I am a sometimes-writer, everyday mama, creative failure and experimental cook. I am interested in living a beautiful life, spending time with my family and making things that I can feel proud of. When I'm by myself I'm usually outside. Don't bother calling because chances are that I didn't bring my cell phone because I couldn't find it. If you see me walking, it's because I lost my keys and if you see me with only one child... I'm probably in big trouble.
I am so excited! Our tickets are all booked for our Christmas journey out to Denver. Originally we were going to drive, but the plane tickets were no more expensive than the drive would be and it's the difference of traveling for 24 hours and traveling for about 4 hours. I'll take it!
Our original plan was to stay in Denver for a very short time, arriving on December 24th and leaving on the 26th. But this morning my Dad surprised me and told me that he and my mom are going to head out to Denver as well! For this reason we're going to extend our trip to the 29th. That way we can all take the girls out to together and see some of the old places that we used to go and the house that I grew up in. They are even going to take us all out to dinner to my favorite restaurant, The Briarwood Inn. My dad also offered to take the kids overnight at their hotel for one night so that Jay and I can enjoy a grownup night out with friends!
This is going to be the best Christmas ever! I am so excited!
I love Denver so much. I haven't been there with my parents since we all moved away. I can't wait to show the girls around. I can't wait for them to spend time with my friends and experience the people who pretty much make my world spin!
We are going to keep the fact that my parents will be there a secret. They're going to be shocked to see them!
Once, I spent the 4th of July in England and it was kind of surreal not to have a nationwide waft of charred hot dogs riding the breeze from coast to coast. They did, however, have a parade (or maybe a protest?) on the streets of Oxford that day and I specifically remember that there was more than one person holding up a picture of George W. with a big "X" across his face. And it was around this time that I got a real understanding of why I should start telling people that I was Canadian.
But enough of this anti-patriotic post on such a patriotic day. Go, Go America! Let's here it for the boy! Let's shoot our fireworks into the sky, drink our cold beer out of cans and eat a few million ears of corn on the cob. Let's do this with our friends because we are free to do so and I like that about us!
I have been scrambling to do my normal housework while taking care of kids and doing a little bit of food prep too. Jay hasn't had a day off and on the days that he works he basically works and sleeps and that's it. Also, Dancer has been giving me a run for my money. Yesterday he and Groovy-James took off at the same time. It was a nightmare. I will have to take some extra precautions to be sure that they don't get out today.
So, on the flip side, Dancer woke me up in the middle of the night barking like crazy and he probably saved me from a really awful morning. Our front door was wide open. All pets but Sherbert (who I am not too worried about) and both children are safe and sound, but I am grateful to him. Can you imagine what a mess I'd be today if I woke up to find all of my pets and Dancer MIA and the front door wide open?
I hope that everyone enjoys their day in good company! Happiness around!
We haven't had any parties or done much socially since we moved to California. Truth be told, I think our family has just been exhausted. I mean, in the past year we've lived in three different homes in three different states and our move to California happened quickly, was stressful and because of school, we didn't have time to catch our breath and settle in. I can barely believe that we moved here almost six month ago.
But in the past six months two of Jay's good friends have gotten jobs with him at Twitter and have moved to California with their families. So, instead of making new friends, I am pretty certain that my husband is just hellbent on moving all of his old friends here.
We have decided to host a 4th of July bbq. There's little more that I love than planning a party- specifically the food for a party. There will be a couple of people here who are vegan, so I am excited about the challenge of offering lots of great vegan options as well as a schmorgesborg for the carnivores.
Here's what we're making!
vegan nachos with vegan cheese (that my friend Amber taught me to make) and all the fix in's.
veggies and humus and dip
marinated portabella mushroom burgers
veggie burgers
hot dogs
hamburgers
vegan pasta salad
baked bean casserole (covered in bacon and hot sauce)
fruit skewers
a porcupine watermelon
and maybe some cupcakes and cookies!
And then I think that I'm going to do these little limecello sorbet cups, both red and white sangria and beer!
There are fireworks that happen around a mile from our house and we think that we might be able to see them from the backyard! I really hope so.
You know, I seriously love holidays. I am just made so happy by celebrations and parties. They really light a fire in me!
I'm not going to lie, I was bracing for the worst Mother's Day ever.
The problem with me is that I value holidays in the exact same way 5 year old children do. My parents were always extra celebratory, making a huge deal of every holiday, which is probably why I am this way. Last year we didn't see fireworks of the forth of July and I carried an 80 lb. weight around in my heart for months. I likely didn't recover until Thanksgiving. Generally, I like to celebrate everything. Memorial Day gets a BBQ. The 4th of July gets fireworks. A birthday is never a birthday without a cake and presents (and maybe a tiara, the times they are a changing'). Thanksgiving needs a feast and a turkey. Christmas means endless gifts, cookies, carrots, a tree, and peppermint everything! Halloween has to have tons of candy, spiderwebs, creepy crawlies, witches and homemade costumes and East wouldn't be Easter without baskets and bunnies. And I promise you that the calendar would not change without a fancy dinner, horns, a ball drop and alcohol on New Years Eve. My point: holidays are a really big deal to me.
This year my husband is working the night shift, 7 pm to 7 am and this was a week when he was schedule to work both Saturday night and Sunday night. So, he got home from work, slept and got back up and went directly back into work. We decided to celebrate Mother's Day on his next day off, which is Wednesday.
Even though I completely understand this in my brain, my selfish and adolescent heart was tantruming for days as Mother's Day approached.
I don't really even know why!
I have a wonderful family! My children are loving (maybe not today... see my previous post) and in my heart I know that my husband and children love and appreciate me every day. An arbitrary date in May has no bearing on their respect for me. We have plans to go shopping on Wednesday and buy everything it takes to create my dream yard-- So, why did I feel so wounded?
I really can't answer that.
What I can tell you is that my husband gave me the best gift that I've gotten in years. On Mother's Day morning he gave me a nice, dutiful card and a mixed cd. He hasn't given me a mixed cd since we were dating. All 20 songs are purposeful. Some are theme songs to tv shows that we watch. Some he wrote about me, way back in the day. One was our wedding song. Some I can remember listening to together in those early years. And some are clearly reflective of our lives now. I was sincerely really touched by this gift and it turned my whole day around. I realized that I'd rather have this mixed cd than any other present in the world. There is no dream backyard and no piece of jewelry or gadget that I would want more. (I am a super cheap date.)
Here's one of the songs! I've never heard it before but I can't stop listening to it!
This really changed my day around. I relaxed with the girls and we made and decorated a cake together. Then I made a big dinner for them and curled up in bed with a horrible book that I'm unable to stop reading.
Unfortunately, some of these pictures are weird sizes and I'm too tired to fix them now! I had to download a few of them from Jay's facebook page and they saved in a weird size. But, you get the picture!!!!
A few Gifts!
These are handmade in Philadelphia from reclaimed sweater material and stuffed with bamboo. I had a difficult time deciding which one to go with, but finally took home the monkey.
Also, we grabbed two of Starlights as well! Bun has been very into her room lately and these are a great, colorful addition!
On Bunny's actual birthday we had a little cake for her and she opened her gifts!
This morning we woke up, had breakfast and headed to New York City. Our initial plan was to picnic in Central Park after going on a spree at the American Girl Store, but the weather thought differently. We were really fortunate to get a reservation at the American Girl Cafe and though I initially scoffed at the prices, I have to admit that I left impressed. The experience was wonderful!!!!!
They had a little box of questions sitting on the table and Bunny wowed me with her reading ability and comprehension!
Also, the food was delish!
And then we went to see the Imagination Movers. Thanks to my bestie Siet, the Movers left an autographed poster at will-call for Bunny that said, "Happy Birthday Bunny. Think Big!" And included all of their signatures! Bunny went nuts for it!
And Finally, we came home and Bunny was able to put on her pj's and match them with her new American Girl Doll Lisa.
This was such a fun birthday. Bunny says that it was way better than a party and I have to agree 100%. This year we were all really able to celebrate. There was no stress or running around. Just lots of fun and love.
Again, I just haven't been feeling so inspired lately. I haven't been knitting or writing and the only cooking that I've been doing is obligatory.
I had a WONDERFUL Valentines Day though. The day before, our family met another family from the school at the zoo and had a really nice time there. Then, the girls and I made heart shaped rice krispy treats to take to school the following day and prepared the potted succulents that they chose for their teachers. They woke up to Valentines Day breakfast on heart plates and bowls that I bought to surprise them and their valentines were on the table. I sent them off to school with their treats and bundles of valentines. When I got to work there was a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting for me. Even one of my coworkers gave me chocolates. Then, when I got home I made a heart shaped chicken pot pie and homemade bread. Delicious.
These aren't necessarily resolutions as much as they are things I'd like to see happen or change and that are completely within my power. Last year felt very out of control for me. This year I'd like to take control of my life and live and enjoy it.
1.) Get off and stay off of flour and sugar.
2.) Stop adding salt to my food and cook using less of it.
3.) Accept my body as it is (I've made great strides here in the past year... but I'm not totally there yet).
4.) Care less what people think of me.
5.) Spend more time with my family.
6.) Live more naturally. Be more careful about the food I eat, body care and cleaning products.
7.) Move out of the city and to a place that feels safe. Create a home there.
8.) Have more date nights with my husband.
9.) Be more patient with my husband and children. Stop stressing the small stuff. Leave the dishes in the sink overnight. Leave the bed unmade (well, maybe not the bed... but you catch my drift).
10) Stop spending money on lunch at Whole Foods. Bring it.
11.) Find a sincere way to compliment my children every day.
12.) Knit like crazy.
13.) Start painting again.
14.) Drink less wine and more water
15.) Continue to be careful about the company I keep. Remember that it's better to have fewer friends who you can trust than to have many people in your life who don't value or respect you.
16.) Walk at least 3 miles a day, five days a week.
17.) Write at least one blog entry each day. If I don't have anything to write about I can always post a picture.
18.) Remember to say please and thank you... even to people who are familiar and who I forgot to speak politely to.
Normally this post would be about the inspirational year that we had. I'd reminisce about the good times and talk about the lessons that I learned and the people who touched and motivated me. I'd look fondly back on my year and celebrate it. This post will not follow that formula. I will further resist the temptation to list an inventory of our 2010 misfortune because I'm really ready to put it all behind me.
Not to start the day out on a sour note, but I have never, ever, ever, ever been so pleased to bid adieu to a calendar year before! I remember last year when Jay was in Philadelphia and I was in Florida visiting my parents for the holiday. I told everyone who would listen to me talk that our separation was surely a bad omen for the year to come. And because 2010 sucked one mighty large lemon, I have become a superstitious woman.
Of course, this isn't negative. This is GREAT! One day to go. One day, and I am at the end of a terrible chapter in an otherwise good book. But because the year has sucked so badly it only makes sense that on the last day I'd wake up to find Sidney poop on my kitchen floor and pee on my couch and a broken tv (not really broken. Just broken in a way that only jayholler knows how to undo). Fully, I anticipate being robbed at work today and then getting hit by a car on the way home...
But not fatally...
Because I have a good feeling about 2011!!!!!! Something tells me that the year to come is going to be fantastic!
Today after work we are all bundling up and heading over to The Battleship New Jersey to watch the early fireworks show from on board. The girls are super excited to see our friends MJ and their family and everyone loves fireworks! Then, MJ are coming over with the kids to play apples to apples and ring in the New Year.
As far as resolutions go, I'm not sure that I have any true resolutions yet. I know that I'd like to adjust my diet and reduce my carbs again. I just feel so much better when I don't eat any flour or sugar. Both make me sluggish and bloated.
Also, I'd like to blog each day. Whether that be in this blog or in my Little Shop of Hollers blog, I'd really like to put something up each day.
I want to move out of the city.
And be really wonderful to my husband and children.
I want to knit regularly for BGES.
I'll think about my resolutions more today so that they are a little bit more insightful and meaty tomorrow!
Oh, and everyone, HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy your families and your friends and your food and the very air you breathe. Love a lot! Scream loudly at midnight and kiss the person next to you! Hug everyone in sight. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As much as I love Christmas, I am so glad that it doesn't happen more than once every year. I am EXHAUSTED! As we were leaving our house yesterday and closing the door on a living room scattered with open toys, tiny plastic pieces, gift bags and unopened goodies... I realized that I am the sort of person who does not like to host Christmas at my house. I like to leave. I was so relaxed yesterday, which is a huge difference from the me you'll find on a day when we host the holiday. I didn't have to worry about clutter or cleaning up. I just fancied up myself and my children, fixed Lila's new Bump-It onto her head (which held up shockingly well all day), and closed the door!
Here are some pictures of the before and after's of our Christmas gifting!
And then, the after...
All Fancy
Clearly Bunny is a movie star in that red lipstick of mine.
Unfortunately I don't have any pictures from my day at J's. I wish that I did. I always forget... It's a shame too. I could have taken them with my new iphone housed in it's new case.
Monday, December 20, 2010
I love this time of year! I can't believe that Christmas is less than a week away! All of our shopping is done. All of our gifts are wrapped. I have granola to make all week and cute little boxes to put it in!
This week should be very busy at work, so I expect for the hours to really blow past while I'm there. Yesterday went by really quickly.
After the holidays I get my own BGES email that I can use to contact companies. T has had me doing a little bit of the buying here and there and he says that he's going to teach me everything about the store. He's put me in charge of contacting the company for the Orbit Baby Stroller and ordering them for our store. Now I've been doing all of the mail orders (both phone and internet), the purchasing and receiving vouchers, merchandising and the store newsletter. I'm excited to learn more so that I can apply it to my own little business someday.
Things are good. I'm feeling settled in. I wish that our house was a little bit more festive for the holiday... but we didn't take any Christmas decorations with us when we moved and it seemed like a waste to go out and buy a house full of decoration when we could be using the money in so many other ways. That said, we have the necessities. We have a little tree, stockings, Charlie and a little Santa.
By the way, this year I'm cutting corners. I'm giving Santa those instant cookies from a mix and the reindeer are getting baby carrots. I work on Christmas Eve and have lots to do that night. I'm making jalapeno poppers, 7 layer dip, a meat and cheese tray, a veggie plate, a lemon meringue pie, a banana split pie, a cheesecake and peanut butter cups when I get home from work. At noon the following day CK, the girls, Jay and I are heading to JD's for Christmas... which is something that she and I used to dream of when we were young. Long friendships warm my heart. This is particularly true because my family is so far away.
I have worked my first retail black Friday and it was great. Business was good, but not overwhelming.
Also, I got my paycheck, which was my biggest yet. On top of the paycheck there were $50 extra in cash.
After work, we went out to the the Percy Street BBQ (which was only so-so) and then Jay ran home with the girls and I did my own Black Friday shopping at Target.
I know that all of the plastic crap is... well, crap. That said, I have a five and six year old and they don't care that it's crap. They just know that they desperately want Santa to bring it. And even though we all know that Santa likely makes all of his toys from non-toxic wood grown on his own farm, bamboo and bpa free recyclable plastic, this doesn't prevent my children from begging for the Monster High dolls, Furr Real puppy or Baby Alive. Whattareyougonnado?
So, here are a few of the most begged for Christmas Items in our home this year. None of them are practical or educationally based.
1.) The Real Construction kit. Which we went all out and got the separate tools, screws and extra "wood," (I have been avoiding trying to find out what this wood is actually made out of because Bunny would seriously be heartbroken if she didn't wake up to this. It's the only thing that she's asked for. Unless you count a turtle. she also keeps asking for a turtle.)
2.) Barbie, I Can Be a Bride, which needs no further introduction. Barbie, Ken, Bridesmaid, flower girl A six year old's dream, basically!
3) The Furreal dog that we are pretty sure no one is ever going to play with but that everyone is dying to have. Only ONE child got this, though. They will have to share.
4.) Blythe's Littlest Petshop, which Lila likely only wants because the commercial makes it sound like they're saying, "Li-la's littlest pet shop."
but I'm tired of making links! Think Olivia and Rapunzel.
So, about half of my shopping for the girls is done. I'll finish when I get paid again on the 10th. I'll also do my teacher and coworker shopping done that day. I'm going to make lots of granola and got cute little Holiday inspired Chinese Food containers to gift it in. Jay adamantly does not want a gift this year. We'll see. On one hand I think that I could get him something great, particularly because my money really stretched at Target last night. But, if I get him something and he doesn't get me anything (like we planned) I'll be the only one without a present. This has happened to me before. Everyone's stockings are stuffed. And everyone else has something to open. But I have nothing. And though realistically we agreed on this and I am springing an unexpected gift on my husband so I should be okay with nothing of my own... it really makes me sad when it happens. Like, it ruins my whole day.
Everything (especially the poppers and the sangria) were delicious. Our company was good. Everyone was happy and laughing...
I meant to take lots of pictures of the food I made as it came out. But, of course, I forgot everything past the jalapeno poppers (which are featured to the left) so here's what was consumed! Poppers, artichoke dip and chips and meat and cheese plate. Turkey, gravy (which wasn't very good. It's always hit or miss with me), stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, turnips, peas, corn and hot buns with butter. For dessert we had cheesecake (which, much to my pleasure, Jack made a big deal about) with strawberries.
Now, in a few minutes I need to hop into the shower because J will be here to babysit until 1:30. Today is the first black friday that I am working in retail EVER. Last year I shopped it. This year I'll work it. But, it's also a payday for me, so hopefully I'll shop it after five too!
Okay, so our plans to actually attend the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia turned into watching it on tv. It's just... cold... and early.
I'm on track to a great Thanksgiving dinner! My appetizers (other than the chopping that makes the cheese and meat plate) are prepped. I predict that my jalapeno poppers are going to be incredible. Even my cheesecake is made! In a bit, I'll chop the strawberries to serve on top.
By the way, I am not making a pumpkin pie and I feel like I'm robbing my family of some great Thanksgiving tradition. I decided not to do it because no one ever eats the pumpkin pie. Then, last night, I had this awful feeling that something was missing. And I realized it's the pumpkin pie. I might try to pick one up somewhere...
So, now I need to make my sangria, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas and turnips. Yum...
I hope that everyone out there is enjoying their feast, friends and family today.
We're going to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday morning. It's going to be cold and miserable, so it's a miracle that we're all looking so forward to it! I feel like a Thanksgiving Day parade doesn't count unless you can see your own breath.
Of all the things that I am thankful for this year, here are my top 10 (in no particular order)!
1.) My family. Our health. Our ability to stick together through the tough times.
2.) My husband, who loves me even when I'm unbearably grouchy, dramatic and disorganized.
3.) Moe, the exterminator, who saw us through to the bitter end!
4.) The neurology department of Jefferson Hospital, who diagnosed Jay's transverse Myelitis, treated him and took care of him for the week- all the while being totally reassuring that he'd live and somewhat reassuring that he'd walk again.
5.) Holistic Family Healthcare, who have completely changed the way I feel about myself, food, my body and my health.
6.) The fact that I never have to torture myself with theories about Lost again.
7.) Our Elementary School. For any complaints I have, I do know that my children are getting a superior education that far exceeds the standards of the Philadelphia public schools and we are fortunate to be a part of the ICS community.
8.) Big Green Earth Store, especially Larry, who was encouraging about giving me a job when no one else was nice about the fact that I'd been a stay at home mom for so long and had practically no work history.
9.) For every stranger who has smiled at me on the street, held a door, given my children a compliment or extended a gesture that made me feel part of a community.
10.) many, many, many, many thanks to all of my friends and family who have been there for Jay and I during our tough times this year. Mostly, thanks to my parents who have been there for us every step of the way, Jay's parents and family, the friends who call and ask how I am and comforted me when I cried or agreed to let my children and I come and live with them if we couldn't get rid of the bb's. Thanks to my friends who sent me pick-me-ups and gifts. My friend Julia, who sent my children toys when they had none. My friend Jack, who brought my children bags of toys one night like he was Santa Claus. My friend Ginger who sent me a gigantic care package that I never expected! She's one heck of a baker, that one. My friend Victoria who forgives me for completely ignoring every wonderful thing that she's feeling during her pregnancy because I've been so self absorbed. And who loves me and my family and cared for my children even though she was probably scared that they'd be contaminated with bed bugs. And showered them with gifts! And for the month that we lived with no furniture but a few new mattresses and a card table... the card table was actually hers! My friend Erika, who made the most beautiful gifts for Lila's birthday and my friend Megan, who sent the girls arts and crafts and helped me replenish my kitchen with loving bake ware! She scarified her crock pot to the US mail system and it died a noble death, returning to her in a million pieces! (and if I'm forgetting anyone here, please forgive me. I'm still on my first cup of coffee)!
On Thanksgiving I'm following this recipe to make a pitcher of the sweet stuff! I'm omitting the sugar and the cherries however and substituting halved grapes and apples!
I've never used Brandy in a Sangria recipe before!
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate
1/3 cup orange juice
1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine
1/2 cup triple sec
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lime, sliced into rounds
1/4 cup white sugar (optional)
8 maraschino cherries
2 cups carbonated water (optional)
Directions
In a large pitcher or bowl, mix together the brandy, lemon juice, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, red wine, triple sec, and sugar. Float slices of lemon, orange and lime, and maraschino cherries in the mixture. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor. For a fizzy sangria, add club soda just before serving.
We're not going anywhere for Thanksgiving this year.
I'll miss seeing the friends and family who we usually feast with on Thanksgiving, but have to admit that staying home is a relief. The following day starts a four week span of total on-the-go insanity for me. I'll be working 6 days a week and the day that I have off (Saturday) Jay will usually work.
I'll be going into work an hour earlier, which means that I'll be opening the store at 9. Jay is going to work the midshift so that he can take the girls to school each morning before going to work. He won't be out until six, but at least we'll still all be able to have an hour or so together before bedtime. While he takes the girls to school, I can tidy up the house and grab a quick shower before leaving.
So, on Thanksgiving this year, we're just hanging out together and maybe putting up our Christmas tree and doing a little winter decorating... and RESTING. I want to watch movies and cuddle up with my girls.
So, my menu is simple and stress free:
Apps: meat and cheese plate, artichoke dip and chips and the jalapeno popper recipe that my friend Kim posted to her blog.
Dessert: cheesecake and the Turkey shaped cookies that my children keep seeing on Noggin and are dying to make!
And that's it. Simple. Delicious. Uncomplicated.
Also, I think that I"ll make a pitcher of Sangria. I know that it doesn't necessarily meet a Thanksgiving theme, but... Sangria goes with pretty much everything.
We're not going crazy on teacher gifts this holiday season. I'm trying to think of creative, fun gifts that aren't going to break our budget. One thing that I know I'd like to grab is the stapless stapler. They're totally adorable and completely functional, and let's face it... who doesn't need a stapless stapler?!? I feel that this invention is every teachers dream! I think that paired with a Klean Kanteen I could be on to a perfect gift!
