Tea and Biscuits

My Birthing Story

2009-12-31T13:33:00.009-05:00

Congratulations Libby, Erin, Heidi, and Alicia! I just saw that you are all expecting! I am so happy for you all! I decided to write down my birth experience before I forgot what it was like. It was a wonderful day and an amazing experience. I look forward to hearing about all four of yours as the day gets closer for each of you!

Throughout the day of November 30th, I began talking to my little boy and telling him it was okay for him to come tomorrow. I don't know why, but even though I wasn't due until the 12th, I just knew in my mind that Reef was going to arrive on December 1st. Around 4:00 pm Samil from the birth center called to confirm my prenatal check-up for December 1st at 10:00 am. I asked her which midwife was on-call. It was Colleen, the one I knew I wanted at my birth from the first day I met her. I then proceeded to ask her how long she was on-call for and she said until December 6th, so I told her..."I have until Sunday then." All throughout the day I noticed my lower back aching and I kept feeling nauseous. I went for quite a few walks with Chloe and kept doing hip rotations on my exercises ball. I was so uncomfortable by this point and I could feel Reef was very low and getting ready.

It was the around 2:00 am December 1, 2009, that during one of my many trips to the ladies room I noticed an extra little something greet me (the show). It was the one thing I always checked for before departing back to bed. I took a deep breathe and said to Reef "Okay baby boy let's do this." From that point the rhythmic cramps began. I was sleeping on the futon in the babies room that night because it was just easier for me to get in and out of bed and I didn't want to keep disturbing Keith. At about 2:30 am I walked into our bed room and told Keith "I think it's happening now." He didn't really believe me at first, but got up anyway and started getting everything ready. At 4:00 am the contractions were about 3 to 5 minutes apart, so Keith decided to call the birth center. Our midwife Colleen called us back to see how I was doing and then told us to start making our way to the birth center. Before getting off the phone Keith asked her if she wanted us to bring her a coffee...she must not get that question very often because there was a bit of silence on the other end of the line. In the end she said "Sure!" I remember trying to constantly talk to Chloe (our dog) before leaving the house by tell her "Everything is okay, we'll be back in a little bit." She seemed a bit worried and concerned with the way I was acting.

We headed off to the birth center by about 5:00 am. We turned on my meditation music in the car and I remember telling Keith in between contractions "I just hope I don't cry." I don't know why I didn't want to cry. I guess looking back, to me that would show a breaking point and I really wanted to successfully give birth to my child without any medication. Keith was driving very cautiously, which was sweet, but by the time we got onto the freeway I told him in a bit of an aggressive tone "You don't have to drive so slowly." I think that did the trick because then he stepped on it and we were there in no time...even with our stop at the gas station to buy coffee for Keith and Colleen.

Once we got there, we took all of our things to the room that we knew we wanted to use during the birth. It was decorated in aqua blues and white with the birthing tub in the bathroom. I got on the bed and Colleen check how far I had progressed. I was dilated to 3 cm and completely thinned out and the baby was doing great. We filled up the birthing tub, turned on my meditation music, lit a candle in the tub, and the adventure began.

The entire birth was a bit of an out of body experience. I had no sense of time and I took it one contraction at a time. The one piece of advice I heard from everyone woman I spoke to about natural labor. I spent about 90 percent of my time in the tub as it really helped me to relax me. Keith was amazing the entire time. I couldn't have done it without him. He said very little and just helped me breathe through every contraction. Keith was so excited that I think he sent a text to everyone we know telling them that I had gone into labor. Unfortunately hours later while I was still laboring everyone kept texting back to see if I had had the baby yet. I have never thought of a cell phone to be more annoying in my life. While in the tub and right before a strong contraction I said to Keith "Turn off all the phones!!!!"

After what seemed to be for ever, Colleen came back in to check my progress. To my surprise I hadn't progressed at all due to some scar tissue. Once she massaged that out I went to 5 cm. The contractions were getting even more intense, closer together, and my chanting moans began to get deeper. I kept thinking this must be it, this baby should pop out any minute now...right? Colleen had me get out of the tub as she was afraid I was getting a bit over heated, so I sat in the rocking chair for while and drank some raspberry leaf tea with honey in it just to get some calories in me. I stayed hydrated by Keith continuously giving me coconut water to drink and I nibbled on a few belly bars and some fruit as I didn't feel like eating much.

After a while I went back into the tub and tried a few more different positions like squatting. I remember noticing at one point that my contractions got further apart and my body had more time to rest in between. I mentioned this to Colleen and she said that I had probably completely dilated to 10 cm. I was so relieved, because so many people said that pushing was their favorite part, so I thought it must be close.

Since my water never broke, Colleen asked if I wanted her to break my water. I didn't really didn't mind either way, so she broke my water and out came what Keith said looked like jelly fish...hope that wasn't too much information for you. I thought okay if she does this then things should start speeding up. Well, not quite. After a while, I got out of the tub and onto a birthing stool. I wasn't there for very long because it was very uncomfortable, so I went back into the tub. The contractions out of the tub seemed so much stronger. Unfortunately since things were not progressing very much Colleen had me get back out of the tub and onto the bed. She checked the baby and he was doing great, but he just didn't know which way to position his head to get through the birthing canal. She had me lay on my side and push while on my side with one leg in the air. This was the most uncomfortable, and exhausting part of the labor. This is the only part where I let out a little whimper after one of my contractions because I was just so exhausted. I then repositioned on my back with my knees pulled to my chest. A couple of times the assistant midwife had to push on my stomach to help me push the little guy out. It was 19 hours later at 8:56 pm, with two and a half hours of that pushing, our big headed Reef finally emerged and was greeted by his dad who pulled him out. Colleen and Melissa both said "Cherrise look!" As I looked down the only thing I thought of was "I can't believe he was inside of me!" I was so relieved it was over with and so proud of myself for accomplishing a natural birth. He wasn't born in the water, which is what I was hoping for, but at least I was able to labor about 90 percent in the water.

They placed Reef on my chest and a few minutes later I delivered the placenta. With it still attached to Reef, they covered it, set it next to me and left the three of us for a while to bond as a family. The poor little guy's head was pretty bruised from getting stuck. After about an hour of cuddling and feeding, Colleen and Melissa came back in to let Keith cut the cord. They bundled Reef up and Keith took him in to get weighed...7 pounds and 13 ounces! Definitely bigger than I was expecting!

By the time everything was all done it was about 1:30 in the morning. Colleen and Melissa helped us out to our car as we placed Reef in his car seat for the first time. We said our goodbyes and drove off home as a family! It was a long, hard, exhausting, yet beautiful day! We were so happy that everything went well and we were able to experience this wonderful event at the birth center. We are so blessed to have little Reefy in our lives!

Reef Anthony Pawlak

Born December 1, 2009 at 8:56pm

7 lbs 13 oz

It's gonna be a BOY!!!!

2009-07-18T10:01:00.003-04:00

Yes! We found out we are having a little boy! Everyone around me kept telling me "I think you're having a boy." I totally thought when I first got pregnant that I was having a girl, but over the past couple of weeks, I started to think it was going to be a boy. I am now 19 weeks...almost half way!

Thursday morning my girlfriend Kelly came over and drove with me down to Miami to get my ultrasound. Keith was planning on coming, but at the last minute he ended up having to work. I was really hoping we would be able to find out the sex, but I was trying not to get my hopes up in case the little bugger decided not to cooperate. As the technician began scanning my belly she stopped on one image and Kelly and I just looked at each other and began to laugh saying "Is that a boy?" Sure enough it was. His legs spread wide and his little willy in the air. It was such a relief to finally know for sure what we are having.

A friend of mine was actually doing the ultrasound for me so we really got a good look at the little guy. We took a bunch of pictures on the screen that actually came out really well. I've never really been too much into the ultrasound pictures, but I am going to post my favorite one for you to see.

As we were watching him move around, all of a sudden he began to open and close his mouth. It was so amazing. Keith and I are so excited, but now we are searching for a name. We've had one picked out for a while now, but just want to make sure that it's really the one. Wow is it tough picking out a name.

Only two more weeks until we fly up to Washington and I can't wait! We are both really looking forward to relaxing for a little while. I hope I get to see you all at my shower, if you can't make it hopefully we can still get together at one point! Take care and I'll see you all soon!

Peace, Love, & Dance!!!

2009-06-23T12:01:00.003-04:00

We had our recital over the weekend and it was a huge success!!! Everyone did such an amazing job. The theme was "Peace, Love, & Dance", so there was a lot of 60's music and bright colors throughout the entire show! I choreographed a father/daughter dance this year and had about 25 dad's dance with their daughter's. It totally brought down the house...just as I expected! They were all in charge of getting their own costume together and let me tell you they went all out...afro's, platform shoes, bell bottoms, sequent tops, medallions...it was awesome! I can't wait to get the video and watch it again. It took me back to the days when my dad and I danced together in my recitals...oh, good times!

The teachers did a hippy routine to open the show, which was actually a lot of fun! The weekend was a lot of work, but definitely worth it. I am glad I have this week off so I can recoup before starting up summer session next week. I hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day!

Tag I'm It!

2009-06-16T13:34:00.001-04:00

Please copy and paste this list, obviously changing the answers to your own, and post a new blog.

A--Attached or Single? Attached. Married 7 years
B--Best friend/s? Brandie and Carrie (trapeze partner)
C--Cake or Pie? Cake any kind
D--Day of Choice? Saturday
E--Essential Item? SIGG Water bottle
F--Favorite Color? Green
G--Gummy bears or worms? Bears (the sour ones!)
H--Hometown? East Oly.
I--Indulgence(s)? Spa days (haven't had one for quite a while though)
J--January or July? July
K--Kids? 1 on the way
L--Life is incomplete without? My family, friends, and balance
M--Marriage date? August 25, 2001
N--Number of siblings? 1 amazing sister
O--Oranges or apples? Apples
P--Phobias or fears? Losing loved ones
Q--Quotes? "Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like it's heaven on earth." Mark Twain
R--Reason to Smile? Life
S--Season? Winter in Florida, Summer in Washington
T--Tag 5 people? I think everyone has done it already...Terrina, Carrie, and Libby not sure if she's already been tagged
U--Unknown Fact? I am proud of the woman I have become!
V--Very Favorite Store? Whole Foods Market
W--Worst Habit? Using my cell phone while driving...very unsafe
X--X-ray or ultrasound? Looking forward to my ultrasound in a couple of weeks! What is it going to be...girl or boy?
Y--Your favorite food? Indian, Thai, Mexican, Italian...too many to choose just one
Z--Zodiac? Virgo

My Last Show!

2009-06-15T11:16:00.006-04:00

Saturday I danced in my last show for a while now. We all had a great time and I am going to miss it, but can't wait to get back into it after the baby comes! We did a "Dancing with the Stars" type show where we each had a Verizon employee as our partner. We rehearsed a dance with them and then performed it at their last Gala event. Everyone in the audience voted on who they thought did the best job and then the winner was reveled. We did and opening number and a closing number and the partner dances in between. We all had a great time and the cast I worked with was so much fun. I knew most of the dancers already, so it wasn't hard to have a good time! Here are just a few pictures of us before the show.

My very good friends Kelly, and Tracy, both from Washington!

Just us girls...Kelly, Me, Tracy, and Andrea!

All of us before heading down to the big event...John, Kelly, Kasey, Tracy, Anthony, Me, Joey, and Andrea! What a great night! The next day we all went over to Kelly's house for a pool party filled with lots of food, fun, and laughter! What a great way to end the weekend!

We Registered Today!

2009-06-03T18:55:00.004-04:00

Today Keith had the day off, so we decided to take a trip to Babies R Us and register. I was excited but worried at the same time because this store really stresses me out. I've only been there a couple of times to buy gifts for other people, and by the time I would get out of there I would be completely overwhelmed and stressed out. At least I had Keith with me, although it was kind of like the blind leading the blind.

I knew before we even got there that Keith would want to be in charge of the zapper gun thing that records everything. Sure enough as soon as we headed off to the first section of the store, Keith immediately gave me the umbrella and registry book and took the gun. I think it kept him entertained. We didn't do too bad...at least no major meltdowns or arguments, but two hours later, hungry and so over baby things, the lady at the registry desk took my gun and said..."That's all you registered for?". I started to second guess myself and think, well, now I'm not sure. Maybe we should go back through the store for a second time? She then proceeded to say..."You can just add more things when you come back.". What? I have to come back and do this again?
So, we made it out of there in good spirits and went and had a well deserved lunch! I think that was my favorite part of the day!

Exciting News!!!

2009-06-01T22:12:00.002-04:00

I have great news! Keith and I are expecting a baby in December! I just had my 2nd appointment today and I heard the little ones heartbeat. It was 144 beats per minute...so incredible! I am 13 weeks and 3 days! The last few months have been interesting to say the least. This is my first time being pregnant (obviously) but no matter what people tell you it is definitely an experience. I didn't do too bad in my first trimester even though my healthy diet went completely out the window, I was extremely unmotivated, lazy, and exhausted, and quite nauseous. Thank goodness that is pretty much over. Now I am just battling with heartburn, which really sucks! Tonight, I was finally able to eat some vegetables and quinoa, which actually tasted great...I think my appetite is coming back now!

I can't tell you how excited we are, it's a bit surreal, but so wonderful. I am going to a birth center down here and hoping all goes well for a water birth and no drugs!!! It will definitely be a wonderful Christmas this year!

Keith, Chloe, and I are going to be in Olympia at the beginning of August for a couple of weeks. My parents are planning a BBQ/Baby Shower at their house for all of our friends and family...men included. I would love for all of you to join us if you are going to be in town. When I have more details, I will let you know!

Well, that is all I have to report for now. I will post some pictures soon. There's really nothing to see yet, as I am not showing very much yet. I am feeling more energetic now, so it wont be as long in between posts! Take care! Lots of love and peace to you all!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T08:28:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to send a Happy Mother's Day wish to all you wonderful Mom's! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of joy! You definitely deserve a special day for all that you do for your beautiful families!

Watch Out Here Comes the Judge!

2009-04-13T11:34:00.004-04:00

Okay...it's a bit weird when things start to come full circle. For years, while growing up, I used to compete in dance competitions. Especially one called I LOVE DANCE. Over the weekend I got the opportunity to become one of the judges for the event in Orlando. I have to admit, I really enjoyed being on the other side of things. It was really cute when I went to use the bathroom during one of the breaks and as I walk in there were a group of girls whispering...There's a judge! There's a judge! They were so freaked out that I was in there with them...it made me giggle. I remember being so nervous before performing in front of the judges myself, and now I am one of those scary judges. My friend Tracy and I had a really great time and can't wait to do it again! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Me, Daisy, and Tracy sitting at the judges table...don't we look scary!

Me and Tracy after handing out trophies to all the winners! That was probably the funnest part! We were so excited to finally were ribbons that say "JUDGE"! How cheesy are we?

Cruising the Bahamas

2009-04-09T10:14:00.009-04:00

Last weekend I went on a cruise with my students from the dance studio. We all had such a great time! All I did was lay in the sun, read my book, and go to bed early! I think all of the parents think I am a complete dud! I was just exhausted from working six days a week over the past four weeks and was really looking forward to relaxing! All in all it was a wonderful trip and one that will hopefully be repeated again next year!

The staff taking a cheesy picture while getting ready for life boat drill!

Me and the all the dads at the "Welcome Aboard Milk and Cookies Party"!

All the moms taking photos of the dads!

The girls performing on the pool deck! It was about 90 degrees, and the sun was shining in their eyes, but they still did a great job for the big crowd!

Michelle and I waiting for our lovely dinner!

Look how cute they look all dressed up on formal night!

During the cruise the girls took dance classes from a couple of the dancers Christian and Stephanie. They did a great job working with the kids.

All excited and waiting in the front row to see the show!

The girls taking their picture with Stephanie, one of the dancers in the show! The girls were so cute during the show, every time Stephanie came on stage they would scream for her. They are all so cute! I think I am the luckiest teacher in the world!

Sivan, Michelle, and I couldn't resist having a little "Johnny Rockets" on the last night, even though we weren't even hungry! Sometimes it just has to be done! Can't wait for next years trip!

Present from the Cast!

2009-04-02T22:24:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my last day working with the Solstice cast. They were such a great group to work with over the past four weeks. I am really going to miss them. They are off to the Celebrity Solstice ship on Sunday for six months and I know they are going to do a great job! During lunch yesterday they brought out a little cake for me along with a"Thank you" card and a very generous gift from Victoria's Secret. "Thank you so much you guys, I really appreciate what you did for me. You guys are so thoughtful!"

Later that night I met up with the cast and had dinner with them. I meant to take a picture of everyone, but I completely forgot to take any pictures throughout the night and only remembered at the last second as we were leaving the restaurant. Unfortunately most of the cast had already left to go back to the hotel as they had a pretty hectic day of rehearsals! Good luck to you all and have a wonderful contract and I hope to see you all again soon! Love and peace to you all as you travel the world!

Relay For Life was a Great Success!!!

2009-03-14T20:24:00.002-04:00

Friday night we participated in Relay For Life, which raises money for the American Cancer Society. We started off the night performing during the opening ceremonies. My girls did such an amazing job, I was so proud of them. I choreographed a finale number especially for Relay For Life and we dedicated it to a very special friend of ours who is an inspiration to us all. Our team Dancers 4 Cancer raised over $5,500. Thanks to all of you who supported us through your donations.

During the opening ceremonies all of the teams and individual participants walked the track with their team banners. There were over 900 participants in the event this year and the combined total raised was $140,000.

The girls had such a great time. Their enthusiasm throughout the entire night was so precious! I was so proud of them. I had such a great time as well...I don't remember the last time I camped out and danced all night long.

The girls continue to walk the track to symbolize that cancer never sleeps.

Our booth was the pretties one of them all. The girls made bracelets to sell and put on little shows in front of the booth for donations.

The DJ played great music and the girls and I danced the night away on the stage! There was so much great energy the whole night. I think all the girls finally fell asleep about 6:00 am. Relay For Life was such a wonderful experience that we are all excited to do it again next year! Look to the right for more great pictures of the event!

Dancers 4 Cancer!

2009-02-28T00:09:00.003-05:00

On March 13th I will be participating in a fantastic event called - Relay For Life - to help fight against cancer.

Relay For Life is a wonderful community event that raises money to combat this disease and to spread awareness about how we can protect ourselves from cancer. It is a fun-filled event that brings together people of all ages to camp-out and take turns walking around a track for 18 hours to signify that cancer never sleeps. It’s a time of celebrating those who have battled the disease, remembering those who have died and a chance to fight back against a disease that takes too much from too many.

I am participating in honor of a dear friend of mine who has recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer. If you would like to help our team Dancers 4 Cancer raise money for Relay For Life please follow the link below. Thank you for all of your support! May God bless you all with Love, Peace, and Health!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09FL?px=9554364&pg=personal&fr_id=13506&fl=en_US&et=hesOewiPnIDgWL89c3NK3g..&s_tafId=251466

Sorry, it's been a while!

2009-02-25T17:20:00.005-05:00

I was down for the count for about two weeks, but am now back to normal and back to work. I am extremely grateful for that and extremely grateful for my health! As we all know sometimes life gets busy and somethings get neglected. I have a new schedule now and am just trying to get used to it. Things are going well and aerial training for the new Solstice cast is going great. The girls are in their last week and I am sure are ready for a break. Last weekend was a busy one for us, filled with a birthday party, get together with friends, beach, and BBQ at are house. It is always nice to be around friends!

Are little friend Ellis turned 2 years old. She is not in the picture because it was time for her to go down for a nap. All the dads/husbands sure had a great time!

We had a quick visit with our friends Rebecca and Philippe who are currently working on the Solstice, before they had to get back to the ship.

Sunday was a beautiful day, so we took advantage of it and went to the beach. Afterwards, we came back to our house and enjoyed a nice BBQ as well as the Oscars!

Keith was the adventurous one and went for a very brief swim in the ocean. Even though it is warm down here the water doesn't get warm enough for me until about May!

This is just a nice photo I thought I would end with! Lots of Love and Peace to you all!

Finally the Pillows!!!

2009-02-02T12:53:00.009-05:00

The last few months have been great! I have had a lot of time off to relax, cook, sew, and really not do much of anything. Unfortunately that time has come to an end. On Wednesday I start training the new cast for the Celebrity Solstice ship. Goodbye to mornings of sleeping in and days of relaxing. Oh well, what are you gonna do? The weather is really great here now. The sun is shining with a cool light breeze...you really can't beat winters in Florida! Okay, so I never showed you my pillows that I finished two weeks ago. Well here they are.

I am also in the middle of making a quilted throw to go along with the pillows. I hope it isn't too much, I just really love the fabric.

Last weekend Keith and I went to one of the galleries where he has some of his works of art and had lunch. It is really cute how they have their tables set up. Everyone has there own little private table with fabric draped on each side. It was really nice. I hope everyone had a great weekend! Love and peace throughout the new week!

Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T21:22:00.004-05:00

What an amazing day! This will be a day that we will all remember forever! Here is to the next 4 years! Congratulations President Obama!

What a Beautiful Day!

2009-01-18T00:03:00.006-05:00

Today was a great day! The sun was shining and there was a cool breeze in the air! After starting out the morning speaking to two wonderful friends, it was time to go out and enjoy the rest of the day! Keith and I took Chloe for her morning walk and were greeted by a manatee as we passed over the bridge. We have lived here for seven years and that was the first manatee I had ever seen. It was so amazing!

Andrea and I went for our weekly rollerblading workout! We were quite surprised at the light breeze...it sure gave us good workout!

Keith and I went for lunch and shopped around a local craft market. He was really dreading our photo shoot on the steps. However, I told him it was imperative since I haven't posted anything for a really long time!

The rest of the day was spent picking up some fantastic fabrics and making new pillow cases! I haven't been very happy with the ones we have, so I am really excited to see how the great colors brighten up the room. I'll show you the finished product tomorrow! I hope everyone has a wonderful and beautiful weekend!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-02T22:42:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's! We arrived back in Fort Lauderdale that afternoon and went straight home to rest up a bit before ringing in the new year. We celebrated the evening with a few of our friends at a party down at our local pub! It was a great night!

Keith singing with the band!

My good friend Eva sporting some snazzy glasses!

I wish you all a blessed and prosperous new year! Here's to a great 2009!

Coffee with the Girls!

2009-01-02T02:01:00.003-05:00

Towards the end of our trip back home, I was able to meet up with Demeri and Erin. It was so great to catch up with them and talk about what they have been up to over the past few years! They both look amazing as always! Thanks for a wonderful morning of coffee and great conversation!

Christmas Adventure!

2009-01-01T14:32:00.004-05:00

Our Christmas this year started off a bit hectic. To make a long story short, the travel time getting to Washington took a bit longer then usual. We had two canceled flights, then ended up getting separated in Memphis. I ended up flying to Atlanta with Chloe and then finally caught a flight to Seattle. I arrived 15 hours later then I was supposed to. Keith on the other hand flew to Detroit, where he had to spend the night at the airport, and then luckily was able to catch a flight the next morning. Our luggage on the other hand did not arrive until the about 9:00 pm Christmas night. After that things started to settle down and we enjoyed our beautiful white Christmas!

My precious nephew who I haven't seen for about six months. Boy has he grown!

Here he is dressed up in his Santa suit!

A few months ago my dad taught Tallan how to call elk in the wild. Grandpa bought him his own bugle for Christmas so he was trying it out.

It was so nice to visit with my cousin Nicky and her family. We had a great Christmas!

WE MADE IT!

2008-12-27T23:04:00.002-05:00

It was quite the adventure, which I will go into more another day, but we finally made it home for Christmas. I haven't posted for a while, so I thought I would write a quick bit. Despite the chill in the air, we are having a great time! It is actually nice to bundle up for a change and wear boots, sweaters, scarfs, and hats. Christmas was beautiful with the family. It was so sweet to see my nephew excited to open his presents. He has definitely grown since I last saw him. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! If anyone would like to meet up for coffee a couple of us will be at the Tumwater Starbucks at 10:00 am tomorrow (Sunday)! Have a great New Years!

Spicy Maple Glazed Pecan Recipe

2008-12-17T20:07:00.003-05:00

Okay Heidi...here you go! The original recipe calls for pecans, but I used just about every type of nut you could think of and it turned out great! Enjoy, they are delicious!

1 lb unsalted pecans (any kind of nuts will do)
3 tablespoons unsalted putter, melted
4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme (dried will work fine)
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place all the ingredients into a bowl and toss. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a non-stick baking mat (a light coating of butter or cooking spray will work as well). Bake stirring frequently until browned, about 12 -15 minutes. Let cool. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week.

Happy Baking!!!

Baking Day!

2008-12-16T00:03:00.006-05:00

Tonight was a blast! My good friend Andrea came over to bake some goodies with me. I am working on my baking inventory, so I ran a few errands before she came over. First stop was Macy's where I purchased a set of three Martha Stewart mixing bowls...thank you Domestic Goddess. Next it was off to target in search of 8 ounce mason jars, and then a quick stop at the grocery store for a few last minute ingredients!

We started off the evening by making spicy maple mixed nuts. They were delicious and very easy to make!

Once they cooled we placed them inside our great little mason jars!

After the mixed nuts, a cup of tea, and a nice little chat we got back to baking and made little rum balls. I have never had one and have to say they are quite good. You can definitely taste the rum!

We of course had to show off our cute little aprons! I was going to sew one myself, but then I saw this one and thought it was cute...maybe next time! Thanks Andrea for a great night and I can't wait to do it again!

Holiday Boat Parade!

2008-12-14T09:57:00.002-05:00

Last night I worked on the Hard Rock boat during our annual Fort Lauderdale Holiday Boat Parade. The theme was Elvis, so we dressed up as his little jail birds! The boat cruised up and down the Intracoastal Waterway for over three hours. I was surprised at how many people came to watch the parade. All the homes and parks along the way were packed. We had a great time eating great food and dancing with all of the guests. The last time I was in a boat parade was with Demeri on her boat in Olympia, and that was over 15 years ago...man that makes me feel old! It was great to see everyone enjoying the holiday spirit. I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

Dad Spilled the Beans!

2008-12-08T17:59:00.002-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving Keith and I decided to fly home for Christmas so we could spend it with family! We booked the flights then called my Mom and Dad. My Dad came up with a great idea not to tell my sister so we could surprise her...well that lasted about a week and a half. Today while my sister was visiting my Dad he slipped and said "When Cherrise comes home..." You can't slip anything by my sister, she is way too quick! Needless to say I can now post on my blog that we are going to be in town for Christmas! So girls...those of you who would like to meet up for a coffee let's start planning! I know you just did this, but I want to see everyone too! When is everyone available? Keith, Chloe, and I will be in town from December 22nd to December 30th! Hope to see many of you soon! Happy Christmas!

Busy Birthday Weekend!

2008-12-08T09:47:00.010-05:00

The weekend started off with a great performance by my students at the Dolphin Stadium Holiday Show. They are so cute to watch...especially when they are wearing wigs half their size.

Here they are dancing to "Here Comes the Sun".

Waiting patiently for their cue to go on stage.

Here are my older girls dancing to "Lady Madonna".

After the show it was off to my girlfriend Andrea's birthday dinner! We ate at my favorite Thai restaurant Talay Thai, with her wonderful family and boyfriend! We had a great time and ate great food! Happy Birthday Andrea!!!

Make it a good wish!

Sunday, we celebrated Lucy's 3rd birthday! Lucy's mom Eva did a great job entertaining the kids at the party. They started off painting and decorating their own picture frames.

Then they each got to decorate their own cupcake to eat! They were all so creative!

Happy Birthday Lucy! We hope you had a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T14:22:00.009-05:00

We had a lovely day with are dear friends Dave, Eva, James, Lucy, and Carla. I was up until 1:30 am cooking up a storm! I am extremely proud to announce that my hard work paid off and I actually received compliments on my food...that never happens. I made a delicious green bean casserole from scratch...no canned or frozen items used! I have to say it was extremely delicious. I will definitely be using this recipe for many holidays to come! I also made fresh organic cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and mashed sweet potatoes. Some of you are probably thinking, what is so amazing about that? If you knew me you would understand, the kitchen and I are not the best match. However, I think I am a bit more confident in my cooking now! Watch out Martha Stewart! I hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving Day!

The real cook in the family is my husband. I would probably starve if it weren't for him. I tell you what, I really lucked out in that department! Keith and James did all the real cooking on Thanksgiving while the rest of us watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, along with a few movies! They did a great job, I think it was one of the best holiday dinners I have ever had!

After overeating we turned up the music and danced around the house with the kids! This is Keith and Carla stopping to pose for the camera.

Dave and Lucy...loving every second!

Even though I woke up that morning with no voice and a little under the weather, I couldn't help but get into the spirit and have a dance with Carla! I think she enjoyed herself!

Welcome to the World Little Sayla!

2008-11-25T10:16:00.004-05:00

One of my dearest friends gave birth to her first child! It was wonderful holding Sayla and watching her precious little facial expressions! She came into the world at 6.3 lbs and 21 inches long! She is such a sweet little peanut!

The happy little family! Congratulations Bruce and Carrie!

Crazy Circus Girl!

2008-11-25T09:47:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures of me and some of the things I've been up to over the past few years! I never thought I would end up doing any of these things. It took a lot of hard work and constant training...I swear it was like going to boot camp. I have never been so sore in my life.

Flying and spinning above the audience during my cerceaux act.

Balancing cups and candles on my head while standing on a platform during my chandelier balancing act.

Hanging by my partners feet above the audience during my duo trapeze act.

Visit Keith Pawlak's Art Gallery

2008-11-24T11:27:00.003-05:00

I am so proud of my husband for following his dream as an artist. It is wonderful to watch him passionately create his works of art. He recently painted two canvases for Celebrity Cruise Lines, which they are using for their red and white wine labels. They should be coming out in January and we can't wait to see how they look! I put a link to his website below so you can take a peek and see what he has been up to. Enjoy!

Welcome To Keith Pawlak Art Gallery

Chillin' at the Beach

2008-11-23T01:09:00.001-05:00

We took Chloe to the beach one afternoon. She got a little tired so I decided to hold her for awhile and take this photo.

Grocery Shopping with Tallan

2008-11-23T01:02:00.000-05:00

This is our nephew Tallan! He is very excited to be grocery shopping in his race car shopping cart.

Loving Hats

2008-11-23T00:59:00.000-05:00

Grandma and Tallan shopping up a storm!

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-23T00:56:00.000-05:00

Tallan slightly uninterested in his birthday gift from his Aunt and Uncle.

Chloe Pants

2008-11-22T21:25:00.000-05:00

This is our baby girl! She loves to go "bye, bye"! She got very excited when I started packing her suitcase for our trip up to see Grandma and Grandpa. She is quite the little peanut and so much fun!

Ready to Go!

2008-11-22T21:13:00.001-05:00

Now she is ready for the plane ride!

Cream Tea Time

2008-11-22T20:57:00.002-05:00

My favorite thing to do in England is have a cream tea! On one of our day trips we found a little cottage restaurant in the New Forest, where we stopped for an afternoon cream tea. It is basically a cup of tea with milk in it, and a scone with clotted cream and jam. It is the loveliest afternoon snack to warm the tummy! There are five things we always eat once we get to England...a fatty English breakfast, a cream tea, fish 'n' chips, Indian curry, and Chinese take-away. By the time I get home all I want to eat are fruits and veggies!

England Calling

2008-11-22T20:16:00.001-05:00

It has been a while, but this is us on our last trip to England. We love going over there to visit family and will be planning a trip back as soon as we can. We usually visit in the summer when the weather is gorgeous with very little rain! We have a new nephew over there, which we have yet to meet, so we are definitely due for a visit. As I was looking through my photos to post on my new blog, I noticed I have been lacking in the photo taking. Hopefully this will motivate me to document our life better for all to follow. Thank you to my friends who inspired me through there family blogs to do the same. It has been a long time since I have seen many of you, but wonderful to see how you have all grown! Here's to technology...enabeling us to keep in touch more easily with our friends!