I Love This Sort of Stuff

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The welcome mat surprised me. Did you know about all these? Check it.

Chili Child

Well, we finally are getting our roof replaced--it's been over a year ago that the ping pong-sized hail damaged our roof. So there was a bunch of guys on top of the house today banging away and tossing shingles all over the grass. Hallie was quite concerned and she was kinda whining and pointing. I explained that they're making a MESS, but they'll pick it UP, don't worry, it's ok. I had to discuss this over and over because she still seemed a little upset. Hallie watched them practically all afternoon out the window, and let me know when there was a MEH! or if there was a guy wearing a HA(T)! (just about everyone).






















Here's Hallie waving "Hi! Hi! Hi! Hi!" to the workers.

The roof guys were cleaning up til dusk. I fed Hallie dinner then started to make chili for John & I. Hallie wanted a bean so I spooned one from the can. Moh? Moh? So I gave her a few more. Moh? I let her grab a few more from my hand with her chubby little fingers. Moh?

I finally got a little bowl out and spooned a few more in there. By this time the chili is done.

Yes, she was trying to get every last bit. Every time she came over to the stove with her little bowl, it was reminding me of OLIVER (please suh, can I have sum moh)!

Something New

Occasionally I will use a recipe to cook dinner and I try and put together something good, but oftentimes, dinner is an afterthought. I've been in a cooking funk lately, partially related to a lack of preparation. Polenta is one of those goodies that I've been meaning to make for a while now, but I'm ashamed to admit that tonight was my first attempt.

Here's John's dinner plate tonight: salmon (the black things aren't peppercorns, they're capers), white beans, carrots, grilled peppers & onions and polenta. The polenta wasn't the big hit with John, partly because I don't think I cooked it right--I think it was more like grits. Whoops!

I liked it, but I think it should have more of a creamy texture. I enjoyed the splurge of real parmesan cheese though! I shredded it myself. So flavorful! Just keepin it real.

F I N A L L Y. . .

I FINALLY finished the little room upstairs. After months and months. The framed prints were a long, drawn-out process in itself. Man, I can't believe that little projects take so long for me. Good thing I have a patient husband.


The opposite wall has a window and a black bookcase with some pictures. I would like to eventually get some curtains, but for now, the room is DONE!


Well, I talk about it like it's a chore, but I do really like to shop for homey decor. I'm kinda cheap though, so it takes a while to either make/find it at a good price. No, I didn't hand-stitch this bedding, but I did paint the mats attached to the prints (red) add the cream mat, and order a custom frame (thanks to Emily). Two sets of glass and a few trips to Hobby Lobby later, I'm happy to be done.

Sometimes I think that if I knew the time and effort that would be required for a project, I wouldn't start half the projects I do. Oh well!

A Couple Words...

Over the past couple weeks, Hallie has been learning to put two words together to make a new meaning...like:

ho(t)! oa(t)meal!
mama! coa(t)!
dada! ho(me)!
oh-oh! mi(lk)!
dada! boo(k)!

Yes, she DOES talk with such enthusiasm to warrant exclamation points. I wondered the other day why she talks like that (like everything is exciting)--well...I guess it's because WE talk to her like that. It's been fun to watch her learn. Oh, and she'll try and say "Hallie" when we really prompt her to, so that's been kinda funny to hear.

John's 29th

John had a great birthday on Monday, or at least that's what he told me. I can't believe he's 29. I remember when he was 21. Dang! So, I put a card and a Reese's Pieces heart in his laptop bag, and then Hallie & I surprised him later by visiting him at work. We brought a present (framed money art for his office) balloons, and IBC root beer.


{Apparently the hostess at the restaurant neglected to hold down to focus}

Then we went out at night (thanks Steph) to Salt Grass Steakhouse. We both had steak & shrimp and other delectable sides. I had planned on going out to see a movie, but in the end, there wasn't anything we were dying to see in the theater (which was fine with me cuz I had a headache), so we watched Becoming Jane on our Netflix queue. Of course, we did presents, and ate a birthday brownie pie that I made. YUM!



Thanks to all the other gift-givers! He had a great time opening presents!
Oh, and I shan't forget the one present he bought for himself: ROCKBAND. I can tell he's really been enjoying it. He stayed up til the wee hours last weekend playing. It's interesting, he plays guitar (in real life) but the only part he has played with the game is the drums. He's pretty good too, from what I can tell--he's already on expert on several of the songs. Hmmm...I can hear the drumming now.

I Love You John

We had a great Valentine's Day. John surprised me with roses! 3 dozen! He also gave me a couple eyeshadows (Not gonna lie, I bought them for John to give to me) and a couple more pieces to our new Willow Tree nativity set that I got for Christmas. So nice!

I thought I'd play it safe with a box of Turtles plus a little gift that is still en route. We usually don't do a lot for Valentine's, but this year was a gift year I guess. I was planning to go out for the evening (we take turns planning Valentine's and anniversary), but John and Hallie had been sick so we got pizza and watched movies. A nice, laid-back night. I love you so much John! You're such a good man to me.