I Don't Get Boys

That's what I said to a mom I just struck up a conversation at the park with the week I found out I was expecting a son. She told me "You don't have to get them, you just have to love them". Still apprehensive, I believed her.
I remember hearing a comment Madonna made in reference to her two bio kids; she said that because her daughter was so much like her she could more easily get under her skin, however; her son could do no wrong in her eyes. I'm sure the latter didn't always apply, but I get where she is coming from. Daughters who mirror you reflect back your flaws; showing you-the mother, how the world sees you. Conversely, boys are such anomalies they just cause us to gaze with wonder-sort of how we do when we fall  in love with with our husbands.

Last month, Ethan picked up a box of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse figurines at the Disney store and looked up at me with wide eyes and shoulders up and said "I loooove Mickey, I want to buy this", I said "I know you do" and got him his heart's desire (not like me). I was weak in the knees! Budget-busting boys they are! Of course Tia wasn't going to walk out of there empty-handed! Mothers of both genders will probably agree that we allow our boys to operate with more latitude than girls. Its just one of those things. Even with having and helping to raise two younger brothers I was still nervous about rearing my own son. Just like we totally don't get the man we married (they would say that about us too) somehow we are smitten by these mysterious earth dwellers. Leo was the name of the aforementioned mother's son at the park, how ironic; the mother of a "lion" taught me these wild ones can tame our hearts.

Beautiful.

That is the Hebrew meaning of my cousin Shaina's name. She has always had a special place in my heart. When she was born my family was stationed in Germany. I was so excited to meet my new little cousin when we came to visit California that summer. She was born on April 7; diamond is her birthstone and the number 7 is God's perfect number. For that reason, I never forget her birthday and I have always believed she had a divine touch of angelic origin. Her mother comes from the same cherubic lineage; which explains why I have the same notions about her.

Since Shaina was a tot she had a boldness in her faith and her actions. Those who don't know her well would characterise her as shy or even introverted. But her family knows different. Shaina isn't timid about matters of importance to her. When she was a small child we would come by her house and pick her up for church, she would have her Bible and pigtails in tow. It is as if she has always known where she "truly" comes from.

As I write she is walking where the Messiah walked! She received, through and arduous process, a paid trip to Israel via the program Birthright. Our entire family is proud and jealous of her adventure through the Holy Land. I have very maternal feelings toward her because I know how beautiful her heart is. When people throughout here 21 years have seen through her it bothers me greatly because they have committed a great infraction against one of the loveliest of God's creations. She is a priceless diamond whose family is blessed to live with the light that reflects from every facet of her soul.

All You Need Is...

Last night we were on our way to eat at my dear friend Emily's house. I had just rushed home to pick up my family because I was coming from another get-together. No one was ready to go, and I knew there was traffic; so I was trying to get them going so we wouldn't be late. Tia bypassed our S.U.V and ran over to the front lawn that is blanketed in leaves. I urged her to get in the car when I realized how lovely the image of her throwing leaves in the air was. I told her to get back out of the car so I could take a picture.

The get-together I had earlier was my aunt's idea to get old family friends together "just because"- instead of waiting for a pivotal event. This "leaf" moment  personified this concept. Stop and savor the people you love right now. Don't wait! My other aunt always says, "if you fall off the truck someone else will be on your route in the morning." Most of our must do's are not deal breakers; and even if they are, they truly aren't because L-O-V-E- is all we need and want. This season is about the ultimate gift of love isn't it? Now that's what the holidays mean to me.

Tree, Myself and I

Tia did most of the decorating!

The Arrangement is Over!

When we got engaged ten years ago we had an agreement that Patrick would do the cooking in our household. I hated to cook. I viewed cooking as a chore to be delegated to the more willing participant. About 4 years ago when we got cable I fell in love with the Food Network; particularly Giada De Laurentiis on Everyday Italian and now Giada at Home. The food looked beautiful and enticing through the screen. I would put Tia down for her nap and then sit and eat my lunch while watching her bring ingredients to life. I tried a few recipes and was shocked that I could make delicious, edible food.

The creative side of cooking sealed the deal for me! Presentation is such a key part of my personality and as my mentor would say "you eat with your eyes first". I love to eat, and now I love to cook as much as I love to eat. Dangerous? No. I have a healthy outlook on food. I see ingredients as smaller parts of a grand masterpiece of art.

My husband and family love when I cook for them and have an affinity for "home-made" fare.  I thought cooking like that often was spoiling them but the gratification I get from presenting them my love on a saucer is so rewarding.  What was on the menu tonight? Sage and butter roasted chicken, potatoes and mushrooms. The bonus- mini cinnamon sugar cupcakes!

If I had a Fairy Godmother she would bring me this...

Put out good vibes that I will get a call from Madsen saying "Guess What"! They have a contest going if you link them to your site.
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Wanted: California King Bed

Last week I was not feeling well so my hubby was giving me some R&R by keeping the kids quiet and occupied while I rested in the evenings. One night, after a while I noticed that the background noise had ended and guessed that they had all fallen asleep in one of the twin beds in the kid's room. I couldn't resist taking a snap shot while they were all crammed into the bed. I love how Tia is completely aware of her allotted sliver!