Christmas Morning 2010!

* new pajamas * blessings beneath the tree * reading from Luke * snow falling * Nana slept over * big breakfast * finishing the Advent book * sang Happy Birthday to Jesus * phone calls to family far away * memories made

Merry Christmas from Hudson

Red Velvet Cake Trifle

I would post a picture of my most recent run of this, but there's none left! Will add one to this post next time. This is such a pretty recipe, especially at Christmas (or if you're a Georgia fan!).

Red Velvet Cake Trifle

1 red velvet cake mix (and ingredients as called for on the box)
1 cup chocolate chips
2 packages cheesecake flavored instant pudding/pie filling
3 cups milk
1 block cream cheese, very soft
12 - 16 oz. whipped cream
chocolate syrup

Line a jelly-roll pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper; mix cake according to package directions; fold in the chocolate chips; pour into the pan and bake until set (about 18 minutes). Cool on a wire rack.

Whisk the pudding mixes and the milk until it begins to thicken. Add the cream cheese to this mixture; stir or whisk until smooth. Set aside.

Once the cake is cool, section it into two halves. One half will be used for this recipe, and the other one can be wrapped in the parchment and plastic wrap for use another time. It can be frozen for several weeks. Cut the half that's being used now into bite-size cubes.

Layer as follows in a large glass bowl, punch bowl or trifle bowl:
- 1/3 of the cake cubes
- 1/3 of the cheesecake mixture
- a good drizzle of the chocolate sauce
- about a cup of whipped cream

Repeat two more times; can garnish with white chocolate curls, red sugar sprinkles, more syrup, cake crumbs, just whatever. Chill until ready to serve; best made the day before.

Here are some other things I've discovered in making this recipe:

- The original called for chopped up Hershey's Treasures chocolates; I found this to be expensive, messy, and difficult to eat because the pieces hardened in the refrigerator. I switched to the syrup and never looked back.
- In a pinch, any complimentary pudding flavor/s could be used (white chocolate, vanilla, even regular chocolate).
- I recently made the following substitution due to lack of the complete ingredient list. It still turned out very yummy! The cream cheese "goo" layer consisted of: 1/2 tub cream cheese icing, 1/2 container spreadable cream cheese, 1 package cheesecake flavored pudding/pie filling, and a little less milk.

Sweetest Thing ...

So, today is our anniversary. We celebrated Friday night with a fun date night -- dinner at a new restaurant, shopping on Market Square, treats from Starbucks on the way home. Tonight, we had Living Christmas Tree practice, so there wasn't much hoopla. I stopped on the way home from school and got Randy a card; he brought me flowers. The kids were watching us exchange these things along with sweet words for each other, and Hudson gets an idea. As we're getting ready to leave for church, he comes to me with a red piece of construction paper. It's folded horizontally like the start of a paper airplane.


The side I see first says: frum Hudson and olivia
There's a heart drawn beneath the words.
I turn it over.
This side says: hape anavasre dad and mom
The d's in dad are in the shape of hearts


Hudson twiddles my hair as I study his effort. So sweet. It was all I could do to keep from crying. I show it to Randy. We thank him for this gift, and I say ...


Me: Hudson do you know what 'anniversary' means?
H: (silence)
H: Ummm, yes! Yes, I do. (with unconvincing giggling afterwards which means he really doesn't know what it means!)
Me: Well, what does it mean?
H: Ummmm ... is it ... (thinking) ... (adding his finger beside his mouth to help with the thinking) ... is it the day you got married?


We all cracked up. He guessed it! And here is his card ...

Tradition

Even before we had kids, Randy and I have taken a Sunday afternoon in late October or early November to go to the mountains. We go other times of the year, too, but those are random and don't count as "the trip". For this excursion, everything is kept simple and the same from year to year. We cookout -- nothing fancy; just some burgers on charcoal. We take pictures -- the obligatory poses beside the creek. And, we marvel at the fall colors -- whether good or not so much.

This year's trip was this past Sunday, and it was perfect! Yummy burgers? Check. Kids in the creek? Check. Fall color? Check. The leaves were so bright they almost hurt my eyes!

Stealing Home

I love to watch O steal home ... she's gotten so much better at it than her first attempt 18 months ago. That time? Head first. But safe! These pics were take at our last tournament of the year this past weekend in Crossville. The pitcher threw a high one, and the catcher missed it; O set out to steal home, and was successful. Our team took 2nd place; so proud of those girls! Randy figured out that we played more than 90 games with the Astros this season. Wow! Can't wait until spring practice begins ...

Got an Author on our Hands

Eager to see how this one will end ...

My Bible

About this time last year, we experienced "Flood #2 of 2009". This one, as some of you may remember, was outdoors (#1 was in our house). On a camping trip. Our van was totaled. Many of the items in our van were a complete loss, and one of my prized possessions was in the passenger's seat: my Bible.

Just a word about this particular Bible. I bought it for myself with graduation money upon completing high school in 1987. It's a "kids Bible" -- Precious Moments to boot. These little children with the big heads and big eyes were quite the thing back then, and I loved the pictures and extra devotionals scattered throughout. I documented special verses and sermon notes in the margins and extra pages; in the "record keeping section", one finds my salvation timeline, family births, dedications, baptisms, marriages, etc. It's history. It's the book that stuck with me through college. It's the book that sat on my bedside table in our little apartment when first married. It's the book that bore my grief and fed my faith as we dealt with infertility. It's the book that has shared my joy and struggles as our family finally grew. It's a part of me.

Gingerly, I rescued it from the water-soaked van when at the impound lot. I laid it in the sun to dry ... for weeks. Once all was said and done, my Bible lost its spine, the adhesive had dissolved, many pages were stuck together, and evidence of water damage and mold were evident in the seams. The pages make a unique noise when turned now, and every one of them are crinkled, bumpy and rough.

But ... all of my writing, note-taking and underlining is fine. Perfect actually. All of my keepsake notes, bookmarks, and hand-made treasures tucked in the pages -- fine. A flower Hudson had picked special for me -- still in its place. And most of all, the printed pages were all in tact; readable; Jesus' words still a gleaming red; God's Word -- unharmed.

Not long after the flood, I replaced this Bible with one that had been given to me a couple of years ago (still unused). My old one is just too damaged to carry to church or to even use at home on a daily basis. I bought it a new cover and plan to keep it under my side of the bed. Not too far away. For now, though, I'm going through it -- page by page -- transferring every underline, note, reference, and thought to my new Bible. Which, by the way, does not have any pictures of cute big-headed, big-eyed kids in it.

I've completed the Old Testament, and today I finished Luke. Should have the rest of the New Testament done before long. While working on this today, a verse in Matthew came to mind prompting this post.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." Matt. 24:35.

The flood may have done a lot of damage to things I held as important -- our van, favorite beach towels, my crock pot (!). But it didn't take God's word from me. It's in my heart, and it's still in my favorite Bible from 23 years ago.

Here are some pics of the damage. Notice the water marks and mold spots on the picture page, then note the unharmed handwriting on pages of Scripture. My camera didn't focus very wide, so some of it looks a little blurry, but it's clear as can be in real life:

It's Fall Ball Time in Tennessee

Had to sell our UT season tickets this year, but for a good cause ... fall softball and soccer! Olivia is playing for CAK and for the Astros; Hudson is doing One Goal Soccer through our church, and he loves it!

Images of Me

Olivia decided to dig in my 'vintage' box in the bonus room this summer. The orange flapper dress was part of a costume I had to wear in the Junior Miss pageant in 1986. Yes, please pick yourselves up off the floor from laughing at the mere thought of me being in a pageant. Ok. All better now?

Moving along ... the long dress is one of my most favorite childhood memories. I was the junior bridesmaid in my cousin Melissa's wedding -- fall of 1980, my 5th grade year. Other than the length (I must have been a little taller at that age), it fits her pretty well! Love & hugs to Melissa and Marty ... special place in my heart for y'all always.

Back to School!

REALLY? No posts from me since May 13? I need to make up for lost time, but not tonight. Here are our annual Back-to-School poses. It's always steamy in the mornings when I try to take pics outside, so I did a couple inside as well.

The Peanuts Gang

Olivia did this in art class the other day. Wish I could brag and say she did it free-hand, but I have to let you know that she traced it. Pretty good tracing, though! I think she has us pegged rather accurately ... Hudson is Linus - quoting my favorite line from the Peanuts Christmas special; O is the ball-playin' Peppermint Patty; Randy is the ever-lovable Snoopy; and I'm ... hey, wait a minute ... Lucy? Really? Ha!!!!

Mary Poppins!!

A Christmas gift to see Mary Poppins at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta was just the ticket for our crew this week. We made a whirlwind trip - yep, down and back - Tuesday night to enjoy this fabulous show.

It was 'practically perfect in every way'!

Hudson was amazed at the men's lounge that lead to the restroom! No, I didn't go in ... just a view of him looking in from the loge lobby. If you have a chance to see this show -- GO!! Although, be warned - you may not have as cool of a 'facility' as Hudson enjoyed!

Runner Girl

Olivia ran the 400m in the Knox County track meet today ... she took second in her heat and 3rd in the finals! So proud of her.

Her friend Julianna placed first in the finals. Sweet girls!

Life Lessons from Legos

Don't know why I'm blogging so much lately. Just in a mood I guess. This, too, shall pass!

Hudson always travels with something ... a toy, a book, pen/paper, part of a costume, all of a costume. Doesn't matter where we're going or how long the trip. Lately, he's been toting a small, plastic box of Legos with us in the van. My first thought was What if they spill?, followed by What can he possibly do with those in the car? I've since grown used to them. They havent' spilled - yet - and he seems very content.

I've always been fascinated by boys and their affection for Legos. Me? Not a huge fan. I don't like building something only to have it fall apart in my hands. Maybe I don't snap them tight enough. I like building something I can EAT! My brothers LOVED Legos. Probably still do at ages 35. Randy still loves Legos and so does my dad. We'll leave those ages alone.

So, is it the creativeness of them? The endless possibilities? The fact that maybe you've put them together in some combination that no one has ever done before? Nope. That's not what I think draws them to those little bricks. I think it's the thrill of the hunt! After all, men are 'hunter gatherers'! All week, I've listened to little hands dig through the box of squares, rectangles, wheels, rods, people, and shapes not often seen in nature. Digging, digging, searching for the perfect shape, size and color; maybe even searching for the inspiration of what comes next. The sound of all those pieces bumping into each other was a bit unnerving at first, but then I realized he's learning to go out of the cave, kill something and bring it home! Maybe searching for that 6-peg-perfect-shade-of-blue-rectangle-brick-with-the-squiggles-on-the-front will help him later in life. Being patient and selective to find just the right Lego could be a building block for things to come. Hmmmmm. Patience. Maybe I SHOULD take up Legos as a hobby ...

The Father of Our Country

Hudson played the role of George Washington in the "Famous Americans" program at school. He did a great job, and a huge shout-out goes to Julie C. for the loaner duds!

Here he is with some of his buddies ...

And a couple more ... Thomas Edison and Theodore Roosevelt to be exact!

Group shot!

I didn't get a pic of him saying his part because I was filming it with O's camera. And, of course, it ran out of memory mid-speech! So, here's what he said ...

"My name is George Washington. I was our nation's first president. I said 'It is impossible to govern a nation without God and the Bible.' But ... I cannot tell a lie. I DID chop down that cherry tree! My picture is on the quarter and the dollar bill."

Mrs. Prine did such a good job with the program. She should be very proud!

Yep, It's GF!

So, I had two bananas that were just done; wouldn't have made it until breakfast the next morning. I L*O*V*E Banana Nut Bread, but no one else around here is very fond of it. H would be, but BNB poses a double whammy with the flour and the nuts. So, I thought I'd look in my gluten-free cookbook, and there was - indeed - a banana bread recipe. Using only two bananas and no nuts! I whipped it up while Hudson wasn't looking and waited for the aroma of that wonderful batter baking in the oven to draw him in. It didn't take long! He was thrilled to know it was for him (and me!).

Once it was done, I sliced him a thick slab of it and poured a glass of milk. Gone. Not a crumb left. I had an end piece, and even O got in on the snack and she gave it a thumbs-up. I've kept the rest sliced in the fridge for a few days, and he has taken it in his lunch, had it for breakfast and for snacks. He really likes it most with butter and grape jelly on it! Whatever works.

Just a Little Bling

I splurged on a new watch today. Yep. All of $18! I love it. Might even wear it to bed tonight. I needed one to wear to the ball park, the gym, the pool,etc. and this one couldn't be more perfect. The cool thing is that the band is rubber -- kind of like the original Swatch that I had back in the 80s. The sparkle around the face dresses it up a bit. Mine is the dark gray one in the left in the pic, but they had every shade of the rainbow. Hmmm. Wonder if I can stop at just one color ...

Easter!

From egg hunts and cookie making to attending our fabulous church and time spent in God's glorious creation up in the mountains, this has been a fabulous celebration for us of Christ's amazing example of true love. The thought of the cross overwhelms me, and I am forever grateful for His sacrifice for me.

Closeups of Spring!

The Incredible Shrinking Woman

Since Randy's mom fell last summer, we've not let Hudson stay with her overnight by himself ... Olivia has always been there, too, just in case of an emergency. This actually happened about a month ago when Nana became quite ill while Randy and I were at dinner. Strep of all things. Poor Nana. Olivia called us, and we got there right away.
Tonight, H is staying with her by himself. Before I left, I reviewed with him - in front of her - what to do if there's an emergency. Here's how that went:
Me: If Nana get's sick, what do you do?
H: Call you.
Me: What's our number?
H: (says the number, this IS a blog you know)
Me: Who do you call if you can't get us?
H: 911
Me: Yes. Call if she gets sick or needs help, like if she falls or somthing.
H: Yeah, like if she SHRINKS!
Me: If Nana shrinks, we've got bigger problems than who to call!

Hooked on Phonics - Star Wars Edition

Can you read the two character's names in the picture below? Scroll down for the reveal:

Dofadr = Do + fad + r = Darth Vader

Op1cinode = O + p + one (1) + ci + no + de = Obi Wan Kenobi

Daddy Daughter Dance

Last year, Olivia's school starting having a winter sock-hop for all the girls. It's usually near Valentine's Day and they are to bring either their father or the next best thing -- last year, Hudson had to fill those shoes! So glad Randy didn't have class this time, especially since this is her last one.

Winter Wonderland

The snow we had the first week of January was enough to shut down the city, but not enough to really play in. We tried to sled a bit in our neighborhood, but we only got in a few snow angels before the frigid temps drove us back inside. It was nice to have several days of unexpected nothingness!

We went snow tubing today (MLK Day) at Ober Gatlinburg. So fun!! The weather was a bit different with the temperature there around 45-degrees, but the snow was still plentiful. Our "other daughter", Carley, joined us for the day.

When we got in the van to leave, you could faintly smell the aroma of propane, which is used to fuel the gas fireplaces we so enjoyed while waiting for our session to start.

Randy (to me): "I can smell the propane gas in here."

H: "That was me!"

Randy (laughing hysterically): "No, Hudson! Not THAT kind of gas!!!"

Family Planning

I know I need to update stories and pictures since Halloween ... and I will ... soon ... promise. But this little conversation happened in the car today on the way home from school, and I just had to share:

H: I just love my dog.
Me: Yes, Twitter is the sweet one. You chose well.
H: I'm going to pick another dog when I'm big to live with me at my house. I might have five dogs -- all nice ones.
Me: You need to have a farm for all those dogs. That would be fun.
H: Yes, a farm would be good ... with five dogs and a cow named Benji.
Me: A farm is a lot of work. I hope you have a good wife and several kids to help out.
H: Kids? No way! I'm not having ANY kids.
Me: None? Are you sure?
H: Yes.
Me: Why?
H: One word: they will be wild. Wild, I tell you!
Me: What about your wife? What if she wants children.
H: Wife? Who needs a wife if you don't have kids?

Nice to know I'm needed!!!