Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

This was my pick for my library book club last month.  It was one of the greatest discussions we have had about a single book, opening up all sorts of conversation topics and feelings for and against the book.  But yowza, was it an emotional roller coaster of a read! 

This book begins under a pretty typical "women's lives and relationships" formula.  Meredith and Nina are about as opposite as two sisters can be.  Meredith married her childhood sweetheart and took over the family business while Nina travels the world as a freelance photographer.  However, the thing they have in common is a deep love for their father and just as deep of an ambivilance for their mother. 

Growing up, the girls clung to their loving and warm father while constantly living in the shadow of their stern and cold mother.  However, when their father dies, they are left with broken hearts and the promise to "get to know their mother."  Anya Whitson is not an easy person to get to know though, something Meredith and Nina know firsthand from years of disappointment and neglect.  Still, out of love for their father, they return to their childhood home and persuade Anya to finish a fairy tale she began long ago, the tale of a young princess and her dashing prince.

As Anya finally begins unraveling her fairy tale it takes on a much darker and more realistic presence.  Suddenly the young princess is a pesant girl trapped in Soviet-blockaded Leningrad, fighting for her life and the lives of her children. 

Meredith and Nina are shocked and moved as their mother's story unfolds with amazing beauty and horror, discovering a woman they never knew before.

This is a touching and heartbreaking novel about the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters, but it is so much more.  It is an elecritfiying novel of historical fiction about the seige of Leningrad, an overwhelmingly tragic moment in history.  It is a novel about the triumph of the human spirit in the face of terrible trauma. 

I have to say, as a mother of young children this book haunted me deeply.  There's really nothing like reading about young children slowly starving to make you squeeze your own plump little babies until they squirm and say "Ow mommy, down please!"  Or maybe it's just me!  I literally could not talk about it for weeks without crying.  Hmmm...I'm not really selling it very well am I?  I really did love this book and the rich, multi-layered plot.  Kristen Hannah does an exellent job of telling a tragic story without being overly cloying or sentimental, so I'll forgive her for making me a little bit crazy while reading it.

Diva Days

Every February, my daughter and I end up attending multiple tea parties, brunches, and other very "fancy" events.   It just works out that way.

For one thing, it is black history month and that is marked at our library in a very special way.  Several years ago, some very creative people (men, if you can believe it) published a book called Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats.  I know, it sounds silly but it really is exactly that, a beautiful book with beautiful pictures that is a true celebration of womanhood and the tradition of bringing out your "Sunday best" for church.  For the record, I know that God does not care what you are wearing when you come to His house, but you have to admit, there is something special and reverent about putting on your best for this special day.  It really brings back the celebratory nature of Sundays as being truly days devoted to church and family.  Goodness gracious, I can get on a tangent.

So back to my point, there are several wonderful libraries in my area (and I'm completely objective, don't you know) and two of them do absolutely amazing events based on this lovely little book.  The first is the Gospel Brunch at the Moore Public Library.  It's a celebration of the gospel tradition capped by an amazing performance by Christopher Jones, a man who is a beautiful singer and an encyclopedia on the tradition of black gospel music.  And of course, it is full of lovely ladies in lovely church attire.  I've been taking my daughter since she was in a carrier and she has always enjoyed it.  It is a happy, clappin' and amen-ing type of occasion.  Who doesn't enjoy a fancy brunch every once in a while?

Next week we will attend my favorite library event of the entire year, the Crown's Tea.  Again, it is inspired by the book.  Have you ever looked at those crazy hat pictures of mine and wondered "What is with that woman and that big purple hat?"  Well, this is it.  The Crown's Tea.  It is a sea of lovely ladies dressed to the nines.  I mean, you've gotta go at least once just to see all those hats.  Big hats and small hats, sparkly hats and flowery hats, feathers, veils, brims, hats that are like nothing you've ever seen or imagined before.  You think those Royal Wedding gals have some crazy hats?  You haven't seen anything until you attend the Crown's Tea.  Seriously, it should be on every woman's bucket list.  Yes, I am a bit evangelical about this event.  But so are a lot of other people, judging from how hard it is to get a ticket to this thing sometimes.

So, add to these two amazing programs, the Daddy Daughter Dance, and the Fancy Nancy Tea Party and you can believe that by March 1 my daughter is going to be one spoiled little diva.  I think we are going to have to spend Spring Break dragging her back to reality!  Maybe a laundry tutorial?

A Bump in the Road

Shortly before Christmas, I sort of reached "obligation overload."  We've all been there, when life is running to fast for comfort and something has gotta give.  I picked this blog as the something.  What started as a short break has turned into about 6 weeks now.  My apologies to my dad, my globe-trotting cousin and you other 5 people who have been visiting this site hoping for an update!  What's funny is about a 100 times in the last month-ish, I have thought "this would make an awesome post" but somewhere between idea and motivation things got sketchy.  You see, I'm not really a "half-ass" kind of girl and the truth is the only thing I can really commit to this thing right now is just that.  The other half of my ass is busy trying to not be so "voluminous" in between binges on hummus and sourdough.  Sigh.....  Anyway, so on with the half-assed blog.  I can't gurantee that I won't "leave the building" again (I have two kids, a part-time job that feels pretty full time, a rapidly aging house and an increasingly desperate hummus habit...see above).  But I'll give it a shot.  Hope y'all had a Merry Christmas, happy New Year, MLK day, Groundhog Day, etc.

We'll start back slow...here's a book review that I wrote for the Moore Monthly.  If you ever are just dying for a printed copy of my "work" chances are you can find it here.  It's a pretty neat little magazine about the goings on in and around Moore, Ok.  A "baby Gazette" for lack of a better description.  You can find them FOR FREE PEOPLE!!! at lots of businesses in Moore and also at the Norman Public Library.  Anyway, the book was The Night Circus and was just about the quirkiest, most frustrating, and most beautiful book that I have read in a long time.  Here you go:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Once upon a time there were two ancient magicians who liked to play games.   Each magician would select a student and carefully train them in the ancient language and skill of magical manipulation.  And then, the students would be set into an “arena” of sorts to prove that their magic was more powerful than the other’s.  And this is the beginning of the Night Circus.  

When an elderly eccentric conceives the notion of a mysterious circus unlike anything the world has ever seen, he cannot imagine the ramifications of what he actually sets in motion.  As he hires talented and strange characters from all over the world, already the “stars” of the show have been carefully trained and molded for the performance of their lives.  

Celia Bowen, the magician’s daughter, was born into the magical world, even before she realized it.  Now a beautiful illusionist, she is a sort of matriarch of the circus and is intent on protecting it from any harm, even if that means destroying herself in the process.

Marco is a foundling, an orphan who was adopted and rigidly trained to win his teacher’s game at all cost.  However, when Marco and Celia finally meet, they forge a bond that is stronger even than the magic they have learned, stronger than their alliance to their mentors.

What started as a game has become a dynamic, breathing circus, a magical and wonderful place that touches the lives of so many.  Reading The Night Circus, you will find a rich, multi-layered story of pride, love, friendship, and the power of free will.  Each chapter will lead you further into an astonishing labyrinth where magic becomes reality and anything could be around the next corner.  With The Night Circus Morgenstern has built an intricate and alluring story that will keep you pondering long after the last page is turned.  

So, to recap, I will try to not be such a slacker in the future. No promises though, try to not be too heartbroken! But we'll give it another shot. Stay tuned for Turkey Tomatillo Chili, the Myriad Botanical Gardens...new and improved, and Adventures in Raising the Most Destructive Child on the Planet. Yep, that should keep me busy for a while...

Thanks for reading!

Book Review: The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Victoria Jones has lived her entire life in foster care.  Now, at age 18, she has "aged out" of the system and is left to survive alone with what little skills and social savvy she possesses.  Paralyzed by her own inexperience, she ends up living in a San Francisco park and tending a secret garden.
Flowers are Victoria's only true language and she lovingly tends, selects, and gifts them to people as a way to communicate her anger and confusion.  She is drawn to them like nothing, or nobody else, and soon discovers a local florist willing to give her a chance, and a job. 
While Victoria begins to thrive and gain a following as a brilliant florist, her past refuses to release its grip on her.  When a chance encounter with a local flower vendor provides the link to Victoria's only real home, she is terrified of repeating past tragedies.  Victoria must make a choice between risking more pain in order to form lasting bonds for the first time in her life, or to withdraw completely into a life of solitude.
The author of this book has been a foster mother herself and tells this story with a unique love and understanding of children being raised by "the system."  It is a beautifully told coming-of-age tale that is completely original and enthralling.

Free For All!

I like a good discount.  Probably a little too much, but let's not go there.  A few months ago, I stumbled upon a "free sample a day" site and have been hooked ever since.  Recently, when my free lovely makeup bag FULL of beauty samples arrived in the mail, I just about hooted with joy.  Here is a small example of some of the free stuff I have received in the mail or various other spots over the last few weeks.  Yes, like I said, it's a little bit of a sickness.  Anyway, for this rainy cold weather, I thought I would share some of the "free stuff" love and some of the sites that I really like.

Sampleaday.com:  This is a great one!  You literally get an email every single day with a list of free stuff that you can sign up for.  Some of them are a little strange, or require a complicated series of rebates, coupons, or trips to particular stores.  Many of them though are just "fill out your name and address and get some free stuff."  Here is a list of some of the free things that I have received through this site:  Full-sized Origins facial wash, peanut butter, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, magazines, various toiletries, socks, the list could go on.

Savemore.com:  This is one of those flash sale type sites.  The real trick though is that they give you $10 just for signing up.  That means, that if you buy a deal that is $10 or less, than it's free.  I recently bought a pair of $30 earrings for $7.  With my extra $10, that means it was free with $3 left over!

Freebies 4 Mom:  This site collects and notifies you of daily free or discounted stuff.  Some of my favorites here are free apps or e-books.  If you "like" them on Facebook you can get little "status updates" when there is stuff available.

Thriftme:  This one I like because they list discounts and deals by store.  So, if you want to know what's super cheap at the Tarjay this week, you can find it here.

Speaking of Target, they have pretty great coupons on their website.  And, you can combine their coupons with manufacturer coupons for even deeper discounts.  Also, a lot of toiletries often come with a "buy X amount, get a $5 gift card.  When you combine with the coupon deals, it can end up working out to pretty much free for 4 deodorants/shampoos/toothpastes, whatever.  This is how Hubby ended up with about a 5 year supply of deodorant.

For those of you rolling your eyes and thinking that I'm crazy right now, well, you're right.  However, you really can get some good deals and fun stuff out there for not a lot of work.  As for coupons, I'm not an advocate of buying a ton of stuff that you really don't need.  But, if it is a grooming product or a non-perishable food item and it is free or nearly so, then buy it!  If you don't want it then donate it.  The Hugs Project is a great one for men's toiletries (they send them to soldiers).  Right now my daughter's pre-school class is collecting toiletries for a local shelter.  So, I cleared out a whole lot of those extra shampoos, deodorant, etc.  Now maybe Hubby won't completely ridicule me when I come home with more deodorant!  By the way, I even managed to score a small "stocking stuffer" for Hubby for, you guessed it, free!!!  Shhhh...

Book Review: Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson

I'm a bit behind on my book reviews, so you may see a few of these in a row!

This was my October book club pick at the library.  It was unlike anything that I was expecting.  It is the story of Trond Sander and one desperate, enlightening, fantastic, coming-of-age summer in a cabin on a river with his dad.

As the story begins, an aging Trond has moved to a small cabin in a rural Norwegian village.  His goal is to live his last years in peace and isolation.  However, the cabin, its surroundings, and the inhabitants of the village bring back strong memories of his last summer with his father.  The story flows back and forth between the 67 year-old hermit-like Trond and the 15 year-old boy who was fascinated with his enigmatic father and the secrets that defined him.  Over the course of one summer, life changes dramatically for Trond.  It is this summer that becomes the dividing point between child and man and it is this summer in which Trond seems to be forever trapped.

This is not an action-packed, page turner type book.  It is densely written and contemplative.  I did find it very interesting, at times amusing and at times sorrowful.  The setting and imagery are beautifully told and it relates a little-known aspect of World War II history.  Sometime in the upcoming winter, when the wind is howling and a fire is burning, curl up with a cup of tea and head to Norway to go "out stealing horses."

Coming out of the maid's closet

I like to clean.  A lot.  It soothes me and (I'll admit it) makes me feel in control.  You could probably judge my inner stress level by how spotlessly vacuumed my vegetable crisper is.  Other people do that right?  Here's an example of a recent conversation with Hubby:

Me:  "Stop wasting all of the good dish soap!"
Him:  "Isn't that what the soap is for?"
Me: "No, I just bought fresh clean dish soap for when people come over tomorrow.  That is the "guest" dish soap."
Him: "Are the guest going to be washing dishes?"
Me: "No.   I just like for the soap to be full and pretty when we have guests, not nearly empty and smudgey."
Him: "Why not just put the soap under the sink?  Why does it have to be on display at all?  Are you really going to be doing the dishes while the guests are here?"

At this point I begin to feel like I am in a comic strip.  I mean, what does the man not get about guest dish soap??? 

So basically what I am saying is that I have a relentless need to organize, sanitize, and catergorize my surroundings.  It's why I work in a library.  There are people here who understand me.  They would totally get the guest dish soap.

I share this with you because I think it is important to admit that we all have weird hang-ups.  Plus, I don't have anything more interesting to say!

Book Review: Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

These books are the second and third books in the Hunger Games Trilogy.   We recently read the series for my book club (personal, not business) and I think they are a great book club selection.  There is just soooo much in these books to discuss, ponder, speculate, and theorize.  If you missed it, here is my review of the first in the series, The Hunger Games.

So book two (Catching Fire) starts out exactly where book one left off:  Katniss and Peeta are back in District 12, living the posh life in the "victor's village."  But the Capital has not forgotten them, or their defiance of the Hunger Games.  If anything, they are more in danger than ever.  The increasingly large number of rebels see Katniss as their fearless leader and the Capital president (a creepier character has rarely been written by the way) has "encouraged" her to play his puppet role...or else.  Through an extra sinister twist, Katniss and Peeta are tossed back into the Hunger Games arena, with other past victors as opponents this time.  What follows is a densely-plotted story, part political thriller, part adventure, part coming-of-age with a hefty dose of teenage angst.  This was a good book but lacked the oomph of the first and sometimes read as more of a "bridge" to connect books one and three.

On to book three, Mockingjay.  This is when the proverbial poo really hits the fan.  Katniss has thwarted the Capitol again, but Peeta is now held prisoner there.  Katniss must rally the rebel army, save Peeta, keep her family safe, and deal with some very ambivalent feelings for two boys.  Just another day in the life of a 15 year-old hero.  As the rebels prepare for battle in an underground bunker, Katniss is thrust into a role that she is not prepared to play as the face of the rebellion.  The action picks up in the later chapters as the rebels push towards the Capitol and the line between good and bad become very blurred.  This book, if possible, is even darker than the other two, and fairly gruesome as well.  But, the story is interesting and Collins does an excellent job building a detailed and at times disturbingly familiar alternate reality.

If you like dystopias and action/adventures, than these books are for you.  Me, I'm glad that I read them but would rather not ever visit that particular world again!

Deviled Eyeballs...oooooooohhhhhhh, oooooooohhhhh......

I have a great women's fellowship church group that meets monthly for crucial "moms' night out."   This past week we had a Halloween party, complete with costumes (I'm sad to say  I didn't have it in me for a costume that night) and themed snacky snacks.  For my contribution, I made deviled eyeballs.  Basically, I made deviled eggs with a green olive half on top.  Simple, sweet (savory actually) and lip-smackin' good!  Here we go:

12 eggs, boiled and peeled
2T yellow mustard
1/4-1/2 C mayonaise, start with a little and add until you get the desired consistency
1 t chopped capers, plus 1 t caper liquid
4-6 chives, chopped
Ground black pepper and sea salt
24 green olives with pimentos, halved
Paprika, for dusting

Halve eggs and remove yolks to a medium mixing bowl.  Add mustard and 1/4 C mayo and mix.  Add remaining ingredients except paprika and mix.  Add remaining mayo as needed. Spoon or pipe into egg white halves (I used a small melon baller and it worked excellently).  Arrange an olive half on top of each egg so that it looks like an eyeball (if making eyeballs).  Sprinkle with paprika = bloodshot eyeballs!  Sccccaaarrrryyyy good!

Note: these are pretty tangy eggs.  If you are a fan of the sweet eggs (with sweet relish) you may not approve but I'm a savory girl and thought these were just perfect!

Sculpture Walk

The weather this week has been so lovely that I really wanted to do something fun outside.  We are lucky enough to live very close to an awesome and beautiful university campus, the University of Oklahoma.  For those of you not in Oklahoma, you may be used to hearing the word "football" after that particular title but I assure you that there is a lot of other great stuff about OU, which is saying a lot considering I am an alum of Oklahoma State University!

Annnnnyyyyway, one of my favorite things about OU is the amazing public art, including a huge variety of sculptures, intricate gardens, fountains, ect.  Some of it is beautiful in that classical sense.  Some of it is very modern and abstract.  Some of it is even controversial, but the mix is what makes it all the more interesting.  So I gathered up cameras, snacks, friends, and off we headed for our very own self-guided "sculpture tour."  We started with the ballerina sculpture, 'cuz we had two four year old princesses in tow!  Pirouette, girls, pirouette!

Next up, we headed down the road to check out a sculpture of a Native American woman, then did a tour of the rose garden outside of the library.  Of course, we couldn't just go past the library!  Ahhhh, the lovely smell of books, books, books!  Nerd, you say?  Yeah, I came to grips with that long ago.  The "old section" of Bizzell Library is, in my opinion, the most beautiful building on campus.  There's all sorts of crazy stuff going on with that building; it's a work of art itself!  We visited with my former professor/boss from when I was in library school (yes, there is such thing) and then headed back out to explore.

Peek a Boo!

All in all, we probably ran across about 20 sculptures and hidden little gardens, not to mention just checking out the cool architecture.  The kids ran around outside and see some cool stuff, the mommies strolled and chatted (with a bit of kiddo chasing thrown in) and we all had a fun time.  This is one activity that is definitely going into the regular rotation!

Book Review: The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

This is our book club selection for the month.  It was a tasty little treat of a book, much needed after reading some heavier things lately.  Some books I refer to as "palate cleansers."  Basically, lighthearted, fun books to clear the head (often these are romance novels...shhhh).  This book would fit into that category and I wouldn't even be ashamed to carry it into the doctor's office!

Lillian has a gift and, as often happens, she discovers this gift under tragic circumstances.  When Lillian is seven, her father abandons them and her mother sinks into a deep depression.  Lillian begins experimenting with food and discovers that she has the ability to create powerful emotions and memories with her delicious recipes.  With the help of a local shop owner and food mentor, Abuelita, Lillian finally succeeds in "waking her mother" from her depressive stupor.

Fast forward a few decades and Lillian is a successful restaurateur and chef.  Her true passion though, is teaching her Monday night cooking classes.  As the class assembles, we meet a variety of characters, each dealing with some individual pain or inner conflict.  In each class, a dish is created that speaks to one individual student, creating clearness where there was confusion or closure where there was sadness.  The multiple points of view allow the reader to get to know each character and their story, all woven around the frame of that Monday night's recipe.

In Lillian's world, food is life.   It is luscious, exciting, and magical.  This book is engaging, with likeably flawed characters and delicious imagery.  It will make you happy (and maybe hungry) to read it.  I can't wait to hear what my book club ladies have to say about it on Thursday!

Chalkin' It Up!

There are many, many reasons why I love Norman (even if I do still feel some allegiance to that other Oklahoma university).  One of them is the sheer variety of fun and beneficial activities you can find to keep yourself and your kids entertained.  Today was one of those random and great activities, and it was my favorite price, free!





Every year there is an event called the Cleveland County Crop Walk.  It is a walk to raise food and awareness about the problem of world hunger.  The entry fee is a jar of peanut butter or a can of tuna.  It is an activity that my family tries to participate in, schedule permitting.  This  year, through our church newsletter, I discovered the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, an additional event that is part of the Crop Walk.  Held at the old Santa Fe depot, the event included a sidewalk art contest, drinks and cookies, prizes, and fabulous African drumming and storytelling with Jahruba.  If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this man perform, it is something to see!

At the end of the performance, there were prizes and giveaways and our little munchkins won!  Okay, so every kid there won!  Seriously, there were a lot of prizes and they were great.  There were even prizes for mommies (smart people). We brought friends who were on their way to back to California, so we ended up with their prizes too.  By the end, we had gift certificates to two different restaurants, a family pass to Hey Day Family Fun Center, and a gift box of Biolage hair products.  Not bad for a few cans of tuna!  I think for all that fun and free stuff I need to pick up an extra case of tuna for the Crop Walk the next time I go to the store.  This was such a fun event and supports a very worthy cause.  I will definitely put this on my radar for next year!

Even if you missed the chalk contest, you can still make the Crop Walk, its on Sunday, October 2nd at 1:30.  Like the chalk contest, your entry fee is a can of tuna or a jar of peanut butter.  Our fantastic church donates $25 for every member who walks so that means our foursome will pull in $100 to help feed the hungry.  I can't think of a better family activity!

My Alternate Reality

Most of the time I am your typical suburban housewife, and proud of it.  But, in the essence of keeping my options open (and making a little cash) I spend a couple of nights or weekend days a week working the reference desk at a public library.  It's an interesting roller-coaster of a job that I mostly love but there are certain special circumstances and encounters that I believe can only come from working at a public service desk.  Particularly if you are a young woman who doesn't exactly fit the "librarian" bun-wearing stereotype.  Most of us don't anymore by the way.  So, for your reading pleasure I thought I would share some of the stranger things that have been said to me over the years.

"How much do the books cost here?"

"Do you have How to Kill a Mockingbird?  The movie."

"You're a right handy ol' gal.  You'll make someone a fine lil' wife someday."

"So, do you like, read and stuff?"

"Do you have any good Christian horror fiction?"

"Can you believe my son/daughter has this project during football/basketball/soccer season?!?"

"Can you tell me what to fill out on my tax forms?"  Me: "No, I'm sorry we cannot give tax advice."  Patron: "I'm not asking for advice, I just want you to tell me what to put on my forms!"

From a 13-year old  "Maybe you and I could go get coffee sometime."

"I need to visit my brother in jail, but first I want to check and see if I have any outstanding warrants.  Can you show me how to do that?"

"It's been a cold weekend, but I feel warm now that I've seen you again."

"I would like to know why the library has an anti-Jesus policy."

From the security office after closing time "Did you happen to see a Gatorade bottle with some leaves in it while you were cleaning up?  Guy here says he left his frog."

I Didn't Know...

I am a planner.  I pretty much research the heck out of anything:  new restaurant, vacations, houses, and certainly having kids.  By the time my first child arrived I had read about 30 books and countless blogs, taken classes, quizzed friends and family, and purchased size 3T Winter clothes.  That's just how I roll!  So, imagine my surprise that I am continually, well, surprised by this whole motherhood thing.  Here are some things that I didn't know:

Breastfeeding hurts.  A lot.  A lot, lot.  And yet, most of us who try it end up loving it.  I'm not sure what that says about us.

When you finally get a night out with the hubby and friends, chances are you will find yourself discussing your baby's poo like it is the most interesting (and appropriate) dinner conversation ever.  This will continue for years.  Moms are poo-obsessed.

You will refer to yourself in the third person.  You will also call your husband Daddy (and not in a fun way).

At some point you will be, um, indisposed, and both of your children will simultaneously have some sort of crisis on opposite ends of the house.  Breathe deeply, and think "This will make a really funny story to tell my friends."

Good neighbors are golden.  If you have bad neighbors, then move.  It is that important.  Family is great, but they are not next door.  If they are, then you are either the luckiest or unluckiest mommy in the world.

There will be times when you will be shocked by the anger and frustration you feel towards your children.  There will be times when you will be equally as shocked by the fierceness of your love for your children.

Yelling pretty much never works.  And yet, 99% of us do it.

You should always have snacks with you, but don't bring them out until you really need them.  Nothing quells a tantrum quite like a full mouth. 

You will simultaneously doubt every decision you make and also think that the world would be a better place if everyone just listened to you. 

You will jerk awake in the middle of the night with visions of terrible tragedies befalling your children.

You will fight and plead a pray for them to just go to sleep only to sneak in when they do so that you can watch them sleeping and pet their precious heads. 

Every day will be completely exhausting in some way.  Every single day. 

You will become a cryer.  News stories of both good and bad things happening to children will especially get you going but it can really be anything.  A well-scripted AT&T commercial, a friend's photo of a motorcycle escort for a fallen soldier, a homeless person on the side of the road.  All of these things have brought out the waterworks for me in the past few days alone. 

Basically what I am saying is that motherhood is full of ambivalence.  And that it makes you completely insane!  But, then again, I'm probably preaching to the choir here.

Mommy Day!

Hallelujah!  School is in session!  I took some serious heat from my friends last year for sending my kids to Mother's Day Out on different days.  Honestly, I did have fun hanging out with them individually last year.  Especially my daughter since we got to do bigger kid stuff without me chasing after a baby the entire day.  My poor son really just got to accompany Mommy on the various errands I didn't get to do the rest of the week.  However, it really did pretty much nix any free time I could have had.  


So this year I signed them up for the same day once a week, with a second day for my daughter.  That means I am guranteed an entire 5 hours a week just to myself!  Oh the bliss, the confusion, I mean, what do regular humans do with themselves without tiny people to herd all day?  My goal is to mostly use this time for myself, within reason.  Let's face it, there are still kitchens to be cleaned, bills to be paid, and groceries to get.  But, I'm off to a bang on my first day.  Today I worked out at a new gym (more about that later), then hit the sales at the mall.  Weirdly, I didn't find much.  I think my brain was in some sort of peace-induced shock and I just stared at the same handful of bags for about 45 minutes, unable to make a decision on which one I liked best.  It seems that my brain works best when it is at the mercy of a toddler's wild mood swings  I'm pretty sure the saleslady thought I was a shoplifter.   


For extra fun I picked up a pint of mint gelato from the new Natural Grocers Store.  Hey, I worked out right?  Overall it was a good day.  Thank you friends, you were absolutely right!  Next week, I'm imagining pedicures and a long lunch.  It's gonna be a good year!  


Oh, and the kids loved school too!  

Book Review: Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy

I read this book for our book club at the library.  Come join us next month if you love reading!

I have never read anything by Binchy before, which is strange because she is a very popular author and I generally love Irish fiction.  It always seems so quirky and poetic.  Anyway, this book certainly was quirky.  Each chapter is devoted to a different character, with many of them intersecting.  I generally enjoy books with multiple points of view and I enjoyed this one as well, but I have to admit it was sort of confusing starting each chapter with a new character.  It was almost like a chain, with one sort of organically leading into another. 

What each character does have in common is a connection to the well of St. Anne.  Deep in the whitethorn woods, outside the village of Rossmore, is a shrine to St. Anne where locals believe wishes are granted.  However, the town is divided over a proposed highway that would cut through the woods and destroy the well.  Some believe that the road would symbolize progress, others are adamant that the woods and the well be preserved.  As the stories unfold, you find such a cast of amazing and appalling characters, all desperate for St. Anne to grant them their wish.  Does the wishing well work?  It depends on who is asked.  Regardless, everyone has something to learn as they visit the famous well.  This books was a fun and interesting read with so many well-developed and dynamic characters.  I will certainly be reading Maeve Binchy again.

Mommies say the darndest things

I promise I went into parenthood with my eyes wide open.  I planned my children.  I had friends with children.  I took a class on caring for children.  Still, nothing prepared me for actually having children.  In my house.  Every single day!  Sometimes the things that come out of my mouth are pretty silly, or a little shocking.  It truly is an adventure having to explain every single thing that I know about being a human to these creatures.  It's not just the language, or how to use a potty, they truly are a blank slate and have to be told everything about what is and is not appropriate behavior.  So, for your entertainment, here are a few of the strangest things I have had to say:

We do NOT drink from the doggie's bowl.

Give the princess shoes back to your brother, he was wearing them first!

Where are your listening ears?

Is that poo on your hand?  Is it yours?

Stop licking your sister!

If you don't go to sleep, the magic fairies cannot come out to visit you.

You can't take off your shirt at the library/mall/grocery store.

Mickey Mouse always eats his sweet potatoes.

We only eat food.  That mommy gives you.  From the table!

I know you are a princess but you still have to pick up your room.

And finally, the ultimate mom-ism:  Because I said so!!!

Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Casserole

Nearly two years ago (which blows my mind by the way), my son was born.  A good friend of mine brought us a truly yummy concoction of chicken, veggies, black beans, and rice.  Every so often it pops into my head and I keep intending to ask her for the recipe but of course, I always forget.  Tonight is a work night for me, which means dinner needs to be simple and hopefully assembled ahead of time.  So here I am, chicken and rice, chicken and rice, what to make, what to make...Voila!  Here is my interpretation of that tasty and thoughtful meal, which of course reminds me of the snugly, sleepy newborn that came into our lives two years ago.

Fiesta Chicken Casserole

1lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, rinsed, patted dry and cut into bite-sized cubes
2 cups brown instant rice
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
4-5 small or 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped as small as possible (the better to hide from picky eaters)
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
3-4 green onions, sliced
1-2 cups cheese of choice

Season chicken as desired (I used black pepper, paprika, cumin, and coriander).  Brown in 1T olive oil in medium skillet.  Remove chicken from pan and drain on paper towels.  Add veggies to pan and saute 5-10 minutes.  Add beans and tomatoes and cook through.  While chicken and veggies are cooking, prepare rice according to package directions.

Stir veggie/chicken mixture and rice together in large casserole dish.  Stir in some raw green onion slices, like the white parts.  Scatter with choice of cheese.

I intended to use Queso Fresco and Pepper Jack, but thought I should play it safe since there are spicy chilies in the dish as well.  My daughter does not exactly love Mexican flavorings and I thought I would be better able to trick (um, I mean encourage) her to eat it if I hid it under "regular orange cheese."  If you haven't tried Queso Fresco before, I encourage it.  It is sort of like solidified cottage cheese or ricotta, just very creamy and mild.  And, like Feta, it doesn't melt and I like the texture it has when cooked.

Oh, back to the recipe: top with the green onion tops, if desired.  I love green onions, love them!  Between the green onions and the black beans, this little baby  has two of my top favs in it.  Mmmm....check out this hunk a, hunk a, burning pot of love!  And it's not even cooked yet.  I don't know if this is exactly my friend's recipe, but it looks good to me and I am appreciative of the inspiration!

When it is time to eat, I will pop this little beauty in a 375 degree oven for 20-30 minutes until heated through.  Come on dinner time!!!

Mom-a-fessions

Last week I realized that my driver's license had expired.  By about eight months.  Which meant that I had to have my mom bring up my birth certificate so that I could verify my identity.  So, this afternoon I went to the tag agency with my children to get my new license.  Thank goodness they didn't make me take the test again; I can't park to save my life!

Anyway, it turns out that the tag agency late on a Monday afternoon (the first Monday of the month) is full of people, FULL!  Also, it is about 100 degrees right now where I live.  So, there I am with my kiddos, crowded into a small, hot room with a bunch of strangers (emphasis on the word strange).  Like the smart kids that they are, mine quickly realize that mommy is trapped and distracted.  Perfect opportunity to start running, screaming, needling for snacks, playing with the signs in the window, anything they can do to be as obnoxious, aggravating, and distracting as possible.  For extra fun, my son took to throwing tantrums on the floor when I tried to make him sit.  Have you ever tried to drag a screaming toddler off of the floor, while wearing a dress, in an overheated room full of strangers.  There is no modest way to do that.

My kids are good kids, but they have their moments and today was a perfect storm of bad decisions on all of our parts.  So, finally after nearly an hour of torture, I drag my sweaty babies back into the car and try to head for our next stop, a small grocery run.  My daughter is in the back seat shouting demands of me over and over.  My son has taken his shoe off and is shrieking at the top of  his lungs to have it put back on.  Somewhere on a residential street, I did something that I have thus far never done as a mother.  I put the car in park, turned around and screamed "Shut up!!!"  And maybe again...and again.  We then actually drove in silence for a few minutes to our next stop.  I did apologize when we got to the store but I made sure that they apologized to me as well.  I don't know if they really got it, but it made me feel better.  I was horrified by this behavior, my own and theirs.  Ugh, this motherhood thing is so stinkin' hard sometimes!  But, I have learned a small lesson...get the errands done in the morning (particularly in the summer), when kids and mommies are still a little fresh and energetic, not an hour before dinner time when everyone is becoming tired and cranky.

This little episode did make me think though.  My kids are loved, wanted and well cared for.  My husband and I are married college graduates, homeowners with supportive families, great friends, and money to pay our bills.  Consider the single parent, the teen parent, the unemployed parent, the grandparent on their second round of this madness.  Parenthood is hard and we all make mistakes.  I am embarrassed by my behavior towards my children today but I chose to share hoping that it will help us all remember to show our fellow hard-working, well-meaning parents a little support and understanding.

Garage Sales...Jury is Still Out

So, I had a garage sale this weekend.  I've been threatening to do it for years.  I can't stand clutter, mess, too much stuff.  Periodically I get a wild hair and go about the house, shoving unnecessary things into a box and labeling it "garage sale" for husband to shove into the attic.  Well, it turns out that if you do that enough, you eventually pretty much have to have a garage sale.  In the past, when I  have mentioned this idea to husband, he has groused and rolled his eyes, not thrilled at all with the idea.  This time, he went into the attic and hauled down approximately 30 large boxes of baby clothes, toys, old dishes, never used wedding gifts, old electronics, you get the drift.

So, off I went to the local newspaper to get my permit and place my ad.  I spent the better part of my evenings last week assembling the garage sale in my garage (go figure) after exhausting my friends of their stockpile of folding tables large and small.  When the big day arrived, I was ready, with $40 in small bills and change stored in as wooden box, my mother to run interference on my kids, and a NookBook pre-loaded.  Then nothing. And more nothing.  Then, car after car after car of people picking through my stuff.  Then nothing.  This went on for two days and the final tally was about $250.  Sound pretty good, right?  Unless you count the fact that I could have made approximately that same amount working 16 hours at my part-time job, and I spent way more than 16 hours on this madness.  Then there is the fact that my mother cleaned out an entire closet from my grandma's house and brought it here as her "donation" to the sale, and about 85% of it didn't sell.  So, now I have an entire closet in my house dedicated to barely used grandma-esque Dillards clothes (she has a credit card and she's not afraid to use it, people).

Tomorrow, I make a call to Goodwill and hope they will come make the final step in de-garage sell-ing my house.  It was a good learning experience and a little fun to realize that I pretty much has a couple hundred dollars in cash sitting around my house.  But, it was a lot of work, and a little bit strange trying to sell little bits of my life, however small and insignificant.  Will I do it again?  Probably.  I mean, that's the thing with life, we keep growing and leaving the old stuff behind.  If you can follow the three R's of green living (reduce, reuse, recycle), garage sales make perfect sense.  Even if they are a ridonculous pain in the arse!

PS-If you are a softie like me, chances are you will spend a great deal of your garage sale time collecting and re-boxing those "special" items that you just can't sell.  Christmas dresses, first feety pj's, a favorite toy, newborn clothes, particularly cute outfits and so on.  This will mean that you will end up with a (hopefully smaller) pile of boxes labeled "keep" that you have to convince husband to haul back into the attic.  Good luck with that!!!