Zoie started preschool.

See... things have been busy. 
And that's not even half of it. 

No time to write.
No time to process. 

In looking back, I'm thinking I should have a travel blog.
I could totally handle that. 
Wonder what my husband would think?? 

So sit back...
Grab a glass of your favorite beverage. Mines Creamed Earl Grey Tea :)
Things around this little bloggy are about to get crazy full.

More Soon.
Loves
K