We Went to NYC and Came Back With a Horse?

Once upon a time, in the wintry land of the nation's capital, a fine youngish family, the Sjolseths, decided to venture along the seashore to the land of New York City. Lord Erik, the patriarch of the Sjolseths, had familial connections in Port Washington, a short train ride from the land of Manhattan, and desired to see his relations at least once more before moving his family South.

Lady Sheila, the mother in this family, suffered from a tiring illness like the consumption or Black Death but did not want to be a dead weight and so she rallied through the weekend to be a participant in the traveling festivities.

So it was on a cold and dark Friday evening, the Sjolseth family loaded up their Honda steed and drove the 270 miles to New York City arriving tired and weathered early Saturday morning complete with cold remedies, blankets, and the fine ingredients for crepes and fajitas.

Saturday morning beamed upon the young family as each one woke in his or her time. Squire Everett, the young son of the family, did not sleep well the previous evening and all had suffered for it. However, once awake the family was delighted to spend time with the Leonards, the esteemed family they were visiting. Lady Nadine, the lady of the house and cousin of Lord Erik, and Lord John with their sons Squires Zack and Luke welcomed the young Sjolseth family with amazing bagels and schmears, superior to all others they have eaten.

After a fine breakfast and untiring bouts of chase with the young boys, the young Sjolseth family ventured onto the train to visit the land of Manhattan. Squire Everett, delighted with his first ride on the train, bounced and rolled with the train.

The land of Manhattan never fails to impress Lady Sheila with its height, expanse, number of taxis available, and pace. Although a frequent visitor of NYC, Lady Sheila is always impressed as she walks and strolls along the numberless streets, eats at the varied eateries, and uses the hard to find bathroom (thank you Marriott).

The Sjolseths did take the wrong subway all the way to the land of Queens before arriving to their destination at 53rd and 3rd Avenue in the land of Manhattan. But, their flagged motivation was rallied after an excellent feast of Indian food complete with Peshwari Naan, a bread Lady Sheila has difficulty locating in her fair city.



After the delicious fare of Chicken Korma and Samosas, the family headed toward Ground Zero. Both Lord Erik and Lady Sheila had friends that were involved in the tragedy there, and they had not found the opportunity to visit that area since September 11th.



Sunday morning dawned, and the Sjolseths and Leonards dined on the finest crepes with Nutella ever to be made (slight exaggeration but they were good). Lord John built a fire in the Guardroom lasting all through the day and night, and the revelers migrated around this heat source through the day. After much lazying about, the ladies, lords and squires also prepared and partook of fajitas galore and were ready to sit back and watch the tournament of football between the New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers.


During the festivities there was moment for the cousins to discuss their family heritage and roots tracing all the way to the fjords. And, there was a light show heralded by Squire Zack highlighted with madcap aerial moves and color combinations.


During a lull in the activities, Squire Luke acted as minstrel with his Rocking Guitar, as he sung original lyrics full of valor and adventure, danced original moves daring the law of gravity, and bequeathed a show as never seen before in the land of Port Washington.


Watching the match with football aficionado and staunch fan Lord John was a highlight for Lady Sheila. As she is the eldest of four fair daughters, she never quite had the football expert to rely on to answer her questions. The riveting match between the lands of Green Bay and New York went into overtime, which caused much consternation and excitement in the Leonard's Guardroom. After the Packers met with defeat, all went to bed (except for Lady Sheila who coughed with anguish through the night--well, at least until the nighttime medication kicked in).

As the dawn of Monday broke across the land of Port Washington, Lord Erik and Squire Everett played with Squires Zack and Luke until it was time to part. Lady Nadine and Lord John equipped the Sjolseth family with fine tunics and infant barriers, which were accepted with much gratitude. The Sjolseth family enjoyed the Leonard family's company very much and look forward to the next visit full of much minstrelling and football tournamenting.

One final resting stop for the Sjolseth family was at The Cracker Barrel ("The Barrel" as Lord Erik calls it). After dining on Lady Sheila's style of comfort food, they perused the Country Store allowing time for all to use the privy. While strolling through the aisles, Squire Everett spied something that called to him, his true steed, a blonde rocking horse. In excitement he gestured wildly at it hoping Lady Sheila would heed his call.

Lady Sheila did. Immediately upon this rocking horse of adventure, Squire Everett began laughing and squealing with joy. After riding and enjoying the company of the horse, Lord Erik and Lady Sheila had to decide whether to bring the horse to their land or leave it in "The Barrel." As it was the first true preference that Squire Everett had shown, Lord Erik and Lady Sheila made the necessary trade of purse, and Squire Everett had his horse.

(Next, they'll have to get him a lightsaber, oops, lance.)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

A song I performed countless times when I was a youth was entitled "How Will They Know" . . . talking about who will guide and teach the children. Kind of an odd song for a 12+ year old girl to sing.


Anyway, I think about that song when I decide what to read to Everett and what to discuss with Everett. I wanted to share a book we really enjoy given the reason for the Monday holiday.



And our favorite page:

New York City?

We are packing up our bags, my cold, cold medicine, Evy's favorite blanket (and a back-up), some delicious recipies and going to New York City.

If you want to see some great news froma friend--

Baby Olivia

He Said MOM

He was eagerly awaiting the beginning of Man of La Mancha (?) and I needed to head to the bathroom.

Mom: Evy, I am going to go to the bathroom. If you need me I'll be in there.
Evy: Mom!

Ahh, the sweet memories. Rocking him to sleep, feeding him, his smile, and the fact that he first said mom in response to telling him I was going to the bathroom. sigh . . . what a life!

Wes and Willy Shirt

Fertility Quest: Conversations

I don't have any news on our process, but I wanted to address something that has been on my mind lately. The conversations that I have with others. When people find out about our difficulties when getting pregnant there are a number of responses that occur . . . embarrassment, confusion, pity, and awkwardness name a few.

Thanks to my husband, I've learned that most people are well-meaning. Most people want you to be happy and want to help find your way to happiness (usually by doing the things that have made them happy).

Infertility (I read once) is someone's private hell. I'd say that was pretty accurate. It is emotionally draining, can be expensive many different ways, and others around you seem to have NO problems at all getting pregnant because no one talks about it if they do. It is more acceptable to talk about the Ooops pregnancy, which often makes things harder for those experiencing infertility.

Infertility is not a dinner conversation, unless you are at our house or are one of our friends. I thought I would put some lists out there about communication. What to say or not say, how to tell a friend that struggles with infertility that you are pregnant, and anything else that comes to mind in this process.

BTW, infertility is not a gossip topic and should not be treated as such. Some experience primary infertility (getting and staying pregnant for the first child), some experience secondary infertility (becoming pregnant again). Infertility is a private matter between a couple. Not the couple and the rest of the family. Not the couple and you. If the couple feels like sharing that experience, then treat it as if they were sharing something private and important, because it is.

Things Not To Say to Those Who Are Experiencing Infertility

The God Card
"I'm sure it will happen when God wants it to."
"You should probably pray harder."
"God probably wants you to learn a lesson."
"Maybe He is punishing you."

The Friend Card
"I had a friend who couldn't get pregnant because she was stressed. You should relax a little."
"A friend of mine adopted and two months later she became pregnant."

Readiness Card
"It will happen when you are ready."
"I think that it is great that you guys waited X years to have kids. You are probably more mature now."

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Card
"You should enjoy not having kids. Kids make life harder."
"I wish I could sleep-in after a late night, but my 2 year old makes sure that I don't."
"All you need is a couple of glasses of wine."

The Interrogator Card
"Why don't you __________________?"
"Why don't you have kids yet?"
"Are you going to ever have kids?"

What CAN you say . . . when you know that a friend is struggling with infertility, in my experience, it is helpful to just put it out there that you want to be a support and that you want the couple to know that you are available. Don't expect them to take you up on the help, don't expect accolades for offering it up, don't expect them to share all the details of what they are going through, and be prepared to anty-up the support if they ask for it. And, don't plan their life for them.

I am having some difficulty in being more expressive about that last point, "plan their life for them." Here is an example: I have a hard time counting out the weeks and figuring out when my next baby "could arrive" . . . I've lived through too many unfulfilled "birth days" to feel comfortable doing that . . . and there is something that I dance around, HOPE. Hope is like a fleeting, flickering light that seems allusive but I know it is necessary. Why is hope hard? Because disappointment can be heartbreaking.

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association

Chills and Thrills

Sheila:
My Chill-Everett is sick. And the Prelude is dead.
My Thrill-I was able to visit a REAL live school with real LIVE children for work. I really enjoyed being back in a school around all those kids. I do miss teaching.

Everett:
I'm sick.

Erik:
My Chill-Everett is sick.
My Thrill-I feel like I am making some headway in finding a position in Austin or Dallas. I guess it is always "slow" until it is done and then it feels like it went super fast.

The Sjolseth's TV

When we get to sit back and relax, we choose from the following:

Psych--Because it is funny

Monk--Because Erik is Monkish

CSI (Sheila likes CSI:NY best out of all three.)--Because Sheila is going to be a Medical Examiner in her next life and she is trying to learn all she can now

Bones--Ditto, and because Erik likes to call out when he recognizes places in the show (the shows are based in DC)

The Office--Because it is funny and we have to find out if Michael ever gets his house with a picket fence and children laughing and playing . . .

Without a Trace--Because it is predictable but not as predictable as Law and Order (predictable means we solve it and get it right)

Cold Case--Because we like the "resolution" scenes at the very end

Extreme Home Makeover--Because it makes Erik cry

And, shows that are long past gone that we wished were still around:

Sheila's Pick: Knight Rider (They say it will be back . . . will it be the same if they don't get Hasselhoff?), Misfits of Science (It was on on Friday nights when I was in 5th grade and it didn't even last a whole season. sigh)

Erik's Pick: Different Strokes . . . that Arnold is so cute. "What you talkin'n about, Willis?"

A Bit Behind Note: We watch TV on the computer--it records the shows we select. I am sure this will continue to work until Everett has an interest in the TV and wants to have friends over to watch movies. Then we'll probably have to upgrade our family TV which is 11 years old. We figure we have at least 6 more years until then . . .

EEG: Untitled

Sometimes I wonder at untitled songs or albums. Is it untitled because the song writer was making a statement? Or did the editors just not fill that part in before it went to the printers? Well, I used to wonder. Even for the most talented writers, ah-hem, there are occasions where words are insufficient.

Everett's EEG was Friday at 12:30. They require that you arrive an hour ahead of time . . . to wait around in the office in case the baby goes to sleep on the way to the doctor because it is a sleep deprived EEG.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO KEEP HIM UP 3-4 HOURS THE NIGHT BEFORE, SKIP HIS MORNING NAP, AND THEN SOMEHOW ENTERTAIN HIM IN THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE FOR AN HOUR. (sorry for the yelling)

In fact we were both sleep deprived from Seizure Watch. I mean "butt stupid" tired . . . and I don't really even know what that means but am slightly aware that a classy person wouldn't say it. But, I am neither classy nor have had more than two hours of sleep in a row since Tuesday. Point Made.

One half-hour before the appointment, I had to give him prescription Benadryl. Have no idea how that is different than the over-the-counter stuff. I just follow the directions.

There wasn't a private place I could give him his medication. They told me to go out and give it to him in the waiting area . . . the waiting area for the building, not the doctor's office. I did, he threw-up, and boy did those chunks fly. And they flew all over the nice chocolate brown leather couch that we were sitting on . . . as people passed by each one oggling us. (I am sure I wasn't paranoid.)

Acid Reflux + Cold + Discomfort + Weird Medicine=THROW UP!!!
(My very scientific formula)

The readers of this blog aren't strangers to acid reflux and colds together causing throwing up for Everett. When it does happen in our family, I am usually at home and can change, throw him in the tub, and do a load of laundry--or think about doing one.

Panic mildly set in as I stripped down Everett trying to console him. I brought an extra outfit for him. Not for me. SIGH. How am I going to get both of us and the couch cleaned?----well, I won't exactly admit that he crawled around almost naked in the building's waiting area as I tried to clean up, and I won't exactly admit that I only left a chunk or two on the couch. I did my best.

I turned my shirt inside out and around so I wouldn't have to smell the throw up as strongly. I looked pretty cool and smelled mightily delicious. I was also able to clean the chunks out of my hair, but my hairdo just wasn't the same.

And, then the wait continued until our turn. We looked great(!), we smelled even better, he cried a lot (I wanted to join in), and strangely I felt like a silly woman with 2 large diaper bags sitting beside me in the waiting room. That room couldn't be big enough. Thank the heavens he did not have a huge running poop diaper right then and there, too.

After much praying, sending silent promises to heaven, giving that wretched medication, rocking him to sleep, pleading with him to sleep, silently threatening him to sleep, and thinking that I would just leave and not get this stupid thing done, Everett did fall asleep. The technician was able to put all the probes on his head. He slept without pulling them off and rolling over. We left relatively unscathed, smelling of sour milk, and acting drunk. Well, Everett was drunk from the drugs. mean drunk. (and he looked like he had rubbed honey all in his hair which was kind of cute)

Thankfully, we were able to pick Erik up in Crystal City (near the Pentagon), and Erik took Everett duty for a couple of hours.

EEG-DONE

Had to take a picture

We actually tried to get a good picture of Everett. I wasn't lying about being mean drunk.

If I had to describe the experience yesterday . . . horror doesn't begin to describe it. When taking an infant to a sleep deprived EEG, plan as if you are going on a flight and remember to bring an extra shirt for you.

Dance, Dance, Dance!

Evy is always busting a move. Here are a few clips of him in the car.

What Toothpaste?

I saw the following Thursday morning and thought,

"HHmm, I didn't know we had two toothpastes out."

We didn't. Do I have to tell you how I found out?

One more reason for Hazard Pay for Tall People.

Our Own Little Bob Ross

I remember as a child watching Bob Ross on PBS.

There was one episode where he scribbled all over a page and within five minutes he had turned that scribble into an amazing bunny. We are sure this is what Everett is working up to devising with his scribbles. . . . whether it is on the floor, on his little magnadoodles (we now even have one that just stays in the car), on his mom's chart at the doctor's office (the doctor said Everett was helping with the documentation)-or-

A Piece of Paper

His Face

Or His Mom's Face (No, you don't get to see a picture of that.)

If you are thinking that I must have time on my hands to (1) think of doing that and (2) do it, then, yes, we are on Seizure Watch and it is my turn to stay up all night. Lucky Me. It is 12:32 AM.

Evy Finally Shares Some Tricks

Everett's communication techniques are taking off, and he is building up his party tricks. I was able to get a couple of them on camera this afternoon. He is developing a cold; so, I was pretty surprised he played so well.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Cool Stuff . . . Fiction Books for the Younger Crowd and Me

When I was in fourth grade, Mom introduced me to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. From that introduction on, I was hooked on books, especially fiction books. Over time, especially since I spent so much time with fourth graders later on in my career, children and young adult literature became my fave.

A Brief List of Cool Reads and Authors I Have In My Home Library

David Weisner is a storytelling rock star. He is so good that he doesn't even need to use words. Not surprisingly, his newest book scored a Caldecott medal last year (last year being 2007, people).

The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix (what a cool name). And the nice part is this guy is still writing. Of course, each time I finish one of his books I get impatient that the next one isn't ready right then for me to read.

The Giver, by Lois Lowry, and Gathering Blue

The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm, by Nancy Farmer

Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson (and I did like the movie)

Kate and Sara Klise are sisters and are incredible, telling most of the story through mediums different than just straight narrative or dialogue.

Children's books by Eva Ibbotson

Books by Tamora Pierce

Karen Hesse who wrote Out of the Dust, I really like The Music of Dolphins

Pretty much anything by Daniel Pinkwater

Philip Pullman (yes, the "His Dark Materials" trilogy is great, I have no idea about the movie)

Homeless Bird, by Gloria Whelan (a fairly short book for the time crunched reader)

The newest fiction series that I have been totally hooked into is written by Stephanie Meyer. Now, there is always a part of me that automatically does what others aren't. So, I had heard that the Twilight Series was great from everyone that had read it. I finally gave in when one of my close friends had it in her home. I loved it, well, at least the first one. I read it once completely, then I read it again (just the dialogue) trying to really figure out how the author has hypnotized her readers into being so sucked into the story that some geek would read the book more than once. I have my ideas, but I wouldn't want to predispose you to my way of thinking. Find out for yourself.

Fertility Quest: Beginning of FET 2008

We have decided to share with you our experience in our upcoming Fertility Quest. I realize that some of the information may be uncomfortable for you because I am sharing a very personal part of our lives, but after much thought, debate, and discussion, we feel it is better for us--better for those who experience infertility--and better for those who don't understand what it is like to experience infertility, to share our experience.

We've gone through the "what ifs" of sharing this . . . what if we don't get pregnant, what if this offends someone, what if, what if. We strongly feel that none of the what ifs should prohibit these entries.

If you don't feel comfortable, then just skip reading the posts entitled "Fertility Quest." There will be about a dozen between now and June (I predict). I have decided to write it from the first person point of view. That detail may seem frivolous, but it is the harder one for me to take on as it is me speaking straight up . . . I know that this won't be easy for me, for us. So, here we go.

Some Background
Erik and I have been married for 11 years. After a very serious illness in 1999, I was left with one ovary and an extensive amount of scar tissue. I also experience symptoms similar to those who have polycystic ovarian syndrome. The cysts can be very painful. Thankfully, birth control pills can help alleviate that pain. After 8 years of trying to conceive, we were able to take a job that had fertility benefits. Everett was conceived through our first round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 2006. We are very lucky. Though the pregnancy was difficult, he was born on October 19th with minimal problems and we can't remember life without him in it.

Some Thoughts On Infertility--The Emotional Side
I hated baby showers. I hated Mother's Day. Whenever I heard that someone "got" pregnant, I would have a physical reaction. The feelings were never directed at those that were pregnant, but I was never big enough not to wonder "why not me?" I went through bouts of depression, anger, irritation, giving up on the process, feeling like it was because I wasn't worthy to be a mom or wouldn't be a good parent. In the culture of our religion the norm life for many of the women go like this: become 18, get married, have kids. I was openly criticized for gaining a graduate degree, for having a career, and for "putting money ahead of having children" (which wasn't true). Though I put all the verbs in the past tense, I do still have some residual, shall we say, negativity, about those who are judgemental and small minded about how other people live. I am still working through it, but it is still there.

Why a Fertility Quest?
In order to get pregnant, there would have to be extensive, expensive, emotionally draining things we would have to do. We had to DECIDE to get pregnant and have the strength to weather the days when I would have to give myself 4 shots, when Erik would have to give me shots in the bum, when I was so tummy swollen and bum sore--that I couldn't even run to catch the bus. All that because, we want to have a family.

Why Not Adoption?
Who said that going through fertility treatments means we won't adopt? We have been extremely prayerful in this process. There was a point in time where we were actively pursuing the adoption route, and we both started getting negative feelings whenever we were working on it. After more prayer, we were able to discern that in that point in time, fertility treatments were the route to take. That doesn't mean that in our life journey we won't adopt.

Where Are We Now?
Erik and I just completed the consult with our doctor, Dr. Widra. We will be going through a thawed embryo transfer. When we went through the IVF process in early 2006, we were lucky enough to have four decent embryos left to cryofreeze. (People, they grade the embryos like they grade diamonds. The science to help people get pregnant is incredible. I learned so much about the human body through all of this.)

We will be using two of the embryos (there is a 90% success rate in embryos successfully thawing) for our next "transfer" (when they transfer the embryos back to me).

When?
Over the next month, Erik and I will be going through lab work, "working" with the insurance company, calling doctors, faxing results, etc. Our Fertility Quest is hitting us hard core in February.

Chills and Thrills

Erik: One of my Chills is I thought that Everett screwed up my nose by hitting it. I was really nervous about it until my doctor took a look at it this morning and said it was looking really good. My Thrills . . . it was especially warm today, and I am almost done with my current project at work.

Sheila: My Chill for the week was being irritated by something someone said. I am now over it, but it had me steamed. My Thrills . . . today was awesome. You could step outside and it felt good to breathe the air. My other Thrill is that Erik and I went on a real live date that included a dinner and a movie last week. Good times!

Everett: My Chill for the week is working out the whole getting around thing. I am trying to walk with only holding one hand, but I get scared lots. My Thrill for the week is basically whenever I see Dada, especially at the end of the day when he comes home. Seeing him makes me really happy.

Note: Everett had his first sleepover this past Saturday. We were watching another little boy, named Everett, while his parents went out on a date. The Everetts are pretty familiar with each other and Our Everett was SO excited to see his friend at our house. The Friend Everett (is this confusing?) was sad when his parents left, and so we tried to distract him and had to resort to food. Friend Everett wasn't interested. So, Our Everett tried to help by taking the food from me and saying, "Mmmmm," very pointedly toward his friend as if to say,"You should try it. It is really good!"

The Evaluation, in Total

You would think I would have been completely ready for the evaluation therapists today, the day of Everett's evaluation to see if he qualifies for services.

Well, today was the day that I felt like the Soccer Mom who forgot to bring the snack for the kids at practice, and so I relied on 7 Eleven's variety of products for the fill in and decided on Oreos. And when I got to practice, the other Soccer Moms had definite opinions about the Oreos, and they weren't favorable.

I worked half a day. Coming out of the District felt like pushing clay through a straw. I finally made it to the car parked near a mall in Virginia, and I totally sat on I-66 for almost an hour. Thankfully, Michelle had Everett ready to go. We rushed home to meet the therapists and caseworker. The caseworker called while we were on our way home. They were waiting right outside the door. It was around 16 degrees today. Totally cold.

The therapy ladies were super nice. They interacted very well with Everett. While I am sitting on the floor with the therapists and answering questions, I kick myself because I didn't vacuum the floor. I am spying bug parts, chewed paper, bristles from the Christmas tree, a tail from a Goldfish cracker, and other assorted items all over the floor, every floor (I even spied a CAT whisker). [Insert total inward groan.]

However, other than that, the evaluation went well. Everett played with the ladies for almost two hours as they assessed his skills. His sharing skills were on super strong today. He was playing with a toy with me and two other ladies. Everett made sure to crawl over to the caseworker who was observing to make sure that she had a turn with a toy. He also made sure that all of us had a taste out of the cup and spoon that he was playing with . . . cooking, the therapist nicely called it. And, we all had a chance to play ball with Everett because he made sure we did.

Everett does qualify for services due to his gross motor development. He isn't terribly off the mark; so, we'll have a physical therapist come to the home once a month and work with us. We'll reevaluate in 6 months or sooner.

One of his strengths was in the social skill section. We've got an Erik II, people. Everett is totally interactive! BTW, I like Oreos.

Fabric Blast from the Past

The following video is of Everett at 8 months enjoying himself. The pics are here.

A Little Bit of Heaven

He found the back-up blanket in the wash (thankfully it was clean) . . . he had to have it . . . he slept peacefully with a blanket in each arm. Ah, our Linus! [Yes, he sleeps like this all the time, and, yes, this is the reason why his hair is always so bad when he wakes up.]

Cool Stuff . . . Food Focused

I love food. And I love to cook. I am best at baking and soups. Bit by bit I am attempting to master cuisines other than Texan. Being in DC allows me the chance to obtain all the ingredients quickly and afford-ably so that I can play with my food without hesitation.

When I across the Play with Your Food books by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers . . . I was hooked and enjoy using food, imagination, and toothpicks to replicate the humanlike faces in our inanimate veggies and fruits.

Here are a couple of websites I wander through:

Cupcakes--I really love them. More than the eating, I enjoy the design of them. A small working space creates just the right amount of challenge.

The first website I go to in order to search for the perfect recipe is epicurious.com. (I only use those recipes that have a four fork rating.) RecipeZaar is also a really great place.

For those dishes I come across and enjoy at those [gasp] chain restaurants, I check out Top Secret Recipes to see if it is listed for free (I am really cheap).

America's Test Kitchen is a TV show *and* a place online. There are some free recipes and videos. I like this particular show because they get to explaining the science behind the recipe which gives you information that you can generalize to other recipes.

Here is the host of America's Test Kitchen, Christopher Kimball, showing you the parts of the pig with their cool pig model. Why wasn't this part of my zoology class in college when we dissected pigs?

Here are a couple of the recipes that people most commonly ask to have:

Crepes

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup flour

2 TBSP melted butter

1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients in a blender. Let stand about 30 minutes. (I also add a bit of vanilla if I am going to be using the crepes to make sweet crepes.)

Source: Hughes' Family

Chicken Enchilada Soup

2 tablespoons butter, margarine, or oil

1 cup onions, diced

¾ cup celery, diced

½ cup bell peppers, diced

1 ½ tablespoon of garlic, minced

8 cups of chicken stock

3 cups of cooked chicken, diced

2 14 ½ ounce cans whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped

¼ fresh lime juice

¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced

1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced

½ teaspoon cumin, ground

salt and pepper

Garnish: fried tortilla strips and grated jack cheese

Heat butter, margarine, or vegetable oil in a large soup pot. Sauté onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic for 15 minutes over medium heat. Add stock and remaining ingredients. Simmer for 30 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fried tortilla strips and cheese.

Sheila’s Notes:

• I add a can of corn to the pot. Also, I cook the soup for a couple of hours.
• I find that you often need more cumin. Just taste the soup to see if you need more.
• If you season the chicken with salt and pepper when the chicken is cooked, you do not need to add it to the soup.

Apple Pear Compote (from RecipeZaar)

4 ounces dry white wine

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

1 Granny Smith apple peeled, pared, and chopped

1 Macintosh apple peeled, pared, and chopped

10 ounces of pear peeled, pared, and chopped

frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

In a large saucepan, combine wine, honey, vanilla, and spices. Cook over high heat until mixture boils. Add Granny Smith apple. Reduce heat and cook until liquid is reduced by half, about ten minutes. Add McIntosh apple and pear. Cook until fruit is tender and liquid is mostly evaporated and syrupy. Top with whipped topping and serve.

Sheila’s Notes:

• I use one pear instead of worrying about 10 ounces of pear.
• When I "chop" the fruit, I actually just slice it because I don't like it too mushy.
• I don't serve it with whipped topping. It is great to eat by itself or on pancakes or waffles.

Happy New Year!

Despite our age and infirmities, we were able to celebrate bringing in 2008 along with the rest of the East Coast. We went over to the Hughes', put Everett to bed, saw the Wii in action, and watched a terribly, poorly constructed comedy, which we all enjoyed. While feasting on Amy's delicious cookies and our leftover junk food, we were able to stay awake long enough to see the ball drop on Times Square for the 100th time and ponder the legacy of Dick Clark.

Evy ready to sleep while Mom and Dad try not to fall asleep.

Just after welcoming in 2008, Evy woke up and wanted to join the party. He got to go home and go back to sleep instead. Maybe next year.

National Portrait Gallery

Erik believes that the most neglected monument is the Jefferson Memorial. I would say that the most neglected museum is the National Portrait Gallery. You should go, really.

I never visit this section of the Smithsonian museums. Possibly because it isn't on the ever convenient Mall, structured like UT's Six Pack. (The Gallery is next to the DIVINE dining experience Zaytinya--and not too far from a great tapas place and a great Indian food restaurant--off the Chinatown Metro stop.)

"Surprisingly moving" would be how I describe the National Portrait Gallery. So many impressions. The best place for a history lesson, for a lesson on appreciation. I especially enjoyed the portrait of Ted Kennedy, an installation called "Framing Memory", the exhibit on Katharine Hepburn, and interestingly an exhibit called "The Presidency and the Cold War." I wonder if 50 years from now there will be one called, "The Presidency and the Iraqi War."

In fact, the entire building gave a chance to see what those individuals that in small and gigantic ways affected our lives. The portraits are in picture, painting, sculpture, and mixed medium. Many are simple; some are perplexing; some are amusing.

For information on this portrait, check out the Interactive Portrait.

In the gallery of portraits of our nation's president's there is a magnificently simple mirror, "The Future Presidents." I could see some of my former students viewing themselves in that mirror, and for the first time, imagining something they hadn't even thought about much less believed was possible.

I spent as much time as I could immersing myself in the "Let Resistance Be Your Motto" exhibit. (see a bit for yourself in the Gallery of Portraits)

A couple of highlights for me--Sarah Vaughn's portrait, as the image clearly shows her passion. W.E.B. DuBois' portrait reminded me of my early days of expanding the perspective that my tweeny existence had been to that point (like I am so aged and experienced now). Harry Belafonte. Harry Belafonte. Harry Belafonte. (no that wasn't a repetition typo)

This is where I wax poetic . . . to transition to New Year Resolutions---

In thinking about the title of the show, I have my own ideas and thoughts of things that need to be changed in society and in education. Some phases of my life have been spent in active work in those ideals and challenges. Recently, my own thoughts have been more on my family, and this portraiture exhibit provided a great chance to revisit some of my goals. I in no way have the capacity or perspective to understand the level of sacrifice, hope, work, and faith of those who were the focus. They show me what is possible.

Thanks to my church's personal progress training and many Youth leaders, I always have some goal that I am working on, usually very informally. I think that it is time to include some of my professional goals, my professional passions, into what I do personally, in my daily routine, with my family, as I am in a phase of being able to accomplish small things, one at a time. I am not sure how I will do that exactly. If I thought about it, I am probably already doing some small things, but it is time to be more strategic. I am off to figure that out.

Sheila WON!!

Yes, yes! For the second year in a row, Sheila has won the Ugliest UT Sweater. There isn't any kind of monetary award like a shopping trip to replace the ugly wardrobe. But there are BRAGGING rights.

Sheila, you may brag away!

National Christmas Tree

Ugliest UT Sweater Competition

UT GAME DAY!

Erik

Nickname in college: Mr. Smiley

Sheila

Nickname in college: Supermodel Sheila

Evy

Caption on Shirt:

"Hold on Longhorns! . . . I'm Coming!"

Place your vote in the polling station on the left.

The poll will be closed on December 30th at midnight (that's midnight DC time people).

On game day, we met up with some friends, Melanie and Trey--they ALSO attended UT. They are visiting DC with their new little baby, Max. What a cutie!

During the course of the evening:

Everett decided to start a taxi service.

Everett went for the 1970s "Old Elvis" look.

Everett decided he was ready for college football--he discovers the party trash and starts practicing that football stance.

The most amazing thing for us as parents was to watch how excited and impressed Everett was with the size of the trees, the buildings, and the lights of DC. Whenever we were outside, he was looking up and saying, "Whoah, woww!"

Don't forget to vote for who has the Ugliest UT Sweater!!

Evy On The Move

Moving On Up!

And UP!

This cat is responsible for much of the motivation to move around the house. When Everett isn't chasing mom and dad or being chased by mom and dad, Twiggy is the next subject.

Run, Evy, Run! If you go fast enough you really won't have to get dressed for bed or put on your diaper!

Talking Himself to Sleep

You won't see much, but if you listen closely, you'll hear Everett talking himself to sleep. Actually, he is standing in his crib delivering an oration to the masses of followers in his room on why Cheetos should be added to the Butterfinger food group (he's my boy!) or maybe it was an escape plan brainstorming session?

The Caseworker

Note: Everett is going to be evaluated by the Infant and Toddler program because his gross motor skills at his 12 month evaluation were extremely delayed.

Today the caseworker is coming at 9:00.

Sheila wakes with a headache. Erik takes Everett duty, and then transitionshim to Sheila at about 7:45 so he can take the car into the auto mechanic.

Sheila takes over watching Everett with a pain free head and realizes what time it is.

Oh my gosh, is it that time! The county caseworker is going to be here in about an hour. HHmmm. It will be the first time we meet her. Supposedly she is just coming over to have us sign some papers. But what if it is more? I should have asked more questions. What if she thinks WE are the cause of the delay? What if she thinks we are poor parents because the house isn't spotless? OH, NO! The basement is a wreck with all the stuff we used to set Erik up. We have Christmas boxes strewn about the house. The laundry piles are in disarray. What if she wants to see the place? What if she writes down every safety hazard that she finds? All of the floors need cleaning. I am sure there are tons of insect body parts in plain sight waiting to horrify the caseworker. O my gosh, what if she sees the BATHROOM? [GASP] What if she sees the tub?

Everett is cranky, ready for his nap. Sheila gives him a bottle, and puts him down for his nap.

Okay, start with the bedroom, make the bed, I'll take a shower when I am done. Check the office. I put away Everett's keyboard because the cord might be viewed as a choking hazard. Let's move these chairs here. Hhmm. That kind of looks better. Okay, the living room. Let's take these toys downstairs. I'll leave a variety here, but in the toy box, in case she wants to see what he plays with on this level in comparison to the others. (pause, okay, I know that my inner thought process is out of control when I think that she is going to notate what he plays with by what level of the house he is on.) So, I drag some toys downstairs. [GASP] I forgot how bad the basement looks.

Frenzied cleaning. I take empty boxes to the trash area on the patio. I drag all the pillows Erik used to the right places. I find the missing phone. I put away all the Christmas candy we were given because I don't want her to think that we feed Everett candy all the time. I ORGANIZE the piled laundry. stars . . . . (Thankfully the kitchen is clean with several loaves of banana bread lying across the counters)

Erik is back home. I ask him to do a couple of things. EVERETT IS UP! His nap only lasted 30 minutes! Erik investigates. Everett pooped during his nap again. Erik takes care of Everett and dresses him in a private school uniform (okay, it was really a white colored long sleeved onesie and khakis, but it looked like a uniform). Sheila goes straight for the bleach cleanser and oversprays the tub. She cleans the tub. She takes a lightning fast bath. Just as she is getting dressed putting together her game plan of how she will dry and style her hair while putting on make-up---the doorbell rings. The caseworker is here, and she is EARLY!
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Everett charmed the nice caseworker. He was able to show off his cat chasing skills. The caseworker gathered more information about Everett to add to what was in his file. She went through a binder of information for us. We signed a couple of documents. She gushed over Everett, and then left after about an hour never going more than 7 feet past the front door. . . . But, boy, were we ready if she had ventured further!