this is our happily ever after

Memorial Day weekend

We hosted the Newcom Family over the holiday weekend.  Much of our weekend was spent at the pool and around our house. I only took my camera to the pool once and only took a few photos of Karsten.  Sorry, Kelly...no photos of your kids.  I'm always a little off when I have company, and by off I mean I didn't take hardly any photos...thankfully Kelly did and you can see them on her blog. 

Here are a few that I did take and I can promise that there will be more pool photos at summer progresses. 

Karsten was really tired when we took him to the pool on Saturday so he wasn't full of smiles...but he's still cute!

Saturday night the adults went to City Centre where we dined at Yard House (Ryan's choice because they carry gluten free beer...along with 180 other types of beer).  Beer doesn't interest Kelly and I though and we had cocktails...she had a Cosmo...I had a Pineapple Express.  Serious deliciousness!  It was a perfect Houston night and we were excited to sit outside and enjoy our double date!

Sunday was more time at the pool and a BBQ with Kelly and Ryan's friends (who are becoming our friends) Mariam and Ricardo and their children.  Again, I didn't take a single photo, but Kelly did :) 

Monday we headed to the Children's Museum (one of our favorite places).  Brian and I spent time with Karsten in the Tot Spot, while Kelly and Ryan spent time with X and E in the Invention Convention.  Other than the Tot Spot we also like taking Karsten outside to the pond and Flow Works. Ironically, this is where I took photos and Kelly didn't.  We work well like that :)

Looking at the turtles

 

 

Summer Corn, Tomato, Crab and Avocado Salad

It's no secret that I love crab...as in it's probably one of my favorite foods...ever!  This recipe was somewhat inspired by what I had at Ouisies Table a few weeks ago as an appetizer.  This is a perfect summer recipe because it's easy, light, and you don't have to turn on your oven or stove. 

Download pdf Download Summer Corn and Crab Salad

12 oz lump crab meat (found in seafood section of grocery store)

1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half

1 avocado, peeled and diced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced

Roasted or grilled corn from 4 cobs of corn

1/3 cup finely diced red onion

2 limes juiced

¼ cup Ranch salad dressing or any other creamy dressing.  Green goddess would be great

¼ tsp Black Pepper

Greens (I forgot to include this in the pdf, but I did serve it on a bed a greens)

In a bowl combine first 6 ingredients.  In a mason jar combine lime juice, ranch and black pepper.  Shake to combine.  Drizzle dressing over salad mixing gently combine.  Serve cold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Project Life (week 20)

I seem to be running a day late and a dollar short this week.  Karsten is cutting two molars right now and has been anything but Mr. Groovy...cranky, whiney, inconsolable, tired, fussy...you name it.  Poor guy!  I gave him a dose of Advil this morning to see if that makes our day better...so far so good...he's napping now :)

I can hardly believe we're on week 20 of 2012---and that I'm up to date on my album! The only thing I haven't put in this week is a copy of the email the Becky Higgin's assistant emailed regarding my photos.  That's a keeper for sure...and actually she used another one of my photos on Monday ;) 

I included a half Design C page protector to house some photos of Karsten and everyday things from the week.

31 things--spirit and conversation

Day 4 and 5 from the 31 Things class.  What I'm really enjoying about this class is the simplicity of putting it together.  No reinventing the wheel...just simple and fresh!  I'm using October Afternoon paper and stamps from Hero Arts. 

Spirit---

Keeping my spirit refreshed and connected to the Holy Spirit happens in several different ways in my life.  Each morning I attempt to wake up earlier than Karsten (between 6:15 and 6:30) in order to have some quiet time with God.  During this time I read and reflect on Scripture, devotionals, and whatever Bible study I’m working through at that time.  I also take time to journal insights I’ve had, prayer requests I have, and/or things in my life that I’m spending a lot of time thinking about such as my purpose in life.  I find that taking the time to connect with God through the power of His Spirit helps me to refocus on several things.

1. God is sovereign.  He is in total control.  He is the Creator and Lord of everything. 

2. He loves me and has great plans for me.  He desires that my life would be aligned with His will for me which takes submission and obedience. 

3. He wants a deep relationship with me.  He wants me to be talking to Him throughout my daily routine, about big and small things. 

Another way I stay connected with the Holy Spirit is my Scripture memorization. Etching God’s Word on my heart and mind and being able to recall these Scriptures when I need to hear from God is uplifting. 

This year I’ve also made spiritual accountability a priority on my life.  Once a week Jessica and I share our victories, struggles, challenges, and what we’ve learned the previous week.  Knowing that a trusted friend is praying for me and will ask me about certain things helps me to stay on the path of obedience and fullness in Christ. 

I must also mention the power that praise and worship music has on my life.  These lyrics stick in my heart and mind and have helped me through many turbulent storms.  One song can refresh and refocus me on God, my God. 

conversation--

Being a stay at home mom doesn’t allow for too many conversations throughout the day.  I chat with Brian in the morning, but not too much because we’re both quiet in the mornings before we are fueled up with coffee.  I talk to Karsten all day long…telling him about what we’re doing…reading to him…teaching him colors and words.  His typical reply is “Dadada” or “Mamama”.  He babbles quite a bit and I talk right back to him, in real words.  I also talk to Zoe throughout my day, as she is typically near me ….if you don’t think cats can carry on conversations you’ve never met Zoe! 

Brian and I may or may not talk during the day.  If he has time he calls, if not we don’t talk until he gets home from work.  I talk to my Mom every couple of days about what’s going on in both of our lives.  We have also started texting more which is kind of fun.  It seems many of my conversations with people are through texting now.  It’s convenient and a great way to ask a quick question or share a random happening.  I also message people on facebook occasionally or leave comments on people’s status updates.  I feel that FB is a great way to keep conversations going between people who would normally never talk.   When I’m out running errands I typically stop to talk with someone who comments on how cute Karsten is.  The two of us rarely go out when someone doesn’t engage him in some way.

The person I talk to most throughout my day is definitely myself and God.  I am constantly telling myself to focus on my to do list…work on the next thing…recall Scripture to mind…encourage myself…keep my chin up…etc.  Journaling is also a way I talk to myself…a way to get my thoughts, hopes, dreams, concerns out on paper so they aren’t as apt to clutter my mind. 

I also try to make a point to talk to Kelly and Jessica each week.  To check in and see what’s going on in their lives and share what’s going on in my life.  Having girlfriends to converse with is essential for my balance and well-being. 

The BEST Eggplant Parmesan--EVER!!!

I have never made Eggplant Parmesan before and have only had good eggplant parmesan a few times.  So many times it seems to be soggy and soggy eggplant parm is bad eggplant parm. 

This was just divine...crispy and crunchy, but soft inside.  Seriously...amazing!!!  and the photos turned out pretty good too!!!   Download The BEST Eggplant Parmesan

1 medium eggplant or 2 small eggplant

Kosher salt

¼ cup canola oil

¼ cup flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ lb angel hair pasta

1 jar marinara sauce

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place a metal cooling rack over a cookie sheet. 

Slice eggplant in ¼ inch slices.  Place slices on paper towels and sprinkle salt over the eggplant.  Let set for at least 30 minutes. 

Take 3 separate dishes.  Put flour in one, the beaten egg in one, and then combine panko, parmesan, and Italian seasoning in another bowl.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Dip one eggplant slice in flour, shake off excess.  Then dip eggplant slice in egg and then panko mixture.  Pressing panko into eggplant slices to stick. 

Once oil is hot enough carefully place a few eggplant slices in skillet.  Turn slices over after about 1 minute, or when one side is beginning to brown.  Cook on other side for about 1 minute and then transfer to the cooling rack over sheet.  Once all eggplant slices have been “fried” place them in the oven for 12-15 minutes.  Remove from oven sprinkle some cheese on top of each slice and return to oven for a few minutes or until cheese is melted. 

Serve with a side of pasta and marinara sauce! 

                                                                                      

 

31 things--morning and read

The second prompt for 31 things was morning (which you will see on the left side of the page) The third prompt was read (which you will see on the right side of the page.)  I read the prompt and promptings from an email I receive each morning from Ali.  Then I take some time as I move through my day to consider the prompt on a deeper level.  Once I sit down to type out my journaling it goes quickly.  I don't over analyze what I'm writing and it seems to flow easily.  I think that having a blog for nearly 6 years has helped me to write freely and openly without getting too stressed about perfection and eloquence.  You know you don't get eloquence here! 

Morning--

The question is often asked…are you a morning person or a night person?  I am definitely a morning person.  Not a 5 am kind of girl, but once the sun begins to dawn my body begins to wake up.  (Same goes with the sun going down and my body winding down.)  These days I tend to get up between 6:30 and 6:45.  After a pit stop to the restroom I putter out to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee using my Keurig.  I pour some creamer and milk into the bottom of one of my dozens of Starbuck’s city/country travel mugs and then let the coffee pour over it, creating a delicious mocha colored drink.  Then I cradle the mug it in my hands and take my first sip of my morning fuel.   

I promptly walk to the loveseat and pull out my Bible and Bible study bag, which includes my pens, colored pencils, journals, devotionals and current Bible study.  I almost always start off with a silent prayer to God asking Him to open my heart and mind to His Truth and then begin reading from my Jesus Calling devotional.  Oftentimes I read it twice, allowing it to soak into my tired mind.  Then I spend the next 30-45 minutes journaling, reading, and studying God’s Word.  Karsten typically begins to stir around 7:15, but rarely do I go get him before 7:30.  I think he enjoys waking up slowly and playing with his animals and wubanubs.

After changing Karsten’s diaper he usually watches a Baby Einstein video while I putter around, check email, heat my coffee up (I have to do this at least once per cup), or I go get ready.  After his 30 minute video I feed us both breakfast; yogurt, cereal, and fruit.  I then take him to his playroom where he plays while the Sunnyside Up show is on and I do my morning chores; sweeping, spot mopping the kitchen, moving laundry, making my daily to do list, etc.  By 10,  he’s usually tired of playing by himself and I join him for play time where we sing songs, read stories, and play.  By 11 o’clock he’s ready for his nap.  So although it seems past morning at this point in my mind this is where my morning stops.

I realized that the Zoe was in the photo, so I added a journaling spot to include that she is very much a part of our mornings. 

Read-- I took a photo of the top part of our red book case (rojo cabinet) which happens to be my favorite piece of furniture we own.  Although I didn't write about it, it tells the story about how much reading and books are a part of both of our lives. 

journaling--

I’ve always been a reader, maybe not quite as much as some, but certainly more than others.  My favorite class in HS was “Novel” in which we read a variety of novels and discussed them. I love books with symbolism and I’m always up for a good love story. 

I also enjoy reading Christian “self-help” kinds of books.  Currently Grace for the Good Girl is on my nightstand. When I read these types of books I always have a pencil in hand so I can underline and take notes. 

I wish I were more diligent about getting books from the Library.  I tend to pick them up at Costco or Barnes and Noble and add them to my ever growing stack.  I also take time every morning to read my Bible and devotionals. 

I don’t read books more than once very often, but there are a few that I’ve read twice; Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, The Thirteenth Tale, and many Janette Oke books when I was younger.

Books however are not the only thing I read each day.  I read magazines and lots of blogs.  A few favorite blogs to read are Chatting at the Sky, Karen Russell,  Kelly’s, Becky Higgins, and Beth Moore’s blog.

I also have a love affair with cookbooks.  I will sit and read them word for word, recipe by recipe.  I love The Pioneer Woman’s cookbooks because she tells stories with her recipes.  I will not buy a cookbook that doesn’t include great photos.  I’m a snob like that.  I love food photography so much! 

As a former school teacher I am also passionate about children’s literacy.  I have hundreds of children’s books to read with Karsten someday.  For now though, Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Barnyard Dance are his favorites!

 

31 things--jewelry

The last thing I need on my want to do list is another creative project.  Currently on my list are:

• Project Life (weekly)
• Karsten's 1st year album (which I started, but have put on hold until Becky Higgin's Baby kit is released later this year. Thankfully I have all of my photos stored and organized and I have the Dear karsten letters on my blog which will help me put it all together)
• One Little Word album
• 2010 Travel Album (Project Life style.  I already have the Turquoise album and kit as well as most of the photos printed.  I just need to put it all together.)
• Home projects found on Pinterest

but I added another month long project to my list yesterday.  I've been in a writing slump lately and when I read about Ali Edward's 31 Things class starting on 5/17 I thought it might be the perfect way to merge my photography with my writing.

I already finished my layout for yesterday.

Most of my jewelry has a story behind it…it’s sentimental.  Of course, I have a few fun, colorful pieces that were purchased a little boutiques or Harwin, but these pieces only come out once in awhile.  I love silver and feel it looks best on me. 

Two pieces that I wear everyday are my wedding ring and my watch.  Just like my Dad, I’m a watch person…I feel naked without it.  I’ll never get used to telling time on my phone or computer.  My watch was given to me by Brian a few years ago for my birthday.  It’s simple..silver…with a white face.  I think trendy, large watches look cute on some people, but because my wrists are so small I have to stick with a smaller watch face. 

10 years later, I still LOVE my wedding ring.  When looking for rings I knew exactly what I wanted…an emerald cut diamond with baguettes.  When everyone else was vying for princess cut, I stuck to my desires and wasn’t swayed by the latest trend.  We only looked at one store and I found the perfect setting.  Simple, classic, clean lines, and beautiful in my eyes.  It’s not flashy or super sparkly, but that kind of reflects my personality. 

 I do tend to wear a silver necklace almost every day.  Hands down, my favorite necklace is a simple daisy necklace that has tiny diamonds on it.  Brian bought it for me, as a total surprise, and it truly fits me to a tee.  I’ve always been known as someone who likes little floral details on things and having this necklace around my neck makes me so happy.  I am a bit odd though in that I don’t wear this necklace year round…only in the Spring and Summer.  I also have a Tiffany’s cross necklace, a gift from Kelly, that I wear year round. 

I also wear 3 small, Tiffany, beaded bracelets almost every day on my right wrist.  I purchased these at the Tiffany and Co store on 5^th Ave in NYC on my 35^th birthday.  These bracelets remind me of a fabulous trip with my BF, Kelly.

For some reason these bracelets also serve as a reminder of the Trinity and that they are always with me. 

Without a doubt one of my most meaningful pieces of jewelry are my 2 charm bracelets.  At 16, I received my first James Avery charm bracelet with a 16 charm on it.  For the next 20 years I have added dozens of charms to it.  Each charm is representative of a trip, a memory, a milestone, a person, or a small detail in our lives.  Every charm tells a story and I LOVE that. 

 

fill in the blank Friday

Hello Friday---it's nice to see you again.  I love Friday's because that means Brian's work week is coming to an end and he will be home for 2 days straight.  I love having my little family together (and being able to run errands without K-bug)  With these fill in the blank answers I go with my first thought (usually).

1. Something that is very near and dear to my heart is adoption.  I'm such a big believer in it for so many reasons...this little boy being the biggest reason of all. I haven't read Kisses from Katie yet, I plan to, but I believe my friend, who read it, told me that if every Christian family adopted a child there would be no orphans in the world.  Don't quote me on that :)  But whatever it was...it astounded me.  And yet, I dare not adopt another because this one rounds out our little family of 3 perfectly...and he makes being a Momma easy and fun and delightful!

2.  Today is a cause to celebrate because 24 years ago today I had my first heart transplant, a heart that lived with me for nearly 20 years.

3. The most fun I ever had was traveling.  Trips with Brian to lots of places, NYC with Kelly, and a hilarious road trip with CB many moons ago!!!

4. True friends are those with whom you can share your struggles, victories, stories, milestones, and a great cup of coffee with. There's no need to impress them because they know the real you.

5. Something that makes me super happy is my baby's smiley face in the morning and hearing he and Brian playing together in the evenings. 

6. A great way to spend a sunny day is with my family outside while drinking a large iced tea

7. My favorite celebratory food is  crab...it's what I always want for my birthday or anniversary

only getting cuter...and bigger

Our little Karsten is now 13 months old and I realized I needed to write an update on how he's doing.  This blog is a great resource for me when I go to work on his scrapbook :) 

• He isn't walking yet, but is always standing up holding onto things like the couch, coffee table, bookshelves, us.

• He crawls really fast and just figured out he could crawl backwards, which he thinks is quite fun!

• We really should be working on weaning him off his bottle, but this Momma is having trouble with it...not because he is having a hard time, but because I am.  I love feeding him his bottle and I will be sad when those sweet moments of baby sucking sounds and him allowing me to hold him are over. 

• We're not planning on taking his wubbies away anytime soon...yes, we know we'll pay for it...he is SO attached to them. 

• He is eating more and more table food and less and less baby food.  I'll still use baby food occasionally in his oatmeal in the morning, but that's about it. 

• He LOVES grilled cheese sandwiches and blueberries.  He would be happy if every meal consisted of these two things.  He loves fruit (strawberries, raspberries, bananas, grapes, kiwi, and mango)  His desire for vegetables varies each day.  He will eat carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes, zucchini, squash, and beans, but not consistently.  He also likes deli turkey (I buy low sodium Boar's Head) and I tried "healthy" hotdogs and he wouldn't touch them.  I don't blame him...I'm not a fan of hot dogs either! 

• He goes to bed about 7:30 each night and sleeps until 7:30 in the morning.  If he wakes up earlier he is content to just play in his crib with his animals and wubbies untiil I come get him...and he always greets me with a smile!!

• He goes down for a nap at 11:00 almost every single day and sleeps until about 1:30-2...Today he slept until 3...when I finally went to check on him he was quietly sitting in his bed playing with his animals.  

• He loves going for walks and has the cutest little tan line on his legs.

• He loves his toys, especially balls which he rolls under his pack and play (which blocks the entry into his playroom) out to the hall which is hardwood flooring.  He also loves pulling things out of baskets and putting them back in.  

• When I quietly check on him during independent play he is often looking at books and babbling to himself.  

• We're trying to teach him to wave goodbye and blow kisses.  He doesn't have the waving thing down, but he often takes his little fingers and goes back and forth on his bottom lip making this cute little bu-bu-bu-bu sound.

• We recently bought him a front facing, big boy carseat which he LOVES...and I love it to.  When we sit at a stoplight I can look back and talk to him.  

• He's also outgrown his whale tub and is not bathing in his big boy tub (reg. tub).  Brian bathes him and Karsten thoughtfully chooses his bath toys each evening.  

• He is completely captivated by the "Sunnyside Up" show on Sprout...he especially loves Chica the chicken puppet...I agree...she's pretty cute!  

• He is in full discovery mode and discovered recently that cabinets open...so Brian spent Saturday installing cabinet locks on on the lower cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms.  

my life lately

As I said in my previous post...I've been slacking on everyday life blogging.  I was talking with a great friend, who is also a SAHM, the other day and we were sharing that sometimes our lives feel so small.  Same old, same old...day after day.  I LOVE my life, it's small and ordinary and very blessed....but sometimes it seems small and boxed in.  That's a huge reason I make a point to document the everday, to step out of my routines and see things a little differently...to see little things as big blessings.  In fact, I just signed up to take the 31 Things class taught by Ali Edwards.  I feel like I need some specific writing exercises to get those creative juicies flowing again and this class pairs two of my passions:  writing and photography.  I hope to be able to share my 31 things here.  Also, in an effort to not watch so much tv in the evenings I hope to be able to work on this project in the evenings! 

There have been lots of little things going on lately...things that I've captured in my Project Life album, but stories I haven't actually shared here.  shame on me! I have a whole post I will dedicate to Karsten this week, so you won't see much of his cute self on this post. 

At the beginning of May I had my first (paid) photography gig.  Brian's office professional follows my blog, Hi Luci!!, and asked me if I would be interested in taking photos of their departments Years of Service dinner.  I was unsure, but she convinced me.  I really had a lot of fun getting out of the house, meeting people and making a little money!

my two basil plants are growing faster than I can use them  I really need to make a batch of pesto soon!

my patio tomatoes are doing well...if I can keep the caterpillars off them I might get one to ripen up so I can eat it!

I tried an Organic produce coop this past weekend and frankly it's not for me...I'm super picky about my produce and it just wasn't worth the cost to me.  However, the chuckle I got from this carrot was worth the whole basket!

I also got some delicious baby peaches in my co-op basket.  I took this photo and then read that Becky Higgins (the creator of Project Life) was looking for some everyday photos to inspire people. So, I submitted 3 photos...the next day this photo was on her FB page as an inspirational, everday life photo.  I was tickled, of course.  Then later in the day I received an email from her assistant who requested more photos because Becky said "she has a really good eye...get more photos from her."  Her assistant then mentioned in the email that Becky has never said that about anyone.  Ummmm...really????  I was stunned, humbled, flabbergasted, excited, and very encouraged to take more steps in the direction of starting my own design and photography business. 

I recently signed up for the Fly Lady's daily emails.  The Fly Lady is someone who helps you keep your house cleaned by breaking tasks down into rooms each week and then daily tasks in each room.  Last week the room was the kitchen and one of the tasks was to wipe down your cabinets.  So, that's just what I did.  I didn't say I looked glamorous doing it! 

A little someone in our house has discovered that opening cabinets is super fun...So, his Daddy spent Saturday afternoon installing cabinet locks...and now everytime I go to open a cabinet I forget it's locked...just a tad aggravating! 

We recently discovered that our college aged neighbor likes to babysit.  So, I booked her for Saturday  night and Brian and I went out for a MUCH needed date night.  We dined at Ouisies Table which was just about perfect!  It's Southern with a French flair.  I had a Strawberry Basil martini to start off and then got a delicious crab, avocado, tomato appetizer.  I had parmesan crusted trout and Brian had seafood crepes. The food was outstanding.  We will return...Brian said that he felt the menu was just about perfect!  And, believe it or not...at a table near us dined Beth Moore's daughter, Melissa with her husband and another couple.  Melissa frequently contributes to Beth's blog and also helps her Mom with some of the Bible Studies.  Is it weird that I was a little "star" struck!

My Mother's Day was perfect!  We went to church and then out to lunch at Lupe Tortilla.  Karsten and I both took long naps and then we went to Home Depot to buy some flowers for our patio.  I received a cute lamp for my office and an adorble mirror for my laundry room (two things I've been wanting).