Mother's Day

Many friends have asked me how my Mother's Day was. My typical response is that we don't celebrate Hallmark holidays. I don't need someone else deciding when I should be celebrated as a mom. With that said a good friend pointed out that it's still nice to be pampered for a day. I agree. And while I love the spa and long relaxing lunches, my husband has chosen to pamper me in two different ways over the last week that speak volumes to me.
A Night Away:
Last week as I was heading to book club at a friend's house my husband spontaneously suggested that I stay the night and he would take the kids to school in the morning. This was a pretty impressive treat as early morning is a busy work time for him and getting the girls to school is not a relaxing activity. This was also a treat for the friend as her husband is away and having an extra body in the house and an extra set of hands in the morning can brighten the tone of the whole day.
An Unpleasant Task:
There are many bonuses to a husband who works from home. One is the ability to be flexible to help with the kids when schedules just don't mesh. Today my husband willingly took some time off from work to take our big kid to the dentist. To get a cavity filled. Oi. This is not a fun daddy daughter date. This is not a fun bonding experience. This is not something either of them is looking forward to. However, the husband agreed to it without complaint. This is a huge weight off my shoulders as I  don't have to be a part of the unpleasantness and I can follow through on my other daily commitments without rushing or rescheduling or coordinating help from friends.
It may not be flowers or chocolate or coffee but these acts of service make me feel celebrated as a mom and wife. Thanks hubby.

Chicken Chili Verde

I haven't made this yet but I don't want to forget about it. I'll post a review once I've cooked it.

http://paleopot.com/2012/07/paleo-chicken-chili-verde-with-butternut-squash/

Roasted Red Pepper Sweet Potato Soup

Deliciousness. And it freezes well. Thanks Paleo Pot.

2 huge sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Measured this is about 6 cups of cubes.

One 14 ounce jar of roasted red peppers in water (drained).

One 14 ounce can of coconut milk. I use TJ’s light brand as usual.

1 cup of chicken stock.

1 small yellow onion, large dice.

2 cloves of garlic.

1/2 tsp black pepper.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.

- See more at: http://paleopot.com/2012/11/paleo-roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-soup/#sthash.oAwy8mXz.dpuf

 http://paleopot.com/2012/11/paleo-roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-soup/

2 huge sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Measured this is about 6 cups of cubes.

One 14 ounce jar of roasted red peppers in water (drained).

One 14 ounce can of coconut milk. I use TJ’s light brand as usual.

1 cup of chicken stock.

1 small yellow onion, large dice.

2 cloves of garlic.

1/2 tsp black pepper.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.

- See more at: http://paleopot.com/2012/11/paleo-roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-soup/#sthash.oAwy8mXz.dpuf

2 huge sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Measured this is about 6 cups of cubes.

One 14 ounce jar of roasted red peppers in water (drained).

One 14 ounce can of coconut milk. I use TJ’s light brand as usual.

1 cup of chicken stock.

1 small yellow onion, large dice.

2 cloves of garlic.

1/2 tsp black pepper.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.

- See more at: http://paleopot.com/2012/11/paleo-roasted-red-pepper-sweet-potato-soup/#sthash.oAwy8mXz.dpuf

Up All Night

  With Scott away on business the girls have been a little extra rambunctious at bedtime. I can't put all the blame on them. There has been a lot of excitement with a ballet recital, gymnastics show, and the end of school. After a night of pure frustration I was determined there would not be a repeat.
  Things were going so well. Lights were out, books were read, a last drink of water was obtained, and all by 7.15. Woohoo! After 10 minutes of quiet the giggling and squirreling around began in earnest. Quickly the girls were separated, Kate in my bed Leia in her own. It quickly became clear that Kate was fast asleep and Leia was having a full on circus in her room. After all the yelling last night I decided to just ignore her as long as Kate stayed asleep. This has worked in the past, tonight was not going to be in my favor.
  After the 3rd cup crash in the bathroom I went up to lay down the law. Only to find....Leia in the bathroom covered in nail polish and eyeshadow. Covered. After a quick lecture (and many stifled giggles on my part) I scrubbed the floor, counters, and her face. She had a raccoon mask of silver and black eyeshadow. At this point Leia revealed she had also painted Kate's nails, in her sleep!
  You have GOT to be kidding me! Nope. I turned the lights on a sleeping Kate to see 5 freshly painted fingernails, a streak of pink on her chest, and a mask of eyeshadow on her face. That kid must have been tired! My bed survived unscathed, whew. I can't wait to see her reaction when she wakes up in the morning.
  So yet again it's after 9pm and the little one is just going to sleep. Ugh. Thank goodness for wine!