December Photo Challenge: Day 31; New Year's Eve

Dec 31: New Year's Eve

I've never been one to extravagantly celebrate NYE. I'm not the party or drinking type, T is usually working, and I'm wiped out since, you know, I survived an entire year!

Today was a weird day: I went to the gym, then was planning to meet friends at the other end of town with our kiddos. Unfortunately, I got the days mixed up. So here G and I are on the opposite end of town needing something else to do. I suggested we go to the nearby mall and she could get some energy out on the play area. As it turned out, that entire side of the building is under construction! The malls have these trolley rides and G sighed and asked, "Can we ride the train?" Yeah, we can ride the train today. Why not? I have managed to foil all our other plans! She must've been excited about this because she gave me some goofy selfie poses. Enjoy.

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

December Photo Challenge: Day 30; Night

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 30: Night

It's currently 13 degrees out. In case you live in a luxurious climate, 13 degrees feels like invisible icicle daggers. I mentioned before, we have enjoyed the warm spell in the 50's, then it tanked to a low of -14 degrees last night. What happened to a grace period?! Anyway, my point was that I wasn't about to spend more time out in the night cold than I had to in order to achieve a photo challenge post. We are preparing the 12.5 lb steelhead T caught from the Snake River earlier this month. The sun had set when we threw them on the grill so voila! there's a night photograph! Even the grill itself looks a little frosty. No time for more details, dinner's ready.....

December Photo Challenge: Day 28 & 29; Scarf & Smiles With A Friend

Dec 28: Scarf

Aaah! I'm getting behind. I haven't taken photos for the specific days so I just had to wing it. This was from the other day when she was rolling the body parts for the snowman. I added some creative touches. 

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 29: Smiles With A Friend

Okay, family smiles will have to do. This was at her Kindergarten concert earlier this month. 

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

December Photo Challenge: Day 27; Fun

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 27: Fun

Grandpa arrived in town late last night to avoid the winter storm over the mountain pass. Which also meant we finally got some real snow on the opposite side of the state. You know, the kind we're known for where one can actually play in. G and Grandpa enjoyed sledding and a short-lived snowball fight because that's when I suggested they build a snowman which turned out rather cute. I like how he's kindergarten-sized!

December Photo Challenge: Day 26; Bundled Up

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 26: Bundled Up

We are experiencing a rather warm season so far (in the 50's at times) hence there haven't been too many opportunities that warrant getting bundled up. It is supposed to get cold over the next few days, but we have enjoyed the warm spell for the time being. My sister gave me a new pair of slippers at our Christmas Eve get together, so here I am wearing them with my jammies attempting to catch Santa Claus. Can you spot the milk that G left out for him? 

As I indicated my favorite holiday movie is It's A Wonderful Life. I had yet to watch the whole thing in one sitting, so the night of Christmas I decided to switch it on. I asked T if he'd care to watch it with me. "Nope," was the answer I got.  

"Why," I inquired. "I thought you liked that movie."

"I do."
Insert confusion. "So what's the problem?"
"Because it makes me cry!"
Fa la la la ha ha ha! He's a softy for that film, too!

December Photo Challenge: Day 25; Christmas Morning

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 25: Christmas Morning

We opened presents like any family this morning, but, while this is not superbly composed, I wanted today's photo be our dog with his Christmas chewy. He is 13 years old and is showing his age more and more especially within the past 6 months. He takes joint supplements and arthritis medication but is continues to have difficulty getting around. It's not a dire situation yet, but, while we are certainly hoping not, we realize this could possibly be his last Christmas. Pooch gets his own stocking, too, which is normally filled with chewies or treats of holiday colors. This year he got red and green candy cane shaped ones hand-picked by G. He cannot wait to get his teeth on those! Most fellow pet owners agree, that their animals enjoy Christmas morning just as much as the rest of the household.

Speaking of dogs, the neighbors' dog barked throughout the entire morning. I have asked them before not to allow their animals to remain outdoors for extended periods of time due to this annoyance. Frustrating! 

I didn't intend to come across as Negative Nancy with this entry, but it is weighing on our minds and I felt the pooch deserved to be in the spotlight. 

December Photo Challenge: Day 24; Favorite Holiday Tradition

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 24: Favorite Holiday Tradition

We really don't have holiday traditions, but on Christmas Eve we have a seafood feast with Mom, Grandma, and Auntie. Mom made a fisherman's stew, scallops, and a shrimp and vegetable pasta. We brought crappie, halibut, skillet biscuit bread, and chocolate fudge. There is also a gift exchange and I gave Grandma her copy of 41: A Portrait Of My Father which I discussed earlier as well as a personalized calendar. I give her a calendar every year, but she is always surprised as she unwraps it.

Nescafe Review

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

I'm a member of Smiley360.com where I share my honest feedback in exchange for free product. I've recently tried the Nescafe with Coffeemate which is like a cocoa mix but with the coffee/creamer flavor. It reminds me of the cafe au lait served at Cafe du Monde. I've tried instant coffee before, but its incredibly convenient that this comes as a 2-for-1 and it's deliciously addicting! I can't wait to take it camping! (I refuse to rough it without my coffee!) You can get a $0.75 off coupon here.

December Photo Challenge: Day 23; Presents Under The Tree

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 23: Presents Under The Tree

I don't think there is much to write about here. Just about everyone has a few colorful boxes under a trimmed tree. The wee ones are glistening with anticipation of Santa's arrival in a couple days...at least mine is. 

The package wrapped in white tissue paper is a gift to Daddy made by G in school. I haven't a clue what it contains other than that it's "breakable." From a previous entry I mention the kiddo wrapping her own presents, of which a few she used newspaper. Can you spot one? 

When I look at all the presents I'm reminded of our old cat, who died a couple years ago. She loved Christmas morning and jumping in the crumbled up paper and discarded bows. We miss her terribly. A special paw-shaped ornament with her picture is hanging on the front of the tree so that she can 'watch' the action come Dec 25th. 

December Photo Challenge: Day 22; Red

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 22: Red

I know what you're thinking: That's not something red. Well, George HW Bush was a Republican....LOOPHOLE! 

I've moved on to yet another book. Recently, I read an article in Parade magazine (the one from the newspaper) about George HW Bush and how he sky dived on his 90th birthday. It was essentially a piece advertising the biography written by his son, George W. Bush. At any rate, it was intriguing to me and I ordered a copy as a Christmas gift for someone. I should've ordered a copy of my own, but instead I just placed a hold at the local library. I was something like fifteenth on the wait list and was finally able to pick up a copy last week. 

The 1988 presidential election is the first one I can conscientiously remember. I was attending third grade and the school conducted it's own student presidential election. Our choices were the Republican Vice President George HW Bush or Democrat Michael Dukakis. I certainly didn't comprehend more than a smidgen of politics at the time, but the nation was soon to acquire a new leader and it seemed thrilling to an eight year old kid. To this day voting is still exciting to me. I make an effort to cast my ballot each and every time. I research and educate myself on candidates. Why not? Women fought hard to earn the right to vote, and it certainly isn't honoring those before me who sacrificed in order to give future generations that privilege.

In the first few chapters of 41: A Portrait Of My Father I learned that George HW Bush was shot down by enemy forces in WWII and was rescued by a submarine, one of his squadron comrades was from Spokane WA, and he had a daughter who died of childhood leukemia. He also serves as US Ambassador to China and ran the CIA. I've gotten as far in the novel to when he has just been elected president. It's an interesting part of history and gives readers a peek at who George HW Bush was personally, not only professionally. 

December Photo Challenge: Day 21; My View Right Now

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 21: My View Right Now

I was a little confused as to what "my view" should entail. Am I supposed to be cuddled up in a mountain lodge sipping cocoa while watching the snow fall? Relaxing at a tropical getaway making you all jealous of warm weather? As I sat down to write the previous entry, I realized I needed to capture a photo for this challenge. So I present my view of (drum roll please): The Newspaper Waiting For Me To Get Out Of My Pajamas And Retrieve It. 

Make it a great day! :)

December Photo Challenge: Day 20; Merry & Bright

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 20: Merry & Bright

I'm going to write about our Journey To The North Pole cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene which was actually on Dec 7th. It seemed to fit "merry and bright" so I'm rollin' with it.

We've heard all about this cruise and have even walked the CDA boardwalk to look at the animated lights (the ones we can see anyways) but have never taken the boat ride. It's a 40 minute cruise from the CDA Resort Marina to the North Pole (a little cove a short distance away) where Santa Claus is waiting. When instructed, we walked out onto the deck and listen to Santa from his little station read names from his naughty or nice list. G made the nice list in which she was thrilled. We departed the North Pole as Santa illuminated his Christmas Tree and set off fireworks. On the return trip, the kids got to write a letter to Santa which an elf delivers the Big Guy. 

Below are some shots of the animated light show that is part of the cruise. The quality isn't all that great since I had to take them from inside the boat. You can still see Santa and his reindeer and even the Grinch made an appearance!  

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

The Shops across the street from CDA Resort are annually decorated for Christmas. A cheery polar bear, hip-hop dancing gingerbread man, and a silent snowman greeted shoppers and cruisers. Here is munchkin in the Journey To The North Pole sleigh with the polar bear.

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

December Photo Challenge: Day 19; Tree Topper

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 19: Tree Topper

Once again, this is something on the tree that is quite special. This belonged to my Dad's parents who I never got the chance to meet (they both died before I was born). A couple Christmases ago, Dad passed it on to us as we didn't own a topper. Our tree top was always bare because I couldn't find anything I liked. Even with options like fiber optics and twinkling LEDs, everything I saw in the stores seemed cheesy, tacky, or just plain ugly. I think the universe was keeping me patient that something better was in store. 

This vintage piece is one of spun glass, which I don't believe are made any longer. If I'm mistaken then they are few and far between. I had to include a picture of the box, too, as some of the phrases printed on it are interesting: "Beautify your tree," "Fire-proof," "Proper protection for hands..." I cannot locate a date on the box, but on the lid flap it says Manufactured by National Tinsel Mfg. Co. New York, NY. 

It may not be hip, chic, or in-style, but it was once important to people who are important to me. I think that trumps any modern marvel.

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

December Photo Challenge: Day 18; Holiday Outfit

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 18: Holiday Outfit

Okay. Who buys a specific holiday outfit? Anyone who knows me is aware I buy whatever is on sale....at Cabela's. Or I wait until my sister cleans out her closet. I detest clothes shopping and to buy an outfit simply in celebration of a holiday seems wasteful to me. If I were to attend a fancy gathering and not have existing attire, well, that would be different. However, I don't see anything wrong with wearing a nice sweater I wore for the season. 

I snapped a quick photo of my daughter's dress with a jingle bell necklace for the simple purpose of complying with a the challenge.

December Photo Challenge: Day 17; A Beautiful Sight

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 17, A Beautiful Sight

Today, G received an award at school for the Caring Character Trait. Her teacher informed us ahead of time she was receiving an award but we didn't know what for, and it was a complete surprise to her. We watched her proudly walk up the stage's steps and smile as the plaque was presented to her. We don't know specifically what she did to achieve Caring status, but it's great to know she displays this at school. So the Beautiful Sight isn't her holding a tangible award, but the act of caring and kindness she possesses inside, yet allows to shine on the outside. Way to go, Kid!

December Photo Challenge: Day 16; Wreath

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 16: Wreath

I've had what seems like a long day. Not bad or stressful, just a lot going on so I'm tired and I think it shows through the photo. I see fuzziness from camera shake and, truthfully, I didn't spend much time on this one. I don't have anything specific to write about so I'm signing off. 

December Photo Challenge: Day 15 Favorite Holiday Movie

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 15th's photo challenge is favorite holiday movie. Yeah, I'm a sucker for It's A Wonderful Life. Most people are familiar with it, but in case you're not, it's a wholesome story about George Bailey (played by James Stewart) who falls to unfortunate circumstances and feels he cannot make it right and that his life is now worthless. His guardian angel, Clarence, is sent down from heaven with a "gift." He's to convince George that his good influence on others has positively impacted their lives. It was made in 1947, so hence the black and white format. The music sounds a little bugle-y and the women's voices are soft and feathery. I think it adds ambiance to the viewing experience. It's even a little science-fiction-like because we see how one person or deed can affect an entire timeline.

One of my favorite lines is in the beginning when the angels are talking amongst themselves. Clarence is called over and told he is being sent to earth to help George Bailey. He asks, "Why, is he sick?" Another angel responds, "No. Worse, he's discouraged." Worse, he's discouraged. Discouragement is a powerful emotional state when you think about it. When we're troubled, it's on our minds and can very well consume our thoughts so that the good and pure actions and things around us go unnoticed. The film reminds us to be grateful for what we do have and have hope in any situation.

I think one of the most wise and mysterious characters in It's A Wonderful Life is George Bailey's father. He seems to observe the lives of those around him with quiet intelligence and understanding. George, and most folks, didn't understand why he operated the Building & Loan so unselfishly. I think a large part of George coming to terms with himself, is realizing the contentment his father found on probably a similar life path and discovering what was truly important.

I also like that movies of this era are clean. No profanity, violence, or risque scenes. Some of the storylines of today's movies or even novels are down right disgusting. Violence and gore is just about everywhere, including television. "Bad words" or scenes not suitable for general TV used to be censored out, but no longer. It's preying on society into making us believe these actions are normal. I enjoy action or suspenseful movies just as much as anyone, but I do feel it's gone overboard. I suppose I could continue to expand my discouraging thoughts on modern media, but perhaps that would be best left for another day. For now, I'm going to let this uplifting film remind me of what I can be grateful for in my own life.

Dimetapp Cold/Cough Review

I am a member of smiley360.com where I can try and review products for free in exchange for feedback. I recently got the mission for Children's Dimetapp Cold/Cough. I haven't yet tried it as my daughter hasn't been sick since receiving it (knock on wood). However, I don't like that a cold/cough medicine contains an antihistamine. That should be left for the allergy medicines, in my opinion. Nevertheless, this product may certainly work in your household and if you'd like to try it, here is a link for a $1.00 coupon  http://h5.sml360.com/-/e3he

December Photo Challenge: Day 14; Joy

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 14th's photo challenge was Joy; fitting since that's this week's advent. What is joy and how does one even photograph it? 

The youth at church put on a play about finding Christmas. They looked in the kitchen where a mother was baking cookies, they sought it in presents under the tree, they searched charities. As you may have guessed, Christmas was found by remembering Jesus. G was cast as an angel, and while she didn't have any lines, she got to be in the manger scene towards the end. Then they sang the song  "The Angels Sang" which is when I got the group photo. G (and all the kids) did great, despite being extra nervous. We could even hear her little voice amongst the singers. 

Back to what is joy. G wanted to sing in the Easter program last spring. She practiced the song and did well at rehearsals. On the day of, she got super anxious and didn't sing. She stood up there with her peers, but covered her eyes the whole time waiting for the torture of watchful eyeballs to be over. It was actually kinda cute. She was afraid that was going to happen again today, but it didn't. We are proud of her for facing her fear and partaking in the role she signed up for. She's grown and matured...and that's joy for any parent to observe.

December Photo Challenge: Day 13; Ornaments

Dec 13th's challenge photo was ornaments. This was fun! Our tree has a hodge-podge of ornaments which I'm proud to show off. I treasure all adorned on the branches as most have some sort of meaning behind them. At one time I tried to create the department-store look with color coordinated glass balls and glittery snowflakes. What I discovered was once we became parents of kitty-cats, most of them ended up in pieces in the trash after the tree so "innocently" toppled over. I still use the glittery snowflakes; they survived the cat rambunctiousness. 

When we travel, instead of grabbing some useless souvenir to clutter our house, we buy an ornament. It gets us talking and reminiscing about the trip. Other people have brought us ones from their travels as well. There's a couple from Paris and Peru. I also have many handmade pieces.

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

The wooden duck was colored by G today at our annual trek to Cabela's for Santa photos. We now have four ducks and it's sort-of a neat little tradition. The one to the left labeled "State Bird" is actually a wire crafted mosquito from a trip to Mississippi 2006. I bought it at Bass Pro Shops after we ate alligator with other family members. The Goose Egg was T's from his Aunt Mary. All the way at right is G from her second Christmas in 2010.

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Pretty obvious where this one came from! Go to Mt. Rushmore is all I have to say. We went in June this year and yes, I am still talking about it. We had a blast and never ever ever got bored because there is a plethora of activities for all ages. It's easy to get around (although it's necessary to have a vehicle) and the area is full of history: American and Native American history, mammoth and dinosaur sites, and caves to name a few. This is Black Hills territory and it's absolutely beautiful. 

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

We brought this back from Prince Edward Island, Canada in 2005. I wanted to see the "Land of Anne" where the literary series Anne from Green Gables took place. It's a great vacation getaway, too, with many interesting sites and legendary ocean views. The locals are friendly and helpful and the seafood was heavenly.

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Last photo. This one is particularly special to me. My great-grandparents immigrated to Spokane from Italy and founded their macaroni factory. Later my grandparents took over the family business. An employee made these angels from various shaped pastas. I feel fortunate to have one displayed at Christmastime. It reminds me of the delicious smell of drying pasta or that interesting hand-operated wooden elevator. I would travel back in time just to be inside that factory once again.


I hope you enjoyed the stories from the tips of a few tree branches today. Christmas is about making memories, but don't forget about the ones already made.

December Photo Challenge: Day 12; Cup of Hot Cocoa or Cider

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 12: Cup of Hot Cocoa or Cider

Technically this isn't either. It's a cup of Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apple Spice herbal tea. Opening the box and getting a whiff is a treat for my nose. Oh, it tastes pretty good, too. My mug is over-sized and perfect for a big cup of warm aromatic herbal goodness. I think next time I need to hang a little candy cane over the side. Note to self: I need little candy canes.

A couple days ago the photo challenge was wrapping presents and I hadn't started except for the one I wrapped for the photograph. Since then, I've made headway in order to ease the workload on Christmas Eve. 

December Photo Challenge: Day 11; Christmas Music

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 11 is Christmas Music. G has been cast as an angel for the church play on December 14 and has been practicing their song "The Angels Sang." This also means that mommy is brushing up her piano skills. I have to write out some notes indicating that I'm rusty, but I am still able to play well enough for her to learn the lyrics in accordance with the melody.

So speaking of Christmas performances, you readers are in for a treat! G had her Kindergarten concert on Tuesday, December 9. They sang six songs and I got individual videos. I used the YouTube video editor to string them together. Enjoy!  http://youtu.be/69YsV6p4M1M

December Photo Challenge: Day 10; Wrapping Presents

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 10 Wrapping Presents

Whoever created this photo challenge is way ahead with their Christmas planning! I typically don't wrap presents this early. At the end of last season, I purchased separate wrapping for our gifts and Santa gifts, but hadn't figured out which is which quite yet. Using some old wrapping paper, we got to work on an actual present for Great-Grandma D. G picked out the colors and it turned out rather pretty. 

G really REALLY wanted to wrap a few presents of her own. Since I knew I had that extra paper waiting in the back of my closet, I gave her the rest of the old stuff along with smooshed bows and ribbon I don't use. She went to town wrapping small toys and other random items (there's already a few of these pretend presents in newspaper under our tree). I ordered specific lures for T from Amazon.com which arrived today. He knew about them already so these weren't a surprise. For kicks, G wrapped them up and presented them to him this evening. She looked so grown up, yet cute, doing this. I snapped a quick photo of her in action.

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

December Photo Challenge: Day 9; Cozy

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 9 photo challenge is cozy. I'm not really in the writing mood today so I will leave with simply the cozy photo. 

I am also noticing when I upload photos to Blogger, it's adding an awful lot of yellow tint which isn't there in my processing. Hmmmm.......

December Photo Challenge: Day 8; Stockings

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

 Dec 8: Stockings

This was taken in low light, manual function, and high ISO. Translation: A pain in the butt to get a nice quality image given the lighting conditions and camera position. Use a tripod, you may say. Well, in order to get this angle I had to lie on my back. Using the flash erases most creative elements. I am left with an interestingly composed snapshot of my otherwise ordinary mantel, but with a great deal of noise. Hmpf! I did feel brilliant arranging the Christmas tree reflection in the fireplace glass, however.

Stockings were, and still are, my favorite part of Christmas morning. As a child, a homemade-by-mom felt embellished stocking hung in anticipation of Santa's arrival. It had snowman and Rudolph on it. The sequins sparkled and twinkled in the glow of the Christmas tree lights. I enjoyed running my fingers over it and feeling the texture of the beads, thread, and soft cushioned felt. No wonder that stocking was mesmerizing. How could something so beautiful not hold magical little trinkets just waiting for me to pull them out. Naturally, I now have similarly styled one and another for G; both of which I stitched. T likes the store-bought Santa hat material kind and won't have anything else. The animals have homemade felt stockings to match mine and G's.

Many wonderful goodies can be stuffed into an oddly-shaped pocket of fabric and it's exciting to discover what lies within. Good gifts come in small packages...and belong in a stocking. Hee hee.

December Photo Challenge Day 6 & 7: Favorite Meal of the Day & Baking Cookies

I cheated a little this time, and used previously taken photos. The challenge is getting harder to keep up with on a daily basis, but that's why it's a challenge. Nonetheless, I'll find photos to at least write about, and these two days' stories intertwine a bit.

Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 6: Favorite Meal of the Day

I'd say my favorite meal of the day is breakfast because I loooooove coffee! I also enjoy a few quiet minutes to myself before the rest of my household rises and lets their hunger pains be known. On the particular day shown above, my cat tries to get a hold of my egg and avocado breakfast sandwich. She would not leave it alone so I let her nibble the leftover egg crumbs. She's such a weirdo, but we love her. (It's also an iPhone pic, which explains the graininess and sub-par quality.)

Dec 7: Baking Cookies

Confession: I haven't started baking yet. However, G and I did decorate some gingerbread people. She really enjoys this, and you already know she loves arts and crafts so this is right up her alley.  

 Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

These are the completed four gingerbread people. I made the policeman one.

 Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

And here is where the stories come together. I laid the gingerbreads on the kitchen table to set while I got G ready for bed. When I came back to the kitchen I found the cat licking the icing off my policeman and the tongue evidence is quite clear in my photograph! Not only does she want my breakfast, she helps herself to cookies, too! I manged to rescue the remaining gingerbread people and placed them in a sealed container for safety. Like I said, our cat is a lovable weirdo. In a way, the scenario reminds me of that fable, Hansel and Gretel; the candy house and decor are just too irresistible. 

 Photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

December Photo Challenge: Day 5, "Green"

  Photo Copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 5 "Green"

I was lost for green things so I photographed something G drew up the other day on green paper: A map of Disney World. It's a little hard to see since she used a pencil, but she claims it's complete with an airport and rest areas. We have no immediate plans of traveling there, however, it's obviously becoming important to her. G's creativity brings us such joy. She's also taking art classes at our local Michael's craft store. Most of her artwork is more sophisticated than this map, but it's fun to see on any medium what is stored in that growing brain.

I asked G to tell me about Jump Rope for Heart yesterday. (Please refer to yesterday's entry about the tennis shoe fiasco.) She explained that she had a black rope with red handles and was really good at jump roping, but "the normal one-kind, not the two-kind that you do, mommy." She is referring to double unders which is where, upon a jump, the rope rotates twice under your feet rather than once. I'm not proficient at them but can do a few in a row on a good day. How thoughtful that she remembered one of my fitness skills. Then two of her classmates twirled the rope while she jumped; teamwork skills! They also watched an educational video and learned that our hearts pump blood throughout our bodies.

And if you put the two together, her heart is evidently set on Disney World!

December Photo Challenge: Day 4, Today's Temperature

photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller

Dec 4th's challenge is "today's temperature." I have a DSLR (a.k.a. a real camera) to shoot the December Photo Challenge with, and I was determined not to simply upload a screenshot of my weather app's more than likely wrong prediction of mother nature. We own one of those handy weather stations, but, while functional, is quite boring in its raw self. Since snow was upon us this morning, I added a few props to make it interesting. The predicted temperature for today was 33 degrees, so at the precise time of the photo, you can see it is 0.4 degrees warmer. See! The weather people are always wrong! 

G wanted to wear a dress to school today. I relented with the condition that she throw on her fleece-lined tights and an undershirt. Boots were mandatory. The snow may be thin in the morning, but anyone who has endured the weather wrath of the Inland Northwest from year-to-year knows we could have anywhere from inches to being barricaded inside your home by noon. Off we go to school. After the teacher escorted them to class, I realized today is Jump Rope for Heart day. It's not normally a PE day and I had simply forgotten about it. However, the last time boots were mandatory in our household, it did happened to fall on a regular PE day (and also slipped my mind). G was upset I didn't send her with tennis shoes because she "couldn't run very fast!" Deciding that any wrath mother nature bombs on me is entirely more pleasant than that of my kindergartner, I returned back to school with the vital tennis shoes.

I look forward to hearing about her jump roping adventures after school. They have been practicing and she has been showing off at home, too. 

Jump Rope for Heart is a fund raiser and heart health awareness campaign for the American Heart Association. If you'd like to make a donation please use our personal link.

December Photo Challenge Day 3: Candle

photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller 

Dec 3 photo challenge is a candle. I reviewed the challenge list last night before heading to bed. When I saw the next day was candle I thought, "Crap, I shoulda snapped an iPhone pic of one while I was at Walmart." I'm not a candle person so I own maybe one or two and they aren't exactly photo-worthy. As I looked around, hoping to find one as an ornament or on another decoration, I remembered I'd recently finished a plastic canvas craft containing a candle! I waited until morning to get better light. I'm glad I did because I like the shadow I captured. It gives the photo a sense of mystery. Why are shadows so mysterious?  Essentially, it's the same object, just no light shining on it; a remnant of itself. Well, for today it simply makes for a neat picture.

In case you're wondering about the finished product, I included a snapshot below. It's a coaster set of Christmas Mice resting in their candle holder storage place.

photo copyrighted by Jennifer Miller 

December Photo Challenge: Day 2, My Idea of "Cheer"

Dec 2, 2014 

Yes, I photographed my yoga mat. I had a hard time with a photo of "my idea of cheer" because, well, I'm not that cheerful around the holidays. There's pressure to do an enormous amount of tasks, projects, errands, not mentioned the seemingly endless gatherings. A family member suggested we start some sort of a family tradition for Christmas. No! I don't want to be tied to do the same thing each year. Why? Because if we decide to experience something else we still have to do our traditional thing because it's now our tradition! Well, now that you know "my idea of cheer" extends about as far as Scrooge, I will proceed with my yoga mat explanation.

I schedule yoga in one day each week. I like to stretch and unwind my mind and body after taxing workouts, particularly CrossFit ones. Monday, I PR'd (personal record) my deadlift at 160 lbs (yay! oooo there's some cheer!). Due to back-related issues, deadlifts always make my back sore even with proper form. Today is Tuesday, my usual yoga day, and I was looking forward to releasing my tight muscles. The thing about yoga, is that is soothing. Not just physically, but mentally as well. My mind is cleansed from my Scrooge-like attitude or whatever else happens to be troubling me. It's refreshing and powerful and I suggest anyone give it a try. It's difficult to explain, but I learn something new about myself every time I perform even the same yoga routine. When I focus on breathing and tuning into myself, I feel enlightened. And proverb 15:13a says "A happy heart makes the face cheerful."

That's my idea of cheer: yoga. Like I mentioned, try it! And keep with it. Repetition is necessary to get the most out of yoga practice. I enjoy material by Kristin McGee. If you're just starting, I suggest something for beginners so as to become familiar with the basic positions. Also, check out Comcast OnDemand, there is usually some free yoga episodes. 

Mini-Summary Of Me: December Photo Challenge Day 1: Something I'm Read...

Mini-Summary Of Me: December Photo Challenge Day 1: Something I'm Read...: Welcome.  I think I'm welcoming myself.  I have wanted to keep an online blog but never had to courage to just do it.  Putting my writin...

December Photo Challenge Day 1: Something I'm Reading

Welcome.  I think I'm welcoming myself.  I have wanted to keep an online blog but never had to courage to just do it.  Putting my writing out there seems so intimidating.  I came across a photo challenge for December and decided it would be a good time to jump in, since creating a blog was on my goal list anyhow.  I can't find a proper link, but the photo challenge is as follows:

Dec 1:

I am currently reading "Killing Custer: The Battle of Little Bighorn and the The Fate of the Plains Indians."  I've acquired a tad obsession with The Battle of Little Bighorn since we passed through it on our road trip to Mt. Rushmore this summer.  Our original plan was to return home through Glacier National Park, but the roads were closed, so we changed plans to tour Custer's Last Stand instead.  Honestly, I didn't know much about the events other than that the great General Custer and his army perished in a surprise victory for the Indians. I was moved learning about the spirit of the Native Americans to retain their traditional way of life. I also suggest the book "The Last Stand" by Nathaniel Philbreck. 

I have included a couple of seasonal children's books here, too.  "The Sweet Smell Of Christmas" was one of my favorite holiday books when I was a girl.  (Hey, it has scratch and sniff stickers adhered to the pages!)  My mom gave a copy to my daughter and she's had me read it to her often lately.  "The Legend of Mistletoe and the Christmas Kittens" was a baby gift from my mother-in-law, I do believe.  I remember being heavily pregnant and flooding in my own tears after reading it for the first time. It's a warm story about a cat who nobody wanted. The kiddo doesn't have me read it to her much, but it's still one I like.