Christmanukah 2009

Christmas day was a real treats for us. First of all, we had two days off in a row!!

We opened presents --- none of which were as good as the amazing ACC email Aaron got on Monday, but it was still really fun. We received so much homemade goodies you would not believe it!! Even my little nephew Michael made us flavored candies and a little hand-made piece of pottery. How great is that!!!???

Last night Aaron went around the house like a scavenger hunt picking and choosing just which treats he'd have for dessert. When he was done with those he went back for seconds. Let's see: chocolate crinkle, marshmallow, star shaped candies from Micheal, gilt, and chocolate covered apple slice. Leave no dessert behind is our motto!!




Then we got to paint the studio. I have to say, I picked the perfect shade of paint. If it wasn't already named "Gold 3" I'd call is "Perfect Shade of Studio". It's natural without being totally boring. It's not gray or flesh toned. What's left over? Sort of a tannish shade of wheat.


Now, I'm off to buy concrete sealant. Good times!!

Happy holidays!!!

Studio Update

The studio is really coming along. This time next week it should be finished. Here are some pictures....

The new heater really kicks out the warmth. We're not going to have any more problems with it being too cold to work!


Studio Floor after demo


Studio Floor -- the new floor is no longer at an angle. I'm sure we can get used to that!


Mud Room - Before



Mud Room - After (taken from the opposite side of the room)


Time to bake off a batch of chocolate crinkles and then head out for holiday dinner with friends...

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmanukah...

Let's the baking begin!!!



This is what homemade s'mores look like. Homemade graham crackers and homemade marshmallows. We just added high quality chocolate and warmed it all up under the broiler. HolyMoly that was TASTY!!!



Next up - a new recipe for chocolate crinkles. One of my childhood memories was my brother making chocolate crinkles and I got to watch. Now I'm in charge!! I used Martha's recipe but switched it up a bit. I used Ghirardelli chocolate for the melted chocolate, then I rolled the dough in "vanilla" granulated sugar, then powerdered sugar, and then regular sugar. Not only is it a tasty sugar topping but the powered sugar doesn't fly off all over. Then I under-baked them by about 2 minutes. DELISH!! Aaron's busy testing them.

MMM
MMMMMM
GOOOOOOOD

Once. Twice. Threeeeee times a lady......

Introducing PINKY!








She's on her way to her new home with Grandma Elsie. I think they'll be able to compare flowers for their hair. Since I'm certain grandma hasn't been surfing the Internet lately I feel okay posting these pictures before grandma see opens her up on Christmas. It was a little hard putting her into a shoe box and dropping her in the mail, but hopefully grandma likes her enough to make the long trip worth it!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Here's our house hold thermometer with the official temperature. The top number is the temperature is in the house. The bottom number is on our front step. And Little Man, is wearing all his clothes and stands next to a tiny snow man. (In summer, he just wears shorts and holds his snorkel). This weather just isn't right!

Okay, I know parts of the nation are living through giant storms and it's just plain nasty in some places, but let me just say "27 degrees and dropping" is NOT a normal Seattle temperature!! BRRRRRRRR We're chilly.

It's a known fact that Seattlelites only have a 15 degree comfort zone (55-70). What I can say is that:
(1) at least it's not snowing!
(2) it's clear and beautiful, and
(3) it does make it feel Christmasy.

But I'm just saying that on Dec 26th I hope it's back to 55 and drizzling.

Excuse me, I need to find one of my scarves....

I Can See All the Way to Queen Ann

Last night was the big company holiday party. Me, Aaron and 500 of my co-workers. Sadly, Big Hannah's hubbie is overseas helping the poor, which meant Aaron was without his "wing man" for the evening. At one point, some of my co-workers said, "where's your husband" and I shrugged my shoulders. A little while later I looked behind me and he was at a table surrounded by beautiful ladies. Aaron does a find of job of "getting by" even without Louie.

Seriously - it was on top of the Space Needle and it was a rare clear December night. It was just gourgeous. As always, the pictures don't do it justice. We had a pretty good time. My company, certianly knows how to thow a get together! Gotta love that. Okay, now we're off to a craft fair. Wish us luck!


Anner from the observation deck


Big Hannah, Anner and Friends (remember Hannah from our wedding??)


Anner and her co-workers.


Aaron and Anner --- we clean up okay. :)