gobble, gobble

This is my first attempt at brining a turkey and then roasting it. I loosely followed these directions from thepioneerwoman.com Brining would be impossible if we didn't have an extra fridge in the garage. 24 hours of a 24 pound turkey sitting in a pot of salt water, who has room for that? I wanted to try it, Robert thinks most turkey is dry, and brining is supposed to be the solution, prognosis... he liked it! Oh and basting in a stick of butter helps too. It's funny though none of us like the skin so it sort of goes to waste. It was a great experience and I now have tons of turkey in the freezer, but the how could I pass it up at 39 cents a pound.

Emily's Christmas Decor

Emily was running the camera for this post. This is her version of the Christmas decorating we did for her room. Each of the kids have their own tree with their personal ornaments. She has a throw size quilt that features nativity scenes on her chair. She also has a little music box with a train that goes around a track when it is wound, and a little nativity for her room. Oh and the reindeer sings a great version of jingle bells when you push its foot!

Dinner for two

We have had Em's little table out in the kitchen for a couple of days, while I do some rearranging to accommodate the tree. She has been crafting at the table quite a bit, although it is at the right height for Dallas to be a helper too! Emily has also been toting Teddy Bear with her everywhere. He takes naps, he gets left with me when she goes to the store, yesterday he was sick and needed his temperature taken and some medicine. Last night Emily wanted to eat at her little table so she could sit with Teddy Bear.

another first

Emily attended her first "drop off" birthday party this weekend. We are entering that stage where we parents don't always "get" to be around! We have tested the waters with this concept during her Tumbling class where parents are encouraged to wait outside in the hall. If you prep her right she doesn't seem to mind at all, especially when there is promise of cake!

saturday somethings

It has turned into a pretty great November, today was no exception.
Robert trimmed out our front door this morning, Greg needed his saw back to keep working on his house, so this project needs some wrapping up. Rob did a great job, I think I can handle the part that is left, a little dry wall patch-up from when we ripped the old door out, and then touch up wall paint, and paint trim.
Emily was invited to a princess party today. We dropped her off, and then grandpa picked her up, as we went tailgating! The recap we got was that she had lots of fun, and really, really enjoyed the cake and singing happy birthday, but had a lot to say about the cake!
And did I mention the Cyclones won! We are bowl eligible at 6-5 and could possible still win the Big 12 North, what a crazy season. My dad took some pics today of Em as a princess I will try to post those soon.

Dallas at 11 months

Our smiley boy with golden locks will be one year old next month! Can you believe it? We have been so blessed with a very content, mellow, and happy baby. Plans are underway for his dedication at church, and the big birthday party, which I realize is more for us than him, but a who can turn down a great excuse for cake.

He is pulls up on any object, climbing me/my legs seems to be a favorite. He is a very fast crawler. He has tried a couple of stairs, but doesn't seem to have the interest to do all of them, he safely slides backwards to get down from them. I haven't yet had to remove him from the stairs. When he wakes at night he quickly goes to stand up in his crib and then gets "stuck" and can't manage to go back to lay down and find his paci. He is still enjoying all foods, and eats quickly. When he wants to eat, he lets you know! He doesn't mind being left at the church nursery or with baby sitters, but I love the greeting I get when I return. Emily and Dallas are getting along really well, he loves to help her play with things, and she does a great job entertaining him. I can't wait to see what the next couple of months hold!

Halloween 2009

Don't we look like a happy family
My little duck

My little snowman

Trick or Treat