Let there be lights!
In case you didn't hear, today was national "put your husband on the roof day". I had to giggle driving through our neighborhood on the way to lunch, because every other house had a husband on sitting on top with a very stern expression. Todd started putting our lights up this afternoon and finished up after the game. It looks great! We put green-only "C7" lights up all around the roof's perimeter. It's the first time we've been able to decorate with outside Christmas lights since we were married -- I'm very excited to finally be able to do so! Here are a few shots from the day: one, two, three
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It's over isn't it?
Well, it was nice being at the top while it lasted...good luck next week Colorado!
posted at 07:13 PM | link-

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WTF?
OSU just went up over OU 16-13 with 1:36 left. I don't know what to say, except if we lose this, we don't deserve to be where we are. We never did. Trying to believe in Sooner Magic...but...
posted at 07:07 PM | link-

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Big Red in the face
Oh Nebraska -- WHAT happened?!? Not that I'm complaining... Barring the unthinkable in Norman tomorrow, we'll go up in the polls (most importantly the BCS) and play Colorado in the Big XII title game. That said, with them hangin' halfa hundred on the Huskers today, they are not to be overlooked. And since OS-Who darn-near derailed our train to the national title last year neither are the Pokes. This is what we live for! Oh yeah!
posted at 07:30 PM | link-

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Santa Claire
I swear on the half-remaining holiday roll that this photo is not staged. She fell asleep right there, and it was so precious I had to snap two shots (one, two) for posterity. That's my baby!
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Aaaaaaaaaaah
Ok, that new Target Christmas commercial with Kathy Griffin has been on like one day now, and seriously, if I hear it again I'm going to go postal. Stop the insanity! Make her GO AWAY! It's like nails on a chalkboard.
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Try again?
Note to Jeanne from Canada: I tried to e-mail you back and attach the font you wanted, but the e-mail bounced back. Is there any other way I can contact you?
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Gotta getta geek
I just wanted to let all of the single gals out there know...you gotta marry a geek. Not only do they make great housepets, but they also insist on doing the dishes for you after Thanksgiving dinner! Thanks again Ryan (and Chel) -- we're so glad you joined us!
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Best of all is Butterball
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! How was yours? Here are a few photos from the day. Forgive all the tableware shots -- they were gifts!

It really feels like the holidays now! Todd found the B.C. Clark christmas jingle online! We haven't heard that song since we moved to Florida. We somehow miss it EVERY single year. But not this year -- god bless the internet! You may be going "huh?" if you didn't grow up in Oklahoma, but to anyone that's ever lived there, the song is a holiday-staple that you know all the words to.....so go ahead and sing along with us now.....

Jewelry is the gift to give, 'cuz it's the gift that'll live and live; so give the gift you know can't fail from B.C. Clark's anniversary sale. Most sales are after Christmas, but Clark's is just before. Most everything is marked way down; savings you can't ignore.....at.....Oklahoma's oldest jeweler, since 1892. So gift the gift you know can't fail from B.C. Clark's anniversary sale!

Ahhhhh, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Time to put up the tree!
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We're sitting here stealing a few watching the Macy's Parade before the Festival of Cooking begins. I was probably five years old before I realized the parade was for Thanksgiving, and not just because of my birthday. *g* I just wanted to wish everyone the best of holidays and list a few things I'm thankful for...

My wonderful husband -- it just keeps getting better!

My family -- even though far away, I know we're all still together in spirit.

Our beautiful new home, and the fact it will be filled with friends and laughter for our first Thanksgiving here.

Our amazing friends -- both in real life and on the 'net. It's been a year where we've truly seen the worst in people, yet the close friendships we have make us realize that in the end good will always triumph over evil because evil is dumb. Or something like that...

The fact that even in a year of loss, so many new lives coming into the world truly makes you appreciate and stare in awe of the circle of life and the miracle each and every breath is.

Knowing that even though I may not have my health -- I have my life -- and that's truly the best gift of all.

And last, but certainly not least, that each of you visit here each day. For something I didn't even know if I would keep up with it in the beginning -- it has allowed me to meet several incredible people (both online and in real life now!) -- and blogging has also made it possible for my husband to discover a voice he thought he'd lost long ago. We're addicted to blogging -- and we're proud of it!

I have to save the rest of the sap for the Thanksgiving desserts. Have a wonderful day!
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Holiday Roll Recipe
Since I've had requests for the holiday roll recipe (as shown here), I thought I'd just go ahead and put it up online. It's one of Todd's family recipes that I finally mastered last year -- kind of like a very sinful cinnamon roll/pastry recipe on acid. YUMMY! Give me a yell if you have any questions...
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Holiday ro-ooooohhh-ohll
I give to you....drumroll please....Holiday Roll 2001! If you'd like the recipe, just let me know!
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Busted!
My secret is out! Being without DSL access all day forced me to actually accomplish things. Now I wonder how many times Todd will "accidentally break" the connection. Tee hee.

First I baked a punkin' pie this morning and added the finishing touches to a cheeseball that had to set overnight. After that I made "pink stuff" (that Cool Whip/cherry pie filling/pineapple/pecan concoction you know and love from dear ol' mom). And I just finished up "holiday roll" (an absolutely evil twisted-cinnamon bread the size of a pizza pan) which has to rise for 30 more minutes before I bake it. The turkey lurkey is almost thawed -- and it's beginning to look (and smell!) like Thanksgiving around here. We found out that Ryan and Chel didn't have anywhere to go tomorrow since their parents have other commitments, so they're coming over to feast with us now. I've got all of my Christmas china out, and the table is just about set, since I'll have more than enough to keep me busy in the morning. I'm so excited!

I want to wish everyone the happiest of Thanksgivings! For those who are travelling, have a very safe journey to and from -- and for those who are staying put, I hope your homes are filled with happiness, love and friendship. With everything that's happened this year, I think we're all just a little more thankful -- and grateful -- just to be able to celebrate together and appreciate all that we do have -- especially each other. Finally...it's almost the night of Christmas trees and pie! Enjoy the turkey, and please pass the gravy!
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Short 'n' sweet
This is short-n-sweet because our DSL is down right now and I'm on dial-up (*gasp*) -- but I just had to come on and share the photos Susannah took at our grand ol' time last night! We had a blast, if I haven't emphasized that enough already -- it was so much fun meeting everyone! Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the note she left on our car was priceless. Thanks again for taking the time out of your holiday schedule -- hopefully again soon!
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For Ryan
Dear Ryan,
Never question my completely useless entertainment trivia knowledge. Just ask Todd!
Love ya',
Robyn
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Another birthday girl
Today is Joy's birthday! Make sure to drop by her site and wish her a happy one... I hope you get all your heart desires and then some Joy -- happy birthday!
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Susannah Rocks!
Well we finally got to meet Susannah tonight! And I must say she's even cooler in person than in her blog, if that's even possible. We're digital camera newbies and lost battery power just as the photo-takin' got started, so she should have much better ones than we do (with hopefully everyone in them). Go here for photos. Sorry the format isn't fancy, but it's late -- and we're tired.

It was great meeting you and everyone that you brought with you Susannah -- hopefully we can further corrupt them all soon! Have a happy Thanksgiving and a safe trip back home!
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More ornament ideas
Since Cheryl mentioned being in an ornament exchange, I thought I'd post photos from last year of the ornaments I made for friends, in case anyone else is looking for ideas: one, two, three To make them, we bought garlands of flocked greenery and cut small springs with wire cutters to put inside of the clear glass bulbs. I inserted 3 red berries in each, and then put "rub on" transfers (found in the Michael's craft department) on the outsides of the clear bulbs. I topped each with ribbon, and also added our names and the date. They were also really easy to do!
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Your "real" age
This was just on the news...calculate your "real age". Since I'm about to turn 29, I'm not sure I want to know. At least flossing your teeth can make you 6 years younger!
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Getting in the spirit
NO PEEKING YET SUSANNAH! I just finished making a combined "belated birthday" / "happy to meet you" gift for when we meet Susannah tomorrow. Click to hear more about it. The flowers, tree, and holly are painted on with stuff called "flocking". I got it at Michael's and LOVE it! You hand-paint your design on the ornament like you would with regular paint, and blow an (enclosed) bottle of tiny same-colored fibers over the wet paint-adhesive. The effect ends up like wallpaper flocking -- almost velvet-like when it dries! I put little star and circle crystal rhinestones in the centers of the flowers, put a star crystal on top of the tree, and put three crystal berries on the holly. I topped it with a "Ho Ho Ho" ribbon, and "voila"! If anyone wants more info, just e-mail me. I'm really happy with how this, and similar ornaments I'm making this year, have turned out so far!
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We're sorry, the call you made could not be completed as dialed
So if you're getting server errors when you try to post a comment, just take comfort in the fact for every 1 you get, I'm getting at least 5 on my end. Ryan just became his very own webhosting company today (domain to be active soon). We are SO kissing this server goodbye when he's ready for us! Just wanted to let you know that the move is coming soon. (The Dress Contest is over for another year and I have no more excuses to stay here.) Your comments shouldn't be lost if you get an error, btw. I just have to rebuild - when it will let me - for them to show up. Let the countdown begin...
posted at 05:48 PM | link-

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Yippee!
Todd just got off the phone with Susannah, and we're going to meet her tomorrow night at the Green Iguana in Ybor-- I can't wait! We're dragging along Ryan and Chel, and she's bring her sister and friends, so it should be a good ol' time. I promise to post pics just as soon as we have 'em!
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Lizard Cam
I added nine new shots to "Lizard Cam" over in the left-side menu, all shot today with my new digital camera. The original set of "Lizard Cam" pics taken on 9/28 are still in the archive section.
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Chili Monkey
This one is for Christine and Ashley. Don't ask...

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Sucky!
Well bummer... Todd just read on CNN that Conoco and Philips Petroleum are going to merge. This means lots of job losses in Ponca City, OK ("including its 1,900 worker refinery") -- which is where I grew up, and where a lot of my family and friends still live and work. What a wonderful Christmas present. Can''t they ever wait 'til after the holidays to announce this stuff and implement the changes? Sigh.
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Tarjhet discounts
Target and Amazon are doing a "spend $50 and get $15 off" holiday décor sale through November 27th. Go...now!
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Make it a Blockbuster night
I just added five pages of wedding movie ideas to Clueless, so go ahead and make it a Blockbuster night!
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Da' Bears
I've got to hand it to Chicago. They deserved to win today. That last-second field goal "plonk" off the upright by Gramatica pretty much sums up the 2001 Buccaneer season. Good thing I'm a Bears fan, too!
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Sunday summary
Whew...we had a busy morning! We're just now sitting down and catching our breath after doing massive amounts of yardwork. I made cherry turnovers for breakfast. After that I started a list for our Thanksgiving feast, gathered up all the coupons we'd clipped that went along with those items, and then we headed out to the back yard. Todd grabbed the weed-whacker and I grabed the pruning sheers. I hacked back several of the shrubs and palmettos, all of the plant-life around and in our pond, and pruned a few trees as well. We finished up with two full lawn bags and came back inside to watch the Bucs-Bears game -- only to be greeted by an announcement that the game had been moved from 1 to 4 p.m. So we went back out to the front yard and I cut back several of the shrubs and flowers out there as well. Two more trash bags later...back in the house we came...because it's getting HOT outside. We actually need the AC today. But we got so much accomplished! Props to Todd for also draining and refilling the hot tub, too.

The Bucs play the Bears today, as mentioned above. What a year it's been for Chicago -- I can't remember the last time the Bucs were the underdog going into this game. I love both teams, and on all other days would cheer on Chicago -- but with with my Bucs barely clinging in there at .500 this season, I hope Sapp, Lynch, and crew have a stellar day! Now...I rest...and get ready for da' foosball...
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