Happy New Year

Can you believe that it is almost here?

The wrapping paper is put away and the tree is on the street waiting

for the Boy Scouts to pick up!

Where could the time have gone?

I look back over the year and asked myself one question

What one word describes 2010 for me?

It took me some thought but I do have that word.

Now.... what word would you want to describe your 2011?

How will you make that happen?

It's funny because my 2010 and 2011 words are completely opposite!

Funny what a year can do.

I hope you all have a very safe but happy new year's eve.

See you in 2011~

Christmas

Well... we are almost there. The hustle and bustle should be over by now, gifts wrapped, food prepared and staged, cards in the mail. We are at the finish line.

Take a moment of silence to remember the reason for the season and give thanks for the best gift of all.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Sights and Sounds of Christmas

Wow... what a weekend! So much baking and eating! Just some shots above of our weekend!

The countdown in on and the Christmas music is up, the flour is flying and the ribbon is being curled on the packages!

Tonight is the gingerbread house and assembling the cookie trays!

Then we can sit back and relax!

What a week!

Junior High Holiday Concert

Let's throw in a birthday celebration!

Last day of school before break!

We didn't even capture the two basketball games, school and work!

It will be a lot more relaxed now the kids are done with school for a couple of weeks.

I'm sure your week was a lot like ours. Hectic!

Tonight is the neighborhood potluck.

Have a baked the cookies? No.....

Do I know what I'm bringing? No.....

It'll all get done... it always does!

Something to Ponder

"I grew up in a gentler, slower time.

When Ike was president, Christmases were years apart,

and now it's about five months from one to the next."

-Garrison Keillor

This quote really spoke to me. For myself I was already planning and starting projects for people in July! And when did those Christmas catalogs start arriving in the mailbox?

How often were we focused on planning for what was coming that actually living in the moment?

Take time now sit back and relax to enjoy these moments in the next two weeks. Don't start planning yet for Valentine's Day!

Baking, Mr. Melty

Baking

So far I haven't started my holiday baking. Just haven't scheduled the time. However, I'll need to stop procrastinating because Friday evening I need to bring a plate of cookies to our neighborhood Christmas party! I've been compiling recipes and deciding which ones to bake.

Then I need to bake and construct the gingerbread house for the kids to bake.

Yikes!

I'd better get going!

I love the above cookies, Mr. Melties which I think are adorable. You can find the inspiration here at the decorated cookie!

Time

Time

"If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves."

-Maria Edgeworth (1801)

I guess that's why I've been gone so long... I've been taking care of the moments. This time of year is very hectic with work, kids and home so not a lot of extra computer time. Also, I haven't had a lot to say the last couple of weeks. I'm a firm believer of not posting if you really don't have something valuable to share.

I love the above quote.

If you live in the moment when you look back on the year you'll be full.

Turkey Pancakes!

Jim's Pancakes!

You'll find Jim and his pancakes here!

It's that time of year when we all get busy and a little stressed out with everything to do.

I'm no exception and that's why I've been missing here the last week.

Too much to do .... too little time.

Thought it would be fun to start the holiday week with something fun to lighten things up a bit!

You'll love the site Jim's Pancakes!

This guy is very creative and he's always coming up with something new.

Check it out and enjoy your Monday

Don't take away my Happy Meal Toy!

I'm a mom. I've been thru the McDonald's drive thru a zillion times while my kids were younger and my children are not obese. I believe that everything should be done in moderation.

So here's a story that really got my blood boiling! Perhaps you've read it yourself.

The mayor of San Fransisco, Gary Newsom vetoed ( for once someone has their head screwed on correctly ! Yeah Gary!! ) on Friday legislation approved by the Board of Supervisors that would prohibit fast-food restaurants from giving away toys in kids meals sold in San Francisco unless they meet a strict set of nutritional standards of reduced calories, salt, fat and sugar, and also contain fruits and vegetables.
Despite Newsom's opposition, the law may still end up on the books. The board passed it on an 8-3 vote Tuesday, the minimum needed to override a veto. An override vote has not been scheduled.

Why if my kids are teens and we've outgrown the meals do I feel so strongly about this?

I personally don't need the city or federal government deciding what is ok for me to consume or receive in a Happy Meal. When are people going to wise up and call it quits? You won't be able to control behavior by getting rid of a toy in a meal.

I've thrown out a lot of Happy Meal toys at the bottom of the toy box ... I sure hope they don't become collector's items... or maybe they already have.

I sure hope McDonald's wins this one. Stay tuned!

Life

( picture taken this year on a gourmet kayak tour )

"Life is what happens to you

While you're busy

Making other plans."

-John Lennon (1940-1980)

How many times have we heard this quote?

Yet each time I hear it .... it resonates like the first time.

Don't let life pass you by!

Starbucks goes Cruising

Starbucks has now hit the high seas. The Royal Caribbean line, Allure of the Seas now has a Starbucks on board. So for all you Starbucks fans you know which boat to book. I don't know about you but when I go on a cruise, I want to get away from it all. Seeing all those little white and green cups walking around the deck of a ship just doesn't do much for me. In fact it makes me think that we've bought too much into commercialism that some can't get away from their "favorite coffee " for a week or two. And I'm from the Starbuck's capital , Seattle! What has this world come to? You can weigh in with your view point by clicking this link and casting your vote! It's a close race!

Marie-Helene’s Apple Cake

This is as close I got to making the recipe Marie-Helene’s Apple Cake in the cookbook, Around my French Table. I had every good intention and the recipe looked so easy and delicious but we just didn't get there to completion. You see... I would have been the only one eating the cake in my family and I didn't think I needed to indulge. You have to pace yourself here right before Thanksgiving!

However, the site has posted November recipes here and some great side dishes are planned that can be incorporated into your Thanksgiving feast so I plan on making these!

I just have to admit that I'm not Wonder Woman and can't do everything! Well... I have dark rum for Christmas cookies now! I can just taste those rum balls!!!

Life

"Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on."

-Samuel Butler (1835-1902)

How very true.... we do sort of figure things out as we go along. Don't we?

Monday- Pumpkin

Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good

- Dorie Greenspan

Around my French Table

I had just picked up my new cookbook Around my French Table, and found a recipe that I had to try on Sunday evening. Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good! What better thing to cook when you have a couple of hours on a cold rainy, windy afternoon in Seattle?

This receipe is sooooo gooood!!! This pumpkin is stuffed with all sorts of goodness, bread, gruyere cheese, cream and lots more!

We may need to fix it again before Thanksgiving.

Unraveling Week #4 Memories

This week in our Unraveling group we are looking at memories.

"Photographs are like signposts that show us the way back into the past; they give our memories colour and help us remember the faces of the people we love, the places we’ve been and the stages of our life as it unfolds. This next layer of unravelling is about seeing ourselves as we were, whether in happy moments or sad times, as recorded by the camera." - Susannah Conway

As the week progressed we were to be looking at photographs from all stages of our lives and journaling what type of feelings are evoked from looking at that photo. I love photos and have too many so the job was overwhelming. As always I left the writing assignments to Sunday so today I need to catch up.

The photo above was taken on a cruise that my son and I took while my daughter was traveling elsewhere. When I look at it I remember the special time we had together and how proud I was of him all dressed up for the formal evening. I think he looks proud too. Don't you think?

French Friday's with Dorie

Well, it's fall and time to try something new! I've signed up for the French Friday's with Dorie Greenspan. You may have heard of Dorie as she's authored several cookbooks, has a web site and blog. Here is more information regarding Dorie

She has a new cookbook, Around my french table and each week those that have signed up to follow along with be cooking one recipe out of the book. There is a website and after you've joined the group a special spot to discuss the recipes, triumphs and challenges!

The first recipe I will try is for October 29, 2010 - Marie-Helene’s Apple Cake

I figure this will be a good step in doing more french cooking and the recipes sound delicious!

You are welcome to join! Please check it out here

Prayer

"You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might also pray in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance."

-Kahlil Gibran

Run for Congo Women

We had a picture perfect fall weekend here in Seattle. It was sunny and warm in the afternoon and cold in the morning! My daughter and I had the opportunity to do the Run for Congo Women around Greenlake on Saturday morning. There were 600 people registered and we got around the lake in under an hour. ( official times not posted yet! ) This is a global organization who hosts walks and runs all over the country. You can check here to see if there is an event coming to your community. The link provides a nice video regarding the organization and what is happening in the Congo today.

Unraveling Week # 3 Favorite Things

This week in my Unraveling group has been difficult. We are having to take photos and post to the group Flicker account pictures of our favorite things. This took me a couple of days to think about and then act upon.

In the last couple of years I've done a lot of weeding out of things and getting rid of stuff! My motto is ... "if I got the chance to move to Italy tomorrow would I take it with me?" If the answer was no it went to the Goodwill. Lots of stuff.

So when I got this assignment it was really hard to think of things that were my favorite. However I did come up with a couple:

1. Shells , Rocks and Sea Glass that I collect on various trips. I display them in various small containers. My daughter when to Costa Rica and couldn't think what to bring me back. She brought me back some shells from beach. That was a special gift.

2. Photo albums that I make of our special family vacations. We love looking back over them. They are filled with all sorts of mementos from the trips.

What are some of your favorite things?

Nature

"Nature is ever at work building and pulling down, creating and destroying, keeping everything whirling and flowing, allowing no rest but in rhythmical motion, chasing everything in endless song out of one beautiful form into another."

-John Muir (1838-1914)

I love the above photo of the wildflowers. Received from www.nationalgeographic.com

Missing in Action

I have been missing in action because I've been looking for a crock pot recipe that I've been wanting to share with you .... one of my favorites and I can't find it! As organized as my recipes are in a binder... they can't be that organized if its missing in action!

It's that time of year. In the evenings it's hurry to get get dinner on the table during the week and at least two evenings a week I make sure we have a crock pot meal. It's so easy and ready for the kids when I walk thru the door.

Since I can't find the favorite, I decided to share my next best favorite!

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork

1 lb Boneless Pork Lion

2 1/4 C. Old El Paso Thick and Chunky Salsa. ( 24 oz jar )

1 can 4.5 oz green chilies chopped drained.

1 can 15 oz. black beans drained.

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Put the pork, chilies and salsa in crock pot and cock for 6-8 hours. Then stir in beans, cover and cook on low for five minutes or until beans are hot. Sprinkle with cheese.

This is very good and the pork very tender!

Besides looking for the recipe I've managed to clean the pantry, linen closet, kids games and finish our scrapbook from our spring break 2009 trip!

Trying to get some things done before the holidays set in and then we are really busy!

If you have a favorite crock pot recipe I'd love to hear. Please share!

Unraveling Week # 2 Reflections

This week in our Unraveling group we are focusing on reflections and where we see ourselves in the world. It's interesting because up until this week I never really focused or noticed my reflection except in the mirror.

It's been fun to go around with my camera and snap pictures everywhere you see your reflection. It's also nice when you take a moment and smile at yourself!

Take some time today and notice your reflection everywhere you go... and don't forget to smile!

It's that time of year

It's that time of year! The salmon are swimming up Bear Creek and we went to catch a glimpse.

Right around the corner from our home is Bear Creek and we have an amazing show of salmon swimming up stream each year. This year we took our camera hoping for some good photos. Hard to take pictures of salmon in the water. But it is a fun show! They work so hard, rest and then jet further up stream then drift back down. It really is fun that we don't need to go but five minutes down the road to see something so amazing!

Weekend work

Over the weekend I snuck in some moments where I could go out do some yard clean up. Not alot but some. My yard is so big that it takes me a month to get everything put to bed for winter. I had two big bags of hydrangea flowers that I cut to toss. I don't keep these to make wreaths anymore. They were so pretty that I thought I'd take a photo but the picture doesn't do them justice!

Uraveling Week #1

I have finished up.. well almost my first week of Unraveling, Ways of seeing myself. It was a bit of getting used to where to go to find my assignments, find the group and where to post my pictures but I think I have it now! Today I just need to finish up my writing assignments! Of course I leave that until the last day! I'll do that while my son does his homework.

This week we focused on our feet which keeps us grounded. How many different surfaces do you stand on each week? What about those shoes? Lots of pairs? Or a minimalist?

I found that I basically have four pairs of shoes... I know sad but my job prevents me from dressing up too much. My work boots, tennis shoes, slippers and sandals. Not very exciting.

Above is a picture of my feet in the garden planting a new hydrangea.

We were challenged to take pictures of our feet this week. What was really fun was seeing all the different pictures from members posted on flicker. On to my writing assignments!

You can find out more about Susannah Conway and her classes here

Body Talk Access Class with Pat Sullivan

My friend Pat Sullivan will be holding her final (for general public) BodyTalk Access class of the year on October 23rd. Get yourself ready to for the holidays with an integrated brain. Give yourself the gift of your own healthcare package. You'll be able to address your, or your family members' colds, flu's, stress levels, sports injuries, bites, bee stings, food poisoning and much more. This is a wonderful self care package to have out camping or in the widerness or traveling anywhere.

Please register if you are intending to join us. The early bird price is good until Friday, October 15th.

The class offers nursing, acupuncture, social work and massage CEU’s (6.5) through the AHNA, NCCAOM, NASW and NCBTMB. I am also a Washington State STARS trainer. Any daycare staff that attends this class will receive 6 STARS credits toward their yearly requirement.

Health Empowerment in 10 Minutes!
5 Techniques + 10 minutes = Total Body Balancing

Discover the most exciting new approach to health care!
Is for laypersons and healthcare professionals.
Parents: Can use Access to help their children improve their learning disorders and everyday challenges.

The next BodyTalk Access Workshop:

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
Everest College
2111 N. Northgate Way Seattle, WA 98133
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Cost - $150 ($135 by October 15th)
Link to register: http://www.bodytalksystem.com/seminars/details.cfm?id=14162

Fall Football

Happy Friday !

Friday's mean football in our home now!


( yes, that's my son carrying the football! )

Have a great weekend!

Solitary Confinement

We're all of us sentenced to solitary confinement inside our own skins, for life!"-

Tennessee Williams, Orpheus Descending

Wow, a good reminder that we we have to live with ourselves!

How do you treat yourself? Kind, Forgiving, Critical or Demanding?

Take a moment and think about it.

Eden

"Eden is that old-fashioned house

we dwell in every day

Without suspecting our abode

until we drive away"

- Emily Dickinson

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

CSA

This weekend at my CSA pick up I noticed that the produce is shifting. No more zucchini! I love zucchini but was getting tired of finding new recipes! We finally got corn.... eight ears! It made my son very happy! Fall is definitely here.

10 K Walk

On Saturday I participated in a Volksmarch in the city of New Castle which is 30 minutes from my home. What is a Volksmarch? It is an organized walk sponsored by a local chapter for the public. You can either walk for free of for credit. Saturday's walk you could choose a 5K or 10K. As you can see by the pictures if was a perfect fall day and I went for the 10K since I had the time. These are very fun, great exercise, and I saw trails that I never knew existed.

To find a chapter in your area click this link for more information!

Awareness

"Every dog has its day, but it's not every dog that knows when he's having it."-

Winifred Gordon, A Book of Days (1910)

Is today your day? Sure! Why not? Would you know it was your day when you were having it?

Be present and aware!

Genetically Modified Salmon?

I don't know if you've heard of this story yet in the news but it is darn right scary! How would you like to eat a "Frankenfish"? A genetically modified salmon? Well... the FDA is meeting to discuss this possibility

If OK'd the salmon will be the first genetically modified animal permitted by the FDA
Injected growth hormones make the fish reach maturity in half the growth time.

A company, AquAdvantage Salmon, has injected growth hormones into Atlantic salmon that enable the fish to reach maturity in half the normal growth time, 16 to 18 months, rather than 30 months.

I don't know about you but haven't we been injecting a growth hormone into cattle now for some time? Look what it's done to our milk supply and meat?

Living in the Pacific Northwest this entire Salmon issue seems unreal. There have been a lot written about genetically modified animals and crops and it is not helping the health issues of Americans.

If they are going to offer "Frankenfish" in the store it should be labeled so that you are informed and have a choice.

Personally I think that more people are going to elect to shop at PCC and Whole Foods for their meat and seafood.

Please stay on this issue so you can make informed choices for yourself and family

Here is the link to the CNN story

FALL

With the beginning of fall comes bulb planting! This weekend I ran into my garden store to see all that was being offered so that I could make my list for a purchase this weekend! I don't plan out where things are going but every year I plant more bulbs of different varieties. It's not a very fun job but when spring comes I'm always glad I took the time.

This year I'm thinking of hosting a neighborhood bulb planting party one morning. Of course we need to jockey kids sport schedules and rain.... but I think we can make it work!

What is your favorite bulb to plant?

Advancement

Our weekend was incredibly busy and we finished it off with my son's Boy Scout Court of Honor. This is a ceremony where we honor and celebrate the accomplishments and rank advancements of the boys in the troop. It really is nice as they get older to see them all growing and accepting new challenges. So many times we recognize everyone in the group and they get a trophy. This is nice because the boys who are recognized really deserve the recognition.