Christmas Cookies & Songs

I'm going to a Cookie Exchange Party tonight! I'm bringing my secret weapon: Red Velvet Cookies. They are a holiday tradition around here and are tasty, easy to make, and just so cute!! I'm pretty proud of them.....


And while frosting and decorating them, I played a few of my fave Christmas songs......

Obsessions

So my blog was tagged as a "fabulous blog" by Whitney. I'm not sure it's really fabulous, but I'll play along anyway and say, "THANK YOU, Whitney!"

Since I was tagged, I must disclose five obsessive compulsive traits that I exhibit. I have no idea what having a fabulous blog and admitting obsessive compulsive traits have in common, but like I said, I'm playing along.......

1. I have a "placement and order" issue. I think I've addressed this before. It has to do with decorating in my home. Or in the arrangement of my classroom. No clutter allowed (with the exception of my special room). If I place a Christmas decoration in a particular spot on my entryway table, I will know if it's been moved or messed with. I'm super particular about how things are arranged on my desk at school or on my kitchen counters or even with my furniture. I'll move something ten times to get it right where I want it. If it's an eighth of an inch off, it's gonna have to be moved. For instance, these trees took about 30 minutes to arrange. They had to be just so! Symmetry plays a part too. The dining room table must be directly under the chandelier and look the same from all sides. The crystal ball at the bottom of the chandelier MUST be directly centered over the table. At school, the Kleenex box must be squarely placed on the microwave. The paper towel holder and electric pencil sharpener must be in their spot. I let it go throughout the day, but everyday after the kids leave, I walk around the room and straighten all of it.

2. Instead of sucking my thumb as a child, I held my ear lobe. There I said it. Stop laughing now. Sometimes, I find myself still doing that. I don't even realize it's happening. It must be comforting? I have no idea. Just say "lobe" and I'll quit. For a minute. Until I forget again.

3. At school, I will write directions, the lunch menu, or the schedule on the board, and if I don't like how it looks, I will erase the whole thing and redo it until it looks perfect. I should've purchased some stock options for Expo markers.

4. I'm a picker: peeling sunburnt skin, scabs, hangnails. There is something gratifying about it. And gross. But luckily, I'm not alone in this strange trait. Right, Whitney?

5. This sort of goes against issue #1, but it's true. I'm a hoarder or more affectionately known as a pack rat. I struggle with getting rid of sentimental things. I think I inherited this trait from dad. This problem is a bit odd, since I hate clutter. But that's what a "special room" or closet is for. You can shut the door! Out of sight? Out of mind! Well, not really. I'm trying to get control of this trait. I'd really like to reclaim that 3rd bedroom from the hoarding abyss. But here's my thinking: I might want that poodle skirt for a costume, not to mention my grandma made it for me. I'll want to pass my dolls and stuffed animals down one day. I'll decorate with that mirror when the room is cleaned out. Oh, I might need that paperwork one of these days. This line of thinking has got to stop. I'm working on it. I did a great job parting with things this summer (my sweet sofa). Maybe next summer will inspire the same attitude.

Now to tag some fabulous blogs. I know Ashley and Andrea have already been tagged, but I'm double tagging them! I'd also like to tag Carla, Amanda, Randi Jo, and Andrea S. All of you are fab! And tag! You're IT!

Christmas Song #2

Candlestick Inn

Kenny's birthday was this week. We had planned on going to Kai all week long for his birthday dinner. Then a few hours before dinner, Kenny texted me with a new restaurant idea. Candlestick Inn in Branson.

If you've ever been to the fountain area at Branson Landing, you may have noticed the bright red Candlestick Inn sign up on the cliff across the lake. We'd always wondered about it, so this was a great opportunity to check it out.

It was FANCY, EXPENSIVE, and TASTY. Make sure you have a fat wallet if you ever go. The view was outstanding, especially at night with all the lights reflecting on the lake. It's pretty romantic too (fireplace, candlelight). Overall, it was great. We decided it was a "special occasion" type place......so it worked out perfectly for his birthday.

Best Christmas Song Ever

I just can't contain it any longer! Christmas is coming, and I am SO excited for: the season (translation: the time off work), the food (I have two cookie recipes I'm excited to make), and the decorating (nevermind there's still a fall display on my porch)! Oh, and the music too!

In the next few weeks, I'm going to share my Christmas playlist one song at a time. This is my attempt to spread the holiday cheer! And since the weather turned more winteresque today, it really made me start thinking about the holidays!

The first song on my list is from Trans Siberian Orchestra. It's called Christmas Canon. I could listen to this over and over......

Christmas Canon (Click on it!)

Sick Days

As I look at a recent pay stub, I realize I have 98 sick/personal days accumulated. Wow.

Well, there's a good reason for that. I don't like calling a sub. I hate being away from work. It's much MORE work to be away from work. Seriously.

But some days you just can't get around it. Like yesterday. I woke up at 4:30 and knew it would be a sick day. I drove to work, fancied up my lessons for a sub, and scheduled a doctor appointment (something else I never do).

The doctor squeezed me in. And the receptionist, upon greeting me, immediately made me wear a mask in the building, due to my symptoms. Yay. At least no one could recognize me now.


There's nothing like having to wear a mask in public, which will melt away all vanity and humble you to the core.

Actually, my nasty, unwashed hair had already done that. The mask served as my disguise. Thank you, receptionist.

The Countdown

I'm super excited about decorating for Christmas this year, but I'm refraining! I'll wait until Thanksgiving break. Until then, I did find a little something to tide me over. The other night I ran to Leola's Christmas Open House. I was in a vintage ornament wonderland! Shiny Bright heaven! I couldn't believe there were all these vintage ornaments in one place! I bought a few, along with a neat jar to put them in............


This will have to do until Thanksgiving and decorating time is here! I'm counting down the days! For now, this makes me smile.

Best Halloween Ever

On Halloween, I attended the best concert ever: Kelly Clarkson. It was amazing. I can't even begin to describe it's amazingness. Kelly has an incredible vocal range and can sing any genre. She interacts with the crowd and is funny! Her band is outstanding! ANNNND the opening acts were even great! It was a great way to spend Halloween..........with a wonderful friend at our favorite singer's concert on the sixth row!!


The first band was named Parachute. We ended up really liking them. Especially the lead singer. They came out in costumes. The lead was dressed as a taco. The rest of the band had sombreros, long mustaches, and festive shawls on. Great music! Nancy bought the CD, and I've already downloaded their songs. Did I mention we really liked the lead singer?

The next performer was Eric Hutchinson. His band came out in costume, but we never really figured out what they were. Lots of wigs. They were good. He's entertaining. Another good show, but at that point we were getting anxious for the main event!

Finally, after two great opening bands, we got what we came for. The first American Idol. Our most FAVORITE singer ever! Kelly Clarkson took the stage! She was everything we had hoped for. She sang her current hits, as well as older hits! We sang all night long, as loud as we could! We stood the entire concert. And danced. And jumped. And screamed.

For the encore, the entire band came out in costumes! They played Thriller and danced around on stage. Then for the last song, Kelly sang "My Life Would Suck Without You" dressed in her Stewie costume.


And last but not least, I recorded a bit of video........shaky, digital camera video, complete with AWFUL sound quality and a stupid witch hat going back and forth in front of me (and some crazy, totally off key person singing along with Kelly).......

My Ten Dollar Sofa

I am a big fan of yard sales. So on a beautiful Saturday about ten years ago, mom and I set out to hunt for treasures. We happened upon a neighborhood sale in the wonderful, historic part of Springfield. While I was still busy at one house, mom went ahead to the next sale. Within minutes I could hear her yelling, "DANAVEE, Get over here quickly!" from a driveway a few houses down. So I scrambled down the street as fast as I could go.......only to behold a most precious sight when I arrived.......

My $10 sofa........I knew I had to have it. TEN DOLLARS! However, there were issues. It was ratty and ugly, with faded upholstery and holes in the cushions. But is that really a problem? NOT FOR ME! I snatched it right up and had it reupholstered (for a LOT more than ten dollars)!


I wish I had a before picture, but unfortunately, I didn't think to do that ten years ago. But all is not lost. I had the upholsterer save the fabric from the seat cushions.........


Each cushion was covered in this design. I thought it would be funny to frame one or to recover a vintage footstool with one.

When it was being recovered, the upholsterer found a payment receipt from the early 1940's from City Utilities in Springfield! That means my sofa was most likely purchased locally and that it's from the late 30's or early 40's.

And that's the saga of my $10 sofa (that ended up being a $1,000 sofa) that I wouldn't trade for anything!

Reasons to Smile

My new boots..............


I really love them. I searched high and low for the perfect pair. I even found a great scarf to go with them. I want to wear both everyday. But I haven't.

Next up? Heirloom limas...............


My dad grew these in his garden! I've never seen purple or pink lima beans! I couldn't get over the colors. Now I'm trying to convince him to plant some heirloom pumpkins next year.

Third reason to smile............marching band competitions..............



Now you might be asking, "Danavee, WHY did you spend your Saturday at a band competition when you no longer HAVE to go?"

The answer is simple. I still love it. I love the band directors I worked with and my colorguard girls. I miss them, and I HAD to cheer them on. The Tiger Pride Marching Band did an AMAZING job at Ozarko yesterday, placing 2nd in their division and advancing to finals. Their show is outstanding and extremely fun to watch. GO RHS BAND!

Lastly, one more reason to smile...........old stuff with faded, chipping paint............


I bought the trunk awhile back at Leola's and haven't regretted it for one second. It was a little pricey, but it's RED and OLD. It's an excellent coffee table (with storage as a bonus). I knew it would match my sofa perfectly. This particular living area is starting to take shape. Now all I need are my hardwood floors to be installed and the walls to be de-wallpapered and painted. I think it'll be my favorite room after it's all said and done.

Celebrating 100 & The Accidental Matching Outfits

100 what, you might be asking??? 100 blog entries!!!!!! I just discovered this entry is the big 1-0-0. I had no idea I'd end up here, over a year later, all because I loved reading Whit's blog so much. So thanks for the inspiration, White-ny in the Hood. I owe it all to you.

Here's the real reason why I planned on whipping up a blog entry today, before getting sidetracked by the big 100...........

Another case of the Accidental Matching Outfits:


Ash entered my classroom this morning, and we both started the day off with a big laugh along with a big "Oh no!"

This isn't the first time it's happened either! Whitney and I have had a mishap or two...........same shirt, different colors. Should friends shop together?


99% of the time, these mishaps ARE accidental. HONEST!

Sometimes, however, they are quite planned...............


But that's only once a year, around MAP testing time, when we have to break out the pencil shirts...........they ARE hilarious. Who wouldn't wear matching shirts that say, "Number 2 is number 1, if you're a pencil."

Homemade Salsa ~ Take Two

I made salsa last weekend. Boy, it tasted great. But the color wasn't quite right.........


I ate it anyway. I really liked it. Still though, I was concerned with where I went wrong. After calling up the giver of the recipe, Andrea (who makes it perfectly every time), I discovered we each had different definitions of what a "large" can of diced tomatoes was.

This weekend, I purchased the correct size for salsa making (round two). And the color came out much better...........


I still think my green batch tasted better though!

To Nancy and Kelly

Something very good came in the mail this week.

Two tickets to see Kelly Clarkson (the only American Idol ~
in my opinion) on the SIXTH ROW directly in front of the stage!

This means: TWO VERY EXCITED GIRLS!

We will be very close to the stage, which means we'll be
very close to Kelly. Kelly will probably ask to hang out
with us after the concert, we're pretty sure.

Chairs: 2nd Edition

When I saw these at my neighbor's garage sale, my heart skipped a beat. I'd been gazing at them from across my fence (in her backyard) for three years. Could it be true? They were for sale? REALLY?

Yes, really!

And I couldn't get to them fast enough. I almost fell, scrambling out of my car and running across the yard to stake my claim. I couldn't believe they were STILL there! I was shocked that someone hadn't snatched them up! It was noon for goodness sake!

She said they brought lots of interest, but no takers. People didn't want to pay the price. Well, what was her price, you ask?

Only $15 for the PAIR! That's right! Only $7.50 a piece. They'd be at least $30 a piece at an antique shop.

And now I can gaze at them from my kitchen window, in MY backyard. Boy, do they make me happy.

So now I have two more to add to my previous set of two, not exactly matching of course, but that's part of their charm.

An Addition to the Family

Meet my niece! Born today, September 17th at 8:09 a.m. Lots of dark hair under the little stocking cap.


She's pretty dang great. Big brother thinks so too......

Good Things

It's only 1:30, and today has been filled with lots of good things......

My favorite antique shop (Leola's) had it's fall open house today. I was so excited to see what they had. They totally rearranged the shop, and had the coolest pumpkins for sale!


As you can see, I bought three. I love them. These are very good things.

Earlier, I went to the farmer's market and bought another bouquet, more green beans, and red potatoes. The potatoes and green beans were a BIG HIT with Kenny last week, so I had to get some more.

I also had breakfast with my nephew and sissy (two of my favorite people) at Panera (spinach artichoke souffle & pumpkin spice latte = two more very good things).

Lots of good things all before 2:00 on a Saturday! Now I'm going to attempt some yard beautification. $3.00 hostas at Wal-mart inspired me.

Snow

I know it's only the fourth week of school.

I also know we just had a three day weekend (that could be the problem).

But what I know more than anything is that I'm ready for a snow day (or two).

And I fully know I've got a few months to wait, but a girl can hope, right? Gotta look forward to something.

Things that make you go hmmmmm...........

Look very closely at this vehicle.......................


One very crafty person engineered a homemade "spoiler" on the trunk of this car. The caption on the website I found it on says, "It makes you wonder what goes onto that shelf."

It does make you wonder.....but boy, do they get points for making a person crack up after a long week.

Weekends

Weekends are now very precious. I need to go into the workweek feeling that my weekend lived up to it's potential. This last weekend sure did.

Friday night, Kenny and I went to the first home football game. To see the band, of course. They looked great. I still got nervous when the girls tossed their flags and rifles. I got sad, teary eyed, and a bit wistful when I went over to talk to the girls, but had a whole new kinda fun just being a spectator.......and not wearing a band director shirt with khaki pants......and eating concession stand food.

Saturday: Two faves at Panera first thing in the morning..........Pumpkin Spice Latte (back for the fall, for a limited time) and a spinach artichoke souffle (heavenly). Next, a trip to the Farmer's Market for flowers for the newly renovated kitchen............


Then I just COULD NOT resist buying fresh produce while I was there. Mom's new potatoes and green beans are always so tasty, I thought I'd give it a go!


Later, I shopped for my sister's baby shower and got some mall time in for ME (complete with buyer's remorse.........stupid Express). When Kenny got home, we finally fixed the kitchen outlets.............then I sealed the grout on the backsplash!


Much better!

Now let's get to next weekend..........a THREE day weekend!

The Kitchen

I bought my little fixer upper on purpose, if you're wondering. I wanted a diamond in the rough. The "rough" part being the outdated interior.......wallpaper, fixtures, carpeting, countertops, etc. There are so many projects to choose from in this little diamond, but one that weighed heavily on me was the kitchen.

About a year and a half ago, the kitchen remodel entered "Phase 1." Phase 1 was the flooring. We removed the CARPET in the kitchen and replaced it with TILE. All by ourselves. I was the tiler, Kenny was the grouter and tile cutter. We loved the outcome.

Before...............nasty, gross, indoor/outdoor carpeting...........WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?


After........................So much better!


Our next goal, Phase 2, was to paint the walls and cabinets. Phase two got off to a great start one beautiful weekend 6 months ago. Phase 2 is incomplete. Back to Phase 2 later.

The time had come for Phase 3. Phase 3 could be completed without Phase 2 being finished. So, with the money saved up, and everything picked out, this last weekend, the kitchen got an overhaul! Old laminate was ripped out, and all new was going in. Up til this point, Kenny and I (with help from mom and dad) had done all the work ourselves. But NONE of us had any experience with countertops, so we left it to the professionals: new counters, new tile backsplash, and new hood/cooktop.

Before...................Circa 1967 laminate


After...............Beautiful Wilson Art HD counters and tile backsplash...........


Look how well my counter and floor match.............I found the tile and counter myself............I'm very proud.


We are thrilled with the outcome. Our diamond is polishing up nicely. Slowly, but surely.

Locked Out

Yesterday afternoon, I locked myself out of my house.

It's surprisingly easy to do.

I never panicked. I did pace the yard for about ten minutes trying to decide what to do. Should I sit around for 2 hours waiting for Kenny to get off work? Or should I approach a neighbor to borrow their phone (to call my mom and dad)???

Waiting around for 2 hours in my backyard had no appeal to it. So to a neighbor's house it was. First, I had to decide which neighbor to approach. I had a few options. Did I go with my neighbor who plays the fiddle in the middle of his driveway (on occasion) and who used to ask me out every time we talked, OOORRRR should I ring the doorbell of an older lady who likes to talk about the other neighbors and who you can't get away from to save your life........who likes to tell me what I'm doing wrong with my current house project or tell me what's wrong with my house. For instance, did I know there was a hole in the floor of my laundry room? Well, no.....but I'm pretty sure there ISN'T a hole in the floor of my laundry room.

I decided I'd go with my older lady friend, but before I walked across the street, I tried one more thing.........sticking my arm into my barely cracked car window to retrieve my garage door opener...........which got me nowhere, of course.

About an hour later, I was happily sitting on my couch, after mom came to rescue me. I am thankful for neighbors who let you borrow their phone, and who are very hospitable while telling you that the first owner of the home put new siding over old, moldy siding. Thank you, neighbor, thank you.

End of Summer

As I left the movie theater today, a panic attack ensued. I found myself short of breath, and my chest felt heavy. I felt like my throat was closing in! I think I was hyperventilating.

Why?

Work!

Meetings begin tomorrow. Students arrive a week from today.

Today marked the end of freedom.

But I couldn't have had a better summer....................

• Got married
• Had a Hawaiian honeymoon
• Went on a camping/float trip
  
• Got a pedicure with sissy and friends
• Watched a matinee at the movie theater
• Had lunch out more than once
• Enjoyed lake time with knee boarding, tubing, and laying on a raft
• Got to babysit my nephew
• Had lots of pool time
• Went to the farmers market and got bouquets
  
• Spent sissy's birthday with mom, sissy, and Alex......shopping and lunch
• Was in a photo shoot at the Ozark Empire Fair in my wedding dress
  
• Had an hour massage
• Went to visit Grampy
• Visited favorite antique shops

It was so good, I'm not ready for it to end. I'm still sad, but my toes look good.


I've gotta get my head in the game!

Should I already be thinking about and hoping for snow days?

Buying & Selling

While preparing for the garage sale, I came across a few items I really didn't want, but knew they wouldn't bring the right price at a garage sale. That's when I decided I needed to try the Ebay thing. I decided to list some Home Interior candles (something I seem to hoard) that I had an abundance of. They sold, but my shipping estimate was WAY OFF. I made exactly $1.70 after my shipping calculation mishap.

For about an hour, I stewed and fumed and complained (to and at myself......it was my fault after all). Then I thought, "I can' t give up that easily! Give it another shot!"

So I did! I decided to list two separate auctions, really researching shipping this time. As the bids came in, I got more and more excited! The prices kept getting higher and higher! One exceeded my expectations, and the other didn't do too bad either! ANNNNDDD I'm happy to report that after shipping both items yesterday, I was right on the money with my shipping estimates!!!

So what did I sell?

Up for auction first, we have SEVEN vintage embroidered day of the week towels on old feedsack material. These babies were a HOT item! After 11 bids, the final total came to $41.00! YEEEEEHAW!!!!!!!!!


Second, I had SIX vintage tablecloths in an array of colors and designs. After 20 bids, the final total was $24.50. Not too bad!


And while SELLING on Ebay is getting a bit addictive, so is BUYING. Doesn't that cancel out making money? Nevermind! Who CARES!!!

The latest obsession?? Vintage watering cans............


I'm up to SEVEN of them, but I've decided, you can never have enough watering cans.

Well, that's not what Kenny thinks......

Third Annual Garage Sale

An event I look forward to every summer is the annual garage sale at Whit's house. How is it that from year to year, we can fill a driveway with stuff to get rid of?

Last year, we had plenty of time for some fun. This year, after listing the sale on Craigslist, we did NOT have time to do anything silly, which was fine, because we made the BUCKS.

The first thing to sell was my infamous sign. This special sign did not sell last year. But after listing a picture of it along with our ad on Craigslist, my high priced vintage sign was vindicated. No more mocking the sign. It sold for $45.00.


The new elephant in the driveway became my chaise lounge.


It was priced pretty high, due to sentimental value and an original price that was pretty hefty. But when you have three sofas in a house with two living areas, and one sofa is very impractical, you have to make sacrifices.

Day one went by with a few askers but no takers. But then day two came, my price dropped, and my beloved chaise was hauled away. I took a moment with my sofa......had our final words.......


And then it was gone.

It did make me sad. We'd been together for over ten years. I had wanted that sofa so badly when I worked at JCPenney. I'd walk by it daily. And one day, finally, it was mine.

There's a little hole in my heart now, but as the days go by, it'll heal and the pain will go away.

Goodbye, sweet sofa, goodbye.

Back to the Grind...

Well, sort of. We still have about two weeks of summer vacation left, but with the end of summer comes putting the classroom back together. This usually takes two to three days, depending on how much socializing you do. It's always fun to see coworkers after months of being away, so socializing usually wins out. But once you've caught up, you just can't ignore the piles of books NOT on the bookshelves..........


So you get motivated, somehow, whether it's through Sonic Cranberry Limeade or Dairy Queen Blizzard runs, you find it in yourself to accomplish something.......


Strategic placement of Curious George stuff takes longer than you think! It's an art form!

Only a day or two left to whip this room into shape!

The End of Freedom ~ 2nd Edition

Only three weeks left of summer vacation and then??? The End of Freedom. The summer is closing in on me, and the feeling I get is of complete panic. Have I accomplished enough? Have I had enough fun and relaxation? Have I made the most of my freedom? I remember feeling this way last year about this time, but this summer has been different from those in the past, for two major reasons..........

NO BAND CAMP: Normally, I'd be in the middle of band camp right now. Slaving and sweating away in the heat out on the football field. I'd also be done putting my classroom back together by now, in order to be done before band camp. Resigning from band was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I cried. A lot. I miss the girls and the band directors. Even though it was hard work, the people made it fun. Some of my girls called yesterday on their lunch break to say they missed me and wanted me back. That made me feel great and sad all at the same time. But I've gained three more weeks of summer, when I'd normally be working. You can't put a price on time.

HAWAIIAN HONEYMOON: I went on a real vacation this year! It feels like it was yesterday that I was on the sandy beaches of Waikiki. Having a real getaway really makes your summer feel complete. I haven't experienced that for years.

So even though the panic won't cease, I think I HAVE accomplished enough, relaxed enough, and had lots of fun. Let's see, I did get married and go on a honeymoon. I did go on a fantastical float trip with great people. I have cleaned the house and moved things to a storage unit. I have priced garage sale stuff. The kitchen will have new countertops and a tile backsplash by the end of August. All of that adds up to an accomplished time off.

Now for the next three weeks, I need to make the most of the days left. I still have to finish my classroom, but that can wait. Here's what I should focus on:

• Sleeping in (at least until 7:30 am)
• Swimming, swimming, swimming (without band, my tan isn't up to par)
  
• Getting a pedicure
• Getting a massage
• Taking naps
• Enjoying lazy summer evenings, especially with these temps lately
  
• Seeing family as much as possible
  
• Finishing the kitchen
• Going on long walks
  
• Hitting up the farmer's market
  

Let the rest of my summer begin, but not go by too quickly.

The Coverup

People who know me well, know that placement and order - in the home or in my classroom - are very important. Some might even say I'm a bit obsessive compulsive about that. Whatever! I have my quirks. SO WHAT!!!!

Anyway, when the Direct TV guy came to install our cable, it would challenge my sanity in the most incredible way.....

Placement of the dish on the house was first. Luckily, I approved of his "behind the chimney on the back of the house" placement. It's barely visible from the front of the house. This was going better than I expected.

But wait......it was time to mount the cables to the exterior of the house............


And then a panic attack ensued. I could NOT live with this. The only GOOD thing about it was that it was on the back of the house. But it was right on the patio! WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO??

I ended up leaving immediately to visit Leola's - my favorite antique shop - and I found this vintage plant stand.

Nothing a little fern couldn't fix!