In Other Words

The smell of winter...

I guess it's time to face the reality.  Hawaii is a thing of the past and we're back home in the frozen tundra of the Northwoods.  If I'm being honest,  I have to tell you that I kinda' like being back home.  Despite the fact that we are bracing for a few days of REALLY cold weather (and when I say "cold", I mean  COLD). 

I know a lot of people will think I'm nuts, but I love these spells.  There is truly nothing better than being tucked inside on a cold day..nowhere to go...nowhere to rush off to.  Just hangin' out at the house.  Today we did one of my favorite snowy day tasks which is baking.  Don't ask me why...I haven't a clue why when it turns cold I suddenly get an urge to bake up a storm?!

I have a stash of recipes I love to pull out at this time of year.  I call it my "Winter Yum's" list which includes such concoctions as Barley Soup, Spinach Tortellini Casserole, Choco-Seed Cookies, Chewy Granola Bars, Baked Ranch Crackers...just to name a few.  But today we decided on Sweet Potato Biscuits. 

This is a new recipe and I wasn't sure how it would go over with the boys.  My youngest eats just about anything under the sun, but my oldest is a picky little bugger when it comes to food.  Luckily, he came back into the kitchen half-way through the baking process and said "Mmmmm...those smell yummy!".  Whew!  Not only did he like them...he ate 2 huge biscuits with his dinner!  A record.

So...the next few days we'll be staying inside.  I'm so grateful for a warm house and a pantry filled with goods to make some "winter yum's"!

***ETA: Recipe (I don't know why I didn't think to include this originally!)  This is a recipe from a Martha Stewart magazine from several years ago.  I tweaked it a bit.

1 3/4		cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading and shaping
2		tablespoons light-brown sugar
2 1/2		teaspoons baking powder
1		teaspoon salt
1/2		teaspoon baking soda
6		tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus 1/2 tablespoon melted butter and more for pan
		1 small can sweet potato chunks (mashed)
1/3		cup buttermilk 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp cinnamon
		1.  Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal, with some pea-sized lumps of butter remaining. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet potatoes, buttermilk, vanilla and cinnamon; stir quickly into flour mixture until combined (do not overmix).
		2.  Shape the biscuits: Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead very gently until dough comes together but is still slightly lumpy, five or six times. (If dough is too sticky, work in up to 1/4 cup additional flour.) Shape into a disk, and pat to an even 1-inch thickness. With a floured 2-inch biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits as close together as possible. Gather together scraps, and repeat to cut out more biscuits (do not reuse scraps more than once).
		3.  Bake the biscuits: Preheat oven to 425°, with rack on lower shelf. Butter an 8-inch cake pan. Arrange biscuits snugly in pan (to help them stay upright). Brush with melted butter. Bake until golden, rotating once, 20 to 24 minutes.

Just for fun:  Mix 1 TBS honey with 1/4 cup margarine.  Top biscuits with a big dollop of butter.  Pure Yumminess!

Stay warm everyone!

Brrrr....

We woke up to outside temps hovering around 6 degrees this morning!!   Add the windshield and we are well below 0.  Brrrrr....too cold for me!!!  Especially having  just returned from Hawaii where we enjoyed balmy 80 degree days for one week straight.  Such a contrast from our regular January weather.  To ease the transition a bit I'm using some pictures from the trip as my screensaver.   This way I can at  least  look at warmth while I sit in my office wearing my  flannel pants, a thermal shirt, a sweatshirt, extra thick wool socks and slippers!

I wanted to share a few of the Hawaii pictures with my blog friends..just in case you could use a little warmth right about now!  But first, a little more about our trip.

This is a trip my husband goes on just about every year.  It is sponsored by a company who does business with my husbands' employer.   The trip is always to a tropical destination..usually Hawaii or Mexico.  The past two years I've been unable to go with him as I was either pregnant or home with a brand new baby.  This year I was finally able to join him!  I was pretty nervous to leave the kids annd I'll admit I was a little teary-eyed heading to the airport.  Even though they were staying with my parents in Nebraska and I knew they were going to be spoiled rotten for one week straight...I still found it hard to leave.   The tears dried up pretty fast though once I was basking in the warm Hawaiin sun!

We stayed at the Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, Maui...where we did little else other than lay on the beach or by the pool reading and sipping on tropical drinks complete with the colorful little umbrellas!   Our hosts took us on a whale watching/snorkeling excursion which proved to be a surprise highlight for me.  See, typically I don't do so well on boats...especially on the ocean.  The constant motion typically turns my tummy upside down and leaves me floored on the deck until my feet are back on solid ground.  This time I went armed with Bodine , a non-drousy motion sickness pill, which kept me going strong through the entire boat ride.  I was even able to dive in the water for a little snorkeling action!!

On our last day on the island my husband and I rented a car and did a little "off the beaten path" tour of the island.  This is something we try to do everytime we go on vacation.  As much as we enjoy the resorts and commercial areas, we really like to find the hidden treasures as recommended by the locals.  So...we headed up island in Maui and found some gorgeous views as well as a great shopping area.  Afterall, no trip is complete without a bit of shopping, right?!

Here are a few pictures from our trip.  I was too nervous to travel with my 5d and I wanted to pack light so I took my 30d along with two lenses (85mm/1.8 and 35mm/1.4).  I'm happy with my lens choices although I wished I had packed the 70-200mm/2.8 for the whale watching expedition.  Oh-well...it would have been one heavy lens to cart around the rest of the trip!!

Mahalo and stay warm, my friends!

You know it will be a good trip when your coffee arrives looking like this!

If you're ever in Maui I would highly recommend this restaurant!!  The views were spectacular!!

People must have thought I was crazy, but I couldn't resist taking pictures of the food. 

 

Aloha!!

Well...I'm back from Hawaii!   The image posted above is one I took from the balcony of our hotel room.  I probably don't need to tell you I had a FABULOUS time.  My husband's job requires that he's gone for long stretches of the day which can be a bit tiring for the mom of two very busy boys.  However, there are a few perks that go along with his job.  A tropical vacation every now and then is one of them!!

The company that hosted our trip was absolutely amazing.  Such gracious and wonderful hosts!  Every last detail was well planned and exectued.  Simply amazing!  A few highlights from our trip was an exciting whale watching expedition.  A photographer's dream to have humpback whales surfacing just a few boat lenghts away.  Then we took a trip upcountry to see the views from the mountain tops of Maui...I've never seen anything like it!  GORGEOUS!

Anyway, I'm home safe and sound.  The climate change was drastic upon our arrival here at home..we went from a comfortable 83 degrees to a balmy -3 degrees all in a matter of hours.  Ugh!!   Watching my kids run to me at the airport made the temps bearable!

The next few days will be a race to catch up on work and other random things that were put on hold while we were away basking in the sun.  I wish you all a great and relaxing weekend!!

Mahalo!  (Thanks!)

Jamie

My turn...

First of all let me just say a huge thank you to all of you who responded to my last blog entry.   Your words mean so very much to me...thank you!!

Now..I figure it's high time I lighten the mood around here don't ya' think?!  I've been seeing these "100 things about me" lists floating around blogdom for the past week or two and I just *have* to give this a shot.  Now of course I should be packing (we leave for Hawaii in 3 days), but no, no, no..I'm going to PROCRASTINATE (that one's for you Frederique) and play on my blog for a bit instead.

So, here we go!

1.  My name is Jamie Allison, but my parents almost named me Jessica Elizabeth.

2. I like the name Jamie Allison.

3.  I had two stuffed animals that rarely left my side when I was a child..one named Barkley, the other Governor.

4.  My 2nd grade teacher once did an experiment in which we had to smell one flavor of Starburst but eat another while blindfolded.  That was my favorite science experiment ever.

5.  I went to college to study Political Science and Criminal Justice.

6.  I went to graduate school to study secondary education.

7.  I was teaching 9th grade American History on 9/11.

8.  When I was in 9th grade I met my very best friend KeriAne...she sat behind me in science class. 

9.  I faked sick in 9th grade science class to get out of disecting a frog and a cow's eye.

10.  I'm a vegetarian.

11.  I almost lost my life on March 25th, 2005 when I was thrown out the back windshield of a car.

12.  An off-duty paramedic traveling two cars behind us when the accident occured saved my life.  He used a tank of oxygen he "happened" to have in the trunk of his car from a seminar the night before.

13.  I'm afraid of traveling in snow storms (see #11).

14.  My college roommate and I used to eat raw cookie dough and brownie dough while watching chick flicks.

15.  I love politics but hate talking politics.

16.  Most people guess my political affiliation wrong.

17.  In jr. high my friend and I had plans to build a fashion empire called "Statement" when we graduated from college.

18.  That same friend is a pediatrician now.  I think she made a wise career decision.

19.  I got my first cavity when I was 28 years old.

20.  My husband comes from a family of 5 boys. 

21.  We gave birth to the 6th grandson on his side of the family..no girls!

22.  I miss the show "Rags to Riches"...a show that used to be on Sunday nights when I was growing up.

23.  I rented Fragile Rock from the library last year...for myself not the kids!

24.  I love reading!  Love, love, love reading!

25.  I LOVE talking books with people.

26.  I belong to a book club with a former high school student of mine and her mom. 

27.  Our next book club meeting is Saturday.

28.  I have not read the book yet.

29.  Tonight I will be up very late reading!

30.  One of my favorite things to do growing up was going roller skating.

31.  I hated "suicide" pop, but all my friends loved it.

32.  My breath must have been HORRIBLE at the skating rink because my favorite snack was Funions.  (Remember those?!)

33.  I had cool blue Nike roller skates with big yellow wheels.

34.  The only pop I will drink is Diet Coke.  Nothing else!

35.  Chai tea is my morning drink of choice.  My day doesn't begin until I've finished a cup.

36.  My Popo taught me to drive in 8th grade. 

37.  He let me drive on the back roads to and from school.

38.  I hit a parked car the day I received my driver's permit.

39.  I always wanted cheesecake for my birthday instead of regular birthday cake.

40.  One of my favorite pasttimes is to bake!

41.  The most requested recipe in my stash is for my baked apple french toast and for my rhubarb upside down cake.

42.  My favorite comfort food at the moment is Lime flavored tortilla chips with salsa.

43.  My mom drove me to Minneapolis to buy my senior prom dress.  We shopped for two days straight until we found one that was way out of our budget. 

44.  She bought it for me anyway.

45.  I wore my senior prom dress again on my honeymoon.

46.  We rarely watch t.v. at our house but I am addicted to a few reality t.v. shows...Amazing Race, Survivor, and The Apprentice.

47.  I wish Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell would both shut their pie holes!

48.  My cousin, Troy, is very close friends with Sean William Scott.  I have met him several times. 

49.  My grandpa was a pilot in WWII.

50.  My granpa's best friend was the co-pilot of the Memphis Belle.

51.  One of my favorite movies of all times is "Memphis Belle".

52.  The best restaraunt I've ever been to is "The Bongo Room" in Chicago (their Sunday brunch is to die for!)

53.  I ate Pumpkin Spice pancakes with white chocolate syrup at The Bongo Room.

54.  I love shopping, but never have time.

55.  I'm learning to love shopping on-line.

56.  Some of my favorite stores are Anthropolgie, Alloy, and J. Crew.

57.   When I was little I used to tell people my name was Jamie Allichicken.

58.  I called my Dad "Fat Dad Doe-Doe"

59.  My dad is not fat.

60.  I love it when I'm out for a walk and I can smell clean laundry...those dryer sheets must be strong!!

61.  I love entertaining people at our home.

62.  Never in a million years would I have guessed myself capable of navigating a computer the way I do.

63.  I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have a job that I love!!

64.  My biggest challenge is staying organized.

65. I'm thankful that I've learned not to waste my energy comparing myself to others.

66.  My parents still live in the same house I was brought home to as a baby.

67.  I had a pet bird named Charlie growing up.

68.  My closet used to be color coordinated.

69.  Now it's not.

70.  I love my internet friends!

71. When I was little I loved going to my granparents house and drinking Shirley Temples.

72.  I had really big hair in high school.

73.  When I was in 4th grade I was one of only 3 girls in my class.

74.  My only sister is 5 years older than me.

75.  All of the boys in my grade thought my sister was hot!

76.  I didn't like my sister's boyfriend in high school.  He reminded me of Eddie Haskel.

77.  One of my least favorite tasks is filling the car up with gas.

78.  I used to work at Mr. Bulky's candy store in high school.

79.  The last vacation I went on was to Grand Cayman.

80.  I check Ali Edwards blog almost everyday.

81.  Microwaveable caramel popcorn is one of my all-time favorite snack foods.

82.  At this moment I'm wondering if anyone is still reading this list.

83.  I love doing crafts with my son.

84.  I can spend hours upon hours searching for books for my kids...I never get bored with it!

85.  Shopping local antique stores for kids toys/books is my idea of a great time!

86.  The first cd I ever owned was Red Hot Chile Peppers.

87. I went through a "grunge" phase in High School.

88.  It didn't last very long.

89.  I will only wear Lucky or Silver brand jeans...they're the only brands that fit me well!

90.  I love shoe shopping!

91.  I hope tight-rolled jeans never come back in style.

92.  If they do I will be out of style!

93.  I love being tucked inside on cold winter days (must have candle burning)!

94.  In 6th grade I had a pair of light blue high tops I thought were really cool.

95.  I remember paying $.74/gallon for gas when I got my first car.

96.  My favorite book of all-time is Memoirs of a Geisha.

97.  I love storytelling.

98.  My favorite piece of clothing right now is my long tweed coat.

99.  When our kids are grown I'd love to have an R.V. to take around the country!

100.  My goal everyday is to savor the moment...enjoy the now!

   

 

Full circle...

Meet baby Jacob!  This beautiful baby boy is the nephew of my dear friend, Dana.   Baby Jacob's story is nothing short of miraculous.  He was born three short months ago just outside of Naples, Italy.  His parents are American but his father was working abroad as an attorney for the U.S. Navy.  Jacob's arrival was long awaited and very much anticipated by everyone in the family. 

Late one night I checked my e-mail just before heading to bed.  My heart sank as I read an urgent prayer request from Dana.  In the e-mail she described that baby Jacob had been whisked away by dr.'s just minutes after he was born.  She went on to talk about heart problems and other complications.  I could hardly bring myself to finish reading the e-mail.  In that moment the memories of my own precious nephew, Ethan, came rushing back. 

3-years ago we said good-bye to Ethan after only 2 short days after his birth.  It was unexpected and by far the most tragic experience of our lives.   Although everything happened so fast there are specific moments and details of the event that I will never forget.  One of those moments took place as I sat by myself in the waiting room.  I was watching my family members stand around in shock waiting for word from the dr's.  Every prayer I could think to pray had been prayed.  So, there I sat in silence.  Waiting.  Wondering.  I remember looking at my sister-in-law and making a promise to myself that no matter how long baby Ethan was with us he would have a huge impact on my life.

When Ethan passed my sister-in-law came to me with a box.  A very small box.  It contained the few things they had from Ethan's birth including a handful of images.  She asked if I could put a scrapbook together before the funeral.   Then she said..."Oh, how I wish we had more pictures of our sweet baby boy."   It's that statement that threw me into action.

23 days after Ethan's funeral I received my very first DSLR.   The first non-point-and-shoot I'd ever  touched.  Opening the box I was completely overwhelmed.  I had no idea if I would even be able to learn to turn the silly thing on let alone take a picture with it.  But I was filled with determination and not much was going to stop me. Luckily, I found the 2peas photography board and found some incredible mentors who were most gracious with their time and talent.   

Fast forward to Sept. of this year.  When I received the e-mail from Dana I immediately went into action to find a photographer to take pictures of her nephew Jacob.  I found a photographer in Italy and was in the process of working with her when we learned that Jacob would be flown to the U.S. for open heart surgery.  Details were sketchy but it looked like he would be taken to the D.C. area.  So I got on the phone with the incredibely talented,  Susan Braswell, who offered to drop her schedule in order to fit this in.  Susan went to the hospital a few days after they arrived and captured the most beautiful images you could ever imagine.  Absolutely stunning!!

It turns out that despite the poor prognosis given by the entire team of dr's evaluating Jacob he was a boy on a mission.  He defied the odds and made a miraculous recovery.   

Here we are 3 months later and just a week before Christmas I received a call from Dana telling me that Jacob and his parents would be in town for the holidays.  She was hoping to get a picture of her son and Jacob to give to her mother-in-law.  The only day I really had open was Christmas Eve but I could think of no better way to celebrate the day.  Dana and her entire family including Jacob and his mom came over in an attempt to get a shot of the two boys together. 

Nevermind the chaos of trying to get an 18-month old and a 3-month old in the same shot and the technical nightmare of limited light.  All that stuff went out the window.  Here I was...fulfilling a promise to my own precious nephew.  Doing something in his memory.  The timing of this shoot and the circumstances around it make it hard for me not to believe that this happened for a reason.  I can't help but look at these images and think of baby Ethan. 

And then of course I had to snap a few solo shots of little Keiton. He is so fun to photograph!

 

"Are you nuts?!!"

"Are you NUTS?!!"  That was my mom's response to my recent purchase at St. Croix Dry Goods (my favorite "this-n-that" store here in town).  I stumbled across this fabric and knew immediately that it needed to come home with me.  Now, keep in mind that I haven't sewn since I was in Jr. High...not one stitch.  But it's a new year...time for change!

In the past few weeks I've been feeling a desire to get back to basics.  Maybe it's the commercial craziness of the holiday season or my dissatisfaction with the convenience products that have invaded our home... whatever it is I'm ready to be done with it. 

This idea of simplicity and taking time to create has been stirring in my mind for the past month or so.  But as my husband, Karl, and I drove to Nebraska for holiday festivities we reminisced about Christmases past.  We shared our favorite Chirstmas memories including a list of our most memorable gifts.  Neither list included the latest and greatest toy of the year.  Instead we mentioned things like an indoor tent (handmade by Karl's grandma) or the dog house my dad constructed for my stuffed dog named Barkley.

 

It's these thoughtfully made gifts that we remember all these years later.  These are the gifts that are living a new life with our children..they have stood the test of time.  Much more so then the convenient gadgets of today. This is something I want to do for my children as well.  I want to MAKE time to create meaningful things for them.  Things that can be passed down and treasured for years to come.

This fabric was a perfect match for my youngest son's bedroom.  He won't be in a big boy bed until next Christmas, but that's o.k.  This is something I can work on as time permits.  I plan to refresh my sewing skills by making some new pillows and other random "easy" projects.  Then I'll spend some time with my marvelously talented friend, Jenny, who can sew just about anything.  Together I'm hoping we can create this quilt.  It will be a symbol of my committment to scale back and to invest time in creating. 

So, to answer my mom's question...YES, I am nuts...maybe even a bit crazy.  But it's a new year.  Time for change.  It's a good thing!