Just One of My Favorite Things

Almost every morning I get to wake up to snuggles with my Bug. It's my favorite part of the morning.  He makes my life infinitly better. Today we got to buy a Teansformers Dino Bot because he is now officially potty trained.  It's one large step towards being grown up and independent.  I'm excited, happy, and proud of him.  I'm also kind of sad that he's growing up. This is a big milestone for him. One day I won't be getting morning cuddles anymore and that will be super sad.  For now I'll be grateful and relish the moments in between wake and sleep when I can hold my baby boy tightly. It's the best part of waking up.

Makers Gonna Make

Tonight was again another awesome craft night.  Same place, same women, same fun to be shared by all crafters. I brought my sisters with me tonight so it was even better: Sisters Craft Night Out!

I have to say how much I love this place.  I have been looking forward to this night and coming back since last week. The Spiffing Jewelry Studio and Warehouse has such a great vibe and is gorgeous.  It's he most perfect office I could ever imagine and I seriously want to work there.   There are so many positive and pretty things I just can't even begin.  Here is just a taste from the bathroom.

I stole my inspiration from this post from a custome silver cuff at Spiffing Jewelry.  I love what is says and what it means.  "Makers Gonna Make".  It is true. It carries over to my life in other ways and boils down to "I'm Gonna Be Me".  Runners gonna run.  Momma's gonna mother. Pollyannas gonna  be positive.  It's a fun little motto to think on.  I really like the cuff. 

Anyways, tonight the crafters crafter.  The makers made custom eye shadows and brown sugar body scrubs.  I smell fantastic and I cannot wait to play with my shadows!

I made a chocolate spice fudge body polish that smells so deep and delectable. It really smells like a dark fudge. The recipe was simple and Pinterest worthy. It was not a fail at all.  The recipe for the body scrub is simple.  It's 2 parts brown sugar to 1 part olive oil.  The sugar should be moist and a little crumbly. Mine was a smudge to oily but I like it that way because I have super dry skin.   After the sugar and oil are mixed you add in essential oils or fragrances. I put in 2/3 tablespoon Ghiradeli chocolate powder, I believe it was Dutch processed, and about 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, maybe a bit more.  I thought I would be done but the scent was still a little flat.  I'll be honest and admit that I meant to grab the vanilla extract but had the great misfortune of dashing pumpkin spice fragrance in my scrub.  I didn't even realize until it was too late.  I'm glad though because it really rounded out the scent and deepened it.  The scrub smells really chocolately and dark with warm notes of spice and a hint of sweet cream.  I got lots of compliments on it. 

We also made custom eyeshadows. The pictures here don't do it justice at all! I made a lovely coppery creamy gold that I've been looking all over to find to no avail. I think I'll call it "Penny, Penny, Penny!" It's got a bright shine to it and photographs well.  The other two are beautiful in person but don't photograph as well; they are kind of subtle. The aqua I am going to call "Aquaholics Annonymous".  I love this color and have it in clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.  I really am addicted. I'm not big on colors so this should be fun and the gold undertones and microfine glitter should be gorgeous.  Lastly, the dusky purple is really pretty and intense but hard to film the bright fuchsia microfine mica that really set this off. I'll try to get a better picture of this one. It reminds me of a grown up version of Harold and the Purple Crayon. I think I'll call it "Harry's Purple Pen".   They are all really pretty. So pretty  and were a lot of fun to make.

I'm again thankful for creative outlets, sister time, and the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.  It's soul enriching and those opportunities can be hard to come by.  If you are lucky to find them you just have to give in and go with it. 

I'm tired but I'm Still Thankful

Just a quick post on a delicious dinner I made tonight for my family. It's a Monday but essentially a Friday in its feel since tomorrow it Vereran's day so I don't have to work!!!  Yeah! So a midweek Friday means I get to sleep in tomorrow so I can relax and make a delicious all out dinner tonight. So I did. I'm trying the CookingLight Diet and it's awesome. Their food is always so delicious and filling.  I've never had anything that was less than delicious from their recipes. Tonight was no exception

Josh has been craving my Mom's Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas but those are so time consuming and I wanted to treat her today so I found this. It was super easy and everyone kept going back for more. It's a make again meal for sure. Oh, by the way, they are completely correct in saying the tequila makes the slaw pop. It was fantastic.  

Chicken Verde Enchiladas

How do you shred chicken superfast? Insert two forks into the meat while it's still warm. Then pull apart to shred.

(400 calories)

Makes 4 servings (serving size: 2 enchiladas)

• 3/4 cup prechopped onion
• 3/4 cup unsalted chicken stock
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro stems
• 2 tablespoons sliced pickled jalapeño pepper
• 5 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast (about 2 cups)
• 3/4 cup chopped tomato
• 3 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 ripe peeled avocado, coarsely mashed
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 4 ounces reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shaved
• 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves

• 1. Place oven rack in lower third of oven, and preheat broiler to high.
• 2. Combine first 8 ingredients in a medium saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes. Stir in chicken; cook 1 minute or until heated. Remove from heat. Stir in tomato, sour cream, and avocado.
• 3. Stack tortillas; wrap stack in damp paper towels, and microwave at HIGH for 45 seconds. Spoon 1 cup chicken mixture into an 11 x 7-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Spoon 1/3 cup chicken mixture in center of each tortilla; roll up. Arrange tortillas, seam sides down, in baking dish. Top with cheese. Broil 3 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with cilantro leaves.

• CALORIES 400
• SERVING SIZE 4 servings (serving size: 2 enchiladas)
• CARBOHYDRATE33.0g
• CHOLESTEROL 75.0mg
• FIBER7.0g
• PROTEIN 29.0g
• SODIUM620.0mg
• FAT 18.0g
• SATURATED FAT6.5g
• MONOUNSATURATED FAT7.9g
• POLYUNSATURATED FAT2.0g
• CALCIUM 267.0mg
• IRON 1.0mg

Tequila Slaw with Lime and Cilantro

Grab a bag of packaged coleslaw mix, and you've saved yourself the time of slicing cabbage and shredding carrots. A splash of tequila adds spirit and complexity (we urge you not to leave it out), while lime juice's zing perks up earthy cabbage. 

(64 calories)

Makes 6 servings (serving size: about 2/3 cup)

• 1/4 cup canola mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon silver tequila
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 (14-ounce) package coleslaw

• 1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss.

• CALORIES 64
• SERVING SIZE 6 servings (serving size: about 2/3 cup)
• CARBOHYDRATE6.4g
• CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg
• FIBER1.8g
• PROTEIN 0.8g
• SODIUM 162.0mg
• FAT3.0g
• SATURATED FAT0.0g
• MONOUNSATURATED FAT1.7g
• POLYUNSATURATED FAT 1.0g
• CALCIUM37.0mg
• IRON 0.1mg

There are Messages Everywhere

Today I am thankful for messages and the ability to experience them. Messages are everywhere as long as you are open to them.  They may be a thought, a feeling, a smell, a taste, a look, any sense that sparks can be a message.

Today, the trainer in my workout caught me off guard by saying, "Stop comparing yourself. Comparison is the their of joy!"  I had never heard this wonderful quote by Theodore Roosevelt but it struck me hard in the chest and I haven't been able to shake it. This past week I devoted an entire session in therapy to comparisons and their damage. I can say that I am sure it hurts both parties equally in different ways.  This could be a great example of cognitive bias but in any case I am glad I heard this message and have taken it in.  It's a new motto for me and a guiding thought to live by. 

I also got to go to a book signing today with my sisters and hopeful future brother in law. We stood in line to meet Theresa Caputo, The Long Island Medium.  She is so cute and sweet in person. I'll start right off saying we did not get a reading but it was healing and special in our own way.  My youngest sister, Demi, loves Theresa.  We had so much fun waiting in line, even though it felt like 100 degrees outside.  November is way drunk here in San Diego and needs to pull itself together. It's Fall and I was by the ocean.  I should not have been in a sundress with sweat running down my body and burning like it's August!  I guess it was nice weather though to sit outside the new Sausage and Meat and enjoy good food and well made drinks afterwards.  I sweated enough to deserve to eat Churro Chicharones. I will say that yes, that sounds scary odd but they were delicious.

Demi was so excited to be there and was giddily shaking with happiness.  It was cute to see.  When it was our turn, Demi was overcome with emotions.  Theresa asked her, and only her, what her name was.  They hugged and Demi began to cry.  It was a happy thing. Theresa looked at me and it felt like she wanted to say something but couldn't because of the time. It felt like an understanding, as odd as that may be.  Maybe it's all schtick but it seemed genuine.  Outside, in line to meet Larry, Theresa's husband, Demi told us that she knew our Grandparents were there and Theresa wanted to talk to us but couldn't.  She also told us that she felt our Grandma in that hug they shared. It was beautiful for what it was and all that it meant.  I'm grateful for the experience. I'm blessed to have my sisters and Joe too for these fun little outings. 

On Forcing Oneself to Move

This morning I did something unprecedented...I ran.  It was not far or fast but it was enough to make me feel proud.  I alternated between running and walking for roughly 3/4 a mile.  I hate physical exertion.  Thanks exercise induced asthma!  The rush of air in and out of my lungs burns and I don't like feeling like I'm breathing molten glass.  The coughing fits after are no fun either.   I also don't sweat. Really, I don't. I overheat and feel like I'm burning up with the rays of 10,000 suns.  My red blotchy skin shows the heat all too well like a lobster in it's final boiling bath. 

Basically, exercises makes me feel like I am the girl on fire.  Today, I was ok with it. I can't guarantee that I will do it often but I did it today and that's what counts.  Baby steps but today I'm thankful to be moving at all. 

Things that Make my Heart Soar

I feel so energized and if my heart was no longer caged in my chest it would be flyings out of my body tonight.  I have had a wonderful evening renewing my spirit and making new friends. I am drunk on the art of crafting.

A training I went to a few weeks ago said that your work is not supposed to fulfill you and bring you wholeness, accolades or renew your spirit.  You are supposed to get that from outside your job.  It's been hard for me to think of where I would find that away from work since I am at work so much and it has become a large part of me.  I think I found it tonight. I feel like I found my peace.

I met a wonderful woman named Amberly on my neighborhood Facebook page about a year ago. we are both young moms and our besides being in the same hood, our sons played toddle soccer together.  She is wonderfully upbeat and positive. Amberly strives to find joy and optimism in everything. It's refreshing.  We have never really hung out npbut I secretly hoped we would.  A few weeks ago she posted on Facebook about an Advent Calendar craft meet up and asked if any one would like to go.  I replied I would be interested but keep me posted as the date came close.  On Monday she messages me to see if  I was still interested and tossed out that she had reserved two spots for us.  I was excited and nervous. It was out of my comfort zone yet right up my ally.  I was in.  

Tonight was the day. I had no expectations but I was full of hope for a fun evening.  I walked into a warehouse that was full of wonderful crafting supplies. I was overwhelmed and excited all at once. There was a board with 25 tiny craft boxes and a million different things I could do to them.  It was wonderful; like a candy shop for crafters, a wonderland of trinkets and ribbons.

We set out to design and create our Advent Calendars. I have entered into a gold and silver phase lately and that was my theme.  Amberyly set out to craft a calendar that matched her Christmas decorations.  Each person there tonight had their own themes and reasons, they all came out beautifully.

Something about the freedom to create really set my soul on fire. I feel free and so happy, as if is as in a drug or drunk but I'm not.  I am just happy and feel the most like me I have in awhile. It was a beautiful evening and I am so thankful to Amberly for treating me. It really made me feel so happy.

 

Boys will be Boys

Bug longs for friends. He relishes any time he can get with his friends. It kinda makes me sad he doesn't have siblings.  

Tonight we were lucky to steal his friend Jack while his Momma, my good friend, got her hair did. We ate cheese pizza with pepperoni, like ninja turtle, and played with laser guns.  I learned I don't die well. I tried to tell them I'm immortal and immune to the lasers but it didn't work.  Josh was crowned the chief though and was overlord of all the toys and the wild boys. It made my heart happy to see them play so well together. I'm thankful for friends for Adam. It is the best thing to see your child so happy. It made my day.

Freeze! Obviously Jack has the face down. Adam doesn't realize how serious laser guns are yet. 

The Last Ride

I'm pretty tired today so this is a short one. I'm grateful for lazy evenings in watching Sons of Anarchy. It's the "Last Ride" aka final season.  I've watched this forever but had to put it on hold for awhile. It's not the most family friendly show ever.  

Luckily, tonight after we got done voting, Adam fell asleep really easily and super early.  It left a lot of time to make tostadas and lounge in my pajamas and watch SOA. I miss these lazy evenings.  It's nice to just rot the brain on adult shows instead of Rescue Bots and TMNT. 

Adventures with the Dude

It goes without saying that I am grateful for my son.  He's the best parts of me and his dad all rolled into one fantastic human being. Bug, Noodle, Adam is a seriously cool dude. I will forever say he is the best thing I have ever made and the coolest person I have ever known. 

Lately Bug has been on a Daddy kick. He only wants his Da. They are two peas in a pod.  I swear I cloned my husband to make Bug.  He was sad when I told him today was a Momma/Bug day.  He went with me to a quick Doctor appointment to fix my back.  After, I soothed the toddler beast with a Smoozie aka Jamba Juice.  It had to be a red one so I chose a "Strawberries Wild" and asked for two small cups.  He loved it.  You would have sworn he was a grown up the way he sat at the bar.  He thought it was funny that the drink had "tiny balls" aka strawberry seeds.

The Smoozie, as he calls it, was just to tide him over until we met up with his Da for lunch.  I had planned for something awesome and healthy but it's Bug's day and he wanted French Fries and Ranch.  He saw a Carls Jr. and decided he needed to eat at the star so we went.  It was ok and he ate pretty well so I won't complain too much. I just needed him to be in a good mood for the rest of our day. 

I had taken today off several weeks ago so Bug could partake in an infant and childhood development study at the UCSD Autism Center of Excellence. The studies he partook in dealt with eye tracking, cognitive and communication exercises, and a blood sample to look at DNA, RNA and enzymes for possible markers to early diagnose autism.  It was a fascinating and long afternoon for him and he did such a good job.  I am thankful that through the diagnostics it was confirmed that Bug is not on the spectrum and is an incredibly bright, good natured little guy.  I had no doubts about any of this but it's always nice to have it confirmed by science. I am also thankful we had the opportunity to give back to the world by being a part of such groundbreaking research. I hope that his afternoon leads to great things like early intervention and treatment for children who are at risk of being diagnosed with autism. 

Before we went to the study we took an impromptu trip to the beach. We could see where the ocean met the sky on our way to the study and since we were early I decided it would be a treat to run to the beach and play in the sand.  Bug was more than happy to see the waves and feel the crisp air on his face as he ran in circles to see how our footprints dented the sand.  He climbed up sand embankments and stood tall overlooking the ocean and threw sand at momma, watching how the breeze picked up the grains and let them fall. He got to hold a kelp the size of his head. He got to adventure with his momma.  

I like to hold on to these moments wih the hope that he will look lovingly on our alone time together; relish the times we spent adventuring and being impulsive. Life happens too quickly and the day to day things are just mundane and sometimes I feel detached. I am thankful for the opportunity to do something small and special like break out of our routine and spend the day with my boy.  He's growing so quickly that I need to be more present and take these little opportunities more often. I'm thankful for it all. 

It Happens Every Year

I mentioned last year that I love taking family photos and again, this year, is no different.  I am thankful that we have such talented photographers available to us and that my boys are willing models.  It's important to me to see how we change. We try to take pictures all year long but at least once a year, usually in November we take family portraits.  Time goes by so quickly that sometimes I blink and my newborn is running around telling me jokes or singing.  I don't know where the time has gone.  It makes my heart swell to look back at the pictures we have though.  So many beautiful memories that capture us and our family as we were. As I hope we will always be; close and loving each other, happy and at peace.

I am thankful for our photographers.  The artists who have blessed us with their gifts. Their craft makes it so I can look back and remember the soft pudgy baby with his little faux hawk who turned it a shaggy haired toddler who then grew into a smirky little boy with such expressive eyes who is so full of jokes and funny faces.  It makes it so I can hold my family close even after they've grown up and left. 

Julie Paisley Photography

 Brianna Venzke Photography

 

Chris Burt Photography

The San Diego Santa Claus Lady

Bettina Monique Photography

Saflower Photography

 

I Do Much Better with a Plan in Place

Much better but not completely perfect. 

I love November. The cool crisp air with the scent of wet dirt and rain hanging heavy in the air. The feeling of gratitude and warmth laying heavy in my chest. The countdown to family and the holidays. Fall is just me. 

I have taken too long off from writing in my blog and it makes me sad. I enjoy the release of emotions, thoughts and just the act of being creative. I don't always have time or the drive to blog though. I need to work on that.  November is perfect for getting back in the swing of things. It gives me the opportunity to write about my blessings and life for 30 days. It's a plan I can start with. As it's November 2nd, you can see clearly that the plan is in place, it is good, but it's not perfect because I'm starting a day late like last year. 

Last year I started strong and then life took over and it was a complicated Fall. I am hoping for better this year. So my first post for 30 Days of Thanks this year is about being thankful to start over and be better. To have plans in place that I can use as a guideline. Mostly it's about washing away the year and getting clean for the new one that lies ahead.  

I think if a year in an abstract way of waking up in the morning, going about your day and work, then play and a bit of rest, then getting clean and preparing for bed again only wake up and start all over.  In January, you wake up and are revitalized to start your year, the work begins and goes on, hopefully in Summer you get some play and life relaxes a bit in September and October. The true Fall begins in November for me.  The holidays approach with plans and events in place. For me, I start to think about what the year has meant and what I've done. I start to prepare for the rest of the year ahead of me.  It's like showering and shaving, getting dolled up for December. Ah, December comes along with its cold weather and warm hearts and homes. It's restful and peaceful even in the commercial chaos. It's comfy.  So you rest.  Only to awake again in January to hustle, bustle, resolutions and more. 

I'm excited to use this time and this place to prepare.  I am ready to start.

Momma's Night Out

Today I am super thankful for Momma's night out with one of my nearest and dearest friends, April.  April and I worked together for over two years. We grew a lot together and through the course of our employment, we formed a strong bond.  She's one of my closest friend and I love her to death.  We have similar ideas, we can tell each other our opinions and I just love her.  We always laugh and enjoy ourselves together and we can comfort each other during the dark and difficult times too; we have seen each other at our best and worst. April is my sister fom another mister.

I think what sealed our friendship is our journey toward motherhood.  When I was pregnant  we would talk about everything that was going on.  The day after my baby shower, when I was about 7-8 months along, April surprised everyone, including herself, by announcing she was pregnant! It was awesome.  Our children are now six months apart but we can share so much about parenting and life together.  I really appreciate having her around.   We don't work together anymore, she's lucky and blessed to be a stay at home mom in a far off town, but whenever I can I drag her away from her beautiful family and make her do things with me.  We've driven to LA to see New Kids on the Block and tonight we went on a whole new adventure.

Tonight, we got lost trying to avoid horrible traffic on the way to wine and canvas night.  It was part technological error, part me.  It was a whole lot of fun.  We talked and laughed and experienced something completely new...painting.  It's difficult to hold your wine glass in one hand and paint brush in the other when you are trying to blend and shade colors that look like they make no sense.

We drank wine and ate delicious cheeses while we chit chatted about dinner parties, weddings, babies and our families.  It was a night to relax and enjoy ourselves outside of our husbands and babies.  It was a time to reconnect and rejuvenate. It was wonderful and I can't wait to do it again.  It's nice to find people who refill your spirit bank and help you to feel renewed again.

A Time for Faith

"Because of your little faith.
Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain,
"Move from here to there," and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:14-20

Today, I am thankful for my faith and the peace it brings me.  Regardless of the size of my faith, I know it is mine and that I am loved.  I am truly blessed in this life I have been given.  I'm fine and so is my family.  While life isn't meant for the timid and somedays prove more challenging than others; I take comfort in all the blessings I have and realize that I am never truly alone even when I feel it the most.

The Sneaky Squirrel

Today I am thankful for my son's laughter while we play the sneaky squirrel game on our first family game night. It's the best thing I've ever heard and it makes my heart happy. 

Today for numerous reasons heightened by hormones I was in a really bad mood.  I was irritated by life the moment I woke up.  I was tired from not sleeping well at night.  I was sore from being smushed in my bed by the tiny Bug, he takes up so much room. I was flustered that I was bloated and clothes didn't feel right. It sucked. 

Once I was at work it just spiraled. I was irritated at the thought of my day and dealing with this copier project and roll out.  I was just over it.  I also was missing my boss who was sick today.  She always brings a levity to the office and her laughter and energy perk me up.  I was just missing my normal and wanting more weekend.

Tonight, I had a casserole all made up and ready for the oven when I came home.  I was thankful for that Tator Tot Shepherds Pie, the recipe is easy and to taste below. It gave me the opportunity to grab a glass of wine, relax and play with my baby.  An easy worry free evening of bonding and playing a game.  It was like the me of yesterday gifted me of today with a delicious, warm, home cooked meal and quality time with my little family to make up for the stressful crap of today.  The me of yesterday was so thoughtful.  I hope she comes back again soon.

Tator Tot Shepherds Pie

These are all rough measurements depending on personal preference. This also makes a huge batch, like two 9x9s.

2 lbs ground beef

4 cans cut green beans

A small can of corn

A small can of peas

2 cans cream of mushroom

A medium sweet onion diced

2 carrots fine dice

HP sauce or Worchestershire sauce

Shredded Cheese

Tator Tots

Sauté the onions, carrots, and ground beef, seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, garlic salt, etcetera.

Add in the rest of the vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and the HP Sauce (to taste).  When fully mixed week, place into baking dishes and top with shredded cheese.  (Two 9x9s used roughly 2 cups.)

Top with the Tator tots and bake for about 20 minutes at 450 degrees or until golden and toasty.  

To prep for later cooking right out of the fridge, bake at 450 degrees for 25 minutes uncovered and 10 minutes covered.

Momma's Back!

Tonight is short and sweet because I've been "living the fat pig" as my momma would say.  It's her version of living high on the hog.  My mom comes up with all kinds of wonderful sayings that make me laugh so much. I keep track of them and pull them out whenever I need a pick me up.

As I mentioned previously my mom was on a trip to Chicago for my cousin's marathon.  Tonight she came home and told us all about the wonderful time she had connecting with her sisters and her niece.  It's a good reminder about investing in your relationships with family; to continue with that theme we had a welcome home family dinner. I am thankful for family dinners. 

My sister Allie's boyfriend Joe and I cooked.  It's a really simple but impressive meal.  We started off with delicious fresh French bread and butter.  The butter is from Wisconsin and is very creamy and has a great flavor. Next we made Marcella Hazan's simple spaghetti sauce. It's ridiculous how easy it is; San Marzano tomatoes, butter, and a cut onion simmered together into a glorious and rich sauce.  Ugh! I love it way too much for my own good.  My favorite pictures and version come from Smitten Kitchen. Their take can be found here: http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/01/tomato-sauce-with-butter-and-onions/

Joe is quite the gourmand and his favorite version adds a small bit of thinly sliced red onions and parsley marinated in red wine vinegar. It really adds a little something extra to enhance the dish.  Since he prepared it for me I haven't gone back to just the sauce alone.

We added a simple arugula, lemon and Parmesan salad with a spicy Italian sausage link.  Red wine was of course abundant.  I had saved two bottles of wine for +6 years and broken them out.  They were the '07 and '08 Reserve Shiraz from Yellowtail vineyard and even though they were the same wine they were night and day in flavor. The 2007 was acidic with strong notes of tobacco and leather to me.  The 2008 was sweeter and smoother with more fruit.  

It was a great way o relax and reconnect with each other.  I wish my other siblings had been there. I really relish having all my people together in one place.  Hopefully soon we can all get on the same page and coordinate our calendar. 

Take a picture, it'll last longer

Today was another busy day.  We had our family photos scheduled for this afternoon with our neighbor Shae.  She is a fantastic photographer and she takes pictures of my family that will last forever.  You can find her at http://saflowerphotography.com.

I always go into my photography shoots planning something "timeless" because I know, ok I hope, these pictures will be passed down to my grandchildren and beyond. I want them to have pictures of us as we were. It's a little bit of me they can keep forever. I feel it's important because people are on loan, you never know when they will be gone.  The only things I have now of my grandparents are pictures and sadly there aren't enough for my liking.  I want to change that for my family.  I'm thankful I have the money and time to take such beautiful keepsakes. More importantly I am thankful for the photos themselves. One day my Bug will be a grown man with a life and family of his own but these pictures will remind me of when he was all mine.

Thankful for it all

TheToday has been such a wonderful and blessed day.  I woke up to a smiling and cheerful little Bug in my face saying , "Hi Momma!"

We went to Bug's toddler soccer practice and they had their first team picture and a little scrimmage. They look like little bees running around together. It melts my little heart to see Bug have fun learning new things and making friends.

After soccer we had a really nice brunch with my Dad, Sister Allie and her boyfriend Joe.  We always have a good time eating and talking about news stories. I had a delicious tri-tip and eggs. OMG it was delicious.  If you are ever in San Diego you need to go to Cali Comfort.  Their BBQ is so much better than Phil's; both are tasty but I'd take Cali Comfort over Phil's any day. 

On the way home the Bug fell asleep and took a glorious several hour nap whil I got ready for date night.  My hubby knows how much I love Harry Potter and he surprised me with tickets to the Potted Potter play at the Balboa Theater. Allie and Joe were kind enough to have a night in with Bug so we could be out on the town for a bit. It's fun to trade spots with them every so often. We get a taste of single com and they get a feel for the family life.  

After Potted Potter, my love took me for an amazing dinner at Bankers Hill.  This place is another must eat at establishment.  The service is wonderful, the bartender Christian is so knowledgable and talented, oh and the food is incredible.  We started off with a few cocktails and appetizers.  The bacon and orange marmalade "bruschetta" is to die for.  I wish we had ordered two servings; it was that good.  The toast was lightly grilled and topped with a goat cheese, orange and bacon marmalade with a frisée and apple salad on top.  I can't rave enough about this dish! I may go back tomorrow for more.  We followed this up with a delicate but delicious pear salad with pomegranate, goat cheese and honey over watercress. It was a solid dish but I still want more bruschetta.

My main course was a seasonal dish of fresh gnocchi and rosemary chicken meatballs with mushrooms and pumpkin.  It was so flavorful and filling but not too overwhelming.  It was a good portion but I wish there was more. I had to stop myself from licking my plate clean.  My Honey had a chipotle meatloaf over broccolini and scalloped potatoes. He let me have a few bites and his dish was tasty too.

The highlight of my evening was a cocktail.  My hubby has really been delving into whiskey, bourbons and scotch but they seem to strong for me.  I am always on the lookout for an approachable cocktail that we could share and help me understand his passion for the hooch.  I finally found one and it wasn't too girly either.  While I was at the vpbar chatting with the bartender we were discussing different bitter and a cocktail that was on the menu and how the bartender, Christian, would change it up for me. The original drink was called The Revolver and was a bourbon, coffee liquor, orange bitters and a orange rind.  Christian said he'd change it to a smoker scotch and exchange the orange bitters for a chocolate mole bitters.  It sounded wonderful so I ordered one and then another.  The smokiness of the Bomar Scotch paired beautifully with the bitters and liquor.  There was a smoky, salty and fresh smell that melded into a smooth drink with a strong smokiness on the back end.  It was the best cocktail I have had in a long time.  

Lastly, we ordered some desserts.  

A chocolate coconut tart with espresso gelato and kettle corn and....

A butterscotch pudding topped with creme fraiche, toffee and shortbread.

They were amazing but probably a little much.  The pudding was hands down the favorite.  I loved the flavors and textures between the pudding, creme and the shortbread.  It was perfect.

I am so thankful for days like today.  These days make all the other ones worth suffering through. Again, I am blessed.