Happy Thanksgiving My friends

On this great day of family, food and gratitude I will share 5 more things I am thankful for.  I hope you have all had a blessed day and were with your loved ones or got to talk to them. 

1. Wonderful cooks-I've been blessed w/ 3 fabu moms (Mom, Mama Deb and mom in law Iris) who are all great cooks. They each do things a little different and it's all special and yummy!  I am thankful for the love of cooking  and skills they gave me.

2. Crafts-I really enjoy making things for people and it's been great to find new ideas (thx pinterest) for Christmas.  I've been a crafting fool and it's perfect during football season!!

3. Travel-I am grateful for the experiences Drew and I have had and love for adventure we share.  I look forward to the new experiences we have ahead.

4. Blogs-I have upped my blogging this year and it's been a good time.  I've made some new interwebs friends, learned a lot, found some great recipes and seen some great pics.  I'm grateful for the memories preserved.

5. My marriage-I've said how thankful for my husband but I am forever grateful for this relationship.  We have forged ahead  in this journey together through good times and bad, learned and grew, laughed and cried, hugged and loved.  This relationship is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.  I am thankful for this union : ).

Hammer Time

As you might be able to tell from other posts we are doing some minor changes in the house.  Painting, installing new doors, updating here and there etc.  Well...our house looks and feels like a mess right now b/c we, like big ole goobers, started 3 or 4 projects all at once.  This past Friday the hubs got a little hammer happy.  The story goes a little something like this.  Warning there is a TMI in this story.

I drove to Augusta (about 2 1/2-3 hours away) to pick up my niece, Chelsea, for my sis-in-law, Lynn.  The plan was that I would grab Drew  once we got back to ATL and we all would meet Lynn and my bro for dinner.  I called him about 20 min away and told him we were near and he sounded a little funny. He called 5  min later to tell me that we had a slight problem and that he'd accidentally hit a pipe and had to fix it.  See, we are restoring our guest bathroom (new vanity, tile, and putting in new sheetrock).  Well, he decided that Friday night, right before dinner, was the time to take out the old sheetrock. He was being careful...but hammer time got a little too exciting...and he hit a pipe...and it broke.  wanh wanh!

Long story short...he worked on it until 12:30-1am and couldn't fix it b/c he needed a part from Home Depot. So we went to bed w/ no water in the house. And the tmi here is that the dinner I had was great going down...but not so much later that evening. SO plumbing problems were abound in our house! And I teach on Saturday mornings....and we had no water....hmmm.  When he finally gave up on the plumping that night/early morning he told me he'd wake up at 7 and turn on the water so I could brush my teeth/wash my face before classs. 

Fast forward to 5am...my adorable cats decided to find a bag of catnip and play with it...under our bed...for 2 hours...I was so mad.  Sat morning mommy was a major cranky pants!  No shower and no sleep...at least my hubs did make coffee when he turned the water on.  The other good news is that I got a text about 10am that he was able to fix it after he got the part at Home depot.  YAY! The hubs made a boo-boo but at least he figured out how to fix it. I got a shower after class and our cats were in a fog all day and covered in catnip. Drew offered them some cheetos ;)

Oh what a night!  Thanks for letting me share.

Things I'm Thankful for part 3

Hi Folks, here are my Tues and Wed thankful additions.

1. Music-I will always be grateful for music.  It stirs my soul and constantly makes me happy.  I love all types of music and my memories always have a song or type of music tied into them.  I am thankful for those musicians who didn't give up their piano/music lessons as kids! Keep rocking out you music makers!

2. Brance/David/Justin-these 3 guys are super special friends to us both.  They were a big part of our college and NYC adventures.  They all are uber talented, God-loving, southern bred, hilarious guys who love us unconditionally.  They are all going to be on Broadway one day...so watch out!! We are so proud to have our Sunnyside/Astoria buds in our life. Our kids are going to have great uncles : ).

3. Christy/Denise-I don't have many close friends in atl...but these two girls are very special to me.  I feel like I'm repeating what I just said about the boys, but they are both super talented, loving, caring and hilarious!  I am thankful for more time with them in the ATL.

4. Theatre-this crazy career we both have has brought us so many friends and family.  I am thankful for the amazing people we've met on this journey, the shows and theatres that brought us together, the talent that taught me, and the art we created together.

5. Books-I love to read and am so thankful for imaginations and life stories that take me on adventures. A good book and r & r make for one happy Lins.

6. The essentials-I just feel so blessed to have a roof over my head that has running water and heat/ac, clothes on my back and food in my belly.  Not everyone has those things...and I don't want to take them for granted.

7. The Journeys-I am thankful that God has allowed me the opportunity to see my loved ones through some of life's ups and downs.  These times stunk going through them...but the other side is a beautiful picture!

8. Family time-Being w/ our family makes me so happy.  The memories made on each visit are special and I pray I always remember these times.  The food, games, travel, holidays...it's just all plain special.

9. Washer/Dryer-I have lived without them and I LOVE having one in our house and not having to scrounge for quarters : )

10. Musicals-If my life were a musical and everyone sang and danced all of the time I would be one happy camper.  Bursting out in song is an everyday event for me and I love watching musicals on tv or live where people do this ALL of the time.  Again...thanks all of you talented folks for creating!

What I'm Thankful For...continued

This weekend has been nuts.  Here are my 5 Sat, 5 Sunday  and 5 Monday thankful statements.

1. Forgiveness-This sounds so silly...but I am thankful that I can ask for it when I make a mistake...and thankful I can give it to someone in return.  I am human...and make LOTS of mistakes...ha!  Appreciate the chance to right my wrongs.

2. Coffee- This wonderful beverage from a magical bean has taken over a special place in my life.  NYC made it an everyday desire...I've given it up for Lent...but it's back in my life.

3.  My HS BF Brandy-Brandy is a wonderful friend who has been in my life since 1992.  We've been through silly hormonal teenage times, college disasters, summer love, worked together, been through weddings and babies together.  Love her dearly and constantly reminded of her amazing presence in my life.

4. My college gals-Amy, Maggie, Kate, Andrea and Angie.  These girls are my life and I am so thankful for them during the good times, the crazy times and SO glad we can all support during the rough times.  I am thankful for our sisterhood of the travelling journal...now where is that thing?

5. Being in Atlanta-I am learning to love being back.  We are getting into a groove and it's nice.  I appreciate a lot that I've forgotten about.

6.  Publix/Trader Joe's/Target-I love a good grocery store...I'm a big snob when it comes to my groceries.  It's really nice having a plethora of options in the city.

7.  A church-It's nice to finally feel like we have found the place we are supposed to worship. It's a HUGE part of our life and it's been refreshing to feel peace about this now.

8.  My health-I'm very thankful that I'm pretty much a healthy person. I appreciate that I love veggies and try to eat well (most of the time) and attempt to work out. 

9. Future babies-I am thankful that our day is coming when we will add to our brood.

10.  New babies-All of the new kiddos in my friends lives this year are amazing little miracles and so glad I've been able to share in the happiness.

11.  Cheese-I am thankful for this goodness that makes me have to work-out more!

12. Bonding time-hubs and I have had a great amount of fall bonding time...and it's been a blessing.

13.  Litter boxes-I am thankful that Artie and Harpo like using them in Atl.  Wasn't always the case in NYC and Charleston.  Also thankful my husband cleans them for me!!

14.  Running water-after the weekend we had (post to come soon) I am thankful we have running water again!

15. Pumpkin-I am thankful a simple pleasure brings me so much happiness.

Friday Five- What I'm Thankful for

I've not been blogging this week due to this week being NUTSO.  Also, my heart has been heavy w/ the loss of a friend and some other things I will share in a later post.  I have been pondering all the things that make me thankful...and I could go on and on with this list...and maybe I will add some each day until Thanksgiving day.  So here are five of the things I'm thankful for, in no particular order. 

1. My Hubs-  I'm thankful for a best friend who loves me inside and out, with the good, bad, and ugly.  He has helped me to grow and change in so many ways.  He puts up w/ all of my weird quirks, my silly made up songs that I sing at the top of my lungs at random times, my love for bad (and awesome) tv, my love of cheese and Ricky Martin.  He knows when to offer an ear, hug, or go the extra mile.  His relationship and love for Christ is awe-inspiring and drew me to him in college.  He is a kind, funny, loving, hottie hubs and he is going to make a fantastic father one day.

2. My family- I have been blessed w/ a great, wonderful, large, wild, yours,mine and ours family.  God blessed me w/ a wonderful Mom and Dad and a special Mama Deb too.  I was blessed w/ half and step brothers and sisters who I love dearly.  My aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas, and cousins have all been a special part of my life.  If that wasn't enough, I was blessed w/ the BEST in-law family.  My extra mom, dad, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and always welcomed and loved on me from day 1. I seriously love EVERY single member of my family!! I do have to say the nieces and nephews have been the best icing on the cake!!
                                                         My Dad and Mama Deb

                                                        Drew's folks visiting us in NYC

My sis and Mom

Drew's siblings and spouses

3. My Faith-I am so thankful for a relationship with an Amazing Lord who continues to love me and teach me daily.  I am grateful that I can pray daily, as many times as I want, and I live in a place that my religious beliefs are not dictated by a government.  I am thankful when I feel down or low that there is always a peace that passes all understanding.  In times of death and unanswered questions...I am even more thankful for a relationship with my Savior that allows me comfort. I am thankful today for Grace and mercy!

4. My Furbabies-My annoying, meowing, loving, carpet scratching, cuddling furballs bring me so much happiness. They give me much joy and laughter.  I am thankful for these little cats and their distinctive personalities and quirks.  I am also thankful that they are rescue kitties...and we were able to give them a home.

These first and last pic is Harpo and the middle one is Artie.  Love her passed out look w/  her tongue hanging out.

5. My Job-I love teaching kiddos and the fact that I get to teach musical theatre, dance and acting gives me so much joy.  There are days that I want to pull my hair out and days when my heartstrings are tugged on so greatly.  I always love to be able to challenge the older kids and see them get it.  I love the looks on the 2 and 3 yr old faces when they get to put on a costume and be a princess or ballerina.  I am especially thankful that as I patiently wait for the day I can be a mommy, that I am surrounded w/ loving kiddos! 

Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup

Ok, this recipe seriously rocked!! Day 2 was even better.

Recipe is courtesy of Real Simple

1 tbls EVOO
1 onion chopped
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces (4cups-ish)
1 tbls fresh thyme (I used dry b/c I forgot to buy fresh)
salt and pepper
2 15oz cans of cannellini beans, rinsed (I didn't rinse mine)
1 bunch of spinach (4 cups)

Heat oil in pot over med-high heat and add onion and cook. I also added garlic.  Stir often until soft, 5 to 6 min. Add tomatoes (i had fire roasted toms) and add their juices and cook for 3 min.

Stir in squash, thyme, 5 cups of water (i did 1/2 chicken stock and 1/2 water), 1 1/2 ts salt and 1/4 ts of pepper and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 15 min.  Stir in beans and spinach and cook until spinach is wilted and beans are heated (2 to 3 mins).

We had multigrain (trader joes mix) biscuits w/ it and was a hit. The hubs was a fan.  This is a keeper in the Archer casa. Enjoy!!

Friday Five-What I love about Fall

We are seriously in my favorite season right now. I know we've been it in for a while but I've just been basking in the glow of it : ).  I love it for many reasons.

1.  The Fall Foliage-My husband might disagree b/c he is the one who rakes the yard but I love all of the leaves.  I forgot how beautiful the trees in our yard are. Also, driving around ATL I've seeing some really pretty fall scenes.  I get to take a lot of back roads to work on Thursdays and there are some gorgeous views on my way there.  We've travelled a lot and I've been able to see fall in other places in the US.  Michigan by far had the most beautiful fall. It surprised me how gorgeous their trees were. 

 

2. Pumpkin everything-I am sure I drive you nuts w/ my love for pumpkin but it makes me happy. I love the decorations, the coffees, the breads, the schmears, the actual fruits (or is it a veggie?), everything!!!
                                                   

3.  Soups-I love the chill in the air b/c I can start experimenting w/ new soup recipes.  It's always fun to try new ones or make the tried and true recipes we love.  We made a new butternut squash and white bean soup last night that was a winner. I will share recipe later today.  Riddle me this....why does soup always taste better the next day. There is a restaurant in Vinings (cute part of atl) that serves all of their soups a day old b/c they are always better once everything melds.

4. Fireplaces-I was at my brother's house a couple of weeks ago and they had the fireplace going...it was So nice and cozy.  I almost dozed off in the chair I was in, now that would have been embarrassing...what am I 80?  Anyway, we have one in our house and I am inspired to start using...of course we have no furniture in the room that it's in but we will have a picnic one night and enjoy our open room w/ the fireplace...ha!

5.  Good tv-all the good tv comes back. We watch way too many shows but I don't care.  It's research for our craft...yeah, that's right ;). This season we are watching How I Met Your Mother, Chuck, Dexter, Community, Modern Family, Up all Night, Parks and Rec, Office and I am sure there is something else I'm missing. I am really ready for 30 rock to come back. 

Do you like Fall? What do you like about it?

Don't forget to link up your FF w/ Kat from Living Like the Kings.  She has a great one today about Thankfulness!