7 Quick Takes Feast of St. Andrew

 

1.

"Dad made the Drudge Report," said the text from my oldest baby brother.  By the time, I found the skewer to pry open my laptop and convinced the squirrels to run fast enough to reach interweb speed, I missed it.  Or I couldn't find it or something.

But on Twitter, I found another Catholic blogger had already written all about it the victorious step in my dad's lawsuit against the HHS mandate.  

I found it very interesting that one of my 100+ cousins had made this her Facebook status that day:

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still."
Exodus 14:14

Hold still, Dad. 

2.

Jesse Tree Swap Update: 

Again?  I know, I know.  It's almost over.

Yesterday, I dropped of 23 boxes at USPS each containing 30 ornaments.  The other 2 ornaments will be arriving shortly, and I have been assured that I can mail these to you in envelopes.

I did not use those gallon size baggies, I realized when I woke up in a cold sweat this morning.  Some of the ornaments are quite small, so PLEASE count out your 30 ornaments before you throw away any packing material.

Bad news:  You won't get your boxes until Monday. Cassandra and the folks in Canada will have to be patient even longer.

Good news:  We were able to use medium flat rate boxes, so you are getting $4 in cash in your box too!  Again, please do not throw away any crumpled newspaper or plastic grocery bags that were used as filler until you find your ornaments and your cash.

3.

I did not print out handouts with the verses, symbols, etc.  slacker.  Rather, I will email the document to you and you can print it up, or not. 

4.

What's with everyone having their homes all decorated, trees lit and everything and it's not even Advent?

The Christmas season doesn't even start until December 24th!

How can you prepare if you have nothing left to prepare?

I just don't get it.  I put away my autumnal leaf and ceramic pumpkins today, because November is over.  But our tree won't be going up for a few weeks, and it will stay up through the Octave of Christmas, at least until the Epiphany has come and gone.

I know some folks keep their Christmas decor up until Candlemas which is February 2nd, but I can't keep a tree alive that long.

5.

Just when you've picked up your rink liner from Wisconsin, you get temps in the 50s.  Freezing temps will come.  They always do.

6.

Doing gift exchanges with friends, co-workers, or relatives?  I highly recommend Elfster.  The website does the draw, keeps it anonymous, and you can keep spouses from getting each other.  This is our second year using Elfster, and I was able to click a box that ensures nobody gets the person they had last year.   

Also, you can make a wishlist and link to items you want, or ask your gift recipient anonymous questions...which can be a lot of fun.

Yes, I ripped this take off my sister's blog.

7.

I heard a lot about this show, but no one mentioned it's set in modern times!  They look like an elf and a hobbit.

I've had so many firsts this week.  My first Bond movie (B+), my first Sherlock episodes (A+), my first Doctor Who episodes (?).  I'm not sure I started in the right place with the Doctor.  I went to Netflix and put on Episode 1 of Season 1, Rose, 2005, Christopher Eccleston.  Did I make an error?  When did David Tennant take over?  What do I do now?  What is that funny black line next to the image below?

Enough trivial drivel.  

Go see Jen for something meatier.

 

Have a blessed Advent!

Seven Quick Takes

1.

Gratuitous make up take.  Move along boys, move along.

But for you ladies, I read Hallie Lord's link up post here, in which she refers to an edifying list of reviewed BB creams here.  Honestly, I had never heard of BB creams.  But I read the list, and on my next sojourn to Warmalt, I picked up this little game changer.

And I experimented.  This stuff comes out white and grainy, but when you rub it on your face the little color beads burst and turn into regular smooth skin colored cream.  I didn't believe it either, but it does!  

My favorite part about the L'oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream is that it is Matte finish.  I don't know about you, but when a cosmetologist tells me a product leaves a "dewy finish," I translate that as "oily, sweaty, high shine"  because my face generates enough "dew" on its own.  Thankyouverymuch.

I rarely use grocery store products, because I hate makeup that smells, and I hate buying something that I can't test first.  Let's face it, grocery store testers are gross, if they haven't walked off already.  But at under $10, this product was something I will recommend.

2.

Have you heard about my Jesse Tree Ornament Swap?  

It's incredible how many timely, organized, creative people have already sent or brought or completed their ornaments.  

Samuel, Moses, and Adam showed up yesterday.  Aren't they lovely?

I am not one of those people.

C'mon.  I'm doing my Friday QT's on Saturday, so I'm running a bit behind.  

3.

Trying to write these Quick Takes, quickly.  Last night, after a Mexican dinner in honor of the Feast of Blessed Miguel Pro, we did NOT watch For the Greater Glory, but instead watched The Amazing Spider-man.   Naturally.

Everybody liked it!  It's quite good.  And very family friendly.  Check it out.

For the Greater Glory is very good too, but also very violent.  Definitely not for the little ones. 

4.

I am an avid movie-goer-watcher-lover.  The Chef...not so much.  I'm trying to get him to take me to the theater tonight to see Argo or Lincoln or Wreck-It Ralph.  What do you recommend?

5.

Did you read Grace's quick takes?  

Nashville.  We are loving it.  Big time Connie Briton fans, Nashville fans, country music fans.  And we are enjoying the show too.  But yes, there should be more music, less politics.

6.

Speaking of Grace...did you hear I won a giveaway?  I won $50 to Modern Furniture Warehouse and was planning to buy this wreath. 

But, alas, they were out of stock, and I do believe I might be able to find something similar for a wee bit less than the $217 plus change they charge.

I did get to upgrade our mailbox though.  Look at this beautiful copper creation!

Will it turn that beautiful greenish/aqua patina with age?  I certainly hope so.  It's classy, and classic, and reminds me of Lyle Novinski's hand pierced copper lanterns that surround the Church of the Incarnation at the University of Dallas.  Oh, how I love that holy space.

7.

The Chef and I are in discussions about a tentative family voyage to South Dakota.  Why South Dakota?  Because Edmund had a Social Studies test that included Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.  Yes, I realize that there will be many more Social Studies test, but somehow the Mesabi Range of Minnesota, the nation's source for iron ore, didn't strike a chord with me the same way.  

We've often talked about a "big trip out West someday," and now faced with the idea that our chicks will leave the nest for college and adulthood in the next few (1.5) years, we better get a move on.

The Chef wants to include mountain, Tetons, I think he said.  I want to include Wall Drug and outlet malls.  So pour forth your Western wisdom.  We are total greenhorns about this part of the world.

Go see Jen and co. for yesterday's quick takes.

Jesse Tree Ornament Swap Update

Baby Jesus and Ruth

Kathy and Lena are finished, signed, sealed, and delivered.  Aren't these lovely?  Just what I hoped for. 

I've had a few people back out, but luckily, had a few more willing souls. 

Isn't this "Elizabeth" precious?  I just love her.  You can read all about how Charlotte made her here.

I did get contact info for everyone on my list last Friday.  Hallelujah!

I am really enjoying all my new friends.  I couldn't do it alone.  Thank you! 
Here is the assignment list in all of its glory:

 1. Jesse Tree or Stump 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Amanda

2.  Adam (sun or earth) Genesis 1:24-28 Karen

3.  Eve (Apple and Snake) Genesis 3: 1-24 Blair

4.  Noah (ark or rainbow) Genesis 6:11-22, 8:6-12  Elizabeth C.

5.  Abraham and Sarah (tent) Genesis 12:1-7, 13:2-18  Ingrid

6. Isaac and Rebecca (ram or lamb or silver pitcher or bundle of wood or altar) Genesis 22:1-14  Mary

7.  Jacob and Rachel (ladder) Genesis 27:41 and 28:22  Cal Fan

8.  Prophecy of Isaiah (one of these names: "And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace", or  throne of David) Isaiah 9:2-7  Jessica

9.  Joseph (many colored coat) Genesis 37:1-36  Anne H.

10.  Moses (tablets of commandments or burning bush or baby in basket) Exodus 20:1-17  Emily B.

11.  Aaron  (rod and serpent or blessing hand) Numbers 6:22-27 Cassandra
 

12.  Samuel (lamp) 1 Samuel 3: 1-21  E. Simmons

13.  David (harp or slingshot) 1 Samuel 16:14-23  Mary Kate D.

14.  Psalm 23:  Good Shepherd (shepherd's crook)  Kerri

15.  Solomon (crown) 1 Kings 3:3-28  Kris M.

16.  Elijah (raven or manna or chariot of fire) 1 Kings 17:1-16 Or choose Joshua or Ruth, but give me a chapter and verse for the handout.  Lena - Ruth

17.  Elisha (dove) 2 Kings 5: 1-27  Or choose Judith or Jonah, but give me a chapter and verse for the handout. taken by So Many Things to Love

18.  Isaiah (scroll, live coal and tongs, anvil and sword, sword and plowshare) Isaiah 6:1-8  Lisa G.

19.  Jeremiah (book of law) Jeremiah 31:31-34 or choose Samson or Daniel, but give me a Bible chapter and verse for the handout.  Angi

20.  Nehemiah  (city of Jerusalem or brick wall) Nehemiah 13:10-22 Michelle

21.  Angel Hebrews1:1-14  Cheryl C.

22.  Zechariah (ark of covenant, or tablet and pencil or chalk, or thurible of incense) Luke 1:5-25  Angela

23.  Mary (heart or lily or any Mary image or symbol) Luke 1:26-38 Dwija

24.  Elizabeth (mother and child or visitation scene) Luke 1: 39-56 Charlotte

25.  John the Baptist (scallop shell with water, river)Luke 1:57-80 Cari D.

26.  Joseph (tools) Matthew 1: 18-2:1  Josee

27. Magi (three crowns, camels, or Bethlehem star)Matthew2:1-12 Rose D.

28. Baby Jesus (or Chi Ro) Luke 2:1-20 Kathy A.

29.  Samson  Kelly C.

30.  Joshua  Becky

31.  Judith or Jonah Lauren

32.  Daniel  Lenetta   

Seven Quick Takes

1.

Who knew finding 27+ people nuts enough to make dozens of ornaments in the next two weeks would be so easy?

Who knew that internet friends are the best?  Giving up their first pick when someone else wants it, giving up their slot when they see someone on the waiting list, giving great advice about shipping from home, priority flat rate boxes, and safe hot glue-gun usage.

Who knew that some of the great people who signed up would be so hard to track down?  Please share your contact info on your blog or at least your user profile.  I have several peeps for whom I can't find email addresses.

So if your name is on the list, please contact me asap to confirm that you're in, what ornament your assigned, and to give me your contact info.  My email is housewifespice*at*comcast*dot*net .

Karen @ A Servant’s Memories
Blair @ Blair’s Blessings
Kerri
So Many Things to Love
Michelle @ Liturgical Time
Becky @ Sebastian
Lauren @ Knit In My Womb
Lenetta @ Nettacow
Edited Saturday, November 17 at 12:06pm.  Kerri and So Many Things to Love, please confirm via email.  Thanks to all!

2.

 

After 90+ days, see the finished upstairs bathroom!

This is the shower in a closet.  What?  Everybody doesn't have one?

Why didn't I turn on the lights?  Or use a flash?

Behind these doors lies a world of clutter.

3.

My mother-in-law watches Edmund and Baby J for a total of nearly 45 minutes every Thursday afternoon, while I take Lucy to her voice lesson.  (Girl's got pipes.)  It's always interesting to get someone else's perception of your child.  Inevitably, when Nana is around Baby J, she uses words like "busy," "intense,"  and "wild" to describe her.

So maybe when I compare Baby J to this character from Bridge on the River Kwai, I might not be exaggerating.  That much.

Baby J is Col. Saito, and that makes me Alec Guinness.

Just as I typed this, she forced the Chef to surrender his leather armchair to her.

Last night during dinner, I heard the Chef say, "Don't threaten me with broccoli," as J used a new word for the very first time, "fwo."

She refuses the highchair.  She can climb in and out of it at will anyway.

She forces me to get her specific food items, without really having the vocabulary to explain her needs, and if I get her the wrong thing, she throws it.  I have prepared food for her, only to have her spit it out and force me to surrender my own meals.

Last night, I experimented with her techniques, I hollered "wa-wa" at Peter who had failed to set water glasses when he set the table last night.  He was not amused.

She's got a lot of personality.  Some might say she has extra personalities.

4.

She ADORES this movie though.  She gets very excited and jumps off the sofa to point to the tv and say "Rwarrh!"  or "Peeta!"  

She's actually been yelling "Peeta!" for weeks now.  Aside from thinking it translated as "pizza" or assuming she was taking sides against Gale in The Hunger Games, I had no clue as to why several times a day she would inadvertently yell, "Peeta!"  Or sometimes, "Peeta!  Peeta! Peeta!"

But when we put on this dvd, we all knew.  She means "cheetah!"  Well, at least sometimes.

5.

I won't be able to participate in the Office Space Tweet-a-thon, but that's no reason why you can't.  

I have to fill out TPS reports. 

6.

 

If you're making your Thanksgiving dinner, let me share with you The Best Holiday Cranberry Relish recipe ever.  Bonus, you can make it now, or tomorrow, or as late as Monday, because it chills for four days!

I found this New England Cranberry Relish recipe in the Chicago Tribune over a decade ago.

Wonderful Fact Number One: You don't have to cook anything.

Wonderful Fact Number Two: This recipe can be made up to 3 weeks ahead! If you can keep from eating it for 3 weeks. Ideally, it's supposed to be made at least 4 days in advance. But we had it on Thanksgiving once and don't tell anyone, but I only made it 3 days in advance. Actually, I didn't make it, my 12 year old did. Even better.

Wonderful Fact Number Three: My dear friend, Rose makes this every year and calls me on that day.

New England Cranberry Relish

Prep time: 15 minutes
Yield: 20-24 servings, 4 cups

Serve the relish with poultry, game, pork, ham and lamb. Mix with mayonnaise for a flavorful sandwich spread.

1 bag (12oz) cranberries
1 red apple, cored, cut into 1-inch wedges (We used a granny smith. Shh.)
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup NOT PANCAKE SYRUP.
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup pecans

Put cranberries, apple, sugar, syrup, cinnamon, and cloves in food processor fitted with metal blade. Pulse processor on/off to chop ingredients, stopping every few pulses to avoid over-chopping. The texture should not be too fine. Scatter pecans over mixture; pulse until coarsely chopped. Make at least 4 days ahead. Can be kept up to 2-3 weeks, refrigerated. 

7.

 For the best stuffing, I recommend Cook's Illustrated Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing, also found in the America's Test Kitchen Cookbook.

Did you see what I did there?  I sent you to New England for cranberry relish and then gave you the epitome of Southern Thanksgiving with cornbread.  Geographically diverse and delicious.  

For the best green beans, this Martha Stewart recipe is To.  Die.  For.  Plus, it's healthy and salad-y.  Two birds, one recipe.  Plus, three words:  Deep Fried Shallots.

And for dessert, Pioneer Woman and Bobby Flay had a Throwdown and this Pumpkin Bread Pudding was the star of the show.  

Take it easy and use Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread Mix for the bread pudding.  Hope TJ isn't sold out of pumpkin bread mix yet.  That wouldn't have anything to do with the double digit quantities I purchased.  I learned my lesson last year.

Take it real easy and skip Bobby's Vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise.  I spent $12 on vanilla beans only to ruin that sauce and use real whipped cream instead.  Still Awesome.

Go see Jen for more QTs and have a Fabulous Fanksgiving.

  

Jesse Tree Ornament Swap!!!

I want a Jesse Tree, but I don't want to make 28 different handcrafted ornaments and I don't like the look of those paper print out kind.

So, I was poking around Pinterest and found this article.  This blogger at the Mac and Cheese Chronicles organized a Jesse Tree Ornament Swap.  I just need 27 other people nuts enough to agree to make 28 of one of the symbols/ornaments.  Then you mail me all 28 completed works of art, plus $6-$9 return postage.  I will sort and ship 27 complete sets of Jesse Tree ornaments.   

Yes, she invited her peeps in mid-October, but you all would procrastinate until now anyway.  If you want to play, I will need all of your completed symbols on November 28th, then I can ship them out and hopefully everyone will get their set by November 30th.  That gives you 2 weeks!  Think of Bob the Builder!  You can do it!

I'm getting my symbols from The Jesse Tree:  A Family Craft for Advent by Catherine Fournier that I bought on Amazon.  I know experts CANNOT agree on what symbols go on the Jesse Tree so I went with the verses and symbols in this book, mostly.  I have given a couple of options for the tougher ones.

I've googled and looked up Bible verses and given myself a headache and Baby J four cookies and this is what I've got.  In parentheses are ideas for the symbol.  Choose one, or read the verse and come up with your own.

Please note, we have the potential to have several sheep, candles, stars and doves.  There was another symbol and verse for shepherds, but we already have 28 right here, and a couple of lamb images already.

1. Jesse Tree or Stump 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Amanda

2.  Adam (sun or earth) Genesis 1:24-28 Karen

3.  Eve (Apple and Snake) Genesis 3: 1-24 Blair

4.  Noah (ark or rainbow) Genesis 6:11-22, 8:6-12  Elizabeth C.

5.  Abraham and Sarah (tent) Genesis 12:1-7, 13:2-18  Ingrid

6. Isaac and Rebecca (ram or lamb or silver pitcher or bundle of wood or altar) Genesis 22:1-14  Mary

7.  Jacob and Rachel (ladder) Genesis 27:41 and 28:22  Cal Fan

8.  Prophecy of Isaiah (one of these names: "And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace", or  throne of David) Isaiah 9:2-7  Jessica

9.  Joseph (many colored coat) Genesis 37:1-36  Anne H.

10.  Moses (tablets of commandments or burning bush or baby in basket) Exodus 20:1-17  Emily B.

11.  Aaron  (rod and serpent or blessing hand) Numbers 6:22-27 Cassandra

12.  Samuel (lamp) 1 Samuel 3: 1-21  E. Simmons

13.  David (harp or slingshot) 1 Samuel 16:14-23  Mary Kate D.

14.  Psalm 23:  Good Shepherd (shepherd's crook)  Kerri

15.  Solomon (crown) 1 Kings 3:3-28  Kris M.

16.  Elijah (raven or manna or chariot of fire) 1 Kings 17:1-16 Or choose Joshua or Ruth, but give me a chapter and verse for the handout.  Lena - Ruth

17.  Elisha (dove) 2 Kings 5: 1-27  Or choose Judith or Jonah, but give me a chapter and verse for the handout. taken by So Many Things to Love

18.  Isaiah (scroll, live coal and tongs, anvil and sword, sword and plowshare) Isaiah 6:1-8  Lisa G.

19.  Jeremiah (book of law) Jeremiah 31:31-34 or choose Samson or Daniel, but give me a Bible chapter and verse for the handout.  Angi?

20.  Nehemiah  (city of Jerusalem or brick wall) Nehemiah 13:10-22 Michelle

21.  Angel Hebrews1:1-14  Cheryl C.

22.  Zechariah (ark of covenant, or tablet and pencil or chalk, or thurible of incense) Luke 1:5-25 Angela

23.  Mary (heart or lily or any Mary image or symbol) Luke 1:26-38 Dwija

24.  Elizabeth (mother and child or visitation scene) Luke 1: 39-56 Charlotte

25.  John the Baptist (scallop shell with water, river)Luke 1:57-80 Cari D.

26.  Joseph (tools) Matthew 1: 18-2:1  Josee

27. Magi (three crowns, camels, or Bethlehem star)Matthew2:1-12 Rose D.

28. Baby Jesus (or Chi Ro) Luke 2:1-20 Kathy A.

29.  Samson  Kelly C.

30.  Joshua  Becky

31.  Judith or Jonah Lauren

32.  Daniel  Lenetta   

Comment or email me if you'd like to join the partay.  You know you want to.