My Monica Closet

I pride myself on home organization, sometimes even to a fault.  However, there are three areas of my home that off-set some of this hyper-organization: the kitchen desk drawer, the guest bedroom closet, the top right dresser drawer. These are my Monica Closets (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=monica%20closet).

Today was chosen to be the first ever Kitchen Desk Drawer Clean-Out Day.  What prompted me to do this?  Since Katherine recently turned one (that's another post in itself) my kitchen needed  to be rearranged.  Goodbye bottles!  In my excited state to get rid of all things bottle I also targeted all unnecessary items in the desk drawer.

This drawer has been haunting me since the day we moved into the White House two years ago.  It has become a black hole for all things miscellaneous.  I realized this even more as I was cleaning it out today.  What did I find? 

35 pictures of Katherine

6 pairs of scissors

24 manuals

2 cigars

1 phone

11 keys

3 rubber bands

1 sticky wine opener (gak!)

25 cents

39 receipts

2 greeting cards

1 piece of granite

3 safety pins

1 tape measure

4 packages of post it notes

Fellow junk drawer friends let this be an encouragement to you!  Your junk drawer (closet, bedroom, cabinet) can also no longer exist.  Take back the space and claim it as your own!



before



after

http://www.friends-tv.org/zz814.html  

A Month to Celebrate

This past week I asked my Granny if she would have ever thought, while celebrating her birthday throughout her life, that one day she would be sharing her birthday month with three of her great-granddaughters.  Her answer was "never in my imagination" and the the conversation moved forward. 

It got me thinking.  What does God have planned for me and what areas of my life do I know, deep down inside, will happen. 

Since we are in the month of August (named after my favorite Roman emperor, Augustus) it's only right that two of the things I have had gut feelings about actually turned out. 

Marrying Randy White

Randy and I met at Yukon High School in 1998 and started dating that year.  Our high school romance did have an end at the start of our freshman year in college, but there was something about "us" I couldn't shake.  Randy was the one and it wasn't until four years later that God reintroduced us.   

Katherine Livia

In 2010 God blessed Randy and me with Katherine making her the 7th girl in my family.  Girls 7, Boys 0.  Before Randy and I found out Katherine was a girl I would say how I thought our baby would be a boy.  I wanted so badly to be the "chosen one."  I wanted to give my family the long awaited son. Alas, my mouth spoke contrary to my heart, I knew I was carrying a girl.

So here it is, the month of August.  A historical month, where my prophetic (or not) instinct has led me to two of the best days of my life.  Five birthday parties and two wedding anniversaries to go, I can't wait.

The history of August

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

Things we like to do in August

http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=121&m=20

http://www.dallasobserver.com/events/15th-annual-hatch-chile-fest-2268977/

Randy grilling green chilies the night before Katherine was born

12 Hour Road Trip = Bliss

Over the course of my 29 years I have gone on several vacations.  I will categorize them two ways : busy or relaxing.  About a month ago Randy and I took a relaxing vacation, just the two of us.  Bliss.

Hello, vacation.

Yes. I will stay here forever.

Sand dollar and sea urchine

Cooling off during our jet-ski adventure in the bay.

St. Louis Cathedral

Cafe du Monde...need I say more?

An overnight stay in New Orleans

Visiting the U.S.S Alabama in Mobile en route to Panama City.

Captain Randy

It's not a vacation until I snap a picture of Randy eating an ice cream cone.

In the bay

To hummus, or not to hummus?

*Note: technically this post should fall under the His and Hers...stories about our food page, but the recipes are so delicious I had to post on the big page.*

Alright, alright the title is a little misleading.  I will always choose to hummus.  It's healthy, delicious and tastes like the Mediterranean.  It's also a light snack that is filling and perfect for summer.   I have two hummus recipes that are deliciouss and authentic.  One comes from a former student whose mother is from Syria (I will call this hummus A) and another comes from my dear friend Abi (see previous blog) and one of her Middle Eastern friends (I will call this hummus B).  Since 2006 I have used the hummus A recipe but a recent trip to Tulsa has left hummus B lingering on my tastebuds. 

I was suppose to make hummus B for Randy this week, unfortunately I chose note to hummus.  So if I post a blog about making hummus I might be more inclined to actually make it for him because I'll feel bad if I don't. 

 Here's to you, Randy White!  I hope this makes it to your plate soon.

xoxoxo

Hummus A

1 pound of chickpeas (which is one 16 oz canned of chickpeas, drained)

1 cup of tahini

1/2 cup of lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon of salt (or more for taste)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup of lowfat plain yogurt (I use whole milk Greek yogurt)

1.  In a food processor, first put in the chickpeas and then tahini paste

2.  Next, add the lemon juice, yogurt and salt

3.  Then at the end add the garlic

4.  Taste and adjust all flavors.

Serve with warm pita bread, chips or fresh veggies like red peppers

Hummus B

Add the following to the food processor:

1 16oz can chickpeas (drained and well-rinsed)

1/4 cup tahini

2 large garlic cloves

5 TBSP fresh lemon juice (about two lemons)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp ground cumin

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Turn food processor on and slowly add 1/4 cup of warm water as it all blends together. 

One Bright Star

The world will be a brighter place in about four weeks when William Spencer makes his debut.  In June we celebrated his pending arrival with an intimate luncheon in Edmond.  The mama to be was glowing with excitement and pride.  What a wonderful moment in life!

This little one is already special to me because of his mama, Abi Spencer.  Abi is one of the brightest stars in my life.  She knows how to be a friend.  She loves, she cares, she encourages and she prays.  

Abi and I met freshman year in college.  We joined the same sorority and had a chance class together...Into to Jazz Dance...and let me tell you we both rocked that course.  Practicing our newly learned (but obviously mastered) dance skills in the Great Room at the Gamma Phi house has to be one of my favorite memories.  But that was just the beginning of our friendship.  We've been roommates, European travel buddies, bridesmaids...the list goes on.  Abi has also been a prayer warrior for me.  Through the ups and downs of medical issues, Abi has fought battles for me through prayer and my gratefulness abounds. 

God enriched my life when he gave me my friend Abi.

So it was a joy to shower my friend as she ends her pregnancy journey to begin her mama journey.  What a lucky little man Liam will be because he will have a mom (and dad) who will raise him in the love and light of the Lord.  

Abi and her beautiful mother, Cheryl

A few of the party goers

Our little luncheon table

   

My Sistine Ceiling?

I want my last meal on this earth to be homemade, fresh pasta.  I know it's a bold statement.  There's so much more to choose from and so much more food that I don't know exists.  However, given the choice today, I would want pasta...preferably with a tasty rich bolognese sauce.

Two years ago I purchased a pasta maker attachment for my stand mixer.  I had visions of glorious noodles made for evenings dedicated to Italy.  This dream has not quite developed.  The first time I made pasta I found out I was pregnant...since then it's been used sparingly.  Don't worry it's small amounts of usage has not limited my blabbering of how I can make pasta.  My dad called my bluff and for the past year has been asking me to make him ravioli.  

"Sure! Come down to Dallas and I'll whip you up the best ravioli you've ever eaten."  

My dad visits...no pasta...

"I promise.  This time you'll get pasta."

We got take-out instead.  Oops!

"Okay, come down to Dallas this time and you'll get your ravioli."

After a year of promises I finally followed through.

I've read two books about Michelangelo.  What an interesting individual of the past.  Inspired and angry this man carved his way into world wonderment.  He believed that his statues lived within the marble and it was his job to release them.  When working on a project he would get so angry with it that he wanted to destroy it or just walk away.  Something that many artists feel.

Well I felt like Michelangelo while making my ravioli.  Over the course of four hours of making the dough, letting it rest, cutting the noodles and making the sauces there were a series of highs and lows  that left me at times wanting to smash the unformed ravioli against the wall and simply walk away. 

I won't go into the details about the chaos that turned into my kitchen while I was making dinner that evening. I knew there was a delicious meal waiting to be produced from the glob of dough that rested on my counter.  All it needed was me and my ability.  I pressed on.

What I made wasn't pretty.  It was quite ugly.  However I was beaming by 8 pm when dinner was served.  I had, for the first time, made homemade ravioli with two fillings served alongside bolognese and fresh fettuccine.  The basil from my garden even made an appearance with mozzarella and tomatoes. 

Art on a plate and I ate it up.

The White House kitchen post dinner

The dinner.  The ravioli is between the salad and the bread...not very pretty.

Dad and mom, two of the four lucky recipients of dinner.

Michelangelo and the Popes Ceiling 

http://www.amazon.com/Michelangelo-Popes-Ceiling-Ross-King/dp/0142003697/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309207943&sr=8-1

The Agony and the Ecstasy

http://www.amazon.com/Agony-Ecstasy-Biographical-Novel-Michelangelo/dp/0451213238/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309207975&sr=1-1

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/easy-ravioli

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-burrell/broccoli-rabe-ravioli-with-parmigiano-and-pistachios-recipe/index.html

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/ragu-bolognese-recipe/index.html

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