Grateful for 'H'ealth

H is for good health

I had originally planned to post on how grateful I am for our home. That it is such an important place of rest and restoration, heart and soul. That is, until my second choice trumped home and warranted a first place position.

So, I bring you my gratitude for health. My oldest was hit by THE flu this week/weekend. And while I conceptually believe in good health we don't get sick very often and don't have to feel deep pains of severe health challenges. For that I am grateful.

We take the approach of being as healthy as we can and work to prevent illness and disease as much as possible. We strive for all five of us (including Parker--even though he seems to be on a different agenda) to have good rest, healthy diets (low sugar, little-to-no processed food, little meat, low dairy and high on whole foods and veggies), plus some favored supplements. We are sure to get our extra vitamin A&D, high on vitamin C right now in flu season, and probiotics. A few supplements come into play here and there but we try to arm our immune system to be ready for battle. There is far more power on that side than once we've been hit, know what I mean?

Christopher is seemingly on the mend and with any luck the rest of us have dodged the bullet (fingers and toes crossed). The irony of this post being due on a day when I was contemplating a trip to urgent care (I REALLY don't like hospitals or germ infested places so that's saying a lot), is not lost on me. I think it's no coincidence that my gratitude for good health (relatively speaking) is punctuated with a challenge.

Let us take nothing for granted and appreciate the very basic wellness we have most days of our lives.

P.S. Extra shout out to Emily. I know she shares in my gratitude for good health!

Grateful for 'G'race

G is for grace

Grace is such a powerful virtue.
It is with grace that icky things are made tolerable and mediocre can be beautiful.
For this I am grateful.

Note: Applying the word of the day, I find this is an especially suitable post. I have some kiddos that are not up to snuff. My well-laid plans for these few days are out and we have to just rest and mend. And God willing keep this flu quarantined (Mama doesn't get any sick days!) In the midst of all, there is grace.

Grateful for 'F'aith, 'F'amily and 'F'riends

F is for 'F'aith, 'F'amily and 'F'riends

I realize I'm sort of cheating on this one but I just couldn't go without any of these.

Faith has completely sustained me. I would be a big mess without it. I am grateful that I don't struggle with faith the way some do. I truly can't imagine life without it.

Family is my world. I am a willing servant to my family and I completley relish in these three kids and husband that I get to share each day with. They are my 'job' and my life. I am grateful for extended family and only wish we were closer and could be together more. (Biggie in the con column.)

Friends: I am very fortunate to have the friends I have. I am surrounded by fantastic, talented, grounded people who keep me planted. For that I am thankful. In my lifetime I have made some exceptional friends who have crossed over into the family category. We not be of the same blood but our connection runs deep and I am so incredibly grateful for them (You know who you are).

I am blessed.

Grateful for 'E'xpression

E is for expression

Self expression can manifest is such a variety of ways. Many of which inspire me deeply. Some may say that expression should be reserved and is prettiest when wrapped up in a perfectly honed box, but for me trying and getting 'it' out is a good start.

I am grateful for effective communicative expression (no hard feelings that way--you always know where you stand and nothing harbors or builds).

I am grateful for creative expression--ALL TYPES. So much of my creative inspiration comes from expression through music, photography, written word and varying art forms.

I am grateful for occasional exuberant expression. The unexpected is so refreshing and alive. And we are meant to live, people!

I am grateful for eccentric expression. It's not so much the direction I would personally go to express myself but it just underscores the uniqueness of us all and I can very much appreciate an eccentric expression, for the sake of expression and honoring that.

I am grateful for Madonna who so perfectly commanded us to "vogue..and express ourselves."

I saw a lapse yesterday. Some of you emailed me directly. Don't be shy. EXPRESS YOURSELF. What are you grateful for (today is 'E')?

Grateful for 'D'ad

D is for Dad

In addition to being grateful to my Dad for life itself, I am so thankful for the lessons and foundation he instilled in me early on. Discipline, perseverance and hard work; the pillars of who I am today started with my Dad.

I am grateful for him teaching me to ask questions; for often it is the question that can be more telling than the answer. I appreciate his encouragement for me to be independent and to value integrity, in myself and others.

And I must mention his love for Southern California beaches and taco shops. The torch has been passed and my little guy is a chip off the old block.

Grateful for 'C'hristopher

C is for Christopher

Aren't all mothers grateful for their children? I am certain so. My gratitude for my oldest son touches my core deeply as does his sweet and tender spirit. I am grateful for his caring nature--always noticing the one who needs a subtle "Are you ok" nudge or comforting gaze from his empathetic eyes. I am incredibly grateful for his thoughtfully inquisitive way that completely inspires me daily to learn and seek all that I can.

He is a blessed gift to me (us) that I cherish so incredibly dearly. Every delivery story is unique and precious just like each child born of it. I am reminded and so humbly grateful that God choose us to be his parents. His thirst for God and spirituality is infectious and so comforting. He stretches me exactly how I am supposed to be and I am so grateful for it. But most of all I am grateful to share each day with him and long for the moments when I see the world through his eyes.

Grateful for 'B'each (walks)

B is for beach (walks)

We are fortunate enough to live by the beach. I realized several years ago I need to be near water; it is how I relax, recharge and refresh. So hitting the beach trail with my babe is the perfect way for me to start my day. I am grateful we live in a place where I am moments away from that which completely and authentically renews my step. When I am at the beach I wonder why I don't spend every waking moment there. (Well, because I have three kids and a husband who need me to carry my weight around the homestead too, that's why.)

I'm grateful that while I don't tap into it enough, I know how to reboot with a simple beach visit or walk.

Play along, blog stalkers. What are you grateful for today (B)?

Grateful for 'A'nna

I've seen a few renditions of this floating around and am inspired to adopt it and make it my own. I love Thanksgiving so spending the month reminding myself of all that I am grateful for sound just perfect to me. So, with that, I am kicking off with a letter a day until Thanksgiving. I'd LOVE it if you shared your letters with me too. What are you grateful for?

A is for Anna

I've gushed my love for my girl many times and I will flow over with love for her. She is all I could ever want in a daughter. It's funny how your personality traits can surface in your kids. I am so grateful that because she is in my life I am learning to be more patient and forgiving (with myself, bonus!). She is so aware of e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g, especially all that I do. Nothing squeaks by her and I am grateful that just knowing she is watching makes me want to be my best. What a complete delight she is to me--all of her.

This Week's Menu

Broccoli mushroom and pesto pasta
Pear and chevre Salad

Chicken curry with potatoes and carrots
Pita with tzatziki

Tuna casserole (Mom out)

Turkey and chili enchiladas
Cabbage salad
Spanish rice

Photo from here.

The Great Pumpkin Tradition

Years ago, pregnant with our first babe, we got a sample of true autumn--the way the northeast experiences the season. There is nothing like fall foliage and crisp temps. We enjoyed the most fabulous afternoon wandering and tasting apples at a charming orchard. And there began our family tradition of an annual trip to the apple orchards and pumpkin farms.

While we don't always get to wear fall clothes (most years we're in rainbows) or even have a chill in the air (what's with 87 degrees in late October?!), we still enjoy the spirit of the season. We're big on tradition around here and this is one of our favorites.

Care to wander down memory lane with me?

As with any tradition, some years are better than others. This year's crop must be experiencing the recession along with the rest of us. Slim pickin's. Plus my crew is a little worn for wear.

Last year's visit to this same farm was quite different (remember my posts here, here, here and here?). But that's how traditions go. As wrote and compulsory as it may seem to drive out to a pumpkin farm, the experience is always a unique one and I'm grateful for each and every one.

OCC Week Six: Open-Faced Caprese Sandwich

This week's meal is certainly one for the easy category. While a caprese sandwich is pretty basic, there are ways to jazz up the flavor. Lately, I'm all for easy but never want to compromise on flavor. So, I give you a savory yet simple, open-faced caprese sandwich.

Slice tomatoes and toss with olive oil, chopped garlic, salt and pepper.

Add to skillet with lightly oiled bread (I used sourdough). Toast bread and tomatoes.

Once the tomatoes and bread are toasted on both sides, layer fresh basil leaves.

Add sliced fresh mozzarella.

Add tomatoes and let cook for another minute or two.


Salt and pepper to taste and top with balsamic vinegar.

Enjoy. Simple yet so pleasurable.

Ingredients:
1 slice sourdough bread
1 glove garlic, chopped
1 roma tomato
5-7 medium basil leaves
fresh mozerella
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper

olive oil

I cooked everything in one skillet on the stovetop. There certainly are variations but this was easy for me.

Review: Not a huge hit with the kids. They still think they don't like tomatoes (Yet they love tomato soup and all tomato based sauces. Go figure.) For them, I just made a fresh mozzarella grilled cheese with a bit of garlic. The tomatoes and basil in plain view still scare them. Their loss.
Husband gave two thumbs up. Said it was deceptively flavorful. (It's the garlic and vinegar.)

This Week's Menu

Salmon with lemon dill sauce
Scalloped potatoes

Tossed greens

Spinach curry with chicken

Basmati rice

Ginger green beans

Shrimp stir-fry

Dumplings

Huevos rancheros with fresh salsa

Photo via here.

Eight

Eight years ago we tied the knot. And one tight knot it is (This is not the forum to discuss naughty knots or the like, so stop thinking of such things, my friends. This is sincere.).

We've had a very full eight years, rich in blessings. And even through the trials of life I am so grateful to be sharing my everything with this man. I'm not boastful, but lucky me.

P.S. Speaking of anniversaries, I am enjoying Erin and Nicole's anniversary guest posts this week.

OCC Week Five: Amazing Artichoke Sauce With Spinach Ravioli

I know that is a tall order for a recipe title but I think this one fits the bill. I'd been hankering for a good artichoke based pasta sauce. I was set on working something up and then came across Ree's recipe.

Ingredients*
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
1 14.5 ounce can artichoke hearts (quartered or whole), drained
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth, more as needed
2 tablespoons capers or chopped kalamata olives
salt & pepper to taste
1 pound spinach ravioli
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or other herbs
chicken, pancetta or shrimp, diced (optional)

Cook ravioli till al dente. Drain and set aside. Melt olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add artichoke hearts and tomatoes. Stir and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add capers and meat (optional) and reduce heat to low. Stir in cream and chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to taste (do not undersalt!) Cook over low heat until heated through, then turn off heat.

Place drained pasta in a large bowl. Pour sauce over the top. Add chopped herbs and cheese. Toss lightly to combine and coat; add a tiny bit of reserved pasta water if sauce seems too thick.

Review: Delicious! Not only will this make it's way into regular rotation 'round these parts, but its hitting in the entertaining circuit as well. No lie, my neighbor popped in while I was whipping this number up. Loved her samples so much she made it for her own guests the next night.

The kids all gave it a nice thumbs up as well with the plates mostly clean. I still say, don't worry about 'different' ingredients like artichokes or capers. I have one out of my three who loves artichokes, one who is too young to know he isn't supposed to like them and one who thought he didn't like them but left nothing on his plate [seems that's a farce].

*This is mostly Ree's recipe with just a few changes. Not trying to pass it off as all mine. Peace.

This Week's Menu

[via Eat Blog Sleep]

Panko chicken
Herbed rice
Wedge with tomato ginger dressing

Pesto steak sandwiches
Zucchini and squash panzanella (Stay tuned on this one. Trying something new.)

Shrimp stuffed avocados
Spanish rice & black beans
Chili relleno casserole

Turkey bolognese and capellini
Haricot verts

Lover's Weekend in San Francisco

The husband and I made our way up the coast this past weekend for a lover's getaway. It was nice to be with him in the city of San Francisco but I would have been happy to be anywhere with my love.

A few mentionables in case you are heading to the city any time soon...

: Beach Blanket Babylon. A must see. Such a fun and current show with a nice amount of flair and doo da--just how we like it.

: The Slanted Door. I fell in love with this fantastically hip stop in the Ferry Building. We food mapped our way through the weekend and broke a tried and true rule--we returned to the same place. The Slanted Door twice in three days = that good.

: Chinatown. The husband is a way more adventurous eater than me. I'll try any vegetable but when you get meat involved I get a little squirmy. He was delighted with our 100 year old, obscure, walk-through-the-kitchen, up-to-the-third-level, very intimate dining. (Food was ok.) Later, while shopping we were very tempted to pick up a some 'x rated' fortune cookies for those caring for our children back home but chickened out (there were no samples...what classifies as x rated in Chinatown of SF? We feared it may have crossed from funny to just plain crude).

: Fleet Week. The Blue Angels were in town. The show on Saturday was called off after one exhibition due to fog. Being from San Diego, I've seen them before so I wasn't crushed. But it was a totally different experience being out on the rocks with the city behind us and the dynamic birds flying overhead with nary a body between them. Amazing to watch anywhere.

: Parks. We are big on parks. Whenever in a new city or area, we always hit the parks. The Palace of Fine Arts might have been the highlight for me. So pretty and peaceful. I found the perfect spot for a Christmas card shot but realized I didn't have the brood with me. Next time.

: Hook ups. A dear friend of mine moved to the city after law school and we made sure to hook up with her and her husband. While it breaks 'lover's weekend' rules, it was so good to be with them. They took us to their one of their favorite dinner spots (Emmy's Spaghetti Shack). The appetizers were fantastic. We hit the ice cream parlor and then went touring the city at night. It was great to visit some key spots with friends as guides. Holding hands in the back seat while driving down Lombard Street at 10:00 at night with a perfect shot of the city, the bridge and fireworks. I took a mental picture in that moment.

: Urban Life. We stayed downtown, in the heart of it all. And I realized how my suburban life is so different from the pace of true urban living. It's different, for sure. I took it in and appreciated the experience.

: SFMOMA and Glide. We tried to visit Glide Memorial Church (guaranteed by several people to be an original SF experience of diversity and spirituality) but the timing was off and it wasn't a regular service. So we hit MOMA and wandered the book store for some treasures.

: Walking, walking walking. The city is perfect to manuever by foot (and a few cable car rides). That said, I am old and clearly out of shape because I ached in places I haven't felt in years. I think my body was in shock. Our plane home was delayed two hours and I was perfectly fine resting in the airport, feet up, sipping my pumpkin spice latte and cuddling with my partner.
A fine weekend indeed.

Next time, I hope my kids can have an equally fun time without Mom and Dad for a few days. Two out of our three weren't so happy.

Online Cooking Club

Thanks to the lovely Joslyn for creating our Online Cooking Club and encouraging a weekly challenge of new, healthy food for our families that is easy to make. It's common to fall into a rut and with a full life the default meals take center stage. I appreciate the weekly challenge to try something new in my real life (not just a Sunday Supper). I am enjoying the other members' recipes and adding to my go-to list.

My 'Almost Pantry Pasta' made the highlight reel this week. I'm encouraged that someone outside my house may be giving this recipe a try.

OCC Week Four: Orange Glazed Drumsticks with Ginger Green Beans

Adapted from Real Simple's Spicy Orange-Glazed Drumsticks with Green Beans, this will go down as one of your easiest meals, ever! The green recipe we used was from Epicurious. D-lish!

Orange Glazed Drumsticks
Ingredients
: 1/4 - 1/2 cup orange marmalade
: 1 tablespoon sweet chili-garlic sauce (TJs) [This was not at all spicy. Don't be afraid to serve it to a soft palette. I actually added a side as a dipper for some of the more adventurous eaters. This little portion mixed with the marmalade will not be a problem.]
: 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 1/2 pounds)
: kosher salt and black pepper

Directions
Heat oven to 400º F. In a small bowl, mix the marmalade and chili-garlic sauce.
Season the chicken with 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper. Roast on a foil-lined baking sheet until cooked through, 35 to 40 minutes (or more), brushing with the marmalade mixture during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Green Beans with Ginger Butter
Ingredients
: 2 pounds haricots verts or other green beans, trimmed
: 1 (3-inch-long) piece fresh ginger
: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
: Finely grated zest from 1/2 lemon
: 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
Cook beans in an 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until just tender, 5 to 9 minutes (depending on thickness). Drain beans in a colander and transfer to a large bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. Drain beans again and pat dry.
Peel ginger and halve crosswise, then thinly slice lengthwise and cut into very thin matchsticks.
Heat butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides, then cook ginger, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes.
Add beans and cook, stirring, until just heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add zest and salt, tossing to combine.

Served with some fried rice. A hit with all (drumsticks are freebies in my house. Everyone likes them except me.).

This Week's Menu

Orange glazed chicken and drumsticks
Ginger green beans
Fried rice

Roast stroganoff
Red potatoes
Zucchini squash medley

Chili
Corn bread
Salad

Spinach ravioli with sundried tomatoes and artichokes
Pear and chevre with greens

(photo by: Romulo Yanes)

Fall is Here: We're Going To Be Friends

Jack Johnson's Curious George Soundtrack is a big time favorite in our home.

As is the Napolean Dynamite Soundtrack and the White Stripes' version.

Let's just say, this song is currently getting good airplay around these parts.

Happy Friday to you.

Fall Means: Bread and Brew

We are settling into fall. That means football, fresh baked cheese bread and home brew. Husband likes to make his own beer and the fall is a big brewing time in our house. It's a long process that involves a cryptic little notebook and a lot of football watching as he recalls his brewmaster techniques. Every batch is a little different and a fun experiment for him. Can't wait to see how this one turns out.

We are having fun with our bread baking and sampling

different herb and cheese combinations.

What are some of your fall home rituals?

Day Tripping Makes Us Happy

That's part of my crew on the bikes. My little helper rides with me

as we are usually the caboose of this party train.

We are big trippers, day trippers that is. We love a good excuse to break things up and get a fresh perspective. Time together in the car can be a great chance to reconnect and take a break from the daily grind (or rut). We are so fortunate living in Southern California to have so many places to venture off to for a day; sometimes without even having to travel far.

I love discovering something new about our own community or a neighboring community and just getting out. This shot is from Saturday's visit to one of our most favorite spots, Balboa Park. We were there for some fantastic culture, which I will share soon, and absolutely had to cruise the park. I love this picture and how everyone else is taking in the koy pond (a must-stop spot for us every time.) in their own way.

And for those of you who are traditionalists and love nostalgia, it's especially sweet for me that I can take my kids to a place that is so near and dear to me; some place I used to visit with my Nana, and now see how it is becoming special to them. I love that their favorite spots were some of my favorite spots and together we are finding new treasures in this gem of a park nestled in my favorite city.

That's the beauty of getting out. It gets us into other things, other than just ourselves.

Where do you like to get away to?

OCC Week Three: Almost Pantry Pasta With Sausage, Tomatoes and Peas

This week's meal was made from ingredients on hand--almost a pantry meal. I whipped it up based on my mood for the evening. The centerpiece was the peas. I wanted to try to get the kids eating more peas (not a common ingredient for us, for no good reason). But we also needed something flavorful and interesting.

Almost Pantry Pasta With Sausage, Tomatoes and Peas
1 1/2 T extra virgin olive oil
1 package chicken with apple sausage, sliced
1 pound pasta (may not use all)
1 1/2 cups peas
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
3 T marsala wine
3 T ricotta cheese
Parmesan romano cheese
20 basil leaves, torn or sliced

In a large pot, boil water for pasta. Once water comes to a boil, add salt and pasta. Cook until aldente.
I a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add sliced sausage and cook for 5-10 minutes, until browned. Add sundried tomatoes and peas. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Add marsala wine and deglaze the pan. Simmer for a few minutes to let the marsala works it's magic. Add ricotta cheese and the cooked pasta, including a bit of the pasta water. (We wanted a little sauce so I didn't add all the pasta. You can adjust according to your preference.) Combine and simmer for 3 more minutes. Top with remaining cheese and basil. Serves 4-6.

Review: A hit, mostly. The peas were my motivation and were received with a luke warm reception. For the husband and I the blend of flavors --especially with the hit of marsala richness-- was perfect and the peas were just part of that. The husband would have enjoyed chevre instead of ricotta.

The kids felt the need to pick the peas out, not for any purpose other than the THOUGHT they didn't like them. The flavor is so mild I think a few snuck into their mouths and they lived to tell about it. With a few more tries they may be onboard with the green little balls of goodness.

Super easy and flavorful.

This Week's Menu

Pot roast with potatoes, carrots and peas
Greens with Goddess dressing

Chicken soft tacos with papaya mango salsa
Chili relleno casserole

Turkey meatballs and BBQ sauce
Mac N Cheese (THE BEST recipe with cauliflower and cream cheese. Bowl licking good.)

Tofu lettuce wraps with peanut sauce
Ramen soup (not top ramen, my friends, although Anna does love a good egg drop ramen combo)

Photo credit: Lisa Hubbard

The S Word

So yesterday was a sick day for Anna, although she actually seemed to be OK. She had a fever the day before so we stayed home to make sure she was free and clear. Ultimately, it was a mental health/rest day for her. Not so much for me.

I had plans for an unassuming afternoon of outdoor play as I was going to be with six kids (three of my own and three of my girlfriend's while she had an appointment). Off we went to school to pick up brother. One major bene of my kids' school is that I have the option to avoid hallway chaos and can just call my student out to meet me at my car. Nice, huh? While I like to connect with their teachers, yesterday was a perfect day to execute that option, especially since I had two two year olds on my watch.

My plans were foiled. Unlike every other day I have called my kids out, this time I was needed by the teacher! Oh great, that is never good. What did my good boy do?!

Well, it appears that there was an 'incident'. "I am so surprised but Christopher had a situation today. He said the S word to a classmate." Reported his teacher.

"What S word?" I unassumingly asked.

"THE S word."

After reviewing the details with her we both walked away a little surprised. I mean it's not that I think he isn't going to have a locker room confrontation (as was the case here), or pick up something from a friend, or worse yet catch the husband and I as we slip up. But the S word?! That's just not one we use.

When I had a chance to speak to my boy alone I was considering what privilege this warranted loosing. Time to investigate what went down.

Here's how it played out:

"So, what happened today with Daniel? Did you say sh*t?"

"Mom, sh*t isn't even a real word."

Nodding my head...Plotting my next angle to trap him in a fib.

"Sh*t. What does sh*t mean anyway?"

"Nothing," I stammer. "It's not a word we use. I'm not telling you. I don't want you to know."

"Whatever. Sh*t is silly."

So, follow me here. He didn't say sh*t to his classmate, didn't even know the word, UNTIL NOW. Until I had a very shitty conversation with him at the park (with plenty of little people in range). Good mom.

Upon further investigation, I discover the awful S word was STUPID. He confessed his locker room scuffle about the fourth grade Domination Duck team resulted in him telling his friend that that team was.....STUPID.

I circled back with the teacher to share in our relief that he hadn't actually said THE S word. Perhaps the best part of this story for me is that no one actually told her he said sh*t. She assumed it because none of the boys could bring themselves to tell her the oh-so-bad word. We shared a chuckle and let him think he had said an incredibly disparaging word.

The moral of this story? Not all innocence is lost.

Have a great weekend.