Sunday Sustenance

"Never let a
problem to be solved
become more
important than a
person to be loved."

- Thomas S. Monson

Birthday wishes...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

Andi!

Thanks for being
such an amazing friend
and example to me
over the years...

Have a wonderful day!

That's a relief!

Had another ultrasound yesterday...

He's definitely a boy!

Good thing, because that's pretty much
what we've been planning for the past month.

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Image courtesy of Shark Bait.)
We hope you have a
wonderful Thanksgiving!

Enjoy your turkey and stuffing... we're having pizza!*

On Friday, we'll get to see more of our little one,
since he wasn't as photogenic
as the doctor needed him to be the first time.
(Everything is A-OK... doctor's just wanting to be thorough.)

Catch you next week...

* Sprik Family Tradition when you hold Thanksgiving
on a day different than you're supposed to.

Dysfunctional is the NEW functional

To help you better understand your family this holiday,
please consult the following flowchart:

(Soundtrack found here.)

Just one of the many services we offer here on Sprik Space.
You're welcome.

(As seen on Word to Your Mother.)

"I'm not as crazy as you are..."

Maybe we're going about this baby naming business the wrong way...

"For Pete Wentz and wife Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, the decision to give their son the middle name of Mowgli came down to a simple bear necessity.

"'The Jungle Book was something that me and Ashlee bonded over. It's a cool name,' the father of Bronx Mowgli Wentz, born last week, told Ryan Seacrest on his radio Tuesday."

I thought the whole point was to hope the name you chose might keep your kid from getting beat up on the playground.

Silly me.

That's it... We're naming him Richard.
Everyone will call him "Dick" for short.
That's got a nice ring to it, don't you think?

Suh-weet Potatoes

Here are my mom's famous and super-easy Sweet Potatoes.
Growing up, I don't think I ever realized you could make them any other way.

Mom's Sweet Potatoes

• Figure about 1 sweet potato per person.
• Peel and slice them about ½ - ¾ in. thick.
• Boil them in water until just fork tender. (Don’t over cook them or they'll become mushy.)
• Drain them, and then put them in a baking dish.
• Put pats of butter/margarine all over them, and sprinkle brown sugar over the top. (You’re trying to make a syrup.)
• At this point you can put them in the refrigerator, if you're going to cook them later.
• When ready to cook, just warm them in the oven.
• Just before serving sprinkle marshmallows over the top, and toast them (watch carefully) at about 400 degrees or more.

Turkey Tee

How adorable is this idea??

No sewing machine needed, and the whole project can be completed in less than an hour.
(That's my kind of craft!)

Tutorial found here.

(As seen on Made with Love & Glue...)

Once upon a time...

Just about 7 months ago, Brian made a trip to the UK for his company's annual meeting. At the end of his stay in Bristol, he traveled to London, and spent a few days there.

I've been harping on him for months to write a quick post about his trip... but you haven't seen one yet, have you?! ;) At least he's added captions to the pics we uploaded to Picasa.

Enjoy his slideshow...

Eating humble pie

We didn't get to see the game out here in the Midwest, and from what I saw of the final score, it was a doozy!
Not sure what went wrong, and I'm not a big enough fan to read a game dissection...

But, way to go Utes!
Thanks for the cool million! ;)

Sunday Sustenance

"To reach a goal
you have never
before attained,
you must do things
you have never
before done."

- Richard G. Scott

"Welcome back, jerky jerk face."

I'll admit... the episode this week was a little weak. But, there were some hilarious moments sprinkled in between.

Here's your Two-Minute Replay of "Frame Toby":



And, here you'll find Deleted Scenes 1 and 2.

Just pretend you didn't notice anything...

This show just reiterates for me why I don't miss working in an office environment! :) (Thank you, B.)

Here's Part 1 of the latest batch of Webisodes from The Office - "The Outburst":



And Deleted Scenes 3 and 4 from last week's "Business Trip" for your viewing pleasure.

Gobble, gobble...

I know... there's been a lot of recipes on Sprik Space lately. But, since the morning sickness has finally waned a bit, my appetite has returned - and it's scary!

I will totally be making these cuties in a few years at Thanksgiving time.
Directions here.

Here's another cute tutorial for Oreo Turkeys.

Because I can't resist...

"C is for cookie, it's good enough for me."

I've had really bad luck baking homemade cookies over the last year. They always taste great right out of the oven, but by the next morning, they're either way too soft, or rock hard. (Unless I made these.)

Finally, I've found a cookie recipe that maintains its delicious texture day after day... it does not disappoint!

Try these for yourself...

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c. butter or margarine
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1.5 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
0.5 tsp. salt
3 c. oatmeal
1 bag chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter/margarine until light.
3. Add sugars; beat until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.
5. Add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix well.
6. Stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips until thoroughly combined.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet.
8. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cookies are just set. Do not overbake. (I used a silpat, and baked mine to perfection with 10.5 minutes in a 360 degree oven.)
9. Makes about 5 dozen.

"Do you hear what I hear?"

At some point, every mid-November, I dust off my iTunes Christmas playlist and give it a listen until early January. With nearly 600 tracks, I don't get sick of it very easily. See, I love good, alternative holiday music... there's only so much MoTab and Mannheim Steamroller I can take. (Johnny Mathis and Kenny G make me want to vomit.)

Yesterday, Pop Candy introduced me to a new, very cool holiday mix you can stream to your PC. (I listen to it via iTunes.)

Check out the woxy.com Holiday Mixer...

Just in the last hour, I've heard holiday tunes by Aimee Mann, Ella Fitzgerald, the Smithereens, R.E.M., Badly Drawn Boy, Feist, and Eel.

I think you'll like it too...

Punkin, punkin, punkin...

This Sunday, we held an early Thanksgiving dinner with Brian's parents and brother. And now I have a house full of yummy leftovers that we'll be eating for the next week. (That's right, B - I'm not cooking.)

For breakfast this morning, I polished off the remains of a delicious loaf of Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Bread (I'm pregnant, so it's allowed, right?)... and was sad until I remembered that I had 4 more loaves ready to go in my freezer. YUM.

Try this one at your house...

Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Bread

2 eggs
1 c. pumpkin
1.5 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
0.5 c. oil
1.75 c. flour
0.25 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
0.5 tsp. each of salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, & ground cloves
1 c. milk chocolate chips (or, you can use 0.5 c. raisins + 0.5 c. chopped walnuts instead)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease and flour 3 small, or 1 large, loaf pan(s).
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs.
4. Mix in pumpkin, sugar, and vanilla.
5. Add oil and stir together.
6. Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.
7. Finally, add in chocolate chips.
8. Pour into prepared loaf pan(s), and bake for 1 hour, until done. (I bake about 50 min. and test with a toothpick.)

"A family tree can wither if nobody tends its roots."

A few years ago, I made my parents one of these family trees using a kit from Red Envelope:

Red Envelope has since updated their Family Tree Kits to this style. You should really go check it out for your family - it's on sale for 25% off right now... only $99.95! (P.S. I have a free shipping offer I can send you for any order over $75.) Each leaf represents another family member/ancestor, and you're able to display four generations worth of your combined family history. The kit comes with everything you need, including the frames, you just supply the family details. My parents bought me this new kit for Christmas two years ago... and it's still in the box, unmade. :(

Using information I referred to on this post, I want to attempt to finish this kit in the next 3 months or so. I've already got a spot in mind on a wall in the family room that will be perfect for it. Sadly, it's yet another one of those projects on my list that I know if I don't get it done soon, the baby will come and it will be years before I touch it.

Wish me luck!

Sunday Sustenance

"Hope is the anticipation that
the outcome will be good.
Worry is the anticipation that
the outcome will be bad.
Faith is the anticipation that
whatever the outcome,
it will be for our good."

- Unknown

"Can-naw-duh"

One of the best episodes of the season!
Michael gets to go on an international business trip to... Canada.

Here's your Two-Minute Replay of "Business Trip":


And Michael's a wee bit indecisive on the 1st released Deleted Scene...



From last week's "Customer Service" episode - here's the 3rd Deleted Scene:


And the 4th Deleted Scene from last week:

Diaper-Changing Survival 101

Last week, I shared the following post by 100 Percent Cottam about the famous and potentially crucial to my future diaper-changing survival, Pee Pee Tee Pees.

Wouldn't you know it, today I stumbled upon a tutorial to make my very own pee pee tee pees at Little Birdie Secrets. Looks pretty easy... I think. (I know, a washcloth is an easier solution... but these are just too cute!)

See, Brian, the sewing machine is paying for itself! Now if I would just take it out of the box and get started... ;)

P.S. Do you follow the items I post in my right sidebar under "Mom Taught Me To Share"? This is where I highlight posts from other blogs that I find interesting, clever, funny, and uplifting. The latest 10 items I've shared show up here on the blog, or you can go here to see all of the posts I've ever shared. You can even follow my shared posts in your RSS Reader, if you want, too. I happen to follow Tiburon's and Kami's - they share the coolest stuff!

Land of the free, home of the brave

Thank you for your sacrifice!

Button Tree

What a clever idea!

Check out this easy-peasy button tree tutorial on My Pretty Little Life.

I'm imagining 3 of these, different sizes, on the table in my foyer during the holidays. Wow, oh wow!

I think I'm going to start a button collection...

UPDATE:
Here's another version of a button tree - so adorable!

The Big 5-0-0

This is it.
Post #500

I can't believe it.
I really can't believe that I had 500 things
I thought were worth saying on here
(at least at the time anyway).

I couldn't have done this without you,
my few, but faithful, readers!

Do you know how fun it is for me to see that you've read my blog?
Or how happy I get when I see I've got a new comment in my inbox?
Seriously.
It.makes.my.day!

Oh, how I wish I had the time, energy, and funds
to host an amazing giveaway!
But, I don't.
And that makes me sad.

Did you know that Thanksgiving is THIS weekend??
(Betcha didn't.)
At least here at the Sprik house it is...
We've got a family wedding...
And the in-laws are coming in...
P-A-R-T-Y
Thanksgiving comes early this year.
(Which means happiness for Brian,
because he really enjoys our family tradition
of pizza on Thanksgiving Day.)

So, that means I'm busy!
And I really need to get off the computer...

But, not until I publish a few more posts,
and read a few more of your fun blogs,
and try to make some clever comments.

Thanks for your love...
(I know it doesn't come cheap. ;)

Turtle-riffic!

Now is the time for all things pumpkin... yippee yay!
This was our Sunday dessert... so delish! Adding nuts and caramel topping ensured that Brian would like it, too.
I promise that if you make this, you won't be disappointed.

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. caramel ice cream topping, divided

1 graham cracker (or chocolate) pie crust

1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. pecan pieces, divided

1 cup cold milk

2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) vanilla flavor instant pudding

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed, divided

1. Pour 1/4 cup caramel topping into crust; sprinkle with 1/2 cup pecans.
2. Beat milk, pudding mixes, pumpkin and spices with whisk until blended. Stir in 1-1/2 cups whipped topping. Spread into crust.
   
3. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with remaining whipped topping, caramel topping and pecans just before serving.
4. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

"I'm getting that queasy feeling that sometimes accompanies jokes."

Another great episode of The Office last week!

Here's your Two-Minute Replay of "Customer Survey":


Deleted Scene #1
So, THAT'S why surveys are important... it's all about the carrots.


Deleted Scene #2
Andy's no longer the worst salesman at the office... we're so proud!
Different styles...


If you missed it, you can see the full episode of "Customer Survey" here.


And finally...
Have you ever been at work, and one of your co-workers makes a crazy loud outburst on a phonecall,
and you're supposed to pretend like you didn't hear it?
I have...

A preview of the new webisodes set to premiere on November 20th.
(Yep, you can count on me to keep you informed!)

Complete and total cuteness

She's irresistible!

Uncle Scott made this of our niece, Maddy... her first six months.
(Yup, he's quite talented!)

Enjoy...

Sunday Sustenance

“The future is in your hands.
Bad days come to an end.
Faith always triumphs.
Heavenly promises are always kept.”

- Jeffrey R. Holland

Oh, the things we have to look forward to!

Wedding Weekend Wrap-Up

On Thursday, we went straight from the airport
to Erik & Emily's place in Queen Creek.
We looked around their gorgeous new house on moving day,
and I discovered I'm allergic to their dog,
but mostly we admired Maddy's pigtails.


Friday night, the Rogers hosted a Rehearsal Dinner for the happy couple.
Dad eloquently reminded us of the history of the toast and offered well wishes,
and we laughed at Steve and Jeff arguing over who was really the best man.


Saturday was the main event!
Erik & Emily got married in Mesa,
and we were all wowed by her many talents
(she did all of the flowers herself, among other things).
The ceremony was sweet, the food was delicious,
the wedding party was dressed to the nines,
and my pregnancy cankles were in rare form.
The mosquitoes had fun, too -
but why did they only like the folks from Illinois??


Sunday evening, was a family get-together, minus the newlyweds.
We pretended it was Dad's birthday and played a game
(because that's about the only time we do so).
Later, we all sat around and stared at Maddy... admiring her mullet.


A wonderful time was had by all... and we definitely need a new camera!

Plop, plop... fizz, fizz...

Oh, what a relief it is!
Is it over??
Is it really over??

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands... but don't gloat.

No one likes a frowning face, change it for a smile... negativity won't help you move forward.

I've made it known that I wasn't particularly pleased with either of our choices... but it's over now, and we all just need to move on. I was very impressed by the concession speech made last night - both by its promptness and its political/social maturity. Let the mud slinging be over. Now is the time for them to prove themselves.

There's a mixed bag of happiness and sadness west of the Rockies to the Pacific coast today, I'm sure. Honestly, the hatred, bigotry, and ignorance displayed by both sides of the marriage issue made me sad to be a religious American... and I'm relieved there was no such decision to be made in Illinois (at least not this year).

The bottom line?
We are incredibly fortunate to live in this country, and to have the opportunities and freedoms we do. We should count our many blessings.

Now if we could all just get the past 2.5 years of our lives back...

"Did Darryl touch you?"

Here's your Two-Minute Replay of last week's "Employee Transfer":


Deleted scene #1:


Deleted scene #2:


Deleted scene #3:


If you haven't seen the full episode yet, go here.

The first 2 minutes are the best of the entire episode...

Black Friday

Happy to say that as of November 1st, I am 85% done with my Christmas shopping for this year, and 50% done with my Christmas wrapping. I know... I'm an over-achiever! (It also helped to take advantage of "free shipping" a la a trip to see the fam in Phoenix last weekend.) I think it comes from my single-girl paycheck-to-paycheck days when I needed to spread out my purchasing to afford Christmas each year... and I really just wanted to spend money on me at all the sales in December. ;)

Black Friday is in 3.5 short weeks...
If you're in the market to save some money this year (who isn't??), and you have the patience for it, there are several sites that can help you plan your strategery for that crazy day. My favorite is Black-Friday.net. Check it out, and enter your e-mail address for advance notice of the sales flyers before you receive them in the Thanksgiving paper.

Sprik Sprout's First Home Movie

Uncle Scott was kind enough to take the images and video from our ultrasound last Wednesday, and set them all to music.

So, we're pulling out the projector and screen to share with you our baby boy's first home movie...

Enjoy!



He wasn't giving the tech the best angles during the hour-long ultrasound. And, he doesn't have much meat on him yet...

The imaging center that did this for us is brand new... and apparently 3-D images/video are part of their standard package these days.
Gotta love insurance!

Trigon classics

Too cute! Why haven't we seen more of this kid??

Sunday Sustenance

"You don't know everything,
but you know enough."

- Neil L. Anderson