The Weary World Rejoices.

I saw this on a site and it moved my heart.

Blanket Time

Today I started a new thing called Blanket Time with Kate. It's a designated time during the day where I limit Kate to only play on a blanket with a few toys. I don't allow her to get off the blanket until I tell her Blanket Time is over. Up til now, she has done this in her playpen and eventually she will go to what's called Room Time. I know. Lots to learn. I'm hoping this will help us to be more structured with our time, teach her how to play by herself, and it is always a good opportunity for her to learn more obedience. :) I started today with 10 mins. on the blanket. I explained the rules to her and made it seems fun (clapping hands, excited face, you know the routine). Kate was awesome and couldn't wait to start playing. She sat there the entire time reading to herself and then playing with her ball. She loved it...thank goodness! I'm hoping to incorporate this into our daily routine. Wish me luck! Above is a picture from our time. Isn't she the sweetest thing. Oh I love her. One other funny Kate story (sorry, braggy mother time) yesterday morning when I went in to get her up, I was shocked to walk in and she my daughter buck naked! And she was dancing around in her crib. Somehow she had managed to unbutton her pajamas and take them and her diaper off. I couldn't resist calling Brent in just to look at her happy face. I did have to clean up tee-tee from everything but what a fun memory to add to my heart. She is so ridiculously awesome. Can't wait to see what she will do today.

Good Article

I thought this was a blog-worthy article. Makes a great point:

The Treatment of Bush has been a disgrace.

Matt Bites posted this awesome article entitled, Matt's Anything Inside A Tortilla Test. I'm SO gonna try this tonight. Happy Eating!

Fall Festival

Last night we had our church Fall Festival. It is always so much fun. Princess Kate made her debut with her subjects, Mom and Dad. Here are a few pics:

Princess Kate








Her Chariot




Mrs. Lisa "hottie" Corley (and baby)

Lovers

That's how I would define my relationship with fresh tomatoes, good goat cheese and bread. We've been lovers for several years now. I will take their addicting combination most ways but here is one of my all time favs. I think I could live on this recipe.

P.S. This blog entry is dedicated to my new foodies: The Jones.

Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartines.

Dinner and Theatre.

Yes, I'm blogging again about another epicurean delight. This past Friday night, Brent and I decided to check out the dinner menu at Cafe R&D. Cafe is a sister restaurant to Houston's, one of our favs. **SIDE NOTE: if you have never had a veggie burger from Houston's, it's a must.** Cafe R&D is part of a group of restaurants based out of California. Several years ago, while vacationing in Napa Valley, Brent and I ate at another one of their sister restaurants, Rutherford Grill. It was a little taste of home right in the Valley. Back to Cafe...the interior walls and ceiling are lined with oak wood paneling and an eclectic array of art covers one whole wall. Another wall is all windows. I loved how they had the front doors propped open to let the warm Fall air flow through the restaurant. Jazz music got louder and louder as the night progressed. As I sat there, I pretended in my mind that I was in California. It was a special treat to me. After dinner, we drove to the Fearings for dessert. They have a really cool patio area with a fireplace and all. The night ended with a concert at the Majestic Theatre. I had never been there before and can I say, wow. It was stunningly beautiful. Grand staircases, terraces...it was magical. Here are a few pics from the night.





To enhance the California vibe, I ate a California role. ;)


For dinner, I had a Reubenesque Sandwich (Corned Beef & Baby Swiss on Toasted Corn Rye). Delicious!


Brent had a classic Cheeseburger with Swiss.


Majestic Theatre.

Couple at the concert who were muggin down! It was sick but an awesome photo opp. :) Gotta love the internet!

Donna Hay

Donna Hay just launched her new website which includes recipes and entertaining ideas. Can't wait to try some new dishes!! Hope you take a look at the site.

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Delectable treats: Donuts & Kate

The coolest kid ever.


Donut Stop donuts...worth the treadmill and sugar rush headache.

Last Night's Dinner

Inspired by Michael Chiarello. I served it over rice simply because I was out of pasta and wasn't about to go to the store. I don't care for Swordfish so I opted for Cod. Swordfish is too meaty. This looks fancy and hard, but it was surprisingly simple and the flavors were out of this world. Hope you try it!

Baby Foods

One of my secret hobbies is trying to find nutritional foods to feed my family. Over the past several years I've really tried, when possible, to buy organic and fresh food. I'm not one of those food snobs who just does it to be "hip". It's a personal thing for me. Since having Kate, I feel a responsibility for what I allow my family to put in their bodies. I'm not a legalist, I just try to do my best. When it comes to fixing food for Kate, I want convenience just like the next mom. So I want to share a couple of tasty "fast foods" I've found that have worked great for us. They are perfect for babies and toddlers. They are mostly only at Whole Foods and they are a little more costly, but it is worth the investment to me. Enjoy!!

P.S. If you have any food ideas, please share! I love talkin' food. ;)


Peas of Mind


Plum Organics


Happy Baby Food

Apple Zucchini Crostini

All summer long I've been on a zucchini binge - grilling, roasting, sauteing...whatever. So when I came across this recipe, I knew I had to try it. The flavors are a late summer combination. It's a zucchini relish, black pepper, goat cheese atop a toasted baguette. It was so delicious. The sweetness of the apple pairs so nicely with the zucchini and goat cheese and the black pepper keeps it from being too sweet. It's an important flavor. Here are a few pics of them.

Daddy's Girl

Growing up, I was a complete daddy's girl. In my eyes, my dad could do no wrong and whatever he said was gold. I always remember his kisses. I loved his smell, his whiskers, his rough skin but most of all, I loved the way he made me feel. It's moments like the picture above that I know are building in Kate's heart too. She will one day realize the amazing father she has been given. It is a gift to watch the two of them knowing the important role Brent will play in her life. He's the one who will tell her she is beautiful and she believes it. He's the one who will tell her she can do anything she wants and she believes it. He's the one who tells her she deserves only the best and she listens.

only a father's love...
think I'll go call my dad.

Birthday Dinner

As most of you know, I love food. Period. But only good food. So when Brent's parents said they were taking me to Fearings for my birthday, you know how excited I was. The night was so fun and of course, the food was once again, pleasurable beyond words. This was our fourth time to eat at Fearings. Almost every night, the chef Dean Fearing walks around and greets each table. I have meet him four times now and still every time, my face turns bright red. One time he told me I was a "pretty lady" and I almost threw up. He is a big celebrity in my world. I'm dying for him to challenge Bobby Flay on Iron Chef. Anyway, here are some pics from the night.


Is it weird if I make this our family Christmas card for '08?