A Sisters Trip to Seattle

I don't know if I am blogging yet. Kind of having an blogging identity crisis. Or maybe it is more than blogging. I don't know. But I did just get back from an amazing trip to Seattle with my sisters and my parents. Dreamy weather, packed schedule, beautiful sites, good company and really incredible food. Sounds like I am exaggerating. But it is all true.

- a mini favorites party (we all brought 6 of one of our favorite things)
- paddle boarding on the Sound
- a walk around Lake Union and Green Lake
- tennis
- lots of shopping
- home cooking
- yum pizza from a Wood Fire Tuscan food truck
- Pike Place Market
- Kubota Gardens
- UW Volleyball game
- a visit to a few of our old stomping grounds
- a birthday party to beat all birthday parties

Thanks to Kenyon for letting me go and doing double the work for a bit. I bought the family white bread as a treat for while I was gone. They didn't even miss me they were so happy.

And thanks to Jane for being the photographer. Otherwise this post would not exist.

And thanks to the greatest parents. They are awesome hosts, tour guides, cook, and company.

The Twitter Bird

The standard Sunday dinner conversation: "What did you learn at church today?"

Gavin was telling us something about a story his teacher told. He said, "You know those birds that fly and give you messages?"

We really didn't know where he was going with this yet so we weren't guessing right.

Finally Teague says, "I know what he is talking about. That twitter bird. It brings messages right?"

Total sign of the times. Because the answer, we later found out, was "carrier pigeons." My kids didn't know what that was but they apparently know about the Twitter bird.

Too bad the kids don't follow me on Twitter. Maybe they would finally hear me.

Don't Be A Hater

I know that some of my family and some of you will roll your eyes at this. Too bad.

(image from Oprah.com)

I am an Oprah fan. I actually haven't watched much in the last couple of years - just an episode here and there. But I have watched my share over her 25 year season. And I think she has done so much good. Sure I disagree with her and she can be so obnoxious at times but I have learned a lot and loved lots about her show. When I have had time, she has been a good 4 o'clock friend. I have learned lots of interesting things, loved her favorite things, used a gratitude journal, been motivated to serve, used a netty pot, been totally inspired by stories of survival, tried to spend wisely (or at least thought about it), wished that Nate Berkus could save my house, cried and laughed. So I am kind of sad to see it come to an end.

I watched her surprise tribute farewell show. It was pretty cool. Yes she is a little cheesy but when you hear the list of accomplishments - dang it is awesome. They spotlighted the scholarship fund she set up for Morehouse College and all of the good that has done - 415 scholarships.

And THEN...Kristin Chenoweth (aka Glenda from Wicked) came out and sang one of my all time favorite songs - For Good. You have to watch it. Oh my gosh. She is awesome. The song is awesome. Try not to cry.

I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you...

I have been changed for good...

I am so grateful for the good people in life that have changed me for good. Even a little bit of Oprah.

Get Your Vintage Poster TODAY!

I have talked about this little company and my super talented niece-in-law before (see here). Well she is doing something awesome and super generous. Check it out. And order yours TODAY (duh - you should order her stuff anyway but today you ONLY pay shipping)! You will love it.

U2!

What a show! I kept thinking all day that I should sell my tickets. So glad that I didn't. It was really incredible. I can't even figure out how to describe the stage. It is gigantic and incredible.

The U2 band and crew have clearly figured out how to put on an unforgettable show.

Rhubarb Hand Pies

Even if you think you don't like rhubarb or you have never had it. Make these today. Or pick another filling.

I had never had or made a hand pie until today. And I am in love.

And I have lots of rhubarb. You are all welcome to it.

I found the recipe here

My picture is first. The other picture - from the recipe blog So Good and Tasty is so much better. I really need to take some photography classes. And her crust looks a little flakier than mine.

See if I knew how to take good pictures of food I would show you what I made for dinner tonight. I absolutely loved it. I said it was my most favorite spaghetti and meatballs ever but the kids did not completely agree (but they ate it all because they knew there were hand pies).

Spaghetti Sauce (adapted from Our Best Bites) - Fire roasted tomatoes, swiss chard, zucchini and spices.
Turkey Italian Meatballs (adapted from Our Best Bites)
Homemade French Bread
Grilled Corn on the Cob

Downside to dinner -it took me the whole stinking afternoon to cook it. And I didn't get to sit and read my book like I wanted.

All the yummy veggies from our Bountiful Baskets this week. We got SO MUCH swiss chard. So we will be having swiss chard smoothies instead of kale this week.

My favorite thing

at the moment.... I might say that it is the Margo cookie from Ruby Snap. Thanks Jul. I am seriously hooked.

But since I am trying to make some serious attempts at healthier eating (like very limited treats, fish, and kale smoothies), I don't get to enjoy the Margo as often as I would really like.


Nap time has always been one of my favorite things. And Quinn is one of my favorite people.

But lately, my MOST favorite thing is - Quinn with her microphone singing her little heart out. She kills us with the things she says and the cute songs she sings. She even takes her microphone to bed with her, which is a bad thing when she doesn't feel tired but so cute when she finally gives in.