My favorite fruit store is currently selling strawberries 3 lbs for $1.00. I'm not sure how good of a deal that is in places that actually can grow a strawberry, but for AZ, it's unheard of. So we bought and froze 30 lbs yesterday.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Strawberries Forever
My favorite fruit store is currently selling strawberries 3 lbs for $1.00. I'm not sure how good of a deal that is in places that actually can grow a strawberry, but for AZ, it's unheard of. So we bought and froze 30 lbs yesterday.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Happy Night
On Monday night, we got to go to my mom's work party. It was at a park, and included a catered dinner, a magic show, an ice cream bar, a playground, ducks in a pond, and a bunch of miniature amusement park rides. Not to mention Nana, Grandpa, and Ellie. Or in other words, for Sophie, the BEST. PLACE. EVER.
We started the amusement park portion of the night with the carousel. She calls it the "Up Down". Even better than Sophie's reaction to it, though, was Stella's. I hope Stephanie got a picture of that girl because she was HAPPY.
Next up was the train. It's a small train that takes about a 5 minute ride around the park. Sophie liked looking at the train more than riding it. I think if it had been lighter, she would have enjoyed it more. But in the dark, it was hard to see the water and ducks and everything else we were riding past.
Third, we hit up the "Boat Boats". This was her surprise favorite. It was one of the rides that parents were too big to ride on, so she had to do it by herself. And she rode 3 different times - twice with strangers. The best part of this ride was giving high-fives to all the adults watching. Which was only scary for me the first time around when she wasn't buckled in.
And finally, the ride I thought she would like the most (because she's been on one, and has talked about it non-stop since) - the Ferris Wheel. But it turns out she only mildly enjoy it. Again, she had to ride without a parent, so she and another girl buddied up for it.
After about an hour and a half of rides, we had thoroughly exhausted her, and we all went home very happy.
We started the amusement park portion of the night with the carousel. She calls it the "Up Down". Even better than Sophie's reaction to it, though, was Stella's. I hope Stephanie got a picture of that girl because she was HAPPY.
Next up was the train. It's a small train that takes about a 5 minute ride around the park. Sophie liked looking at the train more than riding it. I think if it had been lighter, she would have enjoyed it more. But in the dark, it was hard to see the water and ducks and everything else we were riding past.
Third, we hit up the "Boat Boats". This was her surprise favorite. It was one of the rides that parents were too big to ride on, so she had to do it by herself. And she rode 3 different times - twice with strangers. The best part of this ride was giving high-fives to all the adults watching. Which was only scary for me the first time around when she wasn't buckled in.
And finally, the ride I thought she would like the most (because she's been on one, and has talked about it non-stop since) - the Ferris Wheel. But it turns out she only mildly enjoy it. Again, she had to ride without a parent, so she and another girl buddied up for it.
After about an hour and a half of rides, we had thoroughly exhausted her, and we all went home very happy.
Monday, April 13, 2009
So, We've Been Busy
Our family is juggling a lot right now.
First, we closed on our new house 10 days early.
This means that we now have one room in our duplex full of packed boxes, taped up and ready to go, and another room full of empty boxes, waiting for an assignment. And we're getting used to living with less and less, as more and more stuff gets packed up.
On top of that, our duplex is up for rent, so I've had to juggle maintaining a clean, presentable home while tearing it apart at the same time.
Second, as if packing our lives wasn't stressful enough, Jake went in for knee surgery last week.
And he came out looking like this. He went in not knowing what surgery he would be coming out with. We knew it would either be a scope to clean up damaged meniscus (1-2 day recovery) or a full ACL graft & repair (1-2 week initial recovery, and 3-4 months before fully recovered). He ended up with the smaller surgery, which we're grateful for since he can function and go back to work, but also weary that it might not fix all his knee issues. Time will tell.
As a surprise third, my eye looks like this last week:
No, I'm not the newest cast member of Days of our Lives, trying to figure out what Stefano is up to this week. Although maybe I should have auditioned while I looked like this. I'm guessing it was some sort of pink eye, but I'm not sure. All I know is that it was sealed shut in the morning, and didn't quite open properly for a day or two. Sophie woke up the week before looking exactly like this, and was recovered within 24 hours, and that's pretty much what happened in my case too.
Fourth, we finally admitted to ourselves that we needed some help. Computer help.
We took our computer to get fixed (by an amazing repair guy that I highly recommend, if you're in the market), and I'm ashamed to say how many viruses he said our computer has. But let me give you a hint. Think of a ridiculously high number. Nope. It was more than that. But, it's all in the past, and it works great now.
And fifth, we're appliance owners.
A tour of the valley's appliance stores on Saturday plus extensive reading in Consumer Reports, online research, and reviews from friends, led us to a final decision on our appliances. They'll be delivered on Saturday.
In summary, this last week has been pretty crazy, so I apologize to anyone I've neglected (especially Jill, who is raising money for a good cause - visit her site & see what she's up to this week!)
First, we closed on our new house 10 days early.
This means that we now have one room in our duplex full of packed boxes, taped up and ready to go, and another room full of empty boxes, waiting for an assignment. And we're getting used to living with less and less, as more and more stuff gets packed up.
On top of that, our duplex is up for rent, so I've had to juggle maintaining a clean, presentable home while tearing it apart at the same time.
Second, as if packing our lives wasn't stressful enough, Jake went in for knee surgery last week.
And he came out looking like this. He went in not knowing what surgery he would be coming out with. We knew it would either be a scope to clean up damaged meniscus (1-2 day recovery) or a full ACL graft & repair (1-2 week initial recovery, and 3-4 months before fully recovered). He ended up with the smaller surgery, which we're grateful for since he can function and go back to work, but also weary that it might not fix all his knee issues. Time will tell.
As a surprise third, my eye looks like this last week:
No, I'm not the newest cast member of Days of our Lives, trying to figure out what Stefano is up to this week. Although maybe I should have auditioned while I looked like this. I'm guessing it was some sort of pink eye, but I'm not sure. All I know is that it was sealed shut in the morning, and didn't quite open properly for a day or two. Sophie woke up the week before looking exactly like this, and was recovered within 24 hours, and that's pretty much what happened in my case too.
Fourth, we finally admitted to ourselves that we needed some help. Computer help.
We took our computer to get fixed (by an amazing repair guy that I highly recommend, if you're in the market), and I'm ashamed to say how many viruses he said our computer has. But let me give you a hint. Think of a ridiculously high number. Nope. It was more than that. But, it's all in the past, and it works great now.
And fifth, we're appliance owners.
A tour of the valley's appliance stores on Saturday plus extensive reading in Consumer Reports, online research, and reviews from friends, led us to a final decision on our appliances. They'll be delivered on Saturday.
In summary, this last week has been pretty crazy, so I apologize to anyone I've neglected (especially Jill, who is raising money for a good cause - visit her site & see what she's up to this week!)
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
The Ultrasound
Baby #2's ultrasound went really well this morning. We had a
morning full of appointments, so we've been quite a busy family.
It started at 8:00 when Jake left for his first of two of his OWN
doctors appointments. And then at 9:00, Sophie and I left the
house for our visiting teaching appointments. Check your cal-
endars, folks. Today is the FIRST of the MONTH! And I was done
with my VTing before 10am. Okay, anyway, after those appoint-
ments, I dropped Sophie off at Jake's parents' house to be babysat,
and then Jake and I met at the ultrasound place just in time for
the appointment. Everything looks really good. The baby is
measuring at exactly 20 weeks, and I heard the ultrasound tech
count five fingers on a hand at least once during the whole process.
Overall, it was a great experience, and as you can see, we're excited
for our new addition in August.
p.s. if you guess what it is, let me know, but don't spoil it for others!
morning full of appointments, so we've been quite a busy family.
It started at 8:00 when Jake left for his first of two of his OWN
doctors appointments. And then at 9:00, Sophie and I left the
house for our visiting teaching appointments. Check your cal-
endars, folks. Today is the FIRST of the MONTH! And I was done
with my VTing before 10am. Okay, anyway, after those appoint-
ments, I dropped Sophie off at Jake's parents' house to be babysat,
and then Jake and I met at the ultrasound place just in time for
the appointment. Everything looks really good. The baby is
measuring at exactly 20 weeks, and I heard the ultrasound tech
count five fingers on a hand at least once during the whole process.
Overall, it was a great experience, and as you can see, we're excited
for our new addition in August.
p.s. if you guess what it is, let me know, but don't spoil it for others!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Half Way
This is my official half-way week. I'll be 20 weeks exactly on Wednesday, which is also the day I go in for my ultrasound. And just to reassure some worried people: even though it's April Fools Day on Wednesday, the gender I announce on my blog (assuming we have a cooperative baby) will be the correct gender. No April fooling here.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Foodie Friday #14 - Blue Adobe Grille
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * *
Blue Adobe Grille is New Mexico cuisine. They have an extensive menu of both traditional Mexican style food (enchiladas, chimichangas, etc.) as well as New Mexican style food, which they call "Blue Plates".
We tried one of each style. I got a beef chimichanga, which I thought was good - just what you would expect from a chimi at a restaurant. Jake got the Chorizo Stuffed Chicken. It was supurb. We will go back just for that. Not only was it stuffed with fontina cheese (a melted Mexican cheese) and chorizo, but it was also covered in their special Amaretto mushroom sauce. Our server said that they use that sauce for a lot of their dishes. If we don't get the chicken next time, we'll definitely get something with this sauce on it.
Blue Adobe Grille is a must-visit place for Arizonans. It comes with my high recommendation. While it is pricier than most places we visit, we went with a coupon from the Entertainment Book, and it was quite affordable and very delicious.
Overall Rating: 4¼ Stars
Price: $$$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * *
Blue Adobe Grille is New Mexico cuisine. They have an extensive menu of both traditional Mexican style food (enchiladas, chimichangas, etc.) as well as New Mexican style food, which they call "Blue Plates".
We tried one of each style. I got a beef chimichanga, which I thought was good - just what you would expect from a chimi at a restaurant. Jake got the Chorizo Stuffed Chicken. It was supurb. We will go back just for that. Not only was it stuffed with fontina cheese (a melted Mexican cheese) and chorizo, but it was also covered in their special Amaretto mushroom sauce. Our server said that they use that sauce for a lot of their dishes. If we don't get the chicken next time, we'll definitely get something with this sauce on it.
Blue Adobe Grille is a must-visit place for Arizonans. It comes with my high recommendation. While it is pricier than most places we visit, we went with a coupon from the Entertainment Book, and it was quite affordable and very delicious.
Overall Rating: 4¼ Stars
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Appliance Poll
We're moving into a new house, and due to unfortunate circumstances, we now have the opportunity to pick out our own appliances.
Here's a picture of the kitchen. The cabinets are light wood, the counters are sort of a brown/tan/black granite, the floors are light tan travertine, and the walls will be warm gray.
We originally had stainless, so that's what I've pictured in it, but now that's changed. I've heard that stainless is hard to clean, but I think it looks nice.
With money not a factor at all, what color appliances would you choose?
Please discuss.
Here's a picture of the kitchen. The cabinets are light wood, the counters are sort of a brown/tan/black granite, the floors are light tan travertine, and the walls will be warm gray.We originally had stainless, so that's what I've pictured in it, but now that's changed. I've heard that stainless is hard to clean, but I think it looks nice.
With money not a factor at all, what color appliances would you choose?
- White
- Black
- Stainless
- Other
Please discuss.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Found
I found it. Under my bed. And yes, I looked there in December. It was right smack dab in the middle, in between the comforter we never use (only removed this week to sell) and the couch cushions we also never use.
We'll see if it still fits this afternoon.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Comparison
Monday, March 16, 2009
New Digs
Do you like it? (i.e.: can you see its potential?)
Cause chances are, we'll be moving into it at the beginning of May.
Cause chances are, we'll be moving into it at the beginning of May.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Friday, March 06, 2009
5 Years Ago Today
03.06.04
Post-Luncheon, Pre-Reception
Yes, that's me helping to set up. Not cause I needed to, just cause I'm sort of a perfectionist.
Yes, that's me helping to set up. Not cause I needed to, just cause I'm sort of a perfectionist.
"Backyard" Reception
I always wanted my wedding reception to be in my back yard. But when I was in college, my parents up and moved. To a condo. So this is in the common area of their condo community. But if you look in the upper right-hand corner of this picture, you can see the fence to my old back yard. So really, it wasn't too far from where I always dreamed it would be.
I always wanted my wedding reception to be in my back yard. But when I was in college, my parents up and moved. To a condo. So this is in the common area of their condo community. But if you look in the upper right-hand corner of this picture, you can see the fence to my old back yard. So really, it wasn't too far from where I always dreamed it would be.
The Band
I know what you're thinking. "You got foreign holiday to play at your wedding???"
Yes we did. Cause we were popular. Um, right?
I know what you're thinking. "You got foreign holiday to play at your wedding???"
Yes we did. Cause we were popular. Um, right?
It's been a happy 5 years. Thanks for that, Jake.
And happy birthday.
And happy birthday.
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Cat Told Me To
Sophie will do anything this cat tells her to.
Really.
(change the voice to "Beth" for the best voice effect)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Foodie Friday #13 - Sala Thai
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * * * *
Sala Thai has 101 items on their menu. Unfortunately, we were only able to try two. I got one of my standards at a Thai restaurant - Tom Ka Gai soup. It's a coconut based soup with chicken, mushrooms, onions, & cilantro in it. And it's only failed me once. Sala Thai's version was unique in that all of the ingredients were in larger portions than normal, and required me to cut them up before eating. But it didn't deter from the deliciousness of the broth. One of the best Jake or I have ever had.
Jake ordered a chicken & fried tofu dish with green & red peppers - served over rice. He loved it, but I wasn't a fan. Mostly because I don't care for tofu or peppers (usually).
We both decided that Sala Thai is a place we would visit again - with a bigger group of people to try more things. Well, we'd visit again if it wasn't so stinking far away (we were in the area last week)
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * * * *
Sala Thai has 101 items on their menu. Unfortunately, we were only able to try two. I got one of my standards at a Thai restaurant - Tom Ka Gai soup. It's a coconut based soup with chicken, mushrooms, onions, & cilantro in it. And it's only failed me once. Sala Thai's version was unique in that all of the ingredients were in larger portions than normal, and required me to cut them up before eating. But it didn't deter from the deliciousness of the broth. One of the best Jake or I have ever had.
Jake ordered a chicken & fried tofu dish with green & red peppers - served over rice. He loved it, but I wasn't a fan. Mostly because I don't care for tofu or peppers (usually).
We both decided that Sala Thai is a place we would visit again - with a bigger group of people to try more things. Well, we'd visit again if it wasn't so stinking far away (we were in the area last week)
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Bear Bottom
Whenever we tell Sophie it's time to get her tights on for church (or play), she responds with a "Grrrrr!"
This is because The Gap's kid tights come with a "bear bottom". So naturally, Sophie has assumed that all tights are bear bottom tights. Whenever she wears her other tights, she's always surprised that she can't find a bear face on her bum. But when she does get into her Gap tights, it's quite the treat.
For everyone.
This is because The Gap's kid tights come with a "bear bottom". So naturally, Sophie has assumed that all tights are bear bottom tights. Whenever she wears her other tights, she's always surprised that she can't find a bear face on her bum. But when she does get into her Gap tights, it's quite the treat.
For everyone.
Monday, February 16, 2009
"Sophie, Use Your Hands."
This is a phrase you can hear coming from my mouth almost daily. Oh the inner conflict I have with sippy cups.
One one hand, they're SOOOO convenient. Spills are nearly non-existent, and the travelability of one is a lifesaver at times.
On the other hand, she's 2, and can obviously use a cup if she wants to. But regular cups almost always mean extra baths and an extra change of clothes after lunch. And, as you can see, I'm worried about what a sippy will do to her teeth (that she didn't already do to herself at 13 months when she chipped both front teeth in separate falling accidents).
p.s. Another fun thing about this picture - Sophie loves pockets.
One one hand, they're SOOOO convenient. Spills are nearly non-existent, and the travelability of one is a lifesaver at times.
On the other hand, she's 2, and can obviously use a cup if she wants to. But regular cups almost always mean extra baths and an extra change of clothes after lunch. And, as you can see, I'm worried about what a sippy will do to her teeth (that she didn't already do to herself at 13 months when she chipped both front teeth in separate falling accidents).
p.s. Another fun thing about this picture - Sophie loves pockets.
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