Merry Christmas!

Woo woo! We're are just getting back to our normal lives right now. Jeremy and I have had a great couple of weeks...Christmas...New Year's Eve...we've been all over the place!

The holidays were super! Why can't they last all year? I loved hanging out with the Rindler girls! So cute!

Also, I get to announce a new member of our family:

Our new Kitchen-Aid mixer. I love it, love it, love it. I received it from my mom and dad, but incidentally, Jeremy's mom also got one for me. I have used it at least 3 times already. Try yours out with this recipe, from my gal pal Kandice (who just had her third little munchkin, Audrey, on New Year's Eve! Kandice is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside): 

Sweet Potato Casserole

3 C. cooked, mashed sweet potatoes

1 C. sugar

1/4 C. butter, melted

2 eggs, well beaten

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 evaporated milk

1/2 C. brown sugar

1/4 C. flour

2 1/2 T. butter, melted

1/2 C. pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl mix the first six ingredients and place into a 2-quart casserole dish. Combine last four ingredients and sprinkle on top of sweet potatoes. Bake uncovered at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy. 

I made that yummy casserole for a Christmas day feast with Jeremy's mom, sister Erin, and Grandpa Hatler. (unfortch, Jeremy's grandma is not well and is in the hospital for the holidays).  The night before, we celebrated with Jeremy's dad, stepmother and sister, and then I went to Midnight Mass at St. Joe's in town. I had never been to Midnight Mass, and it was pretty cool! Next year Jeremy better go along, or I'm going to re-enact some passive-aggressive mood swings like I did this year.

Anywho, Christmas day was a great day. Jeremy and I spent the whole day together, eating and opening presents and hanging out with this family. I felt like a real grown-up...check out the sweet apron Santa brought and Jeremy's new "Lundberg" shirt (remember, like the boss from Office Space?).

Hope you had  a Merry Christmas, too! :) Up next: Me getting around to blogging about New Year's Eve! And Jeremy's new job! :) And trying to avoid the January Blues! ( I get them every year...) 

Weekend

Friday: Cocktails and hors d' oeuvres at my house before the AMAZING Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops

Saturday: Cocktails and hors d' oeuvres at Nationwide Children's Hospital's annual Medical Staff Holiday Social (and that was following Roomie Carla's super fun cookie exchange party...thanks Jeremy for making my cookies while I was working Saturday morning!)

Sunday: Cocktails and hors d' oeuvres with the pedo residency interviewees at Dr. Griffen's home in Victorian Village

Whew! Jeremy and I are exhausted from so much socializing! But it was tons of fun while it lasted! And, is it just me, or is the "gourmet slider" becoming the hors d' oeuvres of choice for the catering crowd? I miss White Castle. PS, White Castle now has sweet potato fries! OMG! I have to try them...sweet potato fries are my abs fav!

A Christmas Story

Here is our very first Ironton Christmas tree:

Here is the Christmas Story

Once there was a young pair of newlyweds. They were living a migrant workers' life in Tennessee. It was their first Christmas together, and needless to say, like many newlyweds, they did not have a lot of money for the holiday. So, the smart, resourceful young wife went to the bargain store, and bought Styrofoam balls, wire, glue, and glitter to make homemade ornaments for their first Christmas together.  

I bet it looked a lot like this: 

The young couple is actually my mom and dad. The story is true. My dad played minor league baseball for a number of years; there are many stories about them "just getting by" that my mom has shared with me. Like, they moved 6 times in 4 years all by themselves; or, once, they tried to return to a previously rented place a year later, only to find it condemned. There are many, many stories (most of them are true) about cockroaches and my sister Kelly (she was an infant through all this). I think this is where Kelly developed her irrational fear of insects. There are a lot of stories about being lonely and far from home. There are lots of happy stories, too. Most of them involve draft beer. 

I wish I still had one of the ornaments that my mom made the first Christmas my parents were together. The story reminds me of all the hard work you have to put in to end up--hopefully--safe and secure in your middle ages with happy, healthy children and a secure life to enjoy. It reminds me how their hard work has let me live the fortunate life I have had thus far.

Anyway, thanks mom and dad. :) 

And, truthfully, it wasn't all sad-sack. He's on a baseball card for crying out loud. How cool is that? 

Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, the Schafer side did something a little different: We got together at a golf course for a catered Thanksgiving brunch! While it was a big reach from what we usually do (go to an auntie's house, eat, clean up, nap/play cards/watch TV) it was great because:                    the WHOLE FAMILY WAS THERE! WOW!

That makes: One Nana Schafer, 4 Schafer men, 3 Schafer wives, 10 Schafer cousins (my sisters and myself included), 10 spouses/significant others and a WHOPPING 11 Schafer great-grandchildren. 

Whew! Here are some highlights:

This is my Nana and my Aunt Kathy! 

This is Lebibel, my cousin Ben's wife. She is holding the soon-to-be newest Schafer Great-grandbaby boy. Love her!

This is my pal Holly and her munchkins, Beau, Clayton, and Andy. 

This is my cousin Tracy and her niece, Olivia.

THIS is the newest Schafer, er Stitsinger, actually! Sweet baby Quinn, the first baby for my cousin Molly and her hubby Ryan. She is sooooo precious. No more silent nights for this couple! Love the argyle, too!

Here is Baby Quinn and her cousin, Regan. Regan looks just like her mommy, Amy, in this picture, don't you think?

For reference, Amy is on the left in this picture with my Dad and Cousin Molly.

Hotties! My aunt, Sandy, and my mom.

I think Olivia is smacking her Grandpa Frank (my uncle) for being so mouthy.

Here is one last picture of the great-grandkids before they all went down for a nap (right):

That's a lot to be thankful for, don't you think?

I Can't Believe I Made This

I am lucky to work with an amazing, intelligent, creative, funny, and beautiful lady, Dr. Megann Smiley. On a regular basis, she is the "smartest guy in the room" as I like to say. 

Dr. Smiley inspired me to make THIS today:

I think I'm going to give it away, with stamps, for one of my family gift exchanges. I did the whole project, and goodies inside it, today on my afternoon off. Its the best I've felt in weeks--thanks, Megann. Unfortunately, my project was frequently interrupted by nursing Peanut back to health. Vomiting + diarrhea + longhair dog = sick, dirty puppy!  Good thing I have understanding roomates! Hope she can perk up and make it to Michigan! 

Tomorrow I'm off to my mom and dad's in Ft. Loramie for Thanksgiving. I can't wait! I could have left for home tonight after work, but I didn't have time this afternoon to pack because I was too busy Stampin' Up.

Sweet Home Chicago

Some weekends are better than others. This weekend, Jeremy and I spent a long weekend in lovely Chicago. We did a bazillion cool things and were sad to have to come home. Friday we arrived early, took the train into town, and experienced our first of many "stupid tourist" moments. After a brief  5 minutes at the wrong Four Seasons (though the doorman was very nice as he helped us back to our bags a second time) we arrived at our actual hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, A Four Seasons Hotel, at Water Tower Place.  I was aware there were two Four Seasons hotels, and I TOLD the cab driver to go to the one at Water Tower Place, but he must have missed that. And we, being tourists, did not even know we were not at Water Tower Place when we exited the cab. At the reception desk they informed us we had no reservation, and probably needed the "other" Four Seasons. I'm still confused. I felt so stupid. Not only do I hate feeling like a tourist, the hotel was so fancy that I was uneasy in the first place! They told me that this happens "all the time." I'm sure. But, anyway, after all the confusion, we settled in to our AMAZING room and our AMAZING hotel. Yes, this picture is the view from our room. WOW! Thanks for the tip on the ADA discount, Meredith! That's right, all my dentist friends, you get a FANTASTIC discount as an ADA member at this hotel. 

After enjoying the view, we skipped off to Giordano's for some Chicago-style pizza. We were starved, but the lady would not let us order two pizzas, despite our hunger. She was right! The pizza was so good, but we still had a piece left over! Maybe it was the pitcher of beer that caused the trouble...NOTE: Jeremy did not endorse the posting of this picture. Whiney voice: "I look funny." 

After our late lunch, we skipped off to the Shedd Aquarium. I really wanted to go here--partly because I love animal exhibits of all kinds, but also because my mother and sister Kelly went there many years ago. When they went, they brought back a souvenir book about the  

aquarium and I just loved it--even the picture of the scary moray eel. I looked through that book until it started to fall apart at the spine.Jeremy and I had a great time. There weren't many crowds (read: screaming kids on field trips) because it was late in the day. Cool fish, huh? Too bad I can't remember his name, er, taxonomy. Jeremy like the shark tank the best. I liked the sea horses and tree frogs. 

After the aquarium, I officially boarded my first train to blogger Crazytown, and took a picture of this lovely Peppermint Hot Chocolate from the Ghirardelli store on Michigan Avenue. Jeremy was thrilled. Another "stupid tourist" moment. The cocoa was OUTSTANDING! They also handed out free peppermint bark. Delish! 

On Saturday, we had to watch the OSU-Michigan. Non-negotiable per Jeremy, but I wanted to watch, too. We found this cute pub and watched the Buckeyes win! They had Fat Tire on draft! And a Bloody Mary bar! Heaven!

We did a lil' more shopping and then met my friend from residency, Meredith, and her husband, David, for more fun city hijinx! We ate at the most AMAZING restaurant, Japonais, and did a lot of catching up. I miss Meredith sooo much! She is quite the big city girl, and their apartment is to die for. Do you see that huge window in their living room? Yeah, okay, huge skyline view. STUNNING. Plus, you can see Vince Vaughn's house right around the corner! 

Posing for a Christmas photo!

Self portrait a few hours--and drinks--later!

Hotties!

On Sunday we had buffet brunch on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building with Meredith and David. Oh. My. Goodness. I don't know what was better--the view or the crab claws. 

 Seriously, I don't think I'm going to ever eat again. Except for my Happy Dragon chinese right in front of me. :)

Practice What You Preach

Jeremy and I have done a LOT of home improvements in the last 6 months. Remember the cabinet remodel? WE DO.  Anyway, Jeremy's mom blessed us with an early wedding gift--new carpet! Since then we did blinds, wall art, lamps, and landscaping. Here are some pictures for your viewing enjoyment! 

I also got some new Uppercase Living decals that we put up last night!

 

And, my awesome sister Kelly gave us her old baker's rack for a STEAL!

Poor Rachel Ray is lonely by herself on the top shelf...guess I will have to start moving more stuff from Columbus to Ironton just to fill out our new shelving!

PS: Rindler girls--can you find Peanut hiding in these pictures?

Lastly, some good advice as Jeremy and I walk out the door. You don't know how hard I had to convince him to put this inspiration up instead of his choice, "Play Like a Champion Today" of Notre Dame locker room fame...ahh boys.

    

So Excited!

  This weekend I am spending some QT with my two bff's from Ft. Loramie, Holly and Kaye. I made these fun favors for them. Yes, that's Asti! (Its a special occasion, right?) Its been a loooong time since I did any serious Stampin'! Gosh I miss club! My gal pals and I and planning on a great weekend in Columbus...lots of dress trying-on! Unfortunately,  I am still on my quest to find the "right"wedding  dress....running out of time. Anyway, I have been friends with Kaye and Holly since, like, forever. Conveniently, Holly is married to my cousin and Kaye actually used to live down the street from me. I used to walk to Kaye's house and we would play a game called "Food." "Food" was Iron Chef way before Iron Chef was cool. Holly and I were on the same cheerleading squad all they way through our years at Ft. Loramie. Cheering at Ft. Loramie gives me some of my favorite memories, ever--much more than ANY of the competitive sports I played (and I did lots of that stuff too.)  

On the agenda: Dress-up fun at Wendy's Bridal and David's Bridal...dinner at Marcella's with our other pal, Amy (more on Amy later...). Pillow fights and ghost stories at the Drury Inn! :) 

Can't wait!

Homemade cinnamon rolls...

...are totally worth the effort.

Trick or Treat

Friday was Trick or Treat in German Village. Carla and I had over 400 pieces of candy. We lasted about an hour before tucking our tails in shame and running inside to hide from the SWARMS of munchkins still running from house to house.  As always, Peanut was a big hit, but my guest Princess Jasmine got most of the attention.

Look, Barack Obama showed up! :) This great kid was TOTALLY in character, too. 

Later that night, Jeremy and I had a tasty free burrito from Chipotle. All you had to do was "dress up like a burrito," AKA: wear a piece of foil. Jeremy is kind rocking a hippie look, while I opted for an artfully placed bow. 

                 

I am a little under the weather, so we opted out of our two Halloween parties. Maybe all the festivities have just worn me out. Or maybe its that pesky flu mist! I know that the whole "sick after the flu shot" line is a myth...but I smell conspiracy! Actually, I smell nothing right now because I'm so stuffy. Guess it could be worse!  

Happy Hospital Halloween

As you may know, I am lucky to work part-time at Nationwide Children's Hospital. I can truthfully say that this part of my work week rarely feels like "work." The environment at NCH is positive and child-focused; it's nice being a part of something so benevolent that functions (most of the time, at least) like a well-oiled machine. Plus, I have like, 9,000 friends there. This week was Halloween at the hospital, and nobody disappointed in their efforts to celebrate the holiday for the kids. In no particular order here are some of my work pals (PS, they don't always dress like this): 

This is the lovely Elizabeth Ralstrom, dressed as a perfect tube of Crest toothpaste. (Lampshade cap not pictured, but is as hilarious as it sounds.) Elizabeth is a 1st-year resident. I got to know her when she externed with us her during her last year of dental school.

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Things I love about Elizabeth: Always smiling, cool Michigan accent (reminds me of my days at UT!), great resident, lots of fun, genuinely good hearted person. She is exactly the person she appeared to be when I met her as a wee extern.

This is my other pal, Tim. He wants some of your tots. 

Tim has been at NCH for 3 years now in the dental clinic. Like Elizabeth, he's now a first year resident. You know that guy who will do ANYTHING it takes to help out? The guy who's never too busy? That's Tim! 

This is a picture of lots of the staff at the dental clinic! You guessed it, 101 Dalmations!

And one Cruella de Vil! (This me with my other BFF, Dr. Homa). Dr. Homa was my program director in residency. I'm lucky that we have become friends as colleagues. I love Dr. Homa because she is a great leader and sets a great example of how to resolve conflict in the workplace. We need to hang out more outside of the hospital.  

This is one of the anesthesia teams in the Dental Surgery Center.  Dr. Ganzberg, Shannon, and Amy. Dr. Ganzberg was one of my professors in dental school and in residency. Now I'm lucky to have him help me with my surgical patients. And he has great taste in music. 

This is another super anesthesia team: Rod Stewart (this guy makes me happy just thinking of him), the aptly-named Dr. Smiley (I'm happier still), and Steve, a first-year resident (who makes me incredibly UNHAPPY...just kidding! I like him, too). Dr. Smiley and Rod helped me learn how to take care of and monitor patients in critical, emergency moments. They make it look very easy. The father of one of my surgery patients last month, who was seen in Dr. Smiley's room, could not stop talking about how great Dr. Smiley and Rod were with their child before he went to sleep. PS, this conversation took place a whole 2 weeks later at his post-op visit in Huntington. They were STILL talking about the great experience they had!

Really, with all these great people, committed to a great cause, with great leadership and great benefits...why would I ever want to leave? It is EASY to drive two hours to a place like this. And they don't mind when you dress up like this once in a while, either. Can't say that about (gag) pros or endo, huh, my dental friends?

Cool, huh? :)