Big Party

This afternoon I joined several other Pampered Chef Sales Directors at Francesca's to celebrate PatPamChef for her special birthday celebration. There's nothing better than gathering with a group of colleagues to celebrate a very special woman who's an inspiration to us all. This summer, PatPamChef was promoted to to the highest level that Pampered Chef offers its sales force. She wanted to reach that level before this milestone birthday. She's a goal setter and a goal achiever. She's one of the few people within the Pampered Chef organization to reach the top without ever losing a title along the way. She's funny, energetic, and inspirational, and I'm honored to call her my friend.

First Sunday of Advent

I didn't grow up with the tradition of Advent. The church where Baird and I met introduced me to this centuries-old tradition. Over the years, I would sit in church the four Sundays before Christmas, watch the lighting of the candles, and listen to the meditation. I began to anticipate this special ritual.

For those who may not know, Advent is marked by a spirit of anticipation, of longing. The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in His First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in His Second Advent.

The first week of Advent focuses on expectation or hope. This expectation goes beyond counting down the days until the presents are opened. We look forward to the time when the Prince of Peace will bring true peace, justice and righteousness to this world.

Every night during Advent, our family lights candles, gathers around our manger scene, and recites the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 2:1-12. Then we read from The Advent Book. It's a time to reflect on what's truly important this time of year.

Giving Back at the ECC

I'm a firm believer in "to whom much has been given, much will be required." Our family has been so blessed, and we're always looking for ways to give back. Kelsey and I decided this fall that we'd start volunteering at The Emergency Clothes Closet, which is part of Oak Park's Walk-In Ministries. The Oak Park Community of Congregations was looking for a place to move the ECC, since it had outgrown its former home. I was so excited when our church took on this project.
Today was our first time volunteering with this organization. Kelsey and I were personal shoppers, which means we met with people to see what items they needed. After chatting for a few minutes, we'd head down to the basement, grab what was needed, and ask our guest to choose from the options we'd picked. If an item didn't work out, Kelsey would run back down to the basement to look for another option while I continued chatting.
It was a great way to spend the morning, and it opened my eyes to the sheer enormity of this project. It was heartbreaking to have to tell someone toward the end, "I'm sorry, we're out of your size. But please, try again next week, and we'll do everything we can to accommodate you."
If you happen to have adult size boots, gloves or winter coats (esp. in sizes XL-XXXXL) in your house that you'd like to get rid of, please let me know and I'd be happy to get them over to the ECC. And I know that whoever ends up with your generous donation will be eternally grateful for your generosity.

Black Friday

For years, Baird has been up before dawn the day after Thanksgiving, standing in line to get the best deals on all the hot Christmas gifts. This year, stores started opening at midnight, so I joined him. I can't give any details or pictures here, since my kids read my blog, and most of the shopping was for them. We hit 8 stores in 7 hours and we got everything we set out for (and then some).

I wrote a little song about the Black Friday experience. This is what happens when you're up all night shopping after cooking all day. With apologizes to The Little River Band, I give you Night Owl - Black Friday:

There's a sale right across the street
They got a deal you just can't beat
The entrance line is two blocks deep
Black Friday!

They're out of this and what the heck

They're out of that - there's no rain check
Take the last one she'll break your neck
Black Friday!

The last Wii band goes on her wrist
Those behind her are shaking their fists
Waitin' so long for a near miss
Black Friday!

Must be the cheapskate in her soul
Next on the list a stop at Kohl's
It's such a thrill
Just sign the bill

She's a shopper
on Black Friday
She's shopping in the night
Stay up til dawn
The money's gone she's done

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for, and I don't stop often enough to acknowledge it. Today was an amazing, perfect day.

The menu:

3 Cheeses served with Assorted Crackers, Grapes, and Fresh Figs
Grilled, Brined Fresh Turkey with Citrus and Herbs
Grandma's Stuffing
Sweet Potatoes with Bananas and Cream
Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes & Gravy
Scalloped Corn
Chilled Asparagus Spears
Arugula Salad with Figs, Prosciutto, Almonds and Parmesan
Aasha's Apple and Cranberry Chutney
Relish Tray
Grandma's Rolls
Apple Crisp
Pumpkin Pie

Preparations

The days leading up to Thanksgiving are always a flurry of activity. Carpets have been steam cleaned. New rugs have been thrown down in the kitchen and bathroom. Rooms have been 27 fling boogied. The Hummell plates on the wall have been washed and rehung. The silver's been polished.

In addition to the cleaning there's food prep to be done. For the first time ever this year, we bought a fresh turkey. This morning we brined it John Kass style.

And of course, it's not really Thanksgiving until Grandma and Grandpa show up. My mom made rolls and chocolate chip cookies. According to my kids, Grandma's chocolate chip cookies are the best EVER, and she always brings a batch when she comes for a visit.

I've got 7 pounds of butter, 2 quarts of cream and lots of fresh herbs. My fridge is full of fresh produce. The menu is set. The timetable has been posted. Bring it!

You Can Dance if You Want To

This afternoon I volunteered at Irving's afternoon dance party. This fall, the school has been focusing on positive behavior, and the dance party was a reward for how well behaved the kids have been. What a great way to end the first trimester!

Drew dressed up a bit, wearing a polo shirt instead of his regular t-shirt, but the shorts stayed. He and his friends had blast dancing to Beat It, The Electric Slide, and many other dance favorites.