Well so much for keeping my blog up to date....

Here I am almost three months since my last post. What happened... Oh yeah, I am working full time. DUH!!!!

1. We had a great Christmas week with Jenn and Bryant and I did not take even 1 picture.
2. We had a PJ Party on New Years eve with the Garvie's - Very Fun!
3. Cole is just wrapping up his basketball season (Holy Spirit 4th grade boys) and has really advanced as a player this year. John and I decided it was due to the time he spends on the playground after school playing one on one with other kids.
4. Cole played the Piano to a gymnasium full of proud parents and students in the Holy Spirit Talent Show. His piano teacher Mrs. Edwards attended to see him play and was proud as well.
5. We had another fun evening with the "31 gang" (neighbors) playing 31. It is our turn to host, so I am trying to find a sliver of space on our calendar!
6. The Heringer's and Sanborn's (including boys) came over for a little dinner party. Great fun. I learned I do not want to seat the men at one end of the dinner table. LOL
7. Two weeks later we found out that the boys were all drafted on to the same minor league team. "Go Twins". The parents are very excited about the season. Mark calculated the odds to be 1.6%. wow
8. I attended my first "Happy Hour" in 10 years. It was dubbed WaWaW...... (Women and Wine after Work). Very fun!
9. Just when I finally get a job, they decide to give me two days off every month and cut my pay. I have very mixed emotions about this. I spent my first unpaid "holiday" cleaning house. Yuk! I spent my second unpaid holiday shopping and going to the movies (The Reader). The shopping was probably unwise since I just got a pay cut. So next time we will stick to the movie!
10. We attended the Norris's annual Mardi Gras party and had a nice time catching up with friends and eating "Gumbo".

That pretty much hits the highlights........

Cole's 4th grade picture

Cole just brought home his 4th grade picture. The one year I do not buy a ton, it turns out to be a good one. :-)

Thanksgiving Preparation

Yesterday Cole and I spent the day visiting the Garvie's. They have graciously invited us to join them and their family for Thanksgiving. Angela and I had planned to spend the day cooking and prepping food for Thanksgiving. Cole and Ian have been buddies since before they were 1. It is so fun to see them pick up there friendship as though it had not been months since they were together.
Cole and Ian disappeared when they were supposed to be peeling potatoes, but showed up in time to "rice" the cooked potatoes and mash them a bit.
We also made Cranberry sauce, Pureed Carrots with Grand Marnier and a Lemon Tart.

Ginger-cranberry sauce

This is best served warm, though it is also delicious cold. The quantities here serve eight with plenty of leftovers.

Canola oil (for the pan)
2-inch piece fresh ginger, very finely chopped
4 -medium red onions, finely chopped
2 -bags (12 ounces each) fresh cranberries
Grated rind and juice of 4 oranges
2 -cups packed brown sugar, or more to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Coat a large saucepan lightly with oil and set it over high heat. Add the ginger and onions and cook, stirring often, for 4 minutes or until beginning to soften.
2. Add the cranberries, orange rind and juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat to medium. Continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the cranberries soften and some have broken up. Taste for seasoning and add more brown sugar or salt, if you like. - Adapted from Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger

Coco watching Cole and I get ready for the holidays.

New Job, New Era in my life.....

Well, yesterday I accepted a position with the Office of Systems Integration http://www.hwcws.cahwnet.gov/newsystem/
I will be working on the Child Welfare System/ Case Management System New System Project. My office will be located downtown at the 5 Fwy and Garden Highway. I have canceled all of my substitute assignments and will spend the next two weeks preparing for my new life.

After spending almost eight years at my favorite job, (Cole's mom) I have some mixed feelings about the change. Luckily I have had time to get used to the idea and I have reached the point of excitement.

Two of my closest friends have recently made the decision to reenter the work force. Kathy has been with the State Air Resources Board for 8 months now. Ann Marie had a very promising interview on Friday as well.

Cole is actually impatient. He believes spending afternoons with his friends at extension will be fun. It probably will!

Football

Cole playing quarterback in his first year of Flag Football .....