PLUM STREET SAMPLERS

My Breanna.

Nineteen years old! That seems so much bigger than 18... and 20 seems unthinkable, so we won't go there just yet. A few days ago we celebrated my oldest daughter's birthday at Red Lobster, and we all had a very nice time...

 

 

(Okay, let me interrupt here. How is it that every time there is a camera out, Mike manages to get into every single picture? I try and try to take "candid" shots, but as soon as Mike sees anything with "Canon" or "Sony" or "Nikon" stamped on it, he gleefully smiles and says out of the side of his mouth, "Oh goody! Another photo-opp!"  That first picture of Brea at the top? Yep, he came across the table  to get in that one. Whose birthday is it again?)

 

Our server, Kyle, was a really fun guy. When he came to take up our menus, Brea forgot to give hers to him, so he teased her about trying to steal the menu for her secret menu collection she probably has at home. She played along and pretended that yes, she was in fact trying to steal the menu... but later on, Kyle brought out the entire wait staff to present her with a menu signed by everyone working, as well as to sing her the Birthday Song. She was quite embarrassed, but it was so much fun!

 

 

It was especially funny that one of the employees included his phone number with his name! (Kyle was mortified at this, and apologized profusely for the offender... but we all thought is was quite hilarious.)

Back at home, Brea opened her presents and then we had cheesecake for dessert. :)

 

I love this picture of Frieda... she told me, "You know, Paulette. I remember walking into the hospital when Breanna was just born, and she was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen. And there you sat, with glasses on that were as big as your face." Gee, thanks, Frieda. Here I thought you were going to say something sweet, like "...and there you sat, looking like a beautiful new mother."  (Okay, I admit that my glasses were as large as my face and as thick as Mike's head, but I left that hospital in the same pair of jeans I wore pre-pregnancy. So there.)

 

Ah, sisters.

 

Come on, Sabrina. I know you're bummed bc she's back from college and all, which means that your wardrobe is now limited to what belongs to just YOU for the next few weeks, but at least pretend you're happy? There, that's better. :)

 

It was a really nice night, and yesterday when Brea and I went to Olive Garden (goodness, out to eat twice in one week!) for lunch, I ordered their Celebration Cake (my favorite!) and the server brought it out with a candle on top, just for fun. She had no idea that it had been Breanna's birthday only a couple of days ago, and that's when I realized that my little girl hadn't even gotten to blow out any candles this year!!! What was I thinking????? I think I'll call Social Services on myself. 

 

Anyway, I'm so happy the server had the good humor to light a candle for the dessert.

 

Happy, Happy Birthday, my girl. I love you with all my heart. Now give me back my cake. 

The Bane of My Existence

Remember these sweet newcomers to the House of Stewart? My mother in-law's dogs, Tasha and Missy:

 

 

Yeah, I'm not such a fan of them any more. 

The front door, after we have stepped outside to check the mail:

 

The back door, when we try to have them go potty without us being out there to accompany them.

 

The garage door, when we've tried to leave the house without them:

 

And the insane screeching and barking and snarling that little Missy does whenever the dreaded doorbell sounds or someone tries to knock quietly is absolutely out of this world. And not in a good way. I've resorted to this:

 

Whatever happened to the peaceful days of being a one-dog family? My Friday-boy is big and clumsy and always hungry, but he's soooo quiet and sweet. His dog piles are always the size of a school bus, but I don't care. At least they're outside.

 

I believe the Christmas menu this year will include Honey Baked Yorkie and Chin Flambé.

Doctor, Doctor

Frieda has once again been admitted to the hospital bc her kidneys aren't doing very well. She may be released and coming back home tomorrow, so she's not tooo ornery about it. I have warned the nurses to stand back, however, if the doctor tells her she has to stay for longer than expected. 

This was my breakfast at the hospital yesterday, and I have to say it was pretty darn good!

 

(It's amazing moments like these that you need a camera in your purse.) 

The day before her check-in, I had taken her running around to a few places after her regular morning visit to Nurse Carla. She decided she wanted to go to a store that sold cards, so she could get a birthday card for Breanna, who will be turning 19 next week. :)

So I took her to Walgreens, both to pick up her prescriptions and to get a birthday card. When we got there, she didn't feel like getting out in the cold, so asked me to pick out a good one for her. I did, and headed back out to the car to find her snoozing away.

On our way home, the roads were very slippery from the ice, and I almost rear-ended someone at an intersection. We had just about made it home when dear Frieda announced, "Paulette, you know what I want?" (This question never fails to frighten me when she asks it.)

I answer: "What would you like, Frieda?"

Frieda: "I would like a piece of cake."

I answer: "Oh really? Like, a piece from one that I bake or a piece of cake from a store-bought cake?"

Frieda: "What? I just want a piece of cake."

I answer: "Would you like me to bake you a cake or would you like me to buy you a cake?"

Frieda: "I just want a piece of cake - and some whipping cream!"

I answer: "Okayy... you mean a piece of cake with whipped frosting or--"

Frieda: "YES!"

I answer: "Okay. How about if I turn the car around and go to the grocery store and buy you a cake with whipped frosting on it?"

Frieda: "YES!"

I answer: (sighhhh. I turn the car around as soon as I can, trying to avoid sliding off the street.)

On our way to the grocery store to buy birthday cake with whipped frosting (I couldn't think of any other type of pre-made cake with whipped frosting to buy... and have I mentioned how much I dislike whipped frosting?), I took the easiest way possible, which still wasn't easy enough, bc we were still fishtailing a bit. 

Frieda: "You just had to take these fancy roads." 

I answer: (stare straight ahead, Paulette... just stare straight ahead and don't say a word.)

We finally get to the store and she tells me to go pick out a good one for her. I did, and managed to make it back to the car without breaking my neck from a fall.

 

(By the way, I think I could have written this better myself.)

When I was checking out, the clerk asked me, "Is someone having a birthday?"

I answer: "No, but when you're 81 years old, you get cake when you want cake."

Maybe I'm the one who should be seeing a doctor.

A Quiet Morning

I woke up on Sunday morning to a quiet house for a change.. perhaps it was because I got up earlier than usual, or maybe the crazy week of snow had given everyone the snoozies so that they'd sleep in later. Either way though, it gave me a chance to just relish the silence.

 

 

 

I think I sat on the couch doing nothing for close to an hour. :)

The next thing I knew, the sun had come up and still  not a creature was stirring. So I decided to make some French Breakfast Puffs - something my mom made when I was growing up. When I was first married almost 20 years ago, I asked her for the recipe, and I still have the piece of paper she wrote it on..

 

(I've always loved her handwriting.)

 

These are a popular muffin to make, and I've heard them called different things. Some people roll the entire muffin in melted butter and then cinnamon and sugar, but I usually just do the tops. (If you roll the whole thing though, it is quite tasty!)

If you've never tried making these, you really should! Everyone will love them! But in my opinion, they're best served warm, with butter. We usually snack on them all day, so once they've cooled off I just put one (or two) on a plate, slice it in half, slide a pat of butter bw the halves, and microwave it for 15 seconds. Mm-mmm!

FRENCH BREAKFAST PUFFS

1 c. sugar
2/3 c. butter
2 eggs
3 c. all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 c. milk
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

In large mixing bowl, cream together sugar, butter, egg.

In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.

Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.

Spoon into greased muffin pan about 2/3 full.

Bake in pre-heated 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

In small saucepan, melt butter.

Combine 1/2 c. sugar and cinnamon in saucer.

Remove muffins from oven; immediately dip tops in melted butter, then in cinnamon/sugar mixture.

Serve warm! (can be baked and frozen for another day!)

 

And so the noise begins... 

Christmas Joy!

I hope you're enjoying the season of our Savior's birth. Here's a free pattern for you, and Merry Christmas! 

Don't click on the image to download, bc it won't print properly! Instead, click here: Download Christmas 2009 free pattern

 

Matthew 2:10: "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (KJV)

Friend Benefits

Sabrina had one of her good friends (who shall remain nameless for now) over recently, and we all enjoyed his company. From Guitar Hero to Pictionary, he's always up for anything! And Sophie likes him bc he always lets her have her way. Sometimes, however, he leaves her a little stumped when she's trying to pull those little-sister stunts that embarrass Sabrina...

Sophie to Sabrina: "Hey Sabrina, is that acne on your face?"

Sabrina: "Shut up, Sophie."

Sophie: "Sabrina has acne, Sabrina has acne!"

Sabrina's Friend: "I do too!! Everywhere!"

Sophie: (silence and quizzical look.)

Sabrina: (laughter)

  

 

 

 

Conversing with him was quite interesting.. I found that he not only enjoys being a high-energy goofball, but can settle down and speak passionately about the important things...

Me: "So, do you enjoy working at the pizzeria?"

Sabrina's Friend: "Oh yes, it's fantastic! And the benefits are awesome!"

Me: "Really? Wow, benefits for part-timers?"

Sabrina's Friend: "Yeah, it's great!"

Me: "What sorts of benefits do they offer? Insurance? 401K?"

Sabrina's Friend: "No, no.. nothing like that. I'm talking discounted pizza!!!"

Me: (silence and quizzical look)

Me again: "Wow, that is better."

 

Crazy kids.

Stitching? What Stitching?

My stitching time is next to nothing these days, which also means that my designing time is gone as well. So it makes me happy when you send me pictures of some of your finishes, so that I can remember that I did, in fact, used to try my hand at designing!

This is the Bok bok freebie I posted a few weeks ago, from Michele; she says she "messed up" the colors, but I think it looks great! Besides, I have no idea what she's talking about!

This one is from Sara in Italy.. I love how rich her colors turned out!

 

This Bok-bok is from Bonnie in MA.. she did an awesome job of finishing it, as she always does... love the cornstalk, Bonnie!

 

Here is Cathi's "My Pretties" finish.. she mounted it to a black box with a handpainted pumpkin in the bottom!

 

And lastly, here is Carin's (from the Netherlands) "Halloween Hornbook Sampler" finish... she did a wonderful job on it! Great stitching, Carin, and I love the fabric you chose! Carin is the one who pointed out to me the missing symbols on this chart. The square with the basket of apples in it is supposed to be stitched just as you see it here; but the chart is missing the symbols for the black spaces on the basket. I've corrected it, but there are some of you out there with the original chart, so take a look at the cover photo when you're stitching yours! (I had stitched the black spots in the basket after I'd finished charting out the design bc I felt that square needed some black for depth; however, I forgot to return to the pattern and make the adjustments on paper!)

 

Again, thank you all for sharing your finishes with me. One of these days, if my needles haven't all rusted and the fibers in them faded, I may get to join you and finish at least something. Mom's Christmas present won't be a big deal, bc that has all of 9 stitches in it, and it's done on 7 ct. I could have that done by noon tomorrow, I'm sure. ;)

Fail-Proof.

You know, some things just put me in a really good mood, despite any troubles I may have. People complain all the time about how cold the weather is, but to put it in Mike's words: it makes me feel alive.  

After a grocery-shopping trip this morning, I decided to make the detour to my favorite spot - Starbucks - and instead of driving through, I parked the car and walked in the blustery cold to go inside; the atmosphere, the music, all the customers who are pretending they're hip city-folk - I just love it all!

On the way home, I realized I had a smile on my face. It turns out I was once again enjoying some of my favorite things of the season, and all at the same time: 

1. I was holding my beverage of choice for this chilly, winter-storm-warning Sunday: a tall Peppermint Mocha...

 

2. I was wearing my favorite pair of gloves, purchased from a lady with a strong New-York accent in a little shop in Breckenridge, when Sabrina and I decided to go shopping instead of skiing last year...

 

3. I was listening to my Louis Armstrong Christmas cd, which is fantastic! New Orleans jazz always gives me the wiggles when I'm driving...

 

4. The car was nice and warm, and the gas tank was almost full: definite must-haves when the weather is threatening...

 

5. I was breathing in the aroma of the new bag of beans I'd just purchased...

 

6. And I was trying not to be distracted with my cute little rear-view-mirror dangly, which is actually one of the 2009 Christmas ornaments from Starbucks this year:

 

Now that I'm home and I've taken a break to share with you some of my personal wonders of the season, I guess I'll go back to my reality of the moment:  putting away all the groceries whilst in the throes of a major caffeine crash, trying not to trip over obnoxious little dogs who are always under foot and telling my husband once again that no, I am not in the mood to play a board game. 

I could use a trip to Starbucks right about now. 

Hot Cocoa Days

Last week Frieda decided she was in the mood for Mimi's Cafe, so after her doctor appointment, we took her. It was a blustery, cold day, and Sophie mentioned that hot chocolate sounded good... so I canceled my coffee order (yes, you read that right!) and ordered a hot chocolate for myself!

Remember this photo, from last year?

 

Here is this year's version:

 

That was such delicious hot cocoa!

 

 

Good call, Frieda. :)

Thanksgiving!

It was a smaller gathering this year at my parents' Thanksgiving table than in years past, since my brother and sister and Jimmy weren't with us this year, but we still had a very enjoyable time. As usual, Mom had everything done beautifully, and this year she served dinner buffet-style so there was none of Mike's usual "Hey, are you done with those potatoes yet?" and "That was MY turkey leg! I called dibs on it before we even got here!"

 

It was so nice having Breanna home from college...

 

If I'd had control of the camera, you'd see lots of pictures of the food, but Mike decided to take the pictures this year. :)

 

My mom, as you can tell from the photo above, will only allow her photo to be taken if she's partially hidden. My dad doesn't ever want to be hidden, although I wish he did sometimes; he rarely smiles for a camera, and prefers instead to look like an escapee from Shutter Island.

 

Oh wait... sorry, Dad. I thought that look was on purpose. oops.

I wonder who took this photo?

 

Here is a picture I posted on my Facebook page, of Sabrina combing through the Black Friday ads. She did, in fact, go shopping the next day, and lived to tell about it.

 

I took the camera from Mike just briefly enough to snap this photo of him and his mom.. I love it.

 

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for a warm, wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. And for sending almost the entire dinner home with us, just so you wouldn't have to clean out all of the bowls and serving platters. Very clever.

I hope your Thanksgiving was a happy one!