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Archive for August, 2009

travels of life

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Last week my cousin Brooke came for a visit and shared stories of her recent two-month trip to Europe.  She had a wonderful time, met some great people, learned more about the world (and herself) and even couch surfed, something that scares the shit out of me.  Her pictures and stories reminded me how much I love to travel and has prompted discussion about what our next adventure should be.

Over the years we have kept a rudimentary travel journal…bits and pieces of information and various memorabilia. I’ve wanted to figure out a way to piece it all together in an organized fashion. My hope was to create something that would not only document where we’ve been, but also share the information with friends, family and fellow journeymen.  A few years ago, I created a blog to record these moments.  However, in the craziness of life, only a handful of entries were actually published.  In an effort to simplify you will now be able to read it all here.  Sounds like a 2-for-1 deal that is too good to be true, eh?  I hope you will enjoy this new enhancement to the blog and give those of you who are craving something other than baby related content a break from the mommyhood stories.

for the birthday girl

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

This is for you Nana.  Happy Birthday!  We love you!

bragging rights

Friday, August 28th, 2009

We are getting ready to wrap up our first year with Haven.  Hard to believe, but true!  Everyday we are in complete awe of something new and different she is discovering, tasting, observing and doing.  We are beyond thrilled that she is happy, healthy, independent and according to growth charts she’s right on target.  While she’s just doing normal, everyday, run-of-the-mill baby things it is all special to us because we are her parents.  Which brings me to the point of this…

Is anybody else utterly annoyed at the parents who are constantly bragging about their kids and how advanced they are?

Before I climb my soapbox I must preface with the fact that kids do extraordinary things.  EVERY kid has a special talent.  Every child is special, especially to those who love and support him, as it should be.  I’m referring to the kids who do normal everyday things and their parents make it out to be like the kid just climbed Mount Everest.

Some things that I don’t qualify as amazing:
Your kid writing his/her name.  Most every kid does it sooner or later.
Your kid learning to dress him/herself.  Tie a shoe.
The appearance of teeth.
Sitting, crawling, walking and talking…we’ve done them since the age of the caveman.  And, by golly, I think the little rascals that figure out how to scoot on their hineys have to be smart cookies, because NOBODY else is doing it.  They are the future innovators, because they can see past doing it everybody else’s way.

Again, legitimately, for some children, these tasks are monumental.  Special needs children have to work leaps and bounds harder than normal developing children and DO deserve a round of applause, awards and all the ice cream in the world when they learn a new skill.  But, for the regular average kid out there, no marching band is needed.

I know that at some point I will eat my words here.  Haven will inevitably do something that amazes me, I will document it on my blog and somebody will call me on it.  I can see the comment now:

Hey, remember when you wrote *that* blog post?  The one about kid bragging.  Well, you are doing it.  My kid knew how to blow bubbles in utero, so Haven learning to blow bubbles ain’t nothing special.

babysittin’

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Last week I “interviewed” three sisters, ages 13-17, as potential babysitters.  Their mom came with them, since she wants to meet the parents before the girls babysit, which I liked (plus, it gave ME a chance to check out THEIR mom).  I was definitely pleased after the meeting.  The girls are active in church and community service, are all involved in girl scouting  AND have taken babysitting courses through the hospital or Red Cross.  Additionally, they live less than two blocks away (and mom is close!), charge a very reasonable price and also dogsit.

While Matt and I both feel more comfortable with family members watching Haven, I am thrilled that there are some responsible teenagers right around the corner.  With numerous restaurants nearby (where we are available within a few minutes in case of an emergency) I am excited to give the girls a try.

Do you (did you) have a babysitter you liked/trusted?  What do you think makes a good babysitter?

hard cards

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

front

front of card

back

inside card

These are piss-in-your-pants funny cards.  I love them.

chicken divan

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

2 packages (10 ounces each) broccoli, or 1 bunch fresh trimmed broccoli
2 cups sliced cooked chicken
2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (or this recipe)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
3/4 cup shredded processed Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs, tossed with 1 tablespoon melted butter

Cook broccoli in a small amount of boiling water until crisp-tender; drain. Arrange the broccoli stalks in a greased baking dish. Arrange turkey or chicken over the broccoli spears. Combine the soup with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder; pour over all. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then top with buttered bread crumbs. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes, until heated through.

drink of summer ‘09

Monday, August 24th, 2009

firefly-vodka

Dirty Arnold Palmer, Evil Arnold Palmer, Spiked Arnold Palmer…call it whatever you want…it’s damn good.

Mix Simply Lemonade with Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka to taste.  Add as much vodka as you like.  Enjoy!

if you’re happy and you know it

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

slumber my darling

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

Combine Alison Krauss’s voice, the songwriting skills of Stephen Foster (who some consider to be the greatest American songwriter), and the talent of Yo-Yo Ma, Mark O’Connor and Edgar Meyer, you are bound to get beautiful music.  This is probably one of my favorite songs of all time.  When we went on our babymoon cruise one of our dining companions (we were seated with some great people) asked everyone at the table what would you have played, sung or read at your funeral.  I was the first to speak…because I knew the answer before it was asked.  I want to hear Slumber My Darling as my ashes are blowing in the wind.  But, then in actuality, I wouldn’t hear it being played or sung.  Everyone else would.  So, in the meantime, I will sing to Haven when I’m rocking Haven to sleep.

Slumber, my darling, thy mother is near,
Guarding thy dreams from all terror and fear,
Sunlight has pass’d and the twilight has gone,
Slumber, my darling, the night’s coming on.
Sweet visions attend thy sleep,
Fondest, dearest to me,
While others their revels keep,
I will watch over thee.

Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest,
The wandering dews by the flow’rs are caressed,
Slumber, my darling, I’ll wrap thee up warm,
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm.

Slumber, my darling, till morn’s blushing ray
Brings to the world the glad tidings of day;
Fill the dark void with thy dreamy delight–
Slumber, thy mother will guard thee tonight,
Thy pillow shall sacred be
From all outward alarms;
Thou, thou are the world to me
In thine innocent charms.

Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest,
The wandering dews by the flow’rs are caressed,
Slumber, my darling, I’ll wrap thee up warm,
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm.

favorite fiddler

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Just another reason to go to the Fiddler’s Convention next year.  Go girl!