Our American Tale

Baby Firsts: Football with Daddy

Lucas might have been born in Washington, but his parents are Arizona fans. Luckily, his weekend indoctrination to our alma mater, ASU, and the Arizona Cardinals ended in a win for both!

September 10 and 11, 2011

Mommy and Baby Yoga

Lucas joined me for a postnatal yoga class today. It was a sweet session of stretching, a few postures, baby massage and some tender bonding and relaxing time. It was fun to see Lucas watch the other babies and he had a good time being the center of my yoga universe! We'll definitely be back!

My Two Sons

I love that Sammy, our first "child", is really warming up to Lucas now. In the first couple of months, he was pretty bewildered about the tiny, hairless pup that stole his mom and changed life forever for the former main cheese of the house. Now, he comes just close enough to let Lucas touch his face and ears, which brings on squeals of delight and excitement.

Lucas was stretched out on the living room floor and Sammy snuggled up to him before they both took a little nap. It wasn't long before Lucas' hand found the soft warm lump of fur lying next to him and worked his fingers into Sammy's squishy neck.

September 10, 2011

A Boy and His Dogs

 

September 8, 2011

Home Grown Floral Department

One of the beautiful things about living in Washington is the summer weather, which is perfect for growing all kinds of flowers. I've never claimed to be particularly grand at gardening (my water deprived flowers on the front porch are evidence of that), but I've had really good luck with my flower bed in the back yard. With the baby, I haven't had much time to devote to tending to them outside of making sure the sprinklers are aimed in that general area when I water, but they have produced such beautiful flowers all summer! I love having fresh flowers around the house, so it certainly has saved me money this season being able to clip roses, hydrangeas, daffodils and tulips to brighten up the house.

Favorite Lovey

Lucas has been really into stuffed animals for the last several months. It's so much fun to see his little face light up when he sees it and give a big hug as soon as he gets it in his arms. I wonder if these little stuffed buddies will make it into the little kid years as favorite snuggle pals the way my first teddy bear did.

August 29 and September September 7, 2011

Lucas and Uncle Wayne

My Uncle Wayne visited us in September and we had a lovely time catching up and oogling the baby! We're so glad he was able to stay a night with us while on his "bucket list" trip through the Pacific Northwest!

September 5, 2011

Oh, What a Night...

      

Lucas and His Auntie G

You love the people close to you because of who they are. Once you have children, you love them even more for the way they love your child.

We are so blessed with this sister-in-law and auntie.

 

 

Easy Weeknight Dinners

One of the projects I'd like to work on this year is compiling a book of my favorite recipes. I have many cookbooks I love and several family recipes that I know by heart that I'd like to have pulled together in one central location. My practical side says it would be a great way to consolidate the library of cook books in my kitchen and save favorites as I try new recipes. The whimsical side of me dreams that one day I'll hand off copies to my children and their spouses and it will be treasured and passed down for generations to come.

I dream big, people. 

So here's the first in a series I'll be working on to document meals and recipes to be printed in said family cookbook. Not every meal is one that I'll add to the book since some are pretty basic, but I figured I'd go ahead and include them on the blog. Hopefully you will find some that you like as well!

Chicken and Peppers with Garlic Red Potatoes

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls and Scalloped Potatoes

Grilled Steak and Vegetables

Cube Steak Parmesan with Pasta e Olio and Toasted Garlic Bread

Chicken Marsala with Couscous Pilaf and Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Recipes below: