Weekend Review

The family had a wonderful weekend! The hubby had Sunday duty so our weekend was Fri-Sat.  Friday we spent at the gym and at home with a trip to the park in the evening.  We started Saturday off with a Children's Christmas party at the air station where Santa was flown in by helicopter!  J and I finished tonight off with some teamwork... a batch of Tosca Reno's Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins.  Can't wait to indulge with my morning coffee!  Have a great week everyone!

 

Q & A Sesh

Some super fun questions I snagged from a fellow redhead's blog: Redhead Memories.  

Enjoy  :)


1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?
Actually, the name I go by is technically a nickname.  "Brandi" is not my real name.  Mysterious, I know  :)

2. What's a weird habit of yours? 
I like to put one foot up on something... like on a Captain Morgan commercial... I seriously will open a lower cupboard to rest one foot on it.  The bend in my knee and hip feels so great.  Try it sometime.  
3. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast & belt out when you're alone?
Lately, anything by Florence and the Machine, but I have always LOVED Evanescence- anything by either of those two.  Frankly though, I'm more of a dancer than a "belter"  
4. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
Oh I have many.  One of the worst is chewing with your mouth open. Gross.
5. What's one of your nervous habits?
clenching my teeth... it seriously makes my jaw tired
6. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
the right, if you're laying down, facing up... yeah, the right side.
7. What was your first stuffed animal & it's name?
Hm... not sure what the first one was, but I have always been in love with my Muffy bear.  All the outfits and accessories!!  
8. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at Starbucks?
black coffee... little calories, no sugar :) 
9. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?
don't shower in super hot water... but I LOVE it!
10. Which way do you face in the shower?
mainly towards the back (away from the water). 
11. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?
years of gymnastics have helped me stay pretty flexible, but that's mainly it.  
12. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?
Mmmm Movie Theater Popcorn!
13. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say? 
"That's AWESOME!!"
14. Time to sleep - what are you wearing?
not answering that  :)

Weekend Re-cap

Here are a few scenes from our weekend.  The weather has been amazing up here on the north coast with blue skies and sunshine.  It's hard to believe it's December!

I went for an amazing ride Sunday afternoon...  the farm roads around here are a great way to clear the head.  

Ah Celebration  :)  Check out The Elf on Shelf hangin' out on the tree in the background.

Merry Christmas  :)

Guess who showed up!!  The Potty Pirate!
J has been really into going potty in the toilet so we're rollin' with it!

November 30th

I am thankful for...

Today

J and I had an amazing day! Running errands all around town with a trip to the Zoo nuzzled right in the middle!  Wednesday is half-price day at The Sequoia Park Zoo and my little guy has been begging to go and ride on the tractor they have in "The Barnyard."  The red panda is adorable as are the Spider Monkeys and the Tamarins! What a gem in the heart of Eureka! We may make this a weekly trip :)  

November 29th

I am thankful for...

Girliness

November 28th

I am thankful for...

His strength

It is unbelievable what children can handle.  I am so thankful for this smile. 

November 27th

I am thankful for...

Early morning Starbucks with J

November 26th

I am thankful for...

Afternoon naps

napping with my buddy

November 25th

I am thankful for...

This photo

November 24th

I am Thankful for...

Thanksgiving Dinner

November 22nd and 23rd

I am Thankful for...

J's super sweet dance moves

and...

Delicious cheeses

Cypress Grove... drool alert!

a yummy Gruyere that's making an appearance in my Sweet Potato and Swiss Chard Gratin

November 21st

I am thankful to be...

living in a truly beautiful place

I took these photos today while J and I strolled down the streets of historical old town Eureka- one of the many amazing places in Humboldt County.

November 20th

I am thankful for...

Rainy day activities!!

Check out the hubby- having just as much fun as the kiddos!

I've gotten tons of new ideas lately for fun projects and activities to do on rainy days up here in rain-country! This one is super easy and came from HERE

November 19th

I am thankful for...

Date Night!

I kinda like how date nights are extra special now that they are a rarity... We got dressed up and excited for an adult night out.

November 18th

I am thankful for...

Chocolate
After making some delish carmel pretzel bark, I let J enjoy the deliciousness of the used chocolate-covered spatula!

"This is so goooood!"

I couldn't just watch all that yummy chocolate wash off down the drain, could I?!

November 17th

I am Thankful for...

RAIN

The rain is cleansing... cool... and calming.  In a place like Humboldt, the rain makes the majestic scenery even more mysterious and amazing.  I am truly enjoying this day.  An added bonus:  my best friend is currently in the hospital getting ready to have her first beautiful baby!  Although I am far away, she has been on my mind constantly.  Here's to the rain, cleansing and creating new beginnings.  

November 16th

I am thankful for...

Dinner time

I look forward to this special time each day.  So many things happen at the dinner table.  We try new foods, rant and rave about the day, and just have the peace that sitting down to a nice meal brings.

A bonus tonight:  J tried artichoke for the first time and LOVED it!  

November 15th

I am Thankful for...

A great READ!!!

One of those books you think about while making dinner... a story that makes your heart beat faster... you're not sure what's going to happen next... One of THOSE!!!  I am thankful for THOSE!!!

November 13th and 14th

I am Thankful for...

My "little" Brother!!!!

Happy 25th Birthday, Ben! (11/13)

(however, I do not live close enough to snap a pic, so here are two others :))

Our emotional Coonhound/Blue Heeler Mix, Blue

and...

This guy's ENERGY!!!

There are truly so many things to be Thankful for... I am a lucky girl.

November 12

I am Thankful for...

The Beach

Such a gorgeous day today :)

11-11-11

I am Thankful for...

My amazing, hard-working husband.  

Also, on Veteran's day, I think of many friends and family members that serve or have served our country and I hope they know how truly THANKFUL we are to have them in our lives and in our hearts.

Thank you. 

November 9th & 10th

Oops! Skipped another day!!  Here's a double whammy:

I am thankful for...

The Hammond Trail

AND

Children's Art

November 7th & 8th

Oops!  Skipped a day...

I am Thankful for...

The delicious combination of

Coffee and sweet treats

pumpkin coffee cake and a yummy french roast

AND

 A long walk with my son :)

Check out that smile!

November 6th

I am Thankful for...

Sunsets

This evening, the family headed out to see a gorgeous sunset.  We walked just down the street to get a better view.  This was the highlight of my day  :)

November 5th

I am Thankful for...

BOYS!!!

Johnny drew a happy face... I love how the smile is huge and below the head  :)

I grew up with three brothers and LOVED it!  Speaking of brothers, it's my older brother's 30th birthday TODAY! Happy Birthday Josh!

November 4th

I am Thankful for...

These are AMAZING!!!!!

After some fall cleaning I HAD to take this photo... also, in case you were wondering (LOL) my second favorite cleaning supply is Pledge  :)


Of course these photos are in no particular order. :)

November 3rd :)

I am Thankful for...

Adventures

November 2

I am Thankful for...

My parents  :)

Two of the most amazing people on this planet.  I am so lucky to have been brought into the world by these lovebirds.  I am also lucky that, although my father has passed away, I was able to spend years with his smile, his laugh, the way he danced and sang in the morning, and his kindness toward others.  And that woman right there... is the strongest in the world. I love you Mom!  Love you Dad!

Yes, it's a picture of a picture, but it counts!!

A Thankful Journey in Photographs: November 1

I am thankful for...

My Family

They keep me strong and make me want to be a good wife, mother, and person.  They provide love, cuddles, and hours and hours of fun.  Aren't they CUTE!!!!

I love you T and J!!

I am Thankful for...

I've always wanted to do a series of blog entries centered around photography.  I follow other blogs of wonderful people who have displayed tremendous talent and I'm very inspired to do my own collection of entries centered around the warm, loving feelings that Thanksgiving brings.

Beginning tomorrow, I will be taking photographs of the things in my life I am thankful for.  It's a reminder for me, that I am a lucky girl, and it brings to light the things that drive me each day.

Happy day everyone!