Not going to the Super Bowl

Ellie didn't wear her Payton Manning jersey today .. not because it's a Colts jersey, but because she decided she'd route with me for the Patriots.  While Bill enjoyed an afternoon away playing cards with the guys from work, she and I had back to back football games to watch. Although it may be hard to believe she was actually waiting for the Seahawks game - she's picked that team in a pool through Bright Horizons.  I know, I know .. but she didn't bet a thing, and she'll get a candy bar is her team wins the Super Bowl.

In the meantime I convinced her to wear this Patriots shirt for good luck!  And by now you all know that all our mojo-fixing didn't help - and the Patriots lost!  Oh well, off to watch the second game of the day with her!

Dutch filled pancakes

There was a great sale at Williams Sonoma last week and it featured two great breakfast gadgets.  One was an omlette pan and one was a filled pancake pan.  I couldn't resist the wonderful pan with 7 indentations to make these wonderful little filled pancakes.

So, on a Saturday morning that began with a beautiful sunrise and quickly turned to snow flurries I found the recipe, gathered the ingredients and went to work using my new pan.  As you can see they turn out these wonderful little treats.

I tried out several fillings as well.  Although no one was filling to say what their favorite was … caramelized pear and pecan, Nutella hazelnut spread, Biscoff spread, bananas and cinnamon and a combination of Nutella and bananas!  We ate them with syrup and without … and lo and behold the recipe made so many that I stashed some in the freezer to take out a few at a time for Ellie's breakfast during the week.

What a great Saturday morning treat.  Pretty sure I need to run a few extra miles before the weekend is over to compensate for that breakfast!

Batter, Filling, Batter and then flip!

Flipped over already

The finished product - Dutch Filled Pancakes!

Make new friends and keep the old

When we were in Charlottesville I was part of the leadership team in my department.  It was a group of people that had been together for some time before I arrived.  Being accepted was not something that came easily, or likely at all with several of them.

One of my former peers, Lori, is now Bill's manager - even though she still lives in Charlottesville.  She and I always related over being working moms (she has Paige age 9, and Brady age 6), Sephora make up runs and Talbot's.

She was in Bloomington this week for a meeting, and Bill invited me to meet up with them late on Thursday afternoon.  We caught up on all the comings and goings!  And Bill was kind enough to take this picture of us.

We've come a long way since those days in Charlottesville.  And I wouldn't trade a minute of it!

Lori and me - January 2014

Dinner!

Ellie was watching something on t.v. on Sunday and a commercial came on featuring some sort of pot pies.  She couldn't get over how great that would be to have a pot pie.  Bill assured her that they were good, but they weren't my favorite thing.

So to surprise them both I made two individual pot pies last night for dinner.  Surprisingly enough I had everything I needed right in the fridge - leftovers from the roaster chicken, crescent rolls and veggies.  You'd have thought I'd given Ellie a huge prize - she just loved her individual dish and the pseudo pie crust using crescent rolls were even a hit!

homemade chicken pot pies!

Rainbow Loom fun

Ellie has used several of her gift cards at different times to stock up on two different looms, and multiple packets of bands .. otherwise known in our house as debris, because they end up all over the floor …and a case for all the bands to make bracelets.

These things are apparently all the rage with 'kids' of all ages.  Both boys and girls alike are spending time making these special weaved creations.  So many colors and patterns to choose from.  And even better there are so many youtube videos out there for instruction, it makes all you need right at your fingertips!

And I'm hearing there are even playdates scheduled around the Rainbow Loom activities!  That could keep a room full of 2nd grade girls busy all afternoon!

Here are the latest from our house.  Ellie used her gift card from Uncle John to get the latest loom and more supplies.  She was thrilled to be able to fill her organizer and now make this special new hexafish pattern!  I received the first bracelet made from bands of the same colors as the Irish flag!

Supplies for all the bracelets to be made ….

My new Irish flag colored Hexafish bracelet!!

Saturday Night Out

The only photo on the camera when I got home to download with this ONE!

One of the couples from Christmas Eve, Bill & Kristin Martin - originally from NY, now living in Bloomington had a wonderful get-together last evening full of new friends and lots of kids.  Although Ellie didn't get to see Hannah due the flu going around their house, she found new friends - and even reacquainted with a former soccer teammate!

It was a great night all around.  And what a spread - beef tenderloin, peel and eat shrimp, grilled scallops, tuna tartar, salads, dips and of course, Tobin's pizza for the kids.  Which Bill Martin explained is the closest thing he's found to NY pizza since arriving in IL.

And like Laura and Chris Swan who live two streets over, the Martin's live about 1/2mile away in the neighborhood just next door!  What an awesome community this is turning into - State Farm families and even those who have lived here forever!

Here's how we spend our snowed in time

As you can imagine I made soup, roasted vegetables, made bread and had a good time in the kitchen with my extra time off as fed my housebound family.

I also read.  It was wonderful - except for the cold, of course!  One of the novels I finished was Jodi Picoult's latest, The Storyteller.  Its a story of the Holocaust, generations of bakers and of course, a story of survival.  I was surprised and thrilled to find a recipe for sweet rolls at the end of the novel.

They were absolutely delicious.  A yeast, sweet dough that is filled with a wonderful combination of bittersweet chocolate and cinnamon.  And imagine those with your second cup of coffee on a snowy, cold morning.  They were amazing!

Here's a link to the recipe in case anyone might be interested.  It's attached to the publisher's website.  I also found a link to a recipe for Challah.  That would be a really interesting change to making my traditional bread one weekend.

Enjoy!

Recipe to Minka's Rolls. 

Now, that's cold

As we awaited the snow and cold on Sunday, we hadn't really anticipated that we'd be housebound for the next couple days.  I have produced no good snow pictures - none of Ellie happily running it in, none of neighborhood kids running around or their parents taking a break from the shoveling to stand at the bottom of the driveways and talk about it.

None.

We were in the house, altogether, on Sunday and Monday.  Didn't so much as walk to the mailbox.  Bill went out once on Sunday to clear the driveway of the soon to be 9.5 inches of snow.  But ultimately it didn't matter.  The wind and cold proved a much tougher foe than the snow.

We're glad Santa brought board games this Christmas.  We've played a lot of them in the last few days.

On Monday we were under a nearly state-of-emergency as all the schools, many government offices and business, as well as the entire State Farm Corporate HQ were closed.  Closed.  Wow!  And the issue was that the roads were not passable with the drifting snow.  This was affectionately termed, Snowpocolypse by many of use posting on social media to reference the frenzy.

Here's the best shot I got over the past few days that represents what life was like here in Bloomington!

Joyful Saturday

Waiting for the food to arrive - my happy girl!

Here's lunch - steak kabobs over sticky rice

And her first taste of creme brûlée - she closed her eyes as she savored the first bite!

As we await the incoming storm we have things to do around here … yes, there's the groceries and the errands .. and then there's the normal Saturday things that have to happen in order to have the new week begin well.

So off Bill & Ellie went to get the oil changed, top off the gas and I headed to the grocery story for a few things for dinner.  And wow, was it packed.  Home to unload and regroup with the team.  We then headed to Two Blokes and Bus for an awesome lunch!

Ellie had steak kabobs with sticky rice, Bill had a shredded pork burrito with spicy, sticky rice and I had sweet potato gratin with spicy pork.  It was amazing!  And then one of the guys from the kitchen came upstairs to give us a creme brûlée to share for dessert.

I'm convinced it was the most delicious thing I've had in years.  Amazing!

So now we're ready for the storm to arrive.  Three to five inches of snow and then sub-zero weather for a few days… should be fun!!

Happy New Year!

Holidays in the middle of the week just put a different spin on things.  Having a day off is always a good thing, don't get me wrong - but a Wednesday?  Oh well, we'll take it.

Ellie returned to Bright Horizons on Monday and Tuesday for full days of fun with her friends.  They made more Rainbow Loom bracelets, played games on her Nintendo DS, read books and played outside.  And one of her good friends from school will be there on Thursday and Friday this week so she can't wait to go back tomorrow.

Oh, what a routine - or lack of one - does to our family.  Let's just say that having a Wednesday off in the middle of the week not only creates more T.V. time for Bill and Ellie, but gives me a wonderful opportunity to do another load of laundry and run the dishwasher too!

Here's a few random shots from the past few days between Christmas and New Years …

Bundled up to face the cold and wind for my daily walk with Ellie!

My favorite ornament this year.  I found I gravitated to it every time I sat down near the tree this year.

Olive Bin is Olive Oil store right here in Bloomington - VERY similar to Saratoga Olive Oil!
I received a wonderful gift bag with lots of treats from there courtesy of Bill & Ellie this Christmas!

Vacation Days

Ellie wearing her new Owl Hat from Aunt Maureen!
Keeping her ears nice and warm!

A shot of the sunset during our walk two evenings ago.

Our days off following Christmas have been a wonderful time to get some needed rest, take down Christmas and go outside!  Although it was near zero just before Christmas the end of the week has brought incredibly mild temps that have allowed a lot of time outdoors.

Ellie and I have taken full advantage by taking a walk every day!  Sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening and some days both!  She's quick to say yes when I ask if she wants to go, and has begun to ask when can we do our walk today.  I sure will miss having days off to get that mid-morning sunshine on our faces!

It's been a great time to talk about things - our upcoming vacation, our favorite things to do on days off and even a list of places we'd like to visit.  And the best part for me, is having her recognize how good she feels after a walk … the air, the tingle in her legs and the much improved mood from moving around and getting fresh air.  Wow!  Such a change!

Can't wait to evolve our walks so that we can continue during the week - should be fun!

Missing shots

Here's a few of the photos from the past few days that I didn't post .. but wanted to share them.  We're enjoying a few days off at Christmas to relax, play with our toys and get ready to kick off the new year in a few days!

Recipe courtesy of Giada DeLaurentis for homemade Stuffoli.
Yes, it was delicious!
We made on Christmas Eve - took a plate to Laura's house, and kept one at home!

Christmas Eve photos

Another Christmas Eve photo

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning!

Ellie's new puppy! Digger!

Digger came with this 'bone' in his mouth

Ellie's present to Mommy and Daddy
A cookbook from the 2nd grade classes
with contributions from ALL the students inside!

Just one of Ellie's two new bathrobes!  How exciting!

From Papa - her American Girl doll, Saige

From Aunt Maureen - modeling the Owl hat!

Yes, I do recall the days that Bill and I were awake before Ellie stirred from her bed.  Oh, how I wish that was the case now.  She was up and ready to head downstairs at 5am!  I convinced her to stay next to me for another 30 minutes - until she couldn't take it anymore!

She's spend the entire day going through all her wonderful gifts.  She received things from far and wide causing her to say, 'Wow, Mommy - lots of people DO love me.  Look at all the presents with my name on them!"

Christmas Eve

Bill & Jude - Christmas Eve 2013 at the Swan's house

Laura and Chris Swan - Christmas 2013

Brenda & Phil Morehead - Christmas Eve 2013

Emma, Ellie and Hannah - having fun!

Jude & Laura - Why, yes, we did have fun - thank you!

Bill and Phil - I know it rhymes, right?
Sharing a cocktail of Maple Crown Royal that neither one really liked!

We were delighted to enjoy an evening with friends to celebrate Christmas Eve on Tuesday!  All State Farm people who have relocated to Bloomington at some point in their careers.  Our hosts, Laura and Chris Swan (from Pennsylvania) actually live right in our neighborhood.  They have a teenage son Ethan, and a 10 year old daughter, Hannah - whom Ellie just loves!  Also included were Bill & Kristin Martin (from NY and NJ respectively) with whom we've gathered before.  And a new family to the mix for us was the Moreheads - Phil and Brenda with a 12 year old son Lucas and an 8 year old daughter, Emma. They're originally from Colorado, via a stop in Pennsylvania where they met the Swans and the Martins.

What a blessing to spend Christmas Eve with a group of wonderful families - the kids played great and the adults laughed until it was time to pack up and go home.  We dined on stuffed shells, meatballs, roasted veggies and ham.  And what a feast it was!

And as we were all bundling up, Kristin Martin said - hey let's do this again in January at our house!  So we quickly agreed on a weekend and look forward to getting together again soon.  What a wonderful way to spend a holiday!

Christmas concert!

As you can imagine the little cherubim sang beautifully at her Christmas concert on Thursday night~  We enjoyed the following songs:

Let it Snow!  Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
Mama, Bake the Johnnycake
Winter Fantasy
Home for the Holidays
Jingle Bell Rock
and
We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Ellie was the happiest, most engaged singer I could see .. mind you I really didn't bother looking around much.  She was so excited to be going to the concert and you sure could see it on her face!  She had so much fun!

Holiday in the Atrium

Bill & I with State Farm Chairman, Ed Rust!

Each year at the State Farm Corporate HQ we are fortunate to have the Chairman, Ed Rust speak live at the Holiday in the Atrium event to summarize the  year's highlights and provide a message of Christmas cheer and wishes into the next year.

My first live viewing of this event was two years ago!  It was amazing to stand in the atrium and witness first-hand the filling of the chairs, stairs and every space in between with associates wanting to view Ed Rust give this address.  It's also filled with children's choirs, musical bands and lots of Christmas Carol singing.  Very festive and transmitted over our intranet for the whole Enterprise to view.

This year was Bill's first year seeing it live.  And he wanted to start it off with a memorable photo op.  And that he did.

Here's a shot of Ed with Bill and I.  What a great guy!

And then came the snow ...

It began on the drive home from work yesterday … the weatherman said from about 3pm until 6am this morning and 3-6 inches in the end.  And Mother Nature didn't let us down.  What a terrific time to get the snow, to clear the snow and to enjoy the snow!

This was the morning Bill and Ellie were headed out to do their traditional Christmas shopping, so they wanted out of the house early!  We bundled up to assess, shovel and snow blow all that the storm left behind.  Except it didn't stop at 6am .. it continued until nearly 10am!!

Just over six inches in total .. and it is just gorgeous!

Rosy-cheeked beauty!~

Shoveling her way to the front door!

"I just can't believe ALL this snow!"

Our new Yankee snowman … a player to be named later!

This was the measurement at 8am .. remember it didn't stop until 10am!

SO much snow!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ..

This is our girl in front of the Christmas tree.  As you can see Jingle is watching over her as she poses for a photo op!  She's anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival … and knows how much fun the next couple weeks will be with party, presents and even shopping her with Daddy on Saturday!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Ellie and Grammy

Ellie carefully painting her birthday gift for Grammy at Artful Designs!

As we have each of the past several Thanksgivings we celebrating my mother's birthday during her visit .. just 10 days ago.

Today we'll celebrate her birthday from afar.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Grammy!

Jingle, the Elf on the Shelf

As some of you may recall, our Elf on the Shelf is named Jingle.  He returned again this year on December 1st to grace our home. When he arrived he brought a letter with him to remind Ellie of his mission and of course, the rules!

He explained that a this year he wouldn't be causing all the mischief he had last year as she was older now.  He told her he thought she was old enough to understand all about Christmas Magic and how to spread it!  And wouldn't it be an amazing Christmas season this would be if all the second graders and up would help him spread the magic!

He left a note suggesting ways she could do that .. and encouraged her to find ways of her own as well.  With an ongoing list she's filling out, Jingle will read her list and bring that information back to Santa when he leaves at night.

*  Bring food to the food pantry
*  Hold the door open for someone with a smile'
*  Put change in the Salvation Army kettle
*  Bring unwanted toys to a place that kids without could use them
*  Donate hats & gloves so kids won't be cold this winter
*  Say 'hi' to someone new to make them feel welcome


I can say that Ellie is mentioning something every day that helps to spread the magic!  She's, of course, enjoying filling in her sheet as well!  In the meantime I've never seen someone get so excited to put change in the kettle each time we go to Kroger!

I'll keep you posted on Jingle's actions and Ellie's magic too!

25 Things I Want My Kids to Know about Christmas

CREDIT:  http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com

I read this awesome blog this morning about the 25 Things she wants her kids to know about Christmas and I really needed to 'borrow' it for here.  I'm thinking that next year I'll take each one and write them out on slips to be put in the Advent calendar with the 'prize' for Ellie.  They are terrific reminders about the season - and that #littlethingsmatter - which is the entire them to her Finding Joy blog.

Here they are:

1. In our house, Christmas is about Jesus. That first. The rest follows.
2. The stuff goes away. Relationships do not.
3. Always smile and at least thank the Bell Ringer at the store. Do not look away. Gather change beforehand to give.
4. Take time to slow down and appreciate the little things. #littlethingsmatter
5. Always say "thank you" to those working at the stores. And look them in the eye. And smile.
6. A handwritten note is always worth the effort.
7. Family matters. Take time to learn about family. To invest in family. To love.
8. Better to be less busy than to be crazy busy
9. The number of presents received does not matter.
10. Baking makes a mess. It also makes memories.
11. It's okay if the bottom of the tree is full of ornaments. Someday it will look perfect.
12. Christmas music should only be played after Thanksgiving until New Year's Day. (haha - my own silly rule.)
13. Traditions matter. Establish them. But always allow room for new traditions. 
14. Even if life isn't perfect there still can be beautiful and joyful moments.
15. Give to others first. And giving back isn't just a December thing - make it a year long thing.
16. Sometimes the Christmas tree falls over. Fact. Just pick it up and try again.
17. Smile. Smile. Smile. And give others grace.
18. Cultivate and celebrate the spirit of wonder in little kids.
19. If other kids believe in Santa Claus and you don't - don't ruin it for them.
20. Always buy your wrapping paper after Christmas when it's 70% off at Target.

21. You won't get everything you want. Be grateful for what you are blessed to receive.
22. Write a Christmas list. Save your list. Someday you'll enjoy looking back at them.
23. Take time to listen to others and to learn their stories. So really, just slow down.
24. You can say "Merry Christmas" to others even if they just say "Happy Holidays" to you.
25. Be grateful. Be thankful. Love your family. And remember why you celebrate Christmas.

Celebrating Grammy's Birthday

Ellie and Grammy with birthday candles lit!

As tradition goes, when Papa and Grammy visit for Thanksgiving, we end the visit by celebrating Grammy's birthday early.  Today we had a homemade pasta and meatballs dinner followed by turtle cheesecake and presents.

As you can see there was much to celebrate!