Friday: This Moment.

I will be busy tomorrow at a TRE Workshop, so I won't be able to post. Here is my This Moment (an little early).

Inspired by Soule Mama.

Friday: This Moment

Inspired by Soule Mama.

Friday: This Moment.

Friday: This Moment.

Inspired by Soule Mama's This Moment.

Tulips and Olives. Sunshine and Jeans. Big Hearts and Big Smiles.

Valentine's Day itself was a little rough. 

The Morning got off to a bumpy start. There was a Teething Baby and a silly argument with Papa Bear. The 3-year-old pooped in her underwear twice. I was NOT excited about our plans for that night.

But, when I woke-up from our nap, there was a bouquet of tulips next to me. Things got increasingly better.

Nye-Nye arranged the flowers, while Papa Bear cooked and I set up the table. There were my absolute FAVORITE olives and some excellent cheese to munch on, while we all worked.

We continued our tradition of having an Ancient Ale Date, enjoying the Ta Henket Beer this year. Papa Bear out-did himself with the Rainbow Trout and Scallops. Both were phenomenal, but the Scallops were the best I have ever had (and I love myself some Seafood).

Bears chowed down on the Roasted Mushrooms and Nye adored the Roasted Asparagus. I set up the folding table in the Living Room and the girls seemed to enjoy the novelty of it. I love the photos of Daddy serving Nye some food.

It was a really lovely Valentine's Evening with my three Loves.

The Love Fest continued on Saturday. My friends, Ed and Taryn, came to visit for an early celebration of my 35th Birthday.

Papa Bear continued to work his magic in the Kitchen and prepared THREE amazing dishes. Le Pain Quotidien Cookbook is now Family's new muse. 

Pea, Pancetta, Radish Tartine (no photo...it was devoured too quickly).

Spicy, Shrimp and Avocado Tartine. 

Pancetta Fried Rice and Wilted Greens. Oh, My...

Ed and Taryn humored me and helped me a bit with my Birthday Present to myself (a Gee Bend's inspired denim Quilt). More on that later...

We ended our Weekend of Amazing Food by having Brunch at Evening Star Cafe. 

Anala Bears cooperated beautifully. Man, do I love this face...  

Feeling very Loved.

Many Thanks to my Husband for all his Hard Work and Devotion and to my dear, dear Friends, Ed and Taryn, for their Patience and Loyalty (and willingness to drive out and see us).

35....I'm ready for you!!!

Friday: This Moment

Friday: This Moment

Inspired by Soule Mama

Friday: This Moment

The Doctor (or two) is in the House.

Inspired by Soule Mama.

Friday: This Moment

I know I usually show one photo for my Friday: This Moment, but this video clip from this Week stole my heart.

My girls greeting Papa Bear when he came home from work.

Anala Bears will be 8 months tomorrow. Here is a clip of Nye-Nye a week before she turned 8 months. I'm not sure how she could walk so well with those bowed-legs...but she did!

Happy Friday!

Friday: This Moment

Friday: This Moment

 

This Moment inspired by Soule Mama.

Friday: This Moment

 

 

This Moment inspired by Soule Mama.

Friday: This Moment

 

This Moment inspired by Soule Mama.

Friday: This Moment

 

Friday: This Moment inspired by Soule Mama

Friday: This Moment

 

 

This Moment inspired by Soule Mama.

 

 

Friday: This Moment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't done this in a LONG, LONG time. But, here is our This Moment (inspired by Soule Mama). It's suppose to be one photo, but I couldn't choose. Have a great Week-end!

 

 

 

I Can't Wait to Meet My Lil'....

We found out on the Winter Solstice the sex of our new baby (who will hopefully be making an appearance sometime mid-May). We waited until Christmas Day to share the news with our families. I wanted to do something cute, since we weren't having an actual Baby Reveal Party which we had had for Nye-Nye (there is something to be said for being the first grand-child on BOTH sides of the family).

After everyone went to bed on Christmas Eve, I spent two hours decorating T-shirts for our families to open on Christmas Day. I've never worked with fabric markers before and was surprised with how time-consuming the process was...maybe I should have also gotten the fine-tip markers. But overall, I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

Here is the video of my parents opening up their present and finding out whether their predictions were correct...

Making Candles in Rememberance

English: A lit candle in the dark Español: Una vela encendida en la obscuridad (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Like much of the country, I've been overwhelmed with the horror of the recent school shootings in Newtown, CT.

Saturday night, I made my first batch of beeswax candles. When I bought the supplies for the candles, my intention was to make some home-made Christmas presents. Now, I think I'm going to use most of them to light in memory of those that were lost.

If you are looking for a simple way to channel your feelings about the shooting, I know I found comfort in making candles to honor the victims. It was surprisingly easy to do. It only took me around an hour or so to make 12 candles. Once you get the hang of it, I'm sure it will take less time.

I think this could be an appropriate activity for 3rd graders and up. Younger children could help with some of the steps, but I think an adult with very steady hands should probably pour the wax into the mold.

Here is my post showing the video that I used to learn how to make the candles. The only thing I did differently was dip the entire wick in the melted wax. This made the wick more wire-like and made threading the wick through the mold much easier. You can also use vegetable oil instead of the silicone release spray.

I found my beeswax at the Baltimore Farmers' Market. The small flat braid wicking was purchased from Michaels. I borrowed my Mother's ancient candle taper mold which ended up leaking and creating lopsided tips. Not the most perfect candles but made with love.

Charm City Fun

Back from three days visiting Aunt Mimi in Baltimore. Back from dancing in the street. Back from wearing Mimi's new boots and telling endless stories about car keys. Back from playing countless chase games with Mommy, cleaning out Mimi's fridge and gardening. Back from gaining Bella the Cat's love by feeding her and a first hair-cut. Back from visits to Farmers' Markets, making everyone laugh with my silly antics and sleeping while Mommy has a long chat with an old friend. Good times.

 

A Wild Grocery Shopping Spree

This clip doesn't exactly capture just how wildly my daughter was racing around her Grand-parent's house last week. But, you get the gist.