Trip of a lifetime...Part 1: Seattle!

February flew by, literally, with cleaning the house and packing, 9 planes, 4 destinations, cold and warm adventures, family, friends, and well, having a darn good time with my best friend!
From February 10th-26th my husband and I took a trip of a lifetime, or at least the kind of trip that we only expect to be able to do several times: i.e. two weeks with no kids. And as more children come along we assume it will only get harder to get future getaways like this.
So before I go any further I must again say a huge thank you to my parents, Ed's parents, and my wonderful sister and brother-in-law who all watched the boys while Ed and I took this absolutely wonderful trip!! We couldn't have had such a relaxing (well, at least mentally) and easy travel experience with two little toddlers!

So the first stop on our journey...Seattle! Home of the space needle, grey skies, and my dear sister Rachel and her husband Greg and my nephew Francis.
Ed took full advantage of his super tech phone as soon as we got there, scouting out all there is to do, so after spending our first day seeing a great basketball game where Francis scored the opening 2 pointer!, and eating a scrumptious Sicilian dinner downtown, Ed directed us to free sailing around the inner harbor, and glass blowing (which was not free, but definitely worth it!). One weekend was not nearly enough to indulge in all that Seattle has to offer, but it did help us break up our jetlag and it was awesome to spend some quality time with my family =: )

 Francis at the helm

 Here's Ed having a go:

Right from the cold we went to do something a bit warmer: Off to make some glass art!

Here's Ed making a glass paper weight:

 And Francis twisting and twirling the colors into his paperweight:

 And I decided to go for an ornament, which was a bit trickier because I had to blow the glass...

 That furnace was super hot and that little teeny piece of plexiglass wasn't helping too much. HOT stuff!

 About 10 repeats of blowing with all my might and we got it the right size ! It came out beautifully!

One thing I learned about my husband on this trip was how truly interested he is in SO many different hobbies and things. It's fun to see him get so excited about trying new things. He gets as giddy as a little kid! We've all sailed before, but not in Seattle! And none of us had ever blown glass or seen the process as we did that Sunday afternoon. So thanks Ed for opening up our world of experiences a bit more. We all enjoyed it!

And thanks Nyssens for spending a whole weekend with us and showing us around your lovely hometown. Miss you already!

Stay tuned for more adventures: Sea-kayaking, humpback whale watching, snorkeling, and a luau, among other things, are coming up next =: )

Winter games

I don't know about you, but this past January was pretty much hibernation month for us. I felt like I never went anywhere...resting up after the holidays, trying to implement new resolutions, SICKNESS, and tiredness, planning vacation, and watching movies took over our lives.

But that did not hamper the boys from having fun! Each cold day that we have to stay inside leads Ed and my uncreative self to try and figure something new for them to get excited about...whether it takes up 10 minutes of their energy or an hour...Currently they are playing in the bathtub sans water with their clothes on and having a marvelous time. Yay no wet cleanup for me!

So here are a few of the indoor winter activities that have taken place in the O'Connell household:

This little gingerbread kit was not my idea. I do not have the patience/sanity level for such endeavors. But nonetheless the kids had a blast 'helping'...if helping means eating more of the sprinkles than decorating with them. If you ever attempt such a 'craft' just have your hand vac ready to go when it's all done. There were mini ball shaped sprinkles everywhere!

Here is another activity all Ed's doing: a free indoor gym! No bumped heads after an hour = success!

 No girls= no make-up parties or knotty hair styles for me (not yet at least)! But Cars stickers? Oh yes! Aren't I beautiful? Thanks Grammy for the stocking stuffer that had them entertained for a whole hour!

Hope your long winter days are being filled with some delightful moments too...

Gourmet leftovers

Some days the heavens open forth with a simple pleasure with real frugality at its core...Like finding a dish using all leftovers to form a delicious, new dinner that the kids will eat too. Little miracles that happen now and then to brighten a dull winter day =: )
Now I cannot take credit for the inspiration of this dish, for last week I got (yet again) a Cuisine magazine free in the mail. Most of the recipes were the same as the last 3 I've gotten in the past, but there were a few new ones. This one, originally with its gourmet title of Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Bucatini (which is what?) with Garlic Bread Crumbs, inspired me because as I read down the ingredients list, I had EVERYTHING. Well, at least all the BLT ingredients.
Now that can happen many times, especially if it's a basic kind of dish, but this time it happened with pretty much all leftovers that I really needed to use up. I even had one cup of bread cubes in my freezer from who knows how long ago? I had exactly 1/2 a small pint of grape tomatoes left, some leftover chopped onion from tacos, three slices of bacon (I know, who even leaves three slices of bacon in the wrapper? Well I do apparently. For such a time as this!) And for some reason I always end up throwing away the last little bit of spinach leftover from salad, but not today! I even had about 3 servings of some pasta already cooked up that I wasn't sure what to do with.

Ok, I did not have wine, or fresh thyme, or leeks, or bucatini (which is basically fat spaghetti with a hole in the middle, which you can only find at Wegman's or something). But who has all these gourmet things on hand on leftover night??

So since I changed the recipe a bit (when do I not?) here is my humble, easier version that Luke scarfed right down. Well, he did need a little piece of bacon on each bite, but then, who doesn't?
Enjoy!

Charis' BLT Pasta
Serves 2 adults and 2 kids

1 cup cubed bread
1 minced garlic clove
1 TB. olive oil

2-3 slices bacon, sliced into 1" pieces
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
pinch sugar
1/2 cup sliced or chopped onions
1 tsp. flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 tsp. red wine vinegar
1-2 cups fresh spinach leaves
6 oz. rigatoni, or spaghetti, linguini, etc., cooked
grated parmesan cheese

In a large nonstick skillet, over medium heat, toast bread crumbs and garlic in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and toasted. Set aside. Wipe out any crumbs.
In same skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Set aside. Wipe out with a paper towel all but about a tsp. of fat. Add in tomatoes, sugar, and onion and cook over medium-high heat until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add flour and stir. Add chicken stock and vinegar, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add in spinach leaves, pasta, and reserved bacon and stir until heated through and spinach is wilted, 2-4 minutes.
Spoon onto plates and top with the fresh croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Eat up!

Peace and tranquility

A few words have been running through my head

since the new year rolled around...

Peace. Tranquility.

Isn't this what all of us crave? Who passions over

stress, busyness, crazy lifestyles, constant running?

Ok, I know some days of that cannot be avoided. But in

the midst of it all, I crave...Peace. Tranquility. I strive

for this. Who doesn't?

I fail. A lot. Ask my husband. Few people get to see

my real, nasty, ungrateful self as often as he does.

In the midst of self-imploding chaos he will often say

(or exclaim, rather) "all I want is a little peace and 

tranquility, is that too much to ask?"

On my own, that answer always seems to be yes.

I seem prone to over-exaggerating small

problems, the messy dishes becoming fire breathing monsters

and the 2012th glass of spilled milk becoming molten lava

burning my feet.

But in the midst of all this I had a revelation, or resolution, 

strike me. 

Simplify. God said it. My heart heard it. Because I need it.

Simplify what?

Isn't my life slow and mundane already (compared to some)?

Simplify.

If you're too busy with sleep to spend time with me, 
too busy with chores to nurture your children with real grace,
too busy with your own agenda and selfish thoughts to 
refresh your husband, than you are too busy.

I will say it again: Simplify. 

Read the Bible...don't worry about all the other books right now.

Listen to the Word...don't worry about all the other music right now.

Eat toast and scrambled eggs, if that's what is the least stressful.

Snuggle with the kids. The tv show can wait.

Simplify.

So this is what I'm trying to do. Simplify my priorities for the
new year/for life. What needs to be done?

I need God's word to refresh my soul. Consistently.
Only He can truly set my heart at peace.
I've come to the conclusion that devoted time with Him
does not happen unless I know I will not be distracted.

Therefore I must rise BEFORE the kids.
Set an alarm if need be. (I hate alarms!)
So 1st resolution: Get up at least 1 hour prior to the kids.

I also need to keep my physical body in tune.
Since I found out I was pregnant again, and knowing
we're going to Hawaii in February, I've been really

motivated to stay somewhat in shape. I feel better
when I exercise. But again, doing exercise videos
with two teeny boys under my feet, 

constant toys being tossed to and fro,
is enough to make me go mad sometimes...

But the days that I exercise in peace...before they wake...
go so much better!

So these two simple goals are what I'm going to try and stick with to get spiritual God time and physical me time in. The two times I've done this already this week have helped my day go SO much better!

Thus I can't have too much going on in the week, or I'll too quickly ditch this plan. (Or I'll get too 

tired to wake up earlier).

I'm realizing that an outing three times a week is doable for the kids and me. 

One of those outings is groceries. 

One of those is Bible study. 

And then of course Ed has ideas too that he

wants to do with the kids.

It is stressful, in this season of life, to do more.

And sometimes I can't even do all that.

If I try to do too much, rushed lunches and cranking children 

and a too-short afternoons follow. This results in a non-peaceful
and non-tranquil mother. (and you know the saying,
if mother isn't happy, ain't nobody happy!)

Simplify.

Last week was the first one in a long time I had
nothing planned. No one was sick.
I could simply be home, exercise,

do my chores, plan my meals, do the bills,
and not be RUSHED. 

Listen to a sermon online while the boys are napping?
Take a nap myself? Read my Bible in quiet solitude?
Make cookies with Luke?

These are much more tranquil moments when I am not rushed.

This chapter of Isaiah has really captured my attention
this past week. I've read it at least 5 times now.
It hit me anew how many times God says 'come' and 'listen.'
Are those not the same words I'm trying to teach to my children? 

"Come, all you who are thirsty,

Come to the waters;

And you who have no money, 

come, buy and eat!

Come buy wine and milk without money

and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread,

and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, Listen to me, and eat what is good,

and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

Give ear and come to me;

hear me, that your soul may live."

Isaiah 55:1-3

I note to myself that God describes basic food staples,

in those days - wine, milk, and bread- as 'the richest of fare.'

I want to live by eating this feast of simplicity.

Listening to Jesus, and sitting at His table every day.

Eating soul-satisfying peace.

Christmas memories...

A few of my favorite things from Christmas: 

Playing Christmas music on not just one, but THREE occasions =: ) I had a blast playing for the Lancaster Chorale's Christmas Concert, Ed's grandmom's nursing home (boy do they appreciate carols!) and our Christmas Eve service at church. A bit much all in one week, but it was worth it!

Skyping far-away family (on both sides). What a treat when the real visit is not to be had!

Watching Joyeux Noel on Christmas afternoon with my Edward. Great movie, with a great husband, on a great day!

Picking out a real Christmas tree on a muddy mountain with two baby boys. What a blast (ok, you can read in sarcasm if you want, but we really did get a lovely tree, don't you think?).

Making a new recipe that was AMAZING~ King Arthur's Butter Pecan Cookies. And they're all gone.

Going to Christmas parties instead of throwing them =: ) As much as I love hosting holiday shindigs, it was nice this year just being able to go and enjoy good food, good friends, and happy kids, and then coming home to a clean (ish) and quiet home.

Oh yes, and last but not least, the smile on our kids faces as they opened up their presents. And knowing that next year there will be another kiddo to smile at such pleasures =: )

I hope you had a very merry Christmas too. If you have the time I'd love to know one of your favorite memories from this past Christmas...

Happy Belated Birthday Luke!

 So Luke's birthday has come and gone (it was Nov. 6th), but I've been meaning to post these cute pics for a bit. So better late than never! I thought I'd try something different this year as far as cake goes. Luke 'helped' too (or at least had fun playing with fondant=: )

My dragon cake had a body of marble cake with buttercream under all that fondant...which took way too long to do. If any of you want this for you son's birthday, it will NOT be $20, that's for sure! Luke was VERY excited about this thing:

 

My little boy is 3 and Evan is growing too fast too. Where does the time go? I feel some days I need to just sit for an hour and watch them play. Soak in the stage they're in. Savor. The dishes will wait. And they don't beg to sit on my lap and read them a story (or five). They don't love me with their smiles and laughter. I have to remind myself that no attention is wasted...their little hearts are just reveling in mommy and daddy time that will make them secure for a lifetime...

Here's to happy family times!

Sisters' Reunion 2011

I should say this is technically our second reunion in 2011, but January I had both of my kids to look after, constant trips to my parents, making food, etc. THIS sisters' weekend that I just took from October 28th- November 2 in Chicago was just us sisters. In a word: extra-special =: ) I was a little nervous that I would miss the little brood at home, but, well, I NEEDED a break. I have never gone more than  one day, 2 nights without my kids since Evan was born. This was a little taste of a certain kind of heaven only mothers of young children can truly understand.
Just me, Rachel and Rebekah. For 5 days. With of course a bit of male company from the wonderful brother-in-law Josh (who every time I see I like more and more). And Bat, the dog.
The weather was beautiful...while blizzards hit home, sunshine and perfect autumn hit the midwest. We were outside every day.
What I realized most this trip that I haven't quite had the chance to absorb in former family get- togethers is how much alike my sisters and I are. 9 and 12 years apart makes little difference now. I realized anew how FAMILIAR we are. Seattle, Chicago, and Reading came together instantly with a hug and a smile. I guess you could say once a Diamantopoulos, always a Diamantopoulos. With who else can you sing ANY excerpt from CATS over breakfast? (Much to the amusement of Josh...luckily we stopped before he could record us!). Or the "Roar of Love" for that matter? Snuggle on a couch smooshed together watching crappy movies and laughing and talking all the way through?
I could just truly be myself. Without the demands of motherhood and wifehood. For a few refreshingly sweet days I could do whatever I wanted. Because that's exactly what the other two of me wanted =: )
So off we went to the Gardens:

 Ok, so we all like being a little silly =: )

I just said 'stand next to the tree and be funny' and this is what I got:

Of course there was eating. Some in Rebekah's sunny sunroom:

 Rebekah's homemade cornmeal pancakes. Scrumptious!

 Some in amazing little restaurants in the city:

  This particular danish was actually shipped in from Denmark. I don't want to know how much butter was in this single pastry, but I think Heaven is going to have food like this.

 More awesome food. With awesome company. This particular dish was spicy blackbean pancakes. 

Good stuff. I need to figure out how to make such things!

We visited some of our cousins. So fun!

 Then off to the Hancock building at 11 at night to see the city lights. All the waiters were dressed up and we had the best guacamole and BLT while trying not to get height-sick:

 In a word: Adventure.

We were on the top of this building:

 Sisters on lake Michigan:

 Fun side note: my dear friend Amy was in town the same weekend. How fun is that?

What more is there to say? I couldn't have had a better time...I love my sisters and cannot wait to do this again...Maybe next time we'll go to Seattle?

Savoring summer's remnants...

I did not like tomatoes growing up. But everyone else in my family did, so I would try about once a year to like them. But to no avail. I was always the one who had to request 'no tomato please' at Burger King and pick them off my salads at restaurants. But things have since changed a little...
Four years ago, I was at the home of a friend for lunch. She served me a delicious looking BLT, with of course, the 'T' actually in it. You see growing up, I LOVED BLT's but would always substitute the T for a C (cheese =: ).
So there I was, not wanting to be rude, and thinking to myself "goodness Charis get over raw tomatoes and LEARN to like them." So I bit into it, and alas, relished every bite of that amazing sandwich! With the tomato in it!
Let me now clarify something about tomatoes I never quite understood until that day. A fresh, blood-red, juicy, sweet tomato picked an hour ago off the sunshine drenched vine is NOT the same thing as a grocery store tomato. Are they even in the same 'family'? At any rate, that was the best BLT I had ever had, juicy and salty and fresh. So thank Jeane' for opening my eyes and tastebuds to the joy of fresh tomatoes...

Amazingly enough we're still picking the last remnants of our bountiful 7 plants. It's Ed's pleasure especially to go out and pick all the blushed pink ones that need to finish ripening indoors (otherwise they fall off before they fully ripen and the bugs get into them in less than .02 seconds). But they are still good, especially married to garlic toast and the last bits of fresh basil.

So here's a simple pleasure for your mouth. Enjoy!

This is how I make my bruschetta~

4 -6 slices of a good crusty bread or baguette

2 TB. olive oil 

1 clove garlic, minced

3  tomatoes (or 6-7 plum tomatoes). diced

1 TB. olive oil

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

a pinch of sugar (the late tomatoes aren't as sweet)

a pinch of salt and pepper

Freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Freshly grated parmesan (if you have it)

Fresh basil leaves

Mix olive oil and garlic together and brush onto your bread. Grill or toast in a 400 degree oven until crisp and golden, about 5-8 minutes. Meanwhile, combine your fresh tomatoes, oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar if needed, and salt and pepper. Let marinate while bread is toasting. 

When bread is desired golden brown, spoon tomato mixture on and sprinkle with cheeses and fresh basil. The bruschetta can be served right away or you can return it to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese, or you can let it sit for up to an hour at room temperature. However you want to eat it, it's scrumptious!

P.S. sorry about the header not being centered...Does anyone know how to fix that? I just want my blog to look pretty and I am SUCH a computer dunce when it comes to this kind of stuff!