Princess Party!
We had a great time with the 10 little girls.
We made princess tiaras and wands, decorated pinata bags, had a pinata, played games, had pizza, decorated cookies, had cake and ice cream, etc. So fun!
4 months old!
Dear Samuel,
It's hard to believe it's only been 4 months since you've been in our family. You seem like you have always been with us. There are so many things I love about you--your sweet laugh, your hand in my hair holding on for dear life, your infectious grin, especially for your siblings, the sound of your breathing during the night, our great conversations, how good you smell, and most of all how happy you make me to be your mom! I love you! Love, Mommy
A chicken recipe for Chrissie
I am so lucky to have a sister like Chrissie. (Susie and Julie are great too!) She's so funny, caring, loving and a great mom. I hope Caroline will have a sister someday because I love my sisters so much.
Here is a recipe for you Chrissie! Sara had sent this recipe along and luckily I had things on hand and we had a great dinner. I served it actually with baked sweet potato fries (thank you Trader Joes for cutting and prepping them) and broc. We loved it. Mark thought it tasted like Alice Springs Chicken from Outback. As Erin would say, Super Yum.
"This is from my ward cookbook and it was very very good. It was quick to put together, only a half hour in the oven and delicious!! My visiting teacher told me she made it for the missionaries (doubled the recipe obviously) but that it was a hit and SO SIMPLE to do. Serve with rice, or any potato dish. Enjoy!--Sara"
Anniversary Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 c. teriyaki sauce
1/3 c. ranch dressing
2/3 c. cheddar cheese
2 chopped green onions (optional)
bacon bits or cooked bacon chopped up
2 tsp. parsley (garnish)
sautéed mushrooms (optional)
In a large skillet sauté chicken 4-5 minutes on each side, until light brown. Put in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Brush with teriyaki sauce and spoon on ranch dressing (or mix the 2 together and spread on). Top with bacon, mushrooms (if using) and green onions. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake at 30 minutes at 350.
I Love NY
Written by Mark
Living in New York is definitely tough. And it seems like I often hear about all the bad things about living in and near the Big Apple. But there are many quintessential moments when you say: “Wow! I Love NY! It’s just so darn cool.”
Here’s my top 11 moments (in rank order) when I say that. I’d love to hear your NY moments, too, that make you appreciate living in the center of the universe.
11. Driving the Merritt Parkway: I have a client outside of Hartford and I’ve driven up there a few times lately on the Merritt in CT. In an economy car (instead of a mini van), it’s a joy to drive and so green and full of trees. You don’t get that in the west.
10. YMCA at Yankees Stadium: At the end of the 5th inning, the grounds crew comes out to sweep the dirt. They do it to the Village People’s YMCA and dance along. Sounds more appropriate in Kansas than New York City but it’s just SO New York.
9. A Great Broadway Experience: Sadly, there are fewer GREAT Broadway shows – and less that are worth the $110 a ticket price. But I saw Wicked a couple of weeks ago, and this one qualifies. Lion King and Blue Man Group are two of my other favorites that are still playing. There’s no better entertainment in the world.
8. Commuting by Train: I could never go back to commuting by car. I LOVE having a built-in 30-minute interlude between home and work in the morning, and the same in the evening. My best naps occur on the train.
7. Our News is National News: No matter what it is, our local stories are always national stories. We get 2 inches of snow – it’s talked about on Regis. There’s a little bump in subway service, and it’s all over the Today Show. Our heat waves aren’t as bad as those in the south, but ours get more press!
6. The Hub-Bub of Grand Central at Evening Rush: I remember a college professor who used to work in NYC saying he got this “I’ve made the big time” every time he popped out of the Lincoln Tunnel (he lived in Jersey). I get that same feeling cutting through Grand Central at night.
5. Movie Capital of the World: Living in NYC means spotting and identifying lots of NYC references in movies. I’m always saying “I’ve been there” or trying to figure out where it was shot. Most recent favorite moment for the kids: In Madagascar, they reference Metro North trains to CT, which the kids think is hysterical.
4. Staten Island Ferry: No. 1 tourist thing to do, in my opinion, as it’s a free way that the locals use to see a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Second favorite free activity for tourists: walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
3. Flying up the Hudson River: If you’re lucky when you fly into LaGuardia airport, your flight path might take you right up the Hudson River. You need to be in an “F” window seat to really enjoy it as the flight goes right over the Statue of Liberty, then goes from Battery Park to beyond the Upper West Side before it does a U-Turn and lands. Best view of Manhattan ever!
2. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in Times Square: When the big balloons go by, it’s magical, and I can’t wait to grab my cell phone to call someone out west and brag.
1. Frank Sinatra Serenades the Yankees: When the Yankees win at home, Frank Sinantra’s “New York, New York” serenades the fans. (When they lose, it’s Lisa Minelli). The song starts within a half second of the final out or the Yankees crossing home plate if there’s a bottom of the ninth inning. Our last game, we stayed til the bitter end just for Josh to hear that. THE best moment associated with living in New York City.
Thoughts on a Rainy Afternoon
Has anyone seen Talladega Nights? I have not seen it, but somehow have been subtly influenced by the power of brand positioning...I have 2 loaves of Wonder Bread (it says it has as much fiber as wheat) and one package of Wonder hot dog buns in the house!
Best $10 spent of the summer: I purchased a Ravensburger puzzle for Matthew while in Utah this summer, it's called "Thomas Tells the Time." It's a jigsaw with 60 pieces. We do it multiple times every day. It is so well made. He can do most of it if I get him started on it. The other 2 kids do it with him. It's something I can do while I am holding the baby. It's an easy distraction--"oh, let's come inside (or turn off the TV, etc.) and we can do the tick tock puzzle." It can take as long as we want it to (20 minutes) or a short time too. It's helped Matt's speech. It helps us change gears and is a great bedtime activity. The pieces are large. I even moved the couch (which caused a great flurry of vacuuming and dusting of baseboards) looking for a lost piece the other day. We have a couple other Ravensburger puzzles and they are great. I love stuff that is well made.
The wiper
Things I have wiped today (and it isn't even 9 a.m.)
(note: inspired by a funny Christmas card letter from the Prof. and MA)
Spitup
2 bottoms
Counter with syrup
Milk off the floor
Tears (a few times, mine included)
Noses
Counter with toothpaste on it
Mirror with toothpaste on it
Bathroom floor (don't ask)
Parents get to be good at wiping!
Wiping tools are equally important: burp cloths, corner of baby blanket, dishtowels, paper towels, baby wipes, toddler wipes,disinfecting wipes, handi wipes, tissues. Costco here we come!
A conversation at the snack bar at the pool
Rebecca warned me: taking the 4 kids out and about would bring lots of commentary from strangers! (as opposed to just 3.) I think I did okay with this one though.
Older woman: "Are these all your kids?"
K (trying to be positive): "Yes, aren't they great?"
Older woman: "They are. You are very brave."
K: " Acutally I am very lucky."
Thank you Rebecca and all you other mothers and fathers in our circle for your great examples. I remember Kathryn C. telling us in RS once, "Whenever I am out in public, I am an advocate for motherhood."
I think I can conquer Trader Joes with the 4 today!
Bronx Zoo and other thoughts
We really love the Bronx Zoo. We really love going there. However, I was a little disturbed by the new(?) photographers they have as you come into the zoo. We were asked to pose as a group and have our photo taken upon entering. This was a little frustrating as we were just trying to get settled and decide as a group where to go first and the kids had unfolded their maps, etc. etc. Then we were given a slip to return to the Flying Squirrel to purchase our photos. They did the same thing on the Carousel. I was trying to take photos of the kids on their bugs, and so were they--I mean really! Is this an attempt by the Bronx Zoo to make more money or to provide more jobs? I can't imagine how many people would actually buy the photos. I applaud how many young people the Bronx Zoo hires. For example, there were 4 stroller attendants at Congo. (But only one at Tiger Mountain. It seemed a little unbalanced.) Also, this time, I would not lose sight of my stroller only because our umbrella stroller (which was pretty thrased) got stolen in front of the gift shop last time Mark took the kids there with his mom. I don't know if you have had anything stolen from you, but this really upset me. It could have also been the hormones from having just delivered a baby. Just beware of stroller snatchers and teens in turquoise polo shirts taking photos when you plan your next vist.
Also, we visited the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park recently. This is located close to Mark's office, and we'd heard about it for many years. Mark had not been there. We spent $22 on shakes and fries. Anyways, come to find out that Shake Shack had just been cited for health code violations, which we found out from one of Mark's co-workers after the fact and I read about it in that funny grid (forgot the name) in New York magazine while waiting at the Drs office, again after the fact. Despite the violation, it was crowded at the Shake Shack when we were there.
The cooking light website is great--I just typed in baby spinach and a slew of recipes came up. So happy with this find. And that's it for tonight.
2 items from Mark
Male Bash Monthly Magazine
Parents and Parenting magazines are misleading with their titles as it makes you believe the magazine is about parents (which is a genderless word, not necessarily feminine). Based on its editorial coverage, they should be called something like “Parenting Magazine (if you’re a woman)” or “Parents sans Dad”.
I read these magazines (and no, I’m not ashamed to say I read them). Every month, there seems to be some innuendo to why Dads are bad or husbands are lame. (“Which of the following things annoys you about your husband’s parenting skills?” “Tell us a silly story about how your husband that illustrates why men are inadequate as parents.” Or an article starts: “I had reached the end of my rope. The kids were screaming, my husband was watching the game on TV, and the dog had just had an accident on the floor…”)
I’m not trying to start a movement and I’m not ultra sensitive (well, I am, but not specifically on this issue). But next time you read these magazines, see if I’m true. There’s some anti-men-ite slipping into the editorial copy. And it’s wrong because it’s lowering the bar of male parenting, making males think it’s the norm to be a lame dad. We guys are capable of top-notch parenting.
Maybe I’ll start a magazine called “Dad.”
Root, Root, Root for the Root Beer
In today’s world, there’s really only one great Root Beer, and that’s A&W. Dad’s is a poor excuse, and Mug tries too hard. Barqs has caffeine…and if I was going to have caffeine, why not go for the good stuff (the reason I drink Root Beer is to avoid the caffeine).
Ramblin’ Root Beer was really good in its day. It was a Coca-Cola offering and was really foamy. Anyone else remember that from the 70s and 80s? (“Ramblin’ Root Beer’s Something More!” was the tag.)
The Puppy Has Jumped the Shark
Written by Mark
Two weeks ago today, Blues Clues officially ‘jumped the shark.’
(For those of you who don’t know that expression, it refers to when a TV show pushed the premise too far and is in decline. The phrase originated when Fonzie jumped a shark on his motorcycle).
“Blue’s Baby Brother”? Come on. That is one weak attempt to squeeze new storylines out of this great kid property.
To be fair, the show has been taking baby hops toward jumping a shark for some time. It started with ‘singing clues’. The biggest leap backward was Blues Room. Suddenly Blue is just another kid show and the original premise of deductive reasoning went right out Blue’s bedroom window.
On another note, for those who saw the special two weeks ago, does Joe seem really chunky these days? In the teaser right before the show, he looks like he’s gained some weight. Looks like he’s been finding edible clues and not getting out of his thinking chair for any exercise.
Blues Clues was groundbreaking preschool TV when it launched 10 years ago. Boycott the new and watch the old ones on the Noggin Channel. I’m a purist. Are you?
A really good sandwich
This is from Parents Magazine. Loved it!
Roasted Vegetable Ciabatta
You can substitute any grilled vegetable for the yellow squash.
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. In a bowl, toss together 2 sliced yellow squash and 2 tsp. olive oil. Spread on a foil-lined baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes until soft. Slice open 1 loaf of ciabatta bread (or a baguette). Spread the top and bottom halves with 1 pkg. (4 oz.) garlic-and-herb cream cheese. Layer 1 drained jar (7 oz.) roasted red peppers, 2 cups fresh baby-spinach leaves, and the cooked squash on bottom half.
Wrap entire sandwich in plastic wrap or foil. To serve, cut into crosswise slices at picnic. Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition per serving: 209 cal; 6g protein; 14g fat; 24g carb; 25mg calcium; 3g fiber.
Tips for a healthier lifestyle
I've made a couple changes this week that I think are a good start for a healthier lifestyle.
Instead of a treat of hershey's chocolate, substitute chocolate twizzlers. (Thanks Megan P. for introducing this during the our viewing of The Devil Wears Prada!)
Instead of just sitting on the couch while watching Grey's Anatomy, watch it while walking on the treadmill at the gym. (this scene is one of my favorites--when George helps Bailey birth her baby)
Instead of eating cookies while reading USA Today that Mark brings home from the office, eat Rold Gold honey wheat pretzels.
"Baby Steps" right?
Being on Trend
Still figuring out how to link...but this is an interesting article sent to Mark by his co-worker who says we are on trend.
Families Getting Larger | Child Magazine Expert: Sociologists Say New Stats
Significant
American families are bigger than they were a few years ago. According to
this month's Child magazine, a growing number of couples are having three or
more children, and it appears to be a trend.
The birth rate for families with a third child rose from 10.3 per one
thousand women in 1980 to 11.1 per one thousand in 2003. Rates for fourth
kids are also higher: 3.9 per one thousand in 1980 compared to 4.3 in 2003.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/14/earlyshow/living/parenting/main189
0566.shtml
Let's Go Yankees
We went to Yankees v. Angels game
Some highlights:
Randy Johnson (who we don't really like) had his 4500 strikeout at that game. Only the third pitcher to do that.
Derek Jeter (who we really like) hit a HR. #11 of the year.
Jorge Posada (who we really like) hit a HR and broke out of his slump.
Yankees won 7-2 and we loved hearing them play New York New York as we left the stadium.
Josh wore his Yankees shirt (thank you J & J Taylor for the inspiration). He chose Jeter for the back.
Samuel wore his Jeter bib.
I had many debates in my head about which players' shirt I would get if I did get one (they are very popular) but it would most likely be Matsui.
The launch
So, today is the day we are sending out our blog address to our friends and family today! Let us explain--we have neighbors and friends who have wonderful blogs that we love checking! We are excited to be on the blog bandwagon. Postings are written by Kathryn (the blogmaster) and if they're written by Mark we'll add "written by Mark" at the top. Mark has said at some point he may create his own blog--his entries are meant to be in the style of a mini-Christmas card--for those of you who we've send Mark's letter too--hopefully you will enjoy this, a little peak into our family life here in New York.
Blog on a plane
Written by Mark
Observations while flying on Delta back and forth between New York City and California on Aug. 8 and 10:
• On the flight out, the safety monologue stated that most of the seat cushions can be used as flotation devices. At what point will I learn if my seat cushion is one of those flotation ones? And why are some people issued non-floating seat cushions? Makes me think twice about being grouchy to a gate agent.
• I have come up with a great idea for Cold Stone Creamery. They should create a viral video showing people drinking their new shakes on a flight. Then, turbulence hits and the ice cream flies everywhere in food fight fashion. Title: “Shakes on a Plane”
• How safe does it make passengers feel to look over and see me sitting in the exit row? Those doors are upwards of 70 pounds (so says the safety materials which I studied more than once to be prepared in case I was called upon). In a crisis, do people want to rely on Brawny-Boy Mark to get that door open in a timely fashion? I think exit row passengers should have to lift a 70 pound barbell before getting on the plane to prove they can do it.
• Because I had a seat near the front door on the flight out, I had to place my carry on bag in the overhead bin. I can only think of a few other times in my life when I’ve done that. That’s shared space, you know, and as a courtesy to my fellow passengers, I generally opt not to use it. Basically it’s because it’s unassigned, and I feel like I’m imposing or taking space that doesn’t belong to me. Having my bag up there made me nervous.
• I am a window seat guy. But I also much prefer the “A” window seat over the “F” window seat. There is a difference (I can’t work in an F seat on my laptop…maybe it’s a left-handed thing).
• People think sitting near the front is better than the middle. Unless you are in first class, I disagree. The plane is wider in the middle, so there’s slightly less width to the row of seats near the front of the plane than the middle. (The same can be said for the back, too).
• A few weeks ago, I was flying out to Salt Lake City on Continental out of Newark to pick up the family. I have Elite status on Delta, which is honored by Continental. That allows me to go through a “special friends only” security line at Newark. But after I checked in, I went to the nearest security screening to find that the ‘special’ line is only at one of the three screening areas. Even though the line was short, I made a long trip down to the other side of the terminal to find and go through the Elite line. Crazy, especially when you consider that the ‘non-special’ line at that check point was shorter than the ‘special’ line. But it was a perk, and by golly, I’d experience it, even if it took more time!
• Does anyone really like Sprite? No. It’s what I call the Default Drink. You get it as a process of elimination while flying. “I don’t want caffeine, I don’t want juice…I guess I’ll take Sprite.” Maybe their ad slogan should be: “Sprite -- when there’s no better alternative”.
• Delta has the best ice among major US airlines.
A Favorite CD for the car
Of course my 2 oldest tend to argue about what music to listen to in the car. (To my detriment, I abandoned all hopes of listening to my music in the car several years ago.) Throw in another 7 year old boy into our car for carpooling to school, adding more fuel to the fire. They insist on no princess CD (a very cool soundtrack that was a party favor), no babyish music our toddler would like. But we found the perfect CD in the Curious George soundtrack. Very kid friendly, and all the kids like it too. And our two year old sings along to it. Good messages about sharing and recycling among other things. Any suggestions about car music for families out there?
Smiles
Sam has the best smiles. 3 months old is a wonderful age--full of coos and smiles. Erin got him to laugh today! Can't imagine life without him. We are all in love with our baby boy.
Breakfast dilema solved
Thank you to our cousin James who introduced the whole extended family to Mini Pancakes. They are a favorite. This is a product we can whole heartedly endorse. Everyone in our family loves them. They are a great, quick breakfast for my non cold cereal loving children. We were thrilled to introduce them to Dianne and her granddaughter Miranda this summer when we stayed at mom's house this summer. What quick breakfasts do you like?
Magazines
I love magazines. I like to treat myself to a current issue of People when I travel. I was thrilled when in college my grandpa gave me a subscription to Reader's Digest--it reminded me of home. My mom subscribes to probably 10 different magazines. There are some I really like: Real Simple is a favorite. Mark likes Newsweek and Games. I look forward to the Ensign each month. I like to read parenting magazines. Mark and I have had a debate about Parents vs. Parenting. We've decided Parenting is the favorite. Parents has too many "scary" articles. They panic a bit or send me into a panic. Parenting seems to have one page after another of good tips, articles, recipes, etc. without making you worry that your 2 year old is about to be diagnosed with something. What magazines do you like?
Orange
Orange is our family's signature color. Josh decided it was his favorite color before he was 3. He has had many orange shirts over the years. Matthew also looks good in orange, and his bright orange swimshirt and suit have made him much easier to spot at the pool. I dress them in orange when we are going to a park or other place as it's so much easier to spot them as they play. I've learned to love orange, too. This photo is when they were picking vegetable's at Aunt Joyce's farm.
Happy Anniversary Mark
Dear Mark,
Time for our blog! Eight years into this adventure!
Eight is a good number for us!
We got married in 1998, married in the 8th month of the year.
We've had 4 kids in 8 years.
So, I created this joint blog for us to publish for our friends and family to see how we are growing.
I love you! Kathryn
