Giving Thanks

Geez, it's been a long time since I've had a chance to post anything. I've had a busy last couple of weeks with work, my cake class, printing, family in town and Thanksgiving. I had to work Thanksgiving morning, but I went over to Kev's mom's when I got off. The night before I made mashed potatoes and chocolate pecan pie (which I posted the recipe for along with a bunch of others). Kevin made sweet potato casserole too. It was a good time, and it was great to see family. 

Emma Kate and Georgia Bleu are growing up so fast! We took them to the park on Friday and Kevin and Dave helped put up Christmas decorations. We put ours up too, but we still have a few more things to get (like the tree). So I'll put up pics later. The weekend before last we had an early Thanksgiving with Kerri and George here. It was good to see them too. We also went to see the new Harry Potter! They stuck to the book pretty well. I want to see it again. We got in late and got really bad seats. I can't wait for the last one that comes out this summer!

I also finished a print that I've been working on for my niece Meghan. I'm pretty pleased with it (kinda wish I would have made more). I love the simplicity of it.

And last but not least. We got surprise Thunder tickets last week! Coach Maurice Cheeks is a regular at my work. He sometimes gives tickets to my friend, and she called me and said that he had four. So we went to the Dallas game! It was fun even though we lost. I hope we can do it again soon. 

an unexpected day off

I randomly had the day off today, so I decided to take full advantage of it. I've been working on a new print for my niece. It still needs all the detail work, but I think it's looking pretty good. Read more about it in doodles. 

That's pretty much all I've been doing today. It feels so good to start printing again. I have so many great ideas I want to get started on after this. I also found out today that I'm having a little party/reception thing at the salon where my art is displayed. I have yet to sell anything there, so I hope this event  changes that. The next big show I'm looking forward to is Momentum OKC. It is in March, so I've got a while, but I'm already thinking of things to submit. 

Anyway, I finally went to the grocery store yesterday when I got off work. Now I can cook again! I made a yummy Winter Root Vegetable Soup with roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots and other delicious veggies. Tonight I'm making a big batch of granola that will hopefully last for a while. I'm liking this routine of working the weekdays, printing and cooking at night, and having the weekend to spend with the hubby. BUT having a day off in the middle of the week sure is nice.  

it's been too long

So it's been hectic and busy around here lately. I'm working on a couple of prints and have run into some road blocks along the way. So I haven't had much time to update. I also haven't been cooking very much lately. I hate to say it, but we have been eating sandwiches and soups and other take out food. I just haven't felt like cooking when I get off work or when I'm done printing for the evening. I worked last weekend too and had a meeting last night. I really need a new job, for real.

I should get a print done in the next couple of days (my goal is Wednesday). So I'll put some pics up when I get a chance. I am actually off on Wednesday. It is a small miracle. So I plan on printing ALL day! I have so many new ideas, so hopefully I can get started on some more new things too. 

Megan and I had our last cake class on Thursday. Here are our final cakes. We decided to take the next four week class, flowers and cake design. We are using fondant and gum paste...should be interesting.

remembering liz

Seven years ago today I lost my best friend Liz. I was seventeen. Her death taught me so much about life, love, and really everything. I can't even imagine where I would be today if it wasn't for this tragedy. When I think about it that way, it really makes me understand that everything happens for a reason. This little girl healed hearts while her own needed repair. Sometimes I wonder what she would be like today if she were still here. I miss her. 

Death Cab For Cutie "Plans" Found this CD in my car today, and listened to it on the way to and from work. I love it as usual. It totally fit today too.

halloween weekend

So when I said that Halloween was my favorite holiday ever, I was not kidding around. We decided to be Dr. zombies. We looked pretty good and scary if you ask me. We went trick-or-treating at the Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne's house and saw a giant brain, saw a great DJ set at The Blue Note, and we went to Big Truck Tacos for the first time (which was super good by the way). 

Mr Wayne Coyne was pretty excited about our costumes

There were some interesting treats on the menu too. I'll post some recipes later this week. The brain was my personal favorite.

a gooey brain, eyeballs and ghosts!

AND we carved a total of 7 pumpkins this month!!! 

and Kev's cheshire cat

Jack Skellington pumpkin

the last 2 mini jack-o-lanterns

We love Halloween!

and Pep loved his wizard costume

Last but not least...

PUNKIN SEEDS! Ingredients: Pumpkin seeds, butter, Lawreys season salt. Directions: Scoop seeds out of pumpkin and separate from stringy goopy stuff. Rinse seeds in a colander and pat dry. Preheat oven to 325. Saute seeds in butter (I do about 2 Tbspns per pumpkin) on medium/high heat for about 5 min. Pour out onto foil lined cookie sheet. Roast in oven for 10 min. Stir around and sprinkle with Lawreys salt. Roast 10-15 min more until crunchy and slightly brown. Let cool 5-10 min. These are my favorite! It's actually my favorite part about carving punkins.