The Glamorous Life of a Day Laborer

Mike and I set the nearly impossible goal of finishing our backyard by Thanksgiving. I'm not sure what we were thinking.

We have tons (literally) of dirt and gravel being delivered tomorrow.

So I have been digging. And raking. And installing bender board edging for the past three days straight.

My body hurts.

But I think our yard is going to look fabulous!

She's one.

I don't know what we would do without this little person in our family.
We love her almost as much as she loves that bear.

See what Stella does while I'm in primary here.

A Good Excuse

Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt in Mesa
is donating a generous percentage of their sales to the Nie Nie Fund today.

So go get some yogurt.
I know I will.

Golden Spoon is located at Stapley & McKellips.
They're open til 10pm.

Sometimes Mike goes to work late.

We love those mornings.

Almost.

Recipe of the Week

Pumpkin Waffles
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
cooking spray

1. Combine flour and next four ingredients (flour through cloves) in a large bowl. Make a well in center of mixture. Combine milk and next four ingredients (milk through egg) in a bowl. Add to flour mixture. Stir just until moist.

2. Coat a warm waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour batter onto iron and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.

Serve with maple syrup. (and/or whipped cream)

from Cooking Light, I think. I've had this recipe for years in my pumpkin recipe stash and had never tried it til now.

We had these for dinner the other night. My kids (and I) loved them. Think pumpkin bread in waffle form. I would definitely make them again, but maybe not for dinner. They were delicious.

Inspiration

I just ordered these numbers.
Aren't they fabulous?

I think I am going to try to make something like this and this with them.
I have wanted an advent calendar for a while now and the ideas are swimming in my head.

Now, if only I could get to the craft store without my kids I might be in business.

It's time for a book report.

It's been a while since my last review, but here are some of the books I've read lately (just in time for cozy evenings spent curled up with a book):

Lonesome Dove, by Larry McMurtry
5 (out of 5) stars
This is a classic western novel. I think I caught the western bug from These is My Words and Lonesome Dove did not disappoint. It is so well written.
I loved it.

Peony in Love, by Lisa See
1 star
This book follows Peony, a young woman in 17th century China, into the afterworld. I had hoped it would be as good as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but I was really disappointed. It was hard to finish.
I hated it.

Portrait of an Unknown Woman, by Vanora Bennett
3 stars
This book takes place in 16th century England and is about an adopted daughter of Thomas More. It also slightly touches on Hans Holbein and two portraits he painted of the More family. It was kind of boring.
I thought it was just ok.

The Welsh Girl, by Peter Ho Davies
4 stars
Set in North Wales, just after D-Day, this book tells the story of a young Welsh girl and a German POW. It was good, but I wish it had been a bit more romantic.
I liked it.

The Thirteenth Tale, by Dianne Setterfield
4 stars
This book has a ghost, a gothic english home destroyed by a tragic fire, and a surprise ending. If you like mysteries, this is a good one.
I liked it.

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, by Laurie Viera Rigler
4 stars
This is a light, quick read. It is about a self-confessed Jane Austen addict who wakes up in Jane Austen's time. It is fun.
I liked it.

Green Darkness, by Anya Seton
5 stars
Anya Seton is one of my favorite authors and this is the kind of book that you never want to end. I think it is even better than Katherine. It takes place in 1968 and Tudor England, following a young woman who travels back in time to relive her past life.
I don't believe in reincarnation, but I really loved it.


How about you? Have you read any good books lately?

Life goes on.

They're busy people.

As I was watching Barack Obama's acceptance speech tonight, I was surprised by an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Not that he was elected, because he was definitely not my candidate of choice, but because no matter who our next president is, I have a good life.

So, I am going to keep on loving my husband and being crazy about my kids.
I am going to plan for our future and hope for the best.
I am going to open my windows and let the cool air in (finally!).
I am going to keep on being happy.

I am lucky.

p.s. Even though my presidential candidate did not win, my father-in-law did!
He is the newest member of the Arizona House of Representatives.
Congratulations, Steve!

p.p.s. Happy Birthday to the best little sister on the planet.
Barack might talk about change, but Julianne is actually changing this world for good right now.
I am so proud to be her sister.
She is one of the people I admire most in this life.
I hope you have a great day, Jooj!
I love you.