PROJECT 365

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2012-01-27T22:15:00.001-05:00

Day 1022

Dear Lizzie,

Seven years ago today, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl. I instantly fell in love with you--the way you clenched your fists, puckered your nose, and sneezed when you cried. Your daddy fell instantly in love, too. We were so overwhelmed with your precious little body and your generous blue eyes--we had no idea what to do with such an itty bitty little baby. We had big dreams for you, though, on that icy early morning in January. We still do.

Today, you are All Seven. As a first grader, you read with tenacity and you tackle math problems as if they were your little brother. You love to draw, paint, write in your journal, send letters, play with your doll's hair, and jam the keys of the piano every time you run past. You love your Lambie something fierce. And you swim like a fish, although you'd rather play like a porpoise. It amazes me how girlie you can be--with your pearl earrings and necklace, rhinestone studded shirts, and glittery skirts and slippers. But you also roll in the dirt and rip worms apart with your bare hands with the neighbor boys. In your dress. You are becoming quite the movie officianado, with your crush on Luke Skywalker and your desire to meet Asland in Narnia. I don't know how you do it, but you always manage to entice Phin with your Barbie movies. Poor guy. You are already on your third hamster. And then there's this compassion, empathy, social grace that you have. I really don't know where you get it, since your daddy and I are such hard asses sometimes. But you are there to comfort, to wipe a tear, and to share your last bite of your favorite cookie (vanilla wafers) with Phin or some other unfortunate soul. You have told me that when you grow up, you want to be a surfer and live in Malibu. And maybe have a ranch in Wyoming and train wild horses. Sometimes I catch you playing teacher and my heart melts. And I think, I Pray, that I am being a good role model for you. I admire how you make instant friends of all ages, shapes, and colors wherever you go. How you make them is even more impressive--your interviews about religion, for example, during the holidays. You would ask any stranger, Are you Christian or Jewish? And depending on the answer you would follow up with, Is your tree decorated? Are you lighting candles on the menorah? The first time you asked someone those questions, I held my breath. I just didn't know where you were going to go with them. Speaking of, you have a deep curiosity for God, Santa, and the Tooth Fairy--really, anything spiritual and all things magical. And what do I always tell you when you ask if they are real? Lead with your heart and they will always be real. And then you bust out a Tae Kwon Do move, just to keep me from taking myself too seriously.

Elizabeth Rowan, there isn't a little girl anywhere in this world who is loved as much as Daddy and I love you. I am amazed at who you are and can't wait to see who and what you become. Happy birthday, Baby Girl!

Always,

Mommy and Daddy

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2012-01-27T21:11:00.001-05:00

Day 1021

Our nightly routine includes a five minute or less room rescue, change into night clothes and throw dirty clothes down the shoot, brush teeth and hair, and snuggles with a book. Phred and Otis always join us, one way or another-- either wagging their tails on the floor, pacing back and forth for a walk, or a quick snuggle and a belly scratch in the crook of my knees.

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2012-01-16T22:51:00.001-05:00

Day 1020

I know this post should be about Lizzie's birthday, and the awesome day she had at school, especially when I helped her class with Math Tiles, and how she really wanted Bell and Evans chicken nuggets, rice and broccoli for dinner, and the oh so yummy brownies that I made for dessert, oh! and some of the presents that she opened, like a new hamster (because Jack died a few weeks ago) and a horse for her American Girl doll, but I can't do that right now. I need to point out the look of shameless lust on Phin's face, for tearing apart packages, especially ones that do not belong to him. Just look at him!

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2012-01-16T22:43:00.001-05:00

Day 1019

One day away from Lizzie's 7th birthday. She wanted to make blueberry muffins to share with her class, so I thawed out a few cups from the ones I picked this summer, mixed it with a bunch of flour and sugar, and voila! Tasty and somewhat healthy birthday snack for the Birthday Girl and her peeps.

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2012-01-16T22:41:00.001-05:00

Day 1018

It's true. The weather sucks, but the people are awesome. I ♥ Cleveland.

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2012-01-16T22:38:00.001-05:00

Day 1017

I think it's part of the parent programming to be suspicious of your kids when they are quietly playing somewhere unseen. So when it gets unusually quiet, it's time to go prowling. With camera in hand. Because I never know when I might find something good to document. (not that what Phin was doing was particularly exciting, but I'd like to go on record and point out that he was actually being very good, in this case)

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2012-01-16T22:33:00.001-05:00

Day 1016

Happy New Year! I've been ruminating my resolutions in my head for the last few weeks, as I always seem to lose sight of them about half way through the year. Resolutions are good intentions, but I would love to meet someone who has actually followed through on them. Nonetheless, I have a few that I want to play with in 2012. So, let's see what I have in store for myself:

1. Look for opportunity. I've been reading a lot about how to get rich, how to score your dream job, how to make more money on the side, how to network, sell yourself, and all that other jazz about the American Dream, and somewhat shamefully, I am moved and inspired by Ramit Sethi's blog, iwillteachyoutoberich.com. I've never really been one to wait for someone or something to come my way, given my tenacious personality (if you don't believe this, just ask my husband. He is eternally annoyed by this character trait), so this resolution seems a bit trite. However, I want to see where I can apply Ramit's advice in other aspects of my life--like the silver lining in fiercely uncomfortable situations, or how Otis manages to score a piece of steak from the dinner table, or my personal favorite, how Lizzie miraculously appears in the arms of either Mark or me and we are there standing like, how the hell did you get here? Oh, and could you please get down cuz you're killing my back. These sorts of things don't happen by accident. Um, I can guarantee you that Lizzie and Otis are both looking for the opportunity. I shall learn from them.

2. Create space. This one is not new to me. In fact, it's an exact duplicate and rip-off of one of my resolutions from 2011. I am still trying to work out the exact meaning of it, but it has something to do with clearing clutter, both literally and figuratively. For example, I ripped apart my kitchen cupboards the other day, cleaned every nook and cranny with a toothbrush and a vacuum cleaner, threw all of the utensils in the dishwasher for an insane disinfecting, and recycled all of the Tupperware sans lids, the source of persistent annoyance. I could use some space in my financial life, too. A little wiggle room, if you will. Cuz let's be honest, only the 1% are actually getting ahead in this pesky recession, so a shift here and a little shuffle there in the old accounts could make room for something greater. I gotta play with it, ya'll, before I know what I am acutally trying to say here. And then there's this house that we've been living in for seven years. It's time to clean some shit out. I opened a drawer the other day to find linens that I haven't used since we lived on Fairmount. Why, on God's green earth, do I keep these things?! So here's to year #2 of creating space.

3. Think less, act more. This one is pretty straight forward to me. I tend to agonize over making decisions, given the fact that I was born a Libra. Decisions have always been difficult for me to make, especially when I am faced with a plethora of choices (I swear, this is going to lead to the collapse of the American Empire, but we'll save that for another day). Now, there are some things that require a little more thought than others, but by and large, I could create space in my day if I just did what I said I was going to do. So, for instance, instead of making list after list after list about what I need to do, I just need to do it. Period. Forget thinking about the list, just be the list. Just shit or get off the pot.

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2012-01-01T18:13:00.003-05:00

Day 1015
For the last ten years, we have been celebrating the New Year with our close and dear friends, the Northup's. We've taken turns hosting fancy dinners at each other's homes, from back in the day when Mark and I lived on Fairmount and when Julie and Jarrett lived in the haunted house on Old Mill. And while we get all decked out and eat rich, delectable foods to be washed down with sparkling wine and other spirits, Julie and I have always fantasized about a New Year's Eve out on the town. So, since neither one of us was with child this holiday, or nursing, or out of the country as I have been the last two years, we decided to celebrate in style. It was no surprise to us when, back in July, we began scheming this night, and a reservation at Dan te was born the very next day--six months in advance! We chose the seven course tasting menu, which looked like this:

Open Strudel of Wild Mushrooms and Machenzie Goat Cheese

Mirabelle, Schramsberg, Napa Valley

Tuna and Salmon Poke

Semillon, Sauvingon Blanc, Chateau, Chantegrive, Graves

Uova da Raviolo

Chardonnay, Bouchard Pere & Fils, Burgundy, France

Roasted Dayboat Scallops and Foie Gras

Voignier, Mcmanis Vineyards, California

Pepper Crusted Duck Breast

Merlot, Atrium, Miguel Torres, Spain

Veal Tenderloin Tonnato

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Riserva, Crociani, Toscana

Citrus Celebration

Chocolate Tasting

And it was heavenly! Everything that Julie and I imagined, and then some. So, Happy New Year, and may your 2012 be filled with love and laughter!

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2012-01-01T17:37:00.002-05:00

Day 1014

♥ with all my soul.

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2012-01-01T17:33:00.001-05:00

Day 1013

Our collection of specimens from our beach walks. Fom left to right:

1. Blue Crab

2. Sand Dollar

3. Clam shell

4. Blue Bottle Jelly Fish

5. Cactus spur

6. Horseshoe egg case

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2012-01-01T17:29:00.001-05:00

Day 1012

Phin waits patiently to crack the eggs in Aunt Wendy's cookie dough. We chowed on so many Christmas cookies within the first day that she needed to make more. And the worst part of it is that my sister makes really good food and it is always accessible and I have no self control when it comes to yummy food. So what if every time I pass through the kitchen I need to pop a thumbit into my mouth? And maybe a snowball cookie? Perhaps one that looks like a mini pecan pie? Oh, and don't forget those tasty little pretzel Rolo sandwiches with a pecan on top. Hot vinyasa yoga is calling my booty!

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2012-01-01T17:23:00.001-05:00

Day 1011

First day of Hilton Head included a shopping spree for fresh oysters, crab meat, and shrimp from the Bluffton Oyster Company. It's as local as you can get.

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2012-01-01T17:21:00.001-05:00

Day 1010

Happy Christmas! Notwithstanding Lizzie's note to the elves about him being bad, Phin's wish for paints in his favorite colors came true. Lizzie's note read, "Dear Elf, are you watching on Phin? He is being bad. Love, Lizzie."

Now on our way to Hilton Head for a brief holiday with my sister and her family. Merry merry! Happy happy!

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2012-01-01T17:16:00.001-05:00

Day 1009

Dear Santa,

Please put something special in our stockings.

I hope that you like the cookies.

Thank you for the presents.

Is Roosevelt [The Elf on the Shelf] going back with you?

I hope you have a good Christmas.

Love,

Lizzie and Phin

SANTA'S REPLY

Dear Lizzie and Phin,

Thank you for the cookies! I am taking Roosevelt home with me on my sleigh. Stay on the Nice List until next Christmas, and safe travels to South Carolina.

Happy Christmas!

Love,

Santa

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2012-01-01T17:08:00.001-05:00

Day 1008

Hot chocolate with marshmallows. Any winter is incomplete without it.

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2012-01-01T17:06:00.001-05:00

Day 1007

Otis still kickin' it Labrador Retriever freestyle. Although he is displaying many signs and symptoms of an old, old dog, including, but not limited to, hearing loss, impaired vision, arthritis in his back, and general in-the-way-ness, Otis is still The Shit. And you should see his head S.P.I.N. when there is a girl dog around. Nothing impaired about that.

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2011-12-31T14:15:00.001-05:00

Day 1006

Just in time for winter break, Lizzie now has the yucks. Guess this is what I get for not vaccinating my kids against the flu. Oh, well. Their immune systems are better for it. And besides, it gives Lizzie a chance to indulge in a movie marathon, complete with The Grinch and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Perfect movies to get her in the spirit of the holidays.

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2011-12-31T14:10:00.001-05:00

Day 1005

"Mommy! The cookies are ready!"

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2011-12-31T14:09:00.001-05:00

Day 1004

Trim up the tree with Christmas stuff
Like bingle balls and whofoo fluff
Trim up the town with googoo gums
And bizilbigs and wums

Trim every blessed window and trim every blessed door
Hang up whoboohoo bricks then run out and get some more!
Hang pantookas on the ceilings
Pile panpoonas on the floor
Trim every blessed needle on the blessed Christmas tree
Christmas comes tomorrow. Trim you, trim me!
Trim up your tree with fuzzle fuzz
And fliffer bloofs, and wuzzle wuzz
Trim up your uncle and your aunt
With yards of whoflut flay

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2011-12-31T13:59:00.001-05:00

Day 1003

allthingskasubick are feeling much better, so may the Christmas tree hunt commence! PS. We haven't had much snow fall yet this fall/winter, and it wasn't really feeling like Christmas. So Lizzie, being slightly witchy like her mom and grandmothers, dramatically called upon the Universe to blanket the earth in a heap of snow in time for the hunt. And sure enough, the Universe obliged. Lucky girl. It's beginning to feel a lot a like Christmas....

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2011-12-31T13:49:00.001-05:00

Day 1002

Phin has been under the weather this week. He missed all of the holiday celebrations at school because of a stinking fever, aches, and chills. I noticed that he didn't quite seem like himself at the preschool sing-a-long, and his teachers reported that he didn't eat the cupcake that his friend brought in. Clearly he wasn't feeling well! So, he spent a couple of days at Grammy's while Lizzie and I finished up the school week, and just to make sure that he wasn't sick anymore, Lizzie graciously snuggled with Phin and the iPad to watch Tangled. What are sisters for, after all?

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2011-12-31T13:44:00.001-05:00

Day 1001

Nothing like sharing a little scoop of Mitchells ice cream with a good friend to start winter break. Ahhhh, two weeks of being a full time mom--oh, how I look forward to this every year.

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2011-12-27T17:01:00.002-05:00

Day 1000

We, at allthingskasubick, dedicate this 1000th day of photographs to beloved Lambie. Lambie became a member of our family one afternoon when he arrived by UPS from Colorado. My friend Laura, aka Aunt La La as Lizzie called her at a very young age, sent him as a baby present for Lizzie. At six months, Lizzie exchanged her pacifier for Lambie, and he has been her best friend ever since. The love that Lizzie and Lambie share for each other is unconditional. According to Lizzie's most recent video of the two of them riding in the car, "Lambie loves me, and I love Lambie." So, in a gallient effort, one that the entire family and then some participated in, we have brainstormed 100 names in his honor. (PS. Lambie is a triplet--for all well informed/trained parents out there, it's vital to your sanity to have a few extra around. He was once a quadruplet, but one of the four disappeared on my first trip to China. I am convinced that it was swallowed up by the bowels of the Suburban. RIP #4.)

Lambification
Lamboxious
Lambie
The Lamb
Lamberoni
Lambiscuit
Lambington
Lambiforous
Lamborough
Lambowski
Lamb-bam-thank-ya-mam
Lambish
Lambified
Lamber
Lambasted
Lambershire
Lambitious
Lamboni
Lambox
Lambetica
Lambtop
Lambple
Lambini
Lambrusko
Lambness
Lambson
Lambis
Lambec
Lambible
Lambacity
Lambortunity
Lambineas
Lambert
Lambrew
Lambette
Lambsy
Lambickle
Lambaholic
Lamb-ho!
Lambard
LamBEnimble
Lambchop
Lambrewski
Lambnacious
Lambradoodle
Lambtree
Lambism
Lambnation
Lambarchy
Lambocracy
Lambocrat
Lambectomy
Lambphibian
Lambiana
Lambama
Lambada
Lambroghini
Lambitonian
Lambiza
Lambtrocity
Lambeven
Lamboranian
Lambency
Lambesque
Lambful
Lambavelt
Lambology
Lambophile
Lambophobia
Lambitude
Lambsonic
Lambernet
Lambador
Lambanent
Lamblight
Lambtastic
Lambstimatic
Lambincholy
Lambfill
Lamboxide
Lambasaur-Rex
Lambography
Lambus
Lambosophy
Lambward
Lambwise
Lambapeligic
Lambopath
Lamboid
Lambsolo
Lambuccini
Lambapalooza
Lambesiac
Lambcidic
Lambstand
Lambasana
Silence of the Lamb
Lambnesia
Lambitis
Lambghetti

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2011-12-26T22:50:00.001-05:00

Day 999

The primary school put on an informance today. Instead of performing what they know, the girls informed the audience of what they have learned so far in their music and dance classes. Lizzie's class composed and recited a poem about gratitude, and constructed it around simple rhythm. They added free form dance moves to it, starting at the ground and growing into upright positions. Then they added musical instruments; Lizzie was thrilled to play the glockenspiel. They concluded with Silent Night in sign language.

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2011-12-26T22:37:00.001-05:00

Day 998

T'is the season of darkness and light. Of naughty and nice. Good and bad. Giving and receiving. Joy and loneliness. Yin and yang. A season when many people from around the globe celebrate hope and belief, and embrace the magic that transpires in and around the human race. And regardless of the faith, a season that invites light into the darkest days of the year, through lit candles and light displays that signify faith and belief in something greater than ourselves. So, on the longest night of the year, light a candle, open your heart and invite in light to the deepest, darkest crevices of your soul and shine as brightly as you can.

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2011-12-26T22:18:00.001-05:00

Day 997

When I asked Phin to help me with the laundry tonight, I didn't expect that he would climb into the dryer to get the dry clothes. Who knew folding clean clothes could be so much fun?!

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2011-12-26T22:16:00.001-05:00

Day 996

Bridgette's Christmas List 2011

1. Wallet/wristlette

2. Grey turtleneck sweater

3. ~~A wood pile to last the entire winter's worth of fires in the fireplace~~

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2011-12-26T22:11:00.001-05:00

Day 995

Greg bought Wendy an iPhone for Christmas, which was also a present for me since it allows us to FaceTime each other. So, tonight, we poured ourselves a glass of wine, one in Ohio, the other in South Carolina, and we chatted for a little while. I kinda felt like I was sitting right at her dining room table with her, which I guess I was. Surreal, this technology is.

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2011-12-26T22:01:00.001-05:00

Day 994

Baking event gone awry.

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2011-12-26T21:59:00.001-05:00

Day 993

See? School pictures would be much more exciting to look at in the album if they looked something like this.

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2011-12-26T21:55:00.001-05:00

Day 992

Bad School Picture #2.

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2011-12-26T21:53:00.001-05:00

Day 991

It is a rite of passage for both the child and the parent to take and collect hideous school pictures.

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2011-12-12T22:18:00.001-05:00

Day 990

The landscape of my refrigerator is changing drastically, as it waxes and wanes with the light of the days, the leaves on the trees, my awareness of what I consume, and the deep complexities of food at this time of year. I've exchanged fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, and fresh herbs straight from the garden for jarred vegetables, beets, broccoli while it lasts, potatoes, and green house lettuce. Our weekly menus typically include a roasted chicken, thick hardy soups, a lot of eggs (although the chickens are slowing down in their production, too), and home baked breads. My wine glass favors meritage or cabernet wines, instead of crisp, cool, citrusy sauvignon blancs. I savor butter on my toast and warmed apple cider in my mug. When I shop at the grocery, there is no doubt that I desire a juicy melon from Costa Rica, but I settle on the pear instead; I know that this is what my body needs. I am also reminded of the 400 watermelons that I ate over the summer--do I really want more? Not really. Same plan applies in this moment--eat so much of what's growing now so that I will only want the stuff that is available during the warmer months of spring and summer. Looking forward to fresh greens and juicy berries then. In the meantime, here's to beets and broccoli!

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2011-12-12T22:02:00.001-05:00

Day 989

The first fire of the long winter season.

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2011-12-12T22:01:00.001-05:00

Day 988

Mark and I are bringing some tasty little treats to my brother's house for snack night. First, we will arrange and share a three-cheese plate--some brie of sorts, a little gruyere, and some smoked havarti. Olives on the side. Yummy green and red olives. Maybe a splash of champagne (I've been craving it lately). Then, Will and Judy will grill some salmon. While that's cooking, maybe nibble on some curly-Q savory pastries with some Romano cheese sprinkled inside. We'll snack on those with some luscious red wine. And because we haven't eaten enough already, Mark and I throw together this rich and unhealthy kale recipe. Prepare yourself for sweet divinity. Just sayin'.

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2011-12-12T21:31:00.001-05:00

Day 987

The Rat King has come to steal Clara's nutcracker!

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2011-12-12T21:29:00.001-05:00

Day 986

Lizzie orchestrated a tea party while waiting for dinner tonight. She used her Chinese tea cups and tea pot, filling it with water, grabbed some plastic food from the play kitchen in the basement, and thought real silverware would add an elegant touch. She instructed Phin about proper ettiquette, manners, and posture. And he obliged. Willingly.

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2011-12-12T21:21:00.001-05:00

Day 985

Staples. Easy to grow, hard to keep around in the winter. Parsley plant still going strong, though, and garlic seems to be keeping well in the "cellar." Bought a ton of it from the market hoping that we do not need to buy any at the grocery.

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2011-12-06T22:31:00.001-05:00

Day 984

The math test that made the refrigerator. That's my girl, Lizzie!

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2011-12-06T22:29:00.001-05:00

Day 985

Schromsberg yumminess. It pays to be the sister of a sommelier.

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2011-12-06T22:18:00.001-05:00

Day 982

Here he is again, cooking up a killer dinner of Tomato Bisque. Mark and I have been brainstorming Phin's "chef" name. This is what we have so far (feel free to add to the list):

1. Alassandro

2. Anthony (Tony "Quick Fingers" for long)

3. The Squid

4. Phinny Bourdain

5. George "The Iron Chef" Kasubick

6. Sharp as a Knife, Hot as an Oven

7. PhEmeril

8. Ratatouille

9. Phinia Child

10. The P Spot (perhaps only Clevelanders will appreciate this)

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2011-12-06T21:56:00.001-05:00

Day 981

Phin and Sahana met at the play ground today. It was Phin's first official play date. Sahana is perfect for him because she doesn't tolerate any of his crap. She is a strong willed little girl, who likes to do her own thing. They really do get along very well, but every now and again, Sanhana lets Phin know who's in charge.

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2011-12-06T21:53:00.001-05:00

Day 980

Took a day trip out Chardon to pick up the beef tenderloin. It was a perfect fall day--crisp, blue skies, 55 degrees, no one on the roads. Had to swing by this lovely stop along the road--risky, given that farmers don't like when strangers just pull up to their property and start snapping pictures. Well worth the risk. I am grateful that I did not get caught.

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2011-12-06T21:49:00.001-05:00

Day 979

Phin is such a foodie. Any time he sees Mark or me approach the counter with something that resembles food, he immediately pulls out the stool and climbs up to the kitchen counter to see what's cooking. He can't resist getting his grubby little hands in the mix--this time it was dough for homemade pumpkin ravioli. And because Daddy had one on, Phin covered his good clothes with a holiday apron.

Pumpkin Ricotta Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage

For the pasta dough:

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/4 – 1/2 cup hot boiling water

For the filling:

2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Freshly grated nutmeg

For the sauce (to dress about 1/3 of the ravioli):

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 sage leaves (plus additional for garnish, if desired), chopped
1/2 cup of half and half
Kosher salt
Parmasean shavings

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2011-12-06T21:42:00.001-05:00

Day 978

Every year, my school hosts a Thanksgiving assembly. It is the only time of the year when the entire school gets together in one room--the gymnasium. It's one of my favorite traditions, next to the Cape Cod trip and IDEO day. Every year, several of the musical groups perform and a few students are selected to give a speech about their gratitude. Lizzie's first grade class performed a classic Thanksgiving/holiday song that engaged the whole audience--"Over the River and Through the Woods." I remember singing this at an assembly when I was a kid, but the only verse I can ever recite is, "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmothers's house we go, the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh..." and then I add, "ho, de, ho, de ho." Thank you, Mrs. Webster, for teaching the lyrics to that song to my daughter, so she can reteach me.

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2011-11-26T20:33:00.001-05:00

Day 977
So as I was referencing a recipe for roasted pumpkin on the iPad, Phin discovered a video on how to make pumpkin pie. Next thing I knew, I had someone's voice in my kitchen explaining how to make a pumpkin pie, step by step. Phin must have watched that video six or seven times before I reached my threshold for the Martha Stewart-esque voice. And no, we didn't make the pie, but we did make pumpkin ravioli.

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2011-11-26T20:27:00.001-05:00

Day 976
Lizzie at almost 7 years old. Love that her teeth are finally growing in. Love her leap in maturity. Love that she's reading with confidence and doing math like no one's business. Just love love love you, little girl.

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2011-11-26T20:22:00.001-05:00

Day 975
Finally got around to planting the garlic today. I had big plans of planting rows and rows and rows of it in the tomato bed. I mean, hell, we have 15 feet of unused soil right now. But then I remembered our ferocious, fearless, fat city squirrels that eat anything they can get their greedy paws on, and since that bed is unprotected, I decided to plant it in the DMZ bed--it's closer to the house and we practically have barbed wire surrounding it. With a pinch of his finger, Mark can off those MFers in a heart beat. So.... Only 12 plants this year. Maybe next year we will be able to barricade bed #2.

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2011-11-26T20:15:00.001-05:00

Day 974
Coach Paul encouraged the kids to bring a deck of cards to the Marc Braun swim meet at CSU to entertain them until it was time for their event. So here we are--Jen, Lizzie, Zoe and I playing Go Fish before the 12 and unders began their heats. Jen and I worked the meet as timers, which was definitely a learning experience, but we had front stage view of our kids in the pool. Honestly, it wasn't that bad of a job, given that we were part of the action. Lizzie did well, considering that she was one of two six year olds that swam--she beat both of her times by a significant amount, and she had fun doing it. It was the first time she ever swam a 50 back and free. Next time I will have to video record the race--it's got to be one of the most hilarious things to watch her fly off the side of the pool. She's still a little scared of diving from the starting block, so she looks like a flying squirrel, sans the loose skin that keeps it afloat like a parachute. Actually, her flight is nothing like a flying squirrel; it resembles more of a cat resisting a plunge into the tub.

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2011-11-26T20:05:00.001-05:00

Day 973
Phin came home from the market so excited about the orange cauliflower that was given to him by one of the farmers. He couldn't contain his enthusiasm for a vegetable dressed in his favorite color. He did just about everything with that head of cauliflower, except snuggle with it, and was mad when we didn't have it for dinner that night. Seriously, though, whose kid gets this worked up about orange cauliflower? Weird.

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2011-11-25T23:27:00.001-05:00

Day 972
Phred's Christmas List 2011
1. Goose eggs--My favorite snack to eat when fishing with Dad
2. Three day fishing/camping trip with my master, Otis
3. If I can't have goose eggs, I will settle for Dad's peanut butter and jelly sandwich (or a baby musk rat)
4. A sunbeam through the back window so I can play Dead Phred
5. Something to retrieve. Your dirty sock would work just fine.
6. Unlimited access to my Phred bed--Mom shuts the door to where it is during the day so I have to lay on Otis. He's not a big fan of that. She thinks it will minimize the amount of dog hair that spreads throughout the house.
7. I want to be a standard poodle. Wait! Mom just hijacked my wish list. That's what she wants for Christmas so she doesn't have to deal with shedding dogs.
8. To catch a squirrel and shake it like a kitty. I've been chasing them for seven years and nothing.
9. Retractable claws to climb trees. That would really freak out the squirrels.
10. To ride in the boat. Shotgun.

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2011-11-25T23:11:00.001-05:00

Day 971
Phinny hijacked the kitty Halloween costume from Lizzie. Imagine the little brother snatching the precious headband and making a dash around the dining room table. Now imagine the big, but helpless, sister frantically chasing after. As if you can't take the screaming in your head anymore, now throw in the angry and impatient mother (who just happened to sneak in a photo op during all the madness).

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2011-11-25T23:07:00.001-05:00

Day 970
Thought kids would be playing outside at early morning drop off, but the play ground was covered in snow. Everything around it, though, had already melted. The soccer and hockey fields were glistening with moisture in the golden morning sun, and last bits of ice hung on the molecules of air as the temperatures began to rise. By noon, the climbing wall, balancing beams, and swings would be cluttered with elementary school kids. Despite the frigid morning weather, they would scream in delight, wearing off their indoor stink and energy. And by the time I finally picked up the kids from After School Club, the dampness would cling and freeze to the air again.

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2011-11-25T22:59:00.001-05:00

Day 969
Early mornings of getting dressed in the dark, late nights falling asleep at the kitchen table while eating dinner, piles of Capilene laundry, temporary single motherhood--all indicators of full force guiding season. As with fall, it is upon us. (can't wait until the rivers freeze over)

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2011-11-25T22:55:00.001-05:00

Day 968
I am trying out two new (to me) techniques: basic overlay (see white frame and text) and using the clone tool in Photoshop to combine elements from several photos. I like the basic frame overlay; I think it works for containing a photo, don't know if I would use it all the time though. I dig the cloning tool, which I have used to the point of exhaustion, but I can't say that I am convinced with this particular look. I think it would work for a holiday card, a birth announcement, or maybe a scrapbook page but not so much for a portrait, candid or otherwise. So, in order to clone the number three, I took a photo of a Four-Square game at the playground. Then I sampled that particular area in that photo, and applied it to the photo of Phin. Yeah, I need to work on it a little more.

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2011-11-25T22:47:00.001-05:00

Day 967
The kids and I visited my mom today. While we were there, we raked leaves, took a tractor ride, and had an all-inclusive tour of a fire truck from Bainbridge Township. I was so anxious to get a picture of the kids because I didn't realize the truck was going to hang out on the street for a couple of hours. I eventually left, as the kids were spending the night, but they played in and around the truck well past the initial visit. Apparently, they even got to honk the horn.

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2011-11-25T09:45:00.001-05:00

Day 966
Announcements and land exercises at swim practice. Ten reasons why we like swim team (in no particular order):
1. Great exercise.
2. Increased physical awareness.
3. Insatiable appetite and no arguments about eating dinner.
4. Physically exhausted = better sleep
5. Making new friends
6. Routine
7. Having to follow directions in a non-classroom setting. Coach Paul talks very fast and writes nothing down for the kids to see, so they have to adjust their auditory learning to get something from him.
8. It's a lot of fun.
9. It is an exercise Lizzie can do for the rest of her life.
10. It started out as a matter of safety, but now, Lizzie can swim like a fish.

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2011-11-25T09:36:00.001-05:00

Day 965
Two things: first, we have a lot of garlic to plant and a lot of garlic to eat. This should keep the vampires away for a while, right? Secondly, I have solved my poor, "day light savings/we've entered the darkest days of the year" problem. Which is.... To convert every photo that I take inside to black and white. Seemed to work out alright for this one. It still looks muddy and poorly lit, so now I just need to work on my exposure.

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2011-11-25T09:31:00.001-05:00

Day 964
The first snow of the season. Lizzie and Phin took turns balling snow from the trunk of the car and throwing it at me before we left for school.

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2011-11-25T09:29:00.001-05:00

Day 963
Food, such as rice and couscous, create an enormous mess on the kitchen floor, and Phin is the biggest offender of these messes. He tends to spill his milk a lot, and often has trouble shoveling small pieces of food into his mouth. So, because Mark and I are over cleaning up after him and in effort to break a these habits, Phin gets to clean up his own messes. Unfortunately, for him, he began his practice with rice. I wonder what advice Mr. Miyagi would have for him.

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2011-11-25T09:19:00.001-05:00

Day 962
There's this playground up the road from us--kind of old fashioned, with it's wooden frame, tire and ropes courses, super long metal slide that burns with fire in the hot summer sun--some the good ol' non-plastic equipment that truly tests a child's agility. But it also has this display of the word peace in several global languages. It's my favorite part of the entire complex mostly because Phin, Lizzie, and I tried to figure out which languages and countries were represented on it. If I didn't have kids (or dogs), I'd probably use this photo as my holiday card. And now that I think of it, if I didn't have kids, I wouldn't know about this little treasure.

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2011-11-14T20:47:00.001-05:00

Day 961
Guiding season is upon Allthingskasubick, so I often call in my reinforcements for a little sanity. Jen was kind enough to take the kids to the play ground while I stretched and aired out my nasties at a yoga class. Zoe, Lizzie, and Phin had a great time running around. When I picked them up an hour or so later, they refused to leave.

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2011-11-14T20:43:00.001-05:00

Day 960
Who knew a leaf blower could be so fun? I probably could have gathered the leaves on the tree lawn in half the time if the kids and I didn't have so much fun playing with the leaf blower and jumping into piles of leaves. Contrary to popular weather patterns, Cleveland has been experiencing warm, spring like weather. Sunny skies and 60 degrees. We'll take it while we can.

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2011-11-14T20:21:00.001-05:00

Day 959
Noooooo! We're not related! (too bad I didn't inherit a cuter nose)

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2011-11-14T20:18:00.002-05:00

Day 958

Me: Phin, what is this a picture of?
Phin: Purple and green paint, Mommy. [implied, You idiot.]
Duh.

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2011-11-14T20:13:00.002-05:00

Day 957

Mark's Tiger Costume
Rob Kasubick
Color film
C. 1969

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2011-11-14T20:10:00.003-05:00

Day 956

We just can't seem to let go of this Halloween business. One more night of lighting the jack-o-lanterns before the squirrels eat them.

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2011-11-14T20:08:00.002-05:00

Day 955

And here it is folks, the moment that Phin and Lizzie have been waiting for. They have been talking about and planning for Halloween for months and finally their time has arrived. Phin dressed up as a construction worker, Lizzie a cat. Both inexpensive and easy costumes. Forty-five minutes later, they dumped their loot on the kitchen floor and sorted like no other. Months and months of dreaming and organizing for this?! For 45 minutes? I hope they both elope.

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2011-11-14T20:04:00.002-05:00

Day 954

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. The first one said, "Oh my, it's getting late." The second one said, "There are witches in the air." The third one said, "But we don't care!" The fourth one said, "Its time to have some fun." And the fifth one said, "Let's run and run and run!" Then Wooooo went the wind and OUT went the lights, and five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

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2011-11-14T19:59:00.002-05:00

Day 953
This is Little Joey, my cousin Emilia's little boy. They're in town from Minnesota. Little Joey is about the same size as Phin but maybe a year or two younger. They had a grand old time racing around in the back yard at my mom' s house while the adults drank beer and played football. It was a perfect fall afternoon and great times catching up with my family.

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2011-11-14T19:53:00.003-05:00

Day 952

Cousins in town for the weekend. Bought tickets for Boo at the Zoo. Saw lots of stuffed animals filled with humans, but not a lot of real animals. Kids had a blast. Adults were annoyed by the crowds and eventually tired children.

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2011-11-11T23:13:00.001-05:00

Day 951
Fresh beans from the market. Only needed to be soaked for about an hour. Made yummy bean soup and beans and rice with them. For the soup, I think I threw the beans into a pot of sautéed onions and garlic, some chicken broth, stewed/canned tomatoes, and some celery and cooked it all day. The beans and rice recipe was slightly more complicated and therefore Mark, the King of Slow Food, prepared that one. I believe it was a recipe from The Joy of Cooking.

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2011-11-11T23:08:00.001-05:00

Day 950
Dia de Muertos. Day of the Dead.
I had a dream about my dad the other night. Something about a tornado, out in the Great Plains somewhere, farm land, flat, windy. Dad appeared and said, "Hold onto something with deep roots." I will remember that, Dad.
Photo curtesy of Paul Osborne, July 2002.

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2011-11-11T23:03:00.001-05:00

Day 949
Fall is upon us.

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2011-11-11T23:01:00.001-05:00

Day 948
Typical nightly routine: Lizzie works on her homework, usually math, while Phin practices writing his name, counting, drawing, naming his letters, or leafing through Lizzie's books. Sometimes he joins me at the kitchen counter to "help" make dinner, by more often than not he's just looking for a tasty handout.

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2011-11-11T22:39:00.002-05:00

This is not a book review. It is simply a shout out to my talented cousin, Bonnie Nadzam, and her first book, Lamb. She has been traveling around the US for few months reading passages of her book to fans, critics, family members, and friends in unassuming locations and those of surprise. On her way through Cleveland, her hometown, she dazzled and captivated her audience at Night Town. You know Night Town. The jazz club in town where all those no name musicians play and then one day you can't get within 15 feet of them because they are so stinkin' famous. Nora Jones was like that. Listen to her at Night Town for nothing and now her concerts are sold out. So then comes along Bonnie with these two characters of hers, 54-year-old David Lamb and seventh grader and awkward adolescent, Tom. They pitched a tent in my head and kept me awake for hours, long past my bed time reading and into the abyss of sleepiness analysis several hours after finishing the book. Unnerving. Illicit. Bothersome. Atypical and convincing. Wonder if Night Town will work its magic on Bonnie as it has on other artists who have appeared in its intellectually charged ambiance.

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2011-11-09T23:01:00.001-05:00

Day 946
Mark and the kids went pumpkin hunting today while I stayed home and did... What? I don't remember, exactly. Anyhow, I love that he remembers to sneak a quick photo to text to me. And I love how Phin is trying so very hard to reach the hole of the witch 's face. I bet anything that he was standing on his tippy toes to get there.

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2011-11-09T22:57:00.001-05:00

Day 945
Yummy fibers for my birthday. Need to find some earthy beads and some time to string them together--maybe in simple braid, a little weave. Thinking about making a fall necklace with this loveliness. Thank you, Kelly and Sharon!

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2011-11-09T22:46:00.001-05:00

Day 944
At 36, I am a lot of things. There's the obvious... A wife, a mother of two, a daughter still, a sister. And then the not so obvious--The things that you wouldn't know unless you really knew me. At 36, I am a professional, a happy, passionate educator, a leaf raker, a gardener, a hugger and kisser, a healer, a negotiator. I can walk into a car dealership with no intention of buying a new car and walk out with a pimped out ride for a significantly lower car payment than previous. I can hold a handstand for a long time. Through an entire sun salutation B, sometimes longer. At 36, I am the queen of the 20 minute meal, of procrastination, of mile high piles of laundry. I like potato vodka, deep, gooey red wine, and wearing flip flops all year round, even in the snow. I am still in love with my husband after 13 years. And he makes my heart skip a beat. At 36 I have aspirations for myself, my children, my family. And I don't stop dreaming. Sometimes at 36, I am anxious and irrational--I still squeal in fear when I see a spider, I am convinced that a strong wind storm is going to be a tornado, that my house is going to burn down, or I will die before my children have kids of their own. At 36, I cry. At 36, I laugh. At 36, I watch reruns of Ally McBeal and the Cosby Show and I pretend that Monica, Phoebe, and Rachel are my best friends. At 36, I can barely get through three sentences of a novel before I fall sound asleep, and if I can manage to get past that, then I am up until wee hours of the morning. I am a night owl once I get my second wind. I am turning into my mother. I talk to my sister almost every day, even if it's for a minute or two. I enjoy nonfiction, documentaries, YouTube videos, and Disney. I still want to be a photographer for National Geographic when I grow up. At 36, I want to wear the latest trends, but I refuse to be a victim of fashion magazines. I don't wear makeup, I don't read my horoscope, and I only read People Magazine when I travel internationally. At 36 and after having two children, I finally love my body. I love what it has given me, what it has made me, what is permits me to do. It is the perfect vessel for my 36 year old soul. At 36, I am scared to post this on my blog.

2011-11-05T22:23:00.002-04:00

day 943

Phin eating the snot out of the Chili that I made in the crock pot. Must remember this recipe:

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
diced onion
diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 quart canned tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans with liquid
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans with liquid
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
basil and oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Brown the ground meat and drain. Add all ingredients to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4). Serve with corn chips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

2011-11-05T22:19:00.002-04:00

day 942

Oh, the many tricks I have pulled out of my bag to entertain Phin while Lizzie swims. This week was particularly challenging, as it was wet for five days straight, so our usaul romps through the woods or laps around the tennis courts ceased to exist as an option. Coloring books, the iPad, Scooby-doo stickers, and Scooby snacks have been working overtime. Must come up with something slightly more clever for the winter months.

2011-11-05T22:09:00.002-04:00

day 941

Only a few blossoms of Calendula, Zinnia, and Black-eyed Susan remain. Their rich hues emulate the light of autumn--firey, golden, flaming, desparate right before they're about to lose their freshness. They have one more task before turning in for the winter--to sow and scatter abroad.

2011-11-05T22:00:00.002-04:00

day 940

Parlor Trick
par·lor trick
noun
1. a simple magic trick that is easy to execute; used to amuse people, usually at parties; designed to be performed in front of small audiences.
2. a simple trick performed by Phred; a means to amuse his humans on command; often performed with minimal props, as in newspapers, Lambies, baseball caps, any random item that might need to be fetched.

2011-11-05T21:50:00.002-04:00

day 939

Another night at the Northup's. Connor is assuming the roll of a Beefeater, but instead of guarding the British crown jewels, he's comically keeping the adults under his surveillance. Smart kid.

2011-11-05T21:44:00.001-04:00

day 938

"Sherman made the terrible discovery that men make about their fathers sooner or later... that the man before him was not an aging father but a boy, a boy much like himself, a boy who grew up and had a child of his own and, as best he could, out of a sense of duty and, perhaps love, adopted a role called Being a Father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector, who would keep a lid on all the chaotic and catastrophic possibilities of life." ~Tom Wolfe, The Bonfire of the Vanities

2011-10-31T22:01:00.001-04:00

day 937

Hm. Must work on that defensive stance a little bit. But DAMN. Would you look at those brows?!

2011-10-31T21:58:00.002-04:00

day 936

Underneath that t-shirt? Otter, Puppy, Bear, Dr. Jones, Moose, and Booie. Apparently it's Phin's new alternative storage bin for his "guys."

2011-10-31T21:56:00.001-04:00

day 935

Phin, being much like a puppy, needs to "get the stink out," so we go for a dip at the pool after school.

2011-10-31T21:52:00.002-04:00

day 934
Israeli Couscous Salad
Couscous, bring to a boil for 4 minutes
Green Beans, add to boiling water for two minutes more
Drain
Add seeded and quartered cucumber
1/3 cup golden raisins for a bit of sweetness
1/3 cup pistachios for a bit of crunchy nuttiness
1/4 olive oil with 2 TBLS white wine vinegar and 1 TBLS lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
*I add the nuts in at the end, since they tend to become soggy over time.

2011-10-31T21:47:00.003-04:00

day 933

And there she is. Lizzie taking position on the starting block for back stroke. She's looking for me in the audience, but hasn't made eye contact yet (Oh, the cheesy grin when she finally laid eyes on me!). She raced once already this morning, finishing first in her heat. She swam against kids her own age, but overall, she was competing against 10-and-unders. She improved her times in both of her events and walked away feeling good about her day. I was so proud of her--congratulating her teammates and her opponents, and best of all, she had a great time!

2011-10-31T21:38:00.002-04:00

day 932

All summer long, Phin resisted the bike. He would take a lap or two at the top of the driveway and would either reach boredom within minutes or fall and scrape his knees, relinquishing the whole idea. I thought for sure that he'd never be able to ride a bike, given his dislike of practicing on the sidewalk or anywhere else that was flat and smooth. Then, just the other day, out of the blue, he jumped on his bike and rode for two blocks around the neighborhood. How does that happen? As an adult, it takes me a long time to master a new skill. Take handstand, for example. Yes, I could sort of do one as a kid, mostly walk on my hands a couple of inches, but not hold it for a sustained period. As an adult, I have been practicing for years to build the core strength and the balance to hold a handstand for more than a minute. Day after day, banged wall after banged wall, shorter down dog and longer down dog, I finally nailed it. On a good day, I can stick one, but it's not a guarantee that I'll always land it. I am humbled by my kids' ability to practice something for a short amount of time and then BAM! They've made some evolutionary break through. It's that midlife thing--I suppose things are starting to shift?

2011-10-31T21:35:00.002-04:00

day 931

Lizzie reads everything in sight these days. From cereal boxes to junk mail, the kid just can't get enough. Phin, always an eager audience for a good book (or any type, actually), loves that Lizzie will read to him on demand. My favorite? When Lizzie reads to Phin at the kitchen table while I make dinner.

2011-10-31T21:28:00.002-04:00

day 930

Every trimester, my colleague and I take the Ennovations Photo students on a field trip. This time we went to Coventry--explored the shops, played on the playground, grew nostalgic for my high school days of hanging out in front of Coventry Courtyard. While my students looked for photo opps, I was trying to capture and freeze my memories of late nights in Coventry, listening to bands at the Grog Shop, sipping coffee at Arabica (before they went bottom's up), later in age huddling in the basement of La Cav du Vin.

2011-10-31T21:26:00.002-04:00

day 929

Someone said that if you trim the last of your tomato plants and hang them upside down in the sunniest part of your yard, you'll ripen what's left of the season's green tomatoes.

2011-10-31T21:19:00.002-04:00

day 928

Lizzie had a hankering for diving into a pile of leaves, so while I cleaned out the garden and fussed about the backyard, she a Phin went to town raking. If I could be in her head, I bet she was thinking about a big, fluffy, buoyant pile of leaves that she could just sink into--maybe bounce once into the air and land lightly in the multicolored feather bed of oak and maple. Her body is still resilient, so it probably hasn't occurred to her yet that leaf piles are, in fact, just the opposite. On average, they are dirty with nothing but a hard bottom--no good for bouncing and certainly not designed for a soft landing. 100% guarantee that you'll wake up with a bruised bottom, though. I can't break it to her yet--she'll need to live out the fantasy for a few more years before she realizes that landing square on her knees isn't so fun after all.

2011-10-30T22:09:00.001-04:00

day 927

I just don't remember doing this kind of math in first grade. I'm sure if I did, I would be a better mathematician.

2011-10-30T22:03:00.002-04:00

day 926

I've been adding pecans to my pancakes lately. The Covered Bridge at the market sells them, and since they are wicked expensive, I like to eat them as often and with everything that I can--just to make the most out of them and the money that I spent. Mark and the kids make pancakes every Sunday--everyone has the recipe memorized and they all have specific jobs. Lizzie measures the baking powder and soda, Phin adds a drop or two of vanilla, and they both crack eggs. Mark stirs, pours and flips, and I stand by to watch the magic, slather butter on the piping hot flap jacks, and saturate every one's stack with maple syrup. No one seems to like the pecan idea except me, and I am truly fine with that.

2011-10-30T21:59:00.002-04:00

day 925

My husband picks fresh flowers for me. I'd like to know whose husband does that for them. And not from a display at the grocery store.

2011-10-30T21:57:00.000-04:00

day 924

Happy Birthday, Marky!

2011-10-30T21:54:00.002-04:00

day 923

Lizzie busting a move on her stir fry with some fancy shmancy chop sticks. She's been practicing for a while, so only imagine her excitement when she finished her entire dinner using this contraption. (I don't think I learned to use chop sticks until I was 18--in fact, I think Jason Zak taught me how while eating at the Chinese restaurant in Bainbridge, once upon a time.)