There's a mouse in the kitchen! Isn't he cute? He's a potholder I bought at the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest this fall. I think he's so sweet. Cute idea, too. Last night I made a sour cream apple pie, except that when I went to get the sour cream out of the fridge, there was about a tablespoon of sour cream left (and I needed 1 1/3 cups). So I used whole-milk honey yogurt (which, oddly, we had a gigantic container of). And it worked just fine! Yes, it's true, something that I baked actually came out. Miracle!!!
Thank you so much for all of the ideas you offered in the comments yesterday on ways to support troops and military families, especially at the holidays. I am definitely going to take some time this week to get organized in my thinking about the upcoming holidays so that I can do all of the things I want to do, make the things I want to make, send all of the gifts I want to send, spend time with the people I love, and generally try to make a plan to help me stay balanced. In our two fairly small families, we also have six birthdays (including mine) between mid-November and mid-January. Mid-November seems to trigger this relentless forward march through those three months, and it always sneaks up on me a bit, and makes me start wiggin. This year — this year — I want to be better prepared, and also build in some empty time for myself, as well. Yep. It's gonna be different this year [she said with determination and resolve].
Cute mouse! Your pie sounds delicious, I must try that soon.
I want to join you in your mantra... *this year it's going to be different,* but I have to admit, I am mighty discouraged. The holidays and all the craftiness I wish I were doing are upon us and already it feels too late.
I will continue to come by here for encouragement and inspiration.
I love that potholder! My nickname growing up was "mouse" and my Dad got me mice gifts my whole life. I have crystal mice, gigantic resin mice, and everything in between! I even had the newspaper do an article on my collection about me and Dad. He passed away 6 years ago, and I still receive mice as gifts from my family!
Balance, now that's a good word to keep int mind. Happy planning--can't wait to see the goodies you'll be making!
Cute little rodent! ;)
I've been dreaming of your sour cream apple pie since I made it last year. This weekend sounds like a good time to make it.
I too am determined to have a more relaxed holiday season, but already I'm far behind on my list. I'm cross stitching a gift for my new niece/nephew who will be arriving in a few weeks and am nowhere near done as well as my list of things to make for Christmas gifts plus traveling this year to visit family..ahhh, deep breath..serenity now...
I'll raise my glass to that resolve! And second that motion! And other such supportive, encouraging words. Here's to getting it all done and not worrying about it if it doesn't.
Me, too, Alicia! :)
Oh Alicia, you are so right about the push through these most precious of months! How I wish the push would be through June, July, and August when we're so miserably hot instead of the months we would actually love the time to savor and enjoy! I already feel the time slipping away.....
I am already feeling stressed...It's not even Thanksgiving yet. Sigh! I will jump on the badwagon and vow that this year will be different. Different in the sense I want to enjoy all the holiday decorations and festivities and FAMILY!
Cute little Mouse!
Me too, on that resolve! Every year, I want to bake with my little ones, and it hasn't happened, or it's been hurried and no fun. They are getting bigger, so I MUST make the time this year.
Love the mouse! and yes, it's a shame we have to feel we must "push through" the "happiest time of the year". We rush from one "fun event" to another just to get it over with and move on...such a shame. I admire your resolve...good luck with that!
We've never met but I feel you are a kindred spirit!! Every year I say the exact same thing to myself, somebody needs to make a Christmas to-do list calendar that starts in January so by the time December rolls around all you have to do is drink hot cocoa eat sugar cookies and watch the snow fall:)
Time is the best gift of all. I also have a small family now. I miss the huge family that I once had but I cherish those that I do have.
Things will get better and everyone will love what you made them and the time you spent together.
i love the mouse! seriously cute. :)
i am really going to fight the "push" this year... a less stressed holiday season is my gift to myself this year.
Alicia,
I tried your pie recipe last weekend, it it was delicious! My family loved it, and I will definitely make it again. The piece that wasn't devoured the night it was made became the most delightful of breakfasts for me the next morning. Thanks for the recipe!
you too? I have five birthdays between halloween and the end of november. and then comes christmas. and I have to say I have had a couple of Jerry Springer moments during the fall/winter months from that wonderful combination of stress and packing in the events/presents, cooking etc. cute mouse! someday I will make "the pie." My last attempt was 15 years ago I made a beautiful lattice-topped apple pie and used the wrong apple. runny :(
Congrats on the pie! I find pie baking very intimidating and so I stick to cookies and cakes, but I have hope that I can make a pumpkin pie this holiday season. I think your mantra is a good one and I hope that if I start organizing now my holiday season will be more enjoyable.
I had to giggle, Alicia. I have a vintage potholder like this (it belonged to IZ's Grandmother) and I crafted a pattern for it a few years back as part of a pot-holder swap. :D So cute, and super fun to make.
Hope all is well inland. It's been non-stop rain here on the coast.
OK, now just clarifying for the record and all, that's the ONLY kind of mouse allowed in my kitchen (EEK!).
I can't believe, I'm writing this because I despise mice; but, that is a cute mouse. The pie looks tasty, too.
Cute mouse, pie! What a combo! Only you could make it be so adorable!
Please - most things you bake turn out.
Alicia
Are you going to sell the kits for making the little clothespin Lucia dolls this year? I know I can download the pattern, but I am having a hard time finding the supplies in my area. I have a little Lucia here at home that would love to make one.
Thanks!!
Cute little mouse! I saw a real one yesterday in my garage...not so cute;)