Light Reading For Tumnus

Tumnus found the current Sports Illustrated very interesting - but, obviously not interesting enough as he rolled over into his usual "spread eagle" sleeping position.

It's been awhile since I've posted a "Tumnus Sleeping" picture... And I KNOW some of you look forward to these pictures :-)

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Looks Can Be Deceiving

You’d never guess which one was REALLY shooting the rubber bands at other people’s butts… Yes, a picture can be very deceiving. However, I have a feeling Lyle wasn’t a little angel in the back row at school, either.

Mr Nice & Mr Naughty

 

Moose Mug Cheers

A "Moose Mug Cheers" to all for Christmas. - it's now time to sit down and watch Christmas Vacation :-)
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Pecans

Yummy - bulk pecans ...
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Father/Daughter Starbucks Stop

We bring our kids up right :-)
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Laurie's Birthday

We had a fun-filled day on Sunday celebrating Laurie's birthday... Of course, most of it was being at church, watching football, napping, finishing Christmas cards (yes, we're actually going to get them out this year AND before Christmas... WOO HOO!!!).

We were suppose to go out for lunch for Laurie's birthday, but because of the C-O-L-D, we decided to grab some fried chicken from Wal-Mart. FYI... not recommended... Kroger fried chicken is MUCH better and a regular pick-up for Andrew and I on Sundays for lunch :')

So Laurie enjoyed a very relaxing day of watching football, cross stitching, eating my fabulous caramels (they really did turn out VERY good... if I may say so myself).

We sat down and enjoyed a little birthday cake (courtesy of Wal-Mart... gotta love their cakes). Laurie had asked for a small chocolate cake so... that's what she got. Here are a few pictures from our little celebration (Laurie's crown was made by Savannah on the computer... I wasn't surprised that it said "Hannah" on it):

Laurie got all the candles out in one blow... 

the candles were suppose to be "relighting" ones, but... 

only one wouldn't blow out. That was a waste of $2.

The kids always love to lick the icing off of the candles... 

well, so do Laurie and I :)

Chocolate truffle cake... Yummy!!!

The kids always do a good job of wrapping presents... (almost too good sometimes). They wanted to make sure Mommy could play with them on the Wii during their Christmas break :)

I've already heard Andrew ask SEVERAL times "Mommy, do you want to play the Wii with me?"

As usual, I wrapped my presents for Laurie immediately before she opened them... some year I'm going to have them wrapped several days before and sitting out so she has to stare at them. (Yes, I did have them purchased several days ago)

Also, as usual, something practical 

(new everyday glasses that were desperately needed)...

And then something fun... a little (or a lot, as is usually the case for me) of "VS" for a woman's birthday (or Christmas or V-day or Groundhog Day or Memorial Day or 4th of July or... just any day) always brings some happiness into her life :-)

Celebrating my sweetie's birthday

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Birthday Girl

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Savannah's New "Do"

Savannah's been using curlers in her hair after her evening showers and her hair has been SO cute! She received many many compliments this morning at church. She's always had such VERY straight and thin hair - It's amazing what a few curlers can do!
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Pecan Tassies DONE

Another first for me today - pecan tassies. I LOVE these (so does my dad, and he was a little jealous I was making them) and really really really hope they turn out. I'll know after supper tonight when I try one... or two... or three :-)

FYI to my mom - these went MUCH more smoothly than the caramels. I didn't have to call you mid-way on these.
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Making Caramels - the story

After 1 hour and 19 minutes of stirring (shew!!!) I finally hit the 245 degree temp - woo hoo!!! Poured and setting now.

Notes to self for making caramels next year:
1) DO NOT double the recipe
2) Caramel mix rises
3) Use a big enough pot at the start
4) Have the next two pot sizes ready just in case I overlook #1
5) Having to pour into a larger pot while heating adds more time
6) Having to pour into an even larger pot (yes again) adds much more time
7) Have a bar stool to sit on
8) Workout my arms at Golds Gym for one month prior
9) Don't wear a sweatshirt
10) Have cell phone handy to call my mom (to give her a good laugh at my expense)
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