cajun cookin'

i can't remember the last time i had cajun food but i know it was years ago at a restaurant downtown while on a date with c. well this past sunday, i had my fill!

i attended my girlfriend bonnie's bridal shower, and to help her prepare for her honeymoon (jazzfest in st. lucia) her sister threw her a little jazzfest bridal shower at chateau orleans.  this is an amazing restaurant right here in pacific beach. once again, i managed to overlook a restaurant that is just a few blocks away.  apparently, it's been around forever and don't advertise much because they don't need to.

there were about 20 of us and we ate LOTS of tasty (and heavy) southern style food, enjoyed watermelon wine, laughed alot and even played a great bridal shower game. i can't say i've played many great ones in my lifetime.  here's how this one worked: we were all asked to write down a question for the bride-to-be that had to do with her fiance, marty. not only did we have to write a question, but we had to know the answer to it as well, and write it down. her sister collected all the cards and started asking bonnie (bons) the questions.  the guests also played - our task was to guess whether or not bonnie would know the answer to each question.

because i met marty 'pre' bonnie, i had lots of stories to pull from. my question asked bonnie to name our mascot that we took with us on several roadtrips across the boarder (mexico).  i gave her a hint - an animal.  this 'animal' was really a plastic black rat that marty would tape it to the hood of this car on our roadtrips. eventually it flew off the car and that was the end of 'rato negro (black rat in spanish). *laugh*.  you had to be there to fully appreciate it - those trips were fun long before we got to our destination.  i go back years with marty and the 'pb gang' as we call ourselves. so many good memories!  at the end of the game, we had shared lots of laughs and learned alot of things about marty.

here's the only picture i snapped on sunday.  bonnie (the bride-to-be) is on the left, with her sister rene (the hostess).  great party girls!! 

i'm really looking forward to the wedding celebration - april 17th!

while it lasts

affection never was wasted.
- henry wadsworth longfellow

the difference between kindergarteners and preschoolers is enormous and i've found myself pausing and observing finn more - wondering where my little boy went and how he grew so big overnight.

he's always been an independent kid, but in the past 6 months he's more independent than ever and it's something i am trying to get used to. he takes baths and showers on his own, dresses himself, pours his own milk and cereal, clears his plate after each meal, and he's now helping himself to treats from the freezer with help from a kitchen chair.

he's slowly moving away from christopher and i, like a normal and healthy child is supposed to so he can become his own little person. he's testing his boundaries and seeing what he is capable of. these are exciting times for us all, and yet a little bittersweet too. for me at least.

i'll never forget what a colleague of mine, who is also a mom, said to me once. we had met somewhere for lunch and she was telling me about her daughter, who was 7 at the time and showing more independence. her mother had recently told her that around age 8, kids' parents are no longer the center of their child's world - that their life no longer revolves around their parents.

my girlfriend, a single mom, was having a tough time with this. her daughter was approaching 8 and she was seeing that 'shift'. i could see a little sadness in her eyes and really felt for her. i remember thinking, 'prepare yourself angela' you'll be in her shoes in just a few short years. finn was 4 1/2 then. i'm still 2 years away from 8, but it's begun.

fortunately, there are still lots of moments when finn is capable of big bursts of affection. he'll jump in my arms or snuggle up with me during a movie. some days, he'll give me a kiss out of the blue, and he still asks me to rub his back every night. i know these times will be less frequent as he grows, so for now, i just soak it all up - every bit of him, while it lasts.

*******************************************
the boys are out of school for 2 weeks for spring break and c is home with them this week before we all head off together next week. when i get home afterwork, c's been needing to do a little 'catching up' on work stuff so i've been taking the boys to allow him this. this afternoon, we went on a long bike ride and then to the park to play. i should note the boys ride and i actually walk.  scout rides a trike so he's unable to keep up with me if i ride my beach cruiser.  powerwalking behind them words pretty well for now.  here a lil clip of 'big boy' finn being super silly.

things i ♥ thursdays

i ♥ wishbone salad dressings
they have recipes right on the back of the bottle
that are super easy and so yummy.  my s-i-l anissa
introduced me to the one on the back of the rasberry walnut
vinaigarette bottle and it's my favorite right now. here's the
receipe: baby spinach, red onions, toasted walnuts, mandarin oranges
and goat cheese - something i can't get enough of these days.
i'll save this obsession for another thursday post.

i ♥ bubbles
not bubble gum bubbles but the soapy bubbles
that float up to the sky so pretty. im childlike this way.
the simple act of waving a wand and watching bubbles
float along relaxes me and is so much fun. i love it as much as the boys.
since spring is officially here, i had a perfect excuse to schedule
a bubble playdate.  yep, i just sent an evite out to lots of mommy
friends inviting them over for a 'backyard bubble playdate'.
should be fun. i so wish finn and scout's cousins lived closer so we
could have playdates together. we miss them so...

i ♥ to travel
everything about it is exciting to me.
meeting new people, trying new foods, speaking a new
language, the different culture, the architecture, etc.
if i could swing it, i'd take off and just travel the
world right now (with the boys of course).
but since that's not possible, i look forward to
a little trip abroad every year or two if we can swing it.
the mexico trip is just around the corner now - 12 days away.
it can't come soon enough! i need a little rest and relaxation with
the special boys in my life.

i ♥ the shootsac
it's a camera bag but is much more fashionable and functional
than traditional camera bags.  you can even change up the covers.
i've had my eye on it for years - literally.
i could never could justify purchasing it because
i have a samsonite camera bag that worked just fine.
it's not as pretty - actually rather plain, but it worked.
now i have an additional lens (a 50mm c bought me last year) and
with the body and two lenses they don't fit in my existing bag well.
i need more space so maybe, just maybe this will be a birthday gift?
*smile*.   

listen up ladies

i came across an article in this month's issue of working mother and had to post.

keep cancelling on friends?
if you've been cranky lately, that may be why.
spending time with your pals can be as pleasurable as sex for woman,
a recent british study found.
it can provide the same health benefits as sex too,
because it causes the release of oxytocin, a brain
chemical that helps us bond.

we all know time with our girls is important, but this gives us even MORE
reason to make time for our gal pals. *grin*.

(and to all those SATC fans out there, the 2nd movie will open may 28th) YAY!!!
you can watch the trailer HERE.

art from the heart

art from the heart is the name of explorer elementary's annual fundraiser.
this is the biggest event of the year and it was held this past saturday night.
those parents of older kids who've attended over the years had told me this is 'not to be missed' and they weren't kidding - what an amazing evening!

there was plenty of food (served by high tech high students) and the wine flowed.  all the parents were out in full force to help the school and everyone was just happy to be part of the event.

the fundraising included both a silent and a live auction.  the silent auction offered over 600 items - everything from being 'coach'  for the day, to dinners, trips (local and all over the world), spa packages, jewelry, dance classes, the list seemed endless.  though we bid on over 20 items, we were outbid alot and ended up winning just 3: chiropractic services for christopher, 3 months of bootcamp for me and swim lessons for scoutie.  *yay*

the live auction was the most fun - lots of energy and lots of noise!  each class had made a piece of art and which was auctioned off by a great mc.  finn's room created an ocean themed table using gyotaku prints of fish they were studying.  gyotaku is a traditional form of japanese fish print that dates back to the 1800s. (i took this right out of the program - ha).  the bid started at $500 and i think it was sold for $950.  other framed pieces went as high as $2200! CRAZY but it was all  for a great cause - explorer elementary. i wish i had some pictures to share but i purposefully didn't bring my camera so i could just mingle and enjoy the night. there were photographers there and as soon as i can get photos of the art, i will share.  check back in a week or so.

i have to close by saying the passion these parent's have for this school is absolutely amazing!  the entire event was put on by the parent council and i know it took months and endless hours to prepare.  the more i learn about explorer and participate in events it offers, i'm reminded of how fortunate we are to have finn at this school. he (and we) are growing together.  it feels good to be part of something so special.

art from the heart is an event i will be sure to attend every year - i won't miss it! 

~ a big thanks to maddy (and her friend caylie) who came over and watched the boys until almost midnight. the boys had a great time and enjoyed the giant bubbles you girls blew for 'em.

things i ♥ thursdays

i ♥ clementines
they are delicious
perfect for a sweet and healthy treat.
i have to limit myself to no more than two a day.
i wonder if these fruits are always in season?
the 'cutie' brand seems to be in stores year round.

i ♥ going to bootcamp
also called 'bootie camp' by finn
these classes are extremely popular here in southern california
the workouts are tough but the best part, they are OUTSIDE.
yep, you read correctly. why not - the weather is always right for it.
right now i'm attending the wired fitness classes held in mission bay.
their tagline is workout without walls.  i love it!
i'd take it over a gym any day. especially after living in fl and az where
i had to work out inside for several months out of the year.

i ♥ old houses
it's not just because they've been standing a long time,
but i like that so many old homes seem to have 'stories' to tell.  
i also associate charming details with old houses and this is what i especially love.
built-ins, real hardwood floors, fireplaces, big wide front porches and thick moldings.
some builders are trying to recreate new 'old' homes.
some do an ok job, but the majority i've seen, pale in comparison to the homes of the past.
i wonder if it's due to cost and possibly lack of good craftsman? but my guess is cost.
i imagine it's alot cheaper to throw up tract home.

my dream home would be a completely renovated 'old' home (over 100 years old)
from the pricetags i've seen for these, i don't think this will ever be my reality. i can dream...
below is a 'new' old home that is for sale in the college park area of florida.
a realtor sent to me for some reasons.  it's only $575k. *grin*
i love the color, the exterior siding, the proportions and the detached garage.  
wish their were pictures of the interior. i wonder if it has charming details inside?
if you enjoy old houses too, take a peek at this website.

i ♥ my cell phone ear bud
and really should have had purchased one years ago.
driving while holding a cell phone is against the law here in ca, and
though the prius has bluetooth, i'm not always in that car when talking
so for christmas, c surprised me with an ear bud in my stocking.
it's been the most practical and wonderful gift i received.
i use it every time i talk for more than a few seconds - when i drive, am shopping,
walking around the block as scoutie rides his trike in front of me, etc.
it's safe easy, comfortable and i won't get a ticket when i'm using it.*yay*
i love love love it!

***********
i almost forgot to include the update on the leprechaun that was lose in finn's class.
when i arrived home from work, i met a very excited kid who was ready to tell me everything that happened in class.  he said NO ONE's trap caught the leprochaun yesterday.  there were green footprints throughout the room and gold was taken from several of the booby traps but "because leprechaun's are magical, he didn't get caught." so there you have it - finn's st. patty's day adventure. 

i was hoping for an ending like this - one that left the kids full of wonder and full of hope. keeping a little magic alive in my boys (santa, easter bunny, tooth fairy, etc) is really important  to me and i'll encourage it for as long as i can.

a leprechaun is loose in room 3

happy st. patty's day!!

i hope you are wearing green today folks!  i was sure to set out green t-shirts for the little guys this morning to ensure they didn't get pinched. i'm hoping scout doesn't have to worry about that yet, but i bet those kindergarteners don't hold back in the least! *grin* 

moving on to the leprechaun booby trap project.  finn came home from school last week announcing a leprechaun was loose in his kindergarten room and has been causing all sorts of mischief. his teacher says this happens once a year as st. patrick's day approaches. her chair is knocked over when she arrives to class in the mornings, and she finds things in disarray - ALL acts of this mischevious leprechaun.

the kid's homework assignement this past weekend - to create a 'booby trap' to capture this tiny green person. when i was out having my hair done (i'm a brighter blonde), the boys brainstormed and came up with a cool trap. scoutie even helped with it. to create this trap they pulled together: a green sandbucket, leaves and branches from our backyard tree, a piece of cardboard, and green spray paint. simple but so clever.

finn is very proud of it.  well, see for yourself. 

i'm anxious to learn if the class gets this little green guy and which student's traps gets him. *smile*

i will report back on this tomorrow.

*********

i almost forgot to mention our first movie night of the year was held this past saturday night. we had all been looking forward to it for weeks.  finn's entire kindergarten class and their families were invited to join us in the backyard.  the final count was 26 and most of the families that came live right here at the beach.  the feature movie was ponyo and was a hit with the kids. it sucked them in and allowed those adults who weren't watching the movie to mingle and drink a little wine in the cottage. we are all looking forward to the next one and if i plan ahead, i'd love for jessica to help with some of the little decor/labels.  

look who's 2

my nephew aidan celebrated his second birthday today.
it doesn't seem possible this little guy is 2 but it's true!

since we couldn't get to say happy birthday in person,
i thought we'd send some wishes via my blog.
this was the 5th take, and yet the best we could get. *sigh*
that's 'life with boys'. sis, i know you understand.

we're anxiously awaiting you guys to get a video camera
so we can videochat on skype!

happy birthday beautiful brown-eyed boy!







lexi and aidan (2)



the shack

the shack is the title of a book i recently read and had a hard time putting down. it's not a book i even had on my 'reading list' but when i came across it and the library, and read the back cover, i just had to get it. i recalled a conversation with a friend who had read it. she said she *really* enjoyed it and it made her think. i don't think she even told me what the story was about, but she was passionate about it and that's what i remembered.

i completed the book in just 3 sittings over a week. it made me think about the trinity in ways i had NEVER even thought of. in a nutshell, it's a story of pain, forgiveness and healing. the author, william young, presents god as approachable and ultimately good - even though there is so much evil in the world. it left me hopeful and feeling warm and fuzzy all over.

i recommend this book to anyone of any faith and background. if i could, i would buy a copy for all of my loved ones, but since i can't, i'll just post here. you can learn a little more about this book and the author at this website.

for a quick overview click on 'back cover'. if you read it, please share what you thought with me. (mom, i know you are reading right now - can't wait for you to finish).

things i ♥ thursdays

i ♥ cool wine labels
just behind the price tag, this is how i often chose my wine.
obviously, i'm no wine connoisseur. *laugh*
someone once told me the prettier the label, the worse the wine.
i don't know if this is true, but regardless, i like pretty wine labels.
last night aleyda was over for our monthly play/dinner date
and this is the wine she brought over. i love this label - super cute.
lucky us, the wine tasted good too.

i ♥ paul frank
especially their kid's line - small paul.
their 'julius' tees are my favorite.
tweens, teens and adults wear these shirts with
the big fat monkey face across the chest,
but kids can wear them so much better.
they're just cuter for some reason. *grin*
target carries 'small paul' pjs and tees
and their prices are right on.
happy shopping!

i ♥ tribe's hummus snackers
i picked up a case when i was at costco shopping for finn's birthday party food.
i don't have a membership (no room for bulk anything in a cottage)
but jen has a membership and these mini packs were a find.
i've been enjoying carrots dipped in these packs for weeks now,
and just finished my last one yesterday.
i must get more! 





















i ♥ my mom
call me cheesy or sentimental, but i had to post this.
she's just an amazing woman - a terrific mom and a good friend too.
in my 20s i'd go months without talking to her, but now,
we talk several times a week.  we connect in ways we didn't before.
i'm sure age and my becoming a mom has played a big part in this,
but i also think my living so far from her, makes me appreciate her in ways i might
not if i lived close.  when i do to see her, everything is wonderful.
she's perfect and our time together is perfect. i soak it in and can't get enough.
i'm missing her tonight and so looking forward to spending time together.

shake it up char

exercise is a dirty word. every time i hear it, i wash my mouth out with a martini.
- mimi allen shaw

this quote came right off the birthday card i gave to my friend charlotte this past weekend. 
inside it reads: it's your birthday - shake things up and enjoy!

my email was down at home yesterday, march 8th, which is char's *actual* birthday.
because of this, i wasn't able to put up a birthday post to her, so here it is, one day later.

happy birthday girlfriend! you grow more beautiful every year - inside and out.
 i'm trying to remember how far we go back now - i want to say 10 years?
remember those avrp days downtown - *grin*.
so much has happened since. 

here's to  many more years of friendships and martinis!!

things i ♥ thursday

i ♥ rainboots
and have had my eyes on these for the last few months or so.
i know it hardly EVER rains here and i don't need them
but they are so cute!  strange i never wanted or owned a pair
when i lived in florida and could have used them.

i ♥ ciao bella pistachio ice cream

finn and i are addicted to the little minis.
they are just a half of a cup - the perfect proportion.

it's our occasional treat during the week after a healthy dinner

so yummy!

i ♥ kid's pajamas.

i'm a bit obsessed (ask my sis jen).
i have a hard time staying away from them.
these spring robot pjs from the gap are so cute.
finn would dig 'em.


i ♥ flowers
they make me so happy.
i treat myself to a bunch every two weeks
when i'm shopping for groceries.
they don't have to be elaborate or exotic at all
i'm happy with a $3 bunch of daffodils.
it's a simple way to add a little beauty to our home
and they make me smile. it's a small price to pay.




















i ♥ putting my boys to bed every night
with my work hours, i don't get to enjoy the mornings with them
so this is important for me.
after bathtime, pjs, and their teeth are brushed, we read together.
scoutie sits on my lap and finn squeezes in next to me.
i start with scout's books and then move to finn's 'big boy' books.
after stories, i rub their backs and often sing them a song.
then i kiss them goodnight.
always.

the one and only, heidi jo

my sister in law, heidi competed in the 2010 usa yoga national championships representing arizona a few weeks ago.  i wasn't able to see her compete, so was thrilled when she shared THIS VIDEO with me tonight. i had to post immediately. you must watch it full screen for the full effect.

she's absolutely AMAZING!!  i got chills watching her. her lines are so beautiful.

congratulations heidi jo. you truly inspire me.