Messages from the Pacific: September 2008

FRIDAY AFTERNOON........

ESPECIALLY FOR STACEY

1 cup dried brown lentils
1 cup diced carrot
1 cup red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions

1
In a saucepan combine lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
2
Drain lentils and vegetables and remove bay leaf. Add olive oil, lemon juice, celery, parsley, salt and pepper. Toss to mix and serve at room temperature.

(I USE CHICKEN BROTH INSTEAD OF WATER WHEN COOKING LENTILS...YUM)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lyla's feet

Hmmm. I don't really have much to say but feel like I ought to post pics anyway. I am learning that most people don't post comments on blogs, but I have been told that they are still looking. Which is nice, as I was beginning to wonder if neglecting kids to blog was even worth it.

On another note, I turned 34 last week. I was reflecting back on the past year to see if I'm still growing in my life, or if i've been stagnant. I've decided it is both. Because my family has changed in every possible way in the past year, personal change has had to take a back seat. It is challenging to remain "me" in my life sometimes...funny, but true. So, my birthday wishes for this coming year are to:

tune in to my girls, as they begin their journey through 6, 4, and 1. (I am looking forward to giving 3 a rest. At least for two more years)

Nurture the relationship I have with Toby. (every year I think I cannot get closer to this man, and yet, every year I find that I have)

Embrace growing older.(i'm sure I'll laugh at that comment when i'm in my 60's)

Continue my education(I've decided that it's just fine to be on the twenty year college plan. Maybe Soph and I can be roomies when she goes off to college. hee hee)

To not let my past define my future

Be nice to me. (my girls are watching, after all.)

Play outside, every day

Paint at least once a week

I'll stop now, I can see that this list could go on and on

So, if you remember Sophie wanted a cat for her birthday(which she didn't get). Well, the other day I was picking up Halloween decorations, which included a black cat. Guess who has been taking this cat EVERYWHERE? including bed, bathroom, car rides, etc...

Sophia and "Boo"

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

PARTY IN THE PARK

FIVE GORGEOUS ORCHID PLANTS !(one from each member of my family. Including Abby, our beloved/annoying dog.

PICNIC BY
THE SEA

BOTANICAL GARDENS

MUCHO DELICIOUS MEXICAN DINNER
(MY FAVORITE!)

Thank you to my darling family. I am so loved.

She's Six

AN ODE OF SIX FOR SOPHIA

I love that Sophia has such an infectious giggle. (Even when she does so at inappropriate times)

I love how much she uses her imagination. She is always full of stories to tell. They almost always include potty talk, and some sort of witch, dragon, or unfriendly foe.

I love how much she looks out for her little sisters. She is always checking on Avery at school, making sure she's okay, and she LOVES to help with Lyla...(She also loves bossing them both around)

I love her eyes, not just because of their beautiful color, but also because of how observant she is. About everything.

I love that she always wants to help me with anything. We cook together, clean together, go to the farmers market together, etc.. I've learned to never underestimate the ability of a five (now six) year old girl.

I love that she loves to "know it". This phrase is used when referring to the use of the computer, remote control, DVD player, blender, pretty much anything electronic. As in, she doesn't need my help because "I know it already Mom."

I can't believe you're six little girl...your star is flying!

THE BIG DAY

This year, we let Sophie choose how she wanted to spend her day.

Yes, the pancake is burnt. But the fact that it is pink and shaped like a six completely makes up for it....

We were going to let her stay home from school, but she really wanted to have her celebration at school too. So, Tob and I met her there for this...