I got the call this morning somewhere around 5:30am. I expected a delay...I had no idea there would be a closing. I was excited. There was something about it being Leap Year and how it was a little bonus day. We haven't really had any snow days either so it was a real treat. First Emily came up to ask why I had shut the alarm. I told her the good news and that we were going to let Ethan sleep. He had a rough night and was up crying around midnight so I knew he would sleep in if allowed. After 8am he came up asking why it was so late. I told him to stand on my bed. I linked hands with both kiddies and announced with glee, "It's a SNOW DAY!!!!". The jumping began. I am a "Don't jump on the bed" kinda Mom but I have to tell you...it was pretty darn fun. I might have to do it more often. The strange little snow day continued. Ethan's hair was smacked down in the middle and quite high on either side like little owl ears. He reminded me of the lead singer from Flock of Seagulls which meant I then had to show them the video for "I Ran". Next, we busted out an old friend that has been long neglected...the Webkinz website. We played a new game called Scrambled. Topped off our morning snuggle with a little recorded American Idol.
This was all before 10am. Breakfast was next. Rye toast, dippy eggs, sausages and OJ. Em needed scrambled. Pop even broke from his cereal routine and joined in...always a sucker for a dippy egg. Then we got dressed and headed out the door for a few errands. Of course this is when we had the heaviest precipitation so I got us home as quickly as I could. The afternoon brought some chores but in a more relaxed fashion than usual as well as Em's piano lesson. I made a nice dinner and we rounded out the night with some good old-fashioned relaxation. The snow itself might have only lasted an hour or two but it sure made for a nice day with my sweeties! Happy Leap Year! I promise not to wait another four years to jump on my bed!!!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper from Popcorn Buddha
Some days I leave my new thing to the universe. Today, as I neared the school to pick up the kids...my hands turned the opposite direction...into the parking lot of Popcorn Buddha. I had read the title of a new flavor on Facebook recently and it was pulling at me. Tuesdays are busy with work, homework, karate, instruments, and cleaning. I felt the need for a little treat while I sat in the short-lived quiet of the car line. I had no idea it would be a little treat for the soul as well.
I tasted the brand new sea salt and cracked pepper flavor. The seasonings live on a layer of white cheddar and they get along quite harmoniously. In fact, dare I say this is my new favorite flavor! But as I sampled this and some others...I talked to the popcorn pioneer himself. We discussed life, the past, the future and the way we deal with it all. It was a conversation as deep as any religious experience. Maybe this is where the Buddha comes in. It was also sprinkled with some magic just like his tasty treats. This husband and wife team proves inspirational to say the least and when you leave with a simple little bag of popcorn you take with you so much more. I needed it today. The universe reminded me of what was important through their voices, stories and passion. Maybe they needed the reminder as well. I am grateful for what they gave to me today and I don't just mean the snack.
The kids got to taste a few pieces but I have to admit I was being a bit greedy with this gourmet grown up flavor. The ONLY bad thing was that the bag was empty before I even made it home...guess I'll have to get a bigger bag next time!
I tasted the brand new sea salt and cracked pepper flavor. The seasonings live on a layer of white cheddar and they get along quite harmoniously. In fact, dare I say this is my new favorite flavor! But as I sampled this and some others...I talked to the popcorn pioneer himself. We discussed life, the past, the future and the way we deal with it all. It was a conversation as deep as any religious experience. Maybe this is where the Buddha comes in. It was also sprinkled with some magic just like his tasty treats. This husband and wife team proves inspirational to say the least and when you leave with a simple little bag of popcorn you take with you so much more. I needed it today. The universe reminded me of what was important through their voices, stories and passion. Maybe they needed the reminder as well. I am grateful for what they gave to me today and I don't just mean the snack.
The kids got to taste a few pieces but I have to admit I was being a bit greedy with this gourmet grown up flavor. The ONLY bad thing was that the bag was empty before I even made it home...guess I'll have to get a bigger bag next time!
Granola
It's one of those things that I always said I should do. And didn't. Don't know why. I love granola and complain about its price but the thought of all of that work over opening a bag of ready made just never got me to the kitchen. It seems to romantic...to go on a hike...with your very own crunchy crunch....but nope. Until now. Oats, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, mixed dried berries, golden raisins and hazelnuts made up this first batch. I have a feeling I have many more batches to come. Now maybe the granola will inspire the hikes! ;)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Olé Mole!
The peppers have been in my pantry for too long. Part of a gift from my mother...they were nestled in a basket with pumpkin seeds and authentic Mexican chocolate. All waiting...to be made into a mole sauce. She knew I was interested and wanted to give me the opportunity to experiment on yet another culinary adventure. I would walk into the pantry and see them and put them on my mental to do list. Almost every time. Mole is not something you can rush through though. I wanted the right day. That day never seemed to come. It was one thing or another. A sick child...a busy day at work...too much time taking care of the necessities. A day turns into a week...and a month...and a year. Then someone gets ill and in between visits to the hospital and getting through the regular hustle and bustle...the special little peppers get shoved to the side of the pantry somewhere near the panko and the boxes of pasta....for someday.
Then the very woman who got you the peppers...leaves you. Now when you see the peppers...there is a sadness that she will never get to taste the delicious meal you are about to prepare. There is a guilt that you never did it while she was alive. There is even the strange feeling of the awareness that once you use these peppers...cook them in the way they were intended...they will be gone. A little part of me kept them there I think like a smile or a nudge from her... a little "hello" if you will. Just yesterday while we were playing cards I realized that the last time we had used the deck she was there with us. Her essence on them like a fingerprint of memory. I found the urge to make this sauce yesterday. I believe she whispered into my ear, "enough waiting...make the mole".
I put on music that I liked and let the family keep each other company for a bit. It was Ma, me and my mole in the kitchen. I lined up my ingredients as if I were prepping for a cooking show. I think in my head I might have even described what I was doing... an audition playing in my head. This mole was intimidating me. Just a silly little sauce making me question so much. Doing the new might just seem like a new recipe to the outsider but it is usually so much more. First. I threw the many types of dried peppers into a pan to begin their transition. Next, they soaked with golden raisins to create a pool of rich colored liquid. The pan then met its next batch of goodies...oregano, fresh thyme, pumpkin seeds, peppercorns and a cinnamon stick. They filled the kitchen with even more aroma. The pan was used a third time for the round of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onions and plum tomatoes. They were sauteed until the point of perfection and thrown into a blender along with the ground spices and soaked peppers and plump raisins. Mexican chocolate melted into the sauce as it whirred in the blender. My dutch oven warmed as I seasoned my chicken thighs with salt, pepper and a fresh lemon. The scent was now of a restaurant...somewhere exciting. While everything simmered for hours I prepped the rice and the crisp and fresh cilantro, lime, radish and onion slaw.
We waited. I started to wonder if piles of dishes, tons of prep and hours of time on a free Sunday (a rare commodity these days) was worth it.
It was. It was worth every seed that needed to be picked from the peppers. It was worth the energy and time and money and hope that was put into this little dish. It was layered and rich and gave your mouth an experience that you don't get to have on just a "regular" day. It was the kind of dish that with each bite makes you grow a little bit sad that it will eventually be gone. The beauty of it...I have a second batch waiting in the freezer for next time!
It is hard to let go of the things that were so very thoughtful. She was a master at finding things I would cherish. She thought of things I wouldn't have and found the things she knew I would adore. She listened like no other. One day in passing while watching a cooking show I might've mentioned wanting to make this sauce. She would remember and research it and find a way to get what was needed. I miss this part of her the most. The way she would just know what to get....better than I would even know what I needed. I will be sad when the peppers are gone but I now have a new meal in my recipe box...a notch in my apron's belt if you will. I also spent a Sunday with a much missed mother and her mole...even if only in spirit.
Then the very woman who got you the peppers...leaves you. Now when you see the peppers...there is a sadness that she will never get to taste the delicious meal you are about to prepare. There is a guilt that you never did it while she was alive. There is even the strange feeling of the awareness that once you use these peppers...cook them in the way they were intended...they will be gone. A little part of me kept them there I think like a smile or a nudge from her... a little "hello" if you will. Just yesterday while we were playing cards I realized that the last time we had used the deck she was there with us. Her essence on them like a fingerprint of memory. I found the urge to make this sauce yesterday. I believe she whispered into my ear, "enough waiting...make the mole".
I put on music that I liked and let the family keep each other company for a bit. It was Ma, me and my mole in the kitchen. I lined up my ingredients as if I were prepping for a cooking show. I think in my head I might have even described what I was doing... an audition playing in my head. This mole was intimidating me. Just a silly little sauce making me question so much. Doing the new might just seem like a new recipe to the outsider but it is usually so much more. First. I threw the many types of dried peppers into a pan to begin their transition. Next, they soaked with golden raisins to create a pool of rich colored liquid. The pan then met its next batch of goodies...oregano, fresh thyme, pumpkin seeds, peppercorns and a cinnamon stick. They filled the kitchen with even more aroma. The pan was used a third time for the round of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onions and plum tomatoes. They were sauteed until the point of perfection and thrown into a blender along with the ground spices and soaked peppers and plump raisins. Mexican chocolate melted into the sauce as it whirred in the blender. My dutch oven warmed as I seasoned my chicken thighs with salt, pepper and a fresh lemon. The scent was now of a restaurant...somewhere exciting. While everything simmered for hours I prepped the rice and the crisp and fresh cilantro, lime, radish and onion slaw.
We waited. I started to wonder if piles of dishes, tons of prep and hours of time on a free Sunday (a rare commodity these days) was worth it.
It was. It was worth every seed that needed to be picked from the peppers. It was worth the energy and time and money and hope that was put into this little dish. It was layered and rich and gave your mouth an experience that you don't get to have on just a "regular" day. It was the kind of dish that with each bite makes you grow a little bit sad that it will eventually be gone. The beauty of it...I have a second batch waiting in the freezer for next time!
It is hard to let go of the things that were so very thoughtful. She was a master at finding things I would cherish. She thought of things I wouldn't have and found the things she knew I would adore. She listened like no other. One day in passing while watching a cooking show I might've mentioned wanting to make this sauce. She would remember and research it and find a way to get what was needed. I miss this part of her the most. The way she would just know what to get....better than I would even know what I needed. I will be sad when the peppers are gone but I now have a new meal in my recipe box...a notch in my apron's belt if you will. I also spent a Sunday with a much missed mother and her mole...even if only in spirit.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Family Night at the Y
In the hopes of creating a well-rounded child I am always looking for different experiences. Some are educational others are silly. Some are cerebral and others are sporty. Tonight, we headed to the local ymca for their version of "family night". There might have been some bingo...I won't deny nor confirm. But I can say that the kids rocked the rock wall. We also played at a little basketball. Oh and I can't forget the awesome games of dodgeball...even if the refs kept warning the bigger guys to "watch the Mom" on the side of the gym in a teasing fashion. The last time I was playing on those very courts I was half my age...so I looked around at first to see who they were talking about until I realized it was indeed...me. All I know is that my little critic was sure to give me a "that was fun" on the way out so it must've passed the test.
So this week my little guy: earned his stripe on his yellow belt, played catch with me in the yard to prep for T ball, climbed a rock wall, dribbled a basketball and played some dodgeball...not bad for one week with a mama!!!
So this week my little guy: earned his stripe on his yellow belt, played catch with me in the yard to prep for T ball, climbed a rock wall, dribbled a basketball and played some dodgeball...not bad for one week with a mama!!!
Shamrock Shake
It needs a chaser like a bad glass of booze. It starts out ok and then as it settles into the back of your mouth....the nasty kicks in. But when you have a busy day full of lots of stuff you love but you have done over and over...you have to buy a neon green shake and hope for the best. Mark this as another one of those things I will not need to repeat!
Record Breaking "TV Night"
Work. Chores. Kids. Stuff. Repeat. That is the life of a Mom. We love it but it is exhausting. When we find ourselves on E...we need to fill up our tank with a little something that recharges our soul. One of my tricks is tv night with my girl, Jenne. We retired this event for quite some time. Things were soooo crazy we couldn't even line up the time. Now we are remembering that it should be a priority. This week we both needed extra I suppose because we nearly made it to the very next day...and as we looked at the clock nearing midnight we couldn't believe that that much time had gone by. Idol and some Maya on SNL and we were feeling better. A couple hours of bitchin', whinin' and a-moanin' and we felt validated, heard and a tad bit lighter.
At work we have a little desk calendar with words of inspiration for the day. Last year I asked to take one of them home and it is stuck to the wall under a cabinet as a daily reminder for those around me. Oh, and myself. I need the reminder more than anyone. It says:
"The greatest gift you can give to your children is to take care of their mother."
At work we have a little desk calendar with words of inspiration for the day. Last year I asked to take one of them home and it is stuck to the wall under a cabinet as a daily reminder for those around me. Oh, and myself. I need the reminder more than anyone. It says:
"The greatest gift you can give to your children is to take care of their mother."
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Hatchedit.com
So my favorite blog ever gives me ideas every here and there. I will say I was way ahead on the Pinterest thing...though she did teach me about Playlist. This week she talked about Spotify which I have heard of but never really played around with. (Might have to be a future new thing;) Kelle mentioned Hatched it. I just signed up and will have to research further but so far it looks like the place where you put everything together. Little facebook....little pinterest...little Twitter....little evite. You name it. There is a calendar and blog updates and all sorts of stuff. I will see if it is worthy of the time and make my decision.
I do know this...my new things are not very inspired lately. Physically and mentally I seem to be in a curled up little ball which is precisely WHY I need to get back out there and vamp up my DO the NEW. I will review your suggestion lists, check out some new events and pick some harder challenges. Remember I am always up for ideas!
I do know this...my new things are not very inspired lately. Physically and mentally I seem to be in a curled up little ball which is precisely WHY I need to get back out there and vamp up my DO the NEW. I will review your suggestion lists, check out some new events and pick some harder challenges. Remember I am always up for ideas!
Fat Tuesday Ice Cream Sundaes
What better way to cool off after a spicy bowl of Jumbalaya??? Ice cream of course! I then found us an assortment of toppings. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas, smashed oreos, brownie bites and chocolate syrup over three types of ice cream!!! Yummmm.
Lego Rock Band
I've played all of the regular Rock Bands and have the special Beatles kit. Yep, we have the keyboard as well. For a while there it was a daily occurrence. I would find myself addicted. I wouldn't want to give up my guitar. I challenged myself to beat the score or to memorize just the right notes. Then for some reason....Rock Band....went quiet.
I tucked the drums behind a couch and propped up the guitars out of sight. Until today. Lego Rock Band has a cute little story line as well. We rotated in and out of drums, bass and guitar. No one is brave enough to sing just yet...seems we still have to warm up to the mic. Let's just hope the addiction doesn't kick back in!
I tucked the drums behind a couch and propped up the guitars out of sight. Until today. Lego Rock Band has a cute little story line as well. We rotated in and out of drums, bass and guitar. No one is brave enough to sing just yet...seems we still have to warm up to the mic. Let's just hope the addiction doesn't kick back in!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Cupcake Class with my Girls
There are more Barbies and toys in this house than dust fragments. Many generous people have blessed my children with a youth of abundance. The blessings make it a challenge for me to find gifts for my very own kids...so I look to the "out of the box" if you will. Events. Places to visit. New things. My little girl needs time with me more than anything. Time. It's all she asks for...seriously. When you have an almost ten year old asking for time you better damn well make some.
One of my Christmas gifts this year was a little jewelry box of sweet little cupcake earrings and a pamphlet to Kitchen Chemistry on Main Street. A little girl and her mama were going to take a class together. Today we finally got to. Now in passing I mentioned this to my dear friend, Tina. She liked the idea as well. Then I invited Gramary because we were lucky enough to have her as a guest this weekend. We ended up with a full table of incredible spirits. My "sister" Tina and her dear mother, Theresa. I can still hear her laughs from this morning. Little Gabrielle. Our buddy, Jihan was there as well (even though she was somewhat of a ringer in the piping and creativity departments). Seven of us in total. We created cupcakes together as we were taught a bunch of new tips, tricks and techniques. A flower, penguin, pooch, lovebug and rainbow later and we were set. It was something new, a wonderful way to gather together and just what a little girl and her mother needed....no matter the age. Love you girls and so glad we got to share something so sweet. Yep, pun completely intended!
One of my Christmas gifts this year was a little jewelry box of sweet little cupcake earrings and a pamphlet to Kitchen Chemistry on Main Street. A little girl and her mama were going to take a class together. Today we finally got to. Now in passing I mentioned this to my dear friend, Tina. She liked the idea as well. Then I invited Gramary because we were lucky enough to have her as a guest this weekend. We ended up with a full table of incredible spirits. My "sister" Tina and her dear mother, Theresa. I can still hear her laughs from this morning. Little Gabrielle. Our buddy, Jihan was there as well (even though she was somewhat of a ringer in the piping and creativity departments). Seven of us in total. We created cupcakes together as we were taught a bunch of new tips, tricks and techniques. A flower, penguin, pooch, lovebug and rainbow later and we were set. It was something new, a wonderful way to gather together and just what a little girl and her mother needed....no matter the age. Love you girls and so glad we got to share something so sweet. Yep, pun completely intended!
Made Les Carbonades Flamandes
For back story on this one please see post from February 2nd. This time I was the cook and not the lucky diner. It was fun to make and a huge hit at dinner. I had a special guest and I love to feed her. She appreciates the fuss which always makes it more worth it. I even used the secret family ingredient. Thanks Christa for the recipe and the love that you passed to me to put into the food and thanks as well to Gramary for licking the bowl clean!!!
Alfred Nobbs...I mean Albert
First of all...it is Albert Nobbs. But this is something I do from time to time. I'll get something completely wrong and it just sticks. It makes me laugh. It might annoy some. My pal, Jenne, always fixes the errors.
Anyway...this movie was really, really good. It catches you off guard. It touches your heart. It makes you laugh. It forces you to think. It is different. And lovely. And smart. The theme is fairly unique and I truly wonder about it all. Hmmmm...good movie. Good movie indeed. Worth getting out of my pjs and into jeans for the first time since Monday!
Anyway...this movie was really, really good. It catches you off guard. It touches your heart. It makes you laugh. It forces you to think. It is different. And lovely. And smart. The theme is fairly unique and I truly wonder about it all. Hmmmm...good movie. Good movie indeed. Worth getting out of my pjs and into jeans for the first time since Monday!
Series Manager Update
I am not whining about being ill...I am simply explaining why these few posts have been incredibly boring. At one point I thought sinus medicine was all I could mention. Reading and writing have been out of the question. (psssst...I'm writing these posts days later because I can finally focus on a computer screen.)
Naps have been regular. Cups of tea abundant. Pillow flips for sides of coolness necessary.
All of this quiet, strange sleeping patterns and sinus pills can lead to a haze. Odd dreams. I've had some of my best dreams this week. What actually made me laugh though was a little moment that I experienced. I woke up in between snoozes to see Days of Our Lives on the screen. The same sisters were fighting with the same "boys"... just as they were the last time I saw this show. IN 1993!!!! 19 years later and the same %&#*ing storyline???? Really? It took me a second to even realize. Somewhere between the feverish fog and a time warp to my college days I was very confused. It was in that moment that I sat up straight with a huge awakening. In a flash...a decade...or two...can fly by. If you don't grow up, move forward, change...you are as stale as a soap opera from the 90's. I sat up and busted out the remote. I clicked on the Series Manager and deleted things I no longer need to record. I adjusted lists for my new tastes. Found some new stuff. Let go of some outdated choices. I then saw this as a huge metaphor for my life. The next round of changes is brewing in me like a fresh pot of java. I am worn, weary and tired all over again and for different reasons. Change is in order. And maybe just maybe I'll save myself from wasting time. I will learn now... before it is too late... that if I should wake in a decade from a sick nap...Chuck and Blair probably will still be doing their love dance on Gossip Girl so maybe I don't need to watch it anymore. Sorry, Serena you are done. XOXO.
Naps have been regular. Cups of tea abundant. Pillow flips for sides of coolness necessary.
All of this quiet, strange sleeping patterns and sinus pills can lead to a haze. Odd dreams. I've had some of my best dreams this week. What actually made me laugh though was a little moment that I experienced. I woke up in between snoozes to see Days of Our Lives on the screen. The same sisters were fighting with the same "boys"... just as they were the last time I saw this show. IN 1993!!!! 19 years later and the same %&#*ing storyline???? Really? It took me a second to even realize. Somewhere between the feverish fog and a time warp to my college days I was very confused. It was in that moment that I sat up straight with a huge awakening. In a flash...a decade...or two...can fly by. If you don't grow up, move forward, change...you are as stale as a soap opera from the 90's. I sat up and busted out the remote. I clicked on the Series Manager and deleted things I no longer need to record. I adjusted lists for my new tastes. Found some new stuff. Let go of some outdated choices. I then saw this as a huge metaphor for my life. The next round of changes is brewing in me like a fresh pot of java. I am worn, weary and tired all over again and for different reasons. Change is in order. And maybe just maybe I'll save myself from wasting time. I will learn now... before it is too late... that if I should wake in a decade from a sick nap...Chuck and Blair probably will still be doing their love dance on Gossip Girl so maybe I don't need to watch it anymore. Sorry, Serena you are done. XOXO.
The Chew
I think the television missed me. It used its special powers and emitted some sickness rays and sucked me in. I woke up in between naps to watch "The Chew". The half hour that I watched was pretty entertaining but then again I'm probably not too picky right now.
Val·in·Bed
I've been sick on Easter many a year. I remember Christmas breaks with bronchitis. There was the year I had food poisoning on New Years when I was a kid. Someone is always sick on Emily's big day. I think at 18 I was recovering from a tonsillectomy on the big day of love but never have I just been sick and in bed all day for Valentine's Day. My date was DayQuil Sinex. Mwah.
Ethan as a Blankie
Each hour a new symptom popped up. Sore eyes. Swollen glands. Raw throat. The sleepies. Then came the burning fever and wicked teeth chattering chills. My clothes were layered and I was under a blanket and still freezing. Little Ethan sprawled across me like an additional blanket and warmed me up. I stayed on the couch for hours and only got up to sprint to the bed....where the chills started all over again. Luckily, I get a kick out of chattering teeth. Even in sickness we have to find the new. I had never used a kid as a warming tool and now I'm just bummed I didn't think of it sooner.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Handmade Valentines with my Little Ones
We sat around the table with glue sticks, markers, crayons, stencils and other various crafty items and made our own little cards. Madeline's tiny fingers colored hearts for her parents. My sweeties even made a card for Master Nam. It was a tender little lovefest and just what this girl needed. :)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Madeline Sleeps Over
Madeline recently turned 4. Where does the time go? As a special birthday treat we invited her for a sleepover. Today after a sweet little lunch with my nephew and his girls we hopped into the car for a silly ride home. Just the two of us. It is one of those magical little moments that you hold onto. I know someday as she is celebrating major milestones...I will still see her as the little cutie pie in my rearview mirror smiling away.
First we played with the little horse and barn. Then it was Barbies in the townhouse. (She prefaced this session with a statement about how she didn't like to play with them...she did ok!) Then the cousins joined forces for a day of a little bit of everything. Madeline played the accordion while the dog sang along. We played in the kitchen, made dinosaurs chase dollies and baked brownies. The four year old showed the older kids how to eat like a champ and we washed down a nice dinner with fruit and warm brownies.
Next was story hour. Madeline read Green Eggs and Ham ...word for word...perfectly. Then we all took a turn reading a pick. Ella got in a few goodnight licks. Cousins exchanged hugs. I have decided she needs to spend every weekend here but I'm not so sure I can convince her parents...after all she is pretty darn cute and I think they would miss her too much! For now I'll take what I can get!!!
First we played with the little horse and barn. Then it was Barbies in the townhouse. (She prefaced this session with a statement about how she didn't like to play with them...she did ok!) Then the cousins joined forces for a day of a little bit of everything. Madeline played the accordion while the dog sang along. We played in the kitchen, made dinosaurs chase dollies and baked brownies. The four year old showed the older kids how to eat like a champ and we washed down a nice dinner with fruit and warm brownies.
Next was story hour. Madeline read Green Eggs and Ham ...word for word...perfectly. Then we all took a turn reading a pick. Ella got in a few goodnight licks. Cousins exchanged hugs. I have decided she needs to spend every weekend here but I'm not so sure I can convince her parents...after all she is pretty darn cute and I think they would miss her too much! For now I'll take what I can get!!!
Fat Chef
I love me some cooking shows. I have also been falling off the wagon of counting points and watching what I eat. Nothing like a little show about obesity to remind me to get focused again. It was inspirational and entertaining and I've been eating way less ever since....
Chocolate Football
Some days are loaded. Loaded with stuff to do. It's ok to have those days as long as you take a moment to remember to breathe. To giggle. To be present. In between a day of work and a night of chores is a precious chunk of time dedicated to homework and catching up with the kids. This particular day...Ethan and I took a spoon to the large chocolate football. Smash. Yummmmm.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Name Change Form PDE 338 D
I went to college for four years. Did extracurricular activities. Worked 2-3 jobs at a time. I once worked a whole summer with not a single day off. I worked nights after student teaching all day. I made Dean's List. I graduated in December of '94 after teaching third and sixth grades successfully. I went right into substitute teaching. I worked so often in the same schools that I was requested often. I would get calls in the summer that would set up a whole year of subbing. In May of '97 I got married. I walked into the office at my favorite school and told them that I was moving. The woman in charge of subs at that time...froze...her mouth dropped open...she said, "You had a job come September!". I moved as planned and never taught again. I never got my Masters. I never completed my Act 48 credits. I packed up my subbing bags and took job after job that paid the bills and gave my family benefits and security. Those jobs got me through two decades and two children. Someday I would teach again. Someday I would go back to school. Someday I would get to do the thing I was born to do.
Life changes things. People get older. People get ill. Jobs are lost. Couples separate. Housing markets drop. Long before shut off notices there was hope in a future. Way before medical bills there were dreams. Looking for a new house took time...not worrying about losing one to foreclosure. There was a time when I didn't lie awake at night panicked about my future...both immediate and distant. I worried about the simple things. What I wouldn't do to go back there. Months ago I started back on the path to teach only to find out that I had to do many things all over again. Oh and then was the small detail that had to be taken care of...a name change. My certificate still says, "Pugliese". A bitter reminder of the tomorrow that I worked so hard for yesterday. So here I am almost fifteen years later requesting a name change. Turns out that Karma isn't the only one who can be a bitch...Irony does alright as well...
Life changes things. People get older. People get ill. Jobs are lost. Couples separate. Housing markets drop. Long before shut off notices there was hope in a future. Way before medical bills there were dreams. Looking for a new house took time...not worrying about losing one to foreclosure. There was a time when I didn't lie awake at night panicked about my future...both immediate and distant. I worried about the simple things. What I wouldn't do to go back there. Months ago I started back on the path to teach only to find out that I had to do many things all over again. Oh and then was the small detail that had to be taken care of...a name change. My certificate still says, "Pugliese". A bitter reminder of the tomorrow that I worked so hard for yesterday. So here I am almost fifteen years later requesting a name change. Turns out that Karma isn't the only one who can be a bitch...Irony does alright as well...
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
"The Ignatian Workout" by Tim Muldoon
My nephew and I have always been quite alike in many ways. I think it comes from our genes...and our upbringing...and maybe even the amount of time we spent together as kids. We stress. We worry. We try very hard to strive to be some form of perfection only to find that it hurts us anyway. As kids we were full of magic shows and imagination. Dance numbers and make believe. As adults we take life way toooo seriously. The other day we spent some time together at a children's museum. We were the goofballs playing around in the make believe supermarket. Our spirits are always pulling us to be silly and free but life keeps tugging us in the other direction.
A bit ago he sent me a book that he was reading. It is a series of daily spiritual exercises for a healthy faith. I had it on my night stand. Waiting. Tonight after catching up on many belated posts I realized I needed a new thing for today. The book practically waved to me from the side of the bed. So I picked it up. Now, if you recall...I have mentioned many a time that the universe guides us more than we know. The first few pages were about working out on a rowing machine and introducing the theme of finding spirituality. Why is the timing so odd? Well, I have been wondering about spirituality more than ever. My faith has been shaky. My beliefs have been shifted. My spirituality has been as weak as my muscle strength. Oh, and yesterday....JUST YESTERDAY...I got on a rowing machine at the gym for the first time in hmmmm...let's see a decade or two. Yep, universe...I hear ya! So somewhere between the gym and finding my path back to a life of something bigger I will read this book. I am excited to do so. I tend to go from inspirational book to series to blogs...anything that will keep me on a road to a better tomorrow. This time maybe instead of walking there I will row, run or bike!!!
I would also like to thank a certain wonderful guy for being an amazing man, a terrific Dad, an awesome hubby, a caring grandson and one heck of a nephew!
A bit ago he sent me a book that he was reading. It is a series of daily spiritual exercises for a healthy faith. I had it on my night stand. Waiting. Tonight after catching up on many belated posts I realized I needed a new thing for today. The book practically waved to me from the side of the bed. So I picked it up. Now, if you recall...I have mentioned many a time that the universe guides us more than we know. The first few pages were about working out on a rowing machine and introducing the theme of finding spirituality. Why is the timing so odd? Well, I have been wondering about spirituality more than ever. My faith has been shaky. My beliefs have been shifted. My spirituality has been as weak as my muscle strength. Oh, and yesterday....JUST YESTERDAY...I got on a rowing machine at the gym for the first time in hmmmm...let's see a decade or two. Yep, universe...I hear ya! So somewhere between the gym and finding my path back to a life of something bigger I will read this book. I am excited to do so. I tend to go from inspirational book to series to blogs...anything that will keep me on a road to a better tomorrow. This time maybe instead of walking there I will row, run or bike!!!
I would also like to thank a certain wonderful guy for being an amazing man, a terrific Dad, an awesome hubby, a caring grandson and one heck of a nephew!
DJ Hero 2
Taps...check
Scratches...check
Cross Fades...check
Special Effects...check
Freestyles...check
You can take the girl out of the Boogie Down but you can't take....
(insert DJ at huge club in NYC fantasy here)
Scratches...check
Cross Fades...check
Special Effects...check
Freestyles...check
You can take the girl out of the Boogie Down but you can't take....
(insert DJ at huge club in NYC fantasy here)
Madeline's 4th Birthday at The Please Touch Museum
How have I lived in this state all of this time and missed such a place??? Well, thank goodness for Madeline and her awesome birthday party event...because we got to all enjoy it together! It was a fun day full of giggles. There were rockets shot out into space, grand carousel rides, water play and lots and lots of pretending. We shopped at the supermarket, had tea with the Mad Hatter, played doctor at the hospital and still had time to check out the construction zone. Heck, we even learned some stuff at the historical exhibit. I'm not sure who had more fun...Madeline...or the rest of us!?!
Happy Birthday to one of the sweetest little girls I have ever met...I'm so lucky to be related to her! We have many more adventures to come!!!
Happy Birthday to one of the sweetest little girls I have ever met...I'm so lucky to be related to her! We have many more adventures to come!!!
100 Days Project
Ethan has made it to a the big 100. 100 Days of School. They have been an adventure of excitement and learning as well as frustration and tears. But whatever the feeling...there is an accomplishment here. His sweet teacher did it up big. Since I'm behind in my posts I'll be able to tell you more about that. First we needed to do a project that he could present to the class. You had to honor the number 100 by using it as a theme and having that many of a thing to create it with. At first I thought a lego tower. Then maybe buttons. Then it hit me...those funny little plastic beads that you fuse together with the iron! Perfect. So we used 100 tiny beads to create an actual "100". But we couldn't end it there...why not make one for every student in the class??? Hours later and with cramped up hands we were quite proud of our pile. They had themes ranging from the Yankees to Boba Fett but they were all pretty cool.
I went to school yesterday to help with the celebration. We made 100 days Snack Mix. They colored crowns, made necklaces and had cute little glasses to wear. Everyone presented their projects. Some were absolutely incredible. There were counting games, dice games and coloring books. To an adult or even an older kid this is no big deal...but I'm glad that I was reminded of the milestone this truly is to my little guy. We're over halfway there...whew!
I went to school yesterday to help with the celebration. We made 100 days Snack Mix. They colored crowns, made necklaces and had cute little glasses to wear. Everyone presented their projects. Some were absolutely incredible. There were counting games, dice games and coloring books. To an adult or even an older kid this is no big deal...but I'm glad that I was reminded of the milestone this truly is to my little guy. We're over halfway there...whew!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The Descendants
You've heard the buzz that George Clooney is at his best in this film. The buzz is correct. One more checked off of the Oscar list.
And hey, Bev...way to sneak in those Twizzlers. ;)
And hey, Bev...way to sneak in those Twizzlers. ;)
Christa makes Les Carbonades Flamandes
Lunchtime at work is always an adventure. Sometimes I sit on a chair alone in the front gallery and quietly eat my brown bagged lunch. Other times there is a rowdy crew squishing around a small table diving into a culinary treat. It depends on what the mood and workload is...or if someone has made a special dish for the crew. Sometimes once of us gets inspired and is kind enough to share. Other times someone makes a feast as a gift to us all...
Christa is perhaps one of the nicest and kindest souls the planet has ever known. She usually brings a small container of yogurt and eats quickly by herself. If we are lucky she takes a long enough break to join us. This time she made us a meal that made us feel like we were celebrating a beautiful holiday. It came about because one day she mentioned a family recipe and asked the silly question, "Would you like me to make it?". We had a good giggle over that one.
She went so far as to write up a little recipe card that had the following story:
Flemish Beef Stew
"Beef stew cooked in beer has long been of the culinary heritage of Belgium, and is still one of he most popular stews in the Flanders. Through the ages, the recipe has varied, and every mother passes on her "secret" to her children. My mother liked to add sweet gherkins, which certainly gives the stew a more distinctive flavor. "
The dish was absolutely delicious. We ate it with some red potatoes sauteed in olive oil and herbs and a fresh loaf of asiago cheese bread. Seven of us sat around the table and ate and laughed and shared stories. I think we should make it an annual event...but even if we don't she sure did make one regular old Thursday feel like something very special!
Christa is perhaps one of the nicest and kindest souls the planet has ever known. She usually brings a small container of yogurt and eats quickly by herself. If we are lucky she takes a long enough break to join us. This time she made us a meal that made us feel like we were celebrating a beautiful holiday. It came about because one day she mentioned a family recipe and asked the silly question, "Would you like me to make it?". We had a good giggle over that one.
She went so far as to write up a little recipe card that had the following story:
Flemish Beef Stew
"Beef stew cooked in beer has long been of the culinary heritage of Belgium, and is still one of he most popular stews in the Flanders. Through the ages, the recipe has varied, and every mother passes on her "secret" to her children. My mother liked to add sweet gherkins, which certainly gives the stew a more distinctive flavor. "
The dish was absolutely delicious. We ate it with some red potatoes sauteed in olive oil and herbs and a fresh loaf of asiago cheese bread. Seven of us sat around the table and ate and laughed and shared stories. I think we should make it an annual event...but even if we don't she sure did make one regular old Thursday feel like something very special!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Ethan Takes a Shower
Ethan got another free haircut from Mom tonight. Might be one of my better ones. But instead of throwing him in a tub full of warm bubbles and whales and submarines...I made the executive decision to throw him in the shower. We've done the bath thing forever and even graduated to the quick bath which was sort of a hybrid of a shower and bath...but never the full on shower. He wasn't so sure at first but by the end was requesting more time because he loved it.
I was excited for him...then it hit me...was I behind? So of course I had to research it. Turns out the age of 6 is the right age to shoot for the solo shower in conjunction with some guidance and temperature monitoring. Just another example of mother's intuition.
Just a few weeks ago I took the "baby" towels out of the closet. I washed them and put them in a pile. The pile is still lingering. I might need them for a visiting child. Oh come on...let's be honest...I just couldn't do it yet. Then it hit me. It really is all going away. The baby stuff...the toddler stuff...the pain the ass 3's and 4's. Little Man is 6 and Emily is about to turn double digits.
I am slowly but surely trading in silly bedtime stories for chapter books. Moving up from basic skills to life lessons. Saying goodbye to juvenile cartoons for more sophisticated ideas. Karate is replacing tumbling classes. It's in moments like this a mother wonders what will become of her. A title is given to you and you form a life around it. Those little milestones are your energy...they pass from one to another...new challenges...new successes. What do you do with yourself as they grow more independent? Of course your heart swells with each new victory...but in the very next heartbeat there is a loss...a mourning. It is one breath closer to them not needing you in the same way ever again. I get through these times with a new list of goals...a new batch of ideas...a fresh look at the future. But as the tears flow down my face and into the mommy well of yesterdays...I see so many of the moments that have defined the last decade of my life.
I am grateful for the lessons that I have taught them and for the ones they have returned. I carry them with me always. My darling little baritone tooting, piano playing, karate kicking, smartie pants...my sweet, sensitive dirty blond snuggler learning big words and how to count money...and the little soul that I never got to meet. If I'm getting this sentimental over a shower I might be in trouble for the big things coming...
I was excited for him...then it hit me...was I behind? So of course I had to research it. Turns out the age of 6 is the right age to shoot for the solo shower in conjunction with some guidance and temperature monitoring. Just another example of mother's intuition.
Just a few weeks ago I took the "baby" towels out of the closet. I washed them and put them in a pile. The pile is still lingering. I might need them for a visiting child. Oh come on...let's be honest...I just couldn't do it yet. Then it hit me. It really is all going away. The baby stuff...the toddler stuff...the pain the ass 3's and 4's. Little Man is 6 and Emily is about to turn double digits.
I am slowly but surely trading in silly bedtime stories for chapter books. Moving up from basic skills to life lessons. Saying goodbye to juvenile cartoons for more sophisticated ideas. Karate is replacing tumbling classes. It's in moments like this a mother wonders what will become of her. A title is given to you and you form a life around it. Those little milestones are your energy...they pass from one to another...new challenges...new successes. What do you do with yourself as they grow more independent? Of course your heart swells with each new victory...but in the very next heartbeat there is a loss...a mourning. It is one breath closer to them not needing you in the same way ever again. I get through these times with a new list of goals...a new batch of ideas...a fresh look at the future. But as the tears flow down my face and into the mommy well of yesterdays...I see so many of the moments that have defined the last decade of my life.
I am grateful for the lessons that I have taught them and for the ones they have returned. I carry them with me always. My darling little baritone tooting, piano playing, karate kicking, smartie pants...my sweet, sensitive dirty blond snuggler learning big words and how to count money...and the little soul that I never got to meet. If I'm getting this sentimental over a shower I might be in trouble for the big things coming...
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