I don't have the recipe for this-yet-but wanted to post a picture. This was a pretty fabulous cake my little sisters made with Grandma B. We're not really about presentation in my family, but this was a beautiful and delicious cake.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Happiness Around My House
I seem to be in a very optimistic mood today (could it be that I finished my 4-day math training yesterday) and decided to document it a little. I think the changing of the calendar was the first moment of happiness today.
I am very excited by Brian's ability to grow plants, and am anxious for us to have our own house with an actual garden. For now, this has to do. We have tons of little sweet orange peppers growing on our patio, exciting me every time I go by.
Between an Amazon order, bookshelf raid, and quick stop at Border's yesterday, I have amassed my summer reading collection shown below. I already finished my official reading for school, "After Ever After" which was much, much better than last year's "Three Cups of Tea". I'm glad T enjoys long afternoon naps, so I can settle down and get back into reading.
And of course, I always find happiness in the little man himself. His new thing is "dipping". He lucked out and even got his aunt's left over fries as a snack today, just so I could get a shot of him in action.
I am very excited by Brian's ability to grow plants, and am anxious for us to have our own house with an actual garden. For now, this has to do. We have tons of little sweet orange peppers growing on our patio, exciting me every time I go by.
Between an Amazon order, bookshelf raid, and quick stop at Border's yesterday, I have amassed my summer reading collection shown below. I already finished my official reading for school, "After Ever After" which was much, much better than last year's "Three Cups of Tea". I'm glad T enjoys long afternoon naps, so I can settle down and get back into reading.
And of course, I always find happiness in the little man himself. His new thing is "dipping". He lucked out and even got his aunt's left over fries as a snack today, just so I could get a shot of him in action.
Monday, May 30, 2011
8th Grade Semi-Formal
So, 8th grade dances are apparently a pretty big deal here. The sponsors at my school spent weeks getting ready for this event, and it was a huge deal. We helped set-up, chaperone, and tear-down. Theo had a pretty good time, and slept really well that night!
2nd Mama's DAY!!
My favorite day of the year.
This year daddy made another fabulous supper, and mama spent a lot of time just enjoying her little baby (who refuses to stay small, and is really not a baby any longer).
This year daddy made another fabulous supper, and mama spent a lot of time just enjoying her little baby (who refuses to stay small, and is really not a baby any longer).
Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie
The farmer's market opened up here recently, so we just had to start summer off with some strawberry rhubarb pie. I use an old recipe from a cookbook that was Brian's grandma's (Farm Journal's Complete Pie Cookbook-1965), and it is fail proof. You will need two crusts of your choosing to go with this recipe.
Combine 1 1/4 cup sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/3 cup flour.
Prepare 2 cups fresh strawberries and 2 cups (1" pieces) fresh rhubarb
Arrange half of the fruit in a pastry-lined 9" pie pan. Sprinkle with half the sugar mixture. Repeat with remaining fruit and sugar mixture. Dot with 2 Tbsp butter.
Adjust top or lattice however you would like, and brush with cold water and sprinkle on 1 Tbsp sugar. Cut steam vents if using a full top.
Bake in hot oven (425 degrees) 40-50 minutes or until rhubarb is tender and crust is browned.
Theodore approves of this recipe.
Combine 1 1/4 cup sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/3 cup flour.
Prepare 2 cups fresh strawberries and 2 cups (1" pieces) fresh rhubarb
Arrange half of the fruit in a pastry-lined 9" pie pan. Sprinkle with half the sugar mixture. Repeat with remaining fruit and sugar mixture. Dot with 2 Tbsp butter.
Adjust top or lattice however you would like, and brush with cold water and sprinkle on 1 Tbsp sugar. Cut steam vents if using a full top.
Bake in hot oven (425 degrees) 40-50 minutes or until rhubarb is tender and crust is browned.
Theodore approves of this recipe.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Zoo Time
So a couple weekends ago we decided it was time to take Theodore to his first zoo! It was a little dreary that morning, but I really wanted to go and we figured that would cut down on the crowds as well. We found that there is a little zoo in Wilmington called Brandywine Zoo, and with an admission price of $4 we couldn't resist! This nice little zoo was just the right size for Theodore, and runs alongside a beautiful river in Wilmington State Park. The zoo has been open since 1905, and the park has a very charming early 1900s feel. The zoo itself had some very nice exhibits, including a blue and yellow macaw (my favorite), lots of felines (an ocelot, bobcat, and clouded leopard to name a few), and a house full of monkeys. The Siberian tiger exhibit was being remodeled, so we'll have to head back up soon when they reopen it!
The next weekend we traveled to the second closest zoo to us, the Plumpton Park Zoo. This is a much newer zoo, which basically seems like it was a rescue for many unwanted animals that turned into a petting zoo, and then into an actual zoo. It was closed down for a while last year, but the new owners seem to really be making some improvements. Theodore really liked being able to feed the animals here (some deer, donkeys, sheep and goats). I was terrified of him feeding the donkeys, but he just giggled and loved it. My favorite here was the giraffe, those things always amaze me.
Now we can't wait to go home in June and go to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo with cousin Maci! I seriously believe this is one of the best zoos in the country, and I am so excited to take Theo there!
The next weekend we traveled to the second closest zoo to us, the Plumpton Park Zoo. This is a much newer zoo, which basically seems like it was a rescue for many unwanted animals that turned into a petting zoo, and then into an actual zoo. It was closed down for a while last year, but the new owners seem to really be making some improvements. Theodore really liked being able to feed the animals here (some deer, donkeys, sheep and goats). I was terrified of him feeding the donkeys, but he just giggled and loved it. My favorite here was the giraffe, those things always amaze me.
Now we can't wait to go home in June and go to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo with cousin Maci! I seriously believe this is one of the best zoos in the country, and I am so excited to take Theo there!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Newark Area Restaurants
In the last few months, we have been cutting back on eating out, but do have a few places to recommend, all of them on the ever changing Main Street of Newark.
Ali Baba- We went here during restaurant week a few months ago. We've always wanted to go here, but their hours have made it hard for us to make it in here. The outside of the restaurant is not very appealing, but inside you forget you are on Main Street with the low tables, couches, and Middle Eastern decor. We had lots of spicy food, and Theodore even joined in eating the rice, pitas, and Moroccan carrot salad (Carrots, garlic, onion, parsley, white vinegar, olive oil, & special spices). I had a delicious kabob, and Brian enjoyed their specialty, the Moroccan chicken.
Catherine Rooney's- I was very excited when we saw signs go up for a new Irish place in town. The food was about average for an Irish place, but the atmosphere was a lot more family friendly than the other Irish place in town, so we had a really nice time. The owner even seated us in a private booth area, and Theodore stayed asleep for a majority of the night, but woke up for dessert.
Peace a Pizza- We finally tried this pizza place in February when Brian's parents were out here for Theodore's birthday. The slices were pretty tasty, and we found the music played to be humorous, so we had a pretty good time. The tiny restaurant is a little cramped, but for a date night sans Theo it was fine!
Cheeburger Cheeburger- This place has been under construction FOREVER, and was supposed to open last summer and just now opened this spring. We tried it, and it was a pretty good burger place. Their onion rings, were much better than their fries, and they had a pretty nice atmosphere. Their menu was full of all their "options" for sandwiches, dips, salads, and shakes. It makes a math teacher like me a little excited to think about all the combinations and permutations.
Finally, Chipotle also opened out of the blue. I didn't even know they were coming, and all the sudden they were open. We loved eating there in Arizona, so now we've got another quick, cheap place to grab a bite in Newark.
ALSO: OFF MAIN STREET
Middletown- I have enjoyed a few lunch time meals from Caruso's in Middletown, and finally dragged Brian down here one night for dinner. I love their Penne with Vodka sauce!
Ali Baba- We went here during restaurant week a few months ago. We've always wanted to go here, but their hours have made it hard for us to make it in here. The outside of the restaurant is not very appealing, but inside you forget you are on Main Street with the low tables, couches, and Middle Eastern decor. We had lots of spicy food, and Theodore even joined in eating the rice, pitas, and Moroccan carrot salad (Carrots, garlic, onion, parsley, white vinegar, olive oil, & special spices). I had a delicious kabob, and Brian enjoyed their specialty, the Moroccan chicken.
Catherine Rooney's- I was very excited when we saw signs go up for a new Irish place in town. The food was about average for an Irish place, but the atmosphere was a lot more family friendly than the other Irish place in town, so we had a really nice time. The owner even seated us in a private booth area, and Theodore stayed asleep for a majority of the night, but woke up for dessert.
Peace a Pizza- We finally tried this pizza place in February when Brian's parents were out here for Theodore's birthday. The slices were pretty tasty, and we found the music played to be humorous, so we had a pretty good time. The tiny restaurant is a little cramped, but for a date night sans Theo it was fine!
Cheeburger Cheeburger- This place has been under construction FOREVER, and was supposed to open last summer and just now opened this spring. We tried it, and it was a pretty good burger place. Their onion rings, were much better than their fries, and they had a pretty nice atmosphere. Their menu was full of all their "options" for sandwiches, dips, salads, and shakes. It makes a math teacher like me a little excited to think about all the combinations and permutations.
Finally, Chipotle also opened out of the blue. I didn't even know they were coming, and all the sudden they were open. We loved eating there in Arizona, so now we've got another quick, cheap place to grab a bite in Newark.
ALSO: OFF MAIN STREET
Middletown- I have enjoyed a few lunch time meals from Caruso's in Middletown, and finally dragged Brian down here one night for dinner. I love their Penne with Vodka sauce!
Update... 15 months
Now that Theodore is mobile, it is much harder to work on the computer than one would think. Currently, he is out grocery shopping with dada so mama can have some alone time, and I finally have a chance to update my blog. I have only a month left of school, and am looking forward to getting to take Theodore out and about more this summer. I'm considering swim lessons, hope to find some story hours, and plan on taking Theo to many parks and markets throughout the summer. Dada is still working toward his "tam" so we hope to have many picnic lunches outside Brian's lab this summer.
Theodore began walking back at the beginning of the year, and is now almost a pro at walking without stumbling. He hasn't mastered going down stairs yet (he fell at the zoo today, and has a big mark on his head), but he is able to climb up on the table if your back is turned for a few seconds. He has learned "open-close" (with closet doors, flip phones, and fridge doors) and "on-off" (with light switches, the vacuum and the tv). Most recently, he also learned to LOCK doors, which really freaked mama out, but I called Brian and he instructed me on how to pick the lock.
In the last few months Theo has had his first birthday, got his molars (he's up to about 10 now, number 11 is trying), had his first hair cut, and has tried many new foods. His current favorite is wheat bread, but bananas and blueberries still come in close second and third places.
Some of our favorite pics from the last few months include:
Theodore began walking back at the beginning of the year, and is now almost a pro at walking without stumbling. He hasn't mastered going down stairs yet (he fell at the zoo today, and has a big mark on his head), but he is able to climb up on the table if your back is turned for a few seconds. He has learned "open-close" (with closet doors, flip phones, and fridge doors) and "on-off" (with light switches, the vacuum and the tv). Most recently, he also learned to LOCK doors, which really freaked mama out, but I called Brian and he instructed me on how to pick the lock.
In the last few months Theo has had his first birthday, got his molars (he's up to about 10 now, number 11 is trying), had his first hair cut, and has tried many new foods. His current favorite is wheat bread, but bananas and blueberries still come in close second and third places.
Some of our favorite pics from the last few months include:
Monday, April 4, 2011
Book Recommendations: Historical Fiction
So one thing motherhood does not seem to allow for is a lot of reading time. Over the last year I have really had to work to squeeze in time to read, but I'm finally getting the hang of reading while being Theodore's mom. Mostly on the weekends...
I love historical fiction. It has always been one of my favorite genres. Lately I have found a few great reads from this section.
"The Sky Unwashed," Irene Zabytko: I found this book in our bookshelves, apparently one Brian had from a college course. I have always been really interested in Chernobyl, even before the recent tragedy with Japan's nuclear power plant. I did a research paper on the event in high school. This book was a haunting portrayal of fictional Ukrainian villagers, and the ways that the Chernobyl accident effecting the different generations of residents. Zabytko's first book.
"Water for Elephants," Sara Gruen Before I even saw trailers for this upcoming movie, I knew I wanted to read the story. This love story reads almost like a Nicholas Sparks novel, but with smarter writing and a lot more adventure. There are a few scenes that are a little too graphic, but for the most part a great book. The story transports you back in time.
"These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine", Nancy Turner: Another book shelf find by a first time novelist, I picked up this book at Changing Hands in AZ a few years ago but didn't have a chance to read it yet. Once I started, I read throughout spring break until I finished. I was hooked by the Arizona setting, but kept intrigued with Sarah's stories in the wild territories. When I found the link for the book above, I found that there is a sequel!! I must head to the book store tomorrow. She also wrote, the Water and the Blood, which I believe is also sitting on my bookshelf.
I love all three of these books, and can't rank them over each other. They all have a sad streak to them, but I can highly recommend each!
I love historical fiction. It has always been one of my favorite genres. Lately I have found a few great reads from this section.
"The Sky Unwashed," Irene Zabytko: I found this book in our bookshelves, apparently one Brian had from a college course. I have always been really interested in Chernobyl, even before the recent tragedy with Japan's nuclear power plant. I did a research paper on the event in high school. This book was a haunting portrayal of fictional Ukrainian villagers, and the ways that the Chernobyl accident effecting the different generations of residents. Zabytko's first book.
"Water for Elephants," Sara Gruen Before I even saw trailers for this upcoming movie, I knew I wanted to read the story. This love story reads almost like a Nicholas Sparks novel, but with smarter writing and a lot more adventure. There are a few scenes that are a little too graphic, but for the most part a great book. The story transports you back in time.
"These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine", Nancy Turner: Another book shelf find by a first time novelist, I picked up this book at Changing Hands in AZ a few years ago but didn't have a chance to read it yet. Once I started, I read throughout spring break until I finished. I was hooked by the Arizona setting, but kept intrigued with Sarah's stories in the wild territories. When I found the link for the book above, I found that there is a sequel!! I must head to the book store tomorrow. She also wrote, the Water and the Blood, which I believe is also sitting on my bookshelf.
I love all three of these books, and can't rank them over each other. They all have a sad streak to them, but I can highly recommend each!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Winter has arrived on the East Coast
The first week of Dec. we did get to see Santa arrive in Newark at the Winterfest. Theodore found the event a little strange, but not too frightening.
Last weekend Theodore picked out the Christmas tree with Brian and we set it up. Baby has yet to really bother the tree too much... we'll see if that can be said once we start putting wrapped presents underneath.
And finally, this Saturday we made our second NYC at Christmas time trip. This time we actually braved the traffic and drove right up to Central Park and parked right near FAO Schwartz (with a coupon for the garage!) with less than three hours from our door to theirs. We learned Brian quickly can pick up on taxi driver's techniques after being on the city streets just a few minutes.
There is just something so great about the city at Christmas... I am so glad we dragged our weary, tired selves there and had a great day. Theodore was great, other than being scared for a brief second when he found himself on the middle of 5th Avenue. It was quite a wake-up after his nap in the car. We headed through Central Park (stopping for Theodore's first carousel ride) to the Museum of Natural History. We could have spent a lot longer there, but it was closing around 6 and we didn't get there as early as we would have liked. We had to speed tour a lot of the museum.
Then we walked back through a very calm and quiet Central Park, viewing all of the city lights on our romantic stroll as Theodore napped. Finally, we stepped into FAO Schwartz and entertained Theodore with all the great toys there. It was a great day, and I got to see the Rockefeller tree at night this time, which is definitely the way to go.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Update... 9 months
I have been neglecting my blog.
No excuses, though I have many, it has just been pure neglect. I have started many posts, but never had a chance to finish them. Some of them include:
Pictures from the 4-H Fair in July (Erin's last year.)
Highlights from our August trip to Maine (lobster, lighthouses!!)
What our new camera can do (panorama, quick shots)
Crash! (photos of the Colbalt's last days, and our new Equinox)
Theodore's first camping trip (back to Hickory Run and Jim Thorpe with Gma and Gpa E)
Out hunt for DE creameries (Woodside Creamery!!)
Theodore's first Halloween (Chocolate Chip Cookie), my birthday, Thanksgiving!
10 year anniversary of our first date!
But most importantly I need to update everyone on the little man himself! Theo is doing great. He is crawling around at lightning speed (especially when dog food is out or the fridge is open), and pulling himself up to standing position on everything. He's got four tiny teeth that he loves to use to take tiny bites of bananas (among everything else). We are still nursing, and he mainly eats cereals and fruit and veggie purees, and tries some table food. He was not a huge fan of butternut squash soup, but he loves his Super Puffs (still haven't introduced wheat, and these are the only ones we could find without wheat).
He is starting to learn the word "no"; loves peek-a-boo, animal noises, music (he still turns on his mobile on his own when he wakes up), and spying the cat.
His 9 month check-up went well- he is about 28 pounds and inches. He didn't even flinch when he got his two shots! He's such a great baby!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Penske List
Lately we have been taking our eating out a little more seriously. Since we are trying to cut back on how often we eat out, every time we do we want to really take advantage of it. We keep talking about places we haven't tried, and decided we should make a "bucket list" of all the places we still want to try. Brian decided a better name for it would be a "Penske" list, since it is everywhere we need to try if/before we move. Both of these places made that list:
Pure Bread: Since its location is right beside Babies R Us we see this cafe often and have talked about going for a while. We finally did, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it is very similar to Panera Bread. Their soup is not as good, but their sandwiches definitely give PB a run for their money. It does seem a little weird to order a "Doberman" or a "Chihuahua", but we like it. We've already made a repeat visit.
Gyro Kabob House: This little shack is only a few minutes from our house, and is unfortunately right next to a dingy looking liquor store. However, my love for gyros and Mediterranean food lured us there. Though the service was ridiculously slow, and they forgot the pitas and hummus appetizer that Brian ordered, I still can't complain about them because their food was pretty tasty. We will be sure to order ahead next time, and check that everything is in the bag before leaving the place, but we will return.
Pure Bread: Since its location is right beside Babies R Us we see this cafe often and have talked about going for a while. We finally did, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it is very similar to Panera Bread. Their soup is not as good, but their sandwiches definitely give PB a run for their money. It does seem a little weird to order a "Doberman" or a "Chihuahua", but we like it. We've already made a repeat visit.
Gyro Kabob House: This little shack is only a few minutes from our house, and is unfortunately right next to a dingy looking liquor store. However, my love for gyros and Mediterranean food lured us there. Though the service was ridiculously slow, and they forgot the pitas and hummus appetizer that Brian ordered, I still can't complain about them because their food was pretty tasty. We will be sure to order ahead next time, and check that everything is in the bag before leaving the place, but we will return.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Swinging & Pears On a Last Summer Saturday
Theodore finally got to taste his first fruits this weekend, as we started him on pears. He didn't make any faces at all, just wanted to eat them as quickly as he could. He bangs his hand on his high chair between bites to show his angst.
He also had his first taste of a real swing-we walked the path near DBI down to a park and let him swing away. It was a nice relaxing summer Saturday.
He also had his first taste of a real swing-we walked the path near DBI down to a park and let him swing away. It was a nice relaxing summer Saturday.
28!
Last Sunday, Brian had his tenth birthday since I met him at the tender age of 18. He says it was his best yet, most likely because he had someone to help him blow out the candles. A little one who was himself a day shy of his half birthday. And he didn't really help as much as he started screaming as soon as I lit the candles. He was already ready for bed. He did great at dinner though, as we went out to Ole Tapas and he charmed multiple waitresses as he sat in the booth between us. He even started throwing his foam block on the floor and had a few different girls pick it up for him. For records sake, I like to post the tapas we tried, so we can remember what we've had as we try to complete most of the offerings on the menu (minus most of the seafood choices).
The Chefs Compliment was a carrot dish, and Brian enjoyed his glass of Riberal.
Then we started with a trio of quesos (cheese), all tasty: Idiazabal (sheep), Manchego (sheep), and Mahon (cow) and the Aceitunas Marinadas (house marinated olives).
Then we had both "of the day" items, in the Coca del Dίa (pizza) and one of my favorites, the Empanada del Dia.
Then we finished with meat and potatoes, including the Croquetas de Jamon (serrrano croquettes), Bocadillo de Cordero (spiced lamb meatballs sandwich with oregano) and the Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes with spicy mayonnaise).
It was a great meal!
And yes, this was way too much for two people. We were a little too full to have birthday cake later. But we managed.
Kiki also celebrated her 5th birthday. She is aging beautifully!
The Chefs Compliment was a carrot dish, and Brian enjoyed his glass of Riberal.
Then we started with a trio of quesos (cheese), all tasty: Idiazabal (sheep), Manchego (sheep), and Mahon (cow) and the Aceitunas Marinadas (house marinated olives).
Then we had both "of the day" items, in the Coca del Dίa (pizza) and one of my favorites, the Empanada del Dia.
Our fish tapa was a Piquillo Relleno de Bacalao (piquillo pepper stuffed with salt cod) we paired with the surprisingly tasty Lentejas Morunas (moroccan style lentils).
Then we finished with meat and potatoes, including the Croquetas de Jamon (serrrano croquettes), Bocadillo de Cordero (spiced lamb meatballs sandwich with oregano) and the Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes with spicy mayonnaise).
It was a great meal!
And yes, this was way too much for two people. We were a little too full to have birthday cake later. But we managed.
Kiki also celebrated her 5th birthday. She is aging beautifully!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Lutheran Baptism
Theodore was finally baptized into the Lutheran faith on Aug. 15, 2010 at our newly renovated church. It was a unique experience for my family, who are non-denominational Christians that normally wait until adolescence to baptize. We do actually have Lutheran ancestors way back on our Poulson side, maybe I'll write up that story on here someday. I am a very big fan of genealogy, though I have very few posts about it on here.
However, on the paternal side, Brian's great-great-grandfather Martin Phillipp came from Germany in 1893 and was a Lutheran minister in Michigan. So it was very meaningful to see this new generation carry on the Lutheran faith.
Grandma had to let out the sleeves a little for Theodore's chubby arms so he was able to wear the baptismal gown that Brian and his siblings all used. We accessorized with the cap Brian wore, and a new bib and socks.
However, on the paternal side, Brian's great-great-grandfather Martin Phillipp came from Germany in 1893 and was a Lutheran minister in Michigan. So it was very meaningful to see this new generation carry on the Lutheran faith.
Grandma had to let out the sleeves a little for Theodore's chubby arms so he was able to wear the baptismal gown that Brian and his siblings all used. We accessorized with the cap Brian wore, and a new bib and socks.
Brian in Dec. 1982.
Theodore in August, 2010
It was a great time, and we were glad for every single person who could make the trip for Theodore's special day.
It was a great time, and we were glad for every single person who could make the trip for Theodore's special day.
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