Pencil Fighter

A nice little recipe

2012-01-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

Made this with the leftover turkey from my do-over Christmas meal on New Year's Day dinner. Phew! Loads of leftover bird and black-eyed peas with andouille. Made this soup. Added some of my own thyme however, thought it was yum. Here, try if you are so inclined...

It's about time

2012-01-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

I must say that this space has been heavily neglected. Friends, sometimes it takes a gal some time to get her shrizz in order. I am that gal. Apparently getting a household in order while raising mucho kiddos is not an easy task for me. I love it. I love it so, so much that my goal for 2012 is... Spend more time actively engaging in playtime with my kids. (Clean house, laundry & chores need to come second to my children and husband.) SO, basically more of the same except stop feeling guilty and worrying about it.

On the Homefront

2011-07-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about how to decorate our home. We've lived in it for 1 year now and we moved from a traditional 1912 Craftsman Bungalow to a late Mid-century Ranch and doubled our living space! However, the furnishings from our old home doesn't really translate into our new one. For some reason I feel guilty talking about how to style one's home when there are so many other important topics going on in the world, but for me it is a creative escape, a shelter. So, you can see what I've come up with over on Pinterest. If you have any suggestions, I would appreciate them!
What to do with the media room. I've toyed around with the idea of a jumbo, automatic movie screen and projector but for me the cost difference between that and a big 'ole thin lcd wall mount just doesn't compare. So, I saw this and was interested...

We have a very loooong wall and I think this could work. We are in the process of removing some original wallpaper from said wall and once we decide what to do with it, I think we can start making some decisions on furnishings. I am aiming for the full decor vision and am nervous to make a move without first having a plan. What did you do when you decided to start decorating your home? Are you happy with the decisions you've made and if not, what would you do differently?

Finding Style

2011-05-28T09:26:00.001-07:00

Well this past year has been a doozy. Adding one more baby to the mix definitely bumped up the activity around these parts. Moving into a new home has offered new challenges too, as well as alleviating old ones. About a year ago we moved about 30 minutes outside of the city into a much larger home with a much, much larger outdoor property. It has been great for the kids to run around free and explore the area without us parents having to worry about them running into a busy street (which we faced our former beloved city home). Finding our style has been a challenge though.

We basically moved our "stuff" in and unpacked (mostly) but haven't had or taken the time to create style in our surroundings. The Hubs really doesn't put much weight into designing his surroundings, he is fully focused in the studio and that is how he exhales his creativity. I however, like to get creative and dream up different ways of decorating our home. It's just my thing and quite possibly when the kids are in school full time and I can get back to painting as well; what my home looks like won't matter to me. Perhaps when I get back into painting, I can feel creatively satisfied that way, but for now my home is my palette and I'm lacking tools. Wallpaper needs to be removed, atriums landscaped, lighting and sound system installed, carpet removed, colored applied. And then there's the furniture.

Our former home was a 1912 craftsman and we purchased furnishings to blend in well with that style. Our new home is a 1970's ranch and I would love to indulge in a few late MCM pieces that showcase some of the home's features. I find design inspiration in the peace and calm of my friend Jora's home. I love that I always feel so relaxed when I visit with her. Another source of design inspiration is my mom, Bette. She has the most amazing way of finding pieces that complement one another but have nothing in common. Her style is artistic, eclectic and creative yet refined. I love my mother's eye for design and I wish I had that gene. Seriously, her home could be in magazines.

My goal for future home design is that our place would be streamlined, stylish, reflective of our personality, comfortable and most importantly to this mom of three...clutter-free!

I'll keep you posted.

Grateful

2011-03-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

I'm so grateful for my husband and children. They are my everything. So much more to lose when you have children.
My life has been lifted to another level because of them. To my family, I deeply love you so and on and on and ever after.

Consume, Consume, Consume!

2011-01-22T18:40:00.001-08:00

Well, I just got back from a trip to the mall. I was there with the whole family and only there so that my husband could dedicate a piece of artwork to a client. Guess what happened? I accidentally went to Nordstrom and invested in a couple of beauty goodies. I'd love feedback if any of you have used these products, let me know how they work for you!

Creme de la Mer
I have been promised results and I have high hopes. Since baby Lils has been eating solids and thus nursing has lessened my hormones are driving my skin and hair wacky! I have been breaking out and growing weird patches of hair on on either side of my peak. We'll see if this works. Anyone else tried this product?

Additionally, I splurged on Jo Malone's version of Neroli and I love, love it! Reminds me of warm spring breezes.

And lastly, a product I have been using for years and love, Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. It's easy to wear, takes two shakes to put on and is lightweight. Every now and then I mix it with their illuminating tinted moisturizer for a glow-y effect.

There. I feel better now that I've confessed.

What A Trip!

2011-01-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

This year for Christmas we went on an epic road trip. One that I have been craving before we had our 2nd child. Now that we have our 3rd lovely baby, a trip was in order. We drove across Arizona, New Mexico and up to Colorado with our three children and yes, new puppy in tow. We stayed with very generous and brave friends along the way and saw glorious sights. The colors of the land are a feast and might just inspire some majestic landscape paintings out of a very urban artist. I'll leave you with this. Sedona. The most beautiful place we've ever been. Ah, America, I love this country. Go see for yourself.

Thankful for

2010-12-02T23:20:00.000-08:00

Thankful for my little princess.

Can't resist her

2010-11-11T22:13:00.001-08:00

Three kids = random blogging

2010-09-13T21:51:00.001-07:00

Here are two short but sweet photos of Evs for you:

Well, Hello Again

2010-06-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time, hasn't it? To be honest these past few months have been wildly overwhelming. We have had our baby girl (amazing, oh so in love) and two weeks later we sold our home, moved in with my in-laws and a month later closed on a gorgeous, I'll repeat it, GORGEOUS home in suburbia. I thought the withdrawal symptoms would be unbearable but I love our new home, yard, space, pool, vegetable garden, roses, gardenias, I just love it.

So now for the wake up call.

Having three children under age 5 is really tiring and challenging. Even more so than I'd envisioned. I just can't stay on top of everything I'd like. But oh well. What the hell. I'm having fun in my messy, box strewn house. Some day stuff will get put away and the house will get it's updates. Some day the wallpaper will come off and light fixtures will go in. In a couple of years after Baby Lil's has moved past crawling, we'll put wood floors in. Right now, we're all just taking it day by day.

Due Date Fast Approaching

2010-03-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

Or, to reference one of my all time favorite 80's band
Europe's hit songs, "The Final Countdown".
Due to arrive one month from today is a baby...

Currently Working on...

2010-02-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

1) Growing a baby (see previous post)

2) Knitting this adorable bonnet for said baby:

using this yarn in the same color:

I think it will be so soft and I'll add on an adorable flower-shaped pink button (per hub's request)

LAzy!

2010-02-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

I apologize for being incredibly lazy in my posts. We are preparing for loads of changes around here and my attention has been directed toward them and mostly, taking care of my family before baby #3 arrives! We are thrilled to be expecting a baby girl and can't wait to meet her in just 2 months! For now, here is a sneak peek:

Three Little Birds

2009-11-28T21:13:00.000-08:00

I saw this border fabric
(swatch is on the far right) over at the Purl Soho blog and thought it would be a great supplement to the Dwell Peeps crib set (image below left) that I already have.
I could add it as a crib skirt to the boy-ish "peeps" and maybe, just maybe convert that boy bedding into a much softer version for my little baby girl who is set to arrive in April. Check it out and let me know what you think. I ended up purchasing the pink ruffly lantern decorations (which I featured in a previous post) for the ceiling so that she'll have something frilly and fluffy and PINK to look at. I found it on ebay, naturally and am very excited. I also ended up allowing myself to by one more pink item. I went over to Style Child and FINALLY got to buy something girly. I love their selection of boy clothing, but set one foot in the store and you'll see how adorable the little baby girl items are. I went in on "Black Friday" and scored the set for 30% off, an unexpected plus. If you find yourself in the Hillcrest area of San Diego you should stop by and help support the local biz.

Guess What?

2009-11-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

My Wish Came True.
I'm having a little girl.

Wishful Thinking...is Great!!

2009-09-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

So I am almost through my 1st trimester, YAY! In a few short weeks I will be:

1) Over my constant, tiring state of nausea
2) Getting back into the swing of things
3) Welcoming my first little baby girl niece into the family
4) Finding out the sex of my baby #3 by Thanksgiving
5) Stuffing myself silly at Thanksgiving while living a nausea-free life, UGH!
6) Hopefully, I will be purchasing lots and lots of pink.

If #6 proves true, (which I have a strong hunch it will) I'd love to design a nursery like the one pictured above which can be found here. I adore the pink, coral, fuchsia and orange paper lanterns of different textures. They light up my day. If indeed it is a Pink Thanksgiving this year, I will have to finally break out my splurge of a sewing machine and start quilting. I've found plenty of inspiration over at Soulemama and of course my dear friend Marie is a constant source of inspiration to me (I know I'm not alone here). I'll have to dedicate a whole blog entry just to her one day. She is magnificent and looks lovely in bright red lipstick without a hint of any other makeup.

So I'm about 9 weeks off from getting to know baby #3 a little bit better. Currently blessed, but feeling quite down about my morning sickness status. So forgive a little wishful thinking on my part. Dreaming in idyllic shades of blush helps take my mind off of the not so inspiring parts of pregnancy. Wandering into the land of dress patterns, things to knit and ric-rac, pom-poms and fringe helps pass the time in delightful ways.

Okay, how cute are these.

2009-09-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

The LOVES of my life!

Going Green

2009-09-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

I'll admit I've been slacking on the posts as of late. You know, actually I've been feeling a bit green and am afraid that this all day, all night dance won't halt for another month or two. You see, I've done this dance a handful of times before and although the finished production is absolutely divine, the steps are grueling. I was not born a happy dancer.

Today I saw the heartbeat. Visually, one of the most beautiful things any expectant parent could wish for. I'm surrounded by the talent of my husband's artwork, daily dazzled by the sight and sounds of my children, yet seeing a little flutter on a very dated black and white screen brings tears and relief.

So forgive me if I don't update as often as I should. I'll be back in the swing of things in a few short weeks.
Please direct all "pink" thoughts toward my uterus.

oxo

Cabin Fever

2009-08-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone should rent a cabin on a lake, if not for the serenity, for the opportunity it offers your children to fulfill your desires for them. This past week my kids caught frogs where the cat tails grow, went fishing, swung on a rope swing in an idyllic pond, drove a boat (with help), saw a lightening storm, rode on 4-wheelers a.k.a quads, rode in a tractor that had satellite radio, saw a sky so filled with stars that it was hard to find the big dipper, blew marshmallow shooters, made s'mores by campfire, swatted mosquitoes, jumped on a trampoline, found a lightening bug and put it in a jar next to their bed (freed the next day), ate hot dish and corn, drove the town garbage truck (just one), hit up an indoor water park, walked the sculpture garden, witnessed the indoor amusement park at the Mall of America, and finally, shot off a rocket that went almost 1000 feet up into the sky.
It was glorious! Thank you dear family for having such a wonderful, adventure-filled, down home vacation. Can't wait to do it again next year.

Seriously J Crew?

2009-08-10T23:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, I know that the Eighties are back and they are probably as exciting for today's generation as they were for my generation, but PUH-LEASE! Seriously? The neon anklet with heels? Why did you have to go there? Madonna already went there aeons ago and there is no reason to re-visit. None. I could go on about the day-glo checkered, hunter-plaid flannel shirts (not featured at J Crew, YET!) but I'll stop short and just focus on those dang anklets. If any of you spot me on the street wearing a pair of those, will you smack me across the face with a dead fish? Thank you.
I'm done now.

Photo credit: courtesy of J Crew peeps

Check out my friend's Blog

2009-08-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

My dear friend (and Michael's publisher) RuthAnn Thorn has just created a blog that is about being a first time mom over 40.
She is one dynamic woman! In addition to raising her child Isabella, she runs a very successful publishing company Crown Thorn Publishing and several galleries, Exclusive Collections Fine Art, with her husband here in San Diego. I know several women that were first time moms (or raising toddlers) at 40 and balancing their careers and family life at the same time. It is a full plate. So cheers to RuthAnn and you should all check out her blog and encourage her to write more entries.

Photo Credit: Photo by Rian DeLane of Sunday's Child Photography

Oh, if we could all do this for a change...

2009-07-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

(Photo of me and Evs taken by Peta Maze, courtesy of http://www.debsphotographs.com/photoblog/)

On Parenting

2009-07-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

I came across the following excerpt today and it really touched my heart. I found it on the GOOP blog. Read on...

"I don’t know if I’m pulling rank here: I’m speaking now as a grandmother, not an active-duty mom. But my four grandkids have given me a second chance to learn the lessons that I missed the first time around. Or maybe it’s simply that the passage of time lets one see the forest, not just the trees.

The single most important thing is to take time to LISTEN to your children – as fellow human beings, not just as your charges or pet projects. There’s a wise little human soul in there, ageless in heart even while young in time. Follow her lead. Listen to what she says and DOESN’T say. Don’t just manage her, but allow the things she’s interested in to open and energize your own heart. That’s the secret of eternal youth."

Here is my favorite part...

"Second, don’t be afraid to be real with your children. I’m not speaking so much here about being honest with your feelings (that’s generally good, but don’t forget that as a parent you have a primary responsibility to hold a safe space for your kids, and your self-expression should never overwhelm or frighten them); rather, I’m talking about being transparent about what you truly love. For eighteen years my own mother managed, scolded, imposed manners, dragged us kids off to Sunday school, arranged lessons in necessary social graces, chaperoned parties and supervised homework. And yet, for all that gray blur of duty, the one day I truly remember from my childhood was the day she simply gathered up her beloved oil paints and marched us off to a local arboretum. As my brother and I explored the gardens, I watched her a short distance away, poised before her easel, golden sunlight streaming down her face, completely entranced in what she was doing. How I loved her in that moment! And the unspoken lesson on following your bliss has remained with me for nearly six decades."

-Cynthia Bourgeault

Cynthia Bourgeault is an Episcopal priest, writer and retreat leader. She is founding director of the Aspen Wisdom School in Colorado and principal visiting teacher for the Contemplative Society in Victoria, BC, Canada.

Photo of Evs by Michael Flohr

Best Game Ever

2009-07-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Sidetracking from my normal babbling and sticking with the bragging I have a little news to share; Michael Flohr had the best golf game ever and I was there to witness! We played golf with our dear friend/adopted family member Steve Long and Corey Johnson yesterday at Balboa Park 18-hole. (Corey's wife, the lovely Adriana is my cupcake baking business partner and friend.) It was Steve's birthday and we all got up at the butt crack of dawn to play. Steve likes to play eeeeaaaarly.

Let's skip to the chase shall we?
Michael Flohr scored a 77!
Best game of his life and he played it with me.
It felt so good to see him so happy and I felt good because, although half of my game was in the toilet, the other half wasn't bad!
Not a bad way to celebrate Steve being born. Even though it was a looooooooooooooooonnng time ago. (hee hee).

In other news, I have been making a conscious effort to do more for myself and less for others. Okay, okay, kidding about the less for others part, but very much serious on the me part. Hope I can keep it up. I'll need your encouragement, so if I can get a "hell yeah!" every now and then, it would be appreciated. I need ideas. How do you carve out some "me" time for yourself when you've got a family to manage?

Blank Canvas

2009-07-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm about to do a little braggin'. Get ready and settle in. My Hubs, a.k.a the very talented artist Michael Flohr just got back home from a whirlwind show schedule. He had a remarkable show here in San Diego this past weekend and then two days later flew to Breckenridge, Colorado for another very successful show. (Enter the bragging). Whilst at the Breck gallery, he set up a half-painted canvas to be completed by the end of the two day show. He finished it faster than he had anticipated. It sold. So the next day he set up a blank 16x20 white canvas on his easel. He turned around after setting up his palette and there was a red dot placed upon it. Red dots in the art world mean SOLD. We are all about the red dot.

So Michael Flohr sold a painting before paint ever touched the canvas.
For approx. $8500.

(Applause)

Way to go honey, I'm so proud of you and your amazing talent.
I am also certain that I am not the only one who feels this way.

Searching

2009-06-23T22:31:00.001-07:00

I feel it in my throat, my gut and it has been occupying my mind for some time. I'm searching. Trying to identify what the hole is that I need to fill. (alright you dirty minds, move onward) Sigh. So many good things in my life. I should be full. Why am I restless? Do I already know the answer? Am I scared to face it, scared to try? Hmmph, will keep you posted.

Now on to something really juicy.

Tomatoes.
My homegrown lovelies. Check out the first of the crop.

I ate it right after I snapped the picture.

And yes, it was warm and vibrant, it's sweet, pungent, lingering fragrance was like silk against my tongue.
The perfect flavor of summer.
Can't wait for the purple cherokees and the brandywines to come in next.

( Pictured L to R: Sweet 100's, Brandywine, Purple Cherokee, Stupice (the one I devoured), Seeds of Change Basil in foreground)

Late Night Tweets

2009-06-19T00:38:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about Twitter. Lately around these So. Cal. parts the birds have been singing at night. It happens every summer that I've lived here in my little 1912 craftsman bungalow. Tonight I'm up past midnight, post knit night bliss, and had so much fun with the gals that I'm not quite ready to go to sleep. Apparently, I'm not alone. Who are these happy little night birds who chirp into the early a.m.? Their soundtrack leading me to my dreams. Chirp, chirp, chirp. So friendly and sweet. I am reminded of the afternoon naps I'd take as a young girl in Texas while visiting my Grandparent's house. I'd fall to sleep listening to the song of the Whippoorwill bird.

I think my next post will feature my first crop of the season, my tomatoes! Juicy and simply delicious. If you are a tomato lover, drool on...

Adorable!

2009-06-16T09:08:00.001-07:00

Just spotted this adorable knit lobster on PetitePurls.com via Soulemama. I have knit a couple of toys animals for my boys (two dinosaurs, a pink bunny and a cupcake). I think a lobster or two should be next on the list! I have a knit night coming up this week and this could be just the thing to start on while gossiping, guzzling wine (or beer in my case. lately wine has been making me horribly nauseous. boo.) and laughing my a** off.

Knit night is great. Once a month I get together with a bunch of really cool ladies of varied ages. This group of women, we might not have even befriended each other if it weren't for knitting, and they are the COOLEST group of ladies! We are all of varied backgrounds, life-choices, ages and we have such a great time together. The kicker is the Hubs thinks its just a harmless bunch of old folks that get together and knit.

If you are a knitter or aspire to learn, there are many established knitting groups out there. To find one in your area just go to Ravelry.com and sign up. Or locally, there is a "knit up" the first and third Sundays 3p.m. at the Whistlestop Bar in SouthPark. A great place to go and get Knit-Faced!

A Tree Fell on Me and I Walked Away

2009-06-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

I hesitated to write this post because I know that the owner's of said tree feel SO bad about it and I really don't want them to. BUT the subject is just so random and odd and filled with luck that I couldn't resist. Forgive me.

You see, a tree fell on me last Sunday. It had been cut off to about 5 or 6 feet high and a very inviting hammock was attached to it. I joined my husband and infant on the hammock and BOOM, first the hammock collapsed. Thud! Bodies hit the ground, and a split second later a horrible, guttural yell came out of my mouth. I couldn't see anything but black. I couldn't talk, I could only gesture with my right hand. All I felt was immense weight and pain on my upper right leg and the thought running through my head was, "get this off of me as fast as you can" (unbearable).

A friend suggested I write about this on the blog because of the so many "what ifs" that didn't occur. She said, "Praise God" a couple of times when we talked about the details. And it got me thinking about the luck (or divine intervention) that took place that day. The tree landed on the top of my thigh, the thickest part of my very thin body. The trunk was about as wide as the length of my entire thigh. I am a very long legged gal and the trunk was probably about a foot and a half or so wide; it took up most of my upper leg. Had the tree landed two inches in either direction, it would've crushed my right knee or to the north, my hip. The force and weight of it was remarkable.

I mentioned the weight of the trunk. Other people that were there did too, saying that it was so heavy that couldn't lift it. My husband is the one that freed me and he must've had a rush of adrenaline. Luckily it was over quickly.
The Hubs said he rolled our baby off in the opposite direction, jumped up and pulled the weight off. He doesn't remember how heavy it was.

The What-Ifs:
I wrote them all down and just erased them.
Don't want to think of them anymore. They are too gruesome.

I just want to be thankful that it happened to me. Thankful to God, thankful to luck, thankful to nature and gravity. Thankful it was not anyone else I cared about in my place. Each day since I became an unwitting logger, I watch it grow. The purple and yellow badge that seeps it's way south across my skin reminds me daily how thankful I am. How it the outcome could have been so very different.

Photo courtesy of http://www.paintthatshitgold.com

Eeyore Birthday

2009-06-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

Whelp, it has arrived. I am officially 36 years old today and I've been feeling low about it all week. Not because of the number or the way age affects one's appearance, I'm comfortable with the way I look; this birthday just seems like a turning point. I'm sure I am not the first person to go through this (after all it IS called a mid-life crisis), yet I can't escape the doubt that has nestled in the deeper parts of my mind. I mentioned in my earlier post about the incessant wanderlust within me. It tugs at me pretty consistently and just won't go away. Sometimes I can suppress it for years; it always creeps back up.

I chose the path of getting married to a very kind, exceptionally creative man and then helped him to create two wonderful little souls. I proudly wear the roles of wife and mother but along the way I've forgotten me. Pre-life me. The things that were very important to me before I chose to make other dear people/things more important than me.

And I'm feeling it pretty hard right now.

Thirty-six. Not so old. Not young or fresh. Still hopeful, pensive, lanky. Not a girl, a woman. Full of familial responsibilities. No career, no personal direction. Homemaker/Husband-manager. Talent unused. College degree unused.

Quite aware of how incredibly lucky it is to have the luxury of choosing to be being a stay at home mother.

Honored to have a husband whose business license states profession as "artists, performers and writers" and whose artwork pays the bills and then some.

Yet still, lurking beneath: unsatisfied. scared.

How do I begin to do things for myself, when I barely have the time to manage the family? Is that selfish to surface these wants now? I've always wanted them, I've just put them off and postponed them for so long.

This birthday has really got me in my head. That is why I am calling this birthday, the 36th, my Eeyore Birthday. It is eleven o'clock in the evening, it is almost over. Soon to pass and won't be reminded until next year.

Today I:
Went to Balboa Park and watched the clouds change shape for hours.
Ate a PB&J sandwich on the grass next to my husband.
Read.
Surrounded myself with friends and their kids and the movies "Baraka" and "The Bicycle Theives" (choices which I think freaked my friends out just a little bit, but left me pleasantly satisfied)

My Madsen Is HERE!

2009-05-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

It arrived and very quickly I might add. The above photo shows all of my boys in the new kid mover, a.k.a Madsen cargo bike.

For those of you who don't know, I used to be an avid cyclist. When I say avid, I mean every day, mountain or road, loved it. Loved it so much that I took off for two months on a solo road bike trip across the Pacific Northwest and ended up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. (Gorgeous country I might add). Freedom and a bike with a trailer lugging camping gear across a variety of mountain terrain. (I still hope to do a family trip some time either by bike or airstream). Since I've gotten married, it has been the longest I've ever stayed in one place at a time. SO, I feel like I always have this incredible wanderlust boiling beneath my surface and I have to tame it, because you can't just take off on a whim once you have a family (although some sadly do). I am hoping that the Madsen will offer me a compromise of sorts between lifestyles, pre-life and now-life, life with husband, kids, dogs and cats.

The test ride that we took yesterday confirmed the kids excitement. They absolutely loved it! By the way, before you spank me for not wearing a helmet, we all usually wear helmets. The Hubs and I were so excited too that we took off around the block without ours. Our oldest really never outwardly, nor voluntarily cares about his younger brother, but after he took his test ride, he told his dad that he should go back to the house and get Evs. Awww, those moments just melt 'ya. A glimmer of hope in a sibling rivalry-filled world. See folks? The Madsen brings people together.

P.S. I even got to ride in the back!

Bandwagon

2009-05-26T12:07:00.001-07:00

Okay, I just now hopped on the Twilight bandwagon. Probably because I am a 36 year old mom of two.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about then go here. Twilight is a phenom with the teen crowd (think Harry Potter)
Twilight started out as a series of books and came out as a movie last fall. Another movie is scheduled to release this fall. Folks, I just passed by the book while I was at Costco, it was only $6 so I picked it up and thought, "what the heck, let's see what the buzz is about". I have two kids under 4 running around all day long needing my attention. It was a 500+ page book and I read it in 3 days. It was jaw dropping. I think what made it so interesting was the incredible dynamic of forbidden love. Think Romeo and Juliet but with vampires and in my opinion much more of a connection. OH that is another thing, I don't consider myself a vampire-novel-movie etc type of girl but dang, this book has got me hooked.
Additionally, what has me so inspired that this is a book created over a summer by a mom of three boys. Read her story here. She has done a great job writing and keeping her audience hooked. I can't say enough good things about this series and I look forward to making the time to read the next book!

I bought a Madsen!

2009-05-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited about towing the family around town in this

Instead of this

For more information go here.

photos courtesy of Madsen Cycles and some random minivan pimping website

Photo Booth Junkie

2009-05-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Melissa and I am a photo booth junkie. I have been one since my early twenties and I don't plan on changing, I really don't see why I should. When I lived near the Mission in San Francisco, one of my favorite things to do on the weekend was head up to 16th and Valencia and pop into this store where they had a vintage photo booth. I'd cram into the booth with whichever one of my friends was with me at the time and sometime it would be my dog Charlie-Toast. We'd be out on a walk and would pop in for a quick photo op. I love those photos of him, young and shiny. A reminder of the good 'ole days. C-Toast is almost 12 years old now, he has a lot more gray and moves at a much slower pace. (Don't we all)
I have photos of my husband kissing my belly, before we knew we were pregnant and then him kissing my very round pregnant belly. Four little frames which captured the hope and excitement of the arrival of our first son. Strips of both of our sons, of great grandparents and cousins and friends. Those images won't fade over time. All of those cheap, digital rip-offs trying to dupe unsuspecting paramours, hoping to capture their moment in black and white, or a faded color strip. You won't fool me and hopefully with this tidbit of information, you won't break anymore hearts either.
To find the nearest ''old-school" photo booth near you, go here.

Photo courtesy of Ron Cowan on photobooth.net

Family Photos

2009-04-29T16:35:00.001-07:00

This past Christmas my mom bought us a family photo session with photographer Deb Schwedhelm. Her work is amazing and I am so inspired by her story. She just picked up a DSLR camera only 3 years ago! Folks, she has a thriving photography business and she is a stay at home mom to 3 kids while her husband is deployed. Incredibly talented, she utilizes all natural light and oooooh, if I could peek inside of her head to know how she sees things artistically, I'd consider myself lucky. Very talented. Read all about her here. And to sneak a peek of our family portrait, which is SO fitting for our goofy family/lifestyle go here and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Yummy Eats: Hoppin' John-ish

2009-04-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, I had to post one of my favorite easy to make meals. It's a one pot dish and if you serve it up right with some cornbread, it is complete. It is a take on Hoppin' John, a Southern dish and it is easy as pie.

You take a Trader Joe's Turkey Kielbasa and cut it into bite sized chunks. (or spicy Andouille sausage, but I have the kids to think about so Kielbasa it is...) Throw it in a skillet with a little bit of oil and an onion and 3 cloves of chopped garlic. Brown those up. Then throw in a can of rinsed Black-Eyed peas and two Bay leaves. Stir in a can of no salt diced tomatoes with liquid and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add a 1/2 cup of broth, veggie or chicken. After 10 minutes of that, spoon in 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar and a pinch of salt to taste. Now, here is the good part; Throw in 2-3 cups of mustard greens in the mix and stir it up. Let it simmer for a minute and then either serve over rice or cornbread or just dish it out as is, lemme tell y'all, it is easy and it is GOOD! And it is even better if you have some okra to mix in. I didn't so I just had to deal. Hope you like it, low in fat, high in fiber and good 'ole Southern Luck.

Photo credit: from http://www.andthesethygifts.com

Trains

2009-04-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all, National Train Day is coming up so if any of you have interest in that sort of thing, or have little ones who are, check out all the info here. Los Angeles is hosting an event at Union Station Mother's Day weekend. Choo Choo!

Texas

2009-04-02T22:41:00.001-07:00

I just returned from a wonderful trip to Texas. Austin, more precisely and it was terrific! The weather was great and it made for a fun filled mini-visit. Naturally, I am partial to Texas as I am a Texan (and very proud of that). I dipped my toes in a creek and almost caught a frog, but it slipped through my fingers. I walked amid old live oak trees, found cicada wings, stared at bluebonnets, went cave exploring, licked a sno-cone, munched on Dunkin' Donuts, rode a miniature train and ate smokey BBQ, all with the kids in tow. It was so nice to share the memories of my childhood with my children and husband. There is something very special about the land out there. The people. The FOOD!

Living in Southern California I mourn that my kids will probably never swim in a lake on their home turf (most of our lakes are all reservoirs boats can go in, but people can't). They might not ever see fireflies glow in the warm summer nights or hear the hum, hum, hum of cicadas or the glitter of sparklers waved in the nighttime air.

Perhaps I'm waxing nostalgic a bit. What my kids do get to experience is an idyllic So. Cal. neighborhood where friends are abound and conversations over the fence are many.

Plus, we've got a whole big ocean of sunsets.

TV is LAME

2009-03-15T22:35:00.001-07:00

Okay, maybe it is just the television programing that my husband watches. It is such trash! I usually skip it. Tonight, however, one show caught my eye. That show was the worst car wreck ever. It is called "I Was Bitten" on Animal Planet. It is so gross, yet very informative, very graphic, verrrrry disturbing. Tonight I learned about something called Botfly larvae. Look it up and learn about how and where this little creature lays it's eggs. Enough said. Don't hate me. And wear your mosquito repellant.

True Love

2009-03-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

Em: "Mama, I really love you"
Me: "Why, because I gave you a cupcake?"
Em: "Yes"
Me: "Is that the only reason you love me?"
Em: "Yes."

Ah, l'amour.

Sundays

2009-03-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

There really is no excuse for missing out on this. After all, I can see it from my house! When I don't go, I feel this immense guilt.
Church? Nope, I'm talking about the Farmer's Market on Sunday. photo courtesy of Hober's photostream on flickr

I am set when I go with the kids. I go up to the big orange coffee truck and get a great cup of Joe. Then I walk up and get a portable breakfast for all of us, walk a little further up and plop down on a mat in front of the musician's tent. They play anything from bluegrass to alt. country and I soak up life as the kids dance and clap their hands. After sitting a spell, we go on the hunt for veggies and the last stop I make is for the organic vendor's "I swear I just killed it yesterday" $20(!!) whole chicken, with a foot thrown in for free (for the kids to look at)! Wild huh? Sunday roasted chicken, recipe here, with a bounty of veggies for supper. It's become quite a tradition. What are your favorite things to buy at the Farmer's Market?

Pink for my Boys

2009-02-14T10:28:00.001-08:00

Today I decided to make pink pancakes for my boys, in honor of Valentine's day. The experiment was this: add beets and ricotta to the mix and see what happens. Vibrant pink! I loved it so much! I think next time I will add some kind of very sweet fruit to the batter to mask the beet flavor. Hope your Valentine's is spent with those you love, or things you love to do.

Magazine Junkie

2009-02-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

It seems that as a busy mom of two boys, the only time I can indulge in reading magazines without someone in the home needing something from me, is when I am alone. AND the only time I am alone is when I am in the bathroom. Baths are few and far between, and you can't bring a mag in the shower so that leaves one place to catch up on my "news". That, my friends, is the toilet. Seeing that I loveeeee reading cooking magazines, it really grosses me out to read one of those while my buns are resting on porcelain, SO, I'm in a predicament. When do you find time to read magazines, or do you find time at all?

To Move, or Not To Move?

2009-02-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Short and simple today, we are in a predicament. We looooooove our house and our neighborhood, but with our growing family, the house/yard has just become so small. We are planning on having another baby someday and would definitely need another place. Bigger homes in our desirable neighborhood are just soooo expen$ive. We're talking over a million, easy. So what's a girl to do? Can't I walk to coffee and have an acre? All kidding aside, we know how lucky we are to even have a home in these times.

I think we'll just hold out in a stall position until we find a great fit. What do you say?

Cheers to Our New President!

2009-01-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

Whomever you voted for, be proud of our country and of our new leader. He is my President and yours. Congratulations, United States of America!

Maui Getaway

2009-01-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

A one week getaway from it all trip to Maui! Sounds great? Well, it was! The Hubs had a one night show in Lahaina and the rest was pure laziness. I loved every minute of that recharge trip. I feel fresh and healthy. You would too. Check out this view:

Which often times lead to this...

Aloha, mes amis!

A Stone's Throw from Middle Age

2009-01-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

Whelp. I am officially there. Middle age, that is. Since my last post I have endured another bout of mastitis and most recently, kidney stones. I had always heard that they hurt, but what a whopper. It was horrible, excruciating and hopefully, over.

I've had two kids and I have to say, it is a toss up between which is worse; childbirth or kidney stones. Ugh. So that said, my wish for the new year is to feel great. I had this thought on New Year's Eve...if I were taking my last breath, what would I wish I'd have done? Several things came to mind. And, in case you are wondering what those were, here they are:

1) To lighten up. I am pretty happy go lucky, but out of the two (the Hubs and I) I am much more serious. Sometimes I can put value into something that just needs less gravity.
2) To take my dear, old dog for more walks. A daily walk to the coffee shop just doesn't cut it. He deserves different scenery.
and he's got a heart of gold.
3) To take more day trips with the family. Before kids, I had this intense wanderlust. I still do, but often the Hubs and I get bogged down by the effort of it all. I know that I'll have regrets if we don't travel more, so as a compromise: more adventures!
4) Last but not least, to make the time to make love more often (blush). Those of you who have toddlers know what I mean. You are so drained, emotionally and physically that all you wanna do is go to sleep. But paying attention to one another is so important. (This goal probably goes along with goal number 1 too. Lighten up, have fun).

I am so young, even if kidney stones officially confirmed my middle-agedom. When something stands in your way of attaining your dreams remember something my auntie always says, "this too shall pass"

Boys = Trucks, what is the fascination?

2008-12-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Last week we headed out to East County, San Diego. Lakeside, in particular. My FIL's friend owns a couple of big, life sized dump trucks! (Lakeside, naturally. Doesn't everybody?). If anyone out there has ever met a three year old boy, they probably picked up on the fact that they are mesmerized by big trucks. Anyhow, moving forward, my boys were in hog heaven out there in the dirt, surrounded by heavy equipment. There was even an enormous dirt hill to run up. We got to get up inside of the dump trucks, honk the big horn (you all know you've always wanted to do that!), raise and lower the big dump truck bed and Em even got to drive the truck! No kidding. I've got video, it is pretty funny stuff. Anyhow, who knew that a trip to the 'yard would be so much fun.
Lakeside; don't hack it until you try it. You might just get to honk the horn of a big rig, after all.

Tidepools

2008-12-14T23:44:00.000-08:00

On Friday the Hubs and I took the boys to the tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument a.k.a the Pt. Loma Lighthouse. It was a gorgeous day and my friend Jennifer over at The Fox Den told me that the lowest tides of the year were that day, perfect for tide pools! We hiked down a short trail to the beach and navigated the rocks with Evs on my back and the Hubs patrolling Em. We looked all over the place and found several gems of sea creatures. Hermit crabs were the favorite however the anemone proved the most wary sea challenge.

Daddy tried with all of his might, over and over to get Em to touch the anemone and watch it close up. Em protested, he is one stubborn boy! (Gee, I think that might be my genetic make up-oops!) The Hubs even tried bribery by cupcake and that didn't seem to get him to want to touch the anemone. It was as if it were a right of passage, something that all boys had to do, at one point or another. I insisted that the Hubs stop challenging Em, I felt it bordered on bullying, but something inside of me said, "hush, this is what boys do". And I did hush. It seemed that through this prodding there was something greater at work. Bigger and more instinctual, more male, more....basic.

I believe that at times mothers unintentionally emasculate their sons by being too protective. I am guilty of it, although I try to monitor it. I believe that if I do not let my sons learn certain lessons for themselves, and experience them firsthand, that I am doing them no favors for their future.

I also believe that it was as hard for Em to touch that anemone as it was for me to let his father egg him on to do it. But you know what? Em did it.
Barely, swiftly, but he did it.

Vanilla cupcake with lots of icing.

DINO-mite

2008-12-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

Just finished knitting what was supposed to be a cute little dinosaur Christmas present for Em. Well, I couldn't hold out. Actually, I gave it to him before the arms, legs and tail were sewn on. He was so excited and loved it even though it was missing it's appendages. And (gush) I adored seeing him love something so much that I had made! He has never been excited about a hat that I had knitted him, or, well, I guess I've just always knitted hats for him. Alas, I am almost done with Ev's Dino. Exactly the same T-Rex but smaller and a different color. So, not quite exactly the same. Okay, anyhoo. If you are interested in the pattern, you can get it here.

I am also in the middle of the February Lady Sweater and in the middle of a really cute scarf. Once I finish the Dinosaurs, I'll get back to those. And after those are done, I'd like to knit up a pair of socks, but I'd like to knit them both at the same time, so I don't have to suffer from "second sock syndrome". I dread that. Any how, can you tell that the C1000 coffee maker was delivered back to me this afternoon? I am so jazzed about it, really I am!

What's Cookin' Darling?

2008-12-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight I felt so much better that I was in the mood to cook! I stole the beef, barley, leek soup recipe that Jora over at Domestic Reflections featured on her blog a la Smitten Kitchen and am whipping up Kittencal's roasted chicken recipe which you can find here. Last night I baked an apple pie which has cooled, yes indeed, and I am very excited to munch that down after dinner. Yahoooo, should be fun. Later this evening when I am too stuffed to get up from my chair, just throw a blanket on me and turn out the lights. Tomorrow will be a brand new day with exciting culinary possibilities!

I've got an "itis" and it ain't pretty...

2008-12-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I thought I was past this point seeing as little Evs is almost 11 months old, but I've got a case of mastitis. Blah. I've had it once before, just after Em was born over 3 years ago, it was awful then and it is awful now. I guess it most commonly occurs when you first begin nursing and then when baby has teeth. That's right, I've got a biter. OUCH! Is exclaimed about once a day while nursing Evs. He is not a patient, passive nurser, no, this boy does gymnastics and funky dance moves while feeding. Needless to say, I don't think I'll last as long nursing him as I did Em. In fact, I was pregnant with Evs before I quit nursing Em. Yes, I do feel immense guilt about my planned weaning one before I did the other. We'll see. Maybe my outlook will improve once I start feeling better. But for now, this stuff has really knocked my socks off.

Still. No. C1000

2008-11-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Sent my C1000 back to the shop and have not gotten it back yet. Losing faith.
Hope to get it back in yummy, crema like perfection sometime this week.
Gees, I wasn't aware that as a decaf drinker I could still be so addicted to my love.

So Sad

2008-11-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

I am so sad right now. A few minutes ago I was very, very happy. Darn that few minutes.

You see, several weeks ago our beloved C1000 coffee maker was on the fritz. I called the service number, packed up the machine, sent it back to the manufacturer, paid $250.00 to get an "overhaul" and just got our beautiful machine back tonight! YAY, well, uh, not really.

When I went to plug it in, reset it and start it up I could smell the luxurious coffee in the grinder, I anticipated the carmely golden brown drink to flow through the spout and into my cup.

Nada, nope nothing. I looked at the manual, repeated procedures multiple times and still. It doesn't work.

And my next thought, $250 for wha??? Luckily I have my trusty french press to fill in the gap (and a phone call to make).

The Love Tree

2008-11-18T22:04:00.001-08:00

Who knew that a boy carving in a tree...

would lead to this

which would eventually lead to these...

Love this Photo

2008-11-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like this? The Hubs and I were driving down the freeway when I spotted this horse with it's head in the wind.
I loved the expression on the horse, as if it were experiencing total bliss. I crave that feeling too.

Simple Decisions

2008-11-12T13:35:00.001-08:00

Several years ago when the hubs and I first moved to San Diego from a then very expensive San Francisco, we made a decision that would change the course of our lives. When we chose to move from San Francisco to Golden Hill, we weren't yet married. In San Francisco the loft apartments across the street from our place were renting for $5000 and month. That is not a typo.$5000!
We moved to San Diego to be closer to our relatives but also for the hope of getting ahead, of starting a life for ourselves.
We chose a small one bedroom apartment in Golden Hill. We weren't rolling in cash, however Michael was selling his artwork at a gallery here in town called Exclusive Collections, and we were making rent. It wasn't until we made the fateful purchase of a hat, that the sales and subject matter of his art started to evolve into something a bit more curious. I was in a (now defunct) antique store in South Park with my then MIL to be, about to walk out of the store when I looked up at the most gorgeous, antique cloche hat I had seen. It was $60. Michael and I didn't really have a lot of money to spare so I called him and discussed with him, my desire to have the hat. The rest is history.

That $60 hat sure has turned into many more $'s than we ever could've imagined.

Em and Evs at the Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-07T10:49:00.001-08:00

Emmet and Everett at the Pumpkin Patch
Originally uploaded by studioflohr

Recently we went to the pumpkin patch. Here is a great shot from that day. It has become one of our family's traditions to go every year, the weekend prior to Halloween. It feels good starting a family tradition of our own. Something to customize the legacy that our Grandfathers and Grandmothers place in our care. So, in addition to eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day, we will be heading to the 'Patch for many years to come. What are some of your family traditions?

I love this quilt

2008-11-03T22:55:00.000-08:00

(photo courtesy of aquiltisnice.blogspot.com)

I would love to be the proud owner of this quilt. Unfortunately it has already sold at the Etsy shop. But...tutorial and quilt kits are available here. When I finish all of my holiday projects, maybe I'll have to whip up one of these. Hmmmn.

Elvis on Toast

2008-11-01T17:48:00.001-07:00

Elvis on Toast, originally uploaded by studioflohr.

You know you are out there! You folks who had dogs before you had your kids. Remember when Fido was your only baby and you never imagined anything could trump your baby (except for, well a baby!). Kids of the human kind sure displace doggy down a bit on the attention giving scale, but every now and then we amuse ourselves and Charlie a.k.a "Toast" a.k.a "Tos" (short for halitosis) with a little dress-up. He really likes it, can't you tell?

Building Blocks

2008-10-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

I love these blocks! They are on the pricey side, but they are sooo cool. Get them here.

I recently purchased two sets of blocks. One set is by Haba and they are available here.

They next set I found on ebay. Vintage, American made Holgate Toys blocks. New they would run about $60+ but I scored them for about $10. They were unused, dead stock from the 1950's. Fab find. You can find them new here.

I love seeing my boys play with blocks and use their imagination. A plus for me is that I love the sound they make as they are played with, and when we gather them up to put them away, they "clack" against one another it's such a great sound. A better alternative to blinking lights and the annoying sounds of most battery operated toys.

Fall Organization

2008-10-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the time change is coming up and I'm in the mood to ORGANIZE! Why is it that whenever I want to organize it always involves buying new things to organize with, shelves, baskets, ikea trips? This fall I am going to try really, really hard to avoid any purchases that are "necessary" to aid in organization. Well, enough typing. I'd better get my buns upstairs and start cleaning!

All About Evs

2008-10-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

I do realize that I often write about Em but rarely do I blog about Evs. I think that Evs is due some props. Ya see, he is about 10 months old and doesn't really talk as clearly as Em. Evs repertoire of words goes something like this: mama, dada, hi, and he knows what the word milk means. So, forgive me if I, more often than not, shine the spotlight on his more well versed, older brother. Today's blog is all about Evs.

What a sweet baby. He is constantly smiling with his eyes and his cute little mouth. What a sweet disposition this little one has.
He is practically constantly in motion. His nickname is "Slinky". Always bouncing, crawling or pulling up on furniture.

This past weekend we had a pirate themed birthday party for his now 3 year old brother. Evs represented pirate-wear pretty well. He can say "arrrgh"; did I forget to mention that he has that one down pat? Evs is quite fashionable, as he gets to choose from the cream of the crop of his big brother's hand-me-downs. (P.S. That's Jen from TheFoxDen holding him!)

Even though Evs is only 10 months old, I can tell that he is very strong willed and has a lot of energy. He has a very different personality from his sibling. Turns out, when Evs gets upset, he throws up. Yup, he's a puker. His brother was never a puker. In fact, Em has thrown up once. Evs, yeah, I'm pretty sure, Evs is gonna be a sleep resistant puker. We'll keep you informed on this one. Could just be a passing phase.

Ah, my little guy, I love him soooooooSoooooo much. Can't believe how lucky I am to have not one, but two amazing, sweet, gorgeous little love bugs. I suspect the teen years will bring adjectives such a "stinky" into the mix but luckily I have a decade before then. I'll keep my eyelids peeled in hopes to slow time and drink up the small,
quick,
soul-enveloping moments of their childhood.

Birthday Bliss at City Farmer's Nursery

2008-10-16T22:49:00.001-07:00

Em's real birthday was yesterday, but we celebrated it early with a pirate party on Sunday. It was a great party filled with lots of pirates and friends. Great time. We celebrated the real deal during the day on Wednesday with a trip to a place called City Farmer's Nursery.

It is a true oasis in the city. A great escape. There we were one minute at the warehouse signing books, prints and putting the final touches on an original (the hubs had forgotten to put his signature on one) and just around the bend was kid-bliss. I'm talking goats, chickens, ducks, a horse, bunnies, koi pond, even a turtle next to the see-saw! And they give you fresh eggs for free!

I came across this place on the internet when I was searching for a fruit tree for our garden. After Em kept stopping us walk after walk and pilfering kumquats from our neighbor's tree, I decided it would be a great gift to go down to City Farmer's on his birthday and buy him a kumquat tree so we could grow his own. Unfortunately, there is currently a quarantine on all citrus in California. So even though they had citrus there at the nursery, they could not sell it until the quarantine is lifted. However, the visit to City Farmer's was gift enough.

What a great experience, it made our day. The staff is friendly and informative, incredibly welcoming. We met with Martina, Wyatt and Bill and they were so kind. You have to stop by on one of those days when you are feeling wilted, it will lift your spirits.

Arggghhhhh!

2008-10-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating Em's 3rd birthday tomorrow with a pirate party! Arggghhhhh. Can't wait. Just fixin' to make the rum punch, rather, fruit punch with a bottle o'rum on the side for the adult-types. Finishing up the stuff we can do the night before and verrrry excited to try my friend Adriana's famous chili! Perfect for the cool weather we've had today. I'd better get my booty back to party planning and will hopefully post some pictures of the event soon.

Tick Tock

2008-10-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Has this happened to any of you? Last week the hubs, boys and I were out to dinner. Another boy about, say five-ish walked past our table and headed to the restroom all by himself. And it occurred to me, SNAP! Em is not a little baby anymore. His third birthday is coming up next week. My eyes moved from the five year old boy and I rested my gaze upon my eldest, beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy and I noticed something different, he had changed. My eyes filled up with tears as I looked at him, I couldn't stop looking at him for fear that if I did, I would miss something, some moment, maybe it would happen so fast that if I took my eyes off of him, he'd change even more, mature more. Or maybe, just maybe I was afraid that he would stop looking at me with those innocent, boyish blue eyes, full of wonder.

Mama's Making Some Dough!

2008-10-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

You know, it just occurred to me that I haven't blogged since Tuesday! Travesty. So here I am in the middle of making homemade playdough with Em when I run short of 1/2 cup of salt! Blasted. Luckily that lovely man known as, "Hubs" was heading out for coffee with Em and took my honey do list with him. Good, good man. Love him! So, so much. Anyhow, Em and I are going to a kid-party tomorrow and we decided to make the gifts this year, instead of buying them. If you'd like the recipe too, go here.
The boys just got back home and I'd better get off my mom-butt and get back to making some dough. Ha, ha. Tomorrow I have my first ever sweater knitting class. I am so very excited. I have knit hats, scarves, dishcloths and toys, but never a sweater.
It is called the February Lady Sweater. Check it out.

Therapy

2008-09-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I'm feeling better when I start shopping for things online. I am so excited, I found the cutest dollhouse for Em's birthday! I am on a "not made in China" less plastic, no batteries required toy kick this year. I want these toys to last and I have found that the toys I donate are all made of plastic and the one's I've kept are made of fabric or wood. So that said, here is the cutest farmhouse ever built, in Germany. I bought it through this company. I think it is the perfect gift for Em and it will encourage dual play with his brother. The figures that go with the farmhouse are large enough so that little Evs won't choke on them if they are chewed on.
See for yourself...

Sick, Just SOOO Sick

2008-09-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ack. I have caught the miserable cold. This is especially not fun because the Hubs is out of town for a book signing. Sick mom, sick kids, ack yuck. Fortunately things might be looking up after I eat this soup, recipe from Jennifer, via Jora at Domestic Reflections. Might I channel my inner Yo Gabba Gabba, "there's a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy yummy." Oh, just check it out here.

Book Signing

2008-09-26T22:55:00.001-07:00

The Hubs had a book signing this evening. It was his first ever since our publishers delivered the gorgeous book of his works.
There were many familiar faces at tonight's event and it was so great to be able to share such a special moment with many of his collectors. Several clients had been patrons of the Hub's since his paintings were first published, so it was touching to share the moment. I wish my parents and in-laws could have been there to celebrate. But before you feel bad, don't. They are in Hawaii, lucky things!

It's Snot. What'cha Think?

2008-09-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

I admit, I am a bit of a germaphobe. I am always trying to get my eldest son to wash his hands after we've been out and about.
I avoid having my boys play with other kids who are sick, and try to steer clear of others when we have colds. I'm not an anti-bacterial fanatic, but I do like the old frequent soap and water routine before we eat. The Hubs doesn't want me to turn our boys into mini Howard Hughes.

All of my preventative measures went down the pot of late: Em has a cold. A snotty, whiney, uncomfortable cold. The Hubs feels like he is coming down with something too, which is another reason why I try to keep our kids healthy. So that the Hubs nor I get sick. You see, the Hubs travels. A lot. His travel involves schmoozing (which he loves) and being on his feet. It is constant and unforgiving and requires one to be on their toes and feeling great. Hubs has a book signing here in town in two days and he has to travel up North for another book signing/art show. I am praying he gets over whatever it is he's coming down with.

I'm a big believer in B vitamins. I've popped my share of them whenever I feel a cold coming on and my symptoms usually dissipate relatively quickly. Trader Joe's even has a readily absorbed one that you place under your tongue. Wish I could give these to the kids when they get sick. But with kids its basically kid's motrin, fluids, rest and tissues. Which brings me to the sweet moment of the day.

A fella that we run into from time to time at our local coffee shop has a great little Yorkie named Jenny that he let's Em walk around the cafe's outdoor patio. He loves that Em can repeat any word and Em loves that he gets to walk around with a pint sized pooch. On one of Em's laps around the vicinity he sneezed and the snot went flying across his cheek. Our acquaintance quickly grabbed a tissue, wiped Em's cheek, held the tissue up to his nose and said, "Blow!" Em blew his nose with all his might and then he was off running more laps. The Snot didn't even phase our coffee shop friend.

What do you think? Does snot send you running in the opposite direction, or are you not afraid of the boogie monster?

It's a Mouthful: Honey Lavender Ricotta Ice Cream

2008-09-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

I promised the E's that I would make ice cream this evening. I chose lavender. It is still churning but in liquid form it tasted so delicate and lovely. To borrow from my fav show, Yo Gabba Gabba...
YUMMY, So YUMMY YUMMY!
Here is the, er, scoop.
Infusing the syrup with lavender imparts a subtle floral flavor to this ice cream. Look for fresh ricotta cheese at gourmet markets, or you can make your own—go to CookingLight.com for our homemade version. It lends the ice cream wonderful richness. Garnish with lavender sprigs.

Yield
1 1/2 quarts (serving size: about 1/2 cup ice cream)

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried lavender blossoms
3 cups fresh ricotta cheese (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation
1. Combine sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook 45 seconds or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; stir in lavender. Let stand 30 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a small bowl; discard solids. Cover and chill 1 hour.

2. Combine fresh ricotta cheese, honey, and salt in a food processor; process until smooth. With processor on, slowly add lavender syrup through the food chute. Pour mixture into the freezer can of an ice-cream freezer; freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spoon ice cream into a freezer-safe container; cover and freeze 4 hours or until firm.

Nutritional Information
Calories:
190 (29% from fat)
Fat:
6.2g (sat 3.8g,mono 1.8g,poly 0.2g)
Protein:
11.5g
Carbohydrate:
23g
Fiber:
0.0g
Cholesterol:
23mg
Iron:
0.0mg
Sodium:
240mg
Calcium:
250mg
Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, Cooking Light, MAY 2008

I like wood

2008-09-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

My eldest son Em is turing the big 3 soon and the Hubs and I have decided that we should try our hardest to avoid buying toys that are Made In China and are made of plastic. We are focusing on wooden toys. We know that family and friends are going to find it very hard to avoid buying gifts for his birthday. Grandma's you know who you are!!! As fun as it is for the kids to receive gifts, it is pretty fun for us to buy them; the toys are as much for me as they are for the boys. You know what I mean. There are so many different, creative (non-Chinese) companies producing such innovative designs in wood. In fact, there are so many wooden toys that are made right here in the USA. Why not try and support our own companies for a change? Novel idea, I know.

Well, this year I am aiming for unfinished, un-dyed, un-oiled wood toys. Maybe all of that equals Un-Fun, I don't know. All I know for certain is that I have donated bags and bags full of broken, plastic, possibly toxic toys from China. And I haven't parted with one toy that has been made of wood. I want the toys I purchase today, to last long enough for our other children tomorrow.

Just a note, I have been eyeing a dollhouse that uses non-toxic paint, but am aiming for unfinished toys. The main goal is to buy toys not made in China and not made of plastic. Because although we have restrictions here in the USA for the use of pthalates in our children's food containers, we don't regulate for, say, baby teethers and toys that kids will inevitably place in their mouths. They still contain harmful chemicals.

If any family members are intersted, I've made a wish-list for Em's birthday and you can find it here:
http://www.kangarooboo.com/for/StudioFlohr/wish/KPBJE

Byyyyye The Way

2008-09-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

It is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. See for yer'self. And marrrrrghhhk it on yer calendarrrghs for next year. Arrrgh.

Gorgeous Weather at the San Diego Zoo

2008-09-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

This morning the boys and I met up with our friend Shanna and her son Maz and daughter Ava for a trip to the zoo. We live a little over a mile from such a gorgeous destination, we are so lucky! The boys are close in age and they had a blast with each other. Em seemed especially interested in the snakes and Maz showed us where the turtles, frogs and lizards hang out (such boys!); we had never seen those on our previous trips.

For all the parents out there who have ventured into the world of more-than-one-kid it is certainly a handful more than before! A true balancing act at the least. At this point in time both Shanna and I have infants and toddlers. So we basically do what the toddlers want to do because the infants just really don't care much. I know there will be a time in the near future where the concept of taking turns, sibling rivalry and "mine!" come into play. Heck, we've already mastered the, "DON'T TOUCH ME, Evs!!" or "he's DROOLING on ME, get it off ohhhhh yuck" etc...

Keep in mind the little one is barely 8 months.

I suspect future visits to the World Famous San Diego Zoo are going to be filled with splitting time between who wants to see what exhibit first, many more stop touching me's and the boys running from snake to snake, turtle to turtle and frog to, you guessed it, frog.

Vegas Art Expo

2008-09-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Hubs just left for another art show, of sorts. This one is the Las Vegas Art Expo. It is a schmooz-fest for artists, publishers, buyers, galleries but on a GIANORMOUS scale. Usually the Hub's work is represented at the New York Art Expo, but for the past two years, he has been keeping it closer to home. It is always interesting seeing the new work that is out on the scene, the familiar and of course there are the folks that try to knock-off another well-known artists work. This happened to an artist friend of ours. Not only was his work being sold at a kiosk in the same vicinity where his home gallery was, the replicas were featured in a well known home-goods catalog called "Horchow". From time to time I'll ask my husband if he is nervous that someone will try to knock-off his signature style and he says, "they can try to copy what I have already done, which would be quite challenging, but they'll never be able to know what I am going to do in the future". What an optimist! I tell you, I love that man. And you will too, check out his work.

Doesn't this sound Dee-lish?

2008-09-17T15:14:00.001-07:00

I was searching for a good lavender honey ice cream recipe using a lavender simple syrup I have that you can buy, but I found this instead.
Way less fattening.

Lavender Vodka Tonic

1 tablespoon lavender simple syrup

2 ounces of vodka

6 to 8 ounces of tonic water.

Combine the lavender syrup and the vodka in a cocktail shaker and shake with plenty of ice.

Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.

Top off with tonic water and stir before drinking.

Meme

2008-09-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Ms. Domestic Reflections aka Jora tagged me with a fun meme. Drumroll, please:

What are the last three things you purchased:
1. A Veggie Burrito from El Zarape
2. A pair of white Jack Purcell shoes by Converse
3. A new Dr. Hauschka pressed face poweder to replace my old one

What are the last three songs you downloaded:
1. Somewhere Only We Know (Keane)
2. I like to move it (Zoo Gang)
3. The Hokey Pokey (Sha Na Na)

What are the last three places you visited?
1. Julian, CA
2. Laguna Beach, CA
3. San Francisco, CA

What are your three favorite movies?
1. Fletch
2. Frida
3. Manhattan (my first kiss with my husband)

What are your three favorite possessions?
1. My sanity
2. My lingerie
3. My house

What are three things you can't live without?
1. My family
2. Lipstick
3. Soft, downy pillows

What would be your three wishes?
1. To live in Rome with my family
2. Stop people from being so greedy, it has brought ruin to our world
3. Health and Happiness for my children

What are three things that you have not done yet?
1. Learned to play the banjo
2. Owned a Spider Monkey
3. Biked the entire distance of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

What are your 3 favorite dishes?
1. Black-eyed Peas, okra and cornbread
2. Lemon cake from Crumbs of Paris
3. Hearts of Palm salad from La Frite (in Sherman Oaks)

What 3 celebrities would you want to hang out with most?
1. Steve Martin
2. Natalie Portman
3. George Clooney (purely for comedy)

If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would it be?
1. Resilient
2. Pensive
3. Goofy

What are 3 things you are currently coveting?
1. Road Trips
2. An Airstream (ditto Jora I've been keeping my eyes peeled)
3. A bigger house

Name 3 things you are unusually good at.
1. Cooking
2. Figuring mechanical things out
3. Talking with my mouth closed

What 3 bloggers would you like to tag?
David Patrone
Jennifer
A mom two boys

Obsessed

2008-09-15T21:32:00.001-07:00

Em loves trains, so we set up a small train table at Grandma and Grandpa's house. There is so much to explore in their home filled with collected treasures but the train table seems to be a favorite. Oh, did I mention the swimming pool? If we strap on a life vest, Em jumps in and swims on his own. Needless to say he capital L loves going over to his Grandma and Grandpa's. I'm so glad we live in the same town. Wish we could be so close to all of our relatives.

New Day

2008-09-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've had a fairly restful night's sleep. Only up twice to feed Evs. Darn that regression! Anyhow, I've had my cup of coffee, albeit decaf, and I put a load of laundry in. My perspective is better today and the house actually looks clean, huh? Could it be the daylight, or do we really have "house fairies"? Will ponder further...

Can't Stand the Clutter

2008-09-12T22:38:00.001-07:00

I am going crazy trying to deal with the clutter and lack of things getting picked up in my home. Two kids can wreck the house pretty easily, but I have a feeling it is partly the adults in this homestead who are at fault. Somehow no one seems to know that we do not have a "clutter fairy" who magically picks up all things left out, and throws them away, or returns them to their proper place. Items do not "levitate" back to their destination. Laundry is not miraculously washed, dried, folded and put away. Yes, I've had a really hard day. I would really like to have an estate sale where most items have a sales tag on them. I crave simplicity, cleanliness and a personal masseuse who comes bi-weekly. Ack, the clutter. Do children really need 100+ toys? I'm thinking no, they do not. So maybe if I have 3 more garage sales, we will be at peace.
That or a bigger house.
Wish me luck

Meal Plan for the Week or How to Get Rid of Canned Food in a Cluttered Pantry

2008-09-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have accumulated WAAAY to much canned food since I expanded our pantry, so this week, my goal is to actually use it!
What on Earth? Yes, I will use up the Black-Eyed Peas, that I fetishize and the low sodium diced tomatoes. The 12 pack of baked beans that I purchased at Costco are history baby! Garbonzo beans, black beans, cannellini beans...ALL HISTORY!
Here is the plan. Wish me luck and stop by for dinner if you are in the 'hood...

DONE! Veggie Tacos with garbonzo's lime and avocado. Sides of black beans and rice

Hoppin' John with black-eyed peas, mustard greens, diced tomatoes and andouille sausage. Side of corn bread

Veggie Fried Rice, with edamame, red pepper, tofu and scallions

Organic Chicken Tikka-Masala. Side of rice and zucchini with lentils

Nicoise Salad, tuna, eggs, cannellini beans, olives etc... and a quinoa salad

DONE! Basil-turkey burgers, sans bun. Side of baked beans and beet salad (or roasted beets, carrots and more).

Homemade hummus, dolmas, roasted red pepper, feta in basil leaves, parsley, pita and tzatziki.

Homemade red bean ice cream

Lunch:
Carrot ginger soup
Wraps
Fruit
Crackers and cheese
leftover madness.

Flyin' High

2008-09-10T15:58:00.001-07:00

They grow up so fast, don't they? Em had a blast getting a tour of the cockpit. The hubs was equally stoked.
When we left the plane, Em brought the pilot his hat and the pilot said, "Keep it, it's yours". Mouths agape
we said, "REALLY?" and he responded, "No, I could get fired for that, but it sounded cool".

Bay Area Bliss

2008-09-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

> Back in our old city by the bay, this time with both of our boys!
> Planning on having breakfast with Fred at the Buena Vista Cafe on
> this typical San Francisco day; cool, overcast, nostalgic, perfect.
> Had dessert last night across the street from our hotel at
> Boulevard, gorgeous flavors! I was at my Mom's in E Bay & I drove
> across the Bay Bridge toward the city the other night, late, and
> My chest hurt. It was THAT beautiful.
>

Sing-a-long

2008-09-06T10:19:00.001-07:00

Last night the Hubs, Grandpa, the boys and I went out to the new Bing Crosby's restaurant (at Fashion Valley)

and saw our dear friend David Patrone sing. He has an amazing voice and if you haven't seen him in person, you must.

Anyhow, David just got back from hiking the Appalachian Trail, he had a hernia for the last 400 miles, mind you!

What an amazing man, huh? Check out his adventure here. He is a much better writer than I am, so read on!

Wish us luck, we are taking the fam. up to San Francisco for a little vacation and visit with Grandma B.

I'm not ready for this...

2008-09-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

Genius

2008-09-01T14:46:00.001-07:00

Have you ever seen the beginning of something and you just know it is going to be grande? The hubs is working on a new piece and I just know it is going to be groundbreaking. A master work. It is so exciting to see a painting in its beginning stages and just from the first thin coat of underpainting, you can tell that it is going to be magnificent. My hubs is an artistic genius and his movement of paint on canvas, of capturing light and reflection is extraordinary. See for yourself, go and google "Michael Flohr, artist".
Here is one he painted of me:

Train Trip to Solana Beach

2008-09-01T14:39:00.001-07:00

Saturday we gathered up the troops and braved the rails with our friends and neighbors! The kids woke up early and the hubs and I grabbed what was necessary for our trip
1.) coffee
2.) bagels.
We barely made it onto the train before the doors closed and phew, we found our seats, "ALL ABOARD" called the conductor, and we were off. Adriana was waiting to greet Em at the end of the aisle and help him to his seat. Karen, Ed and Cory saved the seats and we were off on our adventure. The kids were so excited and the parents were happy to be able to have a half hour of basically uninterrupted conversation! (Amazing, I know). When we got to our stop, the beach was a short walk down the hill and we had a great morning in the surf. Em did not want to leave the beach. He howled like a professional, but when we got to the pizza place and the hubs introduced him to video games, that all changed. Pitchers of beer for the parentals and pizza down the hatch we made it back to the train and headed home just in time for naps. It was a great day indeed.

Naps

2008-08-30T08:50:00.001-07:00

Do you remember how soothing falling asleep in the car was when you were a kid?
I do.
I recall road trips with my Dad and Stepmom, heading home I'd be exhausted. Seems the best sleep I've ever had was as a kid in the back of the car, getting lulled to sleep by the song of the tires against pavement and the breeze of the wet Texas air.

These are ADORABLE!

2008-08-29T16:43:00.001-07:00

I just saw these bloomers on the purl bee blog and I have to make them. They are so divinely cute. Evs will love them. Once I finish my scarf (pic below), this will be the next project.

Scratch

2008-08-28T22:48:00.001-07:00

Today was a lovely day here in San Diego. Well, when is it not? Anyhow got some great news about my little Evs. Took him in to be re-tested for having a peanut allergy and this time he came up negative, phew.Life could have become much more complicated, which definitely goes against my "big-plan-for-how-it-is-all-supposed-to-work-out."
Is that strange, I thought everyone had one of those?

I've Bought a Trailer!

2008-08-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, ever since I sold my glorious, celeste green Bianchi road bike, I have been in mourning. However, recently I purchased a trailer and I have a renewed sense of hope. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have a buy-and-return problem with strollers. I am always looking for the perfect one and it is one of my obsessions. My newest acquisition is a Chariot double trailer, which holds my two kids and not only acts as a bike trailer, but converts to a stroller, a jogger, if you wish a cross country ski trailer and yet one more thing, you can lug it while hiking. Amazingly adaptable to all sorts of adventures. The verdict as a bike trailer, AWESOME! Have yet to try it out as a stroller. My vision for reclaiming some of "me time" has evolved into a compromise, lug the kids along and get some biking/skating in along the way. For instance, bike to the zoo, lock up the bike and turn it into the stroller. Or bike to Mission Bay, lock up the bike, turn the trailer into a jogger and start roller skating with the kids in the trailer.Oh the possibilities!

Well, yesterday I went for a ride with the kids in tow, our virgin voyage. We rode up to the coffee shop for a smoothie and hung out there for a while and then continued on to our neighborhood park. At the park we played for a good 2 hours. Was such a blast. Rode home just before it started to get dark and felt such elation. I can't wait to have more of these kinds of adventures with the kids. Will keep you posted.

Guess Who's Crawling!

2008-08-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

As painful as it is to hear the sound of my youngest Evs cry, it is with sheer joy that I announce the reason his crying. He bumped his head on something while crawling! That's right, big announcement folks, "MY BABY IS CRAWLING!"
Gees, life happens so quickly.

Knit Night

2008-08-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday was knit night. Sounds thrilling, I know, but it actually is a blast! The hubs and even our babysitter joke about how knit club is a bunch of old ladies sitting around, well I always have so much fun whenever I go. Lovingly referred to as "stitch and bitch" we basically get together, have dinner, drink wine and, more often than not, talk about the dirtiest stuff imaginable. They may be old ladies, dear hubs, but they've been around the block once or twice and have some great tricks!!!

One knit night I brought along these cards my mom had given me called "conversation cards". The ladies and I were going through the cards and asking the questions one by one and an interesting card surfaced. I read it aloud, "what is the most daring place you've had sex". Some folks said the car, lots of car answers, someone said they were hiking and just pulled off the trail, but the most daring answer came from the oldest lady there! She was 80+ and she said, "under the boardwalk in the daytime". Ooooh, what a little silver fox! The funny thing was that it had just happened the previous week, kidding, but thought it was so funny that out of all these ladies, that the oldest, most poised and unassuming person there came up with the most daring answer. Of course, she had many more opportunities than the rest of us, being 80 something.

This past week's knit night was at my friend Marie's back cottage. She just had it rebuilt and it is DARLING! Painted yellow and surrounded by roses, it was a total respite from the world of mommy-dom and wife-dom. A place where I could just be me, and for four hours, no responsibilities. I sat there with all of my lady friends, pulled out my yarn and needles and started to knit, something I hadn't done since before Evs was born 7 months ago. The yarn felt so good between my fingers and the rhythmic beat of the pattern settled in my hands. yo, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, s1, psso, k3, yo... and so the beat goes.

Canning Season

2008-08-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon was gorgeous here in San Diego! Em and Evs and I spent the majority of our free time outside in the backyard, but while Evs was napping, Em and I found something so cool!

A bright green grasshopper, the exact color of our backyard. He was very comfortable being held by me or Em. We grabbed a jar and the hubs poked holes in the top, put a leaf in that we knew he'd like, clue: the plants that had big holes eaten out of the leaves, and then we saturated a cotton ball with water and threw that in too! Anyhow meet Chewy, a.k.a Chuy the newest member of our family. We took Chewy out to dinner (Gaetano's Italian for Delicious) with us and then over to the GrandP's house. I mentioned to Em that we should let Chewy go the next day and he exclaimed, "NO, He's my first pet!". So with that, he earned a couple of extra days in the house. How could I resist? After all, I remember when I caught my first batch of fireflies, rolly-poleys, hermit crabs, brought them home and my folks obliged. Have you had any interesting backyard creatures as pets?

San Diego's Newest Hot Spot

2008-08-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

My dear old dog whom I adopted 10 years ago, named Charlie by the pound, but nicknamed C-Toast by the hubs and I, has a hot spot. This is the third bout this year and I swear, one of these days his tail is going to fall off from his obsessive licking! We wash him with the special soap, put the flea deterrent on him, give him his thyroid meds daily, love on him and eventually some punk of a flea gets him and it is all over, the inevitable placement of the cone arrives. You know,
THE cone.
One of these:

Lately his totem pole placement has dropped several rungs since babies started making appearances around Casa de Flohr
and I have to wonder, is the obsessive licking out of sheer desperation for attention? In any event the poor guy's tail is a cry for help. The fur around the base of his tail still looks like a lion from the last vet's visit, it has just started to grow out and I fear if we go to the vet again, they will humiliate him further. Even though Halloween is months away, he has donned the cone again. The last time he wore it, someone boldly yelled over our front fence that it was animal cruelty to put a cone on a dog, that we should be ashamed of ourselves! Now, I agree it is not the most comfortable canine accessory, however neither is a raw tail. I chose the lesser of two evils. Hopefully C-Toast will understand.

Pool Party Baby

2008-08-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our first official pool party. A rite of passage for kids and parents alike. The weather was perfect and the mood was pure parental bliss. So much fun floating, splashing, cannonball-ing and sunscreen! Seeing your children so incredibly happy that it can't possibly be contained in their little bodies, well, the only place that kind of happiness finds rest is in the knot of your throat.

It took almost 3 years until Em finally learned to adore water. Evs is a natural water baby, but he didn't experience the "wave incident of Maui" like Em did. Fortunately everyone was okay, but the hubs had to dive under a rouge wave with Em in his arms when Em was only just over a year old. (We think that is what spoiled the water fun for a while). When the hubs and Em came up out of the water once the wave had passed, Em was NOT happy. And he had a great dislike for water for some time.

To see him jump in the water now and sport a smile that is wide and gleaming, is quite an accomplishment.
Time does heal most things.

Origin

2008-08-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today my eldest son Em learned where juice comes from. Simple, right? I thought it was an important lesson that he learn that all of this stuff we consume, both physically and monetarily comes from somewhere, it doesn't just appear.

The morning coffee that the hubs and I drink comes from the earth. Someone probably very far away woke up one morning and went out to pick it, or turned on a machine to harvest it, a machine which was created by someone. We forget so easily when we head to $tarbucks and lay down our money for that warm, chocolate-hued elixer, all of the effort that went into making it, all of the people involved and employed to produce

one.

little.

cup.

So Em and I grabbed a bag of apples, washed the wax off of them, sliced them so that we removed the seeds, and placed them one by one into the juicer and made our very own, very tart, apple juice.

Ahhhh.

Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

2008-08-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

I just sold my Bianchi, "Celeste" green, gorgeous, vintage road bike. I rode it this morning and it brought back all those old feelings of comfort. After I accepted the cash for it, I went into the hub's studio and cried. Crazy, I know but it was like saying goodbye to an old friend, and a part of my past that I for some reason, held on to. You see, before kids, before the hubs, I was an avid cyclist. I rode my beautiful pale green Bianchi halfway across the United States by myself, just me, my bike, camping gear and the pavement. Selling it was accepting that my life has changed, not in a bad way, however just in a different, forward kind of way. I guess I was secretly hoping that I would one day be able to re-experience the kind of freedom that my bike afforded me. I love my current life, I wouldn't change it, but no one ever said it was easy to say goodbye.