Is It Too Early For A Drink?

I am feeling so frustrated. It all started yesterday when I made yet another attempt to add a cute font for my post titles and sidebar. I've followed Amanda's tutorial many times, only to give up the same number of times. Yesterday I found this awesome video tutorial at The Blog Designer Network that walked me through each step. When I was done with all the steps it even sort of worked. The cute font was there but my old title was also still there. I followed Amanda's troubleshooting tips and instead of fixing it, I made it disappear and after many more hours and attempts I gave up again. Nash tried to make me feel better, but at that point it was that I just needed to accomplish it for the sake of accomplishing it. I have done pretty much everything on my blog by myself, and I just can't bring myself to have someone else do this for me. It's the stubborn principle of it all.

On top of that mess, I was in workout clothes all day yesterday and never worked out, I cooked two different things that didn't turn out to my satisfaction and I'm trying to make a life changing decision for my family. Being a grown-up can be hard. When I was little, all I wanted to be was a grown-up. My imaginary play was usually me taking my kids to a fro school and going to the grocery store. I have to say my imaginary world was not a stretch from my current reality. But in my childhood play I never had to deal with dilemmas. I was never faced with decisions that would impact my family. As a mother and wife, that's all I do. Every decision I make will effect my family and that can weigh heavily. I wish I could see into the future. I wish I knew what the best place for Nash will be for his high school life. I wish hubby wasn't so indecisive.

So, I'm frustrated because time is getting the best of me and there are too many loose ends. I think it is too early for a drink, even if it were a mimosa. I think instead I will clean out my closet and rid myself of excess material baggage. At least I will feel some sense of accomplishment. Making decisions about what tops and sundresses to giveaway should be a lot easier than tackling CSS codes and life changing decisions.

Puffy Oven German Dutch Pancake Baby! Recipe and {Personal Reflection}

I really wanted to post a prosciutto panini I make because it's rainy and cold here in not so sunny SoCal and soup and hot sandwiches seem perfect for tonight's dinner. But...I can't find the pictures I took last time I made it. I'll keep looking for next week, but in the meantime I leave you with this. Perhaps you've seen it before. It goes by many names, Dutch Baby, German Pancake,  or Oven Pancake.

I've been making this for my family for years, it's soo easy and such a treat. I began making this because when I was little I spent the summers with my aunt and uncle. Every Friday night, my aunt would gather all of us kids and take us to the Mission Valley Marriott. They had a live Calypso band that played out at the patio by the pool. We spent hours dancing the night away and sipping our virgin margarita's {we thought we were so cool}. After the night of dancing she would take us to Ricky's Restaurant. She'd order a couple of these pancakes for us to share. Isn't she the coolest aunt ever? She literally took us every Friday. She is pretty big on traditions and making awesome memories for kids. She is largely responsible for so many of my happy childhood memories. I try to instill the importance of these traditions in my own kids, but I'm not that good at it. Luckily, she lives down the street and is a big part of my kids life, so I can leave it to her for now :)

Photo Source

Dutch Baby, Puffy Pancake, German Pancake

Ingredients:

2

 tablespoons butter or margarine

2

 eggs

1/2

 cup all-purpose flour

1/2

 cup milk

1/4

 teaspoon salt

2

 cups assorted fruit, diced

1  lemon, rinsed and cut in wedges

Powdered sugar and maple syrup, if desired

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 400°F. In 9-inch glass pie plate, melt butter in oven; brush butter over bottom and side of pie plate.
2. In medium bowl, beat eggs slightly with wire whisk or hand beater. Beat in flour, milk and salt just until mixed (do not overbeat). Pour into pie plate.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until puffy and deep golden brown. Serve pancake immediately topped with berries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, lemon juice and syrup.

Makes 4 servings

Another Weekend For The Record Books {Personal Reflection}

Well, there weren't actually any records set this weekend, but it was a weekend worth recording. We've had three great weekends in row this much which is saying a lot. There have been weekends where we just can't figure out something fun to do for the life of us? Does that ever happen to you? Besides hubs and I's {wait, is I's correct grammer, doubtful} permanent standing date-night, it helps that Chloe has games on Saturday's because that is a pre-set family activity that gets us outside and we all thoroughly enjoy watching her play. This Saturday after Chloe's game me and the kids went to lunch with my Aunt and my cousin. Remember the one that I hadn't spoken to in a long time and we recently re-connected? Yep, we all went to lunch and it was sooooo nice. Perfect actually. I'm glad she was available to go, it was great to spend time with her in that setting. She also was rooting Chloe on at her game. Chloe received her second game ball. She had an incredible hit that was almost out of the field. She also made a few outs at first.

After lunch we went home for siesta. Then, that evening, Chloe had a friend sleep over, which these days is a rare occasion. The little girl had never been over before, but she was so sweet and easy! Chloe was very happy. Sunday morning her friend was picked up shortly after breakfast. Later, we took the kids to Belmont Park. Belmont Park is small amusement park, with maybe 12 rides, located right by the bay/ocean in San Diego. For $27 per child they get a bracelet that allows them to ride all the rides as many times as they want. It's a great deal. It's also great that Chloe and Nash are big enough to go on all the rides by themselves. Me and hubs just got to watch, although my stomach drops just seeing them on the rides like this very old roller coaster.

Giant Dipper @ Belmont Park, San Diego, Ca.

Photo from Joyrides.com

Bear & Baseball Cupcakes & How To Add Filling to Cupcakes

I made these cupcakes yesterday and donated them to our Little League snack bar for them to sell. I was pretty happy with how they turned out and they were pretty simple to create. I had some leftover icing from the Bridal Shower cupcake order I had over the weekend so I just used that. I used Funfetti cake mix and filled them {using a 12 tip} with Marshmallow Creme. I made these little baseball toppers from white chocolate, a candy mold, and a red food writer pen. I promise I will get the candy mold tutorial up this week.

For the Sunbathing Bear Cupcakes I used a Wilton 107 tip for the waves, graham cracker crumbs for the sand, sour candy strips for the towel, a gummy bear, and the umbrella. I pasted the towel on with a dollop of icing and I wet the bottom of the gummy bear and placed him of the towel. You could obviously use Teddy Graham's too if you prefer.

Here is a simple photo tutorial for how to fill cupcakes. I don't bother scooping out any of the cake. I have found that to be an unnecessary step. I've filled cupcakes with jam, icing, and marshmallow creme and I've never had any problems doing it this way.

Slowly begin to apply pressure to your piping bag. As soon as you see your cupcakes begin to plump it's time to stop. Release pressure from the bag and remove from cupcake.You can use a small spatula, spoon or butter knife to scrape off the excess on top shown in step 3. 

Spring Break Recap

Spring break is officially over! The kids are at their first day back to school in over two weeks, hubby left early to get back to work, and there is finally a calm in the house this morning. We had the busiest and most amazing two weeks, hence my blogging absence. I have had entire spring breaks where most of the days were spent in our pajamas, but not this one. I posted a list of hopeful to-do's before the break started and I'm happy to say that I can cross off a nice chunk of the list. Here's the original list. I crossed off all we did:

• Hang out in pj's all day
• Padre Game
• Ice Skating
• Rock Climbing
• Bowling
• Batting Cages
• Space Museum at Balboa Park
• Movie
• Craft Day-I have been saving all my magazines so we can make collages.
• Spring Clean-full post on that later in the week.
• Sea World?? Poor Chloe has never been, will this be her chance?
• Host out of town guests? It's still being discussed...
• Read!
• Study and do homework-That's for me!
• Work Out-also me...
• Bake
• Go to the park
• Hang out with friends
• Take the kids to Vegas? Also still being discussed, but hopefully!

We crashed hubby's business trip to Vegas....so awesome! The kids hadn't been in a couple years. We stayed at the Red Rock Resort. I highly recommend it if you are going with kids. It's about 15-20 minutes off the strip. It's new and clean, it has a bowling alley, movie theatre, arcade, and babysitting. We took advantage of all it's features including it's fantastic pool. Nash got his highest bowling score ever of 118. He was thrilled. We still made it over to the strip to take the kids to see Cirque du Soleil's Mystere. We wanted to take them to see Beatles Love, but they were on vacation. Chloe really loved the show. I was happy to see it for a second time, but I think I still like O better.

After we got back from Vegas, we had to get ready for our out of town guests. They stayed for four days. We did end up doing Sea World with them, and although it was a bit crowded we got fun passes so I can take the kids back later.

After they left we headed up to Los Angeles to surprise the kids by taking them to a taping of AMERICAN IDOL for the performance show! You can imagine their surprise and excitement! An associate of hubby's was nice enough to give us his tickets, and his seats were AWESOME! We were 3 rows behind the judges. Steven Tyler waved at Chloe and she even got to go on stage (right next to the judges) to get a free Scotty shirt! She wore it for the next 3 days!

It sure was a fun break, but I'm ready to get back to business!

Bad Thing, Happy Thing

Bad Thing:
Yesterday, I had a tiff with Frank, the new butcher at my grocery store. I simply asked him if they had hanger steak or if it was possibly labeled as something different. The new butcher I had never seen before was aged, well over six feet tall, and could be filed under the "grumpy old men" category. He snapped at me that he had been a butcher for 35 years and he had NEVER heard of hanger steak. I thought to myself how strange that Martha {Stewart} would use it for a recipe if it did not exist. Enter my smart phone and a Google search of Hanger Steak. I walked back to the counter, showed him my phone,  and told him he made me feel like a jerk. He said nothing. I left feeling very frustrated. I really wish he would have at least tried to help me. He didn't even take time to investigate or ask me any further questions so that we could figure out what I needed. Whatever, maybe he was having a bad day. But know this Frank, I will surely be avoiding you next time I step up to the butcher's counter!

Happy Thing:
Today, I headed to the mall to make some returns and pick Chloe up a pair of monkey pajamas I had seen on my last visit. I was in no particular hurry and leisurely browsed the mall stores for quite some time. I knew I wouldn't have any alone time for the next two weeks so I really took advantage. I decided that since I endured the agony of my women's well check appointment, blood tests, and a DPT shot earlier in the morning, that I was going to treat myself to lunch. I headed to my favorite lunch spot in San Diego's most upscale mall. Nordstrom Cafe here I come. I ordered my usual, a Chinese Chicken Salad and a glass of Riesling. A perfect pairing in case your wondering. I sat alone in a corner booth, scrolling through blog posts on my phone and then just people watching. I noticed that at noon on a Thursday, the Nordstrom Cafe only had one man dining in it's bustling room. Unless of course you count the little toddler boy on a date with mama, I so miss those. There was only one other elderly lady who was eating alone. There was a moment when I wished hubby was there with me, but I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I suppose I'll have to date myself more often!

Have you ever dined alone?

They Grow Up So Fast

The other day I walked in the door to find this on the counter of a perfectly clean kitchen. My first instinct was to get annoyed that one of my children had the nerve to leave their toys out, which is nothing out of the ordinary, but always annoying nonetheless. However, in just a short moment I became overjoyed to see it sitting there. Why, you might ask? Well, here's the thing, that toy was something that Nash built the day before. I have no idea what possessed him to dig into a box full of Legos that he hasn't touched in years. I know that with each passing day I am less likely to find his "toys" lying around. Before I know it there will be no more toys, and soon after that I won't have the luxury of finding his dirty socks in the most oddest of places. He's growing so fast. Too fast.  He'll soon be in high school and I know those four years are going to fly by. He'll then be in college and I won't see his stuff lying around. He won't be here for me to nag to clean up. So for now, once in a while, I'll take comfort in his mess. I left the toy sitting on the counter, but it's gone now. I suppose the fact that he is outgrowing toys only means I'm doing my job and he's growing up completely normal. Sob, sob, sob. 

On a brighter note, I enjoyed the most wonderful Saturday with Chloe and Nash. Chloe's baseball game got cancelled so we got to relax during the morning. We had a family lunch of Sushi, where of course Nash had some raw fish and Chloe had plain steamed white rice. The kids and I ran to pick out some wedding gifts for our cousin who is getting married on Friday. Later, I made plans with a friend to take her kids and mine to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2. It was the perfect movie to see for us adults, and an 8, 9, 11, and 13 year old. After the movie, I took C & N to the CeramiCafe. I thought it would be cute for them to paint something for a wedding gift. Nash wasn't thrilled, but decided to come along. We decided on a set of coasters. We each painted one and we left one unpainted so the bride and groom can go back together and paint it. Nash really enjoyed himself and asked to come back again sometime. After picking up some pizza we didn't arrive home til almost 10! Since Nash and I are sick, it pretty much wiped us out. I can't wait to go pick up our fired pieces on Thursday and see how they turned out.

 

Workout DVD Reviews

Photos from Amazon.com

1. 8 Minute Abs-This is a DVD I've had for a couple years. My cousin swore by it, so it came to me highly recommended. It's workouts not only include abs, but also buns, arms, thighs, and stretching. All are only 8 minutes each. I usually just do the ab workout, which I love. It provides noticeable core strength improvement if done regularly.

This last Thursday, I did abs, buns, arms, and stretched. My quads are still sore. Four days later! It must have been from the buns workout, because while my buns and abs were also feeling the burn, it was nothing like my quads.  I would say my quads are the weakest part of my body, so they needed it. I 100% recommend this video. If you don't have time to change into workout gear or 30 minutes or an hour to workout, surely you have 8 minutes!

2. I recently rewarded myself with Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown DVD. I loved Bob's Weight Loss Yoga DVD and I was really eager to see what Jillian had to offer. I'm pretty new to yoga and have really enjoyed it. While I just tried Jillian's video for the first time today, and I only did the first workout, I can say, it's definitely a keeper. While Jillian doesn't explain how each body part should be positioned quite as well as Bob does, she does really focus on breathing. She is fun to listen to and made me laugh quite a few times during the workout with her witty comments. It's a very different workout from Bob's, Jillian's is more like aerobic yoga. She introduced me to some new more challenging poses that I loved, like camel. I can't wait to work up to the second workout.

I'm happy to say that I am still honoring my New Year's Resolution of my commitment to working out. However, I also resolved to cut back on my sugar intake and unfortunately that is not going so well. I have a weakness for Almond Hershey Kisses and a love of baking! What's a girl to do? While my weight loss goal is only to shed 10 pounds, I haven't lost one! BUT, I haven't gained one. I've been consistently working out and pretty much eating whatever I want. Granted, I mostly eat pretty good most days. If I get motivated I know I can lose the pounds by bikini season, but right now I'd rather bake :)

The Internet-A Parent's Tool For Medical Answers?

I know we all agree. It is the worst feeling in the world when your child is sick and you feel there is nothing you can do to fix it. That helpless feeling, it's heart wrenching. It makes your stomach sick. I've been there. It's a horrible. Once when Chloe was a baby, like I normally would, I put her in the car seat, I closed the van door, got in the drivers seat, and peeked at her in the rear view mirror. At that quick glance, I thought she was dying. I honestly did. Her face and lips were turning blue. Her hands were clenched in tight little fists. Her head slightly shaking while her eyes rolled back into her head. I screamed for help to my husband who was in the house. I frantically dialed 911. At the hospital they ruled it a seizure, not your common febrile seizure. They ran tests. No answers for what caused it. They sent us home and the next day she had another. She was airlifted to Children's Hospital and spent the next few days there under observation and being poked, prodded, and tested. She was only six months old. She had a swollen fontanel which was alarming to doctors. She went on to spend six months under the care of a neurologist. We never did get answers as to why. But she's fine now. Never had another seizure that we know of.

I've gone through it with Nash for years. The doctors have no clue. They all diagnose him with asthma. I know he doesn't have asthma. I even believe I know what the issue is. Sorry, I'm not completely ready to share that yet. But here's the thing...they run their tests, they push their meds, and they forget about you before you're even out the door. At least that has been my experience. I know doctors don't have it easy. But here's the other thing...sometimes we as parents know more. We know our children better than anyone. We know if something is not right even if said doctors don't listen or think we are crazy. AND the Internet has possibly given us as parents, who are seeking medical information the biggest gift ever. Perhaps to the irritation of those doctors when we come in spouting out information that we read and our probable diagnose. Granted, there is also a lot of MISINFORMATION out in cyberspace. And I think any relevant information should be discussed with doctors.

I have to thank my husband for his tireless efforts. He doesn't take no for an answer from doctors. He asks lots of questions and makes lots of requests. But in an age where decisions are made by our insurance companies, then our doctors, we are often the last to have a say. Our current doctor wouldn't so much as order blood tests for our son. In fact, he did nothing except a simple breath test before diagnosing him with asthma and putting him on three different medications! So, we simply went to a different doctor. Before our general doctor even responded to our email, my husband had already gotten a variety of tests and results for our son from the new doctor, a specialist.

I guess I just wanted to say that I'm thankful we as parents have the tools we need to do something to help our children. I want to encourage any struggling parents not to give up. I'm thankful that we don't have to put all our faith into a strangers hands and hope for the best. Like I said, it's the worst feeling to be helpless to your children. But, it's a great feeling when you figure it out, and are able to be proactive, and make it better. I'm thankful for my husband who never gives up. I'm thankful for the internet and all the stories parents share about their medical journeys with their children. But most of all I'm thankful for my wonderful children who I love more than anything.

Please understand that this is my situation and I know it doesn't apply to everyone. These are just my feelings about what I'm going through in my own life. As I get more information about our situation I will update you. If I can possibly help one person with the information I have found, it's all worth it. To be continued...

Time Management, Lists, and Phrases

We are restructuring our time around here. I'm a list person and without lists I fall apart. If I fall apart, a domino effect ensues and the children become little zombies who spend all their free time on their various mind capturing electronic devices.

I have a list that Nash follows in the morning. It's been posted since he was in kindergarten. It reminds him to brush his teeth and tie his shoes! :) He still looks at it every morning.

I have a list of "Rules of Civility". This is a list of rules and consequences. For example, if the kids are arguing they have to copy the arguing rule the number of times they are years. So they would write, "Strive not in argument, but submit your judgement to others with modesty." 13x's for Nash and 8x's for Chloe. There are 7 rules and phrases on the list.

I have a list of things the kids have to complete before they can watch TV or play video games.

I have bedtime routine list for the kids.

However, these lists are pointless if I don't use them, duh! So, I'm reintroducing the lists. The kids are not happy. But I know it will bring structure and happiness into our lives. We are consumed by our electronic devices. I like Branson's idea of wireless Wednesday. Today's Wednesday and look at me, some example. Note to self: work on being a better example for the kids. I hate the phrase, "Do as I say and not as I do." I get it, it's just not my style, and I think it confuses kids and makes them resent you. To me it's the epitome of hypocritical. I know a lot of people don't agree with me on that.

A phrase I have coined and use almost daily for my kids is, "Do what you have to do, before you do what you want to do." It actually applies to me as well. I love it.

My Aunt's big phrase was always, "BECAUSE I SAID SO!"

What phrases did/do you use for your kids or what did your parents used to say to you?

My Sweet, Sweet Nash and a Letter.

Last night , dressed in a button down and sport coat, Nash had to go to school to present his History Day project to judges, teachers, parents, and peers. History Day is unequivocally the largest project the kids do during all three years at middle school. Because Nash has a love for baseball he did his project on Moses Fleetwood Walker. He created a website to display the information. He worked on his project for months. He did it all by himself. While we talked a lot about it and he gave us constant updates on the project, neither his Dad or I helped him. It doesn't serve it's intended purpose when a project is done by the parents, now does it? He got a B on the project and was invited to present it to county, which we declined due to scheduling conflicts. It was unfortunate that I was unable to go and support him last night at school. I feel horrible, but he did have his dad and sister there to support him.

This morning I received this letter in my email from another mom at his school. He's friend's with her daughter, Anne, and I've talked to her occasionally because we usually volunteer at a few events together throughout the school year.

Hi Lil,

Just a quick note to brag about your son.  He is the nicest most polite boy at (our school) and that's the truth!!!  (Of course the competition is no where near him.)

Last night when we arrived at the History Show he came right up to my husband and I (Anne wasn't with us) and said hello.  He had never met my hubby so I introduced them, he shook our hands, looked us right in the eyes and was attentive to us only.  Later we went to his table he walked us through his wonderful website (my hubby is a baseball nut too) very politely and professionally.  As we were leaving he said it was nice meeting my husband.  My husband was amazed that there are still boys like him. 

I can't say enough about how great he is. I wish you'd tutor children in social etiquette.  We'd sent Anne in a heartbeat.

Have a nice weekend.

Linda

 

How sweet, right?

 

My sweet, sweet Nash-I am so proud of who you are. I'm proud that you got straight A's last quarter and that you do it all by yourself. I never have to nag you to do homework. You make it all seem so effortless. You really are the sweetest and most polite boy. I certainly don't need a note like this to remind me how wonderful you are, but it is nice that other people see it too. You have always amazed the people around you by your sharp mind, big heart, and mature attitude. I am grateful for everyday I have with you. I love you and thank you for being you. Don't ever change for anyone. I'd love to take all the credit here, but if anyone deserves it, it's you.

Love,

Mom

Do You Believe In Rainbows?

This is exactly how I have been feeling lately. Like there is a darkness and gloom that follows me around and I just can't seem to shake it. I'm not a person that has ever suffered from depression. Sure there have been times in my life, I have felt sad and overwhelmed. I may have even let it get me down now and then. But it never felt quite like this. I'm pretty sure I know the root of my overwhelming sadness in the last few weeks. But, just when I felt ready to give up, things started to change. Of course whenever I feel sorry for myself, I always focus on the positive things in my life, like Nash and Chloe. That usually gets my through any funk I'm in.

However, Saturday was a breakthrough day for me and some very important people in my life. I have suffered losing people in my life where it just couldn't be helped. However, when a relationship is lost with a family member, and it can be helped, it seems senseless and all the more hurtful. Do you have a relative that you no longer speak with? Someone who perhaps you were once close? Do you wish there was some way to move past it, to start over?

I recently mentioned some issues I was I having with a family member. It was not long after that I received a call from her asking to talk. It would be the first talking we did in several years. Not knowing what the conversation would hold, I went in with my guard up and left with walls that had broken down. It wasn't all pretty, but it ended up feeling like we had just moved mountains. I was extremely overjoyed with the outcome and the possibilities for the future.

Just minutes after arriving home, I saw this rainbow out my kitchen window! I instantaneously grabbed my camera to capture the moment. I felt like it was there just for me.

"In the midst of gloom and darkness this rainbow emerged, declaring itself upon my view."-Lil Grace

A Visit & My Cooking Journey {Personal Reflection}

Today we got a surprise visit from Aunt Gardening Goddess (we'll refer to her as AGG). She only lives down the street, but I haven't seen her that often lately. I'm currently in a tiff with her two daughters, Serena and Biogirl, my cousins (who have always been more like sisters). But that's another story and hopefully it will all be water under the bridge before I ever have a chance to explain it to you. I do miss them dearly and my heart often aches for their company :-(. AGG is such a dear. I don't think she has EVER turned her back on a family member. She is a remarkable woman. She knows something about everything. Without the crafting and the prison sentence, she reminds me a little of Martha Stewart. She is a lover of natural things and she is so kind to the earth. AGG grows and shares her own food year round, has her own chickens, and is an amazing cook. Although, I'm starting to think that I shouldn't give her all the credit for her cooking abilities. It seems ALL the women in my family have a gift in the kitchen. I think it's genetic. For a long time I thought it skipped me.

When I was first married, I didn't live near any family. I spent the first 8 or so years winging it. Occasionally I would call another one of my aunts, Aunt Marshmallow, or my cousin Jules. Then 4 years ago, we moved back to San Diego, where we were surrounded by family. Tons of family is all within 5 minutes or less of me!  All of us sudden I was required to cook on a whim for anyone who might stop by, or cook for 30 or more people for any given birthday or random-for-no-reason-at-all get together! I would stress out and become anxious at the thought.

Luckily I had my cousin, Serena, who loved to cook and also loved hanging out with me and we cooked alot together. We even had or own imaginary cooking show that we did every night. It was called Sexy Bitches Cooking. We were the stars. It reminds me of that new show that is on the Oprah Network. The one where the two girls cook things out of a cookbook and are seemingly pretty bad at it. We weren't bad though. There was a lot of dancing while cooking and a lot of back and forth bickering and bantering about how things should be done. It was a blast and there is no one in this world I love cooking with more than Serena. I have learned so much about cooking from Serena and AGG, I think they've learned a few things from me too.

Tonight's Dinner

Lately we've been having a lot of dinners like the one pictured above. Lots of fish and lean meats, those are tuna patties (Agg's recipe actually), always at least two veggies, and sometimes a rice or pasta side.

But as always I digress, my point is AGG was here and I started preparing dinner. She sat and watched while we talked. She asked me how I prepare my butternut squash, and I told her. She asked me about my squash preperation. There is no bigger compliment to a cook than someone asking for your recipe, right? Especially when it's someone you respect and idolize. She actually went home and prepared the squash like I said.

I've turned into a very good capable cook. I'm proud of myself that I'm one of those people who can create dinner on a whim, who can cook something without a recipe, and even create a recipe. Those people who could say, "I don't really know how much whatever I use, I just add it until it looks right." Oh, those people used to irritate me. Why couldn't I do that? Now I can :) I wonder what I'll be capable of five years from now?

My biggest goal and accomplishment I think is timing and being efficient. It's important to have everything timed right so it's not cold, and it's soooo important to clean as you go. Also a little advanced planning and you can think of how to use less dishes while you cook! Me being the one who cooks AND CLEANS up after dinner, this is very important!

HOW I MAKE IT:

For the butternut squash, you just peel, clean out the pulp and seeds,  and cut it up into squares. Place in a glass baking dish and drizzle with EVOO. Add some salt and mix it up. Add about 2 tbls. of water and bake for 45 minutes at 375 degrees or 400 depending on your oven. Stir every 15 minutes. When it's done add a tsp. or two of brown sugar. You can also just slice the squash, leaving it unpeeled, remove pulp and place flat side face down in the dish with water. Then when it's cooked, just cut it in quarters and serve in the skin.

For the Sprouts, rinse and peel off outer leaves. Boil them for about 5 minutes in a pot of water. Meanwhile, cook some chopped bacon pieces in the microwave in a baking dish, covered with a paper towel. Remove the sprouts and when they've cooled a bit, trim the ends and cut them in half lengthwise, from top to bottom. When bacon is done, remove it onto a papertowel and set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon or so of the bacon fat. To the fat add the Brussel sprouts and toss until covered with the drippings. Bake at 375 for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and stir in the cooked bacon pieces.

Who inspired you to cook,

who did you learn from?

Brag Session: Nash and Chloe {personal reflection}

Nash and a group of his classmates participated in Constitutional Competition at one of our local colleges. Many schools were invited. They presented answers to school board members, lawyers, teaches, congress members, etc. It was fascinating to watch these eighth graders explain the constitution. They presented different opinions and ideas and backed them up with court cases and laws. They wore suits and they sat up straight. They introduced themselves with firm handshakes, polite smiles, and eye contact. They spoke with confidence and articulated their thoughts clearly. I know many adults that couldn't answer the questions they were asked. I know many adults who can't explain the Constitution like they did, myself included. I was very impressed, and I'm glad I got to witness our future generation in action. I'm proud of you Nash! And no, his group didn't win. But he was kind of relieved, I think.

Nash and Chloe both tried out for Little League last weekend and they will both be moving up a level this year. This will be Nash's last year playing, as he starts high school next year, and it will be MUCH more competitive. So, just another month and we will be eating, sleeping, and breathing baseball again! I hope that means more radio and television appearances for Nash too. That will help any internship he may apply for in highschool.

Chloe agreed to wear ANOTHER dress for an event we are attending on the east coast in a couple of weeks. The girl hasn't worn a dress in years, and she didn't even put up a fight. Don't tell her I told you, but it seemed she was a little excited. We rushed right out to pick the dress. She tried on several and she was twirling around in the dressing room. She said, "You know, it feels kinda nice to wear a dress!" OH BLESS HER HEART! She got TWO dresses! She did say she wasn't wearing them out in public. By public she means, not to school or around our town. What would the boys think?

Nash is on track to get straight A's. He's in honors classes too. He sure has come a long way since elementary school when he got C's in some subjects! That's another story. I'm actively looking at high schools for him, which is hard to do, because I still don't know if we are moving or not, and where to if we do!

Chloe finished the first Harry Potter and took an A.R. test on it and passed. She's now 1/2 way through the second book. Nash didn't read that series until he was in 5th grade. It was good he waited though because that year when he was promoted he received an award for the most AR points in the whole school. Chloe does have the most in her class, but nowhere near what he had.

Do you ever cry during the back stories on AI?

I do....all the time!

Chloe and Nash and I have been watching American Idol. Chloe hopes to someday tryout for America's Got Talent or AI, but mostly for playing piano, not singing. She is now in her 4th consecutive year of lessons. She started in kindergarten. She actually taught herself how to play Beethoven's Fur Elise! We've had our battles and she's wanted to quit a lot. I know she will thank me when she's older. And she'll always have something to fall back on. Maybe she give piano lessons to little kids when she's in college instead of waitressing. We pushed through, even getting her a new teacher this year. She's much happier with the new teacher. It melts my heart when she plays and now she plays on her her own without any push from me.

I love being a mom, and I especially love being a mom to Nash and Chloe. I feel so lucky to have such wonderfully healthy, happy, smart, and well adjusted kids. I NEVER take it for granted. I truly believe everyday is a gift. Everyday that they still live it home and I get the honor of taking care of them, teaching them, and raising them is like Christmas morning for me. I love you kiddos!

Our Weekend Round-Up {Personal Reflection}

Wow, it was a beautiful January weekend here, 80 degrees! To recap, Friday night we took the kids out to dinner since we couldn't get a babysitter, they had to tag along on our date night. Friday night while hubby and I were watching TV he saw that there was a baseball expo in town. Hello, we are a Super Baseball Family, so Saturday morning-ish we headed out. I thought they might have a chance to get some autographs, so really quick before we left I made them autograph books. I took a stack of blue index cards, punched one hole in the top corner and attached them with a metal fastener. I wrote "Nash's Autograph Book" on the front. Hubby complimented me on them so I thought I would share.
Anyway, we drove to beautiful Del Mar, paid to park, paid for tickets, paid for food, paid for fun, paid for junk, etc. But, it was cool. Nash got autographs from Matt Latos and Heath Bell (again) from the SD Padres. But, sorry Matt and Heath, the highlight was meeting three women from the AAGPBL. That's the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. These ladies were the real thing. Straight out of A League Of Their Own! Chloe got autographs and pictures and they were so sweet to talk to us for a while.

You can learn more about them and the charm school book they were required to read at the official website. Chloe and I read bits of the manual. It was....interesting.

Then we stopped by the Farmer's Market, mmm kettle corn, and since it's only steps away from the shore, I decided to snap some pictures. I have to tell you, I really love to be able to reach for my Droid and end up with some really decent pictures.

We lucked out that night when Grandpa said he would come and babysit for us. Hubby and I had been trying all day to get Joan Rivers tickets. Craigslist had nuthin. Ticket Master zilch. Box office nada! We figured we go downtown anyway and see if we could get lucky. We show up at the box office and ask if they have anything available. The kind gentleman says all he has for two seats together are in the fourth row. Ummm, yes we'll take them! And they were $150 cheaper than the only guy on Craigslist who had any and said "I just sold them." So there it was, dinner and show. Joan is hilarious. And old as dirt. I don't know how she has so much energy?? She was so animated. Like a real life cartoon character, if that were possible. I totally had to sneak this picture for you guys, that's why it stinks so bad, I tried though.                                                             
Grandpa spent the night and had breakfast with us in the morning. We had kind of a Lazy Sunday, as I wasn't feeling tip-top. I took a nap and felt so tired while I was napping that I literally felt like I didn't have the energy to move. Is that normal? We ended with watching the Golden Globes and the first Harry Potter movie. Chloe just finished the book and hubby and I hadn't seen any of the movies. I know! So we had family movie night.

Have a great rest of your weekend, and let's not forget why we have the day off tomorrow.

Farewell 2010-Welcome 2011

Happy New Year!

Ten Reflections on 2010

10. I entered the blogging world, new information and new friendships blessed me.
9. We traveled and traveled and traveled.
8. I organized and organized and organized. Photos and videos were preserved in a new form.
7. Nash appeared on several media outlets making him somewhat of a local celebrity.
6. Chloe got braces.
5. Chloe played her first year of Little League and started at a new school.
4. We were blessed with the arrival of a new niece.
3. Nash entered the blogging world.
2. We spent Christmas at home.
1. Relationships helped me realize that moving may not me such a bad idea.

Ten Goals for 2011

10. Lose 10 pounds by eating better and exercising more.Help my family to become more active and outdoorsy.
9. Add new recipes to my repertoire.
8. Spend less, save more and become more financially responsible.
7. Blog better.
6. Travel and move.
5. Make new personal friendships.
4. Finish projects.
3. Read more.
2. Find Nash a great high school.
1. Live, laugh, and love to the fullest.

I just love reading all my favorite blogs. I have learned so much in the few months since I started blogging. I feel I have gained much more from the blogging community than I have given. I hope to live up to my potential this year while still blogging for my original intended purpose. That purpose is intended for my children. In Dec of 2011 I intend to print out my blog and gift it to my kids. And I hope to do so every year thereafter. I will still include our personal journeys and achievements, while chronicling the events that took place. I also intend to share with them the recipes and how-to's that they may want, as perhaps they will have had some sort of impact on their memories. I can't imagine what a gift it would have been to have something like this from my own mother. I feel as though she gave up on being a parent before I knew that it was happening. I had to learn everything from folding a sheet to hard boiling eggs to roasting a turkey from someone else. I learned how to be a wife and mother, not from her, but from my own trial and error. It was at best, frustrating and heartbreaking. I can only hope my children never have to feel that void. I hope to be able to guide them in the choices and their everyday life far into their adulthood. So it is to them, I dedicate all of my writings. Nash and Chloe, I hope this blog can serve you well when you call upon it.

Thank you Nash and Chloe for inspiring me everyday. Thank you to my friends in the blogging community who have made this journey easier and better. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to share all of your wonderful ideas that have made their way into my home. It is with great unselfishness that you share your world with us. I am so grateful to have found you! Have the most happy of New Years in this 2011!

Christmas Is Over! My Personal Reflection:

A Little Personal Journaling To Reflect:
Christmas is over and I can't say I'm terribly happy about it. This Christmas was as perfect as one could wish for. I'm not looking forward to taking it all way, I mean that in the most literal sense. The end of Christmas and the New Year bring on just as much work. The tree needs to be undecorated and everything put in its place carefully for next year. The decorations stored away, and the food eaten and some recipes not even to be thought of until the years end. I'll miss the glow of the tree's lights, the stockings adorning the fireplace, and the holiday photo cards hanging throughout. But I will find comfort in the unexpected turn of events this Christmas brought. Especially because it may be our last Christmas in California if things go as planned in 2011.

We broke tradition in a big way this year. For the better part of the last 20 years I have always gone to my Aunts on Christmas Day. We enjoy exchanging gifts, and family come and go throughout the day and night feasting on homemade tamales, menudo, pie, cookies, etc. This year one of my aunts and one of my cousins were recovering from surgeries, so there were to be no tamales and visits on Christmas Day were to be short. Other deterring factors including a personal matter with my family and another family member were possibly preventing me from attending at all. After much consideration my family decided to skip the events at my Aunt's house on Christmas Day.

My husband arranged for some family to stop by and see us that day and we decided of course to provide food for our guests. To take us back a day we had entertained my brother's family on Christmas Eve, for it is as close as we could get to celebrating his 40th birthday which was on the 22nd. We knew we weren't going to get a chance to see him on Christmas Day since we had opted out of going to the general meeting place.

However, Christmas morning arrived and with tons of food cooked and cooking, I received a call from my brother asking if they could come over for a bit. That's 5 people. Shortly after, our expected guests, a family of 6 arrived! After brunch, my brothers family left,  and I later served an early dinner to my guests. During dinner my cousin and his fiance entered in a surprise arrival.  I was so pleased that even though we weren't able to spend Christmas with all of my family, that people cared enough to spend it with us. I think everyone left fulfilled and full! My kids got to spend two days with so many of their cousins in their own house. They're always asking for that, so it was a real treat! And my cousin asked Chloe if she would honor them by being a flower girl in their wedding. By doing so she has to wear a pink dress! This is way out of her tomboyish comfort zone. She said she'll think about it. Stay tuned to hear what she decides...

Here is a glimpse at some of the food I cooked over the past week:
Christmas Eve Dinner:
Artichoke Dip
Salad
Manicotti
Chocolate Birthday Cake

Christmas Breakfast:
Cinnamon Rolls
Christmas Sausage Casserole

Christmas Dinner:
Crudites and Veggie Dip
Gnocchi Mac and Cheese (courtesy of Plain Chicken Blog)
Salad
Prime Rib Roast

Post Christmas Feast:
Roast Turkey
Noodle Koogle
Stuffing