I Love to Read!!!!

I have not been a faithful blogger, and I have committed to doing better, so I decided to blog about something I am totally passionate about - reading! Zach and I are both voracious readers. Claire is starting to feel the same way. She is discovering that it is fun to read when you get to choose which books to read. I am even secretly giggling to myself at night when I have to threaten grounding if she doesn't put her book away to go to sleep.

Lately I have had the time to really read several series of books, so I thought I would post several entries about some of my favorites. Feel free to give me your two cents!

A New Promise

I have decided to turn over a new page and start blogging again, but this time more regularly. I am taking example from my little sisters, Beth & Summer, and I will blog more often. Since my family is spread out all over, it has been fun to see what they have been up to.

My Sister, Beth , and her husband, Sam, and son, Nicholas, now live in Key West, Florida. They are soaking up the rays and enjoying the heat.

My other sister, Summer, is trying to stay warm in Detroit, Michigan. She and her husband, Brent, are in the process of adopting the sweetest little girl, Grace.

My parents and my brother, Corbin, live just up the street, and it has been nice to be close to them. My husband, Zach, is now a licensed attorney, and our daughter, Claire is in the 3rd grade! Wow has time flown! We still live in Austin, and it is still my favorite city to live in!!!

Austin, Texas

My family recently made a big move to the great state of Texas. I am a native Texan, an Austinite by birth. I have always been very proud of my Texas heritage. (I have yet to meet a Texan who isn't) It is amazing that Austin still is the great city I remembered. I always thought I was probably romanticizing my feelings for my hometown, but it really is wonderful. We live very close to great food, shopping, the lake, parks, theaters, hike-&-bike trails, etc. It is good to be home!

Naked Time

Several days ago I was on the phone with my sister when my daughter walked into the room in her underwear. Completely shocked, I blurted out, "Where are you clothes?!?" Without hesitation she innocently stated, "Mom, I just needed a little naked time."

The Kindergarten Rock Exchange

I volunteer in my daughter's Kindergarten class once a month. The last time I was there a very interesting thing happened. Just after I got to the classroom, the teacher came over to me and quietly pointed out a group of children who were pretending to sell rocks (just some ordinary rocks) at an area they had set-up as a store. Some other kids had taken the kitchen play area and set it up an office on the other end of the room. They made desks and had found two telephones they were using to make their "deals." They even had some "runners" going back and forth to pick up the merchandise. They were actually selling and buying rocks as a commodity. I don't know where they got the rocks, but it was really fascinating to see playtime imitate real life.

Future Commodities Brokers of America Unite!

Yeti Games

My brother-in-law introduced me to these super-addicting games. They are fun, but I could really waste a lot of time playing them!

Turkey For You, Turkey For Me...

Here is the recipe I used for my turkey. It was super fantastic!

Rinse your turkey and place it in a roasting pan. Brush on some melted butter coating the entire bird. Slice 2 oranges and squeeze the juice all over the bird. Largely cut 2 carrots, 2 stalks of celery, and 1/2 an onion. Put the veggies and the oranges into the cavity of the turkey. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Put the bird into the oven at 450 degrees (yes that says 450) for 30 minutes uncovered. Then, turn the oven down to 350-375 degrees, baste the turkey with Basting Liquid, cover with foil, and put the bird back into the oven. Cook until the temperature of the bird reaches 160 degrees, basting every 1/2 hour. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes. (I let mine rest 40 minutes today) The internal temperature of the bird should reach 165 degrees (ideal) while it is resting.

Basting Liquid:
1 cup chicken broth or stock
1cup apple cider
1 orange sliced into large chunks
Heat the ingredients of the Basting Liquid on low heat until it reaches a simmer and take it off of the stove. Baste the turkey every 1/2 hour.

Pleasantly Uncomfortable

Well, the feast is over. All of the hard work and preparation yielded quite a meal IMHO. I was in charge of the turkey this year, and it really turned out great! I just happened to see an episode of Emeril the other day, and he had a recipe for turkey that looked simple yet very delicious. I like things super simple. My Mom and both of my sisters were here to help me out. We made garlic mashed potatoes & gravy, 2 kinds of sweet potatoes, steamed green beans with lemon, homeade rolls, dressing, layered jello salad with a sour cream center, and 4 kinds of pie. I absolutely ache inside I am so full.

I am having a great time with my family. My husband told me that he's having fun with them here even though our apartment is full to bursting. My daughter has been beyond bliss with the aunts and uncles to play with her. I am especially enjoying my little nephew, Nicholas. He will be a year old in March.