Toddler Dress

Just finished my burda pattern! The toddler dress turned out very well, as it was a very basic pattern. Our sewing group meets tomorrow, so maybe I'll crank out something else soon!

Sunglasses are Cool.

He loves his sunglasses.

In Stitches

This lovely bracelet is courtesy of the hospital where I got stitches last night. Yes, I get an A+ in stupidity as I accidentally kicked in a window pane from our side door and glass flew all over, but mostly into my leg. I will spare you photos of the stitches, mostly since they make me want to pass out and/or vomit. I'm so irritated with myself. Here's to hoping for a accident-free day.

Beautiful Cakes

Look at these beautiful cakes! This baby cake was for Jana's shower for Skylar. Take a look at the roses lining the cake stand & those hand folded napkins! The farm cupcakes are from McHaney's birthday party. How cute. And then check out the one below from Martha! They all have such simple beauty, I had to share!

CSA Goodies & Eggplant Recipe

This week, we got Banana Pepper, Squash, Cucumber, Cabbage, Egplant, Tomato, Cherry Tomato, Cantelope, Corn, Potato, Beets from the CSA. I haven't been able to figure out a tasty way to prepare beets or radishes. Any ideas?

have RAVE reviews for a few things from the CSA Bushel. Eggplant & Tomato Saute with Lemon Rice was delicious. I went with a variation of the recipes below, based on the ingredients I had.

Where are all the blogger friends doing the CSA? I know there are lots of you, since you told me so! What are you guys cooking?

EGGPLANT & TOMATO SAUTE
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chopped red onion (1 large)
1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper (about 1)
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 tsp. minced garlic
5 ½ cups diced peeled eggplant (about 1 pound)
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 (14 ½ oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (I diced fresh tomatoes)

Heat oil in a large nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell peppers; sauté for 3 minutes. Add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Add the eggplant, salt, black pepper and tomato; stir to combine. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Serves 12.

LEMON RICE
4 T. Margarine
¾ c. chopped celery
1/3 c. chopped scallions or onions
2 c. uncooked white rice
2 ¼ to 2 ½ c. chicken stock
1 ½ T. fresh lemon juice
1 T. grated lemon zest
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 small bay leaf
¼ c. fresh minced parsley

In a 2-qt. saucepan, melt margarine. Saute celery and scallions until tender, about 5 minutes. Add rice and sauté 2 minutes more, stirring to coat grains. Stir in stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to boil; reduce heat and cover. Cook 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand 5-8 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Add parsley and toss lightly to mix through. Serve immediately. Serves 4-6.

Family Photo

I'm so thankful for people who just offer to take your photograph & then send it to you. If not for Lance's cousin, we would not have this recent family shot! Now if all those people who took pictures of our wedding 5 years ago would just send them to me...

PS. I'm going to the dentist this morning, and maybe he'll make that tooth uncrooked for me...

I'm Not Martha

As much as I want to be, I'm just no Martha Stewart. I had made a conscious decision not to pursue the womanly arts of baking and gardening. I enjoy them, but I had decided that - for now - I would rather hone my skills in cooking, sewing and the like. One lady can only do so much... Hmm...That was Then. But now, we've inherited a beautiful, magnificent garden. Just check out these beautiful flowers! Of course I'm thrilled, but it's just funny that I had intentionally decided not to take up gardening. I guess I spoke too soon! Anyone know of any good websites or books with a plant glossary & info about trimming & maintaining different types of plants?

The Challenge

Here's my self-proposed challenge. ONLY Have enough clothes, dresses, socks & underwear to fit in THIS closet and THESE drawers. It should be easy enough, since I'm not working professionally, so really only see my hubby & son on a daily basis. But it's not! I have found that I'm a keeper of stuff. It's not like I even buy clothes very often; I just keep the ones I've got forever. Most of my stuff doesn't even fit me well - since I've fluctuated within 20 pounds (non-pregnancy times) most of my adult life. Why is it that we women want to keep clothes in case we lose/gain weight again?! Anyway, I don't know if I can do it, but this is my challenge. I hope I can do it!

sk*rt

Ever heard of digg? Welcome sk*rt, the girl version. sk*rt is a social media ranking platform of pure goodness. A portal to find cool things, smart scoop, clever ideas, excellent products, exceptional information for women. By women. In other words, sk*rt is like that friend who always finds the best stuff. Only better. Check it out.

Cooking Seasonally

I wanted to share a couple of things with my CSA Buddies, and other folks who cook seasonally. First, I just received a gift of the "Simply in Season" cookbook, which separates recipes by seasons in which food is growing. I can't wait to review it with today's delivery. And this Cook's Thesaurus is great for identifying those crazy unidentified vegetables.

So here (pictured) is what a 1/2 bushel looks like. This week's delivery was filled with corn, green beens, radishes, blackberries, tomatoes, patty pan squash, some other crazy squash, onion, cucumber, cantelope, mixed greens, green pepper & red cabbage. Any new recipe ideas?

Little Climber

"He's Gonna Be a Little Climber, Isn't He?"

I get asked that question - All - The - Time. I don't really mind, or blame people for asking. It's kind of like when I got married, it was always, "So, when's the Big Day?" When I was pregnant I wanted to wear a sign that said, "January 17. It's a Boy. and No, we don't have a name yet." I mean, I ask these same questions to others, even though I know they get asked all day, every day.

But for me, right now, this is the question. I've always had my same answer, but NOW, the climbing has actually begun! E's all over everything this week. Climbing on tables, chairs, and...the stove. I must admit, I think this was pretty adorable as he peered over at my black bean burger preparations. I doubt it's a good idea to be climbing up the stove. Anyway, now Baby Gates at the top of the stairs & readying a new bed are priorities. I hear that one day they just decide to climb right on out of the bed...Yikes!

A Photo Update

This weekend was a blast with family & Flugtag, but I can't download pics onto my computer, so I thought I'd share this one from my mac photo booth. This is from last week when Heather & Brooks came to play. Have a great week everyone!

Lance's 100

Read and learn a bit about my hubby...

1. I am type A.
2. I like to be in control but am learning to relax and let things go.
3. I like to be right but am learning that if I am wrong or you disagree, it doesn’t mean you don’t like me.
4. I like what I do for a living and really enjoy going to work.
5. I am incredibly blessed with a wonderful wife, kid, family and friends.
6. I consider my parents, in-laws and sisters close friends.
7. I have dumb-blind luck and often charge full steam ahead but things seem to work out pretty well.
8. I have broken fingers, toes, nose, ribs, a shoulder blade and cracked a vertebra; have had 6 surgeries (I was awake for 2 of them), concussions, brain trauma, and punctured a lung.
9. I still think nothing hurts worse than getting something in your eye or getting food poisoning.
10. However, I have seen where babies come from and am convinced that women are really tougher than men even though they get teary eyed from those Publix commercials.
11. OK, I get teary eyed sometimes, too but those commercials are pretty good.
12. I also think humans would be extinct if men had to give birth.
13. I crack myself up a lot.
14. Seriously, if someone says “duty” in church, I lose it like Elaine and the PEZ dispenser.
15. I wish everything on this list was only one line so it was more graphically pleasing.
16. I make decisions quickly and seldom revisit them.
17. For instance, I never reviewed tests in school. Get done and turn it in.
18. I like to think I don’t have regrets but there might be a few.
19. For instance, I wish I would have gone to my cousin’s funeral when he passed away at an early age of leukemia.
20. I do think people learn the most from seemingly bad situations and wouldn’t change my mistakes for anything.
21. My closet used to be arranged by color and all garments were facing the same way and on the same color hangers…mostly from Kenneth Cole and Banana Republic.
22. OK, it still is like that but I have culled it down.
23. I used to have 30 pairs of shoes.
24. I love dressing nice but seldom do because I wear shorts to work.
25. I don’t think I will mind going bald but I wish the rest of my body would go bald too.
26. I would definitely relinquish my head hair and eye brows if there was a pill to make all the hair on my body fall out.
27. I like to clean…vacuuming is my favorite followed by sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, then the kitchen.
28. I hate unloading the silverware from the dishwasher.
29. I like mowing the grass because it reminds me of untold hours mowing hay at Granddaddy’s.
30. I loved working the farm with him.
31. I also loved working on cars with my dad. He will fix anything for anyone and never wants anything in return.
32. My first car was a 1978 Cutlass Supreme. I bought it for $375 and we put an engine in it from a Camaro.
33. I used to squeal my tires every time I pulled out of Sonic blasting ZZ Top.
34. I also used to sit on my Cutlass in front of S & T Auto with no shirt on.
35. I used to be a bit of a redneck and kind of like that.
36. I love working hard and come by it honestly because no one works as hard as my dad.
37. I worked unloading trucks for Sears and Wal-Mart to help pay for college.
38. I gained 30 pounds my first semester of college and my doctor asked me if I was on steroids.
39. I hate not being able to do something myself and will go to great lengths to prove people wrong if they assume I will accept the norm.
40. I guess I struggle with pride, huh?
41. I was voted least valuable player (LVP) in high school gym class.
42. I have been a sponsored athlete for almost 10 years.
43. I used to fancy myself a good volleyball player but knew that climbing was for me the very first time I went with Greg Hardison.
44. I climbed El Capitan with 2 of the best climbers in the world which is not a statement about my ability but their patience.
45. I have REALLY good friends.
46. I think no amount of talent gives someone the right to be a jerk.
47. I can talk to almost anyone and get annoyed with people who don’t like to chat.
48. I no longer refer to myself as an architect which is odd because I am still very proud to have made it through architecture school and to have gotten my license.
49. I like being a small business owner and almost never feel anxious about it.
50. I like to take naps and do so in the floor of my office a lot.
51. I learned to sleep anywhere in architecture school.
52. I don’t like people who think talent or knowledge gives them the right to be a jerk. I have known people who are some of the best in their field but are very approachable and kind.
53. I don’t get embarrassed very easily but used to which I think came from a lack of self confidence.
54. I learned that poking fun at myself made it easy to get over being easily embarrassed, and no one really cares anyway.
55. For instance if I need to poop at your house, instead of worrying whether you will notice that I stunk up the bathroom, I will just tell you I stunk up the bathroom.
56. Did I mention that I crack myself up? I REALLY like to laugh and I think I got that from my mom.
57. I think I crack my sisters up, too and they make me feel like I am funny.
58. I like that I get to see my family a lot and am glad to have my sisters around the gym so much.
59. I love to travel but love coming home to Tennessee.
60. Yosemite is my favorite place to climb.
61. I really want to travel to Europe but I think I want to see India and China more.
62. I can do without music but mostly listen to DJ’s who mix house, ambient, electronica, etc.
63. I love listening to NPR.
64. I like to think I don’t care what people think about me but I am a people pleaser and want everyone to like me.
65. I do not want to be mediocre at anything - especially marriage.
66. On that note, I am trying to learn to admit I am wrong more freely.
67. I am generally an optimist.
68. I am very pessimistic about the government’s ability to accomplish much.
69. But I am learning it is a waste to always fight the system or the establishment. Sometimes it is better to save it and go with the flow.
70. The older I get, the more I compassionate I think I am becoming.
71. I am trying to be more forgiving because I need all the slack I can get.
72. I also am learning that life isn’t black and white and everyone’s point of view is valid to them. I still forget it sometimes, though.
73. I love learning and hope I never stop having opportunities to take in new ideas and to grow from experiences.
74. I would like to have a new career every decade.
75. I want to learn a foreign language. Probably Spanish.
76. I want to live in a foreign country for a while so my kids can have a wider world view.
77. I think my kids should know what real poverty looks like but also to learn that those people are happier than many people with way more money.
78. I have seen slums in Honduras that were bad but nothing I have seen comes close to an African slum.
79. I want to feel like I make a difference.
80. I am surrounded by lots of smart people that help me feel smarter and make better decisions.
81. I think I am good at computers and electronics but my 63 year old dad will always know more.
82. I have always secretly wanted subwoofers in my car but make fun of people who have them up all the time.
83. I stopped drinking carbonation and caffeine for 10 years because people didn’t think I could do it.
84. Thanks to my lovely wife, I am learning to eat better. I like almost every vegetable I have come across and prefer to eat lighter than I used to.
85. I like salads as a meal and iceberg lettuce doesn’t count.
86. I think spinach is the perfect substitute for lettuce.
87. I am learning to say no to foods that I really want but will make me feel bad which is a big deal for me.
88. Cheeseburgers are still my favorite food but the Tuna meal (really healthy) is a close second.
89. I like seafood a lot and not the fried kind.
90. The Yellow Porch is my favorite restaurant but it used to be the Cracker Barrel.
91. I asked Carrie’s parents for their permission to marry her at the Yellow Porch. I think they were surprised since we only dated for a few months before that and I was “older”.
92. I think goofing off with Carrie and Ethan is cooler than anything in the world.
93. But I have a strong desire to work hard and be productive.
94. I love looking at Ethan while he is sleeping.
95. I knew I would marry a girl like Carrie after our first date.
96. I knew it would be her after about a month.
97. I still like to act like newlyweds with her.
98. I am amazed by my wife’s ability to make things cool that I never thought were cool.
99. I love Carrie and Ethan like crazy and cannot imagine what I would do without them. Sit around and pick my nose, I guess.
100. This list was easy for me. I guess I like talking about myself.

Now Lance is tagging: Heather McI, Jenny W, Tracy C, Laurie F & The Troups

Sewing Roundup

Okay, Ladies. If you didn't respond to my earlier question about the Sewing Group, now's the time! I'm getting our sewing mentor & babysitter all lined up for later this month. If you are interested & haven't already told me, post here.

A reminder about how it will work - 2 Hours of sewing. You bring your lunch, sewing machine, pattern & fabric. Babysitter here & the moms will split that cost. True beginners welcome. I just picked up Burda Pattern 9708 (for gifts,) which looks very easy. I also recommend if you are a beginner that you bring scrap fabrics, old mens shirt or sheet, etc. Details including date, time & location will come in a later email. After I send the email, the number of sewers will be kept to 4-6 ladies (depending on if we have 1 or 2 mentors, and age of kids.) First come, first served. Hopefully we'll do this every month! If you'd like to try something easy for you, maybe try Kwik Sew 2498 or the sleeveless version of Simplicity 3744.

Also, Don't forget about Flugtag this weekend!

What Can One Person do?

About 1/5 of the Earth's population, or 1.1 billion people, currently live on less than $1 a day. It’s a bit overwhelming to think about how to start making a difference in those lives. But if you read my 100 list, you know that I am a big fan of making small changes that can make a diffence in the long run.

Here are 5 Things YOU Can do to make a change...
1) Sign the ONE Declaration
2) Give up 2 Fancy Coffees a month
3) Find an organization or church effort and get involved
4) Throw your own party for The Seed Project
5) Learn more about need in the world from World Ark Magazine

Here's a very interesting Photo Essay about what the world eats. The above photo is from the The Aboubakar family in Chad, who live on $1.23 a week. Pictured is their weekly food portions.

Quote of the Day

"Eight million people die every year for the price of going out with your friends to the movies and buying an ice cream. Literally for about $30 a head per year, you could save 8 million lives. Isn't that extraordinary? Preventable disease - not calamity, not famine, nothing like that. Preventable disease - just for the lack of medicines. That is cheap, that is a bargain." - Bono

100 Things About Me

I was challenged to do this by Libby, so here it goes!

1) I am a list maker.
2) I enjoy a bed that’s made.
3) I do not like ironing.
4) I must remind myself that a Jack of all Trades is a Master of None.
5) Oreos are best when dipped in milk.
6) I’d rather pick lint from my belly button than to watch professional sports on tv.
7) I don’t care about the other drummers. I march to the beat of mine.
8) I like doing 2 things at once. (Right now I’m feeding my son.)
9) I don’t like saying I will do something unless I have every intention of following through.
10) Right now, I’ve agreed to do too much. Not a good feeling.
11) My first tapes were Rickie Lee Jones & B-52’s.
12) I’ve always felt too funky or too conservative for someone’s tastes.
13) I want to be Martha Stewart.
14) Big men with tattoos don’t scare me.
15) I’m the youngest of 5.
16) I’ve always been more comfortable around folks older than me.
17) If I were a clothing store, I’d be Anthropologie.
18) I would love an Audi wagon.
19) I love borrowing & hand-me-downs.
20) I am an incessant door locker.
21) I love the artwork of Manet, Caravaggio, Sargent, Modigliani, David, & Daumier.
22) My day doesn’t start before my morning coffee.
23) My favorite sweets are coke floats, oreos, thin mints & chocolate malts.
24) I don't like it when people make decisions based on what others expect of them.
25) Brand Labels don’t impress me.
26) I have an addiction to 50s/early 60’s vintage table linens.
27) I believe that the need to be “right” doesn’t get you very far in life or with relationships.
28) Botox irritates me. I always looked 7 yrs younger than my age. Payback was going to come for me at 50, when I would only look 43. Now, I have no competitive advantage, because people can now buy that youth.
29) I rarely remember to use coupons.
30) I rarely remember to wear jewelry either.
31) Less Talk, More Action
32) My hair is so thick, it takes me like 45 minutes to blow it dry. So I never do.
33) I like being on time. Harder to do with a kid.
34) I love idea people.
35) I idea-plus-action people even more.
36) I do not like waiting in line.
37) I have flat index finger fingernails.
38) If I could have the luxury of a celebrity, it would be a personal hair stylist.
39) I love having friends that we can invite over when I don’t have makeup on, and am in my comfy clothes, and have not cleaned up for them.
40) I like a variety of foods…except for Indian or all things spicy.
41) I don’t enjoy talking about my feelings.
42) I like all types of people – from folks with spiky Mohawks to men w/ tassled loafers.
43) Unless you think you’re too-cool-for-school. I don’t like those types of people.
44) I hope I never have to do math again.
45) I want people to like me.
46) I love absorbing new cultures & adventures.
47) I’m not competitive. For me, it’s all about enjoying the journey.
48) I’ve only had one manicure & one pedicure.
49) I wish I read more.
50) I don’t like my feet.
51) I still remember every insult ever said to my face. Unfortunately, complements don’t remain so vivid in the same way.
52) I hate the learning curve.
53) I went to a high school where the soccer players were cool, and the cheerleaders were not.
54) I’m an optimist.
55) I’m pretty laid back, but I still like a good plan.
56) I would rather not chat on the phone.
57) I’m good with faces. Names? Not so much.
58) I don’t like long drives (and 20 minutes is a long drive).
59) This time last year, I’d never even read a single blog.
60) My most embarrassing CD Purchase ever? The “Genie in a Bottle” single. I can't believe I just shared that.
61) I’m a fan of brevity & bulletpoints.
62) …So this list is out of control for me!
63) I enjoy international travel.
64) I don’t try to lie, because I’m terrible at it.
65) If I had a superhuman power, it would be to teleport myself. Right now I’d be at the beach. Or maybe Italy for lunch.
66) I began liking grapefruit and cabbage this year.
67) I love Pictionary, but only have an opportunity to play about once every 5 years.
68) Hubby & I dated 3 ½ months before we got engaged.
69) When we married, we had known each other for 363 days.
70) I’m not a very good friend, but I’m trying to be a better one.
71) In conversation with others, I’m always afraid I’m boring someone.
72) That’s why I like blogs. If I’m boring, you can shut me off & it doesn’t hurt my feelings.
73) I have uneven Eyes, Eyebrows, Teeth. Now that I’ve pointed it out, I’ll be paranoid that you’re staring at them next time we speak.
74) I used to be funny. Now I’m too self-conscious.
75) I’ve been hit by a bus (while in a car) that read “Feel like you’ve been hit by a bus?” I know you think I’m lying, but remember? I can’t lie.
76) “These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding is one of the greatest songs ever.
77) Am still obsessed with “La Cienega Just Smiled” by Ryan Adams
78) I strongly dislike people talking about me behind my back.
79) I try not to discuss conflict or hurt feelings with anyone but the person involved (and hubby, of course).
80) In 5 years of marriage, we’ve moved 7 times. Can that be right?
81) I never need to move again. Ever. Really.
82) I can’t WAIT to FINALLY decorate a house for Christmas!!!
83) I feel that since I’m fortunate enough to stay home, I should use what time I have to help those less fortunate.
84) I Loved & Miss my marketing job.
85) Puzzles are fun.
86) I’m good at color-matching.
87) I love to stop at lemonade stands in the summer.
88) My first car was a ’78 Ford Fairmont.
89) Used to believe that “variety is the spice of life.” Now I’m trying to “edit and focus.”
90) My family experienced an attempted robbery at gunpoint when I was 9.
91) I have 18 nieces and nephews.
92) I looked up my best childhood friend, Hannah, a few months ago. I haven’t seen her in years & years & years. I still remember her phone number and address from 20 years ago. It was so good to reconnect!!
93) I always welcome a friendly guest in my home. Friends, call me if you need a cozy room for the night.
94) I enjoy running, rock climbing and tennis. However, I do not excel in any of them.
95) I love organizational label makers.
96) I’m a big believer in making small changes in your life. Whether it’s budget, food, exercise, conservation…Huge changes overwhelm people. Small change after small change make a difference.
97) Speaking of…When I gave up Cokes for water, I lost about 5 pounds.
98) I like being productive.
99) I think it’s rude when people don’t make room for a new person who walks into a circle of conversation.
100) If I had any singing voice, it would be Norah Jones on Valentines Day, Bonnie Raitt on days when I had something serious to say, and Patty Griffin every other day.

Good Grief, that took forever! Thanks for sticking with me. Now blogger friends, your turn. I think I'm supposed to assign 5 people, so I'm tagging Amy, Casey, Courtney, Rachel & Melissa. But anyone else do it if you like. Stay tuned! I'm making Lance do it, so that will be coming soon!

Amanda (No Relation)

These days, I call her Amanda (No Relation), because we share uncommon surnames. But we share much more, because I've known her almost since birth! Life, education, etcetera have brought us through seasons of friendship where we lost touch & reconnected. But I wanted to share today some of her beautiful work! I'm so excited to own these beautiful earrings, but she has some new necklaces & other great jewelry, that she's shared on her blog. Check it out!

How to use Tons of Veggies!

“You’ve got to tell these girls about these 3 things, or they won’t survive with all these vegetables!” - Quote by my mother, regarding the CSA.

Stir Fry (Meal 1): In a wok or cast iron skillet, take a few tablespoons of olive oil & sauté 1 slivered onion, 1/4 – ½ head shredded cabbage sauté until limp (but still colorful.) Slice 1 green pepper, 1 yellow squash (may vary), until crisp-tender. Season with salt & soy sauce. Serve over rice.

Steamed Vegetables (Meal 2): In a large pot or steamer, put 2 cubed potatoes, (sweet potatoes are especially tasty), other hard veggies like roughly 3 carrots, ½ head broccoli, ¼ head shredded cabbage. Other assorted veggies that can be added: Peas, Green Beans, Peppers, (No Beets!) Add 2 cups water. Sprinkle with mixed herbs, like ½ tsp dried Italian or Herbs de Provence. Steam about 15 minutes. Then uncover & add softer veggies like squash, zucchini. Steam until tender. Top with mozzarella cheese if desired.

Soup: The next day, take your leftover vegetables from meals 1 & 2 (no cheese!) and put in soup pot with one 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes. If you have small quantities of other tomato-based things you need to use up, like fresh tomatoes, salsa, ketchup, add those. Add water to get soup-like consistency (usually about 1-28 ounce can full). Add some fresh or frozen corn & one can drained beans of your choice, like black, garbanzo, kidney, pinto, or variety. Simmer. Sprinkle at the end with a bit of parsley or other fresh herbs. Does not freeze well.

Throw a Party for Poverty

I’m so excited to share with you guys another fundraiser project that some friends & I are starting. During the week of September (9-23 through 9-29), individuals will host private events in their homes, and raise funds as part of The SEED Project. The SEED Project will benefit GAIA and Heifer International, which work towards ending International poverty.

What do we need?
1) Help. We need money counters, graphic designers, flyer distributors and more.
2) Become a MySpace friend (if you have a page there.)
3) Spread the Word. We’re really counting on having tons of events to raise the much needed cash.
4) Event Hosts. Consider having a dinner party, soup supper, pool party, whatever. You are inviting your own friends, so it will be a party that you will enjoy on your terms. Or talk to your friends who like to entertain. More info to come.

Think...You can make a difference by throwing your own party & inviting your own friends. Why wouldn't you do it?!

Joy & Sorrow

The strange thing about experiencing sorrow is that life still goes on for the living. In the midst of grief, joy is still happening all around. And I’m thinking that’s okay.

You, my blog friends, noticed that the accident happened on the same day as my hubby’s birthday. The day before we closed on our new home. And I'm thinking it's okay for Lance to enjoy his birthday, in spite of what I saw. It’s okay for us to be excited and celebrate our new home. It’s okay for us to experience such thankfulness & happiness for our amazing friends & family (and 3 babies!) that helped us move. It’s okay for us to celebrate today’s arrival of sweet Skylar Young into the world.

But it’s still feels weird. It’s so strange to feel like I can move on with my life, when I’ve witnessed such tragedy. I’m sure it’s not the last time that both sadness and joy creep into my life, or yours. Somehow, I feel like there is some set span of sad time that you should go through, before you are allowed to smile and laugh again. But I guess life doesn’t work that way.

So for now, I’ve had a great day. We are into our final house for a very, very long time. And I am so excited about that. I’ve had my moments where I’ve remembered the accident, but overall it’s been good. And since life goes on, I will continue blogging about food, and crafts, and little funny things that babies do. So I will talk to you again real soon.

An Important Message

I am a witness. The Witness. To a fatal car accident yesterday. On the same quiet street, half a mile away, from the house we’re buying in a few hours. Seconds later, it might have been me in that wreck. I will not post the details here, but it was a difficult experience.

I wrestled with whether to share this with you. But I’m writing this to say 2 things:

WEAR YOUR SEATBELTS. Such a small thing might have saved this life. Secondly, go right now and hug the necks of the folks you love. Life is too fleeting not to let those you love know it.

Now go. Start hugging those necks.

Happy Birthday, Lance!

35 Reasons Why I love him. Because...
1) He still opens my Car Door
2) He says I’m a great painter
3) He encourages me to pursue my passions
4) He eats anything I prepare
5) He has a generous heart
6) He tells crazy stories.
7) He says “Want me to watch Ethan while you post your blog?”
8) He’s climbed El Capitan.
9) He left a predictable job to pursue his passion.
10) He did tons of laundry & changed all diapers the first 2 weeks after baby
11) He loves city living
12) He sometimes says, “We got bonuses & I’d like to give mine to you!
13) He enjoys vacuuming
14) He hardly ever required ironed clothes.
15) He’s smart & teaches me stuff.
16) But I’m still a better speller.
17) He worked hard to win me over from the start.
18) He gets extra fries for me.
19) He’s not afraid to go over our gift budget for me.
20) He doesn’t like to go to bed angry.
21) He lets me poke fun of him.
22) I never have to think about tipping anymore.
23) He’s not stuffy.
24) He has big muscles.
25) He let me make my own decision about whether or not to go back to work.
26) He’s a hard worker.
27) When I’ve eaten all the oreos, he blames it on the little mouse in our house.
28) He can hold his own when he’s around my friends.
29) He’s a good singer
30) He says he likes to hear me sing.
31) He helps me clean up after dinner.
32) He’s adventurous.
33) He loves God.
34) He likes good music.
35) He picked me!

CSA Wednesday - What is THIS?

Man alive, do I have veggies coming out of my ears, or what? Our first week of the CSA was quite fun, and we’re now receiving our 2nd batch. The second week is smaller than the first, but we are up to our eyeballs in squash, zucchini, cucumbers, onions, lettuce, strawberries, peas, peppers, cabbage & broccoli.

Last week’s vegetable cooking included stir-fry (good use of cabbage), soup, greek salad (hold the olives – bleck) & zucchini bread.

Anyone have any good ideas about what to do with these veggies? And WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE THESE 2 THINGS? And what do I do with them???

My Granddad Now

You don't have to ask me twice for another picture of my cute grandpa. This is when he travelled Europe a couple of years ago. I hope I'm doing this great in my 90's! (Notice he still does his hair the same. The strands are just fewer & whiter.)

Where I'm From

I recently interviewed my 93-year old Grandfather on film & scanned a bunch of old family photos, like the 2 above of he & my grandmother. My grandmother passed away years ago, but my Grandpa is in great health, rides his stationary bicycle, checks email, and maintains a garden. He is a cute little man. He loves that I’m interested in old family photos, and he always checks up with me for updates on my genealogy research (Unfortunately, I never have any updates for him.)

My genealogy fascinates me, & I love that Jenny W. works in the genealogy dept. of the downtown library. [Sidenote: Jenny was the coolest girl in 7th grade. I couldn’t quite hang, as my Birks & Doc Martens were a little outside of what made you cool in the jr high circuit. She was nice to me, but probably b/c her mom told her to. Now we’re adults, reacquainted through blogger, and it no longer matters that I’m not cool. Isn’t blogger great?] Once day I plan to visit her & see if I can do some research on my lineage. Beware, Jenny, I have boxes to bring you.

Anyway, I'm glad that I now have digital copies of these old photos, and that I have taken the time to get him on camera. I think my grandkids will think he's cute too.

It Could Get Weirder

Learning to Love You More is the oddest site. Artists give assignments to folks across the world. Visit the website and you can see where Molly draws the news, Teddilyn writes a press release about an everyday event, Maria lip syncs to someone else covering "The Thunder Rolls." This is just for starters...Pictured is where someone has drawn the news, on the day Elliott Smith died.

Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Basil Soup

Just roast & blend. Tasty.

2 Red Bell Peppers
2 ¼ lb tomatoes
1 onion
2-3 cloves garlic
2 large potatoes
salt & pepper
olive oil
basil
thyme
2 cups vegetable broth

Quarter peppers, tomatoes & potatoes. Cut onion in thick slices. Put in casserole dishes with garlic. Coat in olive oil, salt & pepper. Roast at 450 degrees for 50 minutes. Puree in blender with vegetable broth & herbs.

3 Moves, 30 Days

Too long a story to type, but our moving adventures are almost over. Move #2 of 3 has occured (my parents move, with whom we're staying) & last week some friends came over to join E in one last dip in my parents' pool. We had fun, Rowan, Radnor & Asher!

I Lost $5.

Write a Soldier

Who doesn't love mail? Why not take an extra minute in your day to write a note of encouragement to those serving in our military? I'm sure these men & women are missing home & our letter might brighten a tough day. Click here for a list of organizations that organize these campaigns.

Free Fun in Nashville

Yesterday, Mrs Cheap posted this article about the best free stuff to do in Nashville this summer. You must check it out, but here are some highlights: World Music Festival at the Schermerhorn on June 6-8, Free Movies on Wednesday at Centennial, learn about 19th & 20th Century Farming at Ellington Agriculture Center from 7/7-8/11, Free Family Events on June 15 at Warner Park, the Ugly Tomato Fest on June 16, Tours of Purity Ice Cream or Hatch Show Print, Free Frist Center days on June 27 or July 25...It's really a great list w/tons of great stuff.

What Mrs. Cheap didn't mention is Redbull's Flugtag contest on June 23. Pictured above is the Lightning 100/Yazoo Brew/Climb Nashville "Yellow Submarine" float. See more about the float at Lighning100.com

My Favorite Restaurants

I was tagged by Jenny W in a "dining meme." I guess I don't read enough, because I don't know what "meme" means. But anyway, she listed her Top 5 Restaurants, so here are mine. My list was different before there was a child in my life. Now they consist of mostly quick stops that are light on the wallet. (PS. I realize I'm breaking some rules. See Jenny W. for the real rules for those who follow suit.)

Baja Burrito/Blue Coast Burrito - The food is amazing, healthy & cheap. Plus, I know Nan quite well & I have the secret "Light Ranch" recipe.

Calypso Cafe - The only place where I don't have to bring Ethan's food with me. You must try the Lucayan Salad. Or the Beans & Three. Or the Black Bean Salad. And the fruit tea.

Yellow Porch - Love the waiter, Shon. The food is unique, fantastic & they have great specials. Looks like my food is all within a single block, huh?

Wild Oats - Not really a restaurant, I know. But this is the only other place where I can take Ethan for a good cup of soup & see for myself that the food is dairy & egg-free.

Frothy Monkey - A nice little local coffee shop with some great salads. And high chairs.

Now these folks have been tagged. Your turn, Ladies.
Amanda C.
Moriah F.
Jenni D.
Christine A.
Libby S.

Spaghetti

I think he liked the Spaghetti.

Fundraiser - Cooking for Kenya

Climb Nashville has just begun the search for recipes! We're putting together a cookbook, as a fundraiser for Made in the Streets. The cookbook will be compiled church-cookbook-style, and consist of Vegetarian & Vegan recipes. If you read this regularly, you know that we are not vegan, but because of food allergies, many of my recipes happen to be vegan. And many gym members are interested in healthy eating. Here's a few of the recipes so far: Black Bean Quinoa, Vegan Vegetable Lasagna, Spinich Salad, Yosemite Burritos...

The only way this cookbook will see the light of day is if we get enough recipes! If you have something you could submit, please let me know! This will be primarily gym members, but the more recipes, the better it will be! Funds from the sale of the cookbook will help children in Nairobi, Kenya.

Google It

You know you've Googled yourself. So spill it...Found anything interesting? Or want to brag on something you've done that's posted on the web? I'm giving you permission to do so, right here...My namesake is a Romance Novelist. Pretty cool, right?

Local Fruits & Veggies

I’m so excited I can hardly contain myself. Next week we’ll be full-fledged members of a CSA. Every week, we’ll get ½ bushel of locally-grown fresh fruits & vegetables delivered to a location of our choice. Local foods mean less fuel in the transportation from food around the globe, and sustainability for local farmers. But most importantly – the taste!! Fresh-picked food that lands on my table the next day – YUM! The Barefoot Farmer got high marks from a friend, but I ultimately chose Avalon Acres because also offer blueberries, meat, eggs, bread & cinnamon rolls (yum!). Pictured above are some of the portions for other members.

Looking for Kid Tunes

I'm a music fan who's not eager to transition from my music to "kid music." That's why this Top 20 list looks interesting to me. However, I feel the time has come for E to begin learning "The Wheels on the Bus" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider." So here I am, turning to you guys for help. Does anyone have any suggestions for music that's not too over the top? I'm specifically interested in the classics, like above songs, "Old McDonald had a Farm," etc. Thanks!

Behold, Our New House!

If you know us well, your jaw will drop, or you’ll simply roll your eyes at the fact that we are moving once again. Yes, it’s true. And yes, it’s crazy. But I’m so excited about our new place. Starting today, we’ll be playing musical houses until we finally unload the PODs at our home mid-June.

Hopefully I’ll be able to keep up my posting, but I’m just not sure how this will work. Right now, blogging is easy to do during my morning breakfast, but not sure if I’ll be able to keep it up w/all the transition. Until then!

Facts about Food Allergies

Please read these facts about food allergies to gain understanding the problem affecting us & more than 11 million Americans. You or your child will likely be social situations with a person w/food allergies, since occurrences are increasing dramatically. Some people think the parents of allergic children are “overprotective,” but when you are risking a severe reaction, or your child’s life, you go to extremes to protect your child.

Food allergies kill more than 150 Americans each year and are responsible for 30,000 emergency room visits.


For reasons that scientists cannot yet explain, food allergies afflict more and more children each year. Between 1997 and 2002, the number of children under age five in the United States suffering from peanut allergies doubled.


The average American elementary school today has ten children suffering from severe food allergies.


There are currently no medications to cure or control food allergies. Strict avoidance of the allergenic food is the only way to avoid a reaction.


The most common allergens –peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy – are staples of our food supply and nearly impossible to avoid completely.


For some children, even small traces of allergenic foods, as little as a drop of milk left on a shopping cart from another child’s snack, for instance, can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.


Food allergy affects the entire community surrounding a food allergic child. Schools attended by severely food allergic children must take a variety of precautions – from sanitizing classroom toys to segregating dining areas to providing special medical staff and training – in order to safeguard their health.


Learn more at the Food Allergy Network here.

The Aly Report

We’ve had a blast with our niece & nephew are staying with us for a few days. Here are a few of the funny things that we've heard from Tessa (5 years.)

-“One time we saw a dead mouse…And one time we saw a caterpillar.”
-(while looking at the TV Preview Channel) “I need you to read me all the stuff…that is appropriate.”
-“Sometimes I have bad dreams that are part Narnia and part Starburst" (Star Wars).
-“When I do this (crouching on the floor), I’ve got to go to the bathroom….Or, I’m just sitting.”
-(after defiantly disagreeing) “Take THAT as an answer.”

And this one from Sam (11). “Bread is my favorite food group....Besides Sugar.” Me too, Sam...Me too.

Teach or Attend a Sewing Clinic?

I’ve been talking with Karina & others about our desire to resurrect the fine art of sewing. I could host once a month sewing clinics, and 4-5 ladies could bring machines over & have a little sewing lesson during the day. I'll email you the date/time & it would be first come, first serve. We could split the cost of a babysitter (if you’re a mom) and we could have a couple of hours to learn some new skills. If you are interested in coming, post here & I’ll give you a call when we get this started. I've had 2 ladies from church to tell me they could help me with some sewing questions. You ladies are first on my list to call for teachers! If you would also be available to teach, please let me know!