December 2012

December 2012
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Archive for December 2012

The Party House – Our Year in Review

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Renee Spindle

Today is New Year’s Eve, and tomorrow will start the beginning of a New Year, 2013. This is the time of year I love to reflect back on everything that has transpired at the Party House in the course of just one, short year.

We have had numerous birthday parties for the family members who live here locally.

Had a great family event in April at Angels Stadium. Almost everyone in the family was able to make it to an Angels game together. I honestly cannot remember if the Angels won or lost that day, but we had a great time.

Hosted a great dinner party when my sister and her husband were here from Montana in May. Laura showed us how to make her red sauce enchiladas.

A special birthday was celebrated for our baby boy in July. He turned 21.

We actually got to celebrate Travel Man’s birthday on his actual birthday this year. That was a fun, fun time.

October brought us the baby shower celebration for my daughter, Naomi. We had such girly fun that day!!

November brought the arrival of Miss Madison Kay, our second grandchild. What a delight she is. I know I’ve said that before, but I’ll say it again, because I’m her Grandma.

And of course we celebrated Thanksgiving together, and for the first time in a long time my sister, Laura, was able to join us at the dinner table.

Christmas Day was celebrated here with the family. We were delighted to have our nephew, Jim, here for the days festivities. It’s always a little more casual on Christmas Day for us. Dinner was buffet style, with tons and tons of goodies and cookies. A wonderful party ending to 2012.

My parents with almost all of their grandkids!

We are always grateful to be able to host the family events. It’s always a wonder that we can get so many of the kids and their significant others together in the same place at the same time for the same event.

Every year I am equally amazed that even though my husband (aka Travel Man) is on the road for a good amount of time during the year, we are still able to sneak in as many short trips as we do. And before I get to the trips – do you know that my Travel Guy was in the air for well over 160,000 air miles this year? I could not believe that number, I’m still in shock as I am writing this. That’s a lot of travel. I am ever so grateful that he takes such good care of us, and always keep us laughing with his travel stories.

Our trips together this year included-

A trip to the Reagan Library.

A trip to Reno to visit my parents while my Dad was going through some chemo treatments.

A trip to Las Vegas in June (this was the second time), so my daughters and I could attend a Celine Dion concert. Travel man drove us there and home.

A trip to New York in August to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.

And a trip to Montana to visit my sister and her husband.

More trips than I could have imagined we would could possibly take this year. Thank you Travel Man. You never cease to amaze me.

And finally, I would like to give a standing ovation to my Dad. My Dad is battling lung cancer (actually he’s kicking it in the butt!). He was told in January of this year, that there were no additional, conventional methods of chemotherapy or radiation available to him that would be helpful in diminishing his tumors. My Dad, he’s a fighter, and he never, ever gives up. He got on the computer, researched some alternative therapies, found a doctor first in Reno, and then in Carlsbad, and never gave up on living. My Mom keeps telling us that since my Dad was an engineer in his working life he just has the mentality that this problem he has needs to be solved, and he’s going to solve it. And by the way my Mom, she’s a rock star. She definitely deserves the “Stand By Your Man Award” for 2012. The love and compassion she shows for my Dad is a priceless gem.

I am completely elated, overjoyed and ecstatic to tell you that because of my Dad’s hard work, perseverance, and his never give up attitude in this year of 2012, his tumors have diminished over 40%!! It is hard to express in words what a wonderful feeling it is that my Dad has seen such a tremendous improvement. It’s happiness, relief, joy, and a great big WHEW! This man, my Dad, has redefined the word perseverance.

It reminds me of my favorite Winston Churchill quote: “Never, never, never, give up.”

From the Party House to yours, wishing each and every one of you a very Happy New Year, and may all good things come to you and yours in 2013.

2 comments Posted in Around the House, Family, Holidays, Travel Man, Travels

Christmas Crafts 2012- The Year of the Crochet Hook

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Renee Spindle

My crafting, crocheting fest this year continued with another great pattern I found, but this time on the Lion Brand Yarn website.

My Mom told me about this website, and they have tons and tons and tons of free patterns for both crocheting and knitting. And the patterns are for all skill levels.

The pattern that I used for quite a few homemade gifts was called Family of Beanies. It allows you to make many sizes from one easy pattern. The yarn that I used for this beanie pattern was a soft, thick yarn, Hometown USA. A great, soft yarn.

I made beanies for the Montana family, beanies for my son and his girlfriend, beanies for my son-in-law and grandson. beanies, beanies, beanies

Then Travel Man said, “Where’s my beanie? You know sometimes my travel takes me to the cold weather.” So I’m off to the store tomorrow to get some gray yarn. Travel Man’s favorite color. I guess you know what I’ll be doing for New Year’s.

Evans beanie turned out so cute I made him a scarf to go with it.

Photo credit to Elaine Zee.

Such a ham for the camera. He’s was pretending he was cold and freezing, totally set up this pose himself. His ensemble was blue and orange for the Chicago Bears, of course .

Then the football rivals in the house got scarves in the Green Bay Packers colors. This was some great yarn, variegated with the team colors. No switching colors required. The surprise here was my daughter had no idea I had been working on this gift. You see I did most of the work in the car while Travel Man was driving us around doing our errands.

All in all I got everything finished that I set out to make before Christmas Day arrived. It’s always fun finding projects to work on that will be given as gifts. And I’m discovering it’s great to find a pattern that is universal that can be given as a gift to the girls or the boys. Maybe next year I’ll make everyone some socks or mittens. Stay tuned for Christmas Crafts 2013.

No comments Posted in Crafts, Holidays

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow…..

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Renee Spindle

This year for some of the Christmas gifts and doo-dads I was giving I got totally hooked on crocheting. I have never gotten into knitting, just a crochet girl at heart.

I found the pattern for this little beauty on Red Heart yarn’s website, and it was soooo easy to make I could hardly contain myself.

Every time I sat down to watch tv I was making a snow flake. Each one only took 15 minutes or so, and then I was on to the next one.

When my sister was here visiting in November I sent her home with a dozen little flakes to make a garland to string across her front window.

Then for Christmas day I taped an ornament to each person’s gift. I loved sharing my little flakes with everyone.

Funny thing though, when you do a project like that you never make any for yourself. I’m thinking I need a garland for my front window for next year.

I’m off to crochet. Happy trails everyone.

So, are you a knitting or a crochet person?

No comments Posted in Crafts, Family, Holidays

The Most Popular Revelings Post for 2012

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Renee Spindle

This recipe was posted over the summer months, and it has been the most popular post on my site for this year. If you missed out on the taco yumminess you may want to give this one a try. It’s definitely a great recipe for anytime of the year. Enjoy!

Taco Salad for a Crowd – Originally posted in May 2012

For the past two or three days it has been over 90 degrees here in So Cal, just a hint of summertime coming our way. The hot weather calls for some lighter and yummy dinners. Tonight I made the gang a Taco Salad. I called my Mom to find out the origin of this recipe, and we came to the conclusion that I was a recipe that was passed around the neighborhood when we were growing up. However, I have put my own twist on the recipe, with the help of my daughter Naomi.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey or ground beef (whichever you prefer)
1 can of kidney beans (15 oz)
1 pkg of taco seasoning
1 bag of fritos (10½ oz)
shredded cheese (we like the cheddar & monterey jack combo)
shredded cabbage
tomatoes
green onion

Directions:

Brown the meat, and drain off the grease.
Drain the beans and add them to the browned meat. I like to do this to heat up the beans.
Mix in the taco seasoning and the amount of water that is called for on the package.
Simmer this mixture until you have cooked off almost all of the liquid.
While the meat is simmering;
Chop up the tomatoes
Chop up some green onions.
Chop the shredded cabbage into smaller bite size pieces.
Crush the fritos, in the bag, with a rolling-pin. Open the bag a bit first though to let out the air.

Salad Layers

For the salad assembly:

The layering effect is Naomi’s twist on the recipe.
In a large glass bowl layer the ingredients like this:
Fritos
Meat and beans
Cheese
Shredded cabbage
Tomatoes
Green Onion
Then repeat the layers for a second time.
You can either serve the salad layered, or if your adventurous like me you can toss the whole salad and serve.
For garnishments put out your favorite salsa, sour cream, and black olives (that’s ones for you Hilary!)

Variations:

This recipe can easily be made with shredded chicken or beef.
You could add additional cans of different types of beans (black or pinto).
You could flavor the meat with your favorite salsa instead of taco seasoning.
Any garnishments that you like can easily be put on top or served with your salad on the side.

This is truly a yummy recipe, and so easy to throw together. Oh and I like using the shredded cabbage because it does not get soggy at all. I put out the cabbage when we have just plain old tacos in the shell too. For this twenty-something household, this salad makes a great big meal and is great for staying on budget. If you’ve never made this before it’s a real treat. If you haven’t made it in a while you’ve been missing out like me. I’m definitely mixing this recipe in with my weekly summertime meal planning.

5 comments Posted in Around the House, Family, Food, Recipes

Christmas Eve 2012- The Renee Version

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Renee Spindle

‘Twas the night before Christmas

and all through our abode

all the creatures were waiting

for the Christmas Day Party to unfold.

The children were cozy

and snug in their rooms,

they’re dreaming of Angels Stadium

and can’t wait until baseball season resumes.

With Travel Man in his pj pants,

and I in my sweats, we’d just settled down

for a good power nap.

(I don’t power nap well,

that’s a travel man thing)

Up on our roof top

there was such a big clatter,

I was hoping none of the kids

had jumped up there

to see what was the matter.

Away to the patio door

I shuffled barefoot,

opened the blinds,

and squinted my eyes

to take a good look

(I forgot my glasses).

When what to my wondering eyes

should appear,

the dog and the cat

were outside drinking a beer!

What I meant to say was,

I saw Santa’s sleigh sitting

out by our pool

with eight cute little reindeer,

just playing it cool.

There was little old driver

with a flashy, Hawaiian shirt,

and I knew in a moment

it was our California Santa,

is he wearing a grass skirt?

Next Santa took roll call

he called them by name,

to be sure none had

jumped in the pool to play a game.

“Where’s Dasher, and Dancer?”.

“Wake up Prancer and Vixen”.

“Finish your ice tea in a hurry”,

he called to Comet, Cupid,

Donder and Blitzen.

To the top of the patio cover,

to the top of the wall

now dash way,

dash away,

dash away and

please don’t fall.

So up to the top of our roof Santa flew

with the help of his reindeer,

and I’m guessing Rudolph was there too.

And then as I listened

on our rooftop I heard

Santa and the reindeer

stomping around,

now what could have occurred!!

I walked out in the hallway,

took a peek around the bend,

and there was Santa standing

in the living room,

is this a dream,

will it ever end?

He was dressed in his Hawaiian shirt,

khaki shorts, and black boots.

I’m pretty sure I saw his socks,

they were black too it was a hoot!

A big bag of presents

he had flung on his back.

Surely there was no room

for a new car, we’d call Mack!

His eyes how they sparkled,

His dimples so happy,

His cheeks looked a little sunburned

His nose was so like a cherry. (sunburned too)

He had a cute face,

and a little beer belly

it shook when he laughed

like a little bowl full of grape jelly.

He was chubby and plump

such a cute little elf,

I laughed when I saw him,

trying to keep it to myself.

He saw me watching him,

out of the corner of his eye

gave me a little wink,

and I thought I might cry.

He didn’t say a thing to me,

just got straight to work,

filling our stockings,

and I thought I saw him smirk.

He placed his finger

on the side of his nose,

gave a little nod and

up the chimney he rose.

He ran to his sleigh

and gave the reindeer a jerk

“Let’s go boys, we’re busy”, he said

“We’ve still got lots of work”.

And as Santa was leaving

our California paradise

I heard him yell loudly,

“Man, California is Nice!!”

Merry Christmas Eve to all,

and to all a good night.

** This is my personal adaptation of Clement Clark Moore’s, “Twas the Night Before Christmas poem. Clipart shown here is available from Microsoft Word.