Grateful for This & That

I tell you what. I have enjoyed this weekend. The Big Guy had Wednesday off and we went to work. We raked, mowed and cleaned up the beds crossing our fingers it may be the last for the season.

Thanksgiving was a lovely day spent with my inlaws. We ate mid afternoon. Perfect! We only had one meal with a sweet snack later in the night while we were preparing for a garage sale.

We only did a little shopping on Friday. I looked through all the ads and nothing knocked me over. Surprisingly, I spent the most moolah at Hancock's. We bought some of this and some of this. I am going to make a shower curtain for our guest bath. I have a vision in my head and hope I can come close. The fabric led to paint. We bought a Ralph Lauren paint from Home DePot in the color beachside raffia. We'll see how it turns out as we usually use Benjamin Moore historic colors. I am breaking open the paint can on Sunday.

Today we had our garage sale. The regulars told us we were the only ones having a sale. Who else has a sale on a cold dreary day? We did okay. The white bikes sold via Craigslist and we are showing the road bike tomorrow. Craigslist is a great thing and we loved the idea of working it in parallel with the garage sale. We took some stuff to Goodwill and put some up in the attic. We'll try one more sale before Pumpkin heads to DC in the spring.




I dug out some tshirts designated for the garage sale and made some caps for the Cap to Caps project. It was my first time sewing on jersey. I used the zigzag stitch as I don't have a serger. This is a wonderful initiative. I will get them in the mail to Amanda on Monday.

Tomorrow is church, painting, soccer, basketball, and preparing for a full week of school. We are contemplating pulling the Christmas decorations out. I think that will have to wait until next weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our turkey is ready (I got off easy on the cooking front) and we are off to my sister-in-law's.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

All Southwest 2008

Pumpkin had the opportunity to sing in the All Southwest Tennessee chorus this year. It is amazing what the conductors do with these kids. The music was fabulous and he enjoyed the experience. We carpooled from our school. I know he liked the odds of one boy to three girls!!

Dr. Jessica Napoles from the University of Utah was their conductor. She was very creative. They processed in singing Praise the Lord by Ralph Johnson. It was a wonderful way to use this repetitive piece. It was impressive. Pumpkin lined up right by us. Who knew? I bought the pants for him a few weeks ago. He tried them on and said they were good. What about the length? I did not see them on him until an hour before the show and it was too late to do anything about it. I guess these pants will be long enough for the spring honors chorus.

Here is the group after they sang. Again - this choir is an audition choir comprised of kids from all over Southwest TN.

If only I had a fancy smancy camera...I could have zoomed right in and taken a clear picture. I wonder if Santa is checking my blog.

Here he is on his way back to his seat to listen to the senior choir. That was impressive too!


We are grateful for his voice and for the opportunity to participate in this event. It opens his eyes to possibilities!

Turquoise Thread...

That beautiful turquoise thread appears again! Today is my last day for the CSA. I can't believe it has been ten weeks already. I made these coasters last night as a little thank you for Jill & Keith. I used a pattern in Bend the Rules by Amy Karol as a starting point. This is my first attempt at any quilting. I just wanted the coasters to have their own personality. I have to admit it was fun letting the machine stitch just about anywhere. I am not really interested in learning more about quilting, but had a blast playing with these. I hope they enjoy them. I bet you can guess there will be another post showing you all the veggies I get today. 'Til then...

Reading Pillow Birthday Present

Peanut was invited to a birthday party on Sunday. It was for a boy in his class. The theme of the party was tailgating. I thought that was very creative and easy for a bunch of 4th grade boys. The parents graduated from Ohio State. I tried to get some Buckeye fabric but they don't license any. Peanut picked out some football fabric thinking it would be good enough. I went to work on the reading pillow. I picked up a book by Mike Lupica at the friends of the library bookstore and off he went to the party.

I am making quite a few pillows these days. It is amazing the personality they take on - all based on the fabric. I need to whip up another one for a party this weekend. This boy loves Alabama and that fabric is easy to come by. I actually ordered online and and am crossing my fingers that it gets here in time. I am bracing myself for a late Friday night!

I made another simple tote from 16 squares I received from the quilt squares swap. It turned out pretty good and very soothing in the light colors. I used fusible interfacing inside and on the handles. I have so many other things I should have been working on. But, the beautiful turquoise thread was in the machine. I could not take it out. So, I chose squares and completed a project all around the thread. The tote will become one of may "happies" this holiday season.

We spent lots of the weekend purging drawers. All nooks and crannies in the house are up for inspection. We are going to have a garage sale. All the extra stuff needs to GO! I have a bit more to go through in the attic and two more closets. I mounded all the stuff up on one side of the garage. I need to buckle down and figure out how to organize it all. If I get my act together, I may just have the sale this Saturday.

In the process of cleaning the attic, I came across Thomasina Turkey. My mom made this for me years ago. She nestled right in on the mantle. Believe it or not, when I catch a glimpse of her it makes me stop and remember all that I have to be grateful for:)

One Simple Tote

Complete!


I was able to make the bag using one fat quarter. I had to grab a piece of something else to make the pocket. It was easy to make and did not take that much time. I was glad I had made some other bags as the directions weren't as clear as I'd like. I think it is just the 'geer in me that comes out when reading directions. I used flannel as recommended in the pattern. For the next one, I am going to use a fusible interfacing adding a bit to the long handle too. I am going to make a few more!

CSA #9 and Crayon Rolls

I picked up my ninth order from the farmer. This week I picked swiss chard as my selected greens. I wilted them in garlic, butter, and crushed red pepper. I added some diced fresh tomato on top. I can't say the chard was my favorite. The tomato was out of this world. The flavor in a tomato fresh off the vine. But, I digress. The Big Guy and I were able to eat all the swiss chard. We did not have as much luck with the broccoli rabe greens from last week. Yucky! Even so, I haven't given up. I am going to cook what I have left with some sausage. The fat may be needed for those kinds of greens. The rest of the veggies look great and will be eaten up!

I made a few more crayon rolls. One out of the fabric Peanut picked out. Bear with on the angle of these shots. I tried to play with it but iphoto is not recognizing the changes! I wised up and bought a package of pony tail holders at the dollar store. I am using those for the elastic to hold the roll closed. It is much easier than tying the ribbon around it.

I used some more of the fabric and made two more rolls for Peanut's ticket auction at school. I used more quilt squares in the "girlie" one. Peanut said they were a hit today at the auction. I am going to make some festive pencil rolls for the holidays so they can auction them at the next one before Christmas break.


I continue my production of reading pillows. Peanut has two more birthday parties to go to. I was able to pick up "used" hard bound books at the Friends of the Library store. I think it makes sense to give a book with the pillow allowing the recipient to see how it really works. This afternoon the desire to sew the simple tote from Amy Karol's Bending the Rules overcame me. I chose some of the lovely Anna Maria Horner fabric I ordered late in the summer. I hope to have pictures for you by the end of the weekend. I also hope to start these. I have some wool remnants that I want to use up. I really need a new pair of slippers but am going to find it hard to justify spending time on something for me as the holidays approach. I have the attic to clean out as we hope to have a garage sale on Saturday or some Saturday soon. I have another cowl to finish. I have some bibs to cross-stitch. When is it all going to happen? We'll see how much gets down. Happy, warm and productive weekends to all!

Student Leader Plunge

Pumpkin was nominated by his teacher to participate in the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington DC. We have deliberated and deliberated about the decision. Tonight we took the plunge and decided to go for it. He will attend the forum during his spring break assuming there is still availability that week. Our plan, at this time, is to drive him up there. We'll spend our week sightseeing and he'll get to go to the conference. I just could not put him on a plane ALL by himself. I know things may change and I might have to do it. If that is the case, I will rise to the occasion. This appears to be a wonderful experience and will give him the opportunity to learn so much. I am hoping he will keep a journal and I might get to share some of it.

Days Off School

The boys had Monday and Tuesday off from school. It made for a nice long weekend.

Peanut had a few friendly soccer games on Sunday. His team did a great job. They had a few guest players from another team. It is amazing what one additional talented player can do. Peanut had some excitement. He scored his first goal this season! He is an unselfish mid-fielder with a give-n-go strength. His coach has been working with him to continue to pass, but see if there is an open opportunity. He did just that! We don't have any pictures - just good memories.

We had my in-laws over for dinner on Sunday evening. Pumpkin set the table and captured it on my phone. We forgot to capture the meal. I kept trying to convince him to choose different placemats. I think they clashed with the walls. As you can see, I did not win that discussion.

I made chili and cornbread. It was perfect for the chilly weather that is settling in. This is the second time I made this chili. It is one you can do in the crockpot. The boys love it and the leftovers serve us for a few more meals.

THREE BEAN CHILI
2 lbs ground beef
2 medium onions, diced
16 oz. jar medium salsa
2 pkgs dry chili seasonings (I used the Kroger low sodium)
2 16 oz. cans kidney beans, drained
2 16 oz. cans black beans, drained
2 16 oz. cans white kidney or garbanzo beans, drained
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
16 oz can diced tomatoes
2 tsp sugar

Brown beef and onion in skillet. Combine all ingredients in a 6 qt slow cooker. Cover. Cook on low 8-10 hours. Serve with chopped raw onion and/or shredded cheddar cheese.

On Monday, we forged ahead with cleaning the garage. We hope to have a garage sale raising money for some leadership opportunities Pumpkin wants to pursue. Perhaps, we will have it as early as this Saturday. I don't want to spend money on advertising. We'll see if we can get all the other stuff out of the house and ready to sell. The boys were a big help and the garage looks amazing.

In the afternoon I baked up some Cinnamon Cookies. I saw them on another blog and finally got around to whipping some together. Be forewarned! These are great cookies. The comments recommend doubling the batch to have more. I'd agree with that as they quickly disappeared. I am going to refrain from making more as I don't want the temptation to eat them.


I was working on some sewing projects when Peanut wandered into the sewing room yesterday afternoon. He wanted to help me make a crayon roll. I did not have enough of any fabric that he liked. So, he helped me make one for our friends abroad. These are the cutest things and they are simple. Peanut helped me calculate the size adjustments for a colored pencil roll. I put that one together this morning. It is not perfect. I am going to play with the dimensions a bit on that. If you look closely, you will see that I used some of my squares from my quilt swap for the pencil roll.

We headed to Hancock's to get some fabric that Peanut does like. I now have an even longer sewing list:) We've been home for about an hour and Peanut keeps asking when I am going to get started. Guess I better finish this post. Then, I have to guide Pumpkin to write a letter and a paper. He has this free day and needs to get it all behind him! Why does he like to procrastinate? It gets my goat!!!

Flowers For Algernon

Photo copied from here.

I finished this book last night just in time for the field trip with the eighth graders today.

This book is thought provoking. My mother worked with "special" kids for many years. I hope I have always treated them like human beings. The book is classified as science fiction, a subject that is not normally one of my favorites.

The field trip was to the local high school to see The Flowers for Algernon musical. I think reading the book and watching the performance, I was intrigued by how this science fiction book was turned into a musical. They did a remarkable job. I was very impressed with the talent of the high schoolers. I wonder if Pumpkin will pursue something like this when he gets there. He definitely has the voice.

Pumpkin thought the show was okay. The entire 8th grade went to the show. They were on their best behavior.

If you get the chance give the book a read.

CSA #8 and More

I picked up my eighth half order of veggies from the farmer today. I have never cooked greens in my life. I guess that is about to change. I had my choice of kale or broccoli rabe greens. I chose broccoli rabe greens. The flowery part doesn't grow until spring, but the leaves will continue to grow throughout most of the winter. Apparently, you can cook them up like other kinds of greens. I did a google search and think I will try it in this recipe. I also got tomatoes, green peppers, sweet potatoes, and radishes.

Yesterday, I was reading some blogs and found this one by Jess. I love her earrings and have added them to my wish list. When you scroll down her blog, she gives a great pumpkin muffin recipe. The timing was perfect as I was about to make pumpkin bread. These are wonderful and were enjoyed by all this morning for breakfast.

On my way home from picking up my produce, I made a little detour to the LYS. These two yarns just happened to end up in my front seat. I have ideas but may not be able to share the wip as the holidays are approaching!

Halloween Addendum & Weekend Happenings

I forgot to show you the picture of the Big Guy and I in costume. We went to a costume party on Saturday night. Keep this yin and yang in mind if you want an economical costume that gets lots of comments. It was perfect. We had a nice time. The party hosts live in an historic house off of the square in Collierville. The things they have done to the house! They had a chiminea outside. The weather was perfect for sitting by the fire.

Before the party was over, Pumpkin called me to tell me some good news. Earlier in the day, he auditioned for the All Southwest TN Chorus. He said that he messed up on an entrance and was worried about the results. We know he has a wonderful voice. We just did not know if the judges would think so. Apparently, they thought he did great. He auditioned for a Tenor I position. He ended up with the 7th chair! We are thrilled and so is he. This is a wonderful experience. A guest conductor comes in and gets the choir (comprised of kids from all over) ready. They spend about two days all together. The final performance is amazing. The Big Guy and I are looking forward to it the weekend before Thanksgiving. Here was Pumpkin before the audition.

Yesterday, there was a 5K benefiting the public schools. The proceeds come back to the music departments. The boys decided to participate. The weather was perfect and the turn out was huge. I was the designated cheerleader and failed. I missed Peanut finishing. He ran a personal best beating a soccer teammate. Apparently, that boy was talking some smak to Adam during the run. Adam showed him! The Big Guy did okay ending without any foot problems, a ailment he experiences after running lately. Pumpkin finished and decided to stick to swimming. I saw him and commented about him being out on a Sunday stroll. He'll never admit to telling Peanut he could beat him. That was his talk before the race. Peanut left him in the dust!

I've been doctoring a scratchy, dry throat. I don't know if it is just some allergy or if there is a cold looming in the future. It wiped me out last night - that and the time change. Peanut grabbed my phone and snapped this little black mail. Doesn't it look like I am deep in thought? Fooled them! I was sound asleep. My throat is still scratchy and my voice is a bit lower. We'll see how choir rehearsal goes tonight!

All Soul's Day...Dad Remembered

Today would have been dad's 86th birthday. We remember and his memory lives within our hearts.

About a week ago, I was reading the paper over breakfast. I stopped and thought about dad as I read the article. Bob Merritt is not a common name.

A few days ago, I came in from throwing the ball with the dog. The boys had gotten home from school and were getting their snacks. I paused when I saw they had pulled out the Oreo's and were dunking their cookies in milk. We haven't done that for some time. I immediately thought of dad. Many nights he grabbed some cookies and dunked them before going to bed. He was one who passed on dessert and ate a snack before going to bed. I guess he burned lots of calories sleeping - or his lack of sleep as he always seemed to end up in the chair.


This morning at mass, Adam looked up at the ceiling. He looked over at me asking if the lights (that weren't lit) were turned off or burned out. I just chuckled. That was a Bob Merritt thing to do. I just don't think dad would do it during the homily!

I always have a candle on the stove lighting it when I cook dinner. Today, I will light the candle and remember dad.

Halloween 2008

The Big Guy got in the Halloween spirit this year. He wore the tattoo arm sleeves to work. He doesn't normally dress so casually. It was all the part. The funniest thing is that one person thought they were real. If you knew him, you'd know this is the farthest thing from him.

Both boys wore fun things to school all week in honor of Red Ribbon Week. It is a week dedicated to saying no to drugs. On Friday, Pumpkin had jersey day. We dug out David's jersey from 8th grade football. Pretty cool, huh?

I picked up #7 of my CSA half order on Wednesday. A cold snap hit us and the farmers were scrambling to get all off the plants that they could. We got a wide mix of veggies. I chopped up some left from last week and added some of these to the blend. I roasted the veggies in the oven with some olive oil and seasoning. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy veggies. We actually sat down to a dinner of veggies over star pasta with parmesan pork tenderloin - all before the boys went out trick or treatiing!
Pumpkin was thrilled that his costume arrived in time. Look closely at the ends of the magnet. There are little chicks stuck to the ends. He proudly transformed into a CHICK MAGNET! We are seeing some girls on his radar screen. I just don't know if I am ready! Peanut donned his pirate garb. He was on a mission. He made the kids run to every house. They came back worn out.

I had the honor of handing out the candy. There were quite a few kids or I did not buy enough candy. We just about ran out. Can you believe it? In between door bells, I made progress on my cowl. I used a chunky yarn I picked up from Hobby Lobby. I am pleased with the end result. I just need to do my M1 differently so it doesn't create a hole. I am thinking some folks might enjoy these for Christmas!


We had a great Halloween. The weather was perfect and the boys have enough candy to last for days!