Out of Hand: November 2019

Joshua Tree National Park

Saturday, November 30, 2019

This was a great post-Thanksgiving hike. Surprisingly, the weather was 42* with a very strong wind, which made it feel below freezing. The kids and we were surprised that it was so cold in the desert.

The boys darted for the hills the second their door opened.

Everywhere in the distance, we could see snow-capped mountains.

There was a beautiful double rainbow on the way to the park. We had to drive between the two bows. The phone photo doesn't do them justice; they were so beautiful!

We saw all types of beautiful fog on the way.

By the time we left the park, there was a significant line of cars to enter. We will always go in the morning! Here's another photo of the beautiful snow-capped mountains beyond the hills.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

-1 Thes. 5:18

I took the three oldest kids to Mass, which was lit with candles and battery powered emergency lights. We've had torrential downpours, some power outages, and 48* temps for the last two days.

It was great weather for a big meal indoors and pulling out Christmas decorations.

Menu:

Turkey breast (brined, roasted, delicious!)

Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Gravy
Macaroni and Cheese

Green Beans

Multigrain Dinner Rolls

Kerrygold Butter

Cranberry Relish

Chardonnay

Pumpkin, Pecan, & Apple Pie

We had one of DH's new attorneys join us for dinner. She laughed with the kids, held the baby, and shared interesting travels and jobs.

We took the kids to the tree lighting at the Ritz Carlton at Salt Creek Beach last weekend.

Thankfully, some friends invited us to this free event. The kids had a fantastic time.

We picnicked on the cliff and watched the sun set with said friends.

When the exorbitant cost-of-living and unhappy people get to us, we just look over this sunset and thank the Lord for a few good people and for these views.

I'm so lucky to be with this guy. I love him. I love my family. I love the Lord, Who brought us together.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

It turns out "The Engineer" may be the best name for him after all. Here are a few conversations we've had lately:

Mom: Goodnight, Bud.

Engineer: Goodnight, Mom. What's 54 + 54? 108. What's 108 + 108? 216. What's 216 + 216? 432. What's 432 + 432? 864. What's 864 + 864?

[He got that one wrong.]

Mom: Did you learn that at school?

E: No. I just know it.

E: Hey, Mom! John is 12-years old. So, he is three times older than Sweet Pea because there are three 4's in 12. He's four times as old as Mr. Serious because Mr. Serious is 3. John's 8 years older than Sweet Pea, 6 years old than me, and 4 years older than the Eldest.

Mom: Where did you learn to do that math? That is very good for a 6-year-old.

E: [Huge smile.] I just know it.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Thanks to an early Christmas gift, Sweet pea and I went to Frozen 2.

She had been asking about it for days.

We had to take a trip out to use the bathroom and get a snack in the middle of it. 🤦

At the end, she said she liked "Elsa's new dress and new hair" best.

She gave me tons of cheek kisses because she got all of the Irish genes. I would pay more to see this many smiles in one night!

Hair Cuts for All!

For $85 we got 4 haircuts with tips. Sweet Pea's cost the most at $20 +$5 tip. It's not the best cut, not the worst.

We found a great Italian barber, a first generation American with 11 siblings, 6 of whom died in "the war." (We'll get more of that story when he's less busy.)

Today, he told us "they" are writing a book about the ordeal! Forty-nine trying to escape, eight making it. He wants today's kids to know about it. He said to be grateful I was born in America. He charges $15 per boys cut and will not raise his prices.

Monday, November 25, 2019

This is her personality in two photos.

Yes, that is a 100-year-old man swinging behind her. We may adopt the Asian diet

Friday, November 22, 2019

Until...

This makes me so happy!

Chili Cookoff & Diet

[Photos: random from October & November]

DH's new physician told him that the healthiest diet is 90% plant-based. So, we've been working on reducing meat and cheese. (Reducing cheese being harder.)

We've aimed for a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet for some time (not always succeeding, but always going back to it.) In that vein, DH entered his office's chili cook-off with an amazing white chicken chili.

DH, not exactly thrilled with my paparazzi skills.

I thought it was delicious. He'd made it three times in the last month -- brine-ing the chicken first, adding beer, and a bit of cinnamon. It was light and healthy and tasted delicious.

However, the top three chili's had:

3. Secret ingredient of bacon fat.

2. Three different types of smoked meat.

1. "Just a ton of meat."

DH came home slightly disappointed but also in good humor. "When you're competing against those odds..." it's hard to make a light chili stand out, haha. We still love the taste of fat and salt.