And it's time for The View From Behind Home Plate to announce the lucky winner of the Massage Envy gift card!!!
I was going to try to write a post this morning to go along with our big announcement, but then I got a little stressed out and felt like we should just concentrate all of our focus on that one name lest any colossal mistakes occur. You know, like mistakes that make you want to cringe and crawl into a hole and just die a thousand deaths because
OH MY WORD. STEVE HARVEY.
Bless his heart.
Thank goodness the whole world isn't watching our announcement, but to those of you who entered, thanks so much. And an even bigger thank you to the wonderful owners of our 'hood's brand spanking new Massage Envy in Dulles South who were so generous to offer my readers a chance to win a free massage or facial at the Dulles South location or one of their other four franchises in Northern Virginia.
I already visited the new location and had a great massage. The staff was all kinds of professional and kind. I came in as if I was a teenage girl just minutes away from meeting the boys from One Direction. I was beside myself I was so thrilled to be getting a massage. Those lovely people played it really calm and cool when I wouldn't have blamed them if they wanted to call the authorities.
So without further ado, it's time to announce the winner. There was only one name drawn out of the big bowl of names by Drew. He read it once and there is no going back. This person gets to keep the gift card. There will be no excruciating moments where the card is taken away and put on Miss Phillipines's head.
The winner is now and will always be
TRACY M.!!!!
Look. It's on the card. Right here. In big green letters written with a Crayola Washable Marker.
Tracy M., I happen to have your email address and will contact you to arrange a time to get you the card. Thanks for reading and commenting!
To those of you who didn't win, I would suggest getting over to Massage Envy asap to purchase a gift card for anyone on your list. It will be the perfect gift. And while you're at it, you might send one to Steve Harvey and Miss Colombia, too. They're going to need it.
I am so tired I can barely spell. Last night, I finally pulled out all the indoor Christmas decorations and started my usual walk of shame and inadequacy as I tried to push visions of Pinterest mantles out of my head. It turned out okay if you consider that rather than decorating with O Come All Ye Faithful playing in the background, I was listening to the sweet sounds of daggers being plunged into the heads of zombies while Kyle watched The Walking Dead. Oh, we are just so full of the spirit here in Skinner World.
Anyway, I've got to throw down some caffeine and hustle this morning because this afternoon I will be attending my very last elementary school Christmas Winter Party today. I've been told I will be working at the craft table which kinda makes me break into a sweat, so I'd appreciate your prayers. I sure don't need any ten year old girls judging my abilities with pipe cleaners and glitter. I know they won't though because at the Halloween Fall Party they were all patient and lovely while I tried to work my way around some sort of weaving activity with plastic yarn type stuff that made me want to fold myself into a ball in the reading corner.
So before I go, here are a quick five fun things for this Friday.
1. My Favorite Preschool Craft Ever
A shout out to the preschool teachers all over the land and especially at Drew's preschool because this here was the best Christmas craft I ever did see. I think that even we craft-challenged folks could pull this off. Paper plate, paper doily, sparkly pipe cleaner, and your own little angel's face. Arcola Christian Preschool, I'll keep this forever and ever. I HEART YOU.
2. Texas Brunch Casserole
I try to keep some Texan in my people for Christmas even though we aren't there, so on Christmas morning we have this Tex Mex brunch casserole, tamales and cinnamon rolls. I thought I'd share this recipe with you which comes from the Austin Junior League Cookbook. This is great to serve your people any time during the holidays. It reheats well also, but there won't be any left to reheat. Deck them Halls y'all.
6 slices white bread, crust removed
1 pound ground sausage
1 onion, finely chopped
4 oz. chopped green chiles, drained
1 fresh jalapeno, chopped
4 cups Monterey Jack Cheese
6 eggs
1 rounded teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 cups half and half
Lightly butter each slice of bread and place in 9x13 buttered glass baking dish. Brown sausage with onion. Sprinkle green chiles and jalapeno over sausage. Drain and pat with paper towels. Sprinkle sausage/chile/onion evenly over bread slices. Sprinkle cheese evenly over sausage. Beat eggs. Add seasoned salt, cumin, dry mustard and half and half. Beat again. Pour over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until casserole is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
3. Joanna Gaines's Jacket is On Sale!!!
I think this makes a solid three appearances by Fixer Upper's Joanna and/or Chip Gaines on 5 Things on a Friday. And I think I've only done this four times so that's either impressive or obsessive. In the words of Elf, "I'm in love! I'm in love! And I don't care who knows it!". Earlier this week while I was wrapping gifts, I watched an episode where she was wearing this (or something very close to this) Free People Knit and Denim Jacket which is 40% off right now and comes in three different color combinations. I adore this so much. You need a last minute gift for your Real Daughter or Real Best Friend or Real Sister or your Real Self? This just might be it. You're welcome.
4. Be Born in Me by Francesca Battistelli
I heard this song at a concert two years ago. Besides the fact that Francesca's Battistelli has the voice of an angel, the lyrics in the song make me weep. In the midst of the joyful anticipation of the coming of Jesus, I can't help but think about how terrified young Mary must have been. How often have I wondered as a mom or a wife or as just a person in general if I am really hearing God correctly when He calls me to something? How often do I fight and make excuses and decide that I am not good enough to answer that call in that way? Of course, the command to Mary was the very highest calling of all. And yet despite her trembling heart she knew that in this unexpected, frightening moment she had to say, "I am not brave, I'll never be. The only thing my heart can offer is a vacancy. I'm just a girl. Nothing more. But I am willing. I am yours." Oh, that this could be our response to the Lord's call this year. Oh, the way Jesus could be born in each of us. Oh, how we could change the world one heart at a time. Take a minute today to listen. You'll be blessed.
5. The Star Wars Movie
Y'all. I have never seen Star Wars. (Gasps all around.) I think we went to see it in 1977, but the line was too long and we probably saw Smokey and the Bandit because my mom had the hots for Burt Reynolds. Either way, I've never sat down and watched any of the Star Wars movies. It's been on in my house. I've bought the toys and the legos and the costumes and whatnot, but I don't get it. My kids think I am all kinds of lame, as does 98% of the rest of the country. If you are seeing it, I hope you get a seat near the back of the theater so that you don't wrench your neck looking up at the screen from the front row and marveling at how Harrison Ford got so old when you are positive you still have the youthful glow that you had in 1977.
But listen, friends. The reality is going to hit you. The original Star Wars came out 38 years ago. The only thing I can say to make you feel better about that crick in your neck and the fact that your face is starting to resemble Chewbaca is that you still have a chance to get it fixed. IT'S NOT TOO LATE TOGO TO WEDNESDAY'S POSTAND COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN THE FREE GIFT CARD TO MASSAGE ENVY which you can use for a facial or a massage at one of five different Northern Virginia locations. You can enter until midnight on December 20th. The winner will be announced here on Monday, the 21st.
Stop it. You'll be fine. But if you're not fine? If your shoulders are all tensed up and your head is busting and your back hurts from leaning over doing all that wrapping, keep on reading because I've got a giveaway that is going to fix you right up!!! (And also kick start your effort to spread peace around the world.)
But you're going to have to wait until the end of the post to find out what it is.
Just kidding. IT'S A GIFT CARD FOR A FREE MASSAGE OR FACIAL AT MASSAGE ENVY (specific locations in Northern Virginia) WHAT??? HAVE I LOST MY MIND???
Well, yes I have, but that's not the point here. The point is that the owners of Massage Envy in my 'hood are amazingly generous and wonderful and also two of my favorite people on the planet. You do have to wait until the end to find out how to enter because first there is some serious business to attend to.
This week I've been pretty stumped about what to get for the boys in my life. If I was actually able to buy Fake Daughter gifts, she would be raking it in, but I've been running out of ideas for Real Sons and Real Husband for a few years now. I went on quite a search in the last few days and found a few different options, so I thought I'd share some ideas with you mamas/wives who might need a little guidance for your guy gifts.
GIFT FOR ANY SPORTS OBSESSED BOY (not that I would know what that's like)
I've mentioned this magazine before. I know that magazines are sort of archaic for our children, but every once in awhile I think it's good for them to exercise their fingers by turning actual pages. I mean what kind of men are we going to raise if they've never had to struggle through a paper cut in their lifetime? It appears you can now read this online, but I think the $16.99 a year for 6 issues of actual pages is worth it. This is a great magazine full of high school, college, and professional athletes and coaches sharing stories of how their relationship with Christ helps them on and off the field.
GIFTS FOR BOYS WHO NEED TO STOP BOUNCING THAT BASKETBALL IN THE KITCHEN RIGHT THIS MINUTE
BOOKS.
If we want to toughen up our boys by providing even more opportunities for a paper cut, we can take it up a notch from magazines. It is my opinion that everyone should get a book for Christmas, so I polled the guys in my house and here are some of our favorites.
Joe went straight to bed with a fever when he got home from school and was unavailable to be surveyed. He would probably suggest any number of sports biographies, but I'm going to take the opportunity to suggest this book I bought him a while ago. I am certain he would like it. (had I not suggested it.)
This is one of the best toys I ever bought for Drew when he was about 3 or 4, but really it's fun for all ages. He stomped on these things for hours. I would recommend buying extra rockets because these will end up on the roof and you don't need your kindergartner scaling the side of your house to grab one.
GIFTS FOR THE TEENAGE BOYS WHO WON'T TALK TO YOU EXCEPT TO SAY "WHAT'S FOR DINNER?"
Honestly, the only surefire way for us to have good family conversations is if we put a steak on a plate in front of our boys. I'm thinking of adding these conversation starters to our next Sunday night dinner. They will roll their eyes at first, but I think they'll like them eventually.
GIFT FOR THAT BOY THAT IS "GONNA CATCH HIS DEATH OF COLD"
These Columbia jackets at Dick's Sporting Goods were originally $115.00 and are on sale for $69.99 which according to the math geniuses online is 39% off. They have tons of great colors.
Now, this is pretty pricey for a cooler, but I've heard these are amazing. This apparently can keep your guy's beer cold forever and ever, amen. I'm also thinking this would be the perfect place for my diet Coke stash for those 100 degree baseball double headers this summer. If you don't want to go for the whole cooler, maybe just the YETI RAMBLER COLSTER which apparently is a combo koozie/coaster. I mean y'all, what man has not put a colster on his Christmas list?
GIFT FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S BOY BUT CERTAINLY NOT YOURS, FOR THE LOVE
For my Northern Virginia readers, The View from Behind Home Plate is offering a gift card for a free massage or a facial (they do both!)from one of five locations in our area: Gainesville, Herndon, Reston, Fair Lakes or the newly opened Dulles South!!!!
(For readers out of my area, this giveaway, this time, won't work out for you. ;-( Unless you plan a trip to the DC/Northern Virginia area and if so, let me just say this: The traffic around here will make you want to run your car into a ditch, so a massage at one of these fine locations will need to be on your itinerary. If a trip to our fair city is not in your future, just go to your local Massage Envy and purchase one BECAUSE EVERYTHING.)
Our bodies work hard for us every day. We may not always realize it, but the fact of the matter is that hard work, day in and day out, can take its toll. It's our responsibility to stop, check in and tune up. That pause, that momentary break of the daily grind is important, essential really. That pause is us practicing total body care… to make life even more livable.
And all the mamas and daddies, said, "AMEN."
To be entered to win the Massage Envy gift card, COMMENT HERE ON THE BLOG with your favorite gift idea for guys by midnight on Sunday, December 20th and don't forget your first name and first letter of last name.
(or just comment, "Hi, Jenn, I need a massage like I need to breathe.").
My red headed elf will draw names out of a hat and the winner will be announced on MONDAY, DECEMBER 21st right here on the blog.
Here you are. 11 days until Christmas. You thought you'd be feeling all full of joy and anticipation just like this:
But instead, you're really more like this:
You're doing it again. You told yourself that this year you wouldn’t do it. There would be NO superfreaking this year. The kids are getting older. The big one? He’s almost out of here. Aren’t you paying attention? Haven’t you reminded yourself a million times? The meaning of Christmas is not in making your home look just like that photo from Instagram. It is not in the catalogs. It is not in the perfect outfit or the perfect Christmas card or the perfect meal. THIS year would be different. Well, it was supposed to be last year and the year before that and the year before that. But, really THIS one. This one was supposed to be the year when you spent most of the month of December serene and calm and full of the spirit, but instead it's been more like this:
And also this:
And on top of all of that, you keep blowing off exercising which you know for a fact is your best time to pray, to calm down and to generally keep your head on straight. Instead you've been making time for plenty of this:
But today is a new day, Me. As you sit here this morning ticking off the things that didn't get done this weekend, you forget how quickly the Lord can turn you around. How you can listen to one song and be filled with Him. How you can just make the effort to open that Bible and read one verse and be changed. He already started a good work in you, Me. Did you forget how last night you and your husband shared a fist bump after you strung a gazillion lights on the tree and handled the tangles and the wonky ones without a single cross word or roll of the eyes between you? And then, there was the moment when the three boys came in to drink eggnog and sit and look at the tree. And even though instead of being reverent and full of wonder, they were giggling and acting like complete goofballs, they weren't arguing or ragging on each other and better yet, not one had the other in a headlock? Let me tell you something, sister. THAT right there is only the power of the baby that came to save, my friend. He's already working on you. So today, how about you just surrender for a minute or two? How about you look at Christmas, not as a crazed Martha Stewart wannabe, but as a child? How about you just take a breath? Not the whole day. We'll cross some things off the list and we'll go out there and adult like nobody's business, but how about you take a minute and listen here. Ok? Go on, Me and Friends of Me. Let's let Him make us new. Start right here.
Speaking of all things new, thanks so much to those who participated in the first giveaway from The View From Behind Home Plate by commenting with your favorite Christmas song last week! Since I couldn't find a new Third Day Christmas Offerings CD to give away available any where, I INSIST that you all go download it now. You'll get the song above and a whole mess of others that I promise will make your day so much better. You will be kinder to the salespeople. You will not huff and puff when you see the long line at Target. You might pay for the coffee of the guy behind you in line at Starbucks even though he smells like he dumped a bottle of circa 1986 Polo Cologne on himself and is not respecting your personal space. You might let that woman have that parking space at the mall that you had very clearly been waiting for with your signal on for 15 minutes. Now that, my friends, is a Christmas miracle.
But back to the giveaway. I was able to find the very first Third Day CD I ever owned, Chronology Volume II, which is AMAZING and also might as well be a Christmas album because well, it's all about JESUS anyway. And the winner, according to my little elf is
KELLY N.!!!
(btw, Kelly's favorite song this season is this version of Hallelujah and also, Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You. And all I have to say to someone who appreciates a 1990s Mariah tune of any sort or kind is "Youare my people.")
Kelly N. please send me an email at jlpskinner@gmail.com and let me know your address so I can send you your CD. Or since I'm pretty sure you are the Kelly N. that is a Facebook friend o' mine, send me an inbox message on my page!
There are going to be some exciting new changes to the look of the blog in the new year and we have some fun things planned which are making me feel a bit like Elf. So, to all of you wonderful, loyal readers who visit this space I want to say thank you so much and also this:
I have to say it's been a bit of split personality week. In the midst of all the joy and excitement of Christmas preparation, too-close-for-comfort basketball games and 60 degree temperatures(!), for many of my friends and me the one year anniversary this week of the passing of Mathias, a 13 year old boy from my area who battled cancer hung around us like a cloud.
It was a year ago that I took my husband and boys to attend a memorial service overflowing with people of all ages to celebrate his too brief life. Two days later, I went to the first funeral I had ever been to for a child that young and then we huddled around each other in the cold wind at a cemetery overlooking the beautiful Virginia landscape to say good-bye. I am certain, more than ever, that time does not heal the kinds of wounds Mathias's family and friends suffer. But I also saw examples all week of those people doing amazingly generous things to honor Mathias. Because of that I am certain that those scarred by the difficult days a year ago have found their scars not signs of weakness and defeat, but signs of strength, courage and the motivation to be light in a dark world. I think our buddy would be proud.
So I'm going to include some silly and some serious on the 5 Things on a Friday list today. I think Mathias would be down with that. Still, I know what comes first.
1. THE LESSONS OF MATHIAS GIORDANO
Chemo bag covers in bright, colorful fabric are sewn by Team Mathias supporters and donated to hospitals in his name.
This is my family's orthodontist, Dr. Casagrande, and his staff. Kyle had an appointment on Monday so when I walked in wearing my #MathiasStrong shirt (and with my very straight teeth!), I was definitely not alone.
This is a buddy o' mine who is battling cancer like a champ and just this week received a Team Mathias care package filled with essentials and lots of fun for his stay in the hospital. Care packages can be tailored to specific children's interests and also include things like blankets, hats, pillow cases to be decorated with fabric markers, Itunes and Amazon gift cards, Mad-Lib and Word Find books and a "Medi-Port Buddy" which helps protect sensitive port areas from seatbelts. To learn how to sponsor a Team Mathias Care Package, go to Team Mathias on Facebook.
This is Sydney, who is fighting leukemia LIKE A BOSS, as Mathias would say. Kyle's Kamp was so honored to have Mathias participate in and support our events. Sydney came to the Kyle's Kamp Holiday Store after her appointment to shop for her family members. She also grabbed a gigantic stuffed elephant and made a break for it running through the waiting room. "May Kissmus! May Kissmus!", she said. Oh, my heart.
I saw countless photos on the Team Mathias facebook page of those donating blood, noticing the sunrise, lighting candles and generally living their lives with the sense that they had learned something important and profound from a life that lasted only thirteen years. You did great work, Mathias Giordano. Great work.
On to Silly Stuff:
2. GRANDMA SARACEN OF FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
After coming home from a day with Sydney and friends on Monday, it was awesome to sit down on the couch with my boys and just hang out. We happened on some Friday Night Lights reruns. I know I've mentioned my love and adoration for this television series once or 612 times. If you haven't watched it, I don't even know what to say to you except please reevaluate your life. Also, I'm just wildly jealous because you have a world full of Tim Riggins, Buddy Garrity and Coach and Mrs. Tami Taylor stretched in front of you like a golden street to tv heaven. And that should make you feel just like this
Even though our Tami is, of course, everyone's favorite female on the program because she is perfect in every way, lately when I watch the show, I have such a heart for Grandma Saracen. We watched an episode on Monday when Mrs. Saracen poked her head out the door to see Matt and Landry throwing the football together. She took one look through her enormous glasses and said, "Landry, what are you doing with that football? You throw like a girl." Later on when Coach Taylor visited the house, she was just plumb beside herself she was so darn happy to see him so she jumped up to get him a piece of cake. She just reminds me of my grandmom so much, I could cry. In a week, that seemed a little sad, Grandma Saracen made me smile. I might keep some FNL in the DVR just for days like that.
3. COME THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING
Speaking of Friday Night Lights, this version of this hymn was playing in the episode where Coach Taylor has his first game with the East Dillion Lions and he has to forfeit due to his players taping up broken limbs and spitting blood and losing teeth in the locker room at halftime because they're just getting destroyed. Your heart is breaking for Coach Taylor's sweet face while Tami just watches him with quiet grace and you cry and clutch your chest and think yet again that THIS IS THE BEST SHOW EVER CREATED. Anyway, do not leave this space without listening to this version of this old familiar hymn. DO NOT LEAVE HERE. REALLY. It's stunning.
4. FETA & WALNUT SPINACH SALAD
Some how I've included a recipe in 5 Things on a Friday every week even though my spiritual gifts are best used way outside the kitchen. Still, in the case of this salad, I nailed it. I have no idea where the recipe came from but I've made it for years. I made the dressing recently which is the key to the whole thing, so I've eaten it every single day this week. It's the best salad ever. My kids won't touch this with a 10 foot fork, but that's their loss. Here you go.
Salad:
1 lb. spinach, cleaned, dried and torn into bite size pieces
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, sliced thinly and tossed with lemon juice
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts Dressing:
1/4 cup basil leaves, minced (or 1 TBSP dried)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
Toss together spinach, avocado, onion, feta and walnuts. Place basil leaves and garlic in food processor and process well. Add vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper and process again. With processor running, slowly add olive oil. Pour over salad.
5. DRAPER JANE MITTENS
I know it is quite teenager-ish but I follow Reese Witherspoon on Instagram. Listen, it's not like I follow the Biebs. Yet. Anyway, Reese is a delight machine and her new clothing and accessories line, Draper Jane, is adorable. Can you even stand these mittens? They would be perfect for me except for $75 is more than I tend to spend on mittens and we're looking a 70 degree weekend around here. Not that I'm complaining because the Texan in me says, THANK YOU, SWEET JESUS.
I hope you all have a glorious weekend! I'm off to help some of the bravest little people on the planet shop for gifts at the Kyle's Kamp Holiday Store again today. Make someone smile today and I'll bet it'll come right back at ya.
Happy December 9th, Friends! We've got only 16 days until Christmas. Take a deep breath. Remember the reason for the season and all that. Don't beat yourself up because you didn't get everything done by December 1st like you told yourself you would. And if you did get everything done, we can't be friends right now. ;-)
Today I'm sharing some great gift ideas and just some general favorites about this beautiful season. And guess what??? The View From Behind Home Plate has DISCOUNTS! AND A GIVEAWAY!
You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!
No, you don't.
I'm not Oprah. But I am a teeny, tiny percentage of Oprah today because some of these wonderful vendors are giving you, fine readers, a discount today and also we have the very first View From Behind Home Plate giveaway!
"SHUT. UP.", you say.
I will not. It's true.
Ok. Here we go with some gift ideas for all of the people on your list. Or maybe you need a little something for yourself to push away those grinchy feelings that can come up when we HAVE SO MUCH TO DO OUR HEADS ARE GOING TO SPIN OFF.
1. ORENDA JEWELRY
Last month, I mentioned this beautiful jewelry that is created by my friend Lisa's Aunt Peggy. The designs are pieces crafted with genuine semiprecious stones, crystals, pearls and shells in Aunt Peggy's home state of Oregon. Well, I have always wanted to be the favorite aunt to my nieces and nephews and maybe you wanted to be the favorite aunt, too, but guess what? WE LOSE. Aunt Peggy is officially everyone's favorite aunt because she is giving you fine readers 10% off your purchase with the code JENNSBLOG at checkout! All of the pieces are beautiful, but my favorites are the cuffs. They're very unique and way cool. Also, if you wear one on each wrist you can be Wonder Woman. ORDER HERE.
2. MASSAGE ENVY GIFT CARD (aka the gift which might just equal world peace)
On Saturday, I went to get a massage at the newly opened Massage Envy which is only 10 minutes from my front door step. I was, in fact, so full of joy and gratitude that I posted this on facebook that day:
"Every time the front desk gal says, "Your massage therapist is ready to see you now" an angel gets its wings."
Honestly. You know how everyone wants world peace for Christmas? Well, things in the world are very complicated right now. There are much smarter folks than me trying to figure it out and also a lot of very angry people shouting and arguing and name-calling. We're scared and confused and generally all jacked up about it. Listen, these are serious issues and I'm not trying to make light, but I want to tell you something that might be a start. Of course, I'm partial to Jesus, but also, I'm thinking a massage for everybody. If I was more than 1/2% Oprah I would be saying to the whole world, "You get a massage! You get a massage! You get a massage!" We all need to be a little calmer and a little nicer before we tackle these grave issues, no? A massage does that for me every.single.time. (#jennforpresident) I found this ad for Massage Envy hilarious. (The girl dancing at the wedding WINS.) You need to get a massage today BECAUSE EVERYTHING. If you're in my neck of the woods check out the new location HERE. It's lovely.
3. CANDY AND ART ALL IN ONE
Add it to my presidential platform. Last year, my sister-in-law gave me the most beautiful box of chocolates you've ever seen. They were so pretty that I almost couldn't eat them. Almost - let's not get crazy. ARTISAN CONFECTIONS packages these chocolates in adorable boxes - you can even get a precious little box of four. Each chocolate has a masterpiece design. I promise you, they are so beautiful I wanted to hang them on my wall. Except WILL POWER PROBLEMS. I think they make a perfect hostess gift.
4. EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY (times 3)
I love a party that offers wine and beer because OF COURSE. But, for your holiday party you're gonna need to up your game. Lucky you! And more importantly, lucky guests of you! My sweet friend, Maura, who is a TASTEFULLY SIMPLE consultant, is offering 10% off orders to my readers! All of the food is great (I'm looking at you, BEER BREAD), but in the drink department, I'm suggesting theTRIPLE THE FUN packwhich includes Grasshopper, Mudslide and Pink Squirrel frozen drink mixes. Just add vodka and milk and freeze in the handy bucket. A holiday party offering a frozen grown-up variety milkshake called a Pink Squirrel is a party that says RSVP: YES MA'AM.
for discount email spicegirlmaura@gmail.com and mention this blog!
Also, I just noticed thePEPPERMINT FUDGE SAUCE and I might die. It also looks like you can get it for free if you spend a certain amount. They suggest putting it on ice cream and whatnot, but just hand me a spoon, please.
for discount email spicegirlmaura@gmail.com and mention this blog!
To get the discount, find what you'd like to purchase at the site HERE, and then email Maura your order at spicegirlmaura@gmail.com and mention my blog. The deadline for Christmas orders i 12/16/15. To be clear, don't order on the site. Just email your order to Maura and she'll hook you up with the discount. #mauraforpresident
5. ACHRISTMAS TEE (No. Not a Christmas Sweater. No.)
Gratefully, the majority of the human race has evolved enough to realize that the Christmas Sweater is a bad idea. We do not need any part of a garment on our person to light up, nor do we need it to be 3D. Just say no to Christmas sweaters, but say YES, PLEASE to reasonable and simple Christmas tees. I found a number of really adorable ones that are perfect for shopping, wearing to your kid's class party or throwing on to lighten the mood when you and your husband are putting up the Christmas lights and considering divorce court.
This Merry Christmas Tree long sleeve tee from Zazzle.com is adorable and you will find quite a few great options on this site. It looks like you can get 20% off today and they don't even care if you read my blog or not! I ordered this one to wear next week as I celebrate my very last volunteer stint at the elementary school party in Drew's 5th grade class. Middle Schoolers apparently don't create masterpieces with red and green pipe cleaners and play "Pin the Carrot Nose on the Snowman". :(
6. THE BEST CHRISTMAS CD OF ALL TIME(and a GIVEAWAY!)
Third Day's Christmas Offeringsmakes its way to The View From Behind Home Plate's list of Christmas Favorites for the third year in a row. (Cue all the guys in the band high fiving, hugging and crying because they cannot even believe it. It's almost like winning a Grammy.) The taking of a traditional hymn and mixing it up to make it a bit different is a risky business, but in my opinion Third Day does this beautifully. They also have some original Christmas songs that just take my breath away.
My plan was to give away a Christmas Offerings CD, but it's proving impossible to find in stock so just go download it on Itunes. Instead, you lucky little thing, you can win a copy of the very first Third Day CD I ever owned, Chronology Volume 2.
The music of Third Day has without a doubt strengthened my faith in ways I could have never imagined. There was a period of time in my life during which I was plagued with a lot of fear and doubt. Some circumstances and some people were making zero sense to me and I was questioning God on a daily basis about His plan. The Chronology Volume 2 CD got me through those times with an intact faith and a trust I'd never felt before. These guys are absolutely doing a mighty work for the kingdom of God.
By commenting here in THE BLOG COMMENTS with your favorite Christmas song you can be entered to win the CD. Some folks have had trouble with getting their name to come up on my blog comments, so just include your first name and first initial of your last name in the comment box. You can comment until 11:59 pm on Sunday, the 13th. Some blogs are very fancy and have an online service pick their winner. We are old school here, so we'll take all the numbered comments, write them on torn up pieces of loose leaf paper that we'll pull out of our Trapper Keeper and have one of my elves pick one out of a hat. I'll announce the winner on the blog on Monday and give more information on how to contact me to get this amazing CD.
Now, I gotta hustle out of here because Fake Daughter and I are going shopping together today. As she and I are strolling along, I will ask her how things are going at school and she won't grunt a barely decipherable answer at me. I will ask her about how her friends are and she won't act like I just asked her something incredibly personal and intrusive. She will tell me all the things about all the stuff. She will think that it is just the best day ever and will not spill hot chocolate on her adorable outfit fromCrewcuts. Look! Fake Daughter's saying, "What else do you want to talk about, Mom? I'm an open book!"
Have a fabulous day, friends! Don't forget to comment! The winner of the CD will be announced here on Monday! And most importantly, keep calm and remember the baby Jesus! He came. For us. Hallelujah and Amen.
The world lost Mathias Giordano - one of the most charming, brave, polite, compassionate and funny boys I have ever met - a year ago today to osteosarcoma. In the past year, his loyal friends and family have done some remarkable work for pediatric cancer patients in his name. They have been relentless - courageously showing up at event after event. And every time I see them, I feel both the absence and the presence of my young friend in equal measure. A year later, we find this world Mathias left increasingly broken and dark. We feel increasingly terrified and weary. This boy we lost endured 30 rounds of chemo, 3 major lung surgeries and the amputation of his leg. I'm certain at times he was terrified and weary. And yet, in the times I saw him, he seemed always to be looking at the world as it should be, as it could be and not as it was. This morning I wonder how Mathias might have changed the world if only we'd worked harder to find the right treatments for him. I wonder how the future of a boy so compassionate, so brave, so full of character could have helped to heal the world if only we could have healed him. Then I remember that Mathias only needed just a short time - a handful of hours with me - to teach me what one person can do to change the world. God gave Mathias his turn to make the world better and he was a champion. He is leaving us to our turn. Our God has called us off the bench, friends. Our turn. We're up. Mathias, I cannot promise that in this 2nd year of a world without your example that there will not be times that I will be terrified and weary. But, today I am ready. Today I will choose hope and faith. Today I will work hard in my little corner of the world to make it as it should be, as it could be. You taught me well, friend.
The following piece was written a year ago - the morning after I heard of Mathias's passing.
Dear Mathias,
Hey, kid. I'm a bit of a mess.
All of us down here. Dude, we are all a big, giant mess.
I want to find the right words for us. I want to feeI in my heart the words that I believe in my head. I thought all the tears that I spilled would clear my mind. A full hour straight of choking sobs as I sat in the car hunched under the steering wheel, hiding from the passers-by in the parking lot while waiting for Drew to come out of his baseball lesson yesterday. I thought that would do it and I would be full of hope and faith - ready to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, the end of the suffering, the comfort that you are whole and free. I want the words to come spewing out of my fingertips so that my heart feels less burdened and this splitting headache ceases.
Last night, I came to this space where I find God. And I left and poured a drink. It tasted like dust.
Last night, I came to this space where I know God. And I left and ate a huge piece of red velvet cake. It tasted like ash.
Last night, I came to this space where God gives me words. And I left to watch a movie on TV. It was kinda dumb. Like, really bad.
And now it's 5:00 AM and I come to this space again. The day after the news came. The news that it would be you. You would be the first one. The first child that I knew personally. The first that had given me a fist bump and made me laugh and shined a giant smile at me. The first to be stolen by cancer right out from under my eyes. And I came to this space in the darkness, icy rain pelting my kitchen window, in pjs that don't match and hair that is matted from restless sleep and eyes swollen with gunk and a tummyache from that crappy piece of grocery store cake.
I am ash and dust and I don't have the right words. Words that are worthy of you. Words that are worthy of Him.
And yet, I know God waits for me.
I want to go to Him. I want to be dressed in my Sunday best and full of my Sunday hope and clean with my Sunday purity. But it's Tuesday. And I am Tuesday angry and Tuesday sad and I need a shower.
And yet, I know God waits for me.
Could you tell Him, Mathias? Could you tell Him that I want to come to Him and I'm trying? That I want to have words to write and speak and sing but I can't find them? Could you tell Him that I want to use this space to be His hands and feet? Could you tell him that I know that THIS. Yes, THIS is the whole flippin' point of my writing? That I believe with everything that I am that you are there with Him and that I need to tell people? That I know you are free and happy and I need to tell people? That I know that now you look exactly like the Mathias that we know? That now you understand all the mysteries of this life? That you knew it in a second without even a moment's flicker of the raging doubt that threatens to pull us under?
I want to come to God like you are now. I want to be like you. Smiling and whole. Beauty and perfection. Hope and confidence. I know what's happening this morning. I know you're charming the heck outta Jesus. And I know I'm supposed to be able to relay that I know this and I want everyone else to know it, too.
But I am left here. My heart shattered. I am not in my Sunday best today. I don't have the right words. But I remembered a song I heard a few weeks ago.And this band, Crowder, with this song, Come As You Are, has some words.I will listen to this song about 400 times today. And I know that God will welcome me just as I am. And He will make me new. Then I can go out just like you did, Mathias. I can be a light in a world full of darkness, just like you.
Will you tell Him, Mathias? Will you ask Him to help me? And while you're at it, tell Him I said thank you. Thank Him for giving the world you, if only for this short time. The world is better because of you. I am better because of you.
And all the people said, "Hallelujah and Praise the Lord who delivers us from all the adulting we've been doing this week because we are dog-tired. Amen."
This week has been nothing short of thrilling. My washer broke (at least I thought it did) and I decided that before I threw money at some repair guy, I would cowboy up and use my God given brain to figure the darn thing out all on my own. So I googled some stuff and youtubed some stuff and then spent the better part of my Saturday among screwdrivers, dirty dish towels and drain pipes while all my guys were at the gym. My people were quite confused when they came home to find a flashlight rigged up and balancing on a drain hose and me with my head in the back of a washing machine.
My husband was all
Well, not exactly because Steve doesn't have a beard. The ruffled collar? Yes, of course. Not the beard though.
You'll be shocked to know that despite my efforts, during my next load the washer still stopped on me mid cycle. On Monday a repairman came and while he was here the washer was on its best behavior and ran through an entire cycle without incident. He said some stuff about nothing caught in the drain and no specific problems but yea, it's pretty old and something about mold and maybe dog hair even though we don't have a dog and may I present you with this bill, ma'am? I felt really thrilled to pieces about the whole thing so I sent him on his merry way kind of like this
(a shout out to boomama.net who posted this gif the very day I threw money at the washer repair guy and made me laugh so hard I spit out my drink)
Anyway, after that we had rain for three days straight. And I have to say if you want to hear some grumbling, whining and general malaise, you should join me in going to the post office, the dry cleaner, the bank, the library and the grocery store a couple or seven times since I am a person whose mood is ridiculously weather reliant. I know. It's pathetic and immature.
The good news is that my best friend The Sun finally shone yesterday, but he brought with him his very annoying pal: Freezing Cold 40,000 mile per hour Wind. This guy just thought it was hilarious when my car door slammed into my rear end every darn time I got in and out and also enjoyed it immensely when my hair flew into my mouth. Which at least was effective in muffling some of my language.
A spineless clod of grievances am I. Let's change directions and find something positive or five somethings from this week.
1. FIXER UPPER'S SEASON 3 PREMIERE!!! I think I've mentioned that the glorious Chip and Joanna Gaines are my new TV obsession and I'm not alone apparently. I got all caught up on the old episodes I had on my DVR just in time for the premiere which was on Tuesday night. On one of the episodes Joanna was wearing a top from Anthropologie that I once tried on and almost bought. At that point, I quickly decided that this basically makes Joanna and me the same person. Which means I have been giving many of the walls in my house the side-eye wondering if there is shiplap under there some where and/or considering busting all of them out with a sledgehammer. I foundthis article about the 49 Thoughts You Have Every Time You Watch HGTV's Fixer Upper hilarious and right on the money.
2. CROCKPOT CASHEW CHICKEN I am hard pressed in this house to find a dinner that all four of my people equally love. Unless you count tacos because Mexican food is a SLAM DUNK up in here any day of the week. I found this recipe on facebook and it is so easy, it's insane. Husband loves it. Boys 1, 2 and 3 love it. Mom is the champion of the world.
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (I didn't use fresh. That is out of my wheelhouse)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup cashews
rice
Combine flour and pepper in Ziploc bag. Add chicken and shake to coat. Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat and brown chicken about 2 minutes on each side. Place chicken in crock pot. Combine all remaining ingredients except cashews and rice in a small bowl and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add cashews and stir. Serve over rice. (I give it to Drew, who has a nut allergy, without the cashews and he still loves it) {I have found that I need to double the sauce.]
3. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS THE MUSICAL
Oh, yes. It's a thing. I found out about it because I now officially follow @FNL_DailyQuotes on The Twitter. And if you don't, you're gonna need to reevaluate your social media habits right now. I hit The Google and found this article about it. Jason Street will play the part of Coach Taylor. Y'all. The happiness this news gives me is UNPARALLELED. Clear eyes, full hearts. jazz hands.
4. BASKETBALL SEASON
I was fairly angry at basketball season for messing up my plans to go to Texas this year for Thanksgiving, but then I must have forgotten how much I love to watch my kiddos and their teammates on the court. I am going to have remember to bring my real camera as the IPhone photos really don't come out too well. Although that could be less the Iphone's fault and more the woman holding the IPhone who knows very little about the game and yet finds herself involuntarily shouting politely suggesting, "OH COME ON, REF! NO WAY. THAT WAS ALL BALL!" That only happened once. No one even heard me. Please. I am totally calm.
5. KYLE'S KAMP'S HOLIDAY SHOP FOR KIDS FIGHTING PEDIATRIC CANCER
I haven't written much about my volunteer work with Kyle's Kamp lately. I had taken some time away from it during October and November. Unfortunately, it is easy for those of us with healthy children to walk through our day to day lives worrying about SATs, school projects, carpools and what in the world to pack for lunch today. For so very many parents - so many more than I ever knew before I joined this cause - the sole worry of every single day centers around the very survival of their children. It's daunting and frustrating and terribly hard to bear.
Yesterday, my friend, Randi and I went to decorate the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic for the Holiday Shop that Kyle's Kamp hosts all next week for patients. The kids who come for appointments are able to shop for a gift for each of their family members free of charge. Volunteer elves will wrap their packages for them.
Yesterday was tiring. There were lots of boxes of gifts to load up and deliver, lots of snowflakes to hang, tables to cover and windows to paint with winter scenes. My back was hurting and I was ready to get home. Then a little boy - maybe 3 or 4 years old - with sparse hair and a mask covering his face to protect his compromised immune system wandered over to check out our work. After we told him what we had done that day. he said, "I got my tubie today!" (likely a port for chemo, though I can't be sure.)
I looked at him with wide eyes and said, "You did? How was that?" He said, "I beed berry berry brave."
Indeed, he was very brave. And I wasn't tired anymore. And of all the fabulous things one might find in a week, that berry brave boy was my favorite.
If you know of any child or family who has been affected by pediatric cancer in the Northern Virginia area, Kyle's Kamp would love to have them join us at our office in Chantilly December 12th or 13th to shop for their family's holiday gifts. You can read about last year's shop HERE. Please email me at kyleskamp.jennifer@gmail.com for more information.
