Baby Feet

Growing up my middle sister, Mindy, would never let me touch her with my feet.  She thought they were gross.  She would inform me on multiple occasions, especially when my feet would find her leg or occasionally her head, she only liked three peoples feet: hers, our mom's and our baby cousin Geoffrey's.  I can only assume that if asked today Geoffrey's feet would no longer be on the list since he is 17 now and runs cross country.

Feet have never really bothered me or grabbed my attention.  The only ones I was very aware of and didn't like would belong to my dad (sorry!) and lets be honest, who of us really like our dad's feet?

Today, while feeding Katherine I found myself just looking at her tiny toes and beautiful feet.  I quickly grabbed my camera because she was doing what she normally does while eating:

My heart flutters every time I see her do this.  It's one of those endearing baby behaviors that just makes your soul swell and heart melt.  I love everything about her, but today is feet and toe day.  I want to kiss every single one of them, tickle them and play "this little piggy" over and over again. 

Bless this House

For Grampy Max

September 4, 1920 to May 31, 2011

Growing up I saw my grandparents at least once a week.  Their home was the meeting place for our family and where hundreds of memories were formed.  Roses, swing sets, Monopoly and popcorn...the smell of a cooking pot roast and the taste of peppermints wander through my mind.  Their home was the perfect place for a child's imagination to flourish.  From the big linen closet to Grampy Max's office there was somewhere always to play.  Music was also central to Granny and Grampy's house.  Lawrence Welk was the evening entertainment and you frequently heard Grampy playing the organ and singing a tune.  The front door and hallway was an especially important part of their home.  On the back of the front door was a music box that when wound would play "Bless this House".  How we begged Granny to wind up the music box so we could all dance! As a child and adolescent I did not really inquire about the lyrics behind this 20th century hymn.  However over the past 10 years I have become acquainted with the words of this song. 

How fitting that my beloved grandparents had this song at their front door.  What a precious prayer of protection and blessing for all who step through their threshold.  The hymn reflects the heart and prayer of these two precious souls.  Our family, because of them, have received an inheritance of love, peace and joy centered in Christ.  Thank you Granny and Grampy for your heart and prayers.  It is my prayer to pass down to my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren the legacy of your home and lives.

Bless this house, O Lord we pray,

Make it safe by night and day . . .

Bless these walls so firm and stout,

Keeping want and trouble out . . .

Bless the roof and chimneys tall,

Let thy peace lie overall . . .

Bless this door that it may prove,

Ever open,

To joy and love . . .

Bless these windows shining bright,

Letting in God's Heavenly light,

Bless the hearth, the painting there,

With smoke ascending like a prayer!

Bless the folk who dwell within,

Keep them pure and free from sin . . .

Bless us all that we may be,

Fit O Lord to dwell with thee . . .

Bless us all that one day we may dwell,
O Lord! With Thee!

The 29th Summer

Ahhhh, summer. How can it be described?  It's different for everyone and everywhere.  For me this year there's not much change from my normal fall/winter/spring schedule except I no longer go to work at 5 pm.  (Hooray, school is out!)  My list of activities no longer has to stop in the evening and basically has endless possibilities.  Now the only thing our schedule will be revolving around will be the heat.  

Dallas heat.  How can it be described?  It's kinda hot in the morning and then once 11 am hits it's not 'kinda' anymore but just hot.  It doesn't stop until the sun hits and then, if you're lucky, it goes back to "kinda hot."

Fortunately, it's not sweltering yet and summer is fresh and innocent in my mind.  What does this mean for me?  Time to make my summer goals.  It's my last summer of my twenties , so it's only right that I make at least one big (but attainable) goal.  

keep house clean

reorganize my recipe binders

read my summer book list (please see last post)

take Katherine to the pool once a week

paint our bedroom and bathroom

*begin the “learn Italian at home” course I got for Christmas four years ago

keep basil and cilantro alive
plant mint 

go on more walks

*the one big,but attainable goal

Now that the list has been proclaimed, I am reminded that I have a dirty stock pot in the sink that needs cleaning...  and so it begins.

Basil, still alive and growing, as of May 27th 2011

Cilantro, still alive and growing, as of May 27th 2011

The Imperator, not quite a hot dog but will be soon.

Paperback Travels

The concept of 'world travel' crosses my mind frequently throughout the year.  When March hits I get starry-eyed just thinking about a trans-Atlantic flight and by May I get butterflies in my soul just thinking about medieval streets and mass transportation.

-sigh-

Unfortunately, I do not jet across the world on a regular basis.  I occasionally plan make-believe European vacations in my head and once a year I enter the Olive Garden Italian vacation sweepstakes as many times as possible (http://olivegarden.promo.eprize.com/cit/).  Five years submitting my name has still produced no lucky win. Alas, Europe will just have to wait a little bit longer for this five foot two museum goer, food and wine lover and history maniac (is that what I am?) to step foot on her soil. 

Be still my beating heart and take heart other travel kindred spirits who, like me, love to jet-set but unavoidable obstacles prevent you from actually going.  There is an option...books.

Books?  Yes.  Books.

Every summer I jump into at least one book that takes my traveling mind to Europe.  Two years ago, a biography on Marie Antoinette took me to the inner circle of Versailles and the busy streets of Paris.  Last summer Francis Mayes, once again, let Cortona became my neighborhood and near by Italian regions were my backyard.  So where to go this summer?  I'm not for sure all the places I'll read up on, but here's my initial summer reading list and I intend on getting my European travel fix while sitting and reading on the beach in my mother-land.

La bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World's Most Enchanting Language

http://www.amazon.com/Bella-Lingua-Italian-Enchanting-Language/dp/0767927702/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305664765&sr=1-1

Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life

http://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Tuscany-Seasons-Italian/dp/0767929829/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c

Lunch in Paris

http://www.amazon.com/Lunch-Paris-Love-Story-Recipes/dp/0316042781/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305664831&sr=1-1

Queen Victoria: A Personal History

http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Victoria-Personal-Christopher-Hibbert/dp/0306810859/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2NIU8JTPASIWB&colid=3CX64LOK9QJ2V

Royal Ramblings

Since Randy opted for sleep over the Royal Wedding at 3 am, I had no one to whom I could share my pre-wedding and wedding thoughts except Auggie.  Therefore the only obvious solution is to tell you, dear reader, all of my thoughts as they occur.

The Hanger Beast

Once a month my closet explodes.  I haven't quite figured out why I just don't consistently hang up my clothes.  It never fails that once my scattered apparel is placed back on its hanger I get an accomplished and refreshed feeling. 

Recently, I was cleaning my closet when I realized it was time for a closet clean out.  One by one I rid my closet of tops, bottoms, scarfs and shoes.  As my pile of exiled clothes grew so did the number of empty hangers.

Hangers.  Ugh. 

If there is one thing that I hate battling are hangers.  A hanger is fine, but once it becomes hangers it is no longer fine.  As a group, these inanimate objects seem to take on their own life entangling themselves almost to the point where the multiple objects become a singular beast.  What drives me crazy is that when I try to grab one hanger out of a pile it seems to repeatedly hook itself upon on hanger after another.  It makes me want to scream.

So, while I was cleaning out my closet, I was just waiting...impatiently, anxiously awaiting the impending battle.  As always, the struggle with the Hanger Beast occurred and like always I think to myself , "yes, here it is, the cursed animosity of inanimate objects."    

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ruskin

Secret Garden

When I was a little girl I loved the idea of The Secret Garden.  The movie was mesmerizing and it prompted me to read the book and acquire other stories about a hidden garden among overgrown plants.  I would plant flowers in my backyard and hope for hidden castles at every overgrown spot.  Both ventures were unsuccessful. Little did I know that one day, as an adult, I would find my very own secret garden in my grown-up backyard. 

About this time last year I noticed color erupting from my backyard.  I realized that the previous owner, Mary, was quite the green thumb.  Randy and I however do not have innate skill to nurture plants.  Over the course of the Dallas summer I watched our backyard turn more brown every week.   I was convinced that the roses, peonies, honeysuckle would not survive little watering, excessive heat and no pruning.

Come spring, what do my eyes behold peaking up underneath the piles of dead leaves...color...glorious color!  We didn't kill all our flowers after all.  My childhood dream of discovering a secret garden has once again come true.  My childhood imagination has been reignited, just in time to play with Katherine.

My beloved childhood books that that had something to do with a garden, castle or magic.

The Secret Garden

http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Garden-Frances-Hodgson-Burnett/dp/0451528832/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1303224874&sr=1-3

Mandy

http://www.amazon.com/Mandy-Julie-Andrews-Collection-Edwards/dp/0061207071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303225560&sr=8-1

The Enchanted Castle

http://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Castle-Book-Charm/dp/0694015806/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1303225628&sr=1-11

The four hour what?

About three weeks ago Randy handed me a challenge...a food challenge. 

"I want to try the 4 Hour Body and I want you to do it with me.  You know we'll have to change our diet."

"Huh?"

The last thing I want to do is change my way of cooking and eating.  I succumbed to the Atkins craze while I was in college.  The headaches and endless denial of delicious breads, fruits and milk did not outweigh the weight loss I experienced.  Ever since that moment I vowed to myself I would live like the Greeks...enjoy life but never in excess (thank you Dr. Fears). 

After sulking the entire afternoon I agreed to go along.  Now, to get the details you'll have to dive into the book (something I haven't done), but what I have gleaned from Randy's reading is the following:

1)  eat lots of protein...like a lot, to the point that you don't want to see the sight of it  

2)  no milk, sugar, breads, grains, yogurt, fruit

3)  meat, eggs, beans and veggie are king

4)  dry red wine and coffee are encouraged (hooray!)

5)  breakfast is a must

6)  lift a kettle bell a couple of times a week

I took it upon myself to make this new way of eating tasty and delicious.  This diet could easily lead to chicken, spinach and beans with every meal.  Gak.  I simply refuse.  So I set out to find what would work.  After the discovery of many a delicious meal I found out that this way of life would not be too difficult after all.  Plus, a two week trial was my commitment to Randy.

The two weeks ended last week and I didn't really lose weight but I gained some insight.  Breakfast is a must and I like beans and lentils.  Most importantly I was reminded that every once and awhile it's good to reevaluate how you eat and how you are taking care of yourself.  This was a good examination and I was able to tweak our diet for the better.

I have decided going into the fourth week that I will partially partake of this new eating regime. Randy on the other hand has had great success shedding weight (what man doesn't?) and has continued along his 4 Hour path.  I am proud of him for his perseverance.  I'll join Randy for the breakfast and evening sessions but everything in between is to our own choosing. 

Nothing in excess, right?   

http://drfears.com/

http://www.fourhourbody.com/

The Tulsa Trail

Randy and I recently went on a weekend get-a-way that might have altered our way of traveling from this point forward.  It was a trip to spend some quality time with each other, but also to see our dear friends Abi and Zion Spencer.  We took it slow, drove on the back roads and tried to sample what each city had to offer.  The originality of this form of travel does not rest in our hands.  Our trip was inspired by my beloved Aunt Linda and Uncle Curt, who made hundreds of memories just by going down the not so traveled road.  Their stories of new places and hidden gems have been inspirational for Randy and me.  Here's a glance at our trail to Tulsa.  Hope you get inspired too.

Stop #1- Denison, Texas

The Inn of Many Faces http://www.innofmanyfaces.com/

Birthplace of President Eisenhower

Devolii's Italian Restaurant

Our stop in Denison was an over night stay where we had a nice drive around the city, took in some historical sights and had a romantic evening at the quaint Devolii's restaurant.  The real gem of this city was the bed and breakfast, The Inn of Many Faces.  It was a beautiful 114 year old home that Jesse James occasionally visited during his day.  The room was nice, the breakfast delicious and the owners very welcoming. 

The Inn of Many Faces

Birthplace of President Eisenhower

Stop #2- Durant, Oklahoma

The Choctaw Casino http://www.choctawcasinos.com/Durant.aspx

Five minutes and $20 at the slot machines told me I needed to place my money elsewhere.  Hello spa.  I opted for relaxation while Randy chose gamblin' games. 

Stop #3 Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Spencer Home

Delasandro's http://www.dalesandros.com/

Wild Fork http://www.wildfork.com/

Lanna Thai http://www.lannathaitulsa.com/#

Double Shot http://www.doubleshotcoffee.com/Home.html

Tulsa.  What can I say?  It is a city that contains my dearest friend therefore it is one of my favorite cities.  Abi and Zion were the perfect host and hostess.  We spent the weekend eating, shopping, relaxing, talking and laughing.  We had the best time.  I even gained three pounds that week, and was okay with it.  The food was that good.  Thanks Zabi for your love and friendship.  We treasure it.

Dinner at Dalesandro's

Another Dalesandro's pic

A lovely morning brunch at Wild Fork.

Beard Season

Beard Season ended today at the White House which made the Spring Season official.  For the past five winters Randy has grown a beard which has led to many a conversation.  After about a month and a half I start talking about the clean shaven man I feel for.  The flip side is that most men congratulate Randy on his beard and encourage him to keep growing it.  When I was naive I didn't pay close attention to the beard conversations that occurred "man to man."  I didn't see the influence that other men were.  But now, being the more mature woman that I am, I see it coming within a minute of the "nice beard, man" or "keep that growing as long as you can"  even the "wish I could grow a beard".  Of course I love to hear my husband praised, but these types of encouraging words over the past five years have only motivated Randy to make Beard Season last longer than the previous season's.   I enjoy Beard Season.  I like the fact that my man can grow a beard!  I do have my limitations which of course are different than Randy's.  Regardless, Winter has been shaven and Spring is here!  Now to really make it feel like Spring, I need to plant some herbs and put Rebecca the Brown Thumb to the test.  Maybe this year will be the year.  I can take care of a baby...why not plants?

Enjoying brunch in Tulsa with our beloved Zabi (Zion and Abi Spencer) at Wild Fork.  This obviously occurred during Beard Season.

Enjoying Hat Day which also happened to be the first day of Spring at the White House.