The Fair

Don't you just love the fair!?!? We do!

I remember going as a child with my family every few years. We would ride the bus in. Growing up in the city it was such a treat to see all the animals...and it still is. Brian and I went a few times pre-children. Ever since Katie was born, we have always gone at least once a year sometimes twice. Ian was 2 months old the first time he went. At some point "Uncle Shaney" started coming with us every year, and this year his fiance Jen came with. Here's what we did, saw, and ate (the most important thing).

xoxo

Rach

A few changes, running, and corn chowder

I decided to make a few more changes. Some cute boy told me he was tired of the piano music. Frankly I was too. I actually added songs with words. You must be thinking, I thought you didn't like it. I still I'm not a huge fan of music with words when I'm reading, but I know some people are. I thought if you don't like it, you can just hit the mute button like I do. If you do have a few minutes though, listen to the words to the first two songs. They bring tears to my eyes, but fill my heart with so much joy! I love them! I played inspirational music all morning for the children. Ian asked me "Is this church music?" I also removed the "what's at our table this week", and replaced it with photos of what we have been creating in the kitchen.

On another note. Some of you may have noticed or heard that my mr. amazing has dropped a few pounds. In honor of that, I challenged him that afternoon to a run. He agreed, but as the hour approached I said, "maybe we should walk?" He was fine with that. So, out the door we went for our power walk, then I said "let's run!" Run we did. As my feet were pounding the pavement and my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest I said "You remember how to do CPR, right?" He laughed. He stopped for a little while, "I'll just watch you from back here." Uh, huh... I bet you will. Susie heard about it and said let's do a 5K for children's cancer this summer! What!?!?! Kim you still on board for "Mom's that run, but don't like to." I love that name. Bri said he would do it, and he would train with me. I'm actually kind of excited, but very, very scared!!!! I know for running experts this is nothing, but for me this is huge!! I'm so not a runner. I can do a brisk walk, but run no! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! I really have to think this through.

Now let's move on to something a little more...therapeutic. I love making soup/stew. Once the weather cools down, we usually have it once a week. The chopping and sauteing relax me. Once the soup has been put together the aroma that fills our home is so soothing. I had an abundance of corn from the farmer's market in my fridge, and decided to make some corn chowder. This recipe is somewhat involved so allow the time for that. I actually made the stock one day and the chowder the next.

Corn Chowder

Inspired by Tyler Florence

2 tbs. Extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion diced

1 large carrot, peeled, and diced

4 garlic cloves minced

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1/4 cup flour

6 cups homemade vegetable stock or canned

2 cups skim milk

2 large Yukon gold potatoes

4 ears of corn

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Directions:

In a large stock pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrot and saute for a few minutes. Then add the onion, garlic, and thyme sprigs cook until the vegetables are soft about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for a minute. Gradually add the stock, and bring to a boil. Add the milk and potatoes and bring to a boil, and boil hard for 7 minutes. Cut the kernels off the cob and add to the chowder. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and simmer for 12 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Serve warm.

Homemade Vegetable Stock:

1 ear of corn with kernels

3 ears of corn kernels removed

1 large carrot peeled, and cut into a few chunks

1 large shallot ends removed, but peel left on.

4 garlic gloves ends removed, but peel left on.

salt and pepper

water

Place all the vegetables in a large stock pot. Cover with water and add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, skim off foam and simmer for 2- 2 1/2 hours. Strain out vegetables. Cool and use in your favorite soups. Freeze any additional stock.

xoxo

Rach

Back to School Party~2009

One of my favorite blogs to read is Nie Nie dialogues. Her cute button is the pink on on the left. I got the idea for a back to school party from her.

We brought out the linens, fine china, silver, and champagne glasses. Our motto for this school year is BE ORGANIZED.

Menu

Triple Berry soda

Deviled Eggs

Chicken satays

Cantaloupe

Sauteed Zucchinni

Angel food cake with berries and whipped cream

The children felt very special, and we all had a wonderful time. It's a new tradition we will look forward to year after year.

xoxo
Rach

September 11th, 2001

I made the children a "hot" breakfast this morning. Katie, 1 scrambled egg, 1 toasted pita bread, half of a banana, and a glass of milk. Ian, 2 sunny side up eggs, 1 piece of white bread toasted, half of a banana, and a glass of milk. I was pleased with myself that their tummy's were full. My thoughts turned to those that were missing loved ones and what I was doing that day.

As usual I was in a rush. I was the Assistant Director of Admissions at the time. Katie and I were on our way into campus. I was in our small car when I heard the news. I dropped Katie off and rushed into my office. I spoke with a number of my co-workers we were all stunned. We knew very little at that point. Just that a plane had crashed into one of the towers. I remember trying to explain to my then 4 year old what happened. We called both sets of parents and some of our siblings. What a scary time. We didn't know how much our world would change.

I traveled twice shortly after. I was in a conference in Texas and had thrown away my e-ticket for my flight back on accident. I was glad I was not traveling alone. I explained to the ticket agent what happened. I was fortunate it was an e-ticket...it would be fine. A few weeks later I was in Chicago. I was in a large hotel. Katie and Brian were in our room, I had gone done to check about switching rooms. When I was ready to go upstairs, the security guard said I couldn't, he needed to see my key which I didn't have on me. I was quite upset another officer came by and directed me to the phone so I could call up. Brian brought Katie down in her p.j.'s and I was allowed to go to my room.

So much has changed since then. Our son was born 9 months later. Siblings have been married. Adults have passed on and children have been born. Our house has become our home. Eight years have passed, and much has happened. I still remember though, and I still grieve for those whose lives were lost.

I'm so glad that I believe in a God who is bigger than our life. A God who gave his only son, so that I could have eternal life with him forever. My hope, comfort, and joy is with him.

Hold the ones that you love close. Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Rach

First day of school~2009

The children started school on Tuesday. There was much anticipation in our home Monday night...and a little hesitation. Katie hopped on the bus for her last, first day of elementary school. I can hardly believe my little girl is in sixth grade. She is growing up to be such a lovely lady. The homework has already started...1 hour of french reading every evening and multiple English assignments. Math testing is going on this week, so no math homework this week!





Ian put his hand in mine as we walked into the building, right up to his locker. He found his desk, and was a little nervous. His teacher reassured him that she was pretty nice. He has come home with a lot of work that he has done at school. He has also decided that 1st grade is a lot harder than Kindergarten!
We had a beautiful summer together! I so enjoy spending that time with them. Happy first day of school!
xoxo
Rach

I miss it...Date Night

We have not had Date Night for quite some time. I am missing it terribly. I'm not the only one though. My date said to me last week, "I'm logging a complaint!" Our weekend ahead is quite full, but we set aside some time for us tonight. I have been longing for one of Brian's bleu cheese burgers. I'm really hoping that my longing will cease tonight. Have a beautiful weekend friends!

xoxo
Rach

Tomatoes

The tomatoes are bountiful right now. We planted lemon boy, early girl, roma, and moby grape. I love slicing them thick and drizzling them with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and some shredded basil. What's your favorite way to enjoy them?

xoxo
Rach