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.



April Showers

I had a revelation while chopping vegetables a few days ago. 

Vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and herbs are transforming.  Individually each one holds its own flavor, taste and consistency.  However, when heated or chilled, each one can morph into another flavor and texture.  Bitter.  Salty.  Smooth.  Lemony.  Tough.  Sweet.  Spicy.  Tender.  Pungent.  Mushy.  Crisp.  In addition to its own flavor, when mixed with other products and heated the flavor yet again undergoes a transformation. 

I have come to the conclusion that my life for the past five years has been chopped, marinated, sauteed, boiled, braised and maybe even mashed, among other things. 

Five years ago in March severe headaches sent me to the doctor.  After CT scans, MRIs, and multiple visits to a neurosurgeon, Randy and I selected April 13th to be the day that would change our lives.  On April 13th I had brain surgery.  Sixteen days later I was released from the hospital and got to return home on Randy's 24th birthday.

Unfortunately the surgeon was unable to remove the cyst entirely from my brain and since 2006 I go and get an MRI every six months.  I know what to expect from the MRI.  Thirty-five minutes of loud noises, cold temperatures and a small dose of claustrophobia. My heart races while we drive to the facility and wait for my name to be called.  Sometimes I cry.  What never fails is the sense of peace I have while I walk to the back of the facility and hop onto the board that sends me into the all-seeing machine.  People have asked me what I think about while being scanned.  It's a very simple answer.

Jesus Christ.

I pray.  I praise Him to the rhythm of the machine.  I thank Him for this unique experience.  I ask for healing.  

When I look at the path I am on and ponder what it all means I always have different answers.  I have used this experience in multiple ways and I hope it has been for the betterment of  others.  Yes it's been hard and scary at times. What trial isn't?  Praise God, I am better and different because of it. 

I love to cook.  This is no secret.  So it's not surprising that when I'm in the kitchen heating up oil to braise chicken or chopping up vegetables to throw into mashed avocados I examine life.  The way I see it, we all are being prepped for something larger than ourselves.  For some, no heating is required and you are put on a platter raw.  You are absolutely perfect and delicious.  Others get seared on all sides and then thrown into the oven to be slow roasted for three hours.  A slow process but what flavor and tenderness!

What I've learned is I can't compare my path to others.  I can't worry about the future and fret about the past.  "What if" scenarios are just painful.  I take each day as it comes and rest in the knowledge that God is constantly transforming my soul through unique experiences.  With every MRI and with every doctors appointment He creates in me something new.  This is something to get excited about.

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.  Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21

...and to you sister, merci.

"I don't love Paris," she said.  The room gasped and gazed upon her with judgemental eyes... 

Shocked?  Perhaps blasphemous?  I can't help it.  I am not in love with that city. I do, however, have great respect for the city and its historical importance, culinary development and powerful effect.

February marked a seven year anniversary of a phone call that changed my life. 

"You want to go to Paris for $600?"

"....maybe?..."

Okay, maybe I didn't immediately jump to go to Paris.  I was saving for my Roman adventure which was quickly approaching in May.  Plus I was scared.  I hate to fly.  Hate doesn't even begin to cover it.  Flying is my worst fear and my nemesis.  After a few discussions with my roommates and parents I realized I had to fly to Europe in May, I might as well do it now and call it practice. 

I decided to answer with yes.  Yes I will go.  Yes I will fly by myself.  Yes I will meet you in Paris, sister.  What a powerful three letter word.  I didn't realize that I just said yes to empowerment, independence and a life love of travel. 

This weekend marks the anniversary of a trip that has become a milestone in my life. Thank you, JoDee. Thank you for your love of Paris and its inspiring power. It changed my life for the better.

Pears, Peas and Strollers

A baby's life is adventurous. 

Why?  Because almost everyday they are trying, discovering and experiencing something new.  I'm kinda jealous.

I've known this about babies all of my adult life, however, it's not until I've witnessed it firsthand that its sunk in.  This came to my attention over the weekend when Katherine went for her first walk facing forward in her stroller.  I realized, that for her, she has experiences that are somewhat old hat like the taste of pears.  (she's known this flavor since she was three months)  However there are very new tastes like peas.  (her first try was Sunday).  Then there are new adventures that might seem initially scary, but are literally life changing...like seeing the world facing forward.  Life never gets boring for this new life.

Katherine...

laughs and smiles when the wind blows on her face.

squeals and squirms when Auggie walks by.

looks surprised every time she sees her own reflection.

doesn't get bored looking out a window.

gets to taste a new food every three days (!!!! I like this one !!!).

feels pride when she rolls over and sits up.

Katherine's life has made me begin to examine my own.  What is mesmerizing to me?  What do I get so excited about that my only reaction is dancing?  Do I try new experiences?  Where are my adventures?

Perhaps something we should all ponder?

Even though a little wobbly at times, Katherine is experiencing life facing foward.

Spring Fever

Exhausted. Sore. Productive. These are words to describe what Randy and I consider our most successful home improvement weekend ever. Plants were removed, walls were painted, a light fixture was installed and yes, even a tree was cut down. This feeling of accomplishment has led us to ponder the remaining projects at the White House.

If you have ever been to our home you would observe incomplete projects at almost every turn. I'm okay with this. I like living in a state of development and creation. However, in order to prevent our over zealousness from overtaking our house we have decided to... complete all projects started by our two year house anniversary... Phew! I said it. Unfortunately, for Randy, most of these projects will require his workmanship and energy. But dear reader, don't discount the encouraging words and lovely company I will be giving him while he works.

So with confidence I can say spring has sprung at the White House.  And now I have a question for you ...what does your Spring Fever look like?

before: lights in the half bath

after: new light fixture in the half bath, but oops...broke the bulb on the way up...new project: find replacement bulb

Goodbye ugly tree.  Now what to do with the stump?

before: too many plants in the backyard

after: a cleaned out backyard...more room for Auggie to sunbathe

before: frame and pillar purchased at Canton in October '09

after: a pretty white frame

after: a white pillar with one more thing to add...a marble top

Gak.

Can't forget the cutest girl in the world!

There are days...

...when my heart knows no words.

"Love is the greatest gift one can give."

Balsamic and Molasses Glaze Pork and Corn Risotto

Tuesday was the perfect day to cook.  A hefty layer of ice covered DFW and the Whites were safely tucked away in the White House.  The menu for the week had already been planned and it so happened that Tuesday was pork and risotto night.  Perhaps evidence of predestination?  Randy, being the fabulous man he is, gave me the opportunity to cook and relax in the kitchen while he played with KTG (Katherine the Great, thanks for the nickname Tim).  Viola!  A few hours later this delicious meal was served.  If you're in the mood for a dish of this sort, I suggest either one (the risotto more than the pork).  Check out the recipes by using the links to the right.  Here are my notes on these two items.

Slow Roasted Pork Loin with Balsamic and Molasses Glaze

1.  used two pork tenderloins instead of two 5-bone pork loin roast.  This cut the roasting time down significantly.  Roasting the pork at 300 degrees made it extremely tender and moist.

2.  increased the red pepper and garlic because I like those flavors

3.  decreased the amount of molasses to 1/2 cup

4.  wish I would have saved more than 1/4 cup of glaze

5.  loving the leftovers, can't wait to put the sliced pork on sandwich with thick slices of mozzarella cheese

Corn Risotto

1.  I followed the directions for the risotto precisely except for the cheese and fresh corn. I used Parmesan instead of Romano cheese and one bag of frozen organic corn instead of fresh corn on the cob.

2.  Cooked the bacon, but I don't think it needs it.

2.  The fried sage leaf with anchovy is delicious!  I used anchovy paste instead of anchovy, but my mistake was frying the sage in the bacon grease.  Cook it in canola oil!  The bacon flavor took away from the sage and anchovy.