My Favorite Things

This is my favorite coffee mug.  I use it every morning when Jess is away.  I'm trying to channel my inner tiger for the day ahead.  Sometimes, I'll wake up and Jess will take one look at me and say, "I think you need the tiger cup today."

This is my favorite cereal bowl.  I like to think of myself as Toni the Tiger.  It's going to be a GREAT day.

This is my favorite lipstick.  Its called Maple and is the perfect neutral color by Mary Kay.

 I love these kid shoes.  We bought them at Target and jokingly call them "Shocks" because they are a combination of shoes and socks.  I love that I don't have to remember socks as I'm running out the door.

These are my favorite Jeans.  I just bought them and they were a big splurge at the Lucky store.  They are called "Sweet and Low" and I feel pretty gosh darn hot when I wear them.

I love this kid towel.  Our friends Mark and Rachel in Miami sent it too us.  Who could a resist a towel that makes your child look like a little dragon?  I just love it.

 Most of all these two handsome guys.  I'm glad Jess is home for a while.  I still think he is so handsome. I love him in some flannel pajama pants or a long sleeved t- shirt.  He's just easy on the eyes and good for my heart.

Friday Adventure!

Friday morning got off to a rough start.  I was jolted out of bed by JAC crying and trying to break down his bedroom door.  He proceeded to hate his breakfast and showed an equal disdain for his bath.  I was trying to rush us out the door to meet a friend but I knew things were melting down quickly.  Something was wrong.

I loaded up JAC and stopped by the doctor. We arrived just as the clinic opened its doors. Just as I had suspected, JAC has a double ear-infection. He's normally such a sweet kid. I knew he had to be feeling bad to hate both his bath and his breakfast.

Due to his ear infections we decided to scale back the Friday Adventure. The weather was beautiful and my friend took us to a lovely park. JAC rode in his car and we walked and chatted. We finished with a little time at the playground. It was great to enjoy the weather with a good friend, and discover a new park. Hopefully JAC will be feeling better soon.

Starting Young

Yesterday we stopped at the craft store.  I knew JAC wasn't thrilled by the idea but I also knew he could endure a fast trip.  When I loaded him back into his car-seat I found this.  It is a small plastic dog that shares a remarkable resemblance to our dog Roxy.  Apparently my child shop-lifted it from the craft store.   I hope this does not predict a future in crime.

Second Sewing Project

Here are a couple of pictures of my second sewing project.  My sewing book called it a gardening apron and I launched into the project with great intentions of giving it as a gift to my friend who is an avid gardener.  I think I have changed my mind.

I enjoyed this project because I learned new things like how to make pleats. During the construction phase I felt cocky. After doing a little reading I learned to press the hems before stitching and it made the project easier and more finished looking. My stitches were straighter,and unlike the previous project I didn't forget to back stitch multiple times. Everything was going well until I tried to us the basting tape and then it all went downhill.

It's interesting, much of what I know about sewing I remember from watching my mom sew. My mom never really taught me how to sew but I watched her sew often and frequently when I can't remember how to do something I try to sit and picture how my mom might have done it.

I went to the fabric store and bought new fabric today. I'm ready to start a few new projects but right now this post has been cut short by a cranky kid who just woke up from his nap.

Double - Jointed...

Jess is in Trinidad all week.  A tiny part of me is jealous that he is in a tropical location but I know he is working and something unexpected has happened.  After all of my complaining about our swampy summer the hot weather finally broke and fall temperatures are here.  This week's forecast includes temperatures only in the low eighties and almost no humidity.  It is perfect and it is a well deserved break.

Things are always different when Jess is gone. Yesterday both JAC and I were in a cross mood. He woke up from his nap angry and never fully recovered. Finally I banished him to his room and ate three chocolate bars for dinner. Later I felt guilty an did a work out video. I did not feel guilty about JAC's early bedtime because he truly seemed tired. He quickly went to sleep and at 10 o'clock I sneaked into his room and checked on him. He was sleeping on the floor with his blanket and I did my best to slide him undisturbed into bed.

When autumn comes I feel the need to cook soup and baked goods. I start wishing for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and spicy posole. Every fall I gain eight pounds. I don't even try to fight it. I can't resist the baked goods.

Jess' absence has launched me into other addictions. I am sewing furiously. I am lapping up every ounce of a great James Michener book. I love James Michener. I also signed up to receive NPR updates on my Facebook page. This is yet another way to waste hours. Today NPR touted homemade wedding cakes as the perfect gift of love. While I think weddings are 200% over-done and a homemade wedding cake is a great idea the article primarily reminded me of one thing. I really don't like cake. I never have. I can think of only three cakes that are acceptable: 1. Bohemian Coffee Cake 2. Texas Sheet Cake 3. Rum Cake. Please feel free to disagree and this is the end of my disjointed blog post.

Second Haircut

JAC cried through his entire first haircut.  He only cried through the second half of his second haircut.  It always surprises me how grown up he looks with his hair cut short.  Post haircut both Jess and I agreed that JAC looked a bit like a little version of his Uncle Quinn.

JAC survived his second haircut and the barber was amazingly patient. JAC seemed to forget his hurt feelings quickly when the barber handed him a lollipop. Jess and I rewarded ourselves with a road trip to Sonic a cherry limeade.

First Camping Trip

For weeks I have asked Jess to go camping.  I love camping and I knew it was time to teach JAC how to sleep in the great outdoors.  On Friday, with Jess' blessing I reserved a camping site at a county park nearby.  We already had plans to kayak and cookout with friends at the park on Saturday night.  I planned on just extending the fun by spending the night in a tent.  I reasoned that if everything went south we could always pack up and head home.

The evening was lovely. We cooked hot dogs over a fire. Our friends brought homemade ice cream and we took turns kayaking. JAC and Roxy had a great time running around with our friends and Jess and I took a romantic paddle around the bay.

Around nine we said goodbye to our friends who weren't spending the night and settled into our tent. We were exhausted and we were sure after such an exciting day JAC would be too. We were dead wrong. JAC loved the tent and refused to settle down. He ran circles around the tent. He climbed over us and repeatedly tackled Roxy. All we wanted to do was sleep and all he want to do was be rowdy. Nothing seemed to work. By 10:30 Jess had had enough. We through JAC in his car seat, tore down the campsite and were home by 11:30.

I was a little dissappointed but perhaps it was for the best because it rained later that night. It was still a fun evening and a funny memory and Jess promised we could try camping again later in the year.

Friday Adventure

I am hot and sweaty and happy.  JAC is taking a nap.  He's been fighting his nap all week but I finally wore him out.  Today we went to the county fair.  We rode a few rides, checked out the exhibits, watched the piglets race and finished with a funnel cake.  It was a fun adventure and the parking was free. I love it when that happens!

Now that I'm a parent the new doesn't impress me much. Instead I'm always looking for those old nostalgic things like berry picking, the county fair or watching Santa on water skis. The really good things in life just keep getting better.  I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Rum Cake Recipe

I've been busy doing chores all day and don't have much to post about but here's a killer recipe for Rum cake.  I tested it this week and loved it.  I think what I like about it most  is the fact that  it requires almost a whole small bottle of rum - Heck Yeah!

BACARDI RUM HOLIDAY CELEBRATION CAKE

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup Bacardi Gold rum, flavored rum, or other spirit
3 eggs
2 cups chopped pecans (divided use)
Rum glaze (recipe follows)



Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. Combine flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of a mixer. Add butter and mix on low speed until butter is worked in completely; the mixture will have a sandy appearance.



In a small bowl, combine milk, rum, and eggs. Whisk to blend. With mixer on low, add milk mixture to dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in 11/2 cups pecans. Pour batter evenly into pan. Bake 55 to 60 minutes, until top of cake springs back when touched.



While the cake is baking, make rum glaze. When cake is done, remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes in pan. Invert the cake onto a rack with a large plate underneath. With a wooden skewer or toothpick, pierce cake all over, spacing marks about 1 inch apart.

Spoon reserved rum syrup over cake to soak in. Transfer cake to a clean plate and pour thickened glaze over top. Immediately sprinkle with reserved pecans. Makes 16 servings.



Rum glaze: In a saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and 1/3 cup water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup rum, then turn off heat. Add 4 tablespoons butter and stir until melted. Pour 3/4 cup of syrup into a separate container for moistening the cake. To the syrup in the pan, add 2 cups confectioners' sugar and whisk until blended. Add 1 more cup confectioners' sugar and whisk until smooth. Add up to 1 more cup confectioners' sugar, as needed to make a thick, pourable glaze.

What I Meant

Today I detailed out a list of chores.  I ambitiously knew I could get it all done but as the day moved on the rain saturated the ground and everything felt cozy.  I went to target.  I brought my favorite fast food lunch to a friend.  I laughed and oozed sarcasm with some great ladies.  I held my favorite little girl baby.  My favorite little guy held my hand when we walked up the stairs.  I ate a piece of rum cake.  I drank too much coffee.  I kissed my handsome husband.  I took the dog on a walk that wasn't even a tiny bit swampy.  I ate dinner with good friends who forgive me when I say stupid things.  I stayed up past my bed time sewing.  I'm off to sneak into bed and curl up next to my sleeping husband.  What I meant to do today did not get done - But what did get done was so much better.

The Truth

This is the first year that I can remember actually wanting Autumn to come.  Summer is my favorite season and most years I hate to see it go.  This year was a whole different story.  After the coldest winter on record we have been neck deep in one of the hottest summers on record.  It has been a virtual swamp. 

While the weather has been absolutely miserable this summer has been extra icky for one other reason - the snakes.  I absolutely hate snakes and this year I have seen 11 snakes on the trail.  That is practically one per week.  There is nothing that will break your stride quite like leaping over a disgusting snake.  Before this summer I had only seen one snake in the DC area but the swampy weather must have inspired them.

My craving for autumn has grown deep and wide.  I keep wanting to make my favorite cold weather soups.  I made rum cake last night which is traditionally cold weather fare.  I keep checking out cold weather fashions on the web and looking for pictures of the Aspens changing colors.

I think part of this overwhelming anticipation of nicer weather has to do with our planned early October trip.  This is the year I'm taking my guys to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.  Its one of my best Autumn memories and I can't wait to share it with the guys.  Are you feeling a longing for fall or relishing the freedom of summer?

It's Just So Hard to Be Humble

When I was in High School I used to think I had near perfect hands.  I know that is a weird thing to think but I was a weird kid.  Then one day during basketball practice and I jammed my finger and to this day its twisted and crooked like a witch's finger.

I tend to be just a little bit cocky and sometimes it gets the best of me. Just two days ago I was bragging to my friend about how easily JAC had transitioned to his "big kid bed." I went on and on about how JAC always stayed in bed. Last night he proved me wrong.

JAC learned how to open his bedroom door and I spent all night dragging him back to bed and slamming the door. JAC staged and encore performance today at nap time. After an hour of putting him back in his bed I gave up and put him in the bath instead. He's just so darn cute standing at the top my the stairs, blanket in hand giving me that quirky grin. When I tell him to go back to bed he runs and gives me a big hug. How do they learn to be so manipulative so early?

The story gets worse. While JAC was in the bath I was folding clothes 5 feet away from him. I wasn't watching him but he was making the most joyful noises. I silently thanked God that he was enjoying his bath and I was about to finish the last of the laundry. Plus I have always been proud of my super-sonic hearing. If anything went wrong I would know in a minute.

Finally I looked up and felt like I was on the wrong side of Noah's Ark. JAC had learned to use the spray nozzle on the tub and had succeeded in flooding the entire bathroom. There was literally 3 inches of water everywhere. I used every towel in the house plus blankets to clean up the mess.

Tonight I am tired. I am a little more humble. I have mountains of wet laundry to complete and a kid in bed. Tonight when JAC tried to escape he seemed a little less cute and his dad went down and delved out a consequence.

Friday Adventure!

Our friends have a small home aquarium and JAC loves to watch the fish so on Friday I took him to visit the National Aquarium.  The National Aquarium was the first public aquarium in the nation.  It is a small intimate place but just the right size for a quick adventure.

We rode the metro into town and then walked a few blocks to the aquarium. Typically JAC has no problem walking but today he launched into the great shoe debate. He just didn't want to wear his shoes and every few steps took them off. Eventually I relented and carried him most places.

The fish tanks were placed at my eye level so JAC thought it was perfect if I could hold him up to each tank. He happily traced the path of each fish with his finger on the aquarium wall while I held him. Eventually I got really tired but he loved it and kept repeating, "Fish, fish."

When we got home I was very tired and I think our next adventure will be a venue we can drive to. We love riding the metro but eventually lugging my 32lbs kids for blocks and up and down escalators wears me out.

Thunder

Typically my outlook on life is 90% optimistic, 5% cynic, and 5% sarcastic.  Generally this outlook serves me well and last night as we stood on the running trail assessing the ominous clouds overhead I could have sworn they were moving in the opposite direction.  In my optimism I convinced Jess of the same thing and we hit the trail with JAC in tow.

About two miles away from our parked car the clouds grew dark and I knew I had miscaluclated. Another runner flew past and shouted, "You're not going to make it. Take cover!" Jess and I both looked at him incredulously and picked up the pace. We were sure we could outrun the storm.

Five minutes later we knew we were wrong. The rain came down in a torrential downpour. The wind whipped side to side rocking the stroller. The thunder was deafening. The lightning flashed overhead.  JAC whimpered and Jess and I took off at a dead sprint.

We ran as hard as we could each taking turns pushing JAC. We averaged under seven minutes for each mile. We tried to shout encouragement to JAC over the din of the storm but mainly we just ran with every ounce of strength we had.

When we arrived at the car we were all drenched - soaked to the core. We hurridly loaded up JAC and the stroller. We were shaking from running so hard. Finally we slammed the car doors and looked at each other. We said the exact same thing, "That was Awesome!."

Life is for the Dogs

Frequently I feel like I'm living with a household full of puppies.  In the void of a sibling JAC adopted Roxy and learned to bark long before learning to say "Mom."  JAC and Roxy have a much heated sibling rivalry.  JAC likes to drag her around on the leash and Roxy seeks revenge by frequently stealing his food or chewing on his bath towel.  Today I found both the dog and my child stuck behind our couch.  The sad part is this is not the first time it has happened.

Our Little Visitor

On Saturday we had a little visitor.  My friend brought her little girl over for a visit.  We all played together while my friend did some work at the church.  I love this little girl.  She never cries, always smiles and is perpetually happy.  She's like a ray of sunshine.  JAC doesn't share my enthusiasm.  He always gets a bit jealous.  He saw our little friend first thing after a nap and after a  glance in her direction he gave me a look of total disgust.  I couldn't help but laugh a bit.

First Sewing Project

I've decided that JAC is an only child.  We turned our guest bedroom into a sewing room and I love it so much that I've decided the room will never be a nursery again.  It is the perfect sunny spot for a little inspiration to create something fun.

I've mentioned that my mom bought me a sewing machine for my birthday. After watching some instructional videos I finally got up the nerve to try my first project. I made an apron with a ruffle. I added rick-rack because I always think it looks cheerful. I am so proud of this little project. My mom had to coach me through how to make the ruffle over the phone but it turned out to be my favorite part.

I made lots of novice mistakes. There were lots of crooked stitches and I fixed a bunch of thread jams. Still, I enjoyed every minute. Something about getting to be creative is just highly satisfying.

The Friday Adventure

This morning JAC and I hopped on the metro and headed into the district.  We decided to pursue our mutual interest in architecture and check out the National Building Museum.  The National Building Museum is one of the prettiest buildings in the district and is often the location for state dinners and balls.  They also have lots of blocks and Legos for children of all ages to test their building skills.  It was a nice outing and I would love stop by and more thoroughly investigate the exhibits sans JAC.  JAC typically doesn't appreciate exhibits.

While I was glad to get out of the house I'm not sure we would go on this particularly adventure again. It was a long metro ride and by they time we made it to the museum JAC was pretty spent. The metro was completely packed today and I couldn't help but be mildly saddened by the lack of chivalry. Grown men were willing to let elderly women stand rather than give up their seats.

Jess met us at the metro and we grabbed lunch from a street vendor. It is always the highlight of our Friday Adventure when we get to see Jess.

Getting Some Culture

Last night Jess and I took JAC to the Kennedy Center for his first classical concert.  Thanks to a grant from Target, the Kennedy Center offers free performances every week night at 6:00.  The concert featured the Department of State's Cultural Ambassadors.  The music was wonderful and JAC made it through half the concert before becoming overwhelmed by a case of the wiggles.  We listened to the second half of the concert standing in the back while JAC ran around.  Jess and I both agreed it was a lovely way to spend a Thursday night.

A New Goodnight

My husband is reading the dinosaur book and I'm nursing a sore thumb. I spent the whole afternoon dismantling a crib one bolt at a time. After such and endeavor I know one thing for sure. I hate Allen Wrenches. Twisting and turning that twig of metal bruised my thumb.

The Dinosaur book is part of the bed time ritual but tonight is different. JAC is sleeping on his first full sized bed. Seeing him sit centered on the collection of springs and matting, I can't help but think of Huck Finn navigating his raft down the Mississippi.

JAC and I worked furiously to first take apart the guest bed and then take apart his crib. As I turned screws JAC would follow behind inspecting my work and inserting whatever tool I left behind into the holes. He watched curiously while I lugged the mattress and box springs down stairs. He only whimpered a little as he watched his crib tumble apart.

He took his first nap in the new bed this afternoon and he didn't act like anything was amiss. My fear of him jumping in and out of bed seems to be unfounded. Tonight when we tucked him in he repeated back to us, "Big boy bed." I know I should be sad that we have taken this new step but it somehow seems like perfect timing.

Let's Go Mystics!

Sunday night we took JAC his first pro-basketball game.  We went and watched the Mystics.  They Mystics are the WNBA team in town.  My friend April is the team doctor and can get free tickets.  She took her Sunday school class to the game and we tagged along as sponsors.

The game was a lot of fun but the highlight was seeing President Obama there with his daughter. They were sitting court side enjoying the game.

JAC actually loved the game. I think everyone feeding him popcorn, ice cream and french fries helped shape his opinion.

I know I enjoyed every minute of the game too. The WNBA hasn't lost the fundamentals of basketball like the NBA. There was just a lot of skill and team work on the court. It was an awesome night out.

A First

For my birthday I bought myself a present.  I bought a used bike cart.  This weekend we finally gave it a try.  I hooked it up and we dumped JAC and Roxy in the cart.  We were off around the block.  I knew JAC was going to love the wind in his face.

Of course, I should have known better. JAC hates most new things. He likes to adjust slowly. Within minutes JAC was crying and Roxy was whining to get out. I was a bit discouraged but Jess assured me, "It will just take a little practice."

I once met a guy riding his bike from Montreal, Canada to New Orleans.  He wanted to help build houses.  That is one long bike ride!  Perhaps a cross country ride to visit the Rockies would be all the practice we need.  I'm dreaming big today.

Saturday

Today I made pie.  I love making pie.  It never fails to create a moment of perfect zen.  I think it is because I'm really good at making pie.  Its one of the few things I do really well.  I'm also really good at eating pie.  I could eat a slice of pie every morning with a cup of coffee and be content.

Tonight we went and heard bluegrass music in the park. We stumbled across this gem on the internet. Every other Saturday in the summer at Potomac Overlook Park they host free concerts. Bluegrass is one of my favorite types of music. Even sad bluegrass songs sound just a bit happy.

I think the best things in life never really change. Sitting in the grass with your family listening to bluegrass or eating the perfect piece of pie is good to the last bite.