Burton's First Birthday and Other Amusing Pics

Let's just start with the most amusing picture first. Here, my sister is teaching Savannah to dance. My little hula girl spent most of our week in Aspen dressed in nothing but a hula skirt without a thought to the temperature being in the teens. Thanks to Putumayo's Hawaiian kids CD she now knows how to hula dance and is anxiously awaiting her first trip to Hawaii, as am I!

They are not hula dancing here. I have no idea what they are doing really. My guess is mom and I were singing some song for them to dance to.

OK, this is me opening up to you and abandoning all self consciousness. I was snuggled on the couch one evening reading "Twilight" and before I knew it, all the kids had curled up in my lap. They were so sweet, I had to post the pic in spite of me having on no make-up. One can never have too many nieces, nephews, and daughters in their lap!

Burton is often in my lap but I never post any of those picture because I never have make-up on! He and I must be evening snugglers.

He does love his Aunt Beana. Yup. That's me. Aunt Beana.

I love having a unique name for the kids to call me.

Savannah was dying to play in the snow so we took the kids over to one of the ski areas. They quickly learned they could slide down on their bottoms.





I wish I had video of this. You cannot imagine how fast Savannah is going here. She was flying! They walked up the hill/mountain a million times and slid down. Great pre-nap outing!

Here Dawn and I had just finished creating Burton's John Deer birthday cake. Actually, my humbly, talented sister created it while I gave verbal encouragement. Side note: these are the pajamas I so often describe in my Simple Woman's Daybook. I wear them a little too often.

On the big day Granny Smiles and Papa Mel came over the mountain.

Sisters.

There is nothing on earth like a sister.

They are like babies in you lap, you can never have too many.

Another side note: Dawn has always been taller than me but in pictures of us over the past few months, I look bigger. Maybe I am getting big boned in my old age. Maybe she is shrinking (pss get checked for osteoporosis Dawn). Just kidding, she is healthy. But even her shoulders look narrower! Soon she will be my little sister.

Jennifer Huskins, oops. I mean Jennifer Daly and her adorable boys popped in from Vail for the party. Jennifer is an old friend of Dawn's from childhood.

Another ex-Texan enjoying Colorado life.

Burton Archer Pendarvis with his new John Deer toy.

Savannah kept asking why Burton was having a John Denver birthday party.

(I thought you would like that one Kathy!)

Happy 1st birthday Burton!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, December 1, 2008

Outside my window...the sun is casting bright orange hues as it rises, highlighting the abundant fall foliage in our neighborhood.

I am thinking...that it is a little more than brisk outside, its freezing! We will be building a fire tonight.

I am going...to do a million loads of overdue laundry today, hit the store for a couple of essentials, begin preparation for our neighborhood Christmas tea, order Christmas cards, make bread, go to Dr. Kyle's to get adjusted, and plan a wedding shower.

I am thankful for...a week off from blogging. I thought about writing a few times over the holiday weekend to recap Thanksgiving or to discuss the decision looming over Mark and I that has emotionally drained us over the entire weekend. But all free time was spent discussing said decision. And at the end of the weekend, when we finally started to see a direction we might take, a wrench of dissapointment was thrown into the whole process jamming the gears. Square one.

One of my favorite things...date night with my husband. Last night we went to see "Twilight" in hopes of completely escaping reality and all discussion of things other than the supernatural. It worked and the movie was delightfuly amusing but as always, not as good as the book.

I am reading...a book about various women's experiences travel to Italy. I did finish the sequel to "Twilight" called "New Moon" over the weekend. I am anxious for AJ and then my mom to finish the third book so I can begin to read it. Many of you have asked questions about the book. Here is a review http://www.youthministry.com/?q=node/20316.

Around the house...the halls are decked for Christmas and there is no sign at all I just hosted Thanksgiving. I went minimalistic this year for both holidays. Thanks to Marti washing a couple of dishes (there wasn't much thank goodness) Thanksgiving day, all I had to do was sweep a little of the gunk that was tracked in from the less than desirable weather and then Thanksgiving was done.

From the kitchen...a breakfast of grilled cheese for me and plain organic yogurt with a dab of raw honey for Savannah (her absolute favorite breakfast/snack!).

I am wearing...pajama pants and a sweat shirt of Marks from High School! It states, "Bronco Basketball" yet, Mark played football. Maybe it's actually David's old sweatshirt. Surprisingly, it doesn't even have holes in it. I feel like a teenager hanging around the house in my boyfriend's sweatshirt but I have no clean clothes right now.

I am hearing...Sid the Science kid on PBS. We LOVE that show. Mark and I are science nerds so I was glad to see Savannah get interested in the informative cartoon. Later in the day after watching the first episode Savannah asked me when I stated something, "Was that your observation Momma?"

A few plans for the rest of the week...MOPs steering team meeting/Christmas party, Neighborhood Christmas Tea, one of Mark's Dr.s is having a Christmas party in Shreveport, Savannah's Christmas dance recital, and then all the usual stuff. All fun stuff but I am thankful there is not more!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

A fall sunset in our backyard.

2008

The Simple Woman Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, November 24, 2008

Outside my window...welcoming Texas skies are fading into the evening.

I am thinking... about how wonderful my husband is. I have been out of town for 8 days and upon my return I found freshly cleaned bathrooms, recently laundered towels, a tidy kitchen, and a few home repairs completed. All this and he still managed to squeeze in a little hunting for himself.

I am thankful for...the ability to pick up and travel at anytime. I know when Savannah starts school some day this will all come to an end. But for now, we are soaking up every minute.

From the kitchen...nothing. Didn't you read? I have been gone 8 days! But last week at my sister's the kitchen was bustling. She and I were both in a mood to cook. We indulged in fall favorites along with some new experiments. It was a good week for the taste buds.

I am creating...centerpieces for our Thanksgiving tables, Christmas cards, table decor the neighborhood Christmas tea I host, and several other things for the upcoming season.

I am going...to be sane this holiday season. I am NOT going to go crazy! I think I have done enough ahead of time that I can sit back and enjoy my most favorite time of the year.

I am hearing...Savannah saying, "Daddy, let me hold the caulk gun. Daddy, can I try it? Daddy, please. Daddy is it my turn to caulk?" She is his shadow tonight since we have not seen him in a week. Earlier they were injecting the turkey with marinade together.

I am reading..."Twilight." Yes, I gave in to the pop culture phenomenon. And I must tell you that Savannah will never be allowed to date a vampire. Their ghost-like movements allow them to escape adult supervision all too well. However, when I go see the recently released movie version, I might scream like a 12 year old girl when the sultry, alluring, amber-eyed vampire named Edward appears on the silver screen with his perfectly sculpted body. And let me tell you, it will not be in fear!

I am hoping...uh, that my husband will take me to the movies to see "Twilight." What do you think my chances are? psst... call me if you want to go!

Around the house...Savannah is still following Mark, asking a million questions. Both of the have rubber gloves on. Perhaps I should go see what exactly they are fixing.

One of my favorite things...the day after Thanksgiving. We bring out the Christmas decor and music. Savannah always enjoys it but it seems every year she gets more and more excited about it. When she naps, I continue to decorate while Mark and I watch "Christmas Vacation" and laugh our socks off!

A few plans for the week...22 people over for Thanksgiving dinner, visit with family, decorate for Christmas and set up for a Christmas tea for the following weekend. And somewhere in there I'll relax and take it all in.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

From the fire pit in our backyard. Fall 2008.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Tuesday, November 18, 2008





Outside my window...the cold darkness of an autumn night highlighted by the moonlit snow capped mountains of Aspen, Colorado.





I am thankful for...the giggles in the car ride up here between Ella and Savannah, sushi and starbucks alone with my sister this afternoon, and the fun plans awaiting us the rest of the week.





I am wearing...pajamas, of course. One can hardly curl up and blog without them!





I am hearing...mom talk to Peeps in the background on her cell phone. He gets lonely when we are all together without him. But don't worry about him. He will fly up on Friday to be with us.





From the kitchen...recently roasted butternut squash in preparation for tomorrow's breakfast of butternut squash french toast. To counteract the effects of this extremely rich and tasty breakfast, we plan to walk a few miles in search of snow piles, elk, and deer tomorrow. A slight smell of the beef curry I made for dinner still lingers as well.





Around the house...Ella is still battling bedtime upstairs, Savannah is fast asleep, and I am typing on the computer while wondering why I chose to order a cafe mocha earlier that was not decaf!





I am creating...a complete list of all the topics I speak on as a professional speaker. Of all the professional hats I wear this is one of my favorites, especially in recent years since I have branched out into multiple topics vs. just nutrition topics alone.





I am reading..."Let the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions" by John Piper. One of my students recommended it to me last year but I am just now getting around to reading it.





I am going...to bed eventually I hope!





One of my favorite things...is a gorgeous and very nice tea set that John and Allison brought back for me from China last year. It holds a prized location in my china cabinet catching my eye every time I pass by. The blue and gold details trigger thoughts of John and Allison's giving spirit, the orphans in China that await the arrival of their missionary friends next year, and the imprint of God they have left behind. No doubt it will keep me warm this winter in many ways.

A few plans for the rest of the week...our walk tomorrow morning, a trip to the ski area for the kids to play in the snow, a sister day out, more walking, a hunt for dark chocolate truffles downtown to take home to Mark, and Burton's first birthday party.




I have no picture thought for you this week. I'll just let you imagine the majestic sight of the mountains that lie on the other side of the giant picture window I am facing :)

It's A Girl!

In light of my recent posts on this blog about Savannah's lack of girlishness and sometimes difficult uniqueness, I decided to share our recent progress.

This week, Savannah wore a bow in her for the first time in her entire life! See, you guys just thought I was girly, but I'm really not. It was my first time to adorn those golden locks with the traditional mark of femininity.

Please note that the bow is green. She and I will both have to work our way up to a pink one!

Her outfit below does a pretty good job of summing her up. She's not so rough around the edges that overalls are needed. But a fluffy pink dress would certainly hold her back.

I think this outfit does her personality justice.

Photography by Jeanne Dammoff

Retro Wednesday

The summer after Savannah turned one, we took pity on an adorable, orphaned kitty and welcomed him in to join our clan.

Since we already had Java and Cocoa, we decided to name this cat Chicory to keep with the hot beverage theme. Thus, we were now the family with three cats.

Chicory, summer 2005.

Upon their first meeting, Savannah and Chicory became comrades.

(here they are playing string)

They explored the world together in their infancy.




Cocoa also took in the little tyke. She bathed him (still does) and played with him (still does). Just like a mother, she always lets him go first in everything.

Chicory was a tiny cute little guy that could fit anywhere.

More often than not, I found he and Savannah where they should not be. Here, they have pulled down my curtains after playing in them. This is when we figured out that Chicory is like the disruptive class clown in school. The teacher is frustrated by him but he has such a warm and charming personality, he can't help but be the favorite.

Do you see what I am talking about? He really is a sweet boy...

...and Savannah's best friend. Sadly, she has asked if Chicory is her brother!

That whole summer she hung out under the dinning room table with Chicory and Cocoa playing string and rolling around. Did I mention her speech use to sound very similar to Chicory's? No need to call CSP. She did grow out of it and she now realizes she is not a cat.

These days Chicory is all grown up and sweet and cuddly as ever. But he is far from that tiny kitty we use to have. To be honest he is huge!

No, he is not suppose to be laying on this table. Yes, he still gets disciplined more than Savannah.

But he is still Savannah's best bud!

Savannah and Chicory, summer 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, November 10, 2008



Outside my window...the dreary gray sky is releasing a chilly down poor lending a gloomy feeling to the day.



I am thinking...if not for Savannah's dance class this afternoon, I would still be in pj's or sweats with this weather. Don't think the thought did not cross my mind to let her skip, stay undressed, put on a movie for her and a pot of hot tea for me, and curl up on the couch!

I am thankful for... the bounty of children books on Savannah's shelf and our mutual love of devouring them. Nothing erases a less than ideal morning with my 3 year old like story time before her nap. We snuggling up and travel the world together without leaving her bunk bed, meanwhile dissolving any differences we might have had.

From the kitchen...I am headed to a woman's ministry dinner and Mark and Savannah are going on a date which relieves me of all kitchen duties. However, for your enjoyment I thought I would post an irresistible recipe. My new fall favorite, let me rephrase that, my whole family's (including Savannah) new fall favorite is Risotto with Roasted Winter Squash. With my homemade chicken broth, this dish was rich and flavorful but I'm sure it would taste pretty good with store bought broth as well.

I am wearing...jeans and a cute rusty orange fitted button down. Soon I will be putting on a clean pair of pj's for the dinner tonight. I can't remember what the theme is but, we are suppose to wear pajamas. On a dark, cold rainy night, who could pass up that opportunity? Tell me again why I even get out of my pj's today?

I am creating...a host of ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gifts, decor, parties, and menus, are all in the works. If only I could make a living "hosting" things... (some of you will find that funny for a particular reason ;)

I am going...out for dinner. Ya know, I think we are having breakfast for dinner and that's why we are wearing pajamas.

I am reading..."Creative Correction" by Lisa Whelchel, again. Last time I read the book Savannah was 1 1/2. This time the material is proving to be a bit more applicable.

I am hoping...that Savannah and Mark get in some good bonding time tonight on their date before Savannah and I leave for Colorado again next week.

I am hearing...Savannah stomp around the hardwood floors just for the sake of hearing her deeply loved brown boots clomp.

Around the house...Savannah and Mark are heading out the door and I am about to leave. There is laundry that needs to find it's home and sheets that need a bed. But the important things is, that I have no qualms about leaving it all undone.

One of my favorite things...my church family. Mark and I had a hard time visiting churches when we first moved here. Neither one of us had had to "visit" churches before. How could I go to a church where I wasn't related to half the congregation and the other half should be like family because they would have known my parents and grandparents for a hundred years? We couldn't find a church in this new town of ours where everyone had known us since birth. Imagine that. So how am I going to bond with them? Well not knowing me from birth turned out to be a blessing. Last January at D-now when they handed me keys to the church van with no hesitation I thought, "Oh, this would have not happened in my old church without at least one snide remark about my driving during the teenage years!" Let's just say the fresh start was just that, refreshing. Although we felt we had arrived where we needed to be the first time we patroned IBC, last Christmas it hit home. During the welcome part of the service it felt like warm arms were all around me, both holding me up and loving me. I scanned the congregation and saw nothing but inviting familiar faces. It was the closest thing I've had to an outer body experince. Tears welled up as I realized I am home.

Whew! OK, on a lighter note...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Savannah and cousin Todd, our house Thanksgiving 2005.

Every year since she has been born, I have captured a picture of her crawling over Todd on Thanksgiving day. The question is, are the children drawn to him because of his charisma or is it his annual stretch-out-on-the-floor-and-try-to-catch-a-post-turkey-nap ritual that leaves him wide open for invasion?

A few plans for the rest of the week...MOPs tomorrow, dinner at the Lessard's this weekend, many projects, a few appointments, and a little work. Lastly Sunday, Savannah and I will jet off to Dallas again in preparation for another Aspen trip. We will be back just in time to host thanksgiving.