Nate's mom came out to visit this past Saturday, and we decided to take advantage of having a babysitter in the house and went on a mini vacation. It wasn't a big trip- just to the Sheraton in Uptown Albuquerque, but after 5 months of no alone time for us it could have been on the moon. We spent the last three days relaxing, watching lots of episodes of 24 from previous seasons, going to the movies (more on that in a bit), and eating terrific food. Last night we had an Indian feast, and it was so incredibly delicious. I have not had Indian food since we moved here, and it was great to discover a terrific restaurant where I can indulge my love of Indian cuisine whenever I want.
Yesterday we went and saw "Watchmen" at the theater. Yes, Nathan worked on this movie for a couple of years, which was the reason why I wanted to go see it. Honestly, I was expecting a sort of campy, cheesey super hero film that tried really hard to be bad-ass and as gory as possible. What we saw, though, was an intense, gritty, dark, and very human movie about love, life, and personal motivations for how people choose to live their lives. It was gorgeously directed and produced, and I was enthralled from the opening credits to the end. Yes, it has super heros in it. Yes, it was violent, and deserved it's R rating. But it would not have been the same movie if they went for the PG-13 rating- it would have lost a lot of it's punch and realism. I highly recommend this movie, and look forward to seeing it again.
Considering how often we get out for dates, I am assuming I will be seeing the movie again once it is out on Blu-Ray.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
I'm Back, With Caramel Popcorn!
So, I've been MIA for a month and a half. I have to blame it all on my friend J, since she was the one that wore me down and convinced me to join Facebook. I joined the day after my last post on here, and as you can see it has sort of kept me away from my blog. Oops. Facebook is so much fun, though, and I highly recommend it to everyone. It is Crackbook, as my friend M calls it.
Anyhow, things have been the usual topsy turvy around here. My Dad came out to visit last month right after we all took turns with the stomach flu, the week after he left my pygmy hedgehog gave birth to 5 babies that I was not expecting, and then the following week several of us came down with the flu. It's been, you know, busy.
So tonight after the two little ones went to bed, I searched around and found a recipe for making caramel popcorn in the microwave. Those of you that have made it the old fashioned way know it can be a bit laborious- making the caramel on the stove, popping the popcorn, coating it, baking it, etc. This recipe cut down on time and resulted in the best caramel popcorn I have ever had, bar none. It is so tasty, so easy, and so yummy! Here's the recipe, followed by a couple of tips.
Microwave Caramel Popcorn
4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Place the popped popcorn into a large brown paper bag. Set aside.
In a 2 quart casserole dish, or other heat-proof glass dish, combine the brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup, salt and vanilla. Heat for 3 minutes in the microwave, then take out and stir until well blended. Return to the microwave, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave, and stir in the baking soda.
Pour syrup over the popcorn in the bag. Roll down the top once or twice to close the bag, and shake to coat the corn. Place bag into the microwave, and cook for 1 minute and 10 seconds. Remove, shake, flip the bag over, and return it to the microwave. Cook for another 1 minute and 10 seconds. Dump the popcorn out onto waxed paper, and let cool until coating is set. Store in an airtight container.
Notes- Since microwave ovens vary, start with less time than the directions call for. I nuked the syrup for 3 1/2 minutes total, then the covered popcorn for 2 minutes total. I also used 1/2 cup kernels in my hot air popper to make the popcorn, but you can do two batches of 1/4 cup kernels in brown paper lunch bags for the popcorn. You can also use *gasp* microwave popcorn from two bags, but I don't recommend that. See my other post about microwave popcorn!
Enjoy this recipe with someone you love, even if it is just yourself. ;)
Anyhow, things have been the usual topsy turvy around here. My Dad came out to visit last month right after we all took turns with the stomach flu, the week after he left my pygmy hedgehog gave birth to 5 babies that I was not expecting, and then the following week several of us came down with the flu. It's been, you know, busy.
So tonight after the two little ones went to bed, I searched around and found a recipe for making caramel popcorn in the microwave. Those of you that have made it the old fashioned way know it can be a bit laborious- making the caramel on the stove, popping the popcorn, coating it, baking it, etc. This recipe cut down on time and resulted in the best caramel popcorn I have ever had, bar none. It is so tasty, so easy, and so yummy! Here's the recipe, followed by a couple of tips.
Microwave Caramel Popcorn
4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Place the popped popcorn into a large brown paper bag. Set aside.
In a 2 quart casserole dish, or other heat-proof glass dish, combine the brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup, salt and vanilla. Heat for 3 minutes in the microwave, then take out and stir until well blended. Return to the microwave, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave, and stir in the baking soda.
Pour syrup over the popcorn in the bag. Roll down the top once or twice to close the bag, and shake to coat the corn. Place bag into the microwave, and cook for 1 minute and 10 seconds. Remove, shake, flip the bag over, and return it to the microwave. Cook for another 1 minute and 10 seconds. Dump the popcorn out onto waxed paper, and let cool until coating is set. Store in an airtight container.
Notes- Since microwave ovens vary, start with less time than the directions call for. I nuked the syrup for 3 1/2 minutes total, then the covered popcorn for 2 minutes total. I also used 1/2 cup kernels in my hot air popper to make the popcorn, but you can do two batches of 1/4 cup kernels in brown paper lunch bags for the popcorn. You can also use *gasp* microwave popcorn from two bags, but I don't recommend that. See my other post about microwave popcorn!
Enjoy this recipe with someone you love, even if it is just yourself. ;)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Happy Birthday My Girl!
Nine years ago today this amazing child came into my life as a small bundle of pink joy. Her birth date, time of birth, even size were all good, lucky numbers, and I knew in my heart that I was blessed to have that child. I feel even more blessed today, as E is turning into a wonderful, amazing human being that I am thrilled every day to know. Her light in my life is one of constant joy and happiness, and I am so happy to be her mommy. Happy birthday baby girl!
Monday, January 19, 2009
I Can't Believe I Am Doing This
I am going to complain about my house. Yes, my beloved dream home, with room enough for my large family and all of our things. I still love my home- I love the layout, the space, the colors, everything. Well, everything except one thing- my carpet. I have cut berber carpet throughout the house, and it is gorgeous carpet. Light beige with little spots of dark color here and there that is perfect for kids. It's also neutral enough that it goes with all of the many colors on our walls, and is chameleon-like in it's ability to be cool or warm toned based on the colors around it.
So what could I possibly not like about it? It is rough on my socks. The fibers are rather "grabby" and as I go about the house during the day in my sock feet, it wears through them rather quickly. I think I get maybe a half dozen wears from each pair of socks before the carpet wears a hole in them. Hubby suggested house slippers, which I did purchase, but I forget to put them on and end up ruining my socks. It's too cold this time of year to go barefoot, and we don't wear shoes in the house. What's a girl to do? I guess buy her socks in bulk at Wal*Mart.
So what could I possibly not like about it? It is rough on my socks. The fibers are rather "grabby" and as I go about the house during the day in my sock feet, it wears through them rather quickly. I think I get maybe a half dozen wears from each pair of socks before the carpet wears a hole in them. Hubby suggested house slippers, which I did purchase, but I forget to put them on and end up ruining my socks. It's too cold this time of year to go barefoot, and we don't wear shoes in the house. What's a girl to do? I guess buy her socks in bulk at Wal*Mart.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Nah-Nah-Nah-Nah, Nah-Nah-Nah-Nah, Hey Hey Hey, GOODBYE
The last puppy has left the nest! I am so thrilled to have all of them out and in their new homes, and I get to have my kitchen back. And Hadrian went to the Cavalier Rescue group today too, so we are down to one dog. Hooray! I am so happy and so relieved to have all of this taken care of, and I feel like I can get back to my old life. Only better, because Hadrian will not be stressing me out anymore.
Time to break out the ice wine and celebrate!!
Time to break out the ice wine and celebrate!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
I turned 34 today, woohoo! It was an excellent birthday that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did laundry, washed dishes, finished painting one of the bathrooms, and ran errands. I know, I do most all of that every day. But the simple fact that it was my birthday made all of these things extra special. I also spent a couple hours on the phone with my oldest sister, another half hour with the middle sister, and had a nice chat with my Dad.
As for presents, Nate bought me an amazing gift- a Vitamix blender. I have lusted after one of these for years, and will be receiving mine on Saturday. I am really looking forward to trying out some Green Smoothies, and making fabulous salad dressings and sauces in it. Considering that I use my blender at least twice a day, and often 3 or 4 times, this is a good investment for me.
One really cool thing I have noticed about getting older is that my life keeps getting better and better. Or maybe it's more that I like myself better and better, or feel more comfortable in my skin. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I do know that my 30's have been more satisfying for me than my 20's. I have heard that this tends to be true for women- their quality of life goes up as they age, and they report more satisfaction with their lives as time goes by. It's not so bad getting older- especially since I got carded the other day! I must look halfway decent for a 30-something.
As for presents, Nate bought me an amazing gift- a Vitamix blender. I have lusted after one of these for years, and will be receiving mine on Saturday. I am really looking forward to trying out some Green Smoothies, and making fabulous salad dressings and sauces in it. Considering that I use my blender at least twice a day, and often 3 or 4 times, this is a good investment for me.
One really cool thing I have noticed about getting older is that my life keeps getting better and better. Or maybe it's more that I like myself better and better, or feel more comfortable in my skin. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I do know that my 30's have been more satisfying for me than my 20's. I have heard that this tends to be true for women- their quality of life goes up as they age, and they report more satisfaction with their lives as time goes by. It's not so bad getting older- especially since I got carded the other day! I must look halfway decent for a 30-something.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sucks and Supers About ABQ
Time for another review of our new city. Don't you all love these? Let's start with my newest contender for What Sucks the Most About ABQ. As you all know, at one point it was the lack of a Sephora store that was in first place, but that was quickly remedied. Since then I have been toying with several candidates for the Suckiest part of ABQ, and I think I have hit upon a very good one. It's the food. Not that the food itself is bad, oh no- it's that it is too freakin' hot for me to eat! People like it super-spicy here and smother everything in green or red chile, or both, and happily gulp it down. I thought that a few months of training and practicing would get my taste buds used to be ignited every time a took a bite, yet I have found that I can not handle the inferno. Which leaves me rather sad when we go out to eat and I see things like green chile enchiladas or breakfast burritos with chopped chile and cheese in them. I know that if I do get them, after two bites I will regret it, and after three I will be frantically looking for an ambulance because surely all of the skin on my tongue has been burned off. Then I don't eat my food and look dejectedly at my almost full plate, wishing I had stuck with something safe.
Another suck? Sundays. I like Sunday a lot, especially now that Nate is working 6 days a week. Sunday is one day when we get to be together and I can go do some shopping. But there is this little niggling law here that bugs- no alcohol sales before noon on Sunday. What's the big deal, you ask? Well, I usually go grocery shopping on Sunday morning while lots Querquians are in church, and I can't pick up a bottle of wine for dinner while I am there. And lots of other stores are not open on Sundays either. Evidently a few people in this town take the Sabbath seriously.
On to a Super! The weather here is fantastic. It is not bitterly cold here in the winter, but cold enough to merit sweaters and jeans all day, coats and scarves at night. The sky is gorgeous, the stars amazing, and the occasional snow flurry is a treat. I love the scenery and the clean air and the mountains, it makes me glad to live here.
Another suck? Sundays. I like Sunday a lot, especially now that Nate is working 6 days a week. Sunday is one day when we get to be together and I can go do some shopping. But there is this little niggling law here that bugs- no alcohol sales before noon on Sunday. What's the big deal, you ask? Well, I usually go grocery shopping on Sunday morning while lots Querquians are in church, and I can't pick up a bottle of wine for dinner while I am there. And lots of other stores are not open on Sundays either. Evidently a few people in this town take the Sabbath seriously.
On to a Super! The weather here is fantastic. It is not bitterly cold here in the winter, but cold enough to merit sweaters and jeans all day, coats and scarves at night. The sky is gorgeous, the stars amazing, and the occasional snow flurry is a treat. I love the scenery and the clean air and the mountains, it makes me glad to live here.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Hallelujah!
The family from CO bought Mr. Blue today. I am so pleased with the home he will be going to, and the people that get to keep him for the rest of his life. Blue will head home with his new family tomorrow morning. That leaves one sweet puppy at our house for the rest of the week. Lilly, as her new family calls her, will move into our kitchen with the rest of the family and become a house puppy once Blue leaves. It will be fun to play puppysitter for a week, then send her home and get some rest!
I have received so many calls about the puppies and have had people beg me to save their number in case I have another litter. While I have no intentions of doing this again, I find it funny that I have a potential waiting list for five puppies. Guess these adorable Labradoodles are a favorite around here! I heard from so many people that they have wanted one for years but no one in ABQ ever has any. So if anyone wants to move to ABQ and start a Labradoodle kennel, the market is wide open.
I have received so many calls about the puppies and have had people beg me to save their number in case I have another litter. While I have no intentions of doing this again, I find it funny that I have a potential waiting list for five puppies. Guess these adorable Labradoodles are a favorite around here! I heard from so many people that they have wanted one for years but no one in ABQ ever has any. So if anyone wants to move to ABQ and start a Labradoodle kennel, the market is wide open.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Blue is Feeling Blue
I still have one puppy available. Poor Blue, he is such a charmer too and so cute! 
I have had a lot of calls of interest, and am waiting to hear back from one gentleman in Santa Fe. Once I hear from him, either positive or negative, I can contact a family in CO that are interested in Blue. They will be here over the weekend, and want to come see Blue, and more than likely take him home. Honestly, I am rooting for the family from CO.
My first baby went home today! Purple left with her new owners and their two little kids- a 4yo girl and a 2 1/2yo boy. They are going to love Purple, she is such a mellow affectionate dog. Tomorrow 3 more are leaving the nest, and I can not wait to not have to clean up so much puppy poop. Ick.
In other news, poor E had a visit to the dentist today. She had a lot of work done, including the removal of two baby teeth. The dentist was rather adamant with her about brushing better. Guess it is time to get some Listerine Agent Blue or whatever it is called to help her see how she is brushing! I don't want to repeat this again any time soon, that is for sure.
I have had a lot of calls of interest, and am waiting to hear back from one gentleman in Santa Fe. Once I hear from him, either positive or negative, I can contact a family in CO that are interested in Blue. They will be here over the weekend, and want to come see Blue, and more than likely take him home. Honestly, I am rooting for the family from CO.
My first baby went home today! Purple left with her new owners and their two little kids- a 4yo girl and a 2 1/2yo boy. They are going to love Purple, she is such a mellow affectionate dog. Tomorrow 3 more are leaving the nest, and I can not wait to not have to clean up so much puppy poop. Ick.
In other news, poor E had a visit to the dentist today. She had a lot of work done, including the removal of two baby teeth. The dentist was rather adamant with her about brushing better. Guess it is time to get some Listerine Agent Blue or whatever it is called to help her see how she is brushing! I don't want to repeat this again any time soon, that is for sure.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
One is the Loneliest Number
We are down to one puppy left that still needs a new owner. A family came to see him today, but wanted a little time to make sure they were ready for a pup before committing to him. Since I really liked them, I was willing to wait for an answer. I should know in the morning, and my fingers are crossed that all the pups will be sold! And this is before they are even ready to go home. Meanwhile, I have gotten several more calls regarding the puppies. Sheesh, I could probably sell like ten of them.
In other news, I am going to pursue a new home for Hadrian again. I have contacted the Cavalier Rescue group for assistance in placing him in a home. After our last dismal failure, I need professional help with this undertaking. Hopefully it won't take too long, not more than a month or so, and then I can relax a bit. Just the sight of him causes me stress. A friend recommended doggie prozac for him, and I wonder what would happen if I slipped him one of mine. Haha!
In other news, I am going to pursue a new home for Hadrian again. I have contacted the Cavalier Rescue group for assistance in placing him in a home. After our last dismal failure, I need professional help with this undertaking. Hopefully it won't take too long, not more than a month or so, and then I can relax a bit. Just the sight of him causes me stress. A friend recommended doggie prozac for him, and I wonder what would happen if I slipped him one of mine. Haha!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Laying on the Carpet
Okay, here's the thing. Time at home without kids in the house is rare. Really rare. Like, once in a blue moon but even more rare than that rare. And whenever anyone asks me what I would do if I had time in my own house, all by myself, I always respond that I would lay on the carpet. Sound weird? Hear me out, you'll understand.
As a mom, I am constantly under scrutiny and surveillance by my kids. They always know what I am doing, where I am doing it, and why, and if they don't, they ask. And ask. And ask. If I were to lay on the carpet, for example, I would instantly get pummeled both verbally, with questions, and literally, with little bodies jumping on the new mommy play equipment. So I do not lay on the carpet when kids are home, but you can bet your last dollar that I do when I get a moment in the house by myself! It's symbolic, and a signal to my mind and body that I am officially "off duty" and can relax.
Today Nate took all the kids out for the day. They went to the zoo, to lunch, to the local indoor jumping place, and about town for the entire day. As soon as they left, I promptly sprawled out on the carpet in the front room and stared at the ceiling. I took slow, deep breaths, I listened to the quiet, and I felt the stress melt out of my body and into the ground. It was heavenly. Then I got up and did the dishes, took down the Christmas decorations, sold a puppy (woot!), cleaned the garage, read my book, painted my nails, and did laundry. It was a blissful, stress-free day, and when my family came back home this evening, I was recharged and happy to see all of them.
I may make this a regular appointment, at least as regular as I can talk Nate into doing it. His day was decidedly less relaxing than mine. Gee, how could that possibly be the case? Oh, right- he was in charge of all four kids.
As a mom, I am constantly under scrutiny and surveillance by my kids. They always know what I am doing, where I am doing it, and why, and if they don't, they ask. And ask. And ask. If I were to lay on the carpet, for example, I would instantly get pummeled both verbally, with questions, and literally, with little bodies jumping on the new mommy play equipment. So I do not lay on the carpet when kids are home, but you can bet your last dollar that I do when I get a moment in the house by myself! It's symbolic, and a signal to my mind and body that I am officially "off duty" and can relax.
Today Nate took all the kids out for the day. They went to the zoo, to lunch, to the local indoor jumping place, and about town for the entire day. As soon as they left, I promptly sprawled out on the carpet in the front room and stared at the ceiling. I took slow, deep breaths, I listened to the quiet, and I felt the stress melt out of my body and into the ground. It was heavenly. Then I got up and did the dishes, took down the Christmas decorations, sold a puppy (woot!), cleaned the garage, read my book, painted my nails, and did laundry. It was a blissful, stress-free day, and when my family came back home this evening, I was recharged and happy to see all of them.
I may make this a regular appointment, at least as regular as I can talk Nate into doing it. His day was decidedly less relaxing than mine. Gee, how could that possibly be the case? Oh, right- he was in charge of all four kids.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Too Good to be True
Sigh. Hadrian came back home today. He made it 24 hours in his new house before the woman decided she could not handle a dog like Hay. She not only found out she is allergic to him, but he also drives her nuts with his obsessive barking at the cat. Even putting them in separate rooms would not stop him from barking, and she didn't know what to do. So home he came, and now I am thinking maybe the problem with Hadrian isn't completely with me. Maybe he is a bit neurotic and obsessive, maybe he is a bit obnoxious, and maybe he is a bit of trouble. Nate wants to keep him and try to make it work, but I very much have my doubts. I shall try, though.
On a different subject, Happy New Year! We had a nice New Year's Eve, with the kids having some friends over and lots of snacks. Our house was so loud last night, it was awesome. The kids were incredibly thrilled with their party, and it gave me such a feeling of satisfaction to know that moving to ABQ made this possible for them.
This morning after all the kids had gone home, I gave G and M a bath. While I was occupied with them in the tub, O took it upon himself to clean up the house. And clean it he did! It was sparkling when I came down, with all the dishes put away, the trash picked up, the toys put away, the blanket folded on the sofa, and a cute little note on the table that said, "Clean by O". I got all teary-eyed and proud of my son- he is an amazing, compassionate individual and I am so glad that he is in my life.
On a different subject, Happy New Year! We had a nice New Year's Eve, with the kids having some friends over and lots of snacks. Our house was so loud last night, it was awesome. The kids were incredibly thrilled with their party, and it gave me such a feeling of satisfaction to know that moving to ABQ made this possible for them.
This morning after all the kids had gone home, I gave G and M a bath. While I was occupied with them in the tub, O took it upon himself to clean up the house. And clean it he did! It was sparkling when I came down, with all the dishes put away, the trash picked up, the toys put away, the blanket folded on the sofa, and a cute little note on the table that said, "Clean by O". I got all teary-eyed and proud of my son- he is an amazing, compassionate individual and I am so glad that he is in my life.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
3 Down, 4 To Go!
I have sold three puppies, hooray! Two males and one female now have new homes. Well, they still live here until at least the 8th of January, when they will be 7 weeks old. Then they go to their new families. I am so happy with the people we have had come see the pups- they are all experienced dog owners, they all have a terrific commitment to a new dog, and they all have a unique situation for the pups to move into. The first couple to buy a dog has a farm with horses, chickens, and a female Labrador. The second family has two boys and live in El Paso, TX, on a good sized piece of land. And the the third family is a young couple expecting their first baby come June, and they currently have two small dogs. I am thrilled that my pups are going to such fantastic homes.
The puppies are so much fun now. They play, wrestle, bark at each other occasionally, and love to be petted. It's fun to get the payoff from all of that hard work that we have put into them, and to see how happy they are making other people is awesome. This is turning out to be an amazing experience, even with the tough hurdles we have had to overcome.
In an interesting side note, finding great homes for them has led me to the decision to rehome my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Those of you that have met Hadrian know he is a fantastic dog- I am just not the right owner for him. I have found him a new home with a single woman that writes, and wants a dog to be her always-companion. Hadrian will adore being the prince of her house, she will adore having him worship her, and I will adore not having the stress of an unhappy dog. We can go visit him too, which is great for the kids. So this means that after we sell all the pups, we'll have only one dog. Our pet tally is kind of low for us as well- 3 fish, one leopard gecko, one rabbit, and one dog. Considering how many pets we had in our tiny, tiny house in California, it is ironic that now that we have the room, we don't have a lot of pets. We may have to do something about that!
The puppies are so much fun now. They play, wrestle, bark at each other occasionally, and love to be petted. It's fun to get the payoff from all of that hard work that we have put into them, and to see how happy they are making other people is awesome. This is turning out to be an amazing experience, even with the tough hurdles we have had to overcome.
In an interesting side note, finding great homes for them has led me to the decision to rehome my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Those of you that have met Hadrian know he is a fantastic dog- I am just not the right owner for him. I have found him a new home with a single woman that writes, and wants a dog to be her always-companion. Hadrian will adore being the prince of her house, she will adore having him worship her, and I will adore not having the stress of an unhappy dog. We can go visit him too, which is great for the kids. So this means that after we sell all the pups, we'll have only one dog. Our pet tally is kind of low for us as well- 3 fish, one leopard gecko, one rabbit, and one dog. Considering how many pets we had in our tiny, tiny house in California, it is ironic that now that we have the room, we don't have a lot of pets. We may have to do something about that!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas Programs
O had a Christmas band performance a couple weeks ago, and it was a lot of fun to go to. Except for one thing- I had to bring all of the kids with me. Nate was in Los Angeles on a business trip, so my only option was to take them all or stay home. And there was no way I was going to miss O's concert! He had a solo, playing La Bamba on his baritone. It was awesome. Unfortunately, G started to act up during the concert and I had to take him into the hallway so he would not ruin the performance for everyone else. I was so bummed to miss out on half of the concert, but that's the way the cookie crumbles, right? I've already told Nate that I will be going to O's spring performance by myself so I can actually enjoy it.
M had one at her preschool as well. They sang 8 songs, which is rather impressive considering the age of these kids. It was the usual Nativity Story, with little kids dressed as angels and shepherd's, and even a baby doll Jesus. So cute. While on stage waiting for the show to begin, M enjoyed digging for treasure in her nose. It's moments like that that make being a mommy so rewarding!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Slowing Down
One thing I love about the time between Christmas and New Year's is how the time seems to slow down a bit. Our family rarely does anything more ambitious then a trip to the grocery store during this time. Most of our days are spent at home, enjoying our nest and all of the new items we have feathering it. It becomes a time of relaxation and, in my case, reflection on the year soon to pass.
As this blog can attest to, we have had a lot of changes in 2008. Moving to a new state, getting a new house, and starting the kids in new schools was just one part of the overhaul our lives underwent this year. The bigger changes are the ones that may not be evident on the surface- my oldest child is entering his teenage years while my youngest is moving out of his babyhood, a time of childrearing that I will not go through again. Our family life has become deeper and much more satisfying, Nate and I are closer than ever even after almost *gasp* 16 years together, and we may finally be living in a country where all men truly are equal.
2008 will be a year that I will never forget. Every thing that changed, every thing that stayed the same, all wove together to make a year that was good to me and my family, and there is truly nothing more than that that I could ever want.
As this blog can attest to, we have had a lot of changes in 2008. Moving to a new state, getting a new house, and starting the kids in new schools was just one part of the overhaul our lives underwent this year. The bigger changes are the ones that may not be evident on the surface- my oldest child is entering his teenage years while my youngest is moving out of his babyhood, a time of childrearing that I will not go through again. Our family life has become deeper and much more satisfying, Nate and I are closer than ever even after almost *gasp* 16 years together, and we may finally be living in a country where all men truly are equal.
2008 will be a year that I will never forget. Every thing that changed, every thing that stayed the same, all wove together to make a year that was good to me and my family, and there is truly nothing more than that that I could ever want.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Wouldn't you love it if Santa put one of these little guys under your tree? As you can see, or maybe not since they are climbing all over the place, we have 7 pups in that basket. I can safely say that all 7 of the pups pulled through pneumonia, and are healthy and thriving! Now we are getting down to the business of finding new homes for them, because despite their adorable little faces we are not looking to add another dog to our household.
Our Christmas was very nice indeed. It was the first in our new home town of ABQ, and we really enjoyed the colder weather and low-key way we celebrated the holiday. The kids had a blast opening presents, of course, and Nate and I enjoyed watching them. I unfortunately came down with a cold yesterday, and sadly it has been accompanied by a relentless headache. The electric guitar that O got, the drum set the M got, and the noise-making toys that G and E got are not helping with that. But I am so happy to see them enjoying themselves that I am willing to suffer for the cause. Isn't that one of the joys of motherhood?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Let it Snow!
We are having our first good snowfall of the year today, and the kids are loving it. It started snowing overnight, and kept up throughout the day. The mid-afternoon brought a bit warmer air temperatures, so a lot of what we had on the ground melted. Then the temps dropped again, and now the snow is starting to build up a bit. 
I am so thrilled to have snow coming down! I really missed Winter in California- it just never seemed right to have a heat wave around the Holidays. Now with cold weather and snow, I feel like I am having my first real Christmas in years. I have been out catching snowflakes on my tongue, packing snowballs, and listening to the distinctive crunch-crunch-crunch of fresh snow under my feet.
Poor Nate is missing all of this fun! He flew to LA today and won't be back until Thursday night. I understand there has been some rain in LA, so at least he won't be dealing with weather shock when he returns.
Now the kids and I are hoping for a delayed start tomorrow, or, even better, a SNOW DAY!
I am so thrilled to have snow coming down! I really missed Winter in California- it just never seemed right to have a heat wave around the Holidays. Now with cold weather and snow, I feel like I am having my first real Christmas in years. I have been out catching snowflakes on my tongue, packing snowballs, and listening to the distinctive crunch-crunch-crunch of fresh snow under my feet.
Poor Nate is missing all of this fun! He flew to LA today and won't be back until Thursday night. I understand there has been some rain in LA, so at least he won't be dealing with weather shock when he returns.
Now the kids and I are hoping for a delayed start tomorrow, or, even better, a SNOW DAY!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Pupdate
Life is not all roses and hearts in puppy land. Much to our dismay, they started to come down with pneumonia over the weekend and now all of them have it. They get antibiotics twice a day, plus 2-3 breathing treatments a day. This is in addition to the bottle feeding, which fortunately now only happens every 6 hours. The vet did not give us great odds for them making it; only about a 50/50 chance per pup. Those odds mean we will more than likely lose a couple of them, but we are fighting hard to keep them all alive.
They are actually doing better with this than I expected. For the most part, they are healthy pups- they sleep, play, eat, and use the potty like normal healthy pups. But they have this cough that sounds horrible, and the danger to them is basically asphyxiation. Which totally breaks my heart, so I am administering coupage to them (thumping their chests) many times a day to keep the stuff in there broken up and moving out. This weekend they will be starting the weaning process, and once they are off bottles their pneumonia and congestion should clear up. As long as they make it until then.
They are actually doing better with this than I expected. For the most part, they are healthy pups- they sleep, play, eat, and use the potty like normal healthy pups. But they have this cough that sounds horrible, and the danger to them is basically asphyxiation. Which totally breaks my heart, so I am administering coupage to them (thumping their chests) many times a day to keep the stuff in there broken up and moving out. This weekend they will be starting the weaning process, and once they are off bottles their pneumonia and congestion should clear up. As long as they make it until then.
Monday, December 8, 2008
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Because Of...
EGGNOG! Yes, I love me some eggnog. Every year when the Holidays roll around, I wait with baited breath for the extensive selections of eggnog to arrive in the refrigerated case of the grocery store. And every year I am not disappointed by the variety of brands to try. Although I must admit to being something of a purist when it comes to eggnog- I stay away from pumpkin eggnog, and coffee eggnog, and anything else too far from the standard eggnog formula. Vanilla eggnog is an exception to this, as Southern Comfort makes one of the best eggnogs I have ever had. Both their regular flavor and vanilla spice are yum yum yum. 
And yet this is not the best eggnog I have ever had. That distinction goes to a bottle I purchased from Whole Foods last week. It comes in an old fashioned glass milk bottle, with a green cap. There is no label on the sides, no nutrition information, and the ingredients are fairly straight-forward: milk, heavy cream, sugar, and eggnog base. Which in this case is a rich, eggy, nutmeg-laced concoction that results in the most divine eggnog I have ever had. If you have a Whole Foods nearby and you love eggnog even half as much as I do, it would be worth going there and picking up a case or two. I mean, a bottle or two.
Now, how do I like to enjoy my eggnog? A variety of ways, in fact. In the morning, a homemade eggnog latte is just the thing to jump start my day. Even better? An eggnog chai latte, oh yeah. Mid afternoon? Straight up, cold from the fridge. Evening time? Well, now we are talkin'- eggnog with Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum is a dream come true, with an extra grating of fresh nutmeg on top.
But the joys of eggnog in my life do not stop there, oh no. I've made eggnog scones, eggnog cookies, and, my favorite recipe with eggnog of all time, Eggnog Quick Bread. And since I love all of you so dearly, I will share my recipe for it so you can all run out and try it right away.
Eggnog Quick Bread
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg (this is key, must be fresh! And a half teaspoon would not be a bad thing to bump it up to.)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups eggnog
2 teaspoons rum extract (find it with other extracts, like vanilla, or substitute dark rum)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9x5 loaf pan and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add in the eggs, eggnog, rum extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Once combined, stir in the flour mixture just until moistened. Pour into loaf pan and bake in the center of the oven for 45-60 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
(Just a small suggestion for those eggnog addicts like myself- make this in 3 mini loaf pans and freeze two of them as soon as they are cool. Otherwise you WILL eat it all in the matter of a day or two. Or less, depending on your willpower.)
And yet this is not the best eggnog I have ever had. That distinction goes to a bottle I purchased from Whole Foods last week. It comes in an old fashioned glass milk bottle, with a green cap. There is no label on the sides, no nutrition information, and the ingredients are fairly straight-forward: milk, heavy cream, sugar, and eggnog base. Which in this case is a rich, eggy, nutmeg-laced concoction that results in the most divine eggnog I have ever had. If you have a Whole Foods nearby and you love eggnog even half as much as I do, it would be worth going there and picking up a case or two. I mean, a bottle or two.
Now, how do I like to enjoy my eggnog? A variety of ways, in fact. In the morning, a homemade eggnog latte is just the thing to jump start my day. Even better? An eggnog chai latte, oh yeah. Mid afternoon? Straight up, cold from the fridge. Evening time? Well, now we are talkin'- eggnog with Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum is a dream come true, with an extra grating of fresh nutmeg on top.
But the joys of eggnog in my life do not stop there, oh no. I've made eggnog scones, eggnog cookies, and, my favorite recipe with eggnog of all time, Eggnog Quick Bread. And since I love all of you so dearly, I will share my recipe for it so you can all run out and try it right away.
Eggnog Quick Bread
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg (this is key, must be fresh! And a half teaspoon would not be a bad thing to bump it up to.)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups eggnog
2 teaspoons rum extract (find it with other extracts, like vanilla, or substitute dark rum)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9x5 loaf pan and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add in the eggs, eggnog, rum extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Once combined, stir in the flour mixture just until moistened. Pour into loaf pan and bake in the center of the oven for 45-60 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
(Just a small suggestion for those eggnog addicts like myself- make this in 3 mini loaf pans and freeze two of them as soon as they are cool. Otherwise you WILL eat it all in the matter of a day or two. Or less, depending on your willpower.)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Popcorn Revelation
Alright, so I am a dork. I love me some popcorn, but not nearly as much as M does. She wants to eat it every single day, and loves it plain, with salt, with butter, with herbs, whatever. She doesn't care, as long as she gets to eat popcorn. And since popcorn is a whole grain and by itself rather healthy, why not? My air popper has been getting a lot of use over the past two months, and although it is fairly easy to use I still hate dragging it out every time I need to make popcorn.
Several years ago I saw a Good Eats episode where Alton Brown said you could make popcorn in the microwave using a paper bag and a staple. Well, I was too chicken to try it. Then my favorite food blog had a feature about microwave popcorn, and she did not use a staple. Woohoo! My fears of microwaving popcorn we now null and void. I bought some paper bags, dumped in some popcorn and a bit of olive oil and salt in one, popped it in the microwave, and voila- it was perfect.
So why does this make me a dork? Because for YEARS I could have been making popcorn like this and saving myself a lot of trouble. And before I knew about the evils of commercial microwave popcorn, we used to eat that stuff. And this was so easy, so fast, and really, really tasty that I foresee us eating a lot more popcorn in the future. I may even make some to string on the tree this year. Well, without the salt and olive oil, of course. It will be hard enough for M to not eat the popcorn on the tree, why tempt her even more?
Several years ago I saw a Good Eats episode where Alton Brown said you could make popcorn in the microwave using a paper bag and a staple. Well, I was too chicken to try it. Then my favorite food blog had a feature about microwave popcorn, and she did not use a staple. Woohoo! My fears of microwaving popcorn we now null and void. I bought some paper bags, dumped in some popcorn and a bit of olive oil and salt in one, popped it in the microwave, and voila- it was perfect.
So why does this make me a dork? Because for YEARS I could have been making popcorn like this and saving myself a lot of trouble. And before I knew about the evils of commercial microwave popcorn, we used to eat that stuff. And this was so easy, so fast, and really, really tasty that I foresee us eating a lot more popcorn in the future. I may even make some to string on the tree this year. Well, without the salt and olive oil, of course. It will be hard enough for M to not eat the popcorn on the tree, why tempt her even more?
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