A very productive day!

After spending the weekend relaxing, going to the GU game and just lounging around, yesterday was a productive day!  We cleaned up the house, did some laundry, went grocery shopping, but also did a few fun things!  First Chris pickled some beets that we got from our Full Circle basket.  Full Circle, is organic fruit/vegetable service that we just heard of and signed up for.  Their pickup site for us is literally within walking distance.  We decided to try it and it was really cool!  You can order pretty much anything and it will come from local farms around Washington.  The smallest box is $21 per week.  With Thanksgiving, we pretty much blew through that the first day!  Anyway, we received beets in our shipment so Chris decided to pickle them.  I will let you know on Dec 4th how they turned out!

Next, the kids played super hero and butterfly.  It is so funny to hear them play the same pretend game with their different imaginations.  Matthew tied his baby blanket around himself and Maggie had a crown and butterfly wings on!

Last, we made our 3rd annual trek to the garage for the Christmas tree!  As usual, it was nice and easy to find our tree!  We let the kids decorate it and now it is beginning to look like Christmas around here!  Yay!  Also had to include a picture of Matthew's list for Santa!  It is too cute!

"dear Santa, I want a new Mario game for the Wii please. Matthew H."

Thanksgiving Day

On the actual day of Thanksgiving, Oma, Opa, Agatha, and Alex came over for dinner.  I did most of the cooking and it really turned out well!  I was so tired I fell asleep at 9:30pm!  No black Friday shopping for me!  It was worth it though.  I took a couple of pictures of the table but that was about it!  I love using the "good china" (except for the fact it has to be hand washed!) It is an heirloom so I feel like I have my grandmother around me when I use it.

Gratitude: noun. the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful

Some of you may not know this but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I always love birthdays too but Thanksgiving is the best for me.  Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas too!  I love the trees and the cookies and giving gifts, but there is something so simple about sharing a meal with those you love.  I love turkey and all that comes with it!  We have been switching off travelling to Edmonds for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  This year we are home for Thanksgiving and Edmonds for Christmas.  When we are home, we usually have Chris' parents and whatever family/friend wants to come.  I love cooking and this year I bought a 20 lb turkey for 6 adults and 2 kids!  (I love leftovers too:)) Anyway, in the spirit of Thanksgiving and gratitude, I wanted to share some things that I am thankful for.

*My family.  I am a lucky girl! Yesterday Matthew had the patience of Job with Maggie and I was thankful that he could help me out like a big boy when I was so frustrated with her. Yet, I am also thankful that Maggie is so spicy.  We just found out she has to have another eye surgery (probably in June) and patch every day now instead of every other day.  I know that she is stubborn and spicy for a reason:)
*Christopher. He gets his own category!  I am a lucky woman to have a husband that works very hard to provide us with all we need and most of what we want.  He was in school for 24 years or so working his butt off to be the best provider.  He is also an amazing dad and husband.  He helps me when he is home from work and is a very hands-on, loving dad. He works so I can stay home which I didn't realize it would be, but is my dream job!  Also, he doesn't get too mad that I actually lose money on the cakes I decorate.  He is a very understanding husband (that is just the tip of the iceberg;))
*Grandparents (my parents and Chris' parents).  I am lucky that my parents are still alive and healthy!  I know how precious life is and how it can change in an instant. I am lucky that Chris' parents live so close and we can see them whenever we want.  Of course our brothers and sisters are in there too!  I don't see mine as often but it is always a good time.
*Friends. I have some really amazing friends fulfilling needs in every category.  I have my "mom friends" and my friends that don't have kids.  They provide me with love and support and I know they would be there for me in an instant!
*My health.
*Travis. He is like a brother to me and also my therapist.  I can't believe we have been together for 5 years!
*Matthew's school. LOVE IT! It is getting me reconnected with my faith amongst other things.
*Carpooling with the best neighbors/ friends ever!
*Starbucks
*Rosauers
*Nick Jr for when I need some quiet time
*Travel. I have been to some amazing places and can't wait for what's to come.
*The internet so I can catch up on my gossip (see Nick Jr)
*Living in America.  I know that it has it ups and downs right now, but I would not want to live anywhere else!

I could go on and on. I am just a really lucky girl and I love Thanksgiving because we pause, have a meal that we spend all day preparing and 20 mins eating, to remember how lucky we are!  Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and I am thankful for each and every one of you! xoxo

Edmonds for the weekend!

It had been awhile since we had travelled to Edmonds so we decided since we were sticking around here for Thanksgiving, we would travel to Edmonds this past weekend.  It just so happened to be my mom and Robert's (my brother in law) birthdays!  The drive there was a bit horrendous.  We made it in 8 hours because Snoqualmie pass was closed due to weather and accidents.  We decided instead of waiting for it to open we would go up Blewitt and Stevens pass.  Well that was interesting.  Let's just say that I am happy we made it but it was pretty stressful!  Friday, we woke up late (thanks to mom and dad who woke up with our kids) and hung out until I wend to Seattle to see Breaking Dawn I with Terese.  We had a great time at dinner, shopping and the movie.  I was sad that I didn't get to see it with my girls here (usually I go at midnight) but it was worth it because I hardly get to spend time with Terese!  On Saturday, I had a nice visit with my friend Sarah that I used to teach with at HNA, then we had family dinner to celebrate the birthdays!  Sunday we drove home in the most uneventful drive which was GREAT! I didn't get a whole bunch of pictures but I did get one with Maggie and my dad:)

Cookie Bouquet Class

I have been wanting to take the Cookie Bouquet class at Carolyn's for a long time.  I love having new skills to use as gifts and those cookie bouquets look adorable and fun to make.  I "hosted" a class which means I knew everyone in the class.  We had a really fun time and it gives me a lot of new ideas for gifts.  As I previously mentioned, I am into giving experiences or using my skills to give unique presents and this is more knowledge to draw from!

The finished product!

Not bad for my first time:)

Happy Veteran's Day!

First, I want to wish all the of Veteran's a very big THANK YOU and all those still serving a THANK YOU!  Both my dad and father in law were in the military and if it wasn't for them and all who have sacrificed (some the ultimate sacrifice) we wouldn't live with the freedoms we have.  Sometimes I feel that being an American is like a marriage: good times and bad, better or for worse...you love it but you are always working to make it better. I feel so lucky that I live in a country that I can voice my opinion or have my views and it is ok.  The world is kind of a scary place right now, for a variety of reasons, but I have hope for a better tomorrow and thank all of those who fight so it will be!

Also, it is nice we recognize Veteran's Day with a holiday from work and school (some from work). Today, I took Matthew on a date!  We went to see Puss in Boots in 3D and it was awesome!  I highly recommend it to anyone with kids.  There wasn't really a bad guy in the movie and it was very entertaining for all.  Matthew really liked it so it was a score! (Maggie was with Oma and Opa!) After we went to Red Robin for lunch which is always a hit.  It was nice to spend some time with my boy today, especially when Maggie LOVES her Oma and Opa time!

The boys in their glasses!  We went with the Sicilia's

Siri's Favorite Places

Kind of like Oprah's favorite things right?!  Well I know this is kind of a boring post but I feel I have to give a shout out to these places that have been so kind to me!  Not that I have a sprawling audience but I like to show love to the places that show love to me.  Of course you already know my relationship with Starbucks!  Love them so they are definitely on the list.  Next is Red Robin.  I know it is very kid friendly and the food is definitely comfort food aka not that healthy but I love this place.  They are always so accommodating to my children, the food is always hot and consistent and the place is clean.  The service is good, and if you have food allergies they provide a detailed list of what is in their food and will go out of their way to make sure you are safe.  (My good friend's son has a food allergy and she feels safe eating there because they have been so nice!)  Next is Rosauers, specifically the one at the Y.  There are about a bazillion reasons why I absolutely love this store.  First, Kerry the butcher.  He is seriously the nicest man ever.  He reminds me a lot of my dad which is why Maggie and I stop there to see him when we go grocery shopping.  He is so sweet and gives her lil' smokies to keep her occupied while I shop.  And he is super knowledgeable.  He helps me with cuts of meat and how to cook them!  Next, are the baggers.  Love Brian specifically.  He always is so sweet to Maggie and Matthew.  He takes my groceries to the car and puts away my cart.  This store seriously makes my life easier which is why I don't mind paying slightly higher prices.  Next of course is Costco.  Just today I had a positive experience which could have gone bad.  I was finishing up shopping when Maggie announced she had to go potty.  At first, I thought she could make it but as I was unloading my cart, it was apparent she couldn't.  I told the checker I had to run to the bathroom and he said "no problem".  He rang up my whole purchase and had it waiting for me when I returned.  The box-person led me to the customer service person and I paid right there.  I was seriously impressed that they had a procedure for not backing up lines and making me feel bad that my 2 year old had to go to the bathroom.  Not only that, but Maggie loves to ask the people who check off the receipt if they will draw specific pictures.  They are always so sweet and try to accommodate her!  Doing errands with kids adds an extra kinks sometimes but THANK YOU to these places who make my life just a bit easier!!

Halloween Festivities 2011

We had a very eventful and fun Halloween.  I saved all the pictures of all the things we did for one big post!  First, I bought a "gingerbread house" that was for Halloween and let the kids decorate it!

Next, we went to Greenbluff a couple of times.  One time we went, in the beginning of the month, and we literally wore shorts!  Then we went just last Friday and it was quiet chilly.  In fact, Chris said it smells like snow outside.  I have to agree with him.  The temperature is right but the air is too dry. We are so lucky to live so close to one of most beautiful places, in my opinion.  Greenbluff is so awesome!

Found the perfect pumpkins!

Rode "little toot"

Hopped over to Walter's quickly to buy some apple butter!

After that, Matthew had his kindergarten Halloween party at school.  They were not allowed to wear costumes but we did some celebrating with cupcakes and games and crafts!  It was very fun!

Little Emmie was so adorable as a fish!

And finally it was Halloween night!  The whole Herzog family came over for dinner and trick or treating!  We had a really nice time:)  It is always fun to have the family around and enjoy the costumes.  We always get a lot of trick or treaters and we have the same 5 houses we always trick or treat at (for how much longer?!?!) so it is comforting and fun!

Maggie and Katie came over to trick or treat!

Spiderman and Hello Kitty!

Maggie and I were matching this year!

The cousins!  Adam was Marvin the Martian!