Better Late Than Never

8 years ago (and 10 days) this little guy came into our lives.  It is hard to remember the time when Xavier was only 9lbs 6oz.  The time slips away so fast.

He was the serious one, always watching.  His smiles were few and far between.  He was especially concerned when his sister came around.

When those smiles did happen, they were enough to melt your heart.  Happy, smiling, chubby baby.  What could be better?

The blond curls do me in!  The End.

The bigger he got, the sillier he got.  It probably doesn't help that he runs from the heart and will do anything anyone asks, especially his big sister.

Again with the curls!  Gulp!  The smile!  I could eat him up!

Then he started getting more grown up.  He asked for a mohawk.  Then he wanted a red mohawk.  As a side note, I'm pretty sure the bird was in love.

And then he had wheels of his.  He was almost unstoppable.  He must have been saving the smiles when he was a baby.  There is hardly a day that goes by that this boy does not smile.

  Sometimes he can hardly contain himself.  Asking him to be a serious ninja is almost too much for him to bear.  Asking Xavier not to smile is like taking away the caffeine from a nursing student, it just doesn't work!

8 years later we have a silly, smiling boy.  He has all the potential in the world.  He loves science.  He can barely contain himself, especially if he knows the answer to your question.  He is growing by leaps and bounds.  One of his favorite gifts was a watch, and it seems to add 10 years to him.  I am proud of who he is and who he will become.  This is one amazing kid.

 Happy birthday, Xavier!  

Coupons

I never really liked coupons.  I found the work really tedious without much reward, until lately. Maybe I'm just getting cheaper in my "old age."  Technology has made getting coupons so much easier.  The ability to add coupons to a loyalty card is awesome.  A few clicks equals a few dollars in savings.  It really can't get much easier.  Not having to clip coupons is a huge plus in my book.

Last weekend, I took Xavier to get a new winter coat since it is actually getting cold now.  We hit up J.C. Penny since it was having a sale.  The original tag cost for it was $70.  We ended up getting the coat he loved for under $17.  It isn't a wimpy coat either.  It is nice and thick, has a good collar, and a hood.  That was a little thrilling, I can't lie!  Since we saved money on the coat, he was able to get a pair of shoes he really like that aren't basic tennis shoes.  Yes, even boys need to add a little pizazz to their wardrobe.  I even got an extra coupon for the next shopping visit to J.C. Penny.

The best part of finding coupons is being able to save on more organics, whole grains, and natural items at the grocery store.  The ability to feed my family the very best I can and saving money on top of it is a huge added benefit.

Life in Perspective

I have never been more thankful to have 3 healthy kids.  Today, I observed the fragility of a new life that was born at 24 weeks.  It's amazing that medicine is able to save this little life.  Before, it was certain death at this fragile age.  It is a harsh battle, but most of these little bodies are able to adapt and do okay in the world.  The parents and caregivers in this situation are amazing.  I am truly humbled by everything I saw today.

Success!

Yesterday was spent in bed, reeling with abdominal cramping that almost made wish I was having a baby.  At least I would have something to show for all the pain.  Luckily, things were a better today, and it was time to get back into the swing of things.


Sometimes the small things need to celebrated to keep all the wheels turning and life moving forward in a positive way.  So, here's mine, especially after yesterday.


My mom is an awesome bread maker.  That is not her only talent, but it is the one more requested.  I have never really given bread making a try.  I guess our family let's everyone's talent shine in their abilities.  Mom has bread, my aunt is an amazing dessert maker, my grandmother has mashed potatoes, and I have gingersnaps and sweet kids (I jest, I jest.  They are pretty amazing though.).  

Anyhow, tonight was the night I decided to give bread making a try.  I have to say it was a success.  I made garlic knots.  (If garlic isn't your thing, I'm pretty sure any other fresh herb would work.)  I was surprised at how much easier they were to make than it was in my mind.  There really is nothing better than the smell of rising bread... MMmm!  With the knots, I made risotto.  The snobby, expensive, need a tie at a restaurant kind of risotto.  This is also really easy, time consuming, but easy.  This risotto is one of Jay's favorite meals.  


The best thing about dinner is being able to sit down at the table, pray together, and talk.  The kids talk about their silliness.  We listen and laugh.  Nothing makes the day better.  If they would just chew with their mouths closed, all might be right in the world!  


Recipes
Sun-dried Tomatoe and Sausage Risotto

3 tbsp butter, unsalted

1 1/2 link 3 oz sausage, sweet italian

3/4 onion, yellow (~1/2 cup)

1 1/2 cups rice, arborio

1/3 cup tomatoes, sun-dried, in oil, sliced

1 1/2 tbsp wine, white dry

3 cups chicken broth, canned, low sodium (I used 4 cups of broth and 2 cups of water to used the entire container of broth)

3 cups water

12 spear asparagus, cut into 1" pieces (~1 1/2 cups)

1/4 cup cheese, Parmesan, low sodium, grated

Bring the chicken stock and water to a boil, then simmer.

In a separate pot, place the butter and melt over medium low heat.

Slice the sausage into 1/2" pieces and add to the butter.

Saute for approximately 3 minutes until browned slightly.

Add the onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.

Now add the rice and cook stirring constantly to toast the rice, approximately 2 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and add the white wine and stir until all the wine has been absorbed.

Add the broth 2 oz at a time adding more as the liquid is absorbed.

After 12 minutes, add the asparagus and continue to cook stirring constantly for about another 6 minutes.

Once the rice has been cooked to "al dente", add the Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.

Season with salt and pepper. 

If the broth has been used up before the rice is cooked, add hot water in it's place.

Garlic Knots
     10 garlic cloves, minced
     6 tbsp unsalted butter
     1 tsp, plus 3/4 cup warm water
     1 1/2 tsp rapid-rise yeast
     2 cups all purpose flour
     1 tsp salt


     Warm oven to 200 degrees.  Turn of when it is heated to this temp.
     Grease a large bowl.
     Cook garlic, 1 tbsp butter, and 1 tsp of waste over low heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic is straw    
     colored (8-10 minutes).  Let cool for 10 minutes off heat.
     Strain garlic butter through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl, reserving garlic solids.
     Whisk remaining water, 1 tbsp of garlic butter, garlic solids, and yeast into a cup until yeast dissolves.
     Mix flour and salt.
     Slowly add water mixture in a steady stream until dough comes together.
     Continue mixing until dough is smooth and comes away from the sides of the bowl.
     Turn dough out onto a clean work surface, knead briefly to form smooth, cohesive ball.
     Transfer dough into prepared bowl, cover in plastic wrap, and place in oven until dough doubled in size.
     Punch down dough on floured surface, roll dough into 12x6 inch rectangle, cut into 12 strips.
     Roll into ropes, tie each into a knot, and tuck in the ends into the middle.
     Place on baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, and return to oven to rise for another 20 minutes.
     Remove knots, heat oven to 500 degrees, remove plastic wrap, and bake for 5-6 minutes.
     Brush with remaining butter, cool on a wire rack.
     Best served when warm!