Me: "O, I don't think the Captain did this, he can't write letters."
Sir O: "I can write letters!"
Me: "I don't think the Captain can reach this high."
Sir O: "I can reach!"
I think we have a verdict.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
incrimination
Somebody has been taking notes. (Although his spelling isn't as impressive as his mentor's)
Me: "O, I don't think the Captain did this, he can't write letters."
Sir O: "I can write letters!"
Me: "I don't think the Captain can reach this high."
Sir O: "I can reach!"
I think we have a verdict.
Me: "O, I don't think the Captain did this, he can't write letters."
Sir O: "I can write letters!"
Me: "I don't think the Captain can reach this high."
Sir O: "I can reach!"
I think we have a verdict.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
nothing says Christmas like eggnog and ribbon
I got it into my head to try making homemade eggnog this year, so I contacted the three people I know of who have made eggnog before, and all three pointed me to this recipe. I was making it for my little sister's Sub-for-Santa party, so in the interest of feeding teenagers I went the cooked route and substituted a little (2 tsp) imitation rum extract for the bourbon. Jeff's recommendation to allow 1 egg per person when figuring out quantities for the recipe was spot-on. I also warmed my egg whites in a glass bowl over simmering water before beating them so they were raised to a "safe" temperature as well. However, since the "foam" was not terrifically popular with my audience, I think next time I'll just make peppermint meringues with the whites and serve them on the side.
Have you ever tried homemade eggnog? You'll never go back.
Also - I've had requests to see the bows I've been cranking out this Christmas. I thought about making a video - but there's no one but me to hold the camera.
Supplies: wrapped present, scissors, and lots of ribbon. It needs to be double-faced and preferably wire-edged. Also optional is some fine gauge wire. (If you want to re-use your bow I recommend the wire)
Begin with a piece of ribbon cut and tied in a square knot around your package.
1.) Allow a tail for your bow, then fold/pinch the ribbon between your fingers.
2.) twist the lead of your ribbon 180 degrees, and keep the twist of the ribbon within the part of the ribbon you are pinching.
3.) fold over a loop of your ribbon proportionate to the size of bow you want and then bring the ribbon back into your pinch and twist again.
4.) repeat this process until you have at least 5 loops on each side of your pinch. Make sure you finish with a tail on the opposite side of the pinch from your initial tail.
5.) at this point you can wrap and twist your fine gauge wire around your pinch, Or you can just tie a knot or double knot around your pinch with the ribbon already on your present.
6.) Cut all your tails into inverted V's by folding them in half then cutting on an angle.
7.) Now you preen. Adjust and poof your loops around until they resemble a dome shape. Crush each loop a little for a fuller, crinkled effect.
8.) If you practice that at least 10 times you will find you can do it fast enough to justify prettying up lots of presents this way. (and anything else that needs a bow - like my wreaths... and these bows are the base of most corsages.)
And now you know.....
Have you ever tried homemade eggnog? You'll never go back.
Also - I've had requests to see the bows I've been cranking out this Christmas. I thought about making a video - but there's no one but me to hold the camera.
Supplies: wrapped present, scissors, and lots of ribbon. It needs to be double-faced and preferably wire-edged. Also optional is some fine gauge wire. (If you want to re-use your bow I recommend the wire)
Begin with a piece of ribbon cut and tied in a square knot around your package.
1.) Allow a tail for your bow, then fold/pinch the ribbon between your fingers.
2.) twist the lead of your ribbon 180 degrees, and keep the twist of the ribbon within the part of the ribbon you are pinching.
3.) fold over a loop of your ribbon proportionate to the size of bow you want and then bring the ribbon back into your pinch and twist again.
4.) repeat this process until you have at least 5 loops on each side of your pinch. Make sure you finish with a tail on the opposite side of the pinch from your initial tail.
5.) at this point you can wrap and twist your fine gauge wire around your pinch, Or you can just tie a knot or double knot around your pinch with the ribbon already on your present.
6.) Cut all your tails into inverted V's by folding them in half then cutting on an angle.
7.) Now you preen. Adjust and poof your loops around until they resemble a dome shape. Crush each loop a little for a fuller, crinkled effect.
8.) If you practice that at least 10 times you will find you can do it fast enough to justify prettying up lots of presents this way. (and anything else that needs a bow - like my wreaths... and these bows are the base of most corsages.)
And now you know.....
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
boiled in his own pudding
Our little ikea Christmas tree is covered in stuffed animals, ornaments we made out of salt-dough, and pictures cut out of coloring books. It may not actually be straight.
Our nativity may not be entirely orthodox either. (there's supposed to be a baby in there?)
Our Christmas card collection is fleshing out, accompanied by every wreath Sir O can find in any coloring book.
All our parties have been attended, our cookies delivered, and we mailed out Christmas cards until we ran out of them. Now we're just hunkering down and trying to enjoy the anticipation for the last few days. Sir O has announced that all he wants for Christmas is "a big box full of little presents." I guess he's learned early how to keep from setting himself up for disappointment.
And yes, we've watched 3 different Peanuts Christmas specials (plus the New Years, Thanksgiving, Election Day, Arbor Day, Easter, 3 Valentines Day ones, and some others I'm forgetting) almost constantly lately. And Sir O has decided that there is nothing greater to aspire to in life than to be just like Linus and Rerun. And yes, that means a certain blanket and a certain thumb have found a new home. A temporary home I hope.
This is how we are doing Christmas without most of our Christmas "stuff". What are the signs of the season in your corner?
Our nativity may not be entirely orthodox either. (there's supposed to be a baby in there?)
Our Christmas card collection is fleshing out, accompanied by every wreath Sir O can find in any coloring book.
All our parties have been attended, our cookies delivered, and we mailed out Christmas cards until we ran out of them. Now we're just hunkering down and trying to enjoy the anticipation for the last few days. Sir O has announced that all he wants for Christmas is "a big box full of little presents." I guess he's learned early how to keep from setting himself up for disappointment.
And yes, we've watched 3 different Peanuts Christmas specials (plus the New Years, Thanksgiving, Election Day, Arbor Day, Easter, 3 Valentines Day ones, and some others I'm forgetting) almost constantly lately. And Sir O has decided that there is nothing greater to aspire to in life than to be just like Linus and Rerun. And yes, that means a certain blanket and a certain thumb have found a new home. A temporary home I hope.
This is how we are doing Christmas without most of our Christmas "stuff". What are the signs of the season in your corner?
Friday, December 17, 2010
teacher gifts
Sir O's preschool teacher and his two teachers at church are each getting a custom apron, designed by Sir O himself.
This is called the "one-trip-to-the-craft-store-with-all-three-kids-all-by-myself" wonder-gift. Just a canvas painter's apron and some fabric markers. I ironed after he finished coloring to set the ink, and voila! In an ideal world I would have sewed the aprons myself, but seriously? That would require two hands, and when do I ever have discretionary use of both hands?
This is called the "one-trip-to-the-craft-store-with-all-three-kids-all-by-myself" wonder-gift. Just a canvas painter's apron and some fabric markers. I ironed after he finished coloring to set the ink, and voila! In an ideal world I would have sewed the aprons myself, but seriously? That would require two hands, and when do I ever have discretionary use of both hands?
Monday, December 13, 2010
bonus holidays
I am a sucker for holidays, especially smaller holidays around Christmastime. I've celebrated St Lucia day since I was 10, but I've never done it properly. One of these years I'm going to actually wake up early and make St. Lucia buns and make a whole candlelit procession out of it. This year was another slacker-version. I made muffins the night before and set them out for all the early risers in the house.
This mama needs as much sleep as she can get, especially with a certain gentleman waking up every 45 minutes throughout the night. But the boys all got new pajamas in anticipation of the holiday! Sir O has dubbed these his tiger jammies.
This mama needs as much sleep as she can get, especially with a certain gentleman waking up every 45 minutes throughout the night. But the boys all got new pajamas in anticipation of the holiday! Sir O has dubbed these his tiger jammies.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Round two - in the cold
I seized an opportune moment yesterday and got my extra wreath made. It was late in the evening and I had to work out in the garage, so by the time I was done my fingers and toes were numb with cold. I started out taking photos along the way, but toward the end I was just trying to hurry and finish so I could scour my hands and go inside to thaw out.
But briefly, to begin you need a wreath form, either one like this:
or like this:
(the single hoop is much easier to work with, but harder to find)
You also need some florist wreath wire, about 22 gauge.
The other thing you need is your greens. Noble fir is ideal for Christmas wreaths and smells great. You can incorporate just about any evergreen or eucalyptus. You wouldn't want to use anything that will die or brown quickly, unless you're using it in a dried state. Cut your greens in 5-10inch lengths and sort them by type so you can easily see what you have left and spread your varieties through the wreath evenly.
You need to first anchor the end of your wire on the form so it doesn't slide around. You will need to pull the wire extremely taut, so it needs to be secure. Then begin wiring your greens on in bundles of 3. wrap the wire around each bundle (and around the form at the same time) at least 6 times, and pull it tight enough that the wire cuts into the branches a bit. How closely you overlap your bundles will determine how full (or flat) your wreath lays. Every 8-10 bundles hold your wreath form up to make sure your bundles are wired tight enough. If they are not then they will slump into the center with gravity. (and you'll be making a table centerpiece instead of a wreath). When you complete your circle you need to tie off and secure your wire before cutting it off. (with the double form you go around the inner circle first, then the outer - this is trickier because the wire spool has to be slipped between rings each time you wrap.)
Once the greens are completed you just hang it up and embellish. If you want to re-use your embellishments then wire them in. If not, they can just be affixed with hot glue. I am cheap so I never glue anything. And most craft stores have their Christmas picks and sprays on sale right now, so it's a good time to pick up embellishments. Don't be afraid to cut them apart with wire cutters and spread their sparkliness around. Most artificial sprays are made on a wire base, so the individual flowers, stems, and leafs can be manipulated quite a bit.
The finished wreath should be kept in the coolest environment possible to last as long as possible. (Outside on a front door is ideal) Occasionally misting it with water can help lengthen it's life as well.
See, that's not so very complicated!
But briefly, to begin you need a wreath form, either one like this:
or like this:
(the single hoop is much easier to work with, but harder to find)
You also need some florist wreath wire, about 22 gauge.
The other thing you need is your greens. Noble fir is ideal for Christmas wreaths and smells great. You can incorporate just about any evergreen or eucalyptus. You wouldn't want to use anything that will die or brown quickly, unless you're using it in a dried state. Cut your greens in 5-10inch lengths and sort them by type so you can easily see what you have left and spread your varieties through the wreath evenly.
You need to first anchor the end of your wire on the form so it doesn't slide around. You will need to pull the wire extremely taut, so it needs to be secure. Then begin wiring your greens on in bundles of 3. wrap the wire around each bundle (and around the form at the same time) at least 6 times, and pull it tight enough that the wire cuts into the branches a bit. How closely you overlap your bundles will determine how full (or flat) your wreath lays. Every 8-10 bundles hold your wreath form up to make sure your bundles are wired tight enough. If they are not then they will slump into the center with gravity. (and you'll be making a table centerpiece instead of a wreath). When you complete your circle you need to tie off and secure your wire before cutting it off. (with the double form you go around the inner circle first, then the outer - this is trickier because the wire spool has to be slipped between rings each time you wrap.)
Once the greens are completed you just hang it up and embellish. If you want to re-use your embellishments then wire them in. If not, they can just be affixed with hot glue. I am cheap so I never glue anything. And most craft stores have their Christmas picks and sprays on sale right now, so it's a good time to pick up embellishments. Don't be afraid to cut them apart with wire cutters and spread their sparkliness around. Most artificial sprays are made on a wire base, so the individual flowers, stems, and leafs can be manipulated quite a bit.
The finished wreath should be kept in the coolest environment possible to last as long as possible. (Outside on a front door is ideal) Occasionally misting it with water can help lengthen it's life as well.
See, that's not so very complicated!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Oh, Christmas Wreath
I had a blast at my wreath-making class at Red Butte Garden last night. It felt terribly good to be manipulating plant matter again. But the best part? I finally had an experience in a class where I was fast and proficient. After so many classes of feeling the panic of being behind, I finally finished first. My wreath was constructed early, so I had plenty of time to have fun embellishing.
I had originally intended to take lots of photos of all the different steps. The problem is that working with conifers means having hands covered in sap. Not hands you want to touch your camera with. (And I already gave this wreath away, so I can't even take more photos of it) But I brought home enough leftover greens to make another wreath, so hopefully I can stop and wash my hands often enough to document the process better. Oh, and I found out that orange pumice scrub (the kind auto mechanics use) works great for getting pine and eucalyptus sap off of ones hands. I love learning things I know I will put to use!
I had originally intended to take lots of photos of all the different steps. The problem is that working with conifers means having hands covered in sap. Not hands you want to touch your camera with. (And I already gave this wreath away, so I can't even take more photos of it) But I brought home enough leftover greens to make another wreath, so hopefully I can stop and wash my hands often enough to document the process better. Oh, and I found out that orange pumice scrub (the kind auto mechanics use) works great for getting pine and eucalyptus sap off of ones hands. I love learning things I know I will put to use!
Monday, December 06, 2010
How (I wish we could say) we're staying out of trouble
Somehow I have yet to find an effective way to keep my boys out of trouble, truth be told.
There's a wild and destructive streak to them that I cannot wrap my brain around, let alone figure out how to accurately anticipate.
Why, for example, would anybody think it was a good idea to pour syrup all around the living room while mom's in the shower? WHY?!
Anyway, despite the crazies, we've been trying to create some fun. On Saturday we visited the lights at Thanksgiving Point and topped it off with an ice cream sundae. The boys' favorite part was getting to sit in the front seat while we drove through at 0.8 miles per hour. And I left the memory card at home. Again. That's 4 times in 10 days. If I were my boss I'd fire me.
Sunday afternoon brought all my siblings except our missionary over. We watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional, then we had a bit of a foam-gingerbread-house-building competition. My mom had picked up some kits after Christmas last year, and with adult+child teams it was pretty entertaining. I seem to always do better at enjoying myself in settings where there is at least one adult for every small crazy person.
I remembered at 11pm last night that today would be St. Nicholas day. This year St. Nicholas' offerings look suspiciously like the Halloween candy I had to confiscate a month ago.
Today doesn't bring a great deal of excitement for the kids though we did attempt our first batch of Christmas cookies. I wanted something simple and fun, so we attempted these Jello cookies. We were doing fine until it was time to form the cookies on the baking sheet. Suddenly both the Captain and the Gentleman were wailing, and Sir O couldn't stop touching the formed cookies, so I had to make each one at least twice. If I make these again I think I'd roll the dough into a tube and freeze it so I can just slice the dough into cookies and bake them later. (When I don't have 3 children all needing all of my attention).
Tonight, however, is exciting. I managed to squeeze into a wreath-making class at Red Butte Gardens, AND I managed to talk some loved ones into watching the kids so I can go. I've missed my floral design classes at Longwood something fierce, so I am anticipating a blissful, uninterrupted evening.
There's a wild and destructive streak to them that I cannot wrap my brain around, let alone figure out how to accurately anticipate.
Why, for example, would anybody think it was a good idea to pour syrup all around the living room while mom's in the shower? WHY?!
Anyway, despite the crazies, we've been trying to create some fun. On Saturday we visited the lights at Thanksgiving Point and topped it off with an ice cream sundae. The boys' favorite part was getting to sit in the front seat while we drove through at 0.8 miles per hour. And I left the memory card at home. Again. That's 4 times in 10 days. If I were my boss I'd fire me.
(somebody else's image from here)
Sunday afternoon brought all my siblings except our missionary over. We watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional, then we had a bit of a foam-gingerbread-house-building competition. My mom had picked up some kits after Christmas last year, and with adult+child teams it was pretty entertaining. I seem to always do better at enjoying myself in settings where there is at least one adult for every small crazy person.
I remembered at 11pm last night that today would be St. Nicholas day. This year St. Nicholas' offerings look suspiciously like the Halloween candy I had to confiscate a month ago.
Today doesn't bring a great deal of excitement for the kids though we did attempt our first batch of Christmas cookies. I wanted something simple and fun, so we attempted these Jello cookies. We were doing fine until it was time to form the cookies on the baking sheet. Suddenly both the Captain and the Gentleman were wailing, and Sir O couldn't stop touching the formed cookies, so I had to make each one at least twice. If I make these again I think I'd roll the dough into a tube and freeze it so I can just slice the dough into cookies and bake them later. (When I don't have 3 children all needing all of my attention).
Tonight, however, is exciting. I managed to squeeze into a wreath-making class at Red Butte Gardens, AND I managed to talk some loved ones into watching the kids so I can go. I've missed my floral design classes at Longwood something fierce, so I am anticipating a blissful, uninterrupted evening.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
One particular little moment
FYI all...
I got my hospital pictures from Sam, and they are the coolest thing ever.
Well, other than the part where it's hard to look photogenic when one is in labor. (Understatement, anyone?).
Mr Renn has declared them to be the Gentleman's Christmas present.
Worth every penny.
the deed is done
Our gentleman got his first real haircut today, at just shy of 8 weeks. Mr Renn and I agreed that the mad scientist look was wearing out its welcome. I've gotten less patient with the crazy hair with each new baby boy. While I might miss some of the comments about how much hair he has for his age, I think he looks significantly more like a child whose mother takes care of him. That has to be a good thing.
And I think he likes it, don't you?
And I think he likes it, don't you?
Friday, December 03, 2010
festive (al)
Today's festivities were wrapped up in going to see my sister perform at the Festival of Trees. I haven't been to this event in nearly 20 years, and while I'm not a huge fan of the new (er) venue (it's big and open and loud) it was still pretty darn cool. Oddly enough I didn't get to see a great many trees. Must have something to do with being a mother of small children. We did, however get familiar with the kids craft corner. And the gingerbread houses. I have secret ambitions of becoming a master gingerbread architect someday. That and I want to learn how to make real fudge, and how to knit more than just rectangles, and if I'm honest I have a whole boatload of secret ambitions. They won't all pan out, but hopefully a few of them will and I'll remember to enjoy it. Remind me next time to have someone else take my picture so I can remember I was there.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Merry-ing
I'm trying to make this a celebratory month. It seems like I ought to be able to find something Christmasish to do with my kids every day in December. Actually, that would be very do-able if all of my kids were the same age. BUT they are not. So I've decided to try to do something Christmasish with at least Sir O every day. He is, after all, the only one who stands a chance of remembering it. Yesterday we watched the Joy to the World DVD during the Captain's nap. I cried my little eyes out, and it sure wasn't because the production values were stellar. (side note: I was actually an extra in this film, but you never see me). Sir O was remarkably responsive compared to his typical self of late (though he now vastly prefers baby Jesus to grown-up Jesus.) Now he insists on playing Away in a Manger on repeat for hours at a time.
However, I don't want to be relying on DVD's to provide our Christmas cheer around here.
Hopefully Mr Renn and I will sit down and calendar our celebratoriness tonight.
We did manage to start an advent candle last night. The candle was 88 cents, and I made the marks myself with a metallic sharpie. Sure beats paying $6 and having to justify it come budget day.
Our gentleman has been started on a prescription for reflux and while he still isn't sleeping much, he seems significantly more content. I'm choosing to remain optimistic, and to baby-wear as much as my back and shoulders will let me. (I ruined my neck and back in a car accident in high school - so I reach a point where I must put the kid down).
All 3 boys have runny noses. I am bracing myself for hard-times if this turns into a bad cold. Hopefully we can still be celebratory even if we are coughing our lungs up all through the night.
However, I don't want to be relying on DVD's to provide our Christmas cheer around here.
Hopefully Mr Renn and I will sit down and calendar our celebratoriness tonight.
We did manage to start an advent candle last night. The candle was 88 cents, and I made the marks myself with a metallic sharpie. Sure beats paying $6 and having to justify it come budget day.
Our gentleman has been started on a prescription for reflux and while he still isn't sleeping much, he seems significantly more content. I'm choosing to remain optimistic, and to baby-wear as much as my back and shoulders will let me. (I ruined my neck and back in a car accident in high school - so I reach a point where I must put the kid down).
All 3 boys have runny noses. I am bracing myself for hard-times if this turns into a bad cold. Hopefully we can still be celebratory even if we are coughing our lungs up all through the night.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Christmas Cards are ordered!
Charming Gift Wrap Christmas 5x7 folded card
Shop Shutterfly.com for elegant Christmas photo cards.
View the entire collection of cards.
Getting to know you
A moment in time that tickles my chuckle bone.
Yesterday was "crazy hair day" for Sir O's preschool. I got all ambitious and made my little sister send out a facebook message to round up some temporary hair dye. I thought crazy hair day would be fun.
Only I forgot to run it by Sir O. Once I did mention the idea to him (the night before) he freaked out at the idea of color in his hair. He's a little particular.... as I gather many 4-year-olds are.
So I had two choices: forget about crazy hair day, or be sneaky.
I figured since we'd already gone to the trouble of borrowing colored hair spray, I would go the sneaky route. So after I blow-dried Sir O's hair into a stand-up-ishness that closely resembled the bed head he had before I wet his hair down (sigh), then I placed my hand over his eyes and pretended to spray regular hair-spray on his hair, while I was in fact turning it orange. I then switched off the bathroom lights before Sir O had a chance to get a good look at himself in the mirror. He was happily oblivious, and I felt smug.
Luckily nobody at preschool pointed out to Sir O that his hair was orange. They just said things like "I like your hair," and he remained happy as a clam, thinking they meant his "tall" hair. Once he got home and got a look at himself he freaked. He wanted his hair washed immediately. We complied, and I laughed.
Since yesterday was supposed to be Mr Renn's travel day coming back from the Navajo Reservation, he had the whole day off. I decided it would be a good day to use the livingsocial voucher I'd gotten for the Discovery Gateway children's museum. It was a weekday and a non-holiday so it wasn't crazy busy, and I think Mr Renn enjoyed it as much as the kids, plus he was the extra set of hands I needed to survive. It was a good idea, and now Sir O is asking to go back about every 3 minutes.
Based on how much Mr Renn enjoyed himself, I expect we will go back. Soon.
Yesterday was "crazy hair day" for Sir O's preschool. I got all ambitious and made my little sister send out a facebook message to round up some temporary hair dye. I thought crazy hair day would be fun.
Only I forgot to run it by Sir O. Once I did mention the idea to him (the night before) he freaked out at the idea of color in his hair. He's a little particular.... as I gather many 4-year-olds are.
So I had two choices: forget about crazy hair day, or be sneaky.
I figured since we'd already gone to the trouble of borrowing colored hair spray, I would go the sneaky route. So after I blow-dried Sir O's hair into a stand-up-ishness that closely resembled the bed head he had before I wet his hair down (sigh), then I placed my hand over his eyes and pretended to spray regular hair-spray on his hair, while I was in fact turning it orange. I then switched off the bathroom lights before Sir O had a chance to get a good look at himself in the mirror. He was happily oblivious, and I felt smug.
Luckily nobody at preschool pointed out to Sir O that his hair was orange. They just said things like "I like your hair," and he remained happy as a clam, thinking they meant his "tall" hair. Once he got home and got a look at himself he freaked. He wanted his hair washed immediately. We complied, and I laughed.
Since yesterday was supposed to be Mr Renn's travel day coming back from the Navajo Reservation, he had the whole day off. I decided it would be a good day to use the livingsocial voucher I'd gotten for the Discovery Gateway children's museum. It was a weekday and a non-holiday so it wasn't crazy busy, and I think Mr Renn enjoyed it as much as the kids, plus he was the extra set of hands I needed to survive. It was a good idea, and now Sir O is asking to go back about every 3 minutes.
Based on how much Mr Renn enjoyed himself, I expect we will go back. Soon.
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