Donuts!

Our kitchen smells like grease right now. Or should I say, hot grease. My husband and kids had the bright idea of making homemade donuts after church today. I had mentioned that we would eat lunch at home and make it ourselves. I'm not sure how donuts entered in the equation. I made chicken salad with leftover chicken from Friday evening when I had roasted a rather yummy chicken.

My husband found all the ingredients in the house except for the oil. Yes, we had run out and had not made it to the store yet. After letting ourselves into our neighbor's house with a spare key (what are neighbors for?), we were able to complete the task. We used this recipe. Wow! It was very good and after we each had two or so donuts, we felt like taking a nap. Needless to say, the grown-ups in this house do not need dinner tonight. Now I can't wait for my kids to have a sleepover so we can make these for breakfast!

No snow here...

This last week seems like a blur now that I have time to write. I don't think I did anything outstanding. I did my regular gig at the volunteer medical clinic, Kendall went back to school after being out from her surgery, Pete traveled 3 days of the week and I volunteered in kindergarten on Friday morning. One thing new this week is the Women's Bible study started back up on Thursday. It is a 10 week study of David. The study guide was written by Beth Moore and it's entitled "A heart like His." I'm looking forward to it.

It has turned really cold here. We didn't get any snow with this front (fine with me), but Dang, it's chilly. There was some wind that came through the other day and knocked a tree over. We lost power for a couple of hours. That is one of the bad things about living in the woods. My parents got a ton of snow, however. I think they got 10 inches! The picture of the snow was sent to me by my dad. People always ask me if it snows in Arkansas. Yes, it does. The main difference between Northwest Arkansas and Pennsylvania is the length on the winters. In Northwest Arkansas the winter is only 3 months long! And the snow usually doesn't stick around too long.

Today the four of us went out to breakfast. There is a restaurant in State College that is a must for the visiting alumni when they are in town for a game. It's big with the locals, too. I think there are about 4 locations in town and on any given Saturday there will be a line out the door by 9:30 or 10. All these people are waiting for pancakes, waffles, eggs, coffee, orange juice and any other thing you can imagine for breakfast. One thing for sure, there is no shortage of whipped cream on the waffles and pancakes. The kids had hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and drank it all! Kendall had two chocolate chip pancakes and Clayton had a blueberry pancake. Pete and I ate like there's no tomorrow. The coffee's a little weak but it had good flavor. We may have to start our own little tradition for breakfast on the weekends.

Tonight, we went to our friends' house and had dinner. Our kids play with their daughter and we hardly see the children all night! We brought lamp chops that we got from one of our neighbors and cooked them on the grill. They were delicious--not too game-y (not sure how to spell that). Anyway, it ended up with a chocolate ganache cake I made. Maybe that's why I'm still wide awake right now. Anyway, it was a fun Saturday.

My Tuesday

I "worked" today. It was rather busy and I got there on time, too. Now, that is always a plus even if you are volunteering. After working at the clinic, I met some friends for lunch and dropped off my car at the Toyota dealership. About 400 miles before the warranty ran out, I mentioned to them that my volume knob on my radio didn't work. Lucky me. So, today I got my new radio under warranty. On my way home it occurred to me that I'd left a CD in my other radio. Bummer. I just hope I've got that CD down loaded on my iPod. I called the dealership and they said they will put a note on it, etc. I'm pretty sure it was one of my Dixie Chicks CDs. Oh well, a CD is cheaper than a new CD/radio.

I tried to take a nap this afternoon before it was time to pick up the kids. For the last two nights one of the kids has woke me up. After a while, it catches up with you when your sleep gets disturbed. I never managed to fall asleep but just relaxing (with my eyes closed) was nice.

I am grumpy today. It doesn't help that it's raining outside. Seriously, I need a shirt that says, "I'm not taking any crap today!" Or I need Cher to slap me and say, "Snap out of it!" like she did in Moonstruck. I never saw the movie but I've seen the clip so many times I'm sure that's where the scene came from.

I feel like I've got so much to do that I don't know where to start. Ugh. I need to buy mouse traps, I need to do laundry, I need to mop the kitchen floor (it will wait due to the rain), and I need to grocery shop. I know, it's really not much and on a good day I would look forward to it. But, I'm mopey today.

My son was such a pain this morning. It's bad when I can't wait for him to go to school. I don't know if it's the age or if he just very spoiled. According to my husband, it's my fault. I guess that would support the "spoiled" observation. Anyway, he wears me out sometimes. I know, I'm the grown-up. Yeah, yeah. I've said that before (about other people, of course!). It's so different when the child in question is your own.

My girl went back to school today. She is 7 days out from her tonsillectomy. She was a little sore, but really wanted to go back to school. I hope she has a good day.

Well, that's it. Aren't you so happy you wasted your time reading this? Just kidding.

I like Facebook

I love Facebook. I'm the sentimental type and have longed to get in touch with old friends as I've grown older. Maybe it's so I can remember the carefree days of my sheltered youth or just to see what everyone has become. There are joyful things I learn from my friends on Facebook and then there are some sad things.

For instance, today I learned that one of the toughest guys in my high school class just adopted a 12 year old boy from Haiti. He and his wife had been waiting for two years for this boy and because of the earthquake, they were able to expedite the visa. He and his wife have another boy from Haiti and a girl from China. They run a non-profit organization called The Titus Task.

I've also made "friends" with some bloggers. It's neat to see updates on their families and see pictures. The world is truly getting smaller.

But today I found out some sad news. There was a couple from my high school class who were married. I'm not sure how long they were married, but they had been best friends for 26 years. Karen (the wife) was battling a brain tumor and her husband, Doug, would post updates about her on his status. He even had a blog where we could read more about Karen's fight in depth. Doug's status today was about how she lost her battle this morning. I can't imagine how he feels. They have two teen aged children. My heart goes out to Doug and his children.

Yes, Facebook has made it so we can keep up with our friends across this globe. Be it through happy AND sad times.

So far Kendall seems to be doing well post tonsillectomy. She is having ice cream for breakfast, mid-morning, and any other time she desires it. Last night she ate a hot dog (no bun). She was very hungry and ready for a change. I think she's sleeping well, too.

I hope today we get out to run some errands. Or should I say I hope Kendall feels like getting out because I'm getting a little stir crazy. I need to pick up some things but they can wait if we don't make it out.

There's not a whole lot going on around here. I'm keeping busy around the house between serving ice cream to my little girl.

Bravery

Kendall's surgery went well today. She was very brave and did all that she was told. We arrived and waited a few minutes until we were called back. Once back there, she changed clothes and the nurse had to start an IV. Kendall was scared but held very still. It helped that the nurse had put some numbing cream on the tops of each hand so the needle didn't hurt as much going in. After I kissed her good-bye and they took her out, I waited for about an hour before the doctor called me back.

He said Kendall's tonsils were huge- much bigger than expected. I really hope this helps her with her sleeping after she heals. He said she handled everything well.

The thing now is to keep her hydrated and make sure her throat stays moist. She will stay out of school for the rest of the week. If she feels well next week, she can go back.

While I was waiting on the surgery, I finished The Kite Runner. Talk about a book that makes you look at your life. This book was compelling throughout and kept me thinking about the storyline everyday. It's not exactly a feel-good book, but I think it's necessary to get outside of one's comfort zone from time to time. This book also helps to explain the modern Afghan culture of today.

And last, but not least, Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Last night our family went out to eat with another family. The husband in that family works with my husband and their daughter is one year older than Kendall. She is a really nice girl and treats both my kids well.

We went to this restaurant that serves some German/Austrian food along with American. It was pretty good. But, the reason I mention this at all is I had a really good dessert last night. It was called Sacher Square Torte. It's an Austrian cake with apricot filling and chocolate ganache. Yummy. I came home last night and googled the recipe. I can't wait to make it one of these days.

Tomorrow, Kendall is getting her tonsils out. It is an outpatient surgery. She has been snoring really loud for a few years (she could put an old, fat man to shame), and I think it's affecting her sleep. Her tonsils are pretty big, too. I'm a little anxious about it. She will be out of school for this week. Tomorrow is a holiday here and the kids are out so it means she only misses 4 days.

Today we made it to church on time! We skipped the last few Sundays and I told Pete I wanted to be on time and not walk in front of people since we haven't been there. It is so nice getting there in time to pick a pew and have a few minutes to relax. The sermon wasn't that great today but the music was all right. Oh, I miss my Baptist brothers and sisters but I should be happy my husband goes with me. The Presbyterian church is a compromise for both of us but sometimes I wish I could leave church with a skip in my step. I love traditional hymns but I like some contemporary music, as well. No surprise their nick name is the "Frozen Chosen." :)

One more thing about today. My husband asked me if I would consider adopting a Haitian orphan. Funny thing, there was a story on NPR today and it was about just that. It caught my attention briefly as something to consider. I just don't know, but my heart goes out to those children there. It's utterly depressing.

That's our weekend. Exciting, as usual.

Nitpicking

Monday was going to be an industrious day for me. I needed to wash the comforter at the laundromat in one of the big washers. I was going grocery shopping during that part and then read my fantastic novel while it dried. I might have even exercised.

I did go by the Toyota dealership to show them how the volume knob on my radio doesn't work in cold weather. I was able to reproduce the problem and the car is still under warranty by 1400 miles so the radio will be free. It was looking to be a productive and good day.

The big washers were all full so I sat down to read for about 10 minutes. I then heard my beautiful new ring tone and thought, "I wonder who that is?" When I answered, all my plans went out the window. It was the school secretary and she was calling to let me know that my sweet daughter had lice. She had been itching for a few days but I had checked and did not see any. Now, I realize it helps if you know what you're looking for! I got off the phone and put the comforter back in the car. I knew I would be back with a big load of laundry later (my pipes to our washer were frozen).

I picked Kendall up after purchasing some Rid. We headed home and began doing all the stuff one has to do when one comes across nits. Yes, nits.

After washing her hair with the medicated shampoo, I had to put some gel in her hair and proceed to comb through her hair with a fine tooth comb. It took a long time and they were coming out. There were some screams (it hurts when you pull out a live one). We all survived this round but something tells me it is a long drawn-out process. I have to wash the bedding and clothes in hot water for a while and check Kendall's hair everyday for a few weeks to make sure I get every nit out. And, I'm retreating with the shampoo at least once, maybe twice.

I've never been a nitpicker before. I wish I still wasn't.

I feel like I'm in a funk. It's been that way for two days. I don't want to go outside and I don't want to see people. I don't know why I'm this way--there's no particular reason. What I do know is:

• I haven't been working at the hospital lately and it's bugging me. I'm going to have to confront my section head one of these days to see what's going on and I don't want to. How long can we pretend? Every time I ask about filling in, she just shrugs and says she will have to wait and see if the new girl needs the time.
• I'm reading a heavy book right now and I can't put it down. Have you read The Kite Runner? It is amazing. But, it's serious. It's definitely making me think (maybe that's the problem!)
• My relationship with my daughter seems really good right now. I just love 7 year olds!
• My son is going through a "phase" and I don't like it. This, too, shall pass (I must remind myself of this daily).

It looks like we're not going anywhere for the long weekend next weekend. I'm bummed about that. Oh well. I hope the baby sitter can watch the kids so we can at least go out to dinner. It's not NYC, but hey, you take what you can get.

What a week!

What a week. I've been tired from staying up too late watching fascinating shows on PBS and National Championship College football games. I saw a very funny movie called "It's Complicated." I celebrated the 10 year anniversary of meeting my husband. I got very good news this week regarding my health and can put a difficult chapter of my life behind me now. My son threw a humongous tantrum Tuesday morning before school. We got Kendall scheduled for her tonsillectomy. My niece's birthday is today. I'm taking the plunge and getting my hair highlighted today. Yes, quite the week.

The weather is cold and snowy today. One of these days (and I mean soon), I will go out to the local ski hill and go down hill skiing while the kids are in school. Since I'm not working anywhere on a regular basis, I should at least take the time out for me and have some fun. After all, this winter I have energy to do some fun things.

So, that's the update for now. Exciting to me in some ways, but not exciting to most, I'm sure.

Happy Friday!

Our town does a First Night celebration on New Year's Eve. Part of the festivities include ice sculptures. I took the kids our yesterday just to get out of the house and we saw a few of them. There are a lot more sculptures in a little park down town. I hope we make it there to take more pictures. It has been so cold lately that we can't be out for too long before our fingers go numb.

Pete got home yesterday from his hunting trip. I think he had a great hunt with the guys limiting out on geese the first day. They got some ducks, too.

Last night we had dinner with some neighbors whom we haven't visited with in a while. The husband is commuting right now to the DC area and the mom works full time in federal law enforcement so they are a busy family. It was fun. The men are planning on seeing Avatar next weekend. I'm content to miss that movie.

My kids go back to school tomorrow. It will be nice to be in the house alone after these two weeks of family around all the time. My house is a disaster. I've got my work cut out for me. Plus, I need to start exercising again.