Kinda Like a Homecoming...

except that is where I have been all this time...

HOME!

This Homecoming though is referring to our blog.

6 months has passed since my last attempt to post anything...too long.

I will attempt to update a few important events and start this up again.

We'll talk soon!

Love,
Jen

Miss Spell.

I am on a hunt for a frezer, I mean a freezer.

I was thinking of buying a frigerater,  fridgerator, I mean a refrigerator.

Please excuse all of my spelling mistakes, you see I have been searching on Craigslist for such an appliance. If you don't know what craigslist is, ask me later.

Those of you who do know and haven't used it, use your money wisely and give it a try.

Those of you who are searching and aren't successful in finding what you are looking for, here is a critical tip for you:

MISSPELL 

Yes, don't type refrigerator for weeks like I did.  It will seriously limit the availability.

Do try

fridge

frige

refridge

refrige

frig

frige

Then move onto...

refrigerater

refridgerator

refridgerator

frigerator

fridgerator

and so on.

What you will find in doing such a search:

*You will NEVER spell refrigerator correctly again.

*You will find endless variations of misspelling and become proud of yourself when you think of frezer instead of freezer (trust me).

*You will eventually find what you are looking for, and for a great price.

Oh, and I haven't found a freezer yet, so if you know of one...

Pleze lit mi no.

Sidewalk Sale.

Saturdays are for doughnuts 

and yard sales

and making memories.

Tuesday PART TWO.

Tuesday, June 9 

PART TWO: 12:15pm

While at the park, Molly invites us to play at her house for the afternoon.  We agree that Max will ride with her as I will need to make a stop at home for Sam's much needed blanket.

We then decide I should definitely stop by Target and pick up two large fountain diet cokes for us girls...50 cents each (what a bargain).  One dollar and 9 cents later, Sam and I were all filled up and on our way out the double doors. 

I don't mean to boast, but if there is one thing I can master, it is pushing a baby in a cart while holding a beverage. 

My self confidence was tested however as I decided to nestle the second soda inside the cart (in the corner, for support) while maneuvering my way to the car.  What I completely neglected was the pad of metal speed bumps...the cup was quickly emptied all over the asphalt!

I went inside for a refill, fearing I looked gluttonous.  What kind of person buys two sodas...and then immediately comes back for a refill...at Target?  Pride aside, I had a friend counting on me.

It didn't take long and I was on my way home for the blanket. Remember?  Okay. 

As I walk into the house I smell smoke.  I see smoke.  I am choking on smoke.

I frantically run through the house to find...NOTHING! 

Puzzled, I go to the kitchen one more time and open the oven.  I find this:

Our busy little Sam, who loves buttons, must have pushed the "Clean" button before we left for the park. Oh, my little helper! The biggest disappointment:  my secret cupcake hiding spot has been revealed.

Luckily, there wasn't a fire.  Luckily, it is still 80 degrees and I can air out the house.  I just look forward to the day I stop smelling like a camp fire.  

Purple Passion.

It's summertime and my blender is buzzing.

Smoothies are one way for my family to get in the proper amount of servings of fruits and vegetables. 

Yep, I said vegetables!  Here is our favorite...

2 cups packed, freshly rinsed spinach leaves 

2 cups frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.)

1-2 cups cold water

1 banana

Blend spinach, berries and 1  cup of water until smooth.  Add more water if needed. Finally, add a banana and blend again.  

This will make 2 large smoothies.

Thursday night is "Salads and Smoothies" Night at Molly's and I can't wait to see what my talented lady friends whip up!

I'll be bringing this!  

A Case of Mistaken Identity.

Tuesday, June 9th

PART ONE: 11:45 am

It was a lovely day. 80 degrees. Blue skies. Slight breeze. A perfect day at the park.

I was holding Sam on my hip while I pushed my friend Molly's little girl (who Sam and I equally adore) on the swings.

Suddenly (and I mean SUDDENLY), I was approached by a late teenaged girl who was mistaking me for her "Aunt Maria".

When I say approached, I really mean she ran to me and embraced me. Her embrace then became a bear hug as she mumbled "Aunt Maria, Aunt Maria, I love you."

Her caretaker rushed over just quickly and apologized several times while trying to pry, yes PRY her hands from my body. All while the girl began pecking my neck with kisses.

The caretaker immediately instructed me to tell her that I was not in fact Aunt Maria and so I did...several times. I told her I was Jennifer and not Maria and she then told me how much she loved me, all while continuing to hold me. It was at this point I became concerned because I still had Sam on my hip and so I called out to Molly to come help me...but she must have not heard me or was in shock because she continued to sit!

side note: I truly believe that Molly would have come running if she realized the death grip that this girl had on me. I still believe her when she said she was in shock...we are still friends...and I will continue to adore her kids and put my life in danger for her if needs be.

So it wasn't long before the caretaker untangled the girls arms from my torso and I told her as she pleaded to stay with me that I would see her later. She insisted on knowing when and I said later in the day. Luckily, that was good enough for her and she went onto to her picnic under the arbor.

I then returned to my friends and out of politeness, we inconspicuously began laughing. Hysterically. Molly then praised me for my calmness and Chris who all the while nursing her baby, called me an angel. As for the rest of my day, I have been repeatedly humming the tune "How do you solve a problem like Maria" from the Sound of Music...go figure!


Stay tuned for PART TWO of my day...oh, yes there's more!

Graduation Celebration.

My little brother just graduated from High School and it makes me think how quickly time goes by...and how quickly I am becoming old! 

Trevor is an amazing person and although I should be the role model, he is often the bigger and better example.  He is compassionate and helpful and pretty good looking...I took pictures to prove it!  See what I mean?!!?

 

Congratulations, T!  

Now go and do great things, I'll be cheering for you!

xoxo

 Sis

From The Secret Vault.

So much has been going on around here in the last 2 MONTHS!

Seriously, two months...sheesh!

So, after digging through all of my unfinished blog entries I found this one.

Mothers Day weekend was shared with my favorite mothers.  My mom and I drove up to see Grandma and picked up Auntie on the way to join in on the fun!  A weekend of just us girls, it was perfect. 

We filled our weekend with shopping, eating and talking!

We went to Petaluma, enjoying a bit of antique shopping.  Among our findings was a potty training seat that was identical to the one Grandma used with her kids!  Having boys, I especially loved the creative duck "shield"!

In Sonoma, we found this bread tray made from a wine barrel...very rustic and resourceful. I love it!  I want it, but am thinking of making one myself.  Or bribing one of my uncles to make one for me!!  It would mean that much more to me having it handmade.  wink. wink.

Topping it all off was the wonderful food we ate!  Of all of the places, I enjoyed Buchon Bakery the most.  I gained 5 pounds just looking at all of the delicious pastries and let me just confirm it was so worth it!

Grandma had a muffin with a crumble topping that tempted me.
But not as much as this little cutie!  Yes, that is cream cheese on this danish.  Flaky and perfectly sweetened.  Perfect.  I must find out how to make these seeing as my visits to Yountville are not nearly as often as I'd like and now need.

We then took a stroll by The Bardessono and enjoyed Lucy's Garden, sweetly named after my Great Grandma.  

I felt inspired.

It was a lovely getaway and I could have never done it without my wonderful husband who only flinched a little bit when presented with the idea.  I only had one request before I left...

Me:  Please be nice to the boys while I am gone.  Have fun!

Leon:  We will.

Me: On second thought...don't be too nice.  I want them to miss me and love me more when I come home.

Not only did I come home to happy boys, but boys with freshly trimmed hair and clean clothes! 

They presented me with this display of freshly cut flowers and handmade cards, as well as local strawberries and dinner.  

I am really grateful to have encouraging women in my life.  They help me and inspire me to be my best.  Who couldn't use a little bit of that now and again?!!? 

On The Menu Tonight.

Dinner
Spaghetti and Meatballs

Dessert
Cupcakes


The table was set.

Skepticism was in the air.

Trust quickly grew.

Happiness resulted.

April Fools!
Spaghetti and Meatballs Cupcakes
Cupcakes with Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

The best part was the confusion Leon had all afternoon...
"So what is this really?"
"Are you putting meatballs on the cupcakes?"
"You're not really gonna frost the meatloaf are you?"
"So cupcakes aren't really cupcakes?"

All too much for his busy mind to conceive!

Weekend Wedding.

Saturday we took a speedy drive to San Luis Obispo for a lovely wedding.

This is my cousin Leah and her husband Brad.

Her dress is perfect.
Her shoes which I foolishly forgot to photograph were fabulous!
They are a lovely couple.
We love Leah and know we will love Brad too!


This is the cake and cupcakes mom and I made.
It is vegan.
And thanks to a vegan request,
I have found a very delicious chocolate cake recipe.
Boxed cake mixes, never again.

We had a wonderful time reaquainting ourselves
with extended family and meeting many new faces!

We are so lucky to have been apart of such a beautiful day.

Adoration.

Here is where I confess my undying love.

For him.

And this guy.

And most importantly for this man who chose me.

It's nice being the girl with three boys in love with her!

xoxo

Play At Your Own Risk.

Nothing can challenge the self esteem of your homemaking skills like your 9 year old and his friend deciding to play a game of hide and seek inside your home.

Instead of crushing their creative spirits, I took a deep breath and gave them the green light.

With one exception of course...my room is completely off limits!

With the sun shiny and spring almost here, it is definitely time to spruce up this place. So, I have officially declared we will commence with some cleaning after this play date!

After all, there is nothing more uninviting than sunshine fighting its way through dingy and dusty windows.

I have also decided that we will celebrate with a no holds barred game of hide and seek with Max and friends. After all I do feel the need to redeem myself after today!

1989...we meet again.

When I was in 6th grade I had a major crush.

This is a little embarrassing.  No, very embarrassing.  But here goes...

It was very unlikely that the boy I had this infatuation with even knew of my existence. 

And everyone knew it.  

There was no chance with him.  

Even my parents knew it.  

It must have been painful for my mom to break it to me because she didn't.

In fact she did just the opposite.

She encouraged it.  

She stood in line with me and my friends to purchase tickets to see him.

I knew fate (or the magic of Ticketmaster) would finally bring us together.

But the raging hormones of a love struck preteen are quite unpredictable. 

They can sometimes create havoc within a home and lead to some serious consequences.

And so I was grounded and devastated.

The tickets were sold and life went on...without him.

20 years later and I have a chance to see him.  

I am truly tempted.

Relive 1989.  

Tease my bangs and wear scrunchy socks.  

Maybe some frosted pink lipstick?

What do you think?  

Who wants to go?

Seriously, I have NEVER been to a concert in my life! 

It would be so fun!  

A second chance to relive a moment of my adolescence?  

And you can too!  Now who's going with me?!!?

Oh, and if you choose to be a party pooper, I might just come and decorate your yard...

WITH TOILET PAPER!!!

Welcome back 1989!

Love Notes.

It started with a fun heart shaped card holder...
Perfect for love notes.


So with heart felt sentiments for each other, we wrote.


Max, you are as tough like a tiger and sweet like a bowl of peppermint ice cream.
I love your shiny blue eyes and when you hold my hand!
I love you! Mom


Sam, you are my lovey. I love your kisses in the morning and when you cuddle!
I love you and love being your mom!


Leon, you make me laugh and smile with your silliness.
I love being your wife and I love your muscles (I feel safe).
My love for you is red hot!!!
Love, Jen

and my personal favorite...

Dad, I love you deep down in my heart because you are generous.
Love, Max

I have not received permission to publish the rest, but lets just say they are filled with love.

Groundhog Blues.

I am not ready for another 6 weeks of winter.

I am ready for 

spring 

and 

blossoms

 and 

cute skirts

 and 

afternoons at the park 

and

sandals 

and 

snapping sunny photos

and 

ice cream

bring on the ice cream.

I don't even get the whole groundhog thing.  If he sees his shadow doesn't it mean it's sunny and warm and ready for spring?  I think it's a little backwards if you ask me.

 

*By the way, I love this picture as illusional as it is...

 I have always dreamed of having long legs!

Actually I had long legs once.

Oh, I never told you?

I  just traded them in for a better personality in the pre-existence!

 

Not My Ordinary Routine.

Does anyone else freak out when your car has to go to the repair shop? I'm not talking $$$ shock (which is usually #1 on my list). But more like what if I need to go to Target for disinfectant wipes or I get a call from the school nurse? That kind of freak out. Being without my car kinda throws me for a loop.

This morning I knew the plan...

Drop of Max at school.

Go to Target for disinfectant wipes (see what I mean?).

Drop car off with mechanic.

Walk home. (Now don't think I'm amazing of anything...I live two miles away, it's doable!)

Clean bathrooms.

Wait for mechanic to drop off car to me.

Take on the rest of the day.



But really, what goes as planned?

Reality...

Drop off Max at school.

Drive to Target for disinfectant wipes...and napkins and carmex.

And a Diet Coke. Sam's fussiness requires a caffeinated boost for mom. Please don't judge me.

Drive to mechanic. He says it will only take about 45 minutes. He'll call me when it's ready.

I say, "Cool, there are several antique shops around the corner."

We walk and window shop.

I realize 45 minutes later, I forgot my phone in the car.

I walk back to the mechanic shop.

He says, "Blah, blah, blah, another needed part will be delivered in 2 hours."

I decide to walk home.

I walk a mile and see the trolly.

I unload Sam and carry him, my Target bag with disinfectant wipes, blanket, diet coke and collapsed stroller onto trolly.

I become eye candy to an older man with a cigarette tucked behind his ear.

I realize I left my house key with the mechanic.

Shoot.

I get off the trolly and walk back a mile or so to retrieve keys.

I walk back to the trolly and load 'em up again.

After a lovely 15 minute scenic ride through downtown, we make a stop and get off.

A gentleman offers to carry the stroller off the trolly and I ooze appreciation.

Two blocks later, I am home at last.

Sam grateful for a cozy bed.

Me gulping down the last of my 20 ounces.

Now onto the rest of the day, including putting those disinfectant wipes to work!

See ya!

12 Years Later.

It has been said that you never really know who you marry.  12 years ago, Leon and I were sealed in the Oakland temple.  Here is what I didn't know at the time about who I married...

I never knew Leon would love my cooking so much.  Even when I cooked pesto with 2 heads of garlic, instead of 2 cloves.  We now call that recipe, Newlywed Pesto.

I never knew Leon would be crying with me as we struggled with infertility.

I never knew Leon would be willing to drive a beat up '94 Jetta in order to use the "truck" savings for InVitro.  

I never knew Leon would be so involved in decorating our home.  It is kind of nice to have someone else's input...well sometimes.

I never knew that part of decorating our house would be leaving numerous tools in our front room.  At one point a rototiller...saw...drills.  

I never knew Leon would give me great advice on how to be tactful.  He always has the right way to say things to others.

I never knew Leon would be so supportive of my public service.  I always thought it would have been the other way around.

I NEVER knew Leon would be the one to leave his socks and paperwork all over the place.  I hope to find this endearing...and soon!

I have always known he would be devoted to me and our children, and he truly is.  That alone outweighs everything else.  

ISO...me

I took a little break from blogging.  

For a few reasons.  

I have been on a little personal quest of reevaluating some stuff 

and trying to figure some stuff out.

Vague enough for you? 

Yeah, I know.  Me too.

I will say this...I have a secret wish sometimes...

That I could just "Google" my name and find all of life's answers.  

But it wouldn't be much of a life then would it?  Looking back I appreciate crossroads where I needed to rely on heartfelt prayer and inspiration to make hefty choices. 

I have grown from those experiences.

So, as I continue to develop I am hopeful that happiness will accompany me through this trek.

Phew!  

Then, I can get back to blogging about less of this and more of the hilarity in my life.  

Like...

Being flipped off by a grumpy 100 year old lady in front of my 9 year old.

Leon continuing to load 2x4's in his VW Jetta.

The mullet that Sam was sporting and my denial.

Someone cutting in front of me in line, on purpose.

Or...

My latest delicious dish.

My dream job.

Good finds.

So much more...

Reviving Andrea Zuckerman.

In 1990 I wanted to be like Kelly Taylor. 

You know, Beverly Hills 90201. 

She was blonde, sweet and popular.  

But after a 90's New Years party, it is obvious I make a better 

Andrea Zuckerman...