[KIND]red

I have developed a God-given passion for Africa. Meaning that it did not exist even a little while ago, so God must have put it there. I have to say some people are naturally charity and giving oriented people. I am not one of those kind. I am normally interested in charity work that involves myself or my family. So, I think God in his infinite wisdom wanted to change that about me, and He put it in my heart to care about Africa. Specifically, the mission that is affiliated with our [Southside] church, Brackenhurst Ministries. Every time I went to my favorite tea house, Tea Fusions (thus teahousejunkie is no accident) there they were. These little orphans begging for my extra dollars. Not literally of course. The management at Tea Fusions works closely with Brackenhurst in supporting their orphanage and even travelling there firsthand. As I am guzzling my favorite rooibos* chai with cream and sugar, I start to realize what a great cause this is. Then I pick up an issue of Fayette Woman, and there Brackenhurst is again. One of my childhood friends, Kim Pace, is the director of the mission program in Limuru, Kenya. Imagine that. (I couldn't, but I tried anyways. God did not put it in my heart to be a full-time missionary).


But what could I do? I am a leader of a married group at Southside. So far, our group is offering prayer for the missionaries in Kenya. And prayer is a lot. One specific prayer I have is that God would allow our group to organize a 5K run here in Peachtree City to benefit Brackenhurst. This is a perfect way to get the community involved and increase awareness of the ministry. At the same time we would be using the paths here and getting the runners (PTC is home to the most registered triathletes) involved. I even have the T-shirt already in mind! It would say:

[KIND]red on the front, and Brackenhurst/Southside on the back.

Even the former me would have bought one.

I am praying this idea is realized!!

*With 30 times more antioxidants than green tea, this herb from South Africa is high in vitamins and minerals and helps to boost the immune system. One cup of Rooibos tea is equivalent to 8 cups of orange juice in vitamin C. Soothing to the central nervous system, this tea is also great for digestion. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine free and can be iced or hot.

How to Get Your Husband to Ask You Out

10. Use your husband as a guinea pig for all your new cooking adventures. Try out every meal from "Deceptively Delicious" in the name of feeding your family nutritious vegetables.
9. Reveal to your husband what he has actually eaten all week.
8. Go to grocery store nine times in order to get all the new and trendy ingredients you need for your cooking adventures. The restaurant bill will pale by comparison.
7. In your restaurant search, look for one that he can later recommend or trash talk (even better) the next morning at the water cooler.
6. Practice eating with the correct silverware so your husband isn't totally embarrassed to be seen with you. Unless of course you went to MBA school where they actually teach this to you.
5. Promise not to ask for a doggie bag for most of your remaining food, or better, the extra cornbread just sitting neglected on your table.
4. Check the restaurant menu ahead of time, and email him the choices. Make sure there is at least one chicken dish. If not chicken fingers, at least chicken not served on the bone.
3. Do not let the gift certificate given by your in-laws and earmarked "dinner out" turn into diapers.
2. Walk around the house in your best "mom"* outfit. Maybe even put on some lip gloss. If he wonders why, be mysterious about it. He may think if he doesn't take you out, someone else will.
1. Make the reservation somewhere that requires 24 hour advance cancellation with your credit card. And accidentally forget to cancel them. Works every time.

In case you're wondering we went to the Farmhouse at Serenbe in Palmetto, GA. I had the scallops and Dan had the chicken (you only have two options from which to choose. Yes, I did call in advance to make sure chicken was one of them).

*My fall-back "mom" outfit consists of my target white sweater dress (which is the most complimented of anything I own), black leggings, and red shoes. I am lately obsessed with red shoes and even bought some for Karina.

...and BABY NO. 2?!

No, I am not pregnant!! (Sorry, Dan). Do I want to be? Hmmm, that is such a deceptively simple question. The better question is "When is the perfect time to have baby no. 2?" Since that has been mulled over and analyzed by women since Eve herself, I won't do that here. (Although a friend of mine and I recently agreed three years apart was the perfect time frame - assuming success in the potty training department of course. Otherwise what kind of mother would you be?) My chief complaint is that I would like to feel more ready. Which is a complete cop-out and I know it. Part of the problem is I know what kind of upheaval surrounds the first 1-3, okay 4-6, months as well. Let's see, Karina started sleeping through the night at 4 months. If my memory serves me correctly (or if it existed at all back then) she was pretty much, dare I say it, colicky*. And a general - but very lovable- pain in the rear. (If you ever read this Karina, I want extra handmade artifacts for months 0-4!) So, back to the question itself. Which can only be answered with another question -- "If you don't sleep during the night, and you obviously don't sleep during the day, where does that leave you?" Since I was just at the OB/GYN, I suppose I could have posed my question then. It was obvious to me that Dr. Cook had joined forces with my husband in twisting my arm on behalf of unborn baby No. 2. (Baby No. 2, if you ever should read this, rest assured you are wanted and loved, as much as Baby No. 1. Even as I write this, I have picked out names** for you already. So please don't ever guilt me like I guilted my parents. Thank you in advance.) I had no idea that I was in for a subtle, yet probing inquest into my baby-making persuasions. To give him credit, I don't think he was trying to keep himself in the business. I'm sure he has comforted more than his share of women who are unable to conceive, lest they wait - dare I say it - past 30. So if Dr. Cook and Dan are eager to do their jobs, how could I possibly disappoint them?? I know in my heart I won't (I was always a sucker for peer pressure) but here are the reasons I offer up anyways.

1. Dan leaves before 7:00 am and returns home approximately 7:00 pm. While I am happy to accommodate this schedule - as it allows me to be gainfully employed as a SAHM - it nevertheless stinks like one of Karina's rotavirus dirty diapers. (Sorry for the visual, and THANK YOU for working so hard Dan! I mean that).
2. I am currently studying for my personal trainer exam, to work at a gym or else a pilates studio. So I would like to have established myself in that line of work, and send Karina to daycare/preschool. Baby No. 2, you are obviously on your own!
3. My parents have bought a house in Florida and are moseying their way down, permanently. Just typing this sentence makes me break out in hives.
4. Although I can (and do) change dirty diapers all day, the thought of breast-feeding again is another thing all together. Enough said.
5. Adoption is a real and viable option. Since Dan does not share my opinion, I always tell him I am aiming to adopt a little French boy. Since Dan despises the French (what a typical chicken finger loving male thing) I figure we can compromise in the middle and just adopt a boy.

*No one, least of all pediatricians, likes to use the c-word anymore. Mostly because it sounds scary and hopeless. Nevertheless, it exists, and all you can do is love them through it. (I did however read somewhere that colicky babies usually turn out to be very smart. But that could be just a made-up thing to get parents psyched up).
**I like Savannah and Lila for girls' names since I am pretty convinced you are destined to be another girl. I have brainstormed for boys' names and it is much, much harder. I do like Christian, Jake, and Jaxon though.

Karina's Parents' First Birthday Party

Thanks to Minne for making a special appearance from Athens!!! (If you look closely, you can see the "chunnel" in the background.)

Since everyone knows first birthday parties are for babies, I just want to say thank you, on behalf of Karina, for sharing in her special day. In her case youth is not wasted on the young -- she enjoyed every single second. Chasing bubbles* one second, then crawling through the "chunnel"** the next, and generally fighting through her no-nap afternoon consumed all of her energy. Though she did get her second wind from her own personal cake (don't we all deserve our own?). After the peels of laughter erupted (my Italian family is loud) I actually had to cut her off from her french vanilla high. Apparently she looked tipsy, dancing around with the obligatory "I'm one!" hat cocked to the side and icing through her hair. Then she attempted to take her two year old boyfriend, Nikhil's Mickey Mouse shirt*** off. That is where I drew the line.

So yes, I did have the one year old party of my dreams. I have sort of the same feeling now as I did after my wedding. Literally, after all the kids left, we just sat and stared at one another, too tired to move. Too bad we can't relax with a honeymoon in Europe.

*Bubble machines are awesome. "I wish I could enjoy anything the way my kid enjoys bubbles."

**The second must have for a toddler party.

***I don't think she really wanted to see Nikhil strip. The theme of the party was Minnie. So when Karina sees anything Minnie/Mickey she simply must have it.

One year old bash

OK if you have read the below post this one should make slightly more sense. (No it still doesn't explain why I am orange). I will just come out and say it -- I ordered a cake for 55 people in honor of Karina's one year old party. That is such total nonsense that it makes it into this blog. I had no idea that many people would RSVP yes. Also when you send out one invite, you often get 3-4 responses. Just who exactly are these people you ask? Family who are crazy enough to fly in, friends from the northside who are crazy enough to drive in, friends with kids, friends without kids, mom's friends, neighbors, and church groupies. To show you that I have some self control, not one of Karina's playgroup members were invited, and no one from her gym day-care (who she sees 4-5x a week) were even considered. Dan told me the other day that he thinks we could have gone to Europe for the money we have already spent on this party. (I don't know how but paper plates, goodie bags, decorations, karina's dress, etc. do add up to a chunk of change. I do however, think he is kidding but with Dan you never can tell). Keep in mind that we moved to PTC in June and into this house in November. How we even know 55 people is perhaps the biggest mystery. No, scratch that. How we are going to pull this off is the biggest mystery.

Letter to Karina

01-01-08
Hi baby princess,
I just put you to bed so I have a few short minutes to write you a letter in the new year. I can't believe it has almost been a year since we welcomed you into this world. I will never, ever forget February 6, 2007 and the days and months leading up to it. I've written to you already the story of your delivery day, but I never told you what happened before...
When mommy was seven months pregnant with you, she got a very weird virus that made her very sick. She was scared that you might be sick too, but thank goodness you were perfect!!! Mommy's virus made her dizzy, like when you spin around very quickly in a chair and then try to walk! She felt really bad for about six months, so bad she couldn't walk very well or drive at all. Mommy's boss had to let her go because she had missed so much work. During that time you were born, and mommy was so scared she wouldn't be able to take care of you very well.
So mommy prayed to God and asked what she should do. God said, "Do not worry because I love Karina SO MUCH too. And I have big plans for her." So mommy felt better, and put all her faith in God that everything would be OK.
So even though mommy still was sick, she knew she could do everything that her baby needed her for. It was mommy and Karina against the world -- and we did it together!!!!
So now you know why your turning one year old is very special. It is a milestone for us to celebrate together as a family. It is not just about cake and decorations but love and faith and family.
Of course, we can't forget our hero, daddy. During the time mommy was sick, he changed your diapers, helped with the bottles, cooked, cleaned and many, many more things. He is a very hands-on daddy with you. He even moved us twice in one year so we could live in a nice house, and a nice city with lots of friends around.
So now you know, as much as I still want you to be my baby, I can't wait for your first birthday.
Love Always,
Mommy
xoxoxoxoxo

Winetasting Notes -- PTC Mom's Club

Who Knew:

-Wine always has less than 15% alcohol
-No wines are actually sweet, that is they have no residual sugar
-The color doesn't come from the grape skins
-Movies play a big role in wine trends
-10 years from now the below cab will hit its peak


My number one favorite:

MacMurray Ranch Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast 2006

Winemaking: Whole cluster pressed. Stainless steel tank fermented for 10-14 days. Aged in French oak barrels for two months and in the bottle for two months.

Tasting Notes:
Aromas: fig, white peach
Flavors: peach, spicy pear, citrus
Mouthfeel: crisp, clean, fresh

Suggested food pairings: sauteed scallops, soft-shell crabs, lobster, foie gras, linguini, and clams

http://www.macmurrayranch.com/

Favorite Red:

St. Francis Sonoma County Syrah 2003:

Winemaking: Aged 15 months in French and American oak, then bottle-aged for 6 months. Blended with Grenache and Sangiovese.
Tasting Notes:
Flavors: peppery, spicy, blueberry, jammy, black fruit
Suggested food pairings: slow-roasted meats and game, robust Italian pastas and tomato dishes, Blue cheese, parmesan, aged goat cheese, cheddar

Honorable Mentions:
Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Winemaking: 100% American oak (20% new)
Tasting Notes:
Aromas: black cherry, blackberry, underlying dark chocolate and spice
Flavors: cherry and berry, hint of spice and vanilla with lingering finish
Suggested food pairings: roasted and grilled meat, cheeses

http://www.geyserpeakwinery.com/

Kenwood Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2005

Winemaking: 25% estate grown. 10% whole-berry fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aged 11 months in 1-3 year old French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes:
Aromas: cherries, black raspberries, followed by rose petals and spice
Flavors: raspberry and plum with a lingering finish
Suggested food pairings: pork, chicken, lamb, salmon

http://www.kenwoodvineyards.com/

Kunde Merlot Sonoma County 2002:

Winemaking: 2002 harvest was characterized by two picking perids separated by a 10 day lull. Extra hang-time for the grapes allowed flavors to deepen. 97.5% Merlot and 2.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14 months of barrel aging in small French and American oak.

Tasting Notes:
Aromas: blackberries
Flavors: ripe black cherries, chocolate
Suggested food pairings: grilled hamburgers, fettucini alfredo

http://www.kunde.com/

Simi Sauvingnon Blanc Sonoma County 2006

Winemaking: 97% sauvingnon blanc, 3% Semillion for richness on the palate. Aged 10 months in new American oak/used French oak barrel mix

Tasting Notes
Aromas: fig, grapefruit, honeydew with light hints of mineral
Flavors: zesty lemon and lime, touches of melon and a clean mineral finish
Mouthfeel: acidy, zingy, crisp
www. simiwinery.com

Gloria Ferrer Chardonnay Carneros 2005

Winemaking: 100% estate fruit. Whole cluster pressed. 1005 barrel fermented. Aged 9 months in French barrels (34% new)

Tasting Notes:
Aromas: ripe mango, Meyer lemon, caramel
Flavors: pineapple, golden delicious apple, toast, prominent oak
Mouthfeel: rich with ample acidity

Suggested food pairings: lobster, grilled pork loin, roasted chicken, fried calamari
Awards: 91 points Wine Enthusiast
www.gloriaferrer.com