Our History of Valentines

So I thought I would share some valentines memories- I know it's a couple weeks late but I'm still in the spirit a little so I thought I'd share. As many of you know I used to be a florist and Valentines wasn't exactly a happy word in my vocabulary. A bunch of stupid men drudging in every year to buy the same stupid arrangement of a dozen red roses and then complaining about the price (yes I know they are expensive but here's a little hint: Don't buy on valentines! Furthermore, it's not my fault the growers jack up the prices). Then the love of my life came along and believed in two things that won me over... One, that men should never give flowers for valentines. Mainly because it's not their own idea but someone else telling them what they should do. Instead they should give flowers when THEY want to. Oh be still my little florist heart! Two, he also believed that valentines was just for men to give women presents. That might have been a little superficial on my part but I let him go with that for like 7 years until I didn't work at a floral shop anymore. I mean after working 16+ hours a day for a week straight I couldn't think of anything but a hot bath. 

Davi has always been quite thoughful in his gift giving. I'll share my three favorites: First was from our first year together; he bought me a foot massage set and then gave me a foot massage! The next was about 3 years later. We had our house up for sale and were gettting ready to move to NY. Davi had broken his neck snowboarding a few weeks earlier and wasn't able to work so money was really tight. He got out the old coin jar and rolled coins to get the money for my valentine then walked to the grocery store (he wasn't supposed to drive...neck brace you know) and bought some candy and craft supplies and made me a giant card! I was so touched I cried. The last is the best valentines ever and the most expensive. It was three years ago and I was feeling very lonely without my Miss Kitty or Jordan, who I loved dearly. They had both passed away the year before. So for Valentine's that year we went and got Truman!

So really how can you beat that!  He was supposed to be my little purse dog and his mom and dad were both 7lb, but our little Truman had to go and be a freak of nature by combining their weight for a whopping 13.1 lb! I was sad at first about his large stature, but seeing him play with Xadi now I think he is just the perfect size! He can hold his own when she mauls him, he can jump into the car on his own, and I think Ashby (the cat) would take him down if he were any smaller! All kids just love him and he loves them. I mean, if you saw a really cute puffy white dog running at you like you're his favorite person in the world you'd love him too right? So happy belated birthday Truman; my little Valentine's day furr-ball, and thanks to Davi for the thoughtful gifts over the years.

IT'S A...

BABY! But in case you wanted to know

Yup, those are boy parts. When we were having complications in Idaho we went to the Rexberg Hospital the Dr. up there thought it was probably a girl. So I've been from a feeling it was a boy, to an ultra sound that looked as if it was a girl (we saw the three lines too) and now back to a boy. So unless there is a girl hiding in there too we're sticking with boy! We are all really excited and just a little nervous. Xadi has been such a joy and so easy we just hope our luck can last! 

doldrums of winter

Is it just me or do the doldrums of winter just suck? The beautiful snow melts exposing future weeds and all the doggie messes you'll have to clean up in the spring. What's left of the snow is just dirty and ugly. The lovely inversion sets in so you don't even realize how little the sun might shine. No real excitement, just clean up: Christmas, house, car (you finally have to wash the salt off so you can use your mirrors), yourself (getting back in to shape), and whatever else got neglected over the holidays. If I'm ever super rich I think I'll take the month of January off to travel somewhere warm and cheerful. Then working out will just seem fun and part of the experience! As for now I will get away to the only place I can afford (now that gas is reasonable) Davi's parents cabin. Hopefully I'll have some fun exciting tales for you when I get back! Now I don't want you all to think I'm depressed if you loved January you'd be touting it's greatness but as of yet you haven't posted it (and yes I've been blog surfing to see what everyone else writes about in January).

Christmas

The evolution of Xadi opening presents.

"No, I don't want to open presents. I want play with cousins!"

Just look at that angry face

"Hey wait this might not be too bad."

"Ooo a purse and 'lips' (chapstick), not too bad indeed!"

"Grandpa, there is something on your head! Let me help you with that!"

"hmm what have we here, a train- just what I've been asking for."

"So I came down Christmas morning to find a big sock on the table. Mommy told me to look inside... Man did you get one of these there was some good stuff in there. "

Including a $3.50 doll that she loved just as much as the train table she'd been asking for.

"Baby, do you want to play train?"

"But the best Present is yet to come... Can you read my shirt? If not it says, 'Santa promised me a new baby Brother or Sister in June.' I want a girl baby "-Xadi

So That's Xadi's tale of Christmas! So there is my excuse for being a slacker of late I've been so tired and a little nauseous but other than that I've been good. So If you feel slighted by my absence in your life know it's really not you it's me! By the way we call the babe in the oven either Q (since it's identity is a ?) or Roo. 

Xadi's Birthday Party

I realize that this is almost a month late but I'll give my excuses later...Really I have a good one. 

My first attempt at a creative cake, if you can't tell it's a shoe.

Everyone helping Xadi open her presents!

Xadi the constant observer..."So you take paper off a box and there is something inside. Hmm interesting, how may I ask did you acquire this information?"

"So after that Mommy or Daddy need to put it together?"

"Well I really appreciate the end result!"

Delicious Dishes

I was asked to post some of my recipes from Xadi's party. These are my favorites I hope you enjoy them too! Keep in mind I don't measure so these are about what I use or the originals, and may need to be adjusted.

Salad:

Mixed greens 1 bag

1 apple diced

1 cup grapes halved

1/2 cup feta

candied pecans (recipe to follow)

Layer to look pretty or whatever you want to do.

Dressing:

Juice from 1 lemon

6 T oil

1/4 c sugar

pinch of Salt and pepper

Blend until emulsified. 

CANDIED PECANS (from Charity)

beat 2 egg whites, 1T water, 2t vanilla until stiff

add 1c white sugar, 1c brown sugar, 2 1/2t salt, 1 1/2 t cinnamon, 2lb pecans

Stir to coat, Spread on 2 cookie sheets bake at 200, for 1 hour stir every 10 min.

LEMON RICE SOUP

1 1/4 c yellow onion blended

9c water

1T chives

1T parsley

1-3 T poultry seasoning (taste for pepper- some have way too much)

1t sugar

3T nutritional yeast

1/3 c lemon juice

2/3 t mint extract

1 1/2 T sherry

2/3 c rinsed Basmatti rice

Simmer about 45 min season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tomato Soup- From Cari

3 cups canned peeled whole tomatoes

3 carrots, chopped

1 lg. onion, chopped

1 T. basil

1/4 cup olive oil

4 1/2 cups water

5 tsp. vegetable base or bouillon

(replace water and bouillon for canned broth)

3/4 qt. heavy cream

1 T. salt

1/2 T. pepper

In a large stock pot, saute the olive oil, carrots and onions at medium heat for 15 minutes.  Add the basil, salt pepper and tomatoes and bring to a simmer.  Add the broth or water and bouillon, bring to a boil and then simmer 45 minutes.  Puree the soup using a hand blender (or a blender in a few batches).  Add the heavy cream.

The bug is 2!!!

 I asked Xadi what she wanted to do for her birthday, She said Swimming so that's just what we did! It was so cute when we were driving into the parking lot she yelled out, "I'm so excited!!!!"

We took her friend Eliza with us and Xadi kept trying to convience her it was okay to get in. It didn't take long.

In the end we all had a wonderful time! 

After that we went to Daddy's dance concert at Weber State and

then we went to Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. Sorry no pics cause I forgot my camera. 

Then it was time for cake...sort of. Does a chocolate muffin count?

Don't worry she'll get a real cake on Sunday when we have our family over to celebrate. 

Feeding Daddy cake.

What I love about Xadi:

 She has an amazing sense of compassion. For instance, she is always checking on the welfare of others. If you cough she'll come over to pat your back and ask if your okay. She is always concerned with the animals and whether they need food, water, or treats. If they do, she'll let you know. I had my bookclub over about a month ago she served herself and Abby some food then proceeded to tell her, "it's okay- it's good!" 

She gives the best hugs in the world, with little baby pats on your back. If you haven't had one you're missing out! They'll just make your heart melt.

I find her incredibly intelligent for her age- sometimes too intelligent! 

She always has a smile on her face! It matches her whole disposition which is just infectious!

She loves to pose for pictures- Which is really good since I seem to take a lot!

She loves to talk on the phone- especially to Celeste and Nana. She has daily conversations with them usually telling them some story about a car, although we actually only talk to them once a week if we're lucky. 

Well I could go on and on about the things I love about Xadi, but I want to know what do you love the most about Her?