Semi-Homemade Holiday

This Christmas I was inspired by Alie, my Grandma and the need to give gifts of love and effort. Not to knock the effort shopping with the masses takes, but I felt the need for personal effort- time, frustration and pride.

Of course, after all my hard work, I forgot to take pictures of most of what I made. But here's the low down on my gifts:

1. Monogram pillows for my mother-in-law found here

2. Jumpers for Pinkie and my niece, Brookie- chocolate brown denim with a blue/green star

3. Half aprons for my sister, Grandma and Janice found at Martha Stewart.com

4. A full apron for my Aunt Kimmie, she requested- pieced together by patterns I found online

Then today, Shanna and I made headbands and ribbon belts. She saw the headbands done on the Today Show and we found the ribbon belts here. They are super cute. I will post pictures soon. Happy New Year!

Is Santa scary?

I honestly do not get why kids think that Santa is scary. What is scary about a jolly man with a big belly and a fluffy white beard? I think he is jolly and I'd like to go to dinner at his house with Mrs. Claus. I bet they have egg nog and chocolate and its very toasty and cozy. We braved the Santa lines at the local mall (not Washington Square, because that line is like 2 hours long). We got our picture with a little bribe-ing. The oreo in her hand gave the lady a small window of time for photo ops. Santa pictures have sure gone up in price though- $24 for 2 5x7's. Yikes!

Family Pictures!

We had our family pictures done by Impression Photography, Tina Humphrey last weekend. I am in love with our pictures. I couldn't be happier. She sent us the entire CD with over 300 pictures on it. These are some of my favorites. My favorites of us three aren't on here because people will be getting those for Christmas and on Christmas cards. I am so happy with our pictures. I don't know how I will choose which to get printed.

fancy french failure

image from Food Network.com

I've failed... not since John and I first moved in together have I made a bad meal. I believe the last one was so under done on the inside, burnt on the outside fried chicken of 2006.

I guess the Coq Au Vin I made wasn't un-edible, just un-remarkable. I'm sad.

I used a recipe from a Low Fat cookbook, is that the culprit?

I didn't have red wine, so I used Chicken Stock, is that the suspect?

I didn't have pearl onions, but regular onion I cut coarsely, are you the problem?

As I type this I now realize, what was I doing making such a fancy French meal

without the right ingredients or a true French recipe???

It was so yuck, I don't even want it for left overs and I love left overs for lunch.

I think a Frosty would cheer me up, but the ground is frozen and cars are sliding, sigh...

Bridesmaid!!!

I'm going to be a bridesmaid!!! Yeah, I've never been one before. (hint, hint- sister get married)

My friend, Tara, is getting married in June in Central Point, Oregon. I'm super excited. Luckily, she picked a great dress and great shoes.

I'm so excited. Did I say that already? Plus, I'm going to be addressing all of her invitations in calligraphy. That's such a nice thing to look forward to during the rain, the late nights studying and more of a reason to say NO to burgers...

http://bridesmaidupdate.blogspot.com/

She's very organized. So she even has a blog for the bridesmaids and a website for the wedding.

A little happy...

A little happy for your day

Menu Planning

I have recently become a menu planner, menu grocery shopper. I got the idea from my pal, Al.

We grocery shop every 2 weeks. I know that sounds crazy! But, we do one big trip every 2 weeks and usually once do a small milk/veggie/fruit trip in the middle.

So, I gather some cookbooks (I have over 20) and browse through to find recipes I want to make. I LOVE THIS PART. I easily spend an hour choosing 10 recipes for the 2 weeks. You're saying, 'Ashley, 2 weeks is 14 days not 10, duh.' However, I am in grad school and I know I will not cook every night- so I throw in a few nights of leftovers, grab your own or John cooks.

Plus, I always make one dessert :)

Left- grocery list broken down according to grocery aisles

Right- recipe list with cookbooks, page numbers, key ingredients written out

Here are a few of what we will be eating in the upcoming weeks:

Beef Stew with Sun Dried Tomato and Chive Dumplings

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Brown Rice

Coffee Cup Souffles

White Bean Tortellini Soup

Gnocchi with Thyme Butter Sauce

Don't you want to come over for dinner?

my addiction...

I love coffee.  I love coffee like some women love shoes, purses, make up and chocolate.  I love it so much I'd give up all those above to have more coffee.  My favorite coffee is from the Human Bean right down the street.  They know my car and my drink.

'Hey, how are you? The White Mocha, fat free, no whip, right?'

Yes, kind lady- thank you for delivering all my dreams.

Hello, my name is Ashley and I have a problem.  I got $30+ in gift cards to coffee places for my birthday.  IT'S ALL GONE.  I can't breathe, I'm so sad.  Sad, sad, sad, sad...

Now, I am forced to drink plain ol' coffee that I have to make myself- no sugary syrup goodness, no frothy milk... ugh, what has life come to?  

Doesn't anyone feel sorry for me?  John doesn't. Anyone, help, anyone?

the magic of $27.00

We went to Chucky-E-Cheese last Friday. It was kinda a last ditch effort to find a restaurant where Pinkie wouldn't offend any other diners. I haven't been to this restaurant in years and years. I remembered it as kind of well cheesy... Pinkie loved it. John loved it. And my lazy self loved sitting with my diet coke and watching. It's a big self revelation when you find yourself saying, 'oh look at all those horribly behaved kids, where are their parents'... then your husband brings your daughter over and says, she hit some kid over there... Am I one of those parents?

I highly recommend Chucky-E-Cheese. Watch out for Chucky, however. He scared the crap out of Pinkie, she literally climbed up John to get away from that horrific monster size mouse. Best $27.00 we've spent lately- pizza, drinks and games for hours. They also have a great security system so any runners (definition: children who look for opportunities to explore this awesome world) can't get out.

Fantasy Football LEADER

It's a sad sad day at the Sheridan Family Fantasy Football League.

Why? you ask... I AM WINNING THE WHOLE THING!

8 guys are losing to me! John is having a huge identity crisis because of this. There is lots of trash talk around our house. In fact, a man who shall remain nameless tried to trick me into trading one of my best players. I am in it to win it, men. I'm paying attention- making trades, picking up free agents, benching the non-performers and playing the potential. I am not blamesless, however. I overheard John talking to his brother (who I beat today 108-65) about a certain player who was a free agent. As the phone call continued, I ran upstairs, logged on and picked up Marvin Harrison before John could. Not that Harrison has done me much good, but my competitive sneaky side came out. My motto so far: See you at the superbowl losers!!!

of course, i am joking. i love the sheridan men.

a MACbook affair

I have a PC laptop. I am a PC type of girl. I am loyal to PC because I've never used anything else. I mock all those people who pay $1200 for a Mac laptop. BUT, I have a project for my Expressive Arts Methods class that needs a Mac and the program Garage Band. I rented MacBook 12 from Pacific University College of Education. Shhh Shhh, I love MacBook 12. I heart it! It never freezes, never slows down, has everything a gal could want. I haven't even used the Garage Band program yet because I am so busy playing with all its other awesome features. Shh shhh don't tell my beloved PC.

These awesome pictures are from IPhoto. The computer has a camera built in, you can take all sorts of cool pictures and add all kinds of effects. Another reason I heart the MacBook... ahhhh.

I want to ask for a MacBook for Christmas from some wealthy family member. But, alas, I know no one will spend $1200 on me. How can I go back to my PC after having a brief affair with MacBook 12?

one last present

I know. I know. Everyone is soooo tired of my posting about my birthday.

Just one last thing. It arrived today.

This necklace my sister, Shanna, got me!

I spend a lot of time pining for the beautiful jewelry that Lisa Leonard makes. I causually mentioned it to my sis (aka. emailed her, please get me this) and she remembered.

Check out her website here.

celebrating a quarter century

I, a lucky child, had a four day birthday celebration. I am tired. Tara and Andy (left) Abby and Lisa (right) Friday night- we bowled.

Saturday night- we wined. Delicious! John and I balked at the club scene and went home at 11:30pm. That is WAY late for us. Oh, how life changes with kids. Sunday, we had a family dinner. Pinkie was the entertainment. She has this remarkable ability to repeat back anything you say. Her recent musings have been "bless you" "hey buddy" "ohhhhhh geezzzzz" "cheesch please" "colour pen" "i funny". One day we will tell her stories of how she single handily made the TV unnecessary in our home because she is so gosh darn funny.

Tara and my mother solved all my coffee addiction problems with gift cards. Shanna made me a color coffee travel cup. And Cassady bought me a beautiful silver necklace that means 'sisters' in Celtic. Chelsie and Candace are keeping my neck warm on the 41 degree mornings with a beautiful scarf. My grandparents, dad, aunts and uncles made my dreams of family portraits possible!

John bought me tickets to Carrie Underwood which is where we were last night!

I'm overwhelmed with birthdayness and love. Thanks family and friends.

finally finished a project

I really love Christmas, but I hate giving sweaters, gift cards and cds. So, in the grand plan where I have all the time in the world and someone to make me coffee, I plan every year to make my Christmas presents. This year I found these pillows.

I love them! I thought, how great! I can think of the living room/bedroom colors of family and friends and make them special pillows. This is my second attempt. SUCCESS!!

It says to use felt, but I found this red cotton print that I really loved and the S is black felt. I made one front cover and tried to outline the letter with the sewing machine. But, I'm not skilled enough to make all the curves and corners. So I hand stitched em. And I actually think that hand stitching looks better, like maybe a little more homemade (its really uneven, but overlook that part). The whole thing (after the mess up) took me an hour and half. And it only cost $18 (with enough fabric for another 2 more pillows). Guess what you are all going to get for Christmas???

a blessing for all

Yesterday, I was so lucky and honored to go to baby Tia's blessing at the Thompson's church.  I was unprepared with no gift (Catholics always bring gifts to these things) but I hope that my prayers and support for Tovey's prayers follow Tia and lift her up.  Really, truly, thanks for inviting me to something so important and beautiful. Love, Ashley

Birthday Party!

If anyone would like to join us for some of the following, we'd love to have you

(especially the Thompson's)

I think I shall ask for the red one in the center for my bday

Shanna and I are celebrating our 25th birthday all weekend Nov. 14, 15 and 16.

I guess that's the excellent part about my twin living so far away--- when she comes home we get to party all weekend! So, on Friday we will be going to Park Lanes Family Entertainment Center for bowling. I think we will be there around 7:30pm or 8pm.

Saturday, we're having a small dinner at Le Hana with our significant others (John and Aaron).

I plan on eating a lot of sushi

After dinner, my sister's wish is to go to a wine bar in downtown Portland for some wine tasting. I don't quite know if I will make it as my bed time is usually 9:30pm and I never ever do so many fun things in one weekend. I will try my hardest to not yawn.

On Sunday, my parents are hosting a intimate family dinner for 18 people. I don't know what I want to request to eat. The birthday people always get to request the meal. And then if you are twin, you get to request your two favorite meals even if they don't go together.

It's good to be me

politically persuasive?

Today is BIG day. Barack Obama will be our president soon. If you voted for him or not, this is an amazing day in US history. I'm so proud and excited. I'm ready for change.

I'm not one of those involved political people that recruits their friends to vote a certain way or spends time on the phone, email, blog trying to persuade votes this way or that. I firmly believe we all get to decide what we want. I don't want anyone pushing me. I won't push anyone else. So, now that the voting is over, I just have to say how grateful I am that Measure 58 and Measure 60 were shot down. Phew, I was worried, phew, I prayed and phew I sweated.

Measure 58 would limit the use of foreign language instruction in public schools to: 1 year for students in kindergarten to 4th grade. 1.5 years for 5th grade through 8th grade. 2 years for high school students. It would also prohibit ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching programs for longer than the mandated time.

my note: research shows that full mastery of a second language takes 5-7 years

Measure 60 states that teacher pay raises and job security shall be based on job performance. Pay raises for public school teachers shall be based upon each teacher’s classroom performance and not related or connected to his or her seniority. Note: "Classroom performance" and "most qualified" are not defined in the measure.

my note: had this measured passed it could have led to teacher pay being connected to standardized test scores, not student learning. It is widely known that standardized tests are poor determinants of student learning. And what if you have that one class that are behind in reading, writing and math when you get them, that are always sick or absent...

I feel so strongly about these two measures. I am in Graduate School for Education. I'm so grateful that Oregon put down these two measures. Thank You.

ballot information found from http://www.ballotpedia.org/

Halloween

We went to downtown Hillsboro's Safe n' Sane Halloween. All the businesses pay highschool students to dress up and pass out candy in front of the stores. We had a great time and all the costumes were amazing. I think the most popular was some sort of animal- dogs, bugs, bees, cats, unicorns, cats... Pinkie was a DOGGY right down her to her feet!

I put a pink ribbon on her doggy ear so people would know she is a girl... it didn't work. Everyone kept saying 'oh there he goes', 'oh he makes a cute dog'... I was so annoyed by the end of the night. Don't you see the PINK ribbon people???

The candy was a big hit (see video below). She was up and hyper until 10pm last night.

Candy Tantrum

Popular is my middle name

My husband, John, finds it hard to believe that I am a popular girl. When I had my surgery recently several friends brought desserts, food, cards along with prayers and love. John said 'WOW, I didn't know people liked you so much!' Then I didn't share my treats.

He went so far as to exclaim wildly to his parents- 'I didn't know she had friends'. At least his parents could believe I was popular and have friends outside of John.

I just want to thank all my friends for their sweet love and gifts of food and prayer. Also, I do sit at the cool girl lunch table these days... so there John.

And I found this funny website- and their definition of popular...

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=popular%20girls

My favorite song...

Where's the restroom?

It is 10:41am. This is what I have eaten already today- UGH, my stomach is killing me...

New look...

I've been jonesin' for a blog update that made me excited. So, we'll try this one on for size. Enjoy...

Surgery

Yesterday I had surgery. Much like this pumpkin of mine.

I now know his pain and feel bad for cutting him up.

We have to go rest now.

Pumpkin Patch 2008...

The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie's Island

Sunday October 19, 2008 It was about -40 degrees (just kidding). It was super cold. We didn't have gloves. We had lots of runny noses and some tears. But, we persevered and I picked the two biggest pumpkins I could find. Pinkie loved walking in the field. Those pumpkin vines tripped her alot, and she was most interested in the decomposing pumpkins. Toddlers are so weird.

Many kids whispered "mommy, look at that man with the Dora backpack..." But our John wore it for us. We needed sustenance- juice, cheerios, diapers, wipes (for the noses) and extra blankets. He wears it with pride. Plus, he can sing the intro song from the show!

She likes to hold hands with mommy.

Cold Cold COLD! We went to the animal barn- saw some chickens, goats, llama, baby cows (so cute), sheep and pigs. Then we got a family picture taken which actually turned out really good! Maybe a Christmas card? We got on the hay wagon to the pumpkin patch. It lurched and bumped (I thought we all might die). Then pumpkin picking- I am very choosy. And finally a hot dog to warm us up... or really just to keep Pinkie happy for another 5 minutes :) We start the bribery early in this family.

Classy, right?