to have and to hold

Marriage is not simply the luck of the draw, or something that we get involved in which just unfolds before us like a long movie.  Good marriage, like good individual lives or good art, are conscious creations.  They are made.

Kevin and Marilyn Ryan

Last week, having just completed the book What's It Like To Be Married To Me? by Linda Dillow, I was prompted to write a marriage purpose statement, a reflective task the author presents to her readers in the first chapter.  For one who enjoys keeping a regular blog, documenting familial tales and daily anecdotes, I have never appreciated keeping a journal or writing challenges such as the one Linda proposed just thirty-four pages into her book.  So, I dismissed the challenge and focused on the content of the book.  Eight chapters later, I felt a gentle nudging from above to seriously consider putting some thoughts in writing, and two hours later I had myself a marriage purpose statement.  Thankfully, both sweet ones are enjoying regular and lengthy naps this summer, and most days I'm inclined to join them, but on this day I was grateful for the opportunity and energy to commit a few hours to the purpose of reflecting on my marriage and my role as wife. 

A Marriage Purpose Statement is your conscious creation of who you want to become.  It outlines your goals as a wife-the things you can do to become the wife you want to be.  Like a rudder on a ship, it steers your marriage boat, so that you know where you are heading.  Your personal MPS can be a letter you write yourself, a prayer, a poem, a verse, or a passage of Scripture.  It can be anything that declares your goal for your marriage.  It is a statement about what is really important to you as a wife.

from What's It Like To Be Married To Me, page 34-35

In an effort to avoid writing a fleeting statement that would soon be forgotten, or one that would ooze unwanted sappy sentiments, I settled on writing an acrostic poem using the letters of the doctor's name, selecting seven words that would represent my goals as a wife and supporting each of them with a verse from Scripture, and personal promise. 

Later that evening, in a moment of unexpected shyness, I read Jeff my marriage purpose statement.  I was thankful for the momentary hiatus of pregnancy hormones, which allowed me to read aloud my seven promises without weeping.  (Seriously, you never know what will evoke the waterworks these days.  Attempting to read anything of sentiment was a real gamble.)  It was fifteen minutes with my husband that I will never forget.  It is my hope and prayer that each time I think of his name, Jeffrey, I am reminded of the seven promises I put in writing, and had the privilege of sharing with him.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - 25 weeks

Date night with Jeff, Pablo, and the Caped Crusader.

 

 

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walking in memphis

 This past Monday we decided to surprise the kids with a trip to the Memphis Kiddie Park, one of their summer bucket list items.  Picking up on the fact that we had a little something special planned for Dad's day off, the little lady spent most of Sunday speculating what the big surprise would be.   Monday morning, with the little lady and man buckled in car seats, we finally announced our plans.  Let's just say our girl was not disappointed.  

Twenty minutes later, we found ourselves in Brooklyn, Ohio.  The park, which can only be described as vintage, features eleven amusement rides for children, a concession stand, miniature golf course, and arcade.  With only three rides accommodating people over fifty inches, Jeff and I spent our morning following our miniature thrill seekers as they moved about the park as though it were a pinball machine.  Twenty-five tickets later, we left the park a little sticky, mostly happy (all good things must come to an end), and with our wee ones planning their return trip.

A few highlights of the trip included...

A family spin on the carousel

The slowest train ride I've ever experienced.  At one point, the little man contemplated jumping off to enjoy another ride.

Miniature Ferris Wheel

The "Little Dipper" roller coaster, which proved to be the little lady's favorite ride (no surprise there).  While the little man was brought to tears as the coaster came to its final halt, the little lady returned twice more to enjoy the rocky ride with her daddy.

"Going to New York City" on the race tracks.

Soaring through the air on the flying comets.

Delirious and dizzy on the jeeps.

And, no trip to the amusement park would be complete without a little concession junk food. 

Blue raspberry slushies proved to be the perfect cooling agent for our sweaty ticket holders.

 

Bucket List - Memphis Kiddie Park

Nothing creepy about this "welcome wagon."

making progress

100% self-taught. 

Yesterday, after observing a little girl jump off the diving board on her own and swimming to a floatie, our little lady attempted the same with just a little encouragement from mom and dad.  We now find ourselves hanging out at the deep end of the pool, which is pretty humorous with two toddlers.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - swagger

yikes.

After showing off his new moves at the pool, the little man was officially banned (by the lifeguard) from jumping off the edge of the pool for the remainder of the morning.  Asking him to "jump with his feet first" (repeatedly) does not seem to register with this kid. 

Simultaneously alarming and entertaining at the same time.  Eat your heart out, Michael Phelps.

budding ballerina

for the grandparents...

breakfast for dinner

recipes courtesy of Mimi

Our sweet ones have a new appreciation for the egg.  Serve them fried, scrambled, with or without cheese and the little lady and man will feast upon them.  The little lady affectionately refers to the gooey egg yolk of a fried egg as "egg juice."  Personally, this description turns my stomach, but whatever floats her breakfast boat. 

 After tasting this quick, easy and tasty omelet during our vacation in WI, I knew I would add it to my list of go-to recipes.  And in an effort to shake things up this week, I served it as dinner along side "Grandma's Morning Muffins" and fruit salad.

Zippy Cheese Omelet

Ingredients:

1/2 cup salsa

4 oz. Monterrey Jack cheese, grated

4 oz. Sharp Cheddar, grated

6 eggs

8 oz. sour cream (regular, or lite)

*any cheese combination would work.

Spray the edges of a 10-inch pie plate or quiche dish with non-stick spray.  Pour the salsa into the dish and spread over the bottom.  Sprinkle with the cheeses.  Blend the eggs in a blender; add the sour cream and blend until smooth (or beat with a whisk).  Pour over the cheeses.  Bake at 350  degrees for 35-40 minutes or until set.

Grandma's Morning Muffins

(from Port Washington Inn Bed and Breakfast)

Mix together:

3 eggs

3/4 cup oil

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Stir in:

1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons sugar

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Fold in:

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup coconut

2 cups shredded carrots

1 large apple, shredded

1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Bake in greased muffin tins or with liners at 375 for 20 minutes. Yields approximately 18 muffins.  (Freezes well.)



She's fancy

This week our little lady participated in a Fancy Nancy dance camp celebrating both dance and the art of being fancy, not that our sweet gal needs any help in the "fancy" department.  Weeks ago, she thoughtfully arranged her outfits for the four day camp out on her bedroom floor, and when Monday arrived she new exactly what she wanted to wear.  With a twinkle in her eye, she selected look one of four, packed her purse full of dance camp necessities (tap shoes, pink water bottle, hot pink sunglasses, and aqua necklace), hung her purse on our front door and attempted to wait ever so patiently for nine o'clock to roll around.  A lesson in patience for an eager beaver who wakes before seven.  It was an extraordinary week (to use one of Nancy's favorite fancy words) full of girlie crafts, tap, ballet, girl talk, giggles, dress-up clothes and ending in one magnificent tea party and recital, where parents and siblings were treated to tutu shakin' dance routines.

Day 1: Look 1

Day 2: Look 2

Favorite fancy costume

Day 3: Look 3

Day 4: Look 4

Showtime! a glimpse of our gal in action.

New kicks

While shopping at Nordstrom this past Friday, we could not help but notice the amazing deals that surrounded us, so we decided to treat ourselves to new athletic shoes.  Personally, I cannot recall the last time I purchased new athletic shoes for myself, which is either a sign of my frugality or less than thriving fitness prowess.  The little lady and man each selected a fab new pair of running shoes, and then requested to wear them home.  They left the store beaming, balloons in hand, and just the right amount of swagger.

Inspired by her new fuchsia Nike's, the little lady spent the remainder of the evening plotting and planning for a morning run with her daddy.  You could feel her excitement as she tucked her new shoes safely under her bed, and reminded her father for the twentieth time of their big plans. "Remember not to leave without me in the morning, Dad!"

Early Saturday morning the little lady and man were up and at 'em picking out their running attire.  Jeff was barely able to put in his contacts before they were out the door. True to her nature, our gal instructed her brother that he would not be joining them for a run, but would have to wait his turn.  And so, the little lady and man were each treated to a morning jog with their daddy.  They were each gone for less than ten minutes, but returned in need of "icy cold Gatorade" to quench their thirst.

True to my nature, I stayed behind snapping photos and enjoying my morning cup of coffee.  My new adorable Asics would have to wait until a more reasonable hour to hit the pavement.

Swing and a miss

Some days life throws you a slight curveball.  The kids and I experienced such a curve "golf ball" this Saturday when the little lady haphazardly walked right into the little man's golf swing as he attempted to connect a kitchen utensil to a deflated Nordstrom balloon.  As I embraced our little gal removing her hands from her face, I quickly discovered her injury was more than a mere head bonk as blood poured from her forehead and our little Bubba Watson looked on in sympathy and guilt.  I put in a call to Dr. Dad, who happened to be running a Saturday clinic at his new office.  We had been wanting to visit his new office, and with our sudden turn of events it seemed like there was no time like the present.

With a timid little lady fretting over the idea of getting stitches, we entered his office, and were greeted by his new staff.  Mind you, I was rocking a great Saturday morning look with up swept hair and no make-up.  Hopefully my pregnant glow was in full effect and I looked radiant as I glided waddled through the office with one clinging child straddling my ever-expanding belly, and blue-eyed Bubba toddling behind.

As I watched Jeff attend to our little lady in between his scheduled patients, I was overwhelmed by the scene playing out before me, loving father using his skill set to care for and calm our fearful daughter.  I had to fight back the urge to video tape the entire thing on my phone for prosperity.  When it was all said and done, her injury required a thorough washing (with pink soap), and an application of Dermabond (which happens to be purple).  Our quick pop-in to Daddy's clinic turned into an hour and half visit, as Jeff attended to all his patients (some proving to be louder than others).  We filled our down time viewing Toy Story 3 on the ipad, spontaneously trimming finger and toe nails, playing with clinic light switches, and keeping our little gal off the ledge as she awaited her fate as an inpatient.  And, because we arrived so late in the morning, we lingered long enough for Jeff to finish his shift, and rewarded our brave patient with a Taco Bell lunch.  She has a gift for eating two beef tacos in such a way that you'd think she is enjoying a bone-in ribeye steak dinner.

It was a morning for the memory books, or should I say blog.

The swinging culprit.

Woody and Buzz to the rescue.

the Kitchn's Lighter Stuffed Pasta Shells

Jumbo pasta shells filled with cheese and smothered in sauce has always been one of my favs.  This recipe offers both a lighter and healthier filling that is equally delicious and satisfying.

recipe from www.thekitchn.com

Ingredients:

12-ounce box jumbo pasta shells

2 cups (16 ounces) cottage cheese, whole or 2%

1 onion, diced small

10 ounces mushrooms, diced small

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon oregano

pinch nutmeg (Optional. I left out, my kids are not fans.)

10 ounces baby spinach

3/4 cup (about 6 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

32-ounce can crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or favorite jarred tomato sauce (I used a combination of crushed San Marzano tomatoes and leftover homemade pizza sauce.)

1/4 cup (about 2 ounces) finely shredded Parmesan cheese

*The filling recipe is fairly flexible, you can easily increase or decrease the quantity of veggies you incorporate into it.

** I also added 2 ounces of leftover goat cheese to the filling mixture.  Perhaps making it slightly "less light," but oh so very tasty!

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.

Boil a large pot of water, add a Tablespoon of salt, and cook pasta shells until barely al dente.  You want them a little under-cooked for this dish because they will absorb more liquid in the oven.  Set shells aside to cool. 

Set a strainer over a bowl.  Pour cottage cheese into the strainer and allow to drain for at least 15 minutes.  Stir occasionally.

Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the onions and a healthy pinch of salt, and cook until translucent and beginning to brown, 5-7 minutes.  Add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid and turned golden, 5-7 minutes.  Stir in the garlic, oregano, nutmeg, and another good pinch of salt.  Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.

Turn heat down to medium.  Add as much of the spinach as will fit the pan and cover with a lid.  After a minute or two, uncover and stir spinach.  As it wilts and creates more space, add the remaining spinach to the pan.  Continue stirring and steaming until all the spinach is wilted.  Uncover the pan and stir the spinach for a few minutes to the let the residual liquid evaporate.  Remove from heat.

Combine the drained cottage cheese, cooked vegetables, and the mozzarella in a large bowl.  Add more salt and pepper if desired.

Pour half of the tomatoes into the bottom of a 9x13 casserole or other baking dish.  Scoop a healthy spoonful of the filling into each shell and arrange them side-by-side in the baking dish.  Pour the remaining sauce over the top. Top with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan if desired.  Cover tightly with foil.

Bake for 30 minutes covered and 10-15 minutes uncovered.  The tomato sauce should be bubbling around the edges and look thickened.  Top with extra Parm.  Allow casserole to sit 10 minutes before serving.



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - 4 year old check-up

Diagnosis: 100% healthy.  100% dramatic.

Diagnosis: Copycat syndrome

Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Love exchanging recipes with girlfriends.  This one has become a summer favorite.  Delicious, family friendly, and allows you to consume mass quantities of tortilla chips (if that's your thing).

(recipe from Iowa Girl Eats)

Ingredients:

1 cup green chili enchilada sauce

1 cup sour cream (can use reduced fat, or regular)

3/4 cup jarred salsa verde

12 corn or flour tortillas, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces

2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 -15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

For Quick Pico de Gallo:

2 cups grape or cherry tomato halves

2 green onions, thinly sliced

2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

juice of one lime

salt and pepper to taste

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine enchilada sauce, sour cream and salsa verde in a large bowl.  Whisk to combine.  Add tortillas, chicken and black beans, then mix to combine.  Spray 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick spray, then pour in the mixture.  Top with cheese, then back for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.  Let rest for five minutes before serving.

For the Pico de Gallo:  Combine tomatoes, green onions, cilantro and the juice of half the lime into a bowl.  Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.  Taste, and add the juice from the second half if desired. 



Thorton Park swimming

The little lady has made it her personal goal this summer to learn how to swim.  It is our personal goal that she learns to swim to the pool's edge after jumping off the diving board, her new favorite activity. (Thankfully, her daddy is a strong swimmer and does not mind treading water in order to catch her repeatedly.) To her credit, she is well on her way after observing older children in action, and can now swim under water.  She is also dabbling in both the backstroke and front crawl.  This past Friday, she had her first official swim lesson at Thorton Park.  After careful observation of the other participants and lifeguards, she dove head first into the lesson, embracing all the beginner's tadpole class had to offer - bobbing, wall kicks, and noodle-assisted swimming.  After completing the lesson, she confidently climbed out of the "big pool" and with beaming smile asked, "Aren't you so proud of me, Mom?!" Why yes, little lady, I am and am secretly a tad envious of your golden tan (and cherry swimsuit).

Taking instruction from a hip lifeguard who resembles a younger version of your father is not a bad way to spend the morning.

The little man graciously looked on as big sister took to the water, but continues to make his own strides this summer.  Specifically in the last few weeks he has gone from conservative perimeter play and crawling on his hands in the water to full-fledged leaping, crawling underwater, tolerating goggles, and enjoying belly flops.  In other words, he is now a water maniac and cannot be trusted.  It is great fun, however to watch our two little fish at play.

Bucket List - Hudson Farmer's Market

Baby, you're a firework

Being that it has been blazing hot this week, our Independence Day festivities were limited to activities that would allow us to sweat as little as possible, and yet still maintain a reasonable level of family fun.  With the little lady and man having been born with the "I'm-the-life-of-the-party" gene, we typically end up having a swell time wherever we are.  This year we enjoyed an evening of family-centered activities at the Mayfield Country Club on July 3rd where our All-American kiddos were treated to their first taste of cotton candy (which didn't last long), face painting, glow sticks, and just the right amount of fireworks.

Clearly in a festive mood, the little lady gets the party started.

Once the fireworks started, the little man found a safe and secure place on the lawn to "watch" them.  His eyes remained shut tightly until the rain started and we plotted our early departure.  Only on our wet walk to the van, did he begin to enjoy the explosive booms.

The little lady on the other hand expressively admired each loud bang of brilliance with hearty, "Oohs,"  "Ahhs," and "Did you see thats?"

July 4th we enjoyed a bit of park play, swimming, and ended our night with perfectly grilled steaks.  With our sweet ones tucked into bed, Jeff and I waited for the madness to ensue on our busy city street as patrons viewed the Shaker Heights firework display.  Thankfully this year, the little lady and man slept through it. 

What a privilege it is to live in this country, and daily live out the many freedoms we have been granted.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - real deal

North Woods 2012

The second leg of vacation took us three hours north of Milwaukee to Elcho, WI for a week of fun in the sun on Enterprise Lake.  We feel very blessed to have "Camp David" as a place the Larson family can gather and spend quality and uninterrupted (barring the occasional loon call) time together.  A week in the north woods leaves us sun-kissed, relaxed, and in need of a diet as Mimi treats us to a variety of good eats from morning til night.  This year's trip was extra special with addition of one new family member, George Mallof, and the anticipation of another, Pablo girl. 

This year was especially fun with the children being one year older and more independent.  We often skipped afternoon naps in favor of extended afternoons in the sun, and were rewarded with a few extra minutes of shut-eye in the morning.  It is rare that the little lady and man sleep in until 8, but we were happy to oblige and enjoyed our lazy mornings.  Highlights of the week included evening "cocktail cruises" with Dad as captain (who is never one to shy away from entertaining a crowd), lighting an assortment of fireworks after dark, roasting mallows morning, noon and night, Pablo's big gender reveal, and sharing meals as a family.

Showing new cousin, George, the lay of the land.

Taking advantage of having a cool brother-in-law with a speed boat.

Exploring the lake.

Teaching herself to swim.

Enjoying a paddle boat ride on the "Queen Sherry III."

Gorgeous sunset cruises.

Our dapper Captain.

Me and the Doc

Our little guppy.

In need of rest.

G.I. Joe

Pablo's cake party, and gender reveal.

"It's a GIRL!"

Jeff's annual pancake breakfast.

Keeping summer traditions, charting the children's growth.

Larson/Mallofs 2012