..however I am a bit disappointed Jesus got cut off, cause these pics are just beautiful.  He loved His hands.  He loved His feet.

I hope he learns early that he can always turn to Jesus Christ.  He is our rock, our constant, our best friend.  He will always be there for us.

And the instagram pic of the night…

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

3 cups flour
2 tsp. Ginger, Ground
1 tsp. Cinnamon, Ground
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
1/4 tap salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl.
Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add molasses, egg and vanilla; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies just begin to brown.

Spiced Pumpkin Dip

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1/2 peeled orange
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbs pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger
2 tbs brown sugar

Place all ingredients in blender in order listed.  Blend until smooth.  Viola!  The most deliciously sweet dip!
(I also like to use this with sliced apples or as a spread on fruit quick breads)

Saturday we had another party with a Santa encounter that went as expected.  I’m hoping next year Sam will be excited?! And later in the afternoon we relaxed with football watching and fort building.  Kind of perfect.

Thanks Nicole for the cute idea.

I’ll start with the crying picture: another screaming Sam.  To quote Mick, “He really didn’t want to put on that pilgrim hat.”  And indeed he didn’t.  Nor did he want to sit with all his other cute Indian and Pilgrim cousins.  This was our family attempt to get all the cousins for a pic.

But we did have some pretty cute little happy Indians…

And when Sam’s not being forced to sit by humans dressed up, he is a tad bit cooperative for our family pic.

{Here I am thinking my belly was too big to cuddle in with my boys.  Still pretty big though…}

***”Look mama! Buttons!!”

***Before Colin arrived Sam was in heaven: car, dog on the shoulder, and plenty of buttons to push.

***Hitler Ketchup Stash.  Can’t really drink ketchup Sammy boy.

***Cute little BFFs

***Aunt Libby took the boys on a train ride through the mall.  So sweet.

***Not so sweet?  The moms forcing their kids to take a pic with Santa.  Picture of the century. This one is going down in the books.

Speaking of blocks, we went trick-or-treating down the most festive, beautiful Halloween-spirited street in the Bay.  No really, I think we did.  People drove from all over to go in this area.

After going to a handful of houses, we stopped by our friend’s place (who happened to live on the block) for chili and treats.

It’s funny, Sam was always drawn to my favorite candies…

Sam and Shrek had an epiphany…

We even got to meet Cosmo! Although Sam was a bit apprehensive…

In Cosmo’s effort to get Sam to look at the camera, he threw a cup of popcorn in the air…unbeknownst to me.

Having about half of it fall down my shirt.  We’ll have to work on that one Mr. Cosmo.

And did you know they’re giving away a HOBO wallet?  The easiest, cutest mommy-wallet out there?  Perhaps you should enter their giveaway too. :)

Love ya!

Be back soon.

With all these grown up things, I decided to run away from my problems and go to who else?  My mom.  I love the way going home feels.  I didn’t even grow up in this house, but there’s something about visiting mom and dad that make everything better.  (and it’s not the massages and facials.  although those are quite relaxing) It’s something I hope to provide my kids one day: comfort, strength, love, guidance.

Sometimes my mom can be pretty matter-of-fact with things, or a give little tough love.  Whenever I complain to her about something with Sam she’d usually just reply, “That’s just how kids are!”  She’s raised seven kids—I like to think she knows a thing or two.  But hearing her say, “Boy, he really does fight you on everything!”  or “Rachel, he’s playing you.  Just ignore him.”   Was actually really comforting to hear.  Sam has been draining lately.

I’ve decided to come back to our home with a fresh look on things.  And so far (first day back), things have been good.  Today we did our weekly outing: Pet Store, Grocery Store, and FroYo.

It seems my old little Sammy is back too.  He squealed with excitement watching the gross little rodents run around in their cages.  As for the fish, he’s learned to pucker his lips and make kissy faces (not how you really make a fish face.  That’s pretty hard).  It’s the one time he’s quiet, so I know to look down and see his trick.  There really is nothing better than seeing your child so happy.

Speaking of happy.  I received a package in the mail today from a friend.  I really only try to complain to Mick  :) , but I think she sensed my spirits and sent the most thoughtful package.  I can’t explain how surprised and special I felt.  The package had a few activities for Sam and I… but it turns out the box is way more fun.

I ended the day by dropping off dinner for an ill friend.  Talk about a kick in the pants.  I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed with my own life, and I’ve always known there is so much I have to be thankful for that I start feeling guilty for not praising and thanking God for all that He’s given me.  It’s a vicious cycle I tell ya!  Truly the devil is behind my glum.  Anyway, there’s nothing like spending time with friends who have real issues (like, fighting cancer issues) that get you back on track.

I’ve lightened my load with my responsibilities, and I hope to be able to focus a bit more.  Here’s to a simpler life.

This past month has been a roller coaster month. I think have whiplash from how many highs and lows we’ve had.  Mostly highs.  We feel so fortunate for where we are right now.

The only pictures I have are from when Mick’s parents were in town and we went to the Discovery Museum.  This place never gets old for Sam and I.  I mean, look at the backdrop!

There is an inside eating place, but why would you want to eat inside where you’re protected from the wind, fog, and chilly weather?

Because I just love having the bridge in the background…

We met her fiance a few years ago while vacationing in Italy.  And thanks to technology and strong friendships, we’ve been able to reconnect here in SF.  {Both our boys are in the tech world.  That’s an entirely different story}

She’s teaching here in the Bay Area, and was kind (and patient) enough to give me a lesson!  I played tennis when I was very young, and I mess around with Mick every so often, but to actually have a lesson from the best was amazing!  Elena was so patient with me and taught me so much in such a short time.  I actually feel pretty confident in myself!  Although, I’m sure once I play with someone not teaching and getting excited for me,  I’ll feel otherwise.  I definitely have the tennis bug now and am itching to play with someone!  It’ll only be a matter of time before you see me in one of those cute tennis outfits…

Elena charges way too low for her lessons, but if you’re interested I’d love to connect you.

I made myself sick with chocolate Friday night and chocolate for Saturday morning breakfast.  I guess I didn’t get that sick cause I had chocolate for dessert on Saturday.

We tried a new ice cream place–Humphry Slocombe–and were brave to try some of their crazy flavors.  I decided to go with Chocolate Smoked Sea Salt and Honey Thyme…and I’m still craving that Honey Thyme.   SO SO Yummy.

Like scream for no reason boy,

Make car noises boy,

Rev up your body and scream boy,

Scream *again* for no reason boy, {noticing a pattern?}

And completely forget all of that when your dad walks in to the room boy.

{I kind of love how they’re twinners}

You ready for this:  Pineapple + Water= great flavored water

Our water dispenser sits nicely in our kitchen corner, right by the backdoor and is always ready to serve us when we get in from the (mild, mild) SF heat.  And since we have bright orange walls outside (still trying to fall in love them), I bring a little of the orange inside with art and flowers.  What do you think of my $8 Goodwill cross-stitched art?

I love gladioli and the height and volume they give to a space.  And I love my pina water.  When you’re itching for a challenge in the kitchen, I recommend you try it.

Since Pixi is quicker on the rough terrain, she often finds something and Sam will follow.

They both dig around and try to catch whatever it is that first caught their eye.  Pixi is persistent, Sam moves on to something new…

The flowing fountain is always appealing to him.  But today he was attracted to its stillness.

He gets so focused and blocks everything out around him…and then something breaks his concentration.  {That darn trigger-happy mom!}

And he wants to be held again.  And his magical moment is gone.

I’m pretty certain I’ve blogged about them before, and I just recently pinned them, but sometimes I need a refresher on how beautiful they are.  Okay, I have had my want moment.  Thanks for that.

I like the contrast in texture and size here:  The big, smooth, shinny sumo paired with a pile of rice.

Animal head with lady body.  Maybe a little too crazy for a family house…more for the bachelor pad.  Don’t want to be scaring the kiddos! 

Love the swing with fur seat, and love the rope suspending it.  Adds great texture.

Looove this vignette.  Love the chandelier, love the leather sofas (and I usually hate leather sofas), and love the (hidden) rustic rocking horse.  Comfortable and quirky.

Cool chandelier, and rounded bench.  The bench sort of has a Klisomos vibe to it… And I’m a sucker for classic design of the Klimsos Chair.  I think it’s a great example that anything classic is always in style.