Nested Interests

Reagan on the Scriptures:

2012-02-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 2:27 We were trying to impress upon Reagan the importance of choosing the right and that doing so makes us happy when he interrupted (with complete candor, mind you) to ask: "But what if you choose left?"

2 Nephi 32: 3 After explaining that feast means to eat a lot and enjoy it, we asked "What do you think "feast on the words of Christ" means?" His response: "I have no idea."

Jacob 7: 10 Jacob asks Sherem if he believes the scriptures; he answers Yea. We asked Reagan if he knew what Yea meant. "Yes!" he answered, and just as we were about to praise him, he continued: "it means happy!"

Hello Homework...

2012-02-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Sleep.*

*photo taken circa 1:34 am
**one minute sample of a much larger data set.

Kids Live Here

2011-12-16T16:31:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I just have to remind myself that this is the case.
Ergo, the mess is legitimate.

Scrafs 101

2011-12-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

Best Scraf How-To EVER.
I've rocked the European Loop for far too long and now I want an impressive collection to go with my new skillz.

Ode on Completed Assignments

2011-11-29T20:19:00.000-08:00

Story. Of. My. Life.

I love how one big thing crossed off my list (no matter how many others remain) makes me feel like an Amazon warrior woman. (The very fact that I'm still basking in that sentiment proves that the oppresive amount of to-dos still on my list hasn't penetrated the fog of accomplishment).

So for now, here's to those big things crossed off the list (and the consequent and concordant temporary hiatus of panic). Cheers!

Priorities: Sifting, Shuffling, Sustaining

2011-11-28T23:06:00.001-08:00

“It’s not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What’s hard is figuring out what you are willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.” - Shauna Niequist

I'm thinking hard about this in these days - especially since I've started school again and love it so much it hurts and feel equally, painfully, guilty about enjoying it so very much and consequently devoting time that could/should arguably be spent doing other (less enjoyable) tasks like laundry or mopping the floor or paying bills. Too often, I get to only what yells loudest at the time (dishes piled on the counter, test tomorrow, bills dues yesterday, no clean socks). At this point, there doesn't seem to be anything on the "could possibly give up" list. It's all on the "demands attention" list. For now - no solution. And frankly, I'm not always really sure what it is I really care about anyway, 'cause I care about it all: mum, scholar, business tycoon, reasonably responsible home-cleaner. humph.

Delicious Autumn

2011-10-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” -George Eliot

Help Wanted, Apply Within

2011-08-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

I need a personal assistant. And a carpenter. And a painter. And a dishwasher. And a gardener. I'll do the cooking and the kids and the books and the designing. But I sure could use some help with the more mundane tasks on my to-do list right now.

Line Dried

2011-08-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

This article about line-drying made me think of all the reasons I love to hang laundry out to dry. Yes, I hear it saves money and electricity and stuff. Yes, it certainly cuts down on chemicals and products in our clothes. And yes, it extends the life of your clothes and acts as a natural stain-remover as well (I'm floored by how the sun makes diaper stains dis.a.ppear.)

I love the time it takes to hang laundry. That quiet, restful, purposeful, repetitive action. And I love the smell. Especially of line-dried, sunshine-infused bedsheets. And even the crinkly-ness of line-dried tshirts. Ahhh.

Sadly, our HOA prohibits laundry lines (sigh). I've got to find a way to work around that since right now I'm just draping things over the dining chairs (not such a good look for them).

Custom Photo Notebooks

2011-07-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Is it too early to be thinking of Christmas? I just saw these photo notebooks at tinyprints (love them) and I think it would be perfect for my mum. All I need is a great photo of the boys and I can cross that one (teeny tiny) thing off my list.

Ours is a Pretty Darn Good Story

2011-06-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Remember how we used to say: "I heard about such-and-such..."? I try to say that every so often, but find myself back-tracking and amending it to :"I read about such-and-such..." because really, I don't talk to enough people to have heard anything these days. If I know it, it's pretty certain that I read it. Unless of course it's national breaking news. Or global earth-shattering events. Or something really really important that everyone knows. Then I hear it from my husband - usually a day or two later than the rest of the world. But that's an entirely different can of worms.

So - I read about this idea of living a great story. (Apparently someone also wrote a book about it.) You know - believing that your everyday happenings are part of a greater adventure. That your goals have meaning and purpose and that you're being propelled - despite the chaos and/or mundane-ness (is that a word?) of the every day. I think I live in a good story. I think I'll be able to edit out a lot of the mundane-ness that feels so overwhelming right now to, in the end, find a great life story. I mean, we lived in Europe for 4 months pregnant with a toddler. Great story, right?
But it's the everyday mundane-ness that's hard to get through in the here and now. I've had a hard couple of days. Business demands (like the man who emails every three hours to see if I've gotten to his very-small-and-not-at-all-profitable request). Laundry piles (including plenty of diapers that must be washed). Toddler + baby (and all the jumping, running, yelling and playing that come with them). Unfinished house (one toilet, one sink. Still plenty of boxes with no place to go). It's dealing with the every day that's hard.

I keep telling myself one day at a time. Just one thing at a time. (And I'm not the only one I tell it to). But it's so hard to resist making mile-long lists. And then feeling bad for crossing off only two or three every day. Or to not make a list at all and rush through the day by the seat of my pants. (sigh)
Still - in the end, and with a little perspective (like a Route 44 cherry Coke Zero - thank you, Sonic), it's still going to be a pretty darn good story.

FYI: Paperwork

2011-05-24T00:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sifting through the mounds (mounds, I tell you) of paperwork we've been accumulating for the last several weeks as we collect warranties and installation guides and utility bills and coupons and flyers and, oh gosh - it's incredible.

Here are a few things I've gleaned tonight:

1. Our fridge has a Sabbath Mode. Not a joke. Sabbath. Mode. Apparently in this mode, several components of the refrigerator are shut off in compliance with the Orthodox Jew religious requirements. a) who knew? b) our fridge is kosher. Rock on.

2. You can pay your power bill at a myriad of convenient locations (cash, check or money order). Just a few of the 40+ acceptable locations: Bill's Gamblin Hall & Saloon. Mercado De Alegria. Sunset Market Bait & Tackle. Super Azteca Mini Mart. Envia Dinero Express. Las Palmas Liquor. And most Smiths' and Albertsons'. Not joking.

3. We've been instructed (and I quote from pg 3 of All about the Use & Care of your Dryer) "Do not use fabric softeners or products to eliminate static unless recommended by the manufacturer of the fabric softener or product." (wha?)

4. If you set up bi-weekly mortgage payments (no upfront fee!), you can eliminate an average of 6-10 years and $30,000+ in interest charges from your loan. This, actually, is something we're considering. We already pay more than the required minimum for our car payment (and they've literally stopped sending us bills - please don't give us any more money right now, thx) so this could work out well.

5. Sign up for Paperless Billing! Convenient, fast, save trees - what's not to love? Most pay online systems are free - but, as I've recently discovered, some very sneakily don't mention until the very. last. step. that "ohandthere'sa$12.35feeforeachandevery
onlinepaymentyou'llevermake." Seriously? You save boatloads of money by not sending me a paper bill and you're going to charge me an outrageous fee to do so? Kidding, right? Unfortunately no. Allrightythen, send me the paper bill and I'll send you a paper check. Damn the trees; they're a renewable resource anyway.

ahem. Please pardon the snarkiness. It's late. And I've spent all evening schlepping through mounds (mounds, I tell you) of paperwork. A little snarkiness is to be expected, yes?

*image from here

The Not-Cake Discovery

2011-05-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

I recently admitted to myself that I don't like cake. Not that I won't/don't eat it, mind you - I've been eating it for years. But I wouldn't/don't choose it. (A cupboard full of expired cake mixes proved the point quite succinctly.)

Cupcakes too. I love the looks of now-trendy cupcakes in all their mini-deliciousness. But that deliciousness is just not for me. 'Cause, you know, I don't like cake (and cupcakes are mini cakes).

*image from here

Sponge Bath

2011-05-15T21:28:00.001-07:00

This morning I gave my three-year-old a sponge bath in the kitchen, standing on a folded towel with a kitchen rag and water in a mixing bowl warmed in the mircrowave.

(Because we just moved in and the house still needs a little "help," we don't yet have a working water heater or tub or sink or even lights in ~~the~~ any bathroom.)

Basically, I'm awesome.

*image from here

To Recap

2011-05-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

The monthly resolutions. In graphic art. Voilà!

To Whom It May Concern

2011-05-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Henderson - I'm glad we're here. How's about sportin' a mild summer for me? I can take the 90s but if we could hold out on the 100+ for as long as possible, I'd be grateful.

Dear House - We're here! I know, you need serious help and we'll get to it, but aren't you happy to be full of silly kids and Bradley stuff instead of the gross cat hair and dust of yore?

Dear In-Laws (of all variations) - Gosh, it's weird to be 5 minutes away instead of 3 hours. I think I can get used to it, though. And I'm totally digging the babysitting (Last night's impromptu date night? Awesome.)

Dear Hot Water - You're sorely missed.

Dear Hot Water Heater - Could you (pretty please) be easy to install tomorrow morning? I promise to keep you busy ever after.

Dear Dishwasher - I'll get to you as soon as the hot water heater puts in his dues. Trust me, I'm so done washing dishes by hand.

Dear Dish Soap - I'll miss ~~you~~ your scent, but not that much.

Dear Backyard - just hold out a few weeks more, we'll get to you too, I promise. For now, keep entertaining the 3 yr old for me, will ya?

Dear Neighbor Who Took Boxes Out Of Our Trailer - Sure, go ahead. It's just trash anyway. But I still think it's weird that you took boxes tied down in the trailer parked in front of our house. Just sayin'.

Dear Friends - We've moved. Officially. I even have the NV driver's license to prove it. So if you're planning a trip to Vegas - come visit. Can't wait to see you. Cheers!

*image from here

I Resolve: May

2011-05-09T16:32:00.001-07:00

This month, I'm getting rid of things. Yes, it's largely in response to the move. But really - I feel like I've been giving a bag or two of things to Goodwill every month for a long time. And I still don't feel the dent. yeeesh.

So I'm paring down. De-junking. Throwing out clutter. Donating used items and using freecycle like a crazy woman. All kinds of people are showing up at my door to pick up random things - our bar stools-turned-nightstands for one. And the bookcases left by the previous tenants. And two ottomans I got on a whim and loved but just don't need anymore. Sure, I could probably have scored a couple bucks on craiglist, but since I'm becoming increasingly disenchanted with craigslist users, I'd much rather give it away and be done with it knowing that someone else will genuinely enjoy it and fill a need (without showing up with "not enough" cash and making me feel outraged for not giving in to their rude and totally inconsiderate tactics - ugh).

Out, out, out I say! We lived with meager belongings for months in Ireland. And in a closet in Paris. I can do without the massage wand thing (a gift from someone years ago) and the extra towels (wedding gifts also years ago) and lamps (our next house has lights - real ceiling lights!). So seriously, out out out it is.

And gosh, it feels good to let this all go. Whenever hesitation hits I think: "Memories are not things." It helps and out it goes.

All in all, I have a feeling this is a resolution I'm going to rock.

Trying My Hand at.... Embroidery

2011-05-02T21:45:00.001-07:00

So I tried my hand at a little embroidery this winter and whipped up a little sumthin' sumthin' for my mum. It turned out... fine. (considering it was my first attempt, it wasn't hideous and that's acceptable).

I've thought a few times since then that I should try my hand (for reals) at learning to wield a needle somewhat competently. Today, I saw this uber-cute ABC embroidery sampler.

Why, yes. It is going on my summer list of projects-to-do. While sipping lemonade. And watching the kids play in the yard. And trying not to extract blood from every fingertip.

Wish me luck!

Birth Announcements - check and check

2011-04-27T00:07:00.001-07:00

1. Isn't this little man sweet?

2. Yes, I'm just getting the birth announcements done now (four months and twenty days later). But in 10 years, it'll only matter that they got done, so I'm not sweatin' it.

3. You can embed this info directly from Shutterfly. And - for doing so, get $10.00 off the next order. Mind you, that might not be until Christmas, but still - it's ten bucks.

Serious Like

2011-04-13T19:44:00.001-07:00

Personalized, calligraphy, looks-like-it's-handwritten address stamp. Wouldn't this be great with our brand-spankin'-new Nevada address? Serious like, indeed.

I Resolve: April

2011-04-10T22:30:00.001-07:00

Despite March's failure, and inspired by March's improvement, the monthly resolutions continue. April is about reading - without the rigid requirement of everyday, but in the hopes of significant improvement over the course of these next 30 days.

Reading. Real books. Real paper.

Not online. Not articles or blogs or facebook status updates. Well, I can still (and will) read those, they just don't count for the resolution. And not magazines. And for this particular resolution, not even my Nook (though I love it). Just real tangible, rip-able, dog-ear-able paper.

So - I started with The Blessing Stone by Barbara Wood. The idea was cool - follow a small blue stone through generations from prehistoric man to the 20th century in vignette-type stories and a small peak into each character's life and place. But the actual execution was without merit. And there was entirely too much sex. I mean, I get it, but there should be more to a story. So less than 100 pages in, I dropped it - uncommon for me, but if I'm resolving to read, I'm going to read good things.

Perfume by Patrick Suskind (a German author) has currently taken up residence in my purse and on my nightstand. It's intriguing and pulls me in my the nose. The protagonist has an astonishingly sensitive sense of smell and can distinguish, separate and identify the faintest shimmer of a scent. Suskind's words are so literally accurate that I feel I can smell (or at the very least remember smelling) the very same things - vile or lovely - that he describes. It's fantastic.

So that's April's resolution: to read. More than I have, and preferably every day. But there's no rigid requirement, no item to check off the list. I'm just going to read more and that's that.

On Travel

2011-04-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Select reasons to start planning our Round-the-World trip now: (from this great article/travel blog here)

1. We (and our kids) are only going to get older. And there are only going to be more obstacles and obligations and reasons to wait.

2. It's often cheaper to travel than live at home. Boy did we learn this during our summer in Europe. Even a month in Paris was less expensive than regular day-to-day in California.

3. We (and our kids) will learn more traveling than in a classroom. Experts say that as much as 75% of brain development happens before age 5. I believe that introducing our children to as many experiences and cultures and languages and peoples as possible will make them more open-minded, conscious, considerate human beings. And smarter, too.

4. We'll do what we want every single day. "What, do you have to work tomorrow or something? So let's do it!" I loved how Reagan would ask every morning of our month in Paris - "What are we going to see today, Mom?" And, of course, it was always something fabulous.

5. We (and our kids) will see all there is to see in the world. And learn all kinds of things about history and people and geology and geography and, well, you get it. Also - we'll take great photos of it while we're at it.

6. Our perspective will shift and we'll see more clearly what it is that's really most important. This was absolutely the case after our brief time in Europe over the summer. We have drastically changed the way we eat. We've realized that we can certainly live full happy days with minimal stuff - and we're working on paring it down at home. We have fond memories of the simple things - like rain in Ireland and picnics on the Seine and the creme brulee at La Napoule - and are trying to incorporate a search for that simplicity in our every day here and now.

So, yes - we did just buy a house and are planning to "settle" for a bit. But we're also still planning our round-the-world adventure(s). And closer-to-home ones too. For all those reasons. For our kids. And really - for the fun of it.

"Adventure is out there!"

Things I've Been Thinking Hard About Lately

2011-04-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

This article "Your Emails Are Too Long" about why you should be writing shorter emails. I realize (after reading it) that I subconsciously skip over the longest customer emails in favor of answering short ones until I absolutely have to. Also - since I started counting, I naturally write 5 sentences (or less) in my replies. *Disclaimer: this is only the case for work-related emails. I tend to write 5+ paragraphs in personal emails - but then again,these for me are more akin to writing a letter than, say, texting.

This article "Stuck in the Middle with You" about working at home with kids. I generally feel like I'm in the worst of home/work worlds - I can't get enough work done and I feel terrible that I'm not very present for the kids. I'm working on setting boundaries - which generally means doing what I can when I can during the day and then really getting down to business after bedtime.

And these one-liners:
-Memories are not things
-Decorate like your clothes and dress like your bed
-Omit needless words
-Live the life you've imagined

I Resolve: On Dropping the Ball

2011-03-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

And falling off the wagon. And missing the mark. And coming up short. And, well, you get the idea.** This is about failure.

I came into my March resolution strong. I was out of the gate strong. I even did 13+ strong days - and even put in a smattering of strong days since. But the thing is, I failed. The resolution was to walk every day. And I didn't.

Starting out, I was willing to accept 10 minutes as a decent walk. Plenty enough to check it off the list. But then Jordan mentioned that any walk under 20 minutes basically doesn't count (in terms of heart-rate, blah blah). And having laid down that gauntlet, I pushed for 20 minutes. I did 13 days - in the rain, in the dark, in another state. But here's where the problem developed: I got busy. And it's not that I was less busy for the first 13 days, it's just that I started to let being busy assert itself into the resolution. So I counted piddly things like walking the mall (sheesh) and walking through the airport. Yes, I get extra points for lugging two kids... but those points should have been for general mommy awesomeness and should not have been counted toward the resolution.

Also - the fact that 90% of my walks happened after 11pm is testament to the fact that somehow, despite the self-imposed rigidity, the resolution was not taking priority. If it were really a priority, I would have gotten my butt out of bed first thing in the morning, and it likely would have made my day better - I'm always in a better mood when things-to-do get crossed off the list before noon.

So there you have it: the March resolution failed. Which is not to say that I didn't make significant improvements - I walked more in March than I've likely walked since... maybe since we got home from Europe. And I've learned a little more about setting monthly resolutions, what they're really about (improvement vs. the rigid every day check off the list) and what it takes to make a habit stick.

*post script of interest: a quick google search "euphemism for failure" brought up scads of articles mostly relating to schools (especially elementary) who use as many euphemisms as possible to avoid an outright declaration of failure for their students. Like the honor roll assembly line "No Award." Seems inocuous and rather neutral - until you remember that this really means that that student is particularly terrible at whatever he is not receiving an award for. Really? Maybe this is the root of our accountability crisis (uh, that's a whole can of worms in itself - don't get me started).

Lovin' this Little Face

2011-03-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Emeryck is such a happy baby. Every day I'm totally thrilled that with every glimpse of me he gets, he explodes into smiles and coos and ecstatic head bobs. Really - it's pretty darn flattering. To him - I am the world. I am beauty and comfort and love and hope. I am a happy tummy and a clean bottom. I am giggles and laughs and gurgles. I am all good things; I am his mother.

I mentioned this awe-inspiring feeling to Aunt Janet last week. "I'm pretty sure it was planned that way," she said - with a wry grin. "I mean think about it - a smile is basically the very first thing a baby learns to do - and pretty early, too. It's that smile that makes us believe all the hard work is worth it." True. The smile, yes. But it's all that genuine, gleeful, ecstatic emotion struggling to get out when he sees me that really melts my heart (and masks the smell of spit-up in my hair).

You've noticed that when a baby smiles at you you just can't help but give him a big grin right back. (This is why all the YouTube laughing baby videos are such a hit) And isn't it neat that we'll do the silliest, oddest, random things to try to elicit that smile? Gosh, babies are great. For lots of reasons - but for right now it's about how wonderful mine makes me feel (no matter how I smell).

Encouraging Eager Eaters

2011-03-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

Reagan literally eats everything. Mediterranean olives. Colcannon. Camembert. Roasted pear & prosciutto w/ mozzarella. Brussel sprouts and broccoli and asparagus. Granted, he's recently revealed his propensity for sweets in the form of marshmellows, pilfered licorice, forbidden cookies and, just yesterday, an entire package of chewing gum (sigh). He is three, after all.

This article by Sara Kate about not tricking your kids into eating well totally sums up how I feel about this subject. Yes - most of my (and her) success can be attributed to cold hard luck (Reagan has always been a blessedly lovely little man). But there's an important trained behavior element to it, too. Sara Kate mentions how important it is to introduce kids early to great foods, to make every new food an exciting event, and to let kids in on the action in the kitchen are all great ways to help them be eager eaters.

Reagan loves to cook - and eat what he cooks. A few weeks ago he helped me to knead bread (mind you - this was a novel event. I am not a bread-maker). So yesterday when I made soda bread he practically begged to help me make it. He makes scrambled eggs all on his own (well, except the cooking part - I draw the line there). He can make his own peanut butter sandwich - even if one half of the bread boasts a tremendous mound of peanut butter while the other is practically devoid of it. Al this he eats it whole-heartedly. He even asks for brussel sprouts and asparagus - but I think this is probably due entirely to Jordan's cooking methods - they're practically addictive (brussel sprouts, of all things!).

And in line with early exposure to great food - when Emeryck's time for solids comes, I'll be making it myself. For us, it just makes sense - it's obviously cheaper than buying manufactured tins of baby food and because I can cook and blend and freeze in large batches (thanks to perfect baby size ice cube trays), it's also more convenient. And of course, it means he gets to taste all our favorite things - like mozzarella and pasta alla norma and butternut squash and homemade applesauce - right off the bat. No goopy rice cereal for these boys; it's all about the good stuff.

I'm hoping our luck holds out and that we've inherited - and are nurturing - another eager eater. By the looks of things so far - Emeryck definitely falls into this category. He's 16 lbs 13 oz at 3 months. whew!

Quick Bits

2011-03-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

:: i can't live without: J & R & E

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Coke Zero (except when I'm trying to quit - which is frequently)

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: jeans, white shirt, chunky necklace, flats

:: am so glad my parents taught me: to work

:: a song i like to dance to is: i like that old time rock n' roll

:: i wish everyone knew about: Etsy

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: right now - somewhere in the caribbean without an internet connection

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: beef policy

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: One of Ours, Willa Cather

:: one of my pet peeves is: toe cleavage

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: watching an episode of -insert current Netflix instant TV show here (right now, it's Season 1 of Grey's Anatomy- before bed

:: i am trying to be better at: doing the dishes every day & getting rid of "stuff"

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: Chocolate Guiness Cake with Whiskey Caramel and Whipped Cream made it for our St. Patrick's day party yesterday. Sinfully delicious - ha!

One Line A Day...

2011-03-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

One line a day... sounds kind of like my monthly resolutions, right? Except, of course, that it pretty well blows the 30-day-requirement out of the water. One thousand eight hundred and twenty-five days (1825) is a lot to commit to. But just one line? Sounds - doable, if not reasonable.

I want. Even though "I'd like to have" is much more polite.

ps - an only-slightly-related note: this gal (with whom I pine to be friends - maybe our move to Vegas will facilitate that?) also loves it.

pps - gosh. why do i stay up so late? [she types at 2:16 am]

File This Under Best-Dressed

2011-03-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

I'm just gonna come out and say it: My ribbon bowties are happ'nin'. I mean really - they're pretty darn sweet. I've made (and Reagan's worn through) a bundle of them. But I've been thinking lately that I should upgrade him to a real tie - since you know, half of all Sundays he requests to wear one of Dad's (and there are only so many 5-Euro-mission-era-italian ties that can handle the awesomness of a three year old's escapades).

Tonight, I discovered Little Gentlemen on etsy. And yes, I bought this argyle tie. In two sizes - little boy and littler boy. And frankly, if it came in big boy, I would've bought that one too. Can't wait to see my boys in this uber-cute argyle.

Come on, Easter. I'm totally prepared.

Spring in the Window

2011-03-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

We're totally doing this tomorrow. Pretty flowers, here we come!

March Progress II

2011-03-13T00:56:00.000-08:00

March 9 -California drizzle has nothing on a hearty Washington downpour. I waited all day to see if it would let up. By 11pm, I couldn't wait any longer and it sure didn't take long to soak through my heavy-duty sweatshirt. No matter - the gush of rain as I lapped the neighborhood (again and again - staying close to home, you know - to avoid shark attacks) was so therapeutic after a long day indoors - even though my glasses were plastered and I pretty well could hardly see where I was going.

March 10 - Mom walked with me tonight. My mom! She and Dad drove down to see us and Grandma Kochel and it was so good to walk and catch up (about the weather at home, about all the babies being born, about my brother's dating escapades, about my sister's life plans, about the boys' funniness). It made me wish we lived closer together and we could have walking dates every day (or night, as the case may be).

March 11 - More airport walking. This time our gate was farther. And security was more trying. And Jordan was stuck in traffic so we waited for some time (in the balmy California evening air - no harm in that). We all get an extra round of bonus points for surviving.

March 12 - A mall walk. Victoria Gardens. It's our favorite mall (and much too tempting, frankly). I love that it's an outdoor mall - and that they play music from the bushes - generally old time crooners like Sinatra and Crosby.

March 13 - Late night again. Yes - I think it's a trend. 2 miles around the block. Plenty of time to think. I passed a man walking his dog - the dog had a blinking multi-colored light on his collar. I was only slightly apprehensive ('cause if you have a blinkig multi-colored dog light, you're a serious dog-walker, you know - not a shark).

March - 13 days strong.

Great-Grandma Kochel

2011-03-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

Reagan, Emeryck and I spent the week in Seattle visiting with Aunt Janet and Great-Grandma Kochel. These are some of my favorite women in the whole wide world and I'm so glad they get to know my sweet little boys.

Grandma grew up in Nova Scotia, walked 3 miles to elementary school, hitched a ride with the milk man to go to high school 12 miles away, earned the Citizenship award and saved the money for nursing school, worked in a factory inspecting ammunition during the war, attended nursing school in Boston and stayed to become the head obstetric nurse at Boston General.

Then, she traveled out west one summer with a couple she'd never met (friends of a friend) to visit a gal she knew from nursing school, set up as a nursing instructor at the hospital in The Dalles, dated and danced and dined, married Larry - a sweet railroad engineer, had two children - despite serious medical complications, and tamed the wild forests of British Columbia to carve out a cattle ranch. And these are only the big highlights - all before I came along. This woman is phenomenal.

I'm going to name one of my little girls for her - Georgia Helen. Or Helen Florence. Or something Helen, anything Helen. So she'll know what great women she has in her heritage. So she'll be as strong and brave and fun and daring and kind.

I love all the quirky little things about Grandma - like the way she swears (oh. good. lord.) And the stories she tells (when I was little, the big, black, beautiful bear was my favorite). And all the little tidbits of advice she's given over the years (80-10-10: spend 80% of your income, give 10% away and save 10%). And the nursery rhymes she used to teach me (hi-diddle-diddle, the cat in the fiddle). And even memories of her getting after us (though there aren't many).

Gosh, I love my grandmother.
And I'm so glad my little boys get to love her too.

March Progress

2011-03-09T11:37:00.001-08:00

March 5 - This walk was very late - and to avoid any chance of shark attack, I walked back and forth up and down the street in front of our house - 12 times.

March 6 - It was raining for this walk, but I love how clean and bright the world smells in the rain. It was late again, so just around the block 3 times (1 mile) tonight.

March 7 - Reagan, Emeryck and I flew to Seattle to visit Aunt Janet and Great-Grandma Kochel. The airport walking wasn't extensive, but carrying a baby, corralling a toddler and packing a suitcase and two car seats earns bonus points.

March 8 - Aunt Janet and I took the boys to the park to play; I walked home - and around the neighborhood several times. Grandma was out on her daily round-the-block tour with her dog, Chili; I ended up meeting them three times on my roundabouts. Every time I visit here, I end up believing bone-deep that I would love to live in the Pacific Northwest.

And there you have it - March resolution, eight days strong.

I Resolve: March

2011-03-04T22:55:00.001-08:00

My resolution for March is to walk. Remember - I'm only making resolutions one month at a time: January's resolution was to do the dishes every night before bed - and I made it! Febraury got a little away from me so I dubbed it "Maintenance" - to maintain the dishes-at-night quest (accomplished with great success, thank you) and to keep my head above water (mostly accomplished with acceptable degrees of success).

But March is about walking. Every day. Because I need to get out of the house and because I like to walk. Odd or no, it's taken a resolution to make it happen - but happening it is.

March 1 - I walked laps with the stroller around and around the playground while Reagan alternately scaled the jungle gym, ran with me and built sand castles.

March 2 - The boys and I walked to the village to drop off a package. Reagan got a stitch in his side, but still insisted we also visit "the big park" and - after so much walking, I pretty well had to drag him home.

March 3 - Jordan was at school all day and I couldn't get away so at 10pm, I walked 6 laps around our block (0.3 miles each lap) in the dark. I wore the loudest-slash-brightest shirt we have: BSU's Statue of Liberty tribute. And fyi - texting in the dark is ill-advised (but I had to check in at every lap - you know, just in case of shark attacks, etc.)

March 4 - We went to the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Safari Park for our family adventure today. Who knows how many miles we covered? Let's just call it an all-day-walk and be good.

And there you have it - March's resolution, four days strong.

{ gasp - choke - glurb }

2011-03-03T16:04:00.001-08:00

I don't like swimming in the ocean.

I don't like the waves. I particularly dislike the suck and pull and need for constant vigilance (en-garde!) and exceedingly high statistical propensity to be pulled under and scraped violently along the bottom.

I don't like the salt. I particularly dislike the taste and its lingering burn in mouth and nose along with the terribly-difficult-to-remove gritty film it leaves on the skin.

I don't like the sand. I particularly dislike its propensity for finding its way between suit and skin and in every crevice - ears, toes, eyes, mouth - blech.

Now - I do like the ocean. And its sound.

And its loveliness at sunset.

I just don't want to swim in it.

Chili - à la Moi

2011-02-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a chili person. I think it's the meat. Yes, despite my cattle ranch upbringing I'm not really a fan of red meat. Now, a perfectly grilled New York steak every so often, I'll agree to, but hamburger really isn't my thing.

But - it was cool and rainy the other day and I had some quinoa I wanted to try and had seen somewhere in my interwebs travel a recipe for quinoa chili. At 6:20pm I sat down to look for it, knowing it would be a) easy to find and b) super fast to make. Premise b may or may not have been true, but premise a was definitely flawed - I coudn't find it. At 6:35pm I did find a suitable recipe, but it called for all kinds of cooking/simmering/stewing time that I didn't have. Dinner had to be ready by 7pm.* So I decided to make up my own with what I had available.

As it turns out, it was not only uber fast to whip up, but it was frankly the best chili I've made yet. Not that I've made it all that often, but this one I'll certainly be making again. Let me just get this down so I don't forget, eh?

1-2 Tblsp olive oil
1 oninon, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. diced carrot
1 zucchini, diced
1 tblsp chili powder
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 can kidney beans, rinsed & drained
1 tblsp cumin
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 1/2 tsp basil

Heat oil in skillet. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and golden. Add carrot; sauté another 3-4 min or until al dente. Add zucchini and chili powder; sauté another 2-3 mins. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, oregano and basil. Stir and simmer 8-10 mins or until flavors are well blended. Serve with toppings like grated cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, diced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

*Yes, we eat dinner at 7pm. Call us late or call us European, but I just don't like to get dinner on the table any earlier unless it's some kind of extenuating circumstance (like a meeting or the desire for an extra-early bedtime). 7pm it is.

Be-tuz I Like It

2011-02-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

Reagan - what were you doing in the kitchen? "Um. Well... um. I was... I was not going to get into things."

Were you into the sugar? "Um. I will not get into the sugar." You were just in there eating it? Why?

"Um. Be-tuz I like it."

Tastes Like Siracusa

2011-02-10T20:26:00.001-08:00

Siracusa was my first post as a missionary in Sicily. I arrived in April during a week of rainstorms and I stayed through the warm weather of May and June and on into the searing heat of July and August. The smell of charred, roasting red peppers (a very distinct odor) became a signature scentof our daily street treks.
This pasta, with roasted red peppers as the highlight, tastes just like Siracusa.

* This second photo (even more appetizing, I know) is directly from Pioneer Woman's recipe/post.

High Fives All Around

2011-02-08T23:19:00.000-08:00

"Je ne suis pas parfaite, mais lorsque je me regarde dans le miroir, je vois une mère et il n'y a pas plus grand honneur."

I was just thinking something similar the other day: I am a good mother. I think we do too much "I should" and "she does" and not enough " good job, self" and "high five momma!" 'Cause you know, we are good mothers. And we shouldn't be afraid to admit it.

At Church Today -

2011-02-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

[in whispers]

"I want to bear my testimony."

Reagan. I think we need to practice some more.

We'll do it next time.

"No, I want to bear my testimony right now."

We'll do it next time.

"But I want to bear my testimony right now today."

Well, you need to practice some more. I'm not going to help you up there. So - tell me what you're going to say; let's practice.

"Heavenly Father loves me. I'm thankful for the prophet. And for my Primary teachers."

That's pretty good. Do it again.

I made him practice it three times in the pews and as soon as I gave the word, he took off for the podium. The bishop pulled out the step for him, he climbed up and, looking out over the vast congregation got a little nervous. For heaven's sakes - I was nervous! I stood at the steps - but on hindsight maybe I should have stood beside him even if I wasn't going to prompt him. I admit, a little close proximity love could have been in order.

He did stutter and mix up a few words, but in general did just fine and was so proud of himself. Of course, being up there with him also meant I said a few words. Mostly - I was just grateful to be his mum and to feel his faith and excitement for sharing how he feels and to know how much the Lord loves each of us - no matter where we are in life.

Tonight he said: "I did a good job bearing my testimony today. But it wasn't for you. It was for all those other people. So that they know my testimony."

Such a sweet soul. Gosh, I love 'im.

*he also makes his own scrambled eggs - see above.

One Thing at a Time

2011-02-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, I had a serious hormonal melt-down. Well, a series of them over the course of a day and a half. Now, I'm a pretty even keel; not much ruffles my feathers. Ever. But this, this - episode - was a nightmare. It took every ounce of will and patience and self-control I've stockpiled in 29 years to just to hold it together. I would repeat over and over "just one thing at a time, just one thing at a time, just one thing at a time."

It did pass (and I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't make a reappearance), but I'm still repeating that mantra: just one thing at a time, just one thing at a time.

In the last few days in particular, I feel - despite my lists of great intentions - that I can only choose one thing to accomplish each day. Dishes. Or laundry. Or the business inbox. Or grocery shopping. Or keeping legos off the floor. Or answering phone calls. Or making a nice dinner. But by no means can more than one thing be accomplished each day. (sigh)

Monday was the inbox. Tuesday was laundry. And, by default, Wednesday had to be dishes. Thursday was a family adventure to the Natural History Museum. Friday was a nap (thanks to a lovely husband who took the boys out). And today? Today's the day everything else has to be done. Just one thing at a time, eh? Here's hoping that's enough to keep the dam intact.

Vocabulary Lesson

2011-02-04T19:33:00.001-08:00

Don't bother looking it up. I'm the definition.
Huzzah. Find it here.

Best. Cookie. Ever.

2011-01-28T14:17:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Heath Bit Cookies
I'd show you a photo of the cookie itself but, you know,

they were eaten mighty quick.

Ours was a slightly modified version of the Better Homes and Garden's Peanut Butter-Oatmel Rounds recipe.

Simple and oh so yum.

3/4 c butter, softened
1/2 c peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking pwd
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 c flour
2 c rolled oats
1 1/2 c (or thereabouts) Heath bits

Beat butter and peanut butter until combined. Add sugar, brown sugar, bk pwd, and bk soda. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Mix in flour.

Stir in oats and Heath bits.

Drop rounded teaspoons on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in 375 degree oven about 10 mins (we did 12 mins) or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to wire rack and let cool.

(If you can hold out that long, that is.)

Things I Just Like

2011-01-27T21:54:00.000-08:00

Words.

Sun-dried sheets.

Books in stacks.

Lists.

Red. Turquoise. Grey.

Asian pears.

Gap long-sleeved tees.

Dangly earrings.

Blue ink Pilot G2 pens.

Broccoli & brussel sprouts.

Clean countertops.

Lists. Yes, twice.

Paint swatches.

Baby cheeks.

"Mom, I just love you."

Ribbit - Then and Now

2011-01-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

Emeryck is growing so fast. What Reagan wore at 3 months, he's wearing now at 6 weeks. I'm going to be opening the box of 'next size up' a lot faster than anticipated.

Day in the Life

2011-01-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

I was juss saying "huff! huff!" tuz I was having a hard time.

I said "huff! huff!" tuz it was my bref and I had to get my bref out.

Daddy gets all the smiles. I get the lip smacking. (hmpf)

swoon

2011-01-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

We're in the market for bookshelves and office furniture. It has to be functional - aka, hold a lot of books - but boy it would sure be nice if it was also crazy awesome (see above).

Now if only we could afford it (sigh).

*Crazy Awesome Library Shelving Here

I Resolve: January

2011-01-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

I skipped the 'year-long' resolutions bit this year. Instead, I'm aiming for monthly resolutions. This may or may not be more ambitious considering I'll have 12+ points to aim for instead of a select few, but the idea is that I really only have to focus on one at a time. And besides, I haven't exactly decided all I want to tackle, but I'm positively optimistic about the outcomes (so far).

January's resolution was to do the dishes every night before bed. Sometimes I really hate doing dishes. We don't have a dishwasher and our counterspace is abyssmally small (like 3 square feet). So even when there really aren't that many dishes to do, it looks like mountains because they're crammed into such a teeny surface area.

I resolved to do better. And to wake up to a clean kitchen.

The results so far (half-way in) is that I really like waking up to a clean kitchen. A lot. And of course I love the chaos-to-order transformation (this is also why I like doing laundry). But - and this is the astonishing part - I like the clean slate so much I've even started drying those clean dishes and putting them away immediately. (gasp) Until now, I've hated drying dishes - not so much for the chore itself but because of all the other things I could be doing instead while they drip-dried on the counter completely unassisted.

So there you have it. Half-way into the the first month's resolution and things are going well. I'm even wholly converted to the clean-slate kitchen before bed. woot woot

I'm Studying for the GRE

2011-01-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

The verbal section - I'm all over that. But the math?
Let's just say I'm liking this equation more and more.
Yes, even though I'm only barely following its logic. (sigh)

Parenting Dilemmas - Pshhhaw

2011-01-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

Stumbled across this burning debate today on a parenting site about what kind of bath mat to use; apparently the mother asking has a big problem with mold and mildew forming below the mat. All kinds of other parents chipped in - some swear by bleach, others chide the bleach-users, there are recommendations for which kinds of mats to use and lots of anecdotes about bathing together with babies. All this to say - really? Does this really need to be all that complicated? I fold a hand towel and lay it on the bottom of the tub. Wring it out and hang to dry and wash when I do the next load of laundry.

Really? Does parenting really need to be such a big deal? The best advice we've every gotten about parenting came from my grandmother: "This baby is coming to join your family. He's going to fit into your schedule. Not the other way around." This one gem has made all the difference. We have friends who've basically "written off the first ten years" of their kids' existence just assuming that they wouldn't be able to do anything for at least that long. We, on the other hand, spent four months in Europe this summer with a toddler and one on the way.

Really? Parenting is not that big of a deal. It's about balance and fitting that baby into your own routine and schedule. So parents - lighten up a little eh? And use a hand towel in the bath.

2010-12-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

Stranger in the grocery aisle: "What are you going to be when you grow up? A fireman?"

Reagan: "No." (outrage) "A daddy!"

Here's to the best man we know - Love you Daddy!

Tick Tock

2010-12-28T11:50:00.001-08:00

I'd like to wear a watch. I used to carry my phone as a watch. Then my fiancee got me a lovely watch for Christmas. Only problem - it was silver. And when a couple weeks later I started wearing a gold ring... I couldn't bring myself to wear both at the same time (sigh). But I'm on the prowl again, I just have to find a watch that won't clash with my gold rings.

This one seems to fit the bill. So pretty. And brown? Love it.
But then there's purple. Purple. Like this one. Also - this one is pretty cool. Love the contrast between the large face and the skinny band - so much character.
And I really love the face of this one - rose gold. But I'm not so sold on the white ceramic strap. Maybe if it were brown?
Or here's this one with the rose gold with stainless steel - very cool. Or, oooooo. All rose gold like this one, eh?
Now.... to decide. (sigh)

Overheard Today (Christmas Eve)

2010-12-24T17:14:00.000-08:00

I got to call Santa (pause) 2.0.2.9.0.7.

Hello, Santa? Where you at?

(gruff voice replies) Oh, hi. I'm going to one more girl's house and I will be there.

Oh, okay, good. What's dat girl's name?

Dat girl's name is Landry.

Oh, okay. I will see you then when it gets dark time.

Yep, but now it is still morning time.

Okay. See you later.

Bye crocodile.

Introducing...

2010-12-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Emeryck Lawrence Bradley

Born December 8th, 2010 at 10:37am

10 lbs, 23 inches

He came right on time; we had a great delivery and were home from the hospital the next afternoon. He's a good sleeper, a good eater and has such a sweet temperament. He never cries and only when desperate emits a short velociraptor-esque squawk - it's quite endearing, really. It's hard to believe he's already two weeks old!

Reagan is the perfect big brother and loves to cuddle and 'pet' Emeryck. He shares his blankie and brings him toys. He sets aside part of his cookies for 'Em-wick' and is constantly checking on him during naps (which sometimes are cut short by his big brotherly diligence - sigh).

We couldn't be more pleased with our two little boys. I just need to find something to call Emeryck that's not "little man." I've used it several times and Reagan perks up: "Yes, Mom?" since we've called him that since he was this size (or rather, about a pound and a half smaller, really). Maybe tiger, eh?

Grandma and Grandad Kochel have been here visiting; we blessed Emeryck on Sunday and had a big dinner with the Bradley family afterwards. It's been a full and busy couple of weeks and we're looking forward to a little slower pace in the next week or so as we celebrate Christmas with our little family of four. Four!

Merry Christmas all.

Goal:

2010-12-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

Play the piano rendition of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's 'Moonlight and Madness.'

Now that's a lofty goal. But oh so cool.

Classic Books, New Take

2010-12-01T20:46:00.001-08:00

Frankly, when you add Anthropologie and books, you can't get anything but amazing. Crazy amazing, even. I'm loving these new takes on old classics - Peter Pan, Anne of Green Gables, Robin Hood, The Secret Garden.

Underage Texting

2010-11-29T17:47:00.000-08:00

Eating Lunch.
"Oh!" Reaches into back pocket, pulls out imaginary phone.
"Issa text message from Jimmy. Here, tan you read it to me?"
Hands me the phone. "What does it say?" I ask.
"It says: I luv you forever. I'm at Kylie's birfday party."
"Oh? Great."
"Now tan you write a text back?"
"Uh, sure. What do I write?"
"You tan say: I am tumming to da party soon. Bye."
I press 'buttons' on my palm and hand it back to him.
"Tanks, Mom." Returns phone to back pocket.

We found snow!

2010-11-27T22:37:00.000-08:00

Well, a little bit of it anyway. And frankly, it's downright surreal that not more than 25 minutes from the house (and up one crazy steep windy road), there's snow. We had such a lovely refreshing afternoon playing in the cold; and we couldn't get enough of it.

Reagan was so excited to wear his gloves and tuque. I made him wear two of everything - shirts, pants, socks. "Why I have to wear two?" he kept asking. Of course he loved it - he's Canadian - and took to it like a native. It makes me sad he can't play out in the snow every day, but now that we know such a cool break is so close, we'll be making more frequent pilgrimages. "We will bring em-wick sometime," Reagan says. Indeed, we will.

@ 38 Weeks

2010-11-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

Only a few more days (12 - eek!) to go. And only a few projects left to finish. (sheesh). Claremont, backyard.

We Three at the Zoo

2010-11-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

Since this was likely to be our last big outing before us three become we four, we took advantage.

Baby Hippos

"He looks like my kitty."

We love the zoo. And we love that because of our annual passes, when what should have been an easy hour and a half drive down morphed into a crazy detour-laden three and a half hour off course adventure, it didn't totally and completely ruin the day. The two and a half hours at the zoo were still worth it.

The helicopter in the Polar Bear exhibit: highlight of the day

"Look at dat big guy!"

I've taken the plunge

2010-11-23T23:25:00.001-08:00

The plunge into cloth diapering, that is.

No, not the old-school kind my mum used to use (gosh, I still remember swishing these out in the toilet - so gross).

Instead - the new and improved, one-size all-in-one (that's a nod to you, dear - the easier, the better) fancy-shmancy baby pants.It's not so much an environmetal thing (though it's a nice perk). It's more of an economical thing. For the cost of about a 2-month supply of disposable diapers, we can have cloth diapers fit for 2+ years. Seems a hard deal to pass up.

And yes, I know it'll be more laundry - but there's always laundry to be done anyway, right? I think I can handle it. But either way - we're about to find out real soon-like.

Dear Mr. Postman -

2010-11-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Gosh, I love real mail. And I love to write letters. My favorite letters are written in my head to my grandmother. I wish more of those made it to her mailbox.

This year Reagan and I made (and sent - trust me, this is the commendable part) Happy Hallowe'en cards to my parents and siblings. I think we'll be making handprint turkey notes for Jordan's family next (since they're the Americans and will be much more inclined to appreciate an american holiday sentiment).

I have boxes of stashed letters from close friends - and real-paper printouts of email exchanges with others. I have stacks of journals too, but the time-to-pages ratio has severely diminished since I got married and took an even steeper nose-dive once Reagan came along. Maybe I'll make an effort to slow other things down so the writing can pick it. It's such a good wholesome thing to do - write real words on real paper in real ink.

Ok, I couldn't resist. More Icelandic Love

2010-11-15T23:00:00.000-08:00

Bearded caps! O. My. Goodness. Crazy. Funny. And just what a hometown/middle-of-nowhere farm gal like meself would appreciate. mwahahahaha.

Quintessentially Icelandic - wha?

2010-11-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

An Icelandic tie. Really. Wool from the country's finest (heartiest?) sheep. Gotta love.

via Cup o' Joe

Is the baby done yet?

2010-11-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

1 month, 1 week to due date. No dear, he's not done yet.

Nesting

2010-11-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Finally dones:

Recover lamp for boys' room: check

Finish orange apron: check

Pink towel kit: check

Wash baby clothes: check

Paper dresser drawers: check

Wash baby blankets: check

Devise/make bookends: check

Christmas quilt top: check

Matching Christmas pjs for the boys: check

Freeze meals: check

Yet to dos:

Make receiving blankets

Make car seat cover

Install car seat

Pack hospital bag

Make bassinette bedding

Diaper clutch/changing pad

Find changing pad/cover

Diapers

And so the countdown continues...

The Haunted House

2010-10-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

This was one of the most patience-required (on my part) activities we've undertaken recently. Think delicate cookie pieces and much much too much temptation for a little guy: candy! gummies! frosting! cookies! sprinkles! candy! frosting!

The haunted house kit was a birthday present. And he asked to make it every. single. day. of. October. I finally gave in the week of Hallowe'en and we were off to the races. What a splendid mess. Frosting smeared on the table and plenty on his face, crumbs in his hair and smooshed into the carpet. Sprinkles sprinkled generously every which way. And a serious sugar rush. Oh my.

Of course, his favorite part was probably the sneaking into the kitchen in the several days after we put it together to pilfer sweet treats to his heart's content.

Then again, you can't really fault the kid for a sweet tooth.

So I've been making Christmas lists...

2010-10-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, it's largely because I have this huge pre-Christmas deadline looming (ie:baby) and I want so much to have all holiday things done (or nearly) before then. So - Christmas cards are one item that feature prominently.

This is Option #1 and I'm totally in love with it.

Pros: It's perfectly cute, it does mention the new baby and due date, the photo seems perfect - "holiday cookies, anyone?" and I love those colors.

Cons: It doesn't have a photo of the baby. Until today I thought for sure we'd just wait until he came then get a sweet photo of he and Reagan and oop-la. Now I'm rethinking that strategy.

@ 34 Weeks

2010-10-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

Bank of America, back wall at sunset (hence the shadow).
The Village - Claremont, CA

Caramel Apples - check and check

2010-10-26T16:45:00.001-07:00

Making caramel apples proved to be both easier and trickier than I'd thought (it's my first time, you see). Reagan's favorite job was smashing the chocolate bars (no, I'm not surprised).

But apparently there's a bit of an art to rolling the caramel-oozing apple in the topping with just the right amount of force and speed to ensure a nice sticky coating without having the caramel ooze off the apple completely or having the topping refuse to stick (likely it just takes practice - and honestly, I wouldn't mind putting in the time - chuckle. I still have chocolate and candy apples to add to my repertoire).

Either way, this was such a fun afternoon and we can hardly summon the patience to wait until the apples cool and harden in the fridge. Wahoo.

Oh, Pumpkin

2010-10-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

"Less div our pumpkin a face."

He's been saying it every day since we brought the pumpkin home a week ago. And he's been pointing out pumpkins wherever we go; there are a lot.

So we finally got down to giving the pumpkin a face on Friday and Reagan was thrilled. Admittedly, he wasn't a huge fan of the mess (by that I mean I did all the work), but he's especially enthralled with the idea of the candle (ikes!)

This week we're going to make a haunted (gingerbread) house and sugar cookies and caramel apples. And we're going to a Hallowe'en party with other teeny ghoulish friends. Oh, I love this time of year!

The Bum Pocket Conundrum

2010-10-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Look Mom. I don't haf a front pocket.

oh?

No, I jus haf a bum pocket.

oh.

Look. And you haf a bum pocket.

oh?

Yeah. What do you put in bum pokets?

mmmm?

You put wallets.

oh?

I don't haf a wallet.

oh.

So. My bum pocket iss em-ty.

Um, Wow.

2010-10-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

This homemade car playmat is seriously uber cool. I think I'll be putting this in my 'need to make' list of projects (not that it isn't already ridiculously long, but... Oh. Maybe Christmas. No. No, not Christmas. There's alreayd too much happening between now and Christmas (like a baby). It'll wait.

via Homemade By Jill

Dinner Party

2010-10-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Grilled Porcini Marinated Rib-Eye Steak

Grilled Zucchini, Yellow Sqaush, Red Onion, Red Pepper

Creamy Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Grilled Brandied Peaches w/ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Yes, it was a success.

Rainy Sunday Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-10-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Motivated (and assisted) by: "Mommy tan I pleeeeese make choc-et chip tookies?"

@ 32 Weeks

2010-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Fall Planting in the backyard, Claremont.

Twin Boys

2010-10-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

My cousin Kayla just had twin boys so I whipped up these cute little onesies for them and put them in the mail this morning. Check and check.

**Ahem. By whipped up I mean stitched on the numbers. I did not make the onesies. I will not make onesies. But I'm happy to glam-'em-up just a tad. And yes, the 1 is upside down. But I bet you'd have never noticed if I hadn't said anything. Right?

@ 30 Weeks

2010-10-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

Family Photos - Henderson, NV
c/o Moirazing Photography

Hallowe'en?

2010-10-07T14:37:00.001-07:00

Easy-peasy to be a fancy M&M. The belly will fill it out nicely and even though I don't have white boots, I can improvise...

But then there's this:
Have to say - Jordan would be mighty sweet-lookin' in those short short shorts (ha!) It'd be worth it just for that.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

2010-10-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

What to do with unexpected broccoli on a chill rainy day like today? Soup, of course. This recipe is so easy. A hand blender makes it doubly so - just stick it in and puree in the pot.

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
8 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
ground black pepper to taste

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in medium sized stock pot, and saute onion and celery until tender. Add broccoli and broth, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Pour the soup into a blender and puree in batches until smooth; transfer to a clean pot. Or, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot.

3. In small saucepan, over medium-heat melt 3 tablespoons butter, stir in flour and add milk. Stir until thick and bubbly, and add to soup. Season with pepper and serve.

Reagan liked it topped with crackers. I like crusty bread on the side. I bet even a sprinkling of cheddar cheese would be nice. Mmmmmm. Hot soup and rain - gotta love it.

Reason #576

2010-10-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm. This morning - gingerbread cookies, cream cheese frosting and Starbucks Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate. Reason #576 to love Fall (or at least, fall-ish weather patterns).

Tonight - pumpkin cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, cammomile tea. Ahhhhh. I love Fall.

'Tuz I'm So Big

2010-10-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

1. PARTY
Invites.Treats.

More Treats.

Yet More Treats (but what's a party without treats, eh?)

2. BIRFDAY BOY
Reagan got calls all day long with birthday wishes.

Bubbles. He's a man of simple pleasures.

One. Two. Three. BLOW!

Mmmmm. Tup-takes.

3. FWENDS.

Kara & Jimmy came as a happy surprise - Reagan loved it.

Reagan's ladies (of advanced degrees).

Nana & Papa came to celebrate (and take photos!)

And, of all the gifts Reagan received (which were many - and all very exciting), this was our favorite. ha! Thanks, Nana. Spot on.

Birthday Go Karts

2010-10-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Nonna couldn't be here for the actual birthday party, so she came for the whole weekend beforehand instead. We played, we sewed, we go karted. Wa-hoooooooooo.

Remind Me:

2010-10-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

When the baby comes, I'll need help.

I found this list of 'helpful' things family and friends could do for a newborn household and found it oh-so-helpful - posted forever ago at Marvelous Kiddo. I think it'll facilitate dropping a few well-placed hints (grin).

1. Buy us toilet paper, milk and beautiful whole grain bread.

2. Buy us a new garbage can with a swing top lid.

3. Make us a big supper salad with feta cheese, black Kalamata olives, toasted almonds, organic green crispy things and a nice homemade dressing on the side. Drop it off and leave right away. Or, buy us frozen lasagna, garlic bread, a bag of salad, a big jug of juice, and maybe some cookies to have for dessert. Drop it off and leave right away.

4. Come over about 2 in the afternoon, hold the baby while I have a hot shower, put me to bed with the baby and then fold all the piles of laundry that have been dumped on the couch, beds or in the room corners. If there’s no laundry to fold yet, do some.

5. Come over at 10 a.m., make me eggs, toast and a 1/2 grapefruit. Clean my fridge and throw out everything you are in doubt about. Don’t ask me about anything; just use your best judgment.

6. Put a sign on my door saying “Dear Friends and Family, Mom and baby need extra rest right now. Please come back in 7 days but phone first. All donations of casserole dinners would be most welcome. Thank you for caring about this family.”

7. Come over in your work clothes and vacuum and dust my house and then leave quietly. It’s tiring for me to chat and have tea with visitors but it will renew my soul to get some rest knowing I will wake up to clean, organized space.

8. Take my older kids for a really fun-filled afternoon to a park, zoo or Science World and feed them healthy food.

9. Come over and give my husband a two hour break so he can go to a coffee shop, pub, hockey rink or some other r & r that will delight him. Fold more laundry.

10. Make me a giant pot of vegetable soup and clean the kitchen completely afterwards. Take a big garbage bag and empty every trash basket in the house and reline with fresh bags.

whew!

@ 28 Weeks

2010-10-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

Reagan's 3rd Birthday Party. Our backyard, Claremont CA

Contenders

2010-09-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Gavin . Emryck . Theodore . Dawson . Hudson . Kieran

... and Seamus for good measure.

(even though he's been vetoed considering the most prominent mental picture of the name involves a burly over-sized scraggly-bearded red-haired wolf-hound-owning man pint-in-hand whilst walking the moors.)

Yes, like this - but more Irish and less Seventies.

@ 26 Weeks

2010-09-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Oceanside Pier, California

@ 24 Weeks

2010-08-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Copley House. Cork, Ireland

Things I Wish I'd Known...

2010-08-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

OneBag.com - dedicated to helping make every traveller a light traveller - with only one bag (now wouldn't that have been handy to know about 3 months ago!)

Skiptomylou.com has an online recipe making template. Cute illustrations, just enter the info and presto - you can print your recipe (no chicken scratch in sight) and you've got uniform, neatly typed recipes for Grandma's Jello Salad, etc. My (growing) recipe collection and need (slash craving) for organization thank me.

Only problem is... these ideas are good (and oh so appealing), but it's just that many more things to add to my to-do list (sheesh).

Fresh, Creamery Butter

2010-08-17T10:12:00.001-07:00

Every time I see this:
I think of this:
You remember that scene, right? She's an advertising exec, he comes in for an audition with that rich, sultry voice of his - "Rich, creamery butter. Is there anything more delicious?" Oh, it's lovely.

@ 22 Weeks

2010-08-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Blarney Castle, Co. Cork, Ireland

Baby Books

2010-08-11T02:14:00.001-07:00

What can I say? It's on the mind. The one I really want is this one from Binth:

Those colors! The illustrations! Just dreamy. But at $95.00, it's a big chunk of my not-so-substantial nursery budget.

I could go for this one - The First 1000 Days and its sweet sketch-like illustrations. At $12.95, it's a steal.

Know what else I love? The Once-A-Year books by Laikonik. Oh fabulous. And definitely a pace I can handle - just once a year, right? Reagan's young enough I could still start one for him without missing anything *gasp* and still have a lovely 18 yr keepsake.

I'll have to save my pennies for this though, $79.00 shipping from Australia isn't quite a spur-of-the-moment kind of purchase (leastways not for me and my still-not-so-significant nursery budget).

I suppose I have time - and still a few more slots of Reagan's baby book to fill - before the little one arrives. We'll see how much I can squirrell away before the big day -ha!

I'm Craving...

2010-08-09T05:18:00.001-07:00

See the trend? I can't seem to get enough of potatoes. (Good thing we're in Ireland, eh?)

Pet Peeve

2010-08-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

Toe cleavage (but don't mind the already non-existence of my ankles... apparently I haven't escaped the swollen feet of pregnancy - sigh). And, despite the cleavage, these shoes are comfortable and easy to walk in, so I suppose I can deal.

Story of the Hour

2010-07-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

Reagan: Rachelle, read me da goldilocks story.
Rachelle: Oh, I'm not sure I knowthat one.

Reagan: It goes- "Onceuponatimederwasawiddlegirl anhernamewasgoldilocks." Now say it.

When the Cat's Away...

2010-07-29T02:53:00.000-07:00

We make robots out of tinfoil and paper bags.

And then we chase 'da bad duys!'

Moments in Canadian History

2010-07-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

1867: Almost a century after America declares its independence from Great Britain through the bloody crucible of revolution, Canada declares its sovereignty after filling out the necessary paperwork.

Crib Notes on Canada, From a Canadian - New York Times, Feb 12, 2010

Ireland (so far) in Snapshots

2010-07-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Just in case it's a Boy...

2010-07-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, I love the colors. And it's so hard to find really cute boy-esque things. But what really gets me is this fabric - the typography, the patterns, the colors - it's a mishmash of loveliness.

To Do: Car Seat Cover

2010-07-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

Cluck Cluck Sew has a great tutorial for an adorable - very very quick - car seat cover.

For why? For chilly winter days (though I doubt there'll be all that many in sunny southern California). For it's crazy cute-ness (a-plenty). And for keeping strangers and grubby hands away (humph).

Nested Interests

Reagan on the Scriptures:

Hello Homework...

Kids Live Here

Scrafs 101

Ode on Completed Assignments

Priorities: Sifting, Shuffling, Sustaining

Delicious Autumn

Help Wanted, Apply Within

Line Dried

Custom Photo Notebooks

Ours is a Pretty Darn Good Story

FYI: Paperwork

The Not-Cake Discovery

Sponge Bath

To Recap

To Whom It May Concern

I Resolve: May

Trying My Hand at.... Embroidery

Birth Announcements - check and check

Serious Like

I Resolve: April

On Travel

Things I've Been Thinking Hard About Lately

I Resolve: On Dropping the Ball

Lovin' this Little Face

Encouraging Eager Eaters

Quick Bits

One Line A Day...

File This Under Best-Dressed

Spring in the Window

March Progress II

Great-Grandma Kochel

March Progress

I Resolve: March

{ gasp - choke - glurb }

Chili - à la Moi

Be-tuz I Like It

Tastes Like Siracusa

High Fives All Around

At Church Today -

One Thing at a Time

Vocabulary Lesson

Best. Cookie. Ever.

Things I Just Like

Ribbit - Then and Now

Day in the Life

*swoon*

I Resolve: January

I'm Studying for the GRE

Parenting Dilemmas - Pshhhaw

Tick Tock

Overheard Today (Christmas Eve)

Introducing...

Goal:

Classic Books, New Take

Underage Texting

We found snow!

@ 38 Weeks

We Three at the Zoo

I've taken the plunge

Dear Mr. Postman -

Ok, I couldn't resist. More Icelandic Love

Quintessentially Icelandic - wha?

Is the baby done yet?

Nesting

The Haunted House

So I've been making Christmas lists...

@ 34 Weeks

Caramel Apples - check and check

Oh, Pumpkin

The Bum Pocket Conundrum

Um, Wow.

Dinner Party

Rainy Sunday Chocolate Chip Cookies

@ 32 Weeks

Twin Boys

@ 30 Weeks

Hallowe'en?

Cream of Broccoli Soup

swoon