Things I have learned today

1. My "snow boots" really don't work that well on snow. Perhaps they should be called "slip-a-lot-on-snow boots".

2. Sometimes, when the hot cocoa machine says "Stop when 3/4 full", you should stop at 3/4 full. If you don't, you may be reprimanded by kitchen staff and will end up with burns on your fingers.

I hope this newly acquired knowledge is helpful.

Pop Tart

This question needs a quick preface.

I have been very tired lately, and although I enjoy pop and coffee, I am trying to limit my caffeine intake.

My solution: try a multi-vitamin. My mom always made me take vitamins growing up whenever I was acting particularly tired, so this seemed like a natural step. When I was little (ok, through college) it was was gummy bear vitamins, but seeing that I am turning (gulp) 27 next month, I thought it was time I took a grown up vitamin. I went to CVS and carefully choose a vitamin that promised it would be gentle on my very sensitive stomach.

It didn't work. This vitamin made me so sick. I stopped taking it for a whole month because I hated how it made me feel. The battle raged in my mind; do I throw them out? Do I try them with food? Do I keep them, but hide them and just go vitamin-less?

One day I got up the nerve and tried them with food, and lo and behold, it helped. They still upset my stomach a little, so I have been rewarding myself with a

every time I am grown up enough to take my vitamin, and I feel pretty good about system. Plus, it is a great conversation starter here in our offices at Kensington.

So my question for the world is this:

Does anyone else reward themselves for doing tasks? If so, what are the tasks and what is the reward?

Baking and Bonding

It has been a few years since I have been at the original Baking and Bonding. I have hosted my own in other countries and other states, but, boy, did it feel good to be back with my roots.

As I remember, the "Bonding" far outweighs the "Baking". It is loud, colorful, and competitive, and many things said at this party should never be repeated outside of the circle of people who attended.

By far, the best gingerbread house display (vote for it at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=846767369465&set=a.626867076415.2279915.22413564 )

The Buckeyes (and for all the UofM fans, "I-hate-Ohio-State-balls")

The men doing the manly sugar-cookie-decorating.

Yeah, I love this man.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Since we are about to go back. . .

Jay and I are leaving for Nebraska today, and I realized I never posted my pictures from the last trip, so here they are:

(Nora is not drunk, but I think the look on her face is priceless, combined with the fact that she was fascinated by her Uncle Jay's empty beer bottle)

After the final Nebraska and Colorado game.

The men being manly.

Nora was also fascinated by Chango. Chango on the other hand was tolerant of Nora. He even treated her to a few kisses.

To Narah:

Dear Narah,

Someday I think it would be fun to be in Michigan when you are here. Let's try and make that happen.
P.S. We thought of you and your family a lot on the day this picture was taken.

As Promised.

Here are some picture of Ramona Jean!

This is a well documented little girl:)

Sleeping contented in her Uncle Jay's arms.

Yes, Ramona, this is your family. . .

Two kids under 3 - Good luck Matt and Megs!

You are a beautiful baby girl Ramona - we will see you again in a few weeks!

Baby Cooke is on its way!

I found out this morning that my sister in law, Megan, is in labor! For real this time. She has had false labor for the past month or so.

Please pray for her and baby Cooke (gender and name still to be announced).

Jay and I are tentatively planning on heading to Grand Rapids tomorrow to see them all.

Pictures to come.