Monday, December 29, 2008

Book Review: Knit Two

So, due to our 2-month book club hiatus to spend on the busy holiday season, the time I usually invest on daily reading has decreased dramatically--but I have finally made my way from cover to cover in a book!
On July 30th, I posted a (very glowing, I'm sure) book review for The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. One of the gifts I received from my Secret Pal this year was the sequel to this book called Knit Two . I was very excited--because I was unaware that she had written a sequel--but I didn't know how much I would like it since [SPOILER ALERT!] the main character died in the first book! Knit Two turned out to be good--the relationships with the women that the main character, who died, in the first book helped to develop--were still strong and each was dealing with her own issues. There were A LOT of story lines that went on throughout the book and a reader has to keep the mind sharp to keep up with them all--too many characters for my taste. The book was good, though, and I would read a third if it came out, but that may be due to principle--I have to finish a series once I begin it!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Roll the Dough - *HO HO HO*

Christmas Cookies, Christmas Cookies - Everywhere I look, Christmas Cookies!!! Every year I get a little something for my bosses and co-workers for Christmas and this year it comes from the heart--and hours upon hours of work! My mother in law came over on Sunday afternoon to teach me (and help me!) bake Christmas cookies from scratch. We spent six hours together in my kitchen mixing, cutting, baking and decorating (the icing is made from scratch, too!) and we still weren't done with all of the cookies! Last night, she came over to help complete the task and eight (total) hours and 77 cookies later, we were finished!!! Below is a picture of a few of the final product (stop drooling!)...and those are just what is in the kitchen--the dining room table is covered as well!!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Eight of My Favorite Things

One of my friends posted a blog about a few of her favorite things (like Oprah's List!) and I'm totally stealing this idea with a list of a few of MY favorite things!!!
My first favorite thing is Twisted Peppermint hand soap by Bath and Body Works. I love the way my hands feel and smell after I use this Christmas time specialty--plus it comes in a cute little bottle with peppermint stripes!!

My second favorite thing is a gift from my Secret Pal this year: Rosebud Salve. I've gone 28 years and had no idea what I was missing out on (since this company has apparently been around since 1908). I find myself applying this stuff every hour and my lips have never been softer! One place to find this stuff is at Sephora. I love you, Rosebud Salve!!

My third favorite thing, which really should have been first, but I'm already partway through my list and don't want to delete anything, is the Apple IPhone. I love it, I love it, I love it!!! I never wanted one and did not see the fascination in them until we went out with Andrea, who got one for Mother's Day. She showed us so many cool things that the phone did, plus she let me play with it, and I fell in love. Our courtship is still going strong.

My fourth favorite thing is perfume by Ann Taylor called 'Possibilities'. The scent is fragrant, but light! I wear it every day, and I go through three bottles a year. This is mommy's special perfume!

My fifth favorite thing is the Victoria's Secret Pink line. I love the bright, girly colors and the comfort of lounge clothes! They are tres chic and I would wear them every day if I could. Well, I pretty much do!


My sixth favorite thing is Seven Jeans for All Man Kind. It is always very hard for me to find a pair of jeans that fits well and usually depressing for me to go jean-shopping. Thanks to Andrea (once again) for telling me that a great place to find good jeans is Gils in Nichols Hills, I was able to find my new favorite pair of jeans ever (and most expensive pair, but I plan on wearing them to scraps!) I love you Seven!

My seventh favorite things is a new tv show: Kath & Kim (this does not replace my love for Ghost Hunters!). At first, this show seemed uber-lame to me, but my DVR kept recording it, so one day when I was bored, I watched it and it is now my new favorite show on Must See TV! I used to HATE Selma Blair, but I love her now…I love this show. It makes me happy!!! Also, this is the only show on television where I do NOT fast forward through the opening credits--they are so fun!!

My eighth (and last for this particular list) favorite thing(s) is Hostess Cupcakes. I can literally eat a box in one sitting - which I contribute to my rotund waistline!!! Who doesn't like the bite of something sweet with frosting in the middle? A crazy person, that's who! Hostess Cupcakes - I love every bite of you!!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Fa La La La La...

The exterior of our casa is ready for Santa's visit!!! Andy spent hours and hours perfecting his lighting scheme--and the final product can be viewed below! The first night that Andy went out there, Kevin came over to assist and it was FREEZING cold, the only light guiding them was the moon and stars. (On a side note, this was a really great night because Riley took some wonderful first steps, going back and forth across our front room!) Andy spent two more nights and practically all day Sunday finishing the lights--and boy did he do a FANTABULOUS job.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Christmas in my Office

So, as you can see, I have decorated my office for Christmas:

This morning I got to work and instead of my requested 60" Plasma TV, I had a little treat in my stocking, surely delivered by one of Santa's Elves:

Here is what was inside, I guess I've been a Bad Girl:


Ha! This was great! It took a couple of tries to find the culprit--but I found the little elf! Her name is Amanda and she TOTALLY made my Wednesday rock!! (play on words...coal, rock, get it??)

Oh Christmas Tree...!

Over the weekend, Ethan and Jadyn woke up early to put the tree up. This is the first year in which I did not take control of the project - I let them both do it all by themselves! (This was a very hard gesture for me!) As you can see, Ethan is in his pajamas, but Jadyn passed out the night before (which was the OU/OSU game) in her clothes...so that is why she is all dressed--hair undone!
Hard at Work:

Final Product:

Now Santa needs to come and fill the empty space beneath the tree!!

Turkey Day!!!

Thanksgiving for the Lopez/Correa Family was great this year. We have so many things to be thankful for that we take for granted--having a holiday where family can get together to celebrate is wonderful. This year, everyone gathered at my parents house, bringing their own homemade specialty, and we gobbled until the sun went down! After dinner, friends came over and it was time to play games: Catchphrase and Buzz--what a fantastic time, and a very full house! Below are a few pictures from the day. Nothing too exciting!
Jadyn and Ethan:

Table One (the 'grown up' table):

Table Two (the 'kid' table):