My Stint as a Gourmet

We had some friends over this weekend - their first time to our place. Our kiddos swam and I decided to show up like a grown up and prepare a nice meal. No ordering out or taking them out. I would cook.

I had spotted some good looking recipes in the new Cooking Light that seemed easy, even for the meal prepping challenged like me. Not only were they easy, the were dee-lish. The kiddos were happy and the adults were happy. Here's what I served:

Sirloin Sliders with Shallot-Dijon dressing:



Grilled Peaches and Proscuitto over Arugla with Goat Cheese and a Honey Basalmic Reduction Drizzle:



The pics above are from the Cooking Light Web site, but I have witnesses who can confirm I made these and that they were divine. I can confirm it was easy cheesy. I also served some roasted red potatoes and all were a hit.

I may have to give this cooking thing a try...

Jump Into Summer

This Never Happens

But it happened to me.

I am on my lunch hour today, running into a store to see if I can find a swimsuit for my upcoming annual gal pal trip to Mexico. I figure if I confine the swimsuit shopping experience to a limited timeframe (under one hour) the pain will be shorter and the whole process can go from start to finish in a blur.

I walk into the store, admittedly not paying attention because I am annoyingly talking on my cell phone and trying to put my shades in their hard, protective case before tossing them in my bag. I hear, out in the periphery...

"Miss?, Miss? MISS!"

"WHAT?" I say startled at the angry tone I assume a sales clerk is directing toward me.

"Take this. I bet you can use it." Her lips scowl as she shoves a mangled piece of paper into my hand. She then storms out of the store.

It's a coupon. For the store I am entering. And it's 40% off a single item. Hmmmmm. I hang up the phone and dart for the swimsuit rack.

Only one looks moderately appealing off the rack, so I find my size and take it.

Miraculously, it looks good on even in the horribly lit dressing room. Hey that's good enough for me. I look at the price tag and it's $90. NINETY FREAKING DOLLARS.

I grab the coupon and start deciphering the fine print. Surely, the suit won't be covered. It will fall under one of the caveat categories as a special edition item. So, I walk up to the register and ask.

"I don't know if it's covered under the coupon," The so-pregnant-she's-about-to-burst sales clerk says.

"The suits are already discounted right now, so it probably won't take, but we can see."

I figure that's good protecting-herself language.

So, the initial ring up knocks $26.00 off the price which accounts for the discount the suits are currently under. I then hand her the coupon and as the red light glows over the coupon's bar code, she smiles. Another $25.00 comes off. Reducing the swimsuit by $51.00!! NO WAY!

Way.

I said to the clerk, "What's even more crazy, is I walked into the store 35 minutes ago without that coupon. Some lady shoved it in my face, forcing me to take it!"

"Oh yeah," said the girl. "She was pretty pissed off that we wouldn't discount the capris over here. But you know, they are a red star item and the coupon clearly excludes red star items."

When does the coupon ever include the items you are wanting to buy?

Today.

Today, it includeded them.

The New New Thing

It's little. You have to wait in line for 30 minutes in a small chic shop that's West facing (and we were waiting at 4 p.m. with the hot sun glaring down - God help them all in August) and you will pay $3.25 a piece. What are they you ask? Cupcakes.

That's right. Flour, sugar, eggs and butter and an oven and some buzz. They are all over the news now - Sprinkles Cupcake shop has done so well in the 90210 ZIP Code that they have come to try their luck just across from Fashion Square Mall.

I will tell you they are cute as a... cupcake. And moist. And tasty. And probably worth the experience once. But only once. Our girlfriend Betty (Crocker) can make up a pretty mean one too, for a lot less money and hassle.

But they are cute...see?

First Official Swim

We've been warm-tubbing in our hot tub the last few weekends; it's fun for us and Emerson sleeps like a dream for the night. But today, the boys officially took to the big pool in our first swim of the season and it's not even June!

Furbabies

Our doggies don't get much Web time or exposure, but they have been with us since just about the beginning. Sophie was our first Boxer, through rescue and as it turns out, she rescued us. We had just suffered a fire at our apartment building and were scheduled to pick her up the first weekend we were displaced and living with rental furniture. We debated calling the rescue group and saying we couldn't take her, but something told us we had to bring this girl some stability, despite being in transition ourselves. A few months later, we got Sidney through a coworker who's dog had just had a litter. At 12 weeks, she and Sophie bonded and they were like mom and daughter.

Sammy was unplanned. He was up for adoption at a local shelter and actually went to another family in the shelter's adoption lottery. But T stayed around after the adoption only to learn that the recipients other dog was not taking well to Sammy and that the owner said Sammy would be outside all day. T jumped in, offering a more loving environment and the guy gladly gave Sammy up.

Sophie's loyal to the end and the family protector. Sidney is the silly girl who likes to play like a puppy even though her 12-year old legs are starting to wimp out on her. And Sammy is the social king, buddy boy, at your heels and in your business 24/7. They have been wonderful dogs, welcoming friends and family and our very own two-legged child with wags and licks. I guess I am feeling nostalgic as they have entered their senior years. We aren't sure how much more time we have with them, but are sure enjoying the time we have.

Mother's Day

This year Emerson was really crafty, making ceramic plates for his Gramma Kathy (pictured) and Gramma Lynn (in OK). He had a lot of fun making a mess with his friend Lauren who made plates for her Grammas too.

I made out pretty good too with some designer shades and my first-ever toaster oven.

Driving Home Today

"I can snap Mommy!"

"You can?" I ask.

"Yes!"

"When did you learn to do that?"

"Well, I am all growed up. I ate all my good foods."

Bubble Boy

Silly School Daze

This week Emerson had dress up days at school all week. I remembered to capture the two best on film:

Crazy Hair Day:


Sports Day:


Although I actually like the vintage-y look I did for this one in photoshop better...

Gal Pal Time

It's official. I have now been to visit my friend A. in Connecticut after she's been here about 20 times (literally in the last 7 years). For never having visited she really played the host with most role either an effort to get me to come back or show me so much I won't ever return - ha!

Her generosity resulted in my seeing TWO Broadway shows - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (with James Earl Jones, Terrence Howard, Phyllicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose) in the third row! And we saw Wicked from the 8th row! I got to shop and snap pics in Grand Central Station, drive over the George Washington Bridge, eat the world's 2nd best pizza (seriously the owner won 2nd place in the worldwide pizza competition in Europe), dine on deelish quesadillas in New Canaan, eat fabulous Italian in Manhattan, walk through Times Square and see Rupert G.'s Hello Deli, buy fabulously frugal jewelry and relax and read. It was pretty divine and I will definitely go back.

Far-Flung-Family Fun

Our folks drove in from Oklahoma in mid-February and have been staying with us. It has been really great for Emerson to have some good, quality time with his Papa Jim and Gramma Lynn. They have been to his swimming lessons, read a few stories, had some good meals, experienced a handful of meltdowns, and seen what a big boy (and potential doctor - see below) he's becoming.

A Cautionary Tale

Running around naked is certainly fun.

Even more fun when you use your jammies to slip and slide with on the floor.

Not so fun is sliding into the wall and banging your head.

Monkey Love

Emerson can't get enough of his monkey slippers, courtesy of our good friends Ali, Dave, Will and Ben...

Geek Love

Valentine's Day came early for us with my first-ever successful surprising of T with tickets to see a live taping tonight of our favorite NPR Quiz Show: Wait, wait... don't tell me!

Hosted by Peter Sagal and moderated by Carl Kassel the show featured the Governor of our great state - Janet Napolitano and had celebrity panelists Paul Provenza, Alan Ferber and Kyrie O'Connor. We even got pix with and autographs from Carl and Peter!!!

While we may not have topped the list for most romantic V-day gifts (or hippest), it was pretty cool for us. AND if you tune in on Saturday for the broadcast in your local area, you may hear us laugh.

Happy VDay!

"Boting" on Super Tuesday

Despite originally being directed to the wrong polling place, I was able to cast my "bote" and Emerson was able to take part in a little bit of American history (and apply his own pronunciation of the process).

The Future of U.S. Swimming

Emerson and friends at his very first birthday party.

The Big Four

Emerson's 4th birthday proved to be the first where he was totally engaged during the entire party (dinner, presents, cake and all), completely awestruck by the fabulous gifts he received, uttering the palindromic 'wow' the whole night through.

What things?

Upon finishing his nightly poop:

"Mommy, I am wiping my butt with the tissue because there are no more butt things."

Translation:

"Mommy, I am wiping my butt with the tissue because there is no more toilet paper."

First Bloom

I have pretty much what you could call a brown thumb. But, I love flowers -- tulips in particular. Well when Costco had a vase of bulbs anchored so that all I needed to do was add some water, I was intrigued. The fruits of my minimal efforts paid off today with this lovely bloom.

Anticipation

Progress in Paradise

The painting project continues, with an interruption to create my first true library. A work in progress, the library is taking place of what would be a formal living room. Since T and I rarely have folks over for a serious formal tea and finger sandwiches affair, I figured that big plush couches, some nice art, a rug and coffee table (all yet to be purchased) surrounded by my books would make for a cozy and intimate setting perfect for the kind of people and gatherings we do host.

So, here we are, my collection on display, with room to grow.

Traditions

While Times Square celebrated it's 100th ball drop, my small group of friends gathered for the 7th year in a row for a ferocious night of game playing, homemade spaghetti eating and Bailey's shake drinking into the new year. The laughter was as rich as in years past and the story telling as animated. I find myself blessed to have such good friends.

As I embark on another year, I look to carry over many traditions from years past and celebrate some new ones, like keeping a journal and reminding myself of the good things in life on a regular basis. Taking a cue from from my internet blogging friend Karen, here are the 25 good things in my life that I never tire of. As you read through it, think of your own, list. Write it down and keep it handy for those days when nothing seems to be going right, or you just want some time for reflection. It's bound to bring a smile to your face:

1. Emerson's laughter.
2. Fresh cut grass under bare feet.
3. A really well made movie.
4. Good music.
5. Book Club.
6. Making my hubby laugh (which is sometimes easier said than done).
7. Clean sheets and freshly shaved legs.
8. A good joke.
9. The smell of rain.
10. Completing a crossword puzzle without any cheats.
11. My mom's cooking.
12. A game of Sorry! or Scrabble with my competitive Oklahoma family.
13. The Olympic Games.
14. Reading and dozing and reading and dozing and reading and dozing.
15. Sitting in front of the fire.
16. Girly weekend in Mexico.
17. A day at the spa.
18. Story time and songs with Emerson.
19. Hearing I love you.
20. Making others feel happy.
21. Taking photographs.
22. Setting up a new calendar or planner.
23. Starbucks Non-Fat Chai - hot or cold.
24. Looking at slide pics on the old projector.
25. Hugging someone close.

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

Painting is progressing nicely, even with the six or so minutes that Emerson contributed. After painting his signature E (to his left), he rolled for a few minutes and was off to watch Elmo.

Sharpie Love

You can personalize a license plate, your Starbucks cash card, and now Sharpie permanent markers! Who knew? I certainly didn't. But Claudia (and this is why she's in the nearest and dearest category) did and knew I would love them.

When TiVo Dies...

...and Emerson is at school, Daddy is at work and mommy has the day off...I become the next, soon-to-be-identified star of DIY-TV.

Now, let the record reflect that I am not a home improver. In fact, we bought this house because of it's move-in-readiness. And it was move in ready, despite some painting (that of course we would hire out) and then we found out about the flooring issue and then the car accident, and well basically everything stopped. Everything, including this past weekend, our TiVo. What on earth could I do on a day off without TiVo? I could take control.

You see, I keep being reminded that there are only so many things (and actually it's really very few things) that we can control in life. So as things for the latter part of 3 months have been spinning out of control, I realized I could control the appearance of my walls. In particular, two walls that are a faux-finish shade of rust that I just don't care for. Today, that all changed. Well, 80 percent of it changed and once my hubby can move our china cabinet for me the remaining 20 percent can change.

Here's the said ugly wall (on right side), upon immediate move in and mess:


Here's the wall now, one afternoon later, sporting a much nicer color!


Now even though this wall will soon hold some bookshelves and much of this nice color will no longer be visible, the important thing is that the nasty color is gone and the wall is just calling for books!

Happy Christmas

Luminaries Line our Lane

On Saturday afternoon, our homeowner's association supplied us and all the houses in our subdivision with bags and candles with the instruction to place and light the luminaries along our sidewalk by dusk on Christmas Eve. This is an annual holiday tradition for Moonlight Cove and one in which we enjoyed partaking (as did the number of drivers and passersby this evening).

The Last Several Weeks

It's been a whirlwind of a good time this past month or so. With birthday parties to attend (Aidan and Lauren's), a Christmas dinner and recital for school, play dates at the park (with Jason), the Zoo (with Lauren), our favorite friends from Connecticut (Alix, Tim and Owen), the city light parade, a visit to the fire station to drop of toys and measure up against a tire, there's barely been time to rest and recoup. Hoping there's some time for that before the year's end!

Accomplishments and Realizations

It has been a busy holiday week and weekend with a lot to celebrate beyond the usual Thanksgiving fare. To name a few...

1. Aside from two gifts yet to purchase, all of my Christmas shopping is D-O-N-E. I even have half of the gifts wrapped. It's still November and this is accomplishment is nothing short of a holiday miracle. To think of all the money I will save on not having to rush ship or have my online retailers wrap my gifts has me giddy!

2. Our Christmas lights are hung! I think we have hung lights maybe twice (with T's busiest work time hitting during the holiday season it just hasn't always been a priority. Now, that Emerson is really getting into the Christmas spirit and we are in a new hood that is a pretty festive one, we got a bit of the lighting bug and T did a great job with some help from Emerson. See the during and after...


3. As of Thanksgiving day, Emerson is no longer a napper, and this leaves me feeling conflicted. Selfishly, I love the time he naps. It's time that I can rest too, or catch up on some reading or just steal some time a way for a couple of hours. On the flip side, it gives us A LOT more flexibility to not have the day broken up by a nap. And, it's a bittersweet reminder that he's growing up faster than we could ever imagine.

Neighborhood Toughies

Thanksgiving

It probably got no warmer than 75 degrees here in the today -- a beautiful day to give thanks.

As T worked into the wee hours of today, Emerson and I took off for the park and some sunshine so that Dad could get some rest. I was surprised how many people were at the park, but couldn't agree with being out on a day like today. There were at least 3 groups playing touch football, a full-fledged soccer game, kids on the jungle gym and me and my little guy exploring. Emerson loved playing on the jungle gym, watching the big guys play football and soccer and climb his first tree (with a little help from me).




After playing around we grabbed Daddy and met up with Grammy Kathy at the home of our dear friends Scott and Claudia. Great company and the greatest of comfort foods put a nice close on a rather perfect day.

Sick Day Photo Shoot

Emerson was sent home today for being sick. Despite the gastro-intestinal bug that bit him, he was surprisingly up for a quick change of clothes and some fun in the backyard.

Hedgehogs and Baseball and Hot Tubs, Oh My!

It was a busy weekend with a school friend's birthday at the zoo, a jaunt to the park to bat some balls, and our first dip into the hot tub.


L-R: Birthday Honoree David, Emerson and Grace look on while Zoo Volunteer Kat shows off a hedgehog.



Emerson keeps his eye on the ball.



Our little goldfish takes his first hot tub dip.

Have a SMOKIN' Halloween

Hall of Flames

Thanks to our friends, the Cummings, we learned about the Hall of Flames Fireman Museum and their open house today. We made it over to the museum with just an hour left of the open house and just enough time to catch a ride on an actual fire truck and take a look at some historic engines. Emerson was his usual awestruck amongst the trucks and memoriabilia. A great, albiet quick, excursion for a Saturday.

Fall Festival

After a leisurely day at the spa, the family headed out to Emerson's school for the annual Fall Festival, Boo-Attitudes. Emerson had a fantastic time fighgting fires with fellow classmate Evan...

Enjoying the company of a lovely lady (miss Anna)...

Getting some help from handyman Bob (friend David)...

And catching up with scary skeleton (and new neighbor, Jason)...

Walks Among the Stars...

...relax amid the desert.

Today, my mom and I had the treat of spending the day at the spa (a gift from T for Mother's day that we took too long to redeem). Lounging in the sun underneath this Lakota woman, Walks Among the Stars, displaying her heirloom quilt was just what we needed after enduring a rather stress-filled fall. The massages and desert rain loofah treatments weren't so bad either.

Celebration

Another year gone by and I continue to be surrounded (literally and geographically) by good people. The day was perfect - with a lot of twists and turns: lunch with a dear friend and her baby and baby on the way; Bunco with the girls (where we don't get enough of us to play but we don't even notice because we have so much fun gabbing); dinner with the usual suspects; and divine homemade carrot cake cupcakes with a double layer of cream cheese frosting.

It was perfect.

Good Things

**Some family time Sunday afternoon at the Train park. While I miss my mega-camera, my little PowerShot captured some nice afternoon light and my two nice guys.

**Our living room furniture arrived and we found some barstools that work. The house, despite the flooring issue, is starting to feel more like a home.

**I took Emerson over to the park across the street from our neighborhood and ran into a friend I haven't seen in years. It was instant recognition in that, "Aren't you Lara?" "Aren't you Julie?" kinda way. Her 2 year old and my 3.5 year old said nary a word to one another while we mommies chatted things up, but of course they did the obligatory hug when we all departed. It's so sweet to see little kids and their willing affections.

**A bubble bath, a great magazine and my iPod set to a mellow mix. A perfect way to wind down after a busy weekend.

Books Books Books - A Meme

I found this surfing the net and finding a new blog that I like Katie's Books & Baubles.

What are you reading right now?
Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield for my book club.

Do you have any idea what you’ll read when you’re done with that?
Actually, I don't!

What magazines do you have in your bathroom right now?
None in the bathroom, but my nightstand holds Real Simple, News Week and Working Mother magazines.

What’s the worst thing you were ever forced to read?
Moby Dick.

What’s the one book you always recommend to just about everyone? The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter or Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Admit it, the librarians at your library know you on a first name basis, don’t they?
Nope, I am an avid buyer.

Is there a book you absolutely love, but for some reason, people never think it sounds interesting, or maybe they read it and don’t like it at all?
The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken

Do you read books while you do other things?
Only if it happens to be one of those glorious times when I have the luxury of reading and dozing and reading and dozing. But as the mother of an almost four year old, those times are rare.

When you were little, did other children tease you about your reading habits?
No, my friends also read. I remember saving a seat on the bus for my friend Barbara and we would each read our books on the way to and from school. Sometimes we would talk about what we read. We were 13 and I guess that was my first book club.

What’s the last thing you stayed up half the night reading because it was so good you couldn’t put it down?
Probably Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love.

If you are a fellow reader, and you haven't done this one yet, then tag, you're it!

Progress

Emerson had his most recent modified barium swallow study on Oct. 2. We learned that he was sitting pretty comfortable with no decline in ability, but no improvement either. It was because of this, that our Speech Therapist Pamela recommended we challenge him a little bit - oh so catiously - by upping his thickened liquid by two ounces a day in the form of anything other than his formula (aka Kiddie Milk).

The rationale for this is that if we can give him an additional two ounces a day, every day for a month with no adverse side affects, then in November we can add another two ounces per day. With each ounce of thickened beverage that he consumes orally, we can then remove an ounce that he gets via the tube. In a completely perfect world, one could reason that if we could get him, albeit slowly, to consume all of his liquid in a thickened state - with no issues - then we could remove the tube. It's certainly something to work toward.

So last weekend we tried some organic, low sugar juice. Tonight, for the first time ever, Emerson had Grape Kool-Aid. Just two ounces, and he thought it was perfect. "That tastes really good, Mommy."

This is also the first night he agreed to reinstate the toilet for his more complicated waste removal.

Progress, no matter what form it takes, is progress.

Gratitude

Our lives have been eventful as of late; in both positive and not so positive ways. But one ray of light was this fall bouquet and card delivered anonymously and not signed. There was also a balloon and pumpkin pail which Emerson will use for trick or treating. Anyway... I had my hunch, but when shared my prediction was proven wrong. So rather than wrack my brain to figure out who did such a nice thing for us, I am just going to enjoy it.

Thank you whoever you are. Wherever you are.