Christmas Kicks

     Greetings to my devoted readers! I am so grateful to you. I see in my Stats that some of you are viewing this blog all the way in Bangladesh. I can't express how happy this makes me! On a side note, some have commented that my daughter looks like she is from there or Sri Lanka. FYI, my children are Belizian, Panamanian and Filipino-I know cute huh?!

     If you are a regular here, you may have noticed that my last blog entry was a repost with slight alterations. I will now be linking up with Reality Check, they are segment of a Pregnancy Clinic I have volunteered with for ages. I started speaking with Reality Check almost a decade ago. As a teen; I had a vision that I would be talking to teens as an adult about sexual integrity (sounds better than abstinence right?). I wasn't sure how that would manifest. I called the Center to ask about volunteering more regularly, the woman who answered asked me "what do you see yourself doing?". When I answered she said "we are starting a program just like that!" Enter Reality Check. The lady on the phone is now one of my best friends-God is good! The linked posts are inspirational topics for teens and parent, you can view them here: http://yourrealitycheck.org/inspirational

      I hope your Christmas was lovely. I saw on Pinterest (the new love of my life-seriously, I mean it, I love it) how you can put uncooked cinnamon rolls in a waffle maker and make basically "cinnawaffles". They are so good! And easy! We are on a major kick right now and have had them every morning since Christmas. BTW use the accompanying icing instead of syrup. Wear an oven mit when you open the waffle maker (I got my machine from CVS for $10) because the steam that escapes is hot!

     Did you indulge in any new yumminess this season??? Or some different volunteer work???

     I wish you all a rejuvenated New Year! We need it right?!

                                             

Saints in "Sin City"

                                                

     My husband Patrick and I just returned from a very relaxing weekend  in "Slots Vegas" with our kids Tatianna, 7 and Ethan, 5. We have family there and were blessed with a hotel voucher for a free weekend stay at the beautiful Vdara hotel and spa. This is a smoke and casino free hotel. I was thrilled by the modern decor of dark woods and egg- shaped soaking tubs with plush crisp towels in high quantities ( I am not eco-friendly when it comes to towels and linens when traveling)! I insisted that everything in our room be put away to maintain the glorious simplicity, my husband was this close to kicking me out, espcially given the fact that I must disinfect all wipable surfaces and it was a weekend for him to "relax". What?!

We met up with my family who were also in town at their time share. In Vegas many of the poolside waitresses are in swim suits. Our waitress had a very noticeable, jarring scar that graced her whole torso. My mother asked her if she is required to wear her bikini. She said they gave her an option to wear a one-piece but she is fine with it. She wears her badge proudly, it's nothing compared to what she survived!

    She explained that while in a car six years ago (she was then 18) a drunk driver slammed into she and her sister after a birthday celebration for her sister's 13 birthday. The airbag deployed and obliterated her insides. She recounted that her internal bleeding was so severe, blood ran from her eyes and ears. She had a 10% chance of survival! Miraculously, through her shock she was able to calm her little sister. After, she remained in a 2 1/2 month coma, the doctors told her mom that even if she survived she would " be just a vegetable" (heard that one before). Her mom said "that's O.K, she will be my vegetable".

    By now my mom and I were both in tears. She remained in the hospital for six months total after four code blues. Her mother slept next to her every single night. The miracle was that she and her mother were not close and had a contentious relationship-until this. Our waitress said that she and her mom and  her 13 siblings (I know!) are closer than ever and speak on the phone daily. By the way; her little sister had just a broken arm but now drives like "an old lady" at age 19.

     Like many, I may conflict with my parents and other people I care about deeply; we even "agree to disagree sometimes". Life's experiences and stories like this one grant us a reminder to savor the moments that we do have with our loved ones.

                                           
                                                   
                                                  

                                                   

Wordless Wednesday

I love how his cheeks and chin make a heart!

DIY Animal Printing

 

Last week I had the idea to buy some leopard print paper for a gift I'm planning to make. When we got home I thought, "I don't want to buy another thing". I tried to figure out a way to make it. Lightbulb! I thought "why don't I put a piece of animal print clothing directly on my printer?" I did that and it turned out great. For my particular project I wanted  the print to be light enough for writing to show up on. Again, I scratched my head. Aha! I grabbed a sheer shirt and put it over the leopard scarf template and put them both directly on the printer.

I'm thrilled with the results. Now I can print all kinds of paper using anything that will fit on my printer! I covered my experiment sheets with a Georgetown cupcake box and made this to corral some clutter.

I used my daughter's skirt for this one

Free is Good!

DC Delightfulness!

A little blurry, I know...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

Television can get such a bad rap in some groups. I have learned SO much from watching T.V.
I used to be the kind of cook that gave my mom and I salmonella poisoning when I made eggnog as a teenager. I was certain I was a lost cause and my soon-to-be husband knew I would be doing no food prep in our marriage.Then came cable. HHHaaaaallllleeeeelllluuuujjjjjahhhhhhhhh! I discovered Giada on the the
Food Network and learned to cook from watching her show Everyday Italian!

One of my favorite food shows is DC Cupcakes on TLC. I LOVE cupcakes! The show centers on sisters Katherine and Sophie who left their satisfying corporate jobs and started a bakery showcasing their maternal grandmother's recipes. They have been a roaring success from Day 1.. Today they opened a location in Los Angeles- we had to be there!

My daughter and cousins landed on Robertson and 3rd about two hours before opening. The film crew was there too- we are so glad we got there early because that element slows the line down. Katherine and Sophie were SO sweet and warm! My daughter was wearing a cupcake motif skirt, the sisters loved it so much they wanted a photo with my daughter. Katherine noticed that Tia needed a straw and went and got one and put it in her cup. They explain that they want all their guests to feel like they are in their home and they really do! We kept chatting them up (pregnant Katherine was wearing one of those robot babies in a carrier) while they signed their latest book for me.

I collect signed cookbooks and have them addressed to Tia and I

They are Extremely close to their mom-who they and everyone calls "Mommy". She is the breakout star of the show and I had her sign my book too. We had the best morning, oh, did I mention the cupcakes taste AAAAmmmmaZing! So delightful. I'm excited that Tatianna and I will have the same closeness that the sisters and Mommy have too! I'll be whipping up some of their recipes with my new Kitchen Aid Mixer (I have been wanting one for years)!

"The Big '3-O' !"

I look a little velociraptorish!

I can remember being at my parent's friend's house on the eve of my dad's 30th  birthday and hearing him say "tomorrow is "the Big '3'-'O' "; here I am now 30 years old as well. I'm so grateful for my Mom and Dad  for giving me the core values that have shaped me into my "mature" self :).

My sister reminded me yesterday that I have accomplished "a lot at 30." When she started listing things I thought "hmm, that does sound impressive".  For months she has asked me "how I was feeling"! Like I had just received a death sentence. I had to remind her that I have been a "grown-up" for a long time- so nothing much changed for me on November 6, 2012.

On that note, I took Ethan and Tatianna with me to vote after school. It is so important for me to have them experience the privilege of casting one's vote.The year I turned 18 I was so thrilled to have made the cut-off the night before the election. I hopped into the polling place with my new engagement ring and was so excited to vote!

One meaningful birthday highlight was that I received this fun, chunky, "statement" ring from my sweet friend who hand delivered my gift yesterday. I told Patrick I wanted one months ago and he was like "that it not my territory", so I let it go. When I opened her gift, I looked to the heavens and praised God for such a wealth of friendships. I knew she was "led" to buy that. I never mentioned it to her but it is EXACTLY what I would have bought myself. It matched my birthday dress perfectly!

I must confess. I wrote "This day will probably su**"  (the astricks were so my kids wouldn't know what it said) on my calendar for Nov 6. . I wanted to have low expectations so I couldn't be disappointed if things weren't ideal. I think it worked! ;). I had a truly beautiful day with my loving family and friends. Breakfast at Urth Caffe with my sister, Voting with my kids, High Tea at the SLS hotel with by dear friend, Rock Sugar with my soul mate; then cupcakes with my parents, brothers and kids. I fell asleep like a happy baby...

Seven-year-old Sage

First Day of 2nd grade

The last post described Tia and her Dad at their Father-Daughter Dance. I found this awesome deal on some silver dress shoes at Marshalls for $7 a few months ago, I reserved them for the holidays for her to wear. When the dance came up; I had her wear them to go with her fancy ensemble, knowing not much harm could befall them indoors.

The next day was church and she wanted to wear them again. I told her "No, they are just for special occasions". She told me well "Isn't church a special occasion". That was one of those sobering replies that I forgive my children for "talking back". It was such a sweet notion. It made me really happy and proud to see her love of Jesus realized in her everyday life.

Sunday is the Lord's day and she knows that and "why shouldn't she wear her best shoes?"
That is why God have us children, they refine us into better versions of ourselves-that and a glass of white wine doesn't help either!

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Patrick and Tatianna just attended a Daddy-Daughter dance. It was a 50's theme and utterly adorable. Of course I had to do a drop-in and see all the festivities! Outside were vintage cars parked with blankets in front for photo ops. Within the foyer was a makeshift ice cream parlor on one side and an art gallery with nostalgic images on the other. Inside was a dance floor with balloons and more styled decor- and most fun, there was a disco ball amping up the energetic dance songs.

They had a phenomenal evening! The daddies brought picnic lunches and the daughters got to feel like princesses. Many girls were outfit with corsages. Patrick surprised Tia with the pink glittered beret she is donning in the above photo- she has been eyeing it for months!

I was so grateful our church hosted this event I have been wanting a special day for the two of them for a while; this was aptly timed. Later, my handsome husband told me how special the night was and that during the last dance "Butterfly Kisses" he started to tear up thinking about the day when he would be twirling the grown-up version of his precious baby girl!

On one of my recent beach town strolls I came across a piece of subway art that read "First we had each other, then we had you, now we have everything". I know! So sweet huh?  Sums up how I feel about my family. I want to find a way to incorporate this wording in our new home- maybe in the kid's bedroom.

Take This Style Quiz!

I'm Bohemian Classic according to the Home Goods Quiz I took today online at http://www.homegoods.com/hghq_quiz.asp. Home Goods is one my favorite stores! I can go to Anthropologie (my happy store) for inspiration then go to Home Goods across the street for actual purchases!

Bohemian Classic is an accurate description of me. I love blending modern and vintage style aka "Modage", some also say Modern Eclectic.

In the photo above the counter top is right up my alley in a timeless bright white solid stone surface, the unexpected chandelier is dramatically glam in color, and traditional in design; the sky-blue cabinets take commitment but are inviting. Lastly, the professional appliances say "I'm moonlighting as a Top Chef!"

Take the quiz and tell me your style!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

Another favorite thing I came across....

       After our summer hiatus, we started up with our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group yesterday. This year I am part of the leadership team that will assist in planning and executing our monthly meetings.
      To kick off our first meeting I presented a feature called "My  Five Favorite Things".  After presenting I realized it's like grown-up show-and-tell; which transported me to elementary school when I got to bring something special from home!

 1. Spencer Bento Lunch boxes: I picked up a couple of these adorable containers at Pottery Barn Kids. I love them because they minimize baggage waste and speed up morning assembly for me. Another tip is to keep a bin in your fridge and/or pantry to hold your kid's lunch prep items, so everything is all in one place!

Here's a link:
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/spencer-bento-box-containers/?bnrid=3518538&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=&cm_pla=&cm_ite=Spencer_Bento_Box_Containers&
adtype=pla

Above are adorable, authentic bento box options at http://happylittlebento.blogspot.com, I know they are ornate but they make me so happy!

2. Dreyers Slow-Churned 1/2 Fat Ice cream: It's yummy, 100 cal a serving, and has ingredients my kids could spell!

3. Vitamin D Capsules: Pierce a few with your teeth and squeeze into your kid's juice, this helps ward of colds- use when one is brewing or you have been exposed to germ-bots!

4. A giant bottle of Rubbing Alcohol: I decant into a little travel bottle and douse all of our toothbrushes with it-rinsing well before each use. I have seen a reduction in colds since I started doing this a year ago.

5. Beets are Beautiful: I dice one beet into little triangular pieces and freeze, next I pop one into the microwave for about 8 seconds on a napkin. Then I rub the beet on my lips and cheeks. Beets can stain so try and use the napkin to keep hands clean. You can use a wet cotton ball to blend cheeks evenly. (If you mess up use some baking soda to rub off)

You can experiment with application, I like to use this as a base and apply my blush and lip gloss as well. As the day goes on I have a base color left.  Using beets as make-up is inexpensive and hypoallergenic!

One of my favorite things is to share tips, tell me what's working for you lately....

Doctors and Drama

Yesterday we had our annual pediatric check-up in anticipation of the new school year. Here's the deal:  I have one child who loves going to the doctor and one who hates going to the doctor. There is an adorable show called Doc McStuffins, it's based on a African American preschool girl who is a M.D. for toys and stuff animals- I have been using this show to explain the procedures that Ethan will experience when he goes.

We started off well when he wanted to go stand against the wall and get measured after his sister did. Then he was asked to step on the scale. Not happening. He said "I'm scared"! I explained that just like last year when we came they did nothing to hurt either of them and he would also be fine now. Not budging. We moved on to Tia and completed her work-up. Before we got to him we went to the potty and took the urine collection cups with us.

I always have the kids potty before we leave anywhere. I didn't think about taking a sample so Tia couldn't go which was fine. Then came Mr. E.J.. God help me! Let's just say I hope urine has some beneficial properties for your face and hair, somehow things went horribly wrong and I was covered in a yellow shower. It even got in my mouth!!!! I was beyond perturbed. Mix that with the current heat wave and I was literally howling in the bathroom.

I collected me self  (no pun intended) and headed back for his turn. Of course he still wasn't having it. I had to pull out the only thing I knew might work... the "if you let her examine you I will take you to Toys R' Us and let you pick out a toy card"! It worked! He proceeded to let her look in his mouth and take his blood pressure. Aside from the collection catastrophe it was a success.

Off to bribery land we went (I did find wipies) and he found an overpriced "Super Mario" plush toy. I felt Tia should get something too- "Why should she not be rewarded for her good behavior?" School starts on Tuesday and I think I am more excited that any Mom I know and I don't feel one bit guilty!

Ethan said, "Can you hurry and take the picture? This hurts a little!"

Another of My Favorite "F" Words!

      Free! All this month JC Penney is giving kids K-6th grade free haircuts! I took Tatianna in yesterday and they did a fab job on her. I normally take my little guy to Snip Its- a kiddie salon so he was newly shorn and didn't get a cut. I saw other little boys and their hair looked great. They are so kid- friendly and offered a toy treasure chest and lollipops to boot. Normally,Tia has her hair trimmed by Grandma or myself so it was a nice treat for her to be in a salon chair for the first time!
      There was no catch! Of course, you wanna tip your stylist. Call your local location  and you can make an appointment or just walk in like we did.

LegNO Land!

          


         Most people love going to theme parks. I'm not one of them! I think it all started when my jokster Uncle lied to me about the ride that I was buckled into and told me it was just " a ride that shows you around the park". Lies! I was horrified after my unexpected ride on a roller coaster and banned them for about a decade from my life. I eventually succumbed and realized they really bang you up. I have surmised that a day spent at Burke Williams Spa is a day better spent!

     Now, I try to be a "good" mom and traipse around these money-grubbing establishments for the sake of my kids. I have decided that I have paid my dues and that my husband can join another dad on any future theme park adventures.  Here are a couple reasons why I strongly dislike theme parks:

1. Being money gouged from every angle
2. The day spent mostly waiting
3. The short, mediocre ride after the mostly waiting
4. The myriad of unhealthy families I see
5. My aching calves from mostly waiting

    I know, I know the memories. Honestly, I think the memories I have from doing simple things like  having a family dinner where after we put on costumes and masks made out of a random cardboard packaging better.

My husband actually asked the ticket taker where he could get me a wheel chair at Legoland yesterday. The man pointed where and said for ten dollars we could get one.

Ten dollars!

Man, they even charge people who can't walk!

I Heart this Playroom!!!!

    
     Our new house has a detached bonus room which we intend to use as a play/craft room! I'm so excited to have the toys relegated to their own special abode. I came across this picture at
http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/playroom-progress-sweet-seating-part-1.html by Jen Jones. This design makes my heart go pitter patter! First of all, I dig any new and clever unintended use for a project. The seats pictured are Expedit bookcases from Ikea turned on their side. She covered them with foam and stapled indoor/outdoor fabric to them. I am so into the intense blue/green combo too, I think the birch stencil adds a whimsical and outdoor ambiance.
     This layout really opens up the area for play utilizing baskets beneath to collect whoozits and whatzits galore!

New Found Love

     I promised in my May post that I would be expressing why I LOVE Newfoundland dogs. About four year ago I was at a local dog park (even though I didn't have a dog) because I just love dogs. I ran into a behemoth of a dog that looked like a bear roaming the city and had to ask the owner about it's breed. She explained that Newfoundlands are from Newfoundland, Canada and are gentle giants that are bred to water rescue. Just a few factoids: The dog in Peter Pan is a Newfie, a Newfie accompained Louis and Clark on their expedition (and was kidnapped by Native Americans as ransom-later to be returned), a Newfie rescued Napoleon Bonaparte when he was exciled to Elba (he played a key role in early U.S. history); additonally the Kennedy Clan have owned Newfoundlands for decades.

     I did tons of research and the more I learned about this amazing breed the more I knew I had to have one. My desire was solidified after I read this fiction-like (but indeed factual tale) of a boy and his Newfie in a book called In the Company of Newfoundlands. The story begins in California. The child had autism and connected deeply with the service Newfie at the Special Needs program he belonged to. The dog's owners then relocated to the East Coast. This devestated the child. One night the dog-seemingly spooked; ran out to the road and was struck by a vehicle and killed. The owners were stunned and tried to examine why the dog would do that; shortly after the phone rings. It's the mother of the boy on the west coast. She explains that her boy ran out into the street and was struck and killed by a vehicle! They determined that the accidents happened simultaneously. It seems that the Newfoundland's instinct was to rescue the little boy from 3,000 miles away! I sat reading this in a Whole Foods Cafe and had goosebumps all over and decided then I HAD to have a Newfie in my life.

     We just bought our first home and are moving soon. I contacted the Newfoundland Rescue of Southern California and was matched with "Brownie" a bronze (they are usually black or black with white) Newfoundland. I fell in love instantly. Her foster mom is holding her for us until we move.

    I had considered a puppy but am happy to avoid the "knawing" years. Her foster insists she go to a home with children. We look forward to opening our hearts and loving this beautiful creature. The picture is from yesterday-we went and met up with her at a park. A bystander asked jokingly if Brownie was a  "California Grizzly Bear". Not quite, but her "bear hugs" are like no other. I can't wait until she is home.

Hot Mamas Unite!

     Last month I gave a presentation at the M.O.P.S group that I attend regularly; that's Mothers of Preschoolers a monthly group that supports mommies of kids from birth through Kindergarten.
The topic was Dressing Right for your Body Type. I love design on all levels and wardrobe is another form of artistic and scientific form I have an appreciation for. I went through every body type ( I'm bigger on bottom f.y.i) and addressed styling and make-up tips. Afterward, we did a fun clothing swap. Moms brought garments and accessories they no longer wanted and the other ladies were able to incorporate "new" items into their closets using the info I just shared!
   Above is Amy. She was an attendee who came up to me a week after to exclaim about her new purchases. She normally does not wear dresses- typically opting for "Juicy Couture" 'warm-up' suits. She was effervescent in describing how excited she is with her dresses (I extoled them for their ease). I explained during the presentation that she should wear dresses with "tank" straps- the width provides support for the "girls"!
      The first black band at the waist of the pictured dress gives her definition. She explained that she ommitted earrings because she already put on a necklace and bracelet- echoing my suggestions about accessorizing. She added two other dresses to her closet and is thrilled about continuing on her new garment vitatlity.
      I let the moms know that although I love to style myself I went through a clothing slump after my son was born and didn't recognize myself in the mirror. Fifty dollars at Forever 21 helped me see the light and motivated me to get my swag back. Overtime, I have completed my list of wardrobe staples and added fun pieces periodically. My secret is to buy one thing at a time as to not scare the husband (I do that with my kids too). I now know how to dress myself easily and get excited mixing and matching pieces-making Mommyhood "look" easy!

     If you have any fashion questions I'm happy to answer them!

Saints in "Sin City"

    
     We just returned from a very relaxing weekend away in "Slots Vegas". We have family there and were blessed with a hotel voucher for a free weekend stay at the beautiful Vdara hotel and spa. This is a smoke and casino free hotel. I was thrilled by the modern decor of dark woods and egg- shaped soaking tubs with plush crisp towels in high quanitities ( I am not eco-friendly when it comes to towels and linens when traveling)! I insisted that everything in our room be put away to maintain the glorious simplicity, my husband was this close to kicking me out, especially given the fact that I must disinfect all wipable surfaces and it was a weekend for him to "relax". What?!

We met up with my family who were also in town at their time share. In Vegas many of the poolside waitresses are in swim suits. Our waitress had a very noticeable, jarring scar that graced her whole torso. My mother asked her if she is required to wear her bikini. She said they gave her an option to wear a one-piece but she is fine with it. She wears her badge proudly, it's nothing compared to what she survived!

    She explained that while in a car six years ago (she was then 18) a drunk driver slammed into she and her sister after a birthday celebration for her sister's 13 birthday. The airbag deployed and obliterated her insides. She recounted that her internal bleeding was so severe, blood ran from her eyes and ears. She had a 10% chance of survial! Miraculously, through her shock she was able to calm her little sister. After, she remained in a 2 1/2 month coma, the doctors told her mom that even if she survived she would " be just a vegetable" (heard that one before). Her mom said "that's O.K, she will be my vegetable".

    By now my mom and I were both in tears. She remained in the hospital for six months total after four code blues. Her mother slept next to her every single night. The miracle was that she and her mother were not close and had a contentious relationship-until this. Our waitress said that she and her mom and  her 13 siblings (I know!) are closer than ever and speak on the phone daily. By the way; her little sister had just a broken arm but now drives like "an old lady" at age 19.

Her triumph is clearly a heavenly-orchestrated event. I realized as I sipped my free drink (she liked us) that God is ever present, in every city- at every moment. Even in a place dubbed "Sin City". Praise God!

Something Funny I Found...

Wordless Wednesday

Going Vegan???

   

    I'm sure you have all heard stories of people that have gone vegan or raw or some other level of "clean" eating and have vocalized how they have never felt better. I have always wanted to try it for a brief time frame just to see how it feels. I have embarked on a three week sprint in veganism sans gluten as well. The above picture is a creation of necessity that blew my mind. It is simply a halved avocado with  tomato-less corn salsa from Trader Joes. It is so yummy! 2 days down -19 days to go. I'll let you know how "clean" I feel!

Wordless Wednesday!!!!

This is the day that the Lord has made...

Tatianna with a hand stamp from the Great Park in Irvine and a new "friend".

Darn!

I had some adorable leopard print rain boots that I just threw away because the back of one of them ripped and was rendered useless; had I seen this cute display I would have kept them! However, I have an idea... use my children's outgrown boots. Won't that be darling! Oh! and grand kids' boots, too cute!

Wordless Wednesday

Arms Around an Angel

Today was Tatianna's annual NICU reunion. This is an event that honors former patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the family that loves them and the staff that nurtured them. We go every year and I look forward to it. It is a time of reflection where I remember with immense gratitude how blessed we are to have been able to have our healthy daughter come home with us.

Tia was born seven weeks early in 2005; miraculously she spent only 12 days in the NICU!  Every day feels like the equivalent to a month so it felt like a year. The experience was stressful save for the Amazing people God brought into our lives-most notably Tia's nurse Raquel. During every reunion we have attended she has not been on shift, today she was! I called up to the NICU and she was able to steal away for a bit to come see her "little baby". Look at how Tia just took to her like she knew her, it's because in her soul Tia does.

Raquel was on shift the night after Tia was born. She was the one that placed Tatianna in my arms nearly 22 hours after her birth. I watched as Raquel moved around the room tending to each baby. The stillness of the night and the aura of tiny sleeping infants created an ambiance where one sees angels and I did. She cared for each precious soul as if it were her own child in an indescribable manner I had never before seen. Today she shared that she has since married and has a beautiful son of her own.

I am so thrilled for her baby. I can only imagine how exponentially more her love for her own child must be and how honored he is to have her as his mother. Seven years ago I walked out of the NICU one night with the peace of mind that she would love and care for Tia like I would, I told Raquel how much she meant to me and prayed she would find a husband that deserved her.

Today she praised God for fulfilling my prayer and thanked me for my desire to see her be loved. I told her "when you give love in that way it comes back you". Although the idea of the NICU is on no one's wish list; I value the time there because I saw the love of Jesus lived out in flesh. I felt like I had God's cell phone number and he was just texting me direct messages in a way I had never before experienced. He met me when I needed him most and like always he never forgoes and opportunity to show up! Today was a beautiful day!

Why We Rode

     There is a lovely Italian eatery near my folks. I finally went there last month even though I have driven by it for a decade now. My husband had the Pomodoro Basilico pasta last time we went and asked me to make it at home; additionally my son wanted to ride our bikes. Ethan recently graduated from a child seat to his own tandem like Tia so he has been eager to go riding.

      I decided it would be a fun outing to ride and get the ingredients from our neighborhood Trader Joes  to make the pasta dish- my man had a better suggestion to ride to Whole Foods because it is not uphill. Off we went and it was a glorious ride. I love Daylight Savings! I wish it never ended. Of course we picked up a few things we needed/wanted while we were there.  One contender was a mini watermelon, we had to pry it out of Tia's hands at the register when I realized we had to put all these groceries in our bike baskets! We got home and had our neighbor take pictures (this is the "better" one above). The recreated  pasta was soooo good! I found a recipe online and then tweaked it. Here it is....

Pomodoro Basilico

1 box of Angel Hair pasta
1 28 oz can of Whole Foods 365 crushed plum tomatoes with basil
1/2 cup of good EVOO
1 minced yellow onion
3 garlic cloves
3/4 cup of  cooking red wine
1 Tbls of Balsamic Vinegar
3 Tbls of sugar
Salt and Pepper to taste
Parmesan to taste
Basil leaves to garnish

Cook the pasta. In another pot heat up Olive oil and onion until softened then add garlic and sautee for a minute. After add in the tomato, wine, sugar and salt and pepper. Let everything simmer and thicken for about 15 minutes. Pour sauce over pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan and torn basil (cutting basil causes browning via oxidation) leaves. Eat up!

Wordless Wednesday

I Know What I'm Getting for Mother's Day

     My husband and I met when I was fourteen so I have had many years of gift giving. My love language is gifts; so his glorious gift-giving choices helped real me into marrying him. Flash forward 15 years later and some of that magical power has waned. He not only has to be concerned with himself and his "girl" now he has to support our family and our household. That is a huge gift on its own!
     With our current focus on meeting each other's love language needs (this is based on a book called "The Five Love Languages"- my husband's language is words); I have been proactive in helping my mate by emailing him links of gift suggestions for Mother's Day with prices and locations.
     One recent wish list item was a pair of Sunglass Hut Ray Ban Aviators-classic and much needed. I also picked out a purse and two rings from the Coach Store. I only expect one thing from this wish list fyi. Coach is having a pre-sale where preferred customers get 25% off and can buy before the general public, so I let Patrick know about this opportunity.
     Yesterday I got a call from Coach because my husband was trying to buy the Ray Bans from Coach and my personal shopper was confused. I just had to laugh! By choosing a selection of potential items and forwarding them to Patrick  I figured at least I could be surprised as to what he ended up choosing.
      I decide to spare him the anxiety of "getting it right" and just be explicit. So this is what I asked for....

     This little sweetheart is a Newfoundland puppy-my dream dog. I have had my heart set on one for years now. I will tell you more about why I LOVE this breed in another post. My request was a deposit for this love muffin to hold my spot for an upcoming litter (I'll explain why I am going this route as well). Can't wait to get my arms around this beauty!

     What are you hoping for or giving for Mother's Day???

Wordless Wednesday

Mommy on a Mission

   We are privileged to be minutes away from gorgeous beaches. Actually, our favorite beach was voted safest in the world! In lovely weather we go there often. Once we get our "camp" set up and my children are occupied with play; I alert my husband of my plans and sneak out on my covert mission. If you asked a friend or family member what dessert do they associate me with- it would be hands down- a cupcake. There is a reason why my blog is called Piece-of-Cake Parent! I consider myself a Cupcake Connoisseur. If I see a shop, I must stop!

     I love strolling down the beach's Main Street toward my cupcakery. You know, the sun shining, the ocean air smell, I just feel like a woman with not a care in the world for 30 min. When I arrived at my usual stop, they were out of what I had a penchant for! Boo! I decided to drop in on another bakery nearby and see what their offerings were. I found a comparable cupcake and was ready to pay when I saw "THEM". These adorable sugar cookies that had cartoons printed on them. I got Tia "The Lorax" one with the adorable orange face and I had to get the last"Angry Bird" cookie for my 4 year-old angry bird for little man.

      I made my way back to shore and surprised my kidlets with my finds. They were in awe! All was perfection until my son's cookie took a dive in to the sand! My "helpful" husband doused it with water to clean it off. The cries grew! This time I took my little guy back with me so his tear/sand stained face would convince the bakers to replace it. They did of course and he ended up with a Spider Man one instead. Smiling to myself I embraced the moment and held my little guy and watched as he quietly enjoyed his much-desired replacement .

      Going forward I will keep my covert missions secret. But honestly I can't resist the urge to say "close your eyes and open your hands" when I know they are gonna just "eat it up"!

   

Lavender Blue, Yummy Yummy...



     Before I got married ten years ago; it was established that I would not be cooking. I was really bad at it and Patrick wasn't. Simple. When Tia was 18 months we got cable T.V. and I fell in love with the Food Network. Particularly, Everyday Italian with my culinary inspiration-Giada De Laurentiis (prounounced "Joda"). I would put Tia down for a nap, grab some lunch and go on a food vacation.

      I have always been a creative type who likes to experiment. Supplied with knowledge of food science, I was motivated to test the waters in my kitchen. At first samplers reluctantly tried my food, then suprisingly enjoyed it. I fell in love with food and all the possibilities. Food reminds me of books. With a finite number of ingredients (letters) you can create art. That ignites me!

   I usually love most movies that incorporate food, ie. Spanglish and It's Complicated. In the latter,  Meryl Streep's character is a cafe owner/chef who makes Lavender and Honey Gelato. I wanted some pronto! I looked and looked- some contenders; but no winners. Lavender can impart an herbaceous quality that can be off-putting. I found a solution!

     Instead of mixing in lavender to the creation, I scented it; creating the essence without that funny throat taste. First, I scooped about a cup of vanilla ice cream into a glass container. Next, I put about four drops of lavender oil into a tiny medicine cup and placed it right in the scooped vanilla. Lastly, I placed in the freezer for 24 hrs. The result is perfumed ice cream, mmmmmm! I didn't drizzle any honey on top because my ice cream is already nicely sweetened; but if I used say a less sweetened yogurt base I would. Lavender is still an acquired taste, you may love it like I do, or hate it like my husband did. Try it with other essences, if you prefer, ie. ginger or peppermint. It is a subtle way to add flavor!

  Have you ever "created" a recipe you LOVE?!



E.J. the Philosopher

Mr. EJ asked me yesterday as we were getting out the car ...

"Is God big?"

    "Yes, not 'big' like huge, he is a normal size; but he is 'big', like powerful".

"Mommy, does God have a remote control to change the weather?"
    
   "No, honey."

"Well, how does he change it?"

   "He just says it and it changes."

"He just says it!?"

  "Yes"
(Very confused look on his face)

Later at dinner he asked Patrick if God has a Wii controller to change the weather... "um no".

It Finally Happened!

  
      One day in the beginning of the school year last fall I was less than two minutes late picking up Tia from school. You should have seen the look on her face! I felt so bad. Her brother held me up at home; so since then I leave my home extra early so I am never late. In addition, she gets out of school an hour early on Tuesdays. Remarkably, I have never forgotten to get her. Until yesterday!
See what happened was.....:) Well we have had two weeks off recently and before that she was in an art class that kept her in school until regular time on Tuesdays, therefore I was out of the habit of getting her early on this day.
     I got a call from her friend's mom letting me know she was standing next to Tia.  I was mortified and rushed over. I hoped this would never happen. Thank God we have such great families at her school! Later, I debriefed Supermom and she told me Tia said, "My mom is never late"! (So Tia was genuinely worried) The good thing is when I was ironically two minutes late getting her today she didn't even care! Neurosis cured. Check.
     Here comes the cherry on top... Today I forgot to bring her snack and lunch! So I decided to spring her from school and take her out to grab a snack (that's the pix above). She was so curious what we were celebrating:). I just told her the truth. The sooner she knows I am (sometimes, not really, sorta, I don't really wanna fully say it) like my mother the better!