Life's Cravings

Wedding dress fitting fiascos are for real life too!

2012-05-23T01:31:00.002-07:00

Cravings: Cooler weather!
Random fact of the day. Apparently in NV, you have to undergo more training etc to become foster parents than to adopt kids. I had lunch with great friends today who are becoming Daddy and Daddy to two wonderful kiddos in the next few weeks!

So. Back to topic. Ever seen that Sex and the City Episode where Carrie gets a major panic attack in the wedding dress she tries on with Miranda? Or the episode of Greys Anatomy where the exact thing basically happens? Or in Bridesmaids where the unspeakable happens?

Well this is what happened in Vegas today:

That's right, it's only May. Ugh.

Well, yesterday and today I wasn't feeling 100%, but not "sick" per se. Just sort of headachy, allergies type of things.

At my fitting today, I decided to keep my leggings on. I have a very small waist but my body more than makes up for it in booty/thighs. Last time I wore it, my thighs got a bit "glowy", so I decided to see if "biker shorts" on the wedding day would be a smart idea (stop eating cheerios at night and lose your thigh fat, Avigail!).

Well, we were in the main display room where everyone walks in and the front door is, and all of a sudden I felt extremely HOT, and very slightly dizzy. I asked my mom if I could have my water bottle and she said no, not to risk spilling (I had my favorite Arizona Iced Tea mix in there). I sort of pouted in the typical Avigail fashion and carried on with the alterations. Less than a minute later all the color drained from my face, and thank goodness my seamstress just called it, because I would have probably cracked my head fainting! I caught myself with her help and that feeling quickly passed - but I felt like I was going to throw up all over my dress!!!

Geez I am so difficult.

We pulled up all the layers and took my leggings off - somewhat of immediate relief. Poor mom, felt so bad not giving me my water! They ran to get me COLD water and we went to a private room in the back of the store, away from the front door bringing in 110 degree weather. My poor mom was freezing through the rest of the appointment, but I felt super! I guess super besides the humiliating experience of being a fainting bride. At least I have the 110 degree weather as my excuse, because I know marrying Charlie in that dress is the best decision I will ever make! (Better even than my Brazilian blowouts!)

We decided to shorten the heavy silk lining of my dress so at the bottom, only a lace layer shows. This way you can see my hot pink shoes, and I don't overheat. We also shortened it in the back, but it's still long and elegant with a great lace train.

Mom snapped several pictures which I obviously won't post, but I did edit one of me sitting down cooling off so you can see just the bottom (a sneak peak) and my shoes and the lace layer over the lining!

Well, what can I say? Beauty is pain; in the movies, it is humor; in my case, beauty is fainting and almost throwing up on your dress! Can't wait for October 20th, you ready bridesmaids?

Rest of the weekend part 2: Smoothies, Winco, and Cooking!

2012-05-21T17:58:00.002-07:00

Cravings: Healthy smoothies, homemade wreaths, bulk foods, and cooking!
Fact: Did you know that you can toss in spinach or kale to most smoothies and not even taste it? You can also add in herbs like parsley or mint that give it a great flavor. Adding a touch of citrus like lime, or even grating up some ginger into it gives it that touch of oomph it may be missing!

On Saturday morning Katy came over for a walk. I decided to make a spinach smoothie drink. I used two big handfulls of fresh spinach, one can of pineapple chunks with the juice, half of a yellow pepper, half of an avocado (I was out of bananas and wanted some creaminess), about 1/4 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and a dash of agave nectar, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Yes I realize my shirt is brighter than my smoothie. But I love it!

Katy and I went for a walk in my neighborhood, and I decided to stop at the last house I pass almost every day, and ask how she made her wreaths. They are absolutely beautiful. Katy was mortified, but the Israeli in me decided to just knock and ask! So glad I did because she showed us her collection and how easy it was to make them. When I make them, I'll post the tutorial.

Later that day, I went with my mom to Winco. I highly recommend people check this out! A few things to note.
1. They do not accept credit cards, only debit cards.
2. It is HUGE. I mean Costco size massive.
3. The butchery and deli will really do anything for you. Find a block of cheese you like? Take it over there for slicing. Find the perfect meat you want but it's not cubed just right? Take it over and they'll do it. No extra charge.
4. They have the most incredible bulk selection. I was in Heaven.

They had rows and rows of this. Flours, nuts, seeds, rices, pastas, candies, etc!

I had two great finds.
1. Short grain brown rice. Why is this so great you ask? Well, risotto is made from short grain rice. I have been searching for short grain brown rice ever since I watched an Alton Brown Good Eat's episode that featured it. I didn't need it so desperately as to search online, so I never used it. Later I will feature my brown rice risotto recipe.
2. Whole wheat bread flour. I did not know this existed!! Bread flour is what makes the "oh my g-d" cookies so amazing! Whole wheat bread flour? Trying this as soon as there is room in our tummies.

I didn't need any spices but know where to go next time I do!

They even had some bulk goodies for your furry best friend:

Over the next two days I cooked the beet gnocchi I had previously prepared with some vodka sauce and shredded turkey (foster farms turkey breast in the slow cooker with one bottle of beer). I alo made

Brown rice risotto:

Chili (with the green chilis the Mountains left for us)

Avocado based pudding:

And a few other random things that I forgot to snap pictures of. I made mom a yummy grilled cheese combining fresh mozzarella from Costco and the sliced one I got at Winco. Also, I found a new cereal and we already finished the box - chocolate chex!

One of Charlie's best friends Mark came to visit because he has a convention here that he comes for each year (wow I cannot believe it's been a year since the last time he was here!). We enjoyed a dinner and I enjoyed a glass of red wine that I really enjoyed. I photographed it so I'd remember when I want to buy it again. Knowing me, this bottle will stay on the counter with one glass gone for about 2 weeks before I realize it's gone bad! I must remember to enjoy a glass of wine soon!

Last picture to share: on a walk on Sunday we ran into this lady. I got so excited since Eden's favorite dogs have always been shnauzers. I hope it was a sign that I'll see her again soon!

I finally worked out again after a short hiatus (2 mile run, in intervals, again not much but better than nothing), and am off to go see a chic flick with my fellow 18th RS spouse friend Alison. I love me some Jason Segel!

Bachelorette tonight! Prediction is still Arie!

Chili Verde

2012-05-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have several bags of frozen green chilis in my freezer that our friends left us when they PCS'd to a new base. (PCS means permanent change of station for the military and happens every few years).

Ingredients:
-About 3-4 pounds of any stewing meat, cubed. I used pork chuck, but you can use chicken thighs, beef chuck, even turkey loins!
-One bottle of beer. I used miller light because we have it around, but you can use any!
-One small can of tomato paste, plus 2 cans of water
-Salt and pepper, to season the meat
-2 tbs Chili powder
-1 tbs Cumin
-1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
1. Season both sides of the stewing meat with salt and pepper. Sear for about 3 minutes on high heat on both sides.
2. Transfer to a crock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Enjoy!

Brown Rice Risotto with Vegetables

2012-05-21T17:51:00.002-07:00

Do you ever crave something that tastes creamy and fatty? Well, if you do, but want something healthy, with literally NO butter, NO cream, and NO cheese, you have to try this recipe. I have always said risotto is one of my best dishes. Once you have the basics, you can make any variety you want. I make butternut squash risotto for Thanksgiving each year for exmple. I also love it with corn and pine nuts. Mmmmm. My sister's boyfriend, Jason likes to make it with tomatoes and basil. They are both med students and so it must not be that complicated of a dish for them to be able to make it!

They key to risotto? Short grain rice!

When I found short grain brown rice at winco, I was super stoked. It didn't work as well as I thought, and took a really long time, but it eventually worked, I just had to be patient.

Ingredients:
1/2 large onion, diced
Extra Virgin Olive oil, to cook the onion in
Kosher salt (measurement unknown)
3/4 cup of short grain brown rice
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1/2 cup of wine (I didn't have white which I would recommend so I used red, it worked fine)
1 32 ounce box of chicken broth (I use low sodium from costco)
1/2 cup dehydrated shitake mushrooms, rehydrated (you can use fresh, but I have a huge box of dehydrated ones)
1/3 cup of green beans, chopped into 1/2 inch slices
1 cup of fresh spinach

Directions:
1. Sprinkle enough olive oil in a small pot (with a lid) to sautee half of the onion. Add salt to flavor the onion (I have no idea how much I used, probably 1/2 a teaspoon, but honestly, just eyeball it). Let it cook for about 10 minutes on medium, until it soft and slightly browned.
2. Add your rice and let it cook with the onion for about 5 minutes, to toast the grains. Add your chopped garlic cloves and let cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the wine and stir constantly until the liquid evaporates.
4. Start pouring in chicken broth a bit at a time, about 1/4 cup or so. Stir constantly. When the rice has soaked in the liquid, add in more.

* I realized after about 15 minutes of adding liquid, that it wasn't being absorbed by the rice like in regular risotto. Realizing it was brown rice which needs to steam, I shut the lid for about 10 minutes, while on medium heat, and then stirred and added using that technique. When I was about 3/4 of the way with the chicken broth, I did not have to continue to shut the lid*

5. When there is about 1/2 of the broth left, add in the mushrooms. Continue as normal.
6. At about 1/4 of the broth left, add in the green beans. Continue as normal.
7. When all the broth has been absorbed, add in the spinach and stir it in.

Best served immediately.

Chocolate/Berry Avocado Pudding

2012-05-21T17:35:00.001-07:00

My first little, Caroline Gilger, has a healthy living blog I highly recommend you follow. She posted about chocolate avocado pudding, and later posted about raspberry avocado pudding. I made the chocolate version and it was a bit too bitter for Charlie. So he suggested dipping berries into it. I did so and he liked it, so I just added in about a cup of them. Voila!

Ingredients:
2 ripe medium/large avocados
5 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbs stevia
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup frozen berries (I used a mix of strawberries and costco's antioxident mix)
2 tsp cinnamon
cayenne pepper (to your discretion)

Directions:
1. Put all ingredients except berries in a food processor. I suggest doubling the recipe
2. Mix for about a minute. Scrape the sides, mix again. Make sure the avocado is fully creamed into the mixture.
3. Take out of food processor, put in the frozen berries, leave out so they defrost. After they defrost (about two hours), mix it all in together. I like the fruit a bit chunky in it, but you can also put it in the food processor if you want it more smooth.
4. Don't tell your children it's based off of avocado!
5. Make another batch immediately, because you'll finish this one.

The rest of my weekend part 1: Day w/Eden

2012-05-21T17:07:00.002-07:00

Cravings: Mexican Hot Chocolate, hazelnut gelato, spending time w/one of my very best friends, cooking up a storm, Winco

Fact: One of my very best friends, Katy, was under the impression that Avocados have 800 calories. Oh Katy. While avocados do have good fat and are relatively high in calories for a vegetable, they have about 275 calories for a medium avocado (just over 5 ounces). NOT 800. They are also the perfect base for a dairy free, creamy, rich, delicious chocolate pudding!

On Friday, my mom and Eden and I drove to the strip to pick up Eden's mom, Davida, and get breakfast/lunch at Max Brenner.
Of course I had a Mexican Hot Chocolate:

Eden and I shared two dishes that were yummy and we actually skipped dessert, even though Max is known for them.

We went to check out City Center where we walked around and checked out Jean Phillipe Patisserie - specifically the gelatos!

I had hazelnut gelato and it had full chunks of hazelnuts in it. Highly recommended.

Davida and my mom may have commented several times that Eden and I were food soulmates. Eden said maybe it was a good thing we didn't live in the same city or we'd both be morbidly obese!

We documented what we looked like before becoming morbidly obese, just in case we ever move to the same city.

I still had my extensions in. We may or may not have removed the bottom layer and were making mustache faces with them in public....

We then took Eden and Davida to show them my parents' house in The Ridges. Eden visited about 3 years ago and saw the lot, so now she got to see the final product. There is a renter in there currently so we couldn't go inside, but we saw the breathtaking architecture and view.
View from the side of the house:

Bear's Best golf course (they are on the 9th hole, and their house number is 9)

View of the strip from the side of the house:

Their dream: A "house in two parts". It's extremely unassuming as you drive up to it, and then you walk inside and see all the copper and their breathtaking view with floor to ceiling glass windows. Wish we could have gone inside!

We had dinner at the Cosmopolitan and our dads joined. Charlie had work to do (is anybody surprised?) I am in love w/one hard worker!

Eden went to see a show w/her parents that night so she stayed with them.
Charlie and I are so sad to see her go, but hope we can meet up with her once more this summer before the wedding!
Don't go Eden!

(This is actually a picture of us when my parents texted me after Taste of the Nation that they took the dogs to their house, we sent it to them to show them how sad we were).

And don't worry, coming up real soon - recipes! Including the avocado pudding you have all been waiting for!

Taste of the Nation (including a recipe for an amazing bourbon drink)

2012-05-20T15:48:00.004-07:00

Cravings: hair extensions, peach tea bourbon drinks, unlimited gourmet food, helping to end childhood hunger in America!

Taste of the Nation is an event I got involved in 2 years ago (this was my 3rd event). It's an event through Share Our Strength - http://strength.org/.

Fact: Did you know that one in six households in Nevada struggle with hunger?

One of the beneficiaries of Taste of the Nation is Three Square. It is the main food bank in Las Vegas and Charlie and I are actually getting married there! Please consider making a donation. Only one dollar buys three people a meal because they buy their food in such bulk! Donate To Three Square Now!

I had a groupon for airbrush make up that I decided to use that morning. However, when I arrived, they had a scheduling issue and couldn't do it, so they said they would reschedule me and throw in a hair appointment as well. I saw that they had clip in extensions which I've been meaning to get because I want them for the wedding. I LOVED IT! I am so excited that it blended so well with my hair and really looked natural and healthy.

This is a picture I took when I got home, although the light wasn't that great.

Last year I had the idea that if we put a tip jar at each table, and a few at each bar, that people would give money, even though all the food is free once you pay for admission. We ended up making TONS of money in tips. I put a tag with Share Our Strength's logo that said "Tips for Kids" as well. (Thanks mommy for helping!) Two of our liquor sponsors donated several pitchers that we used as tip jars.

We distributed them to all the bars and chefs, but it ended up being so windy that we had to go and collect all the "tip jars" from outside. After these were set out I just helped with random last minute things (don't even remember, just lots of things) and waited for 6 p.m. to roll around!

The event brought in hundreds of people and had some awesome food from some of the best chefs. There was a drink that was amazing. I had the bartender write it down:

-Peach Tea Vodka
-Bourbon (they used Jim Bean)
-Mint
-Peach bitters
-Lemon Juice
-Agave Nectar (I'm sure stevia/sweetner/simple syrup etc could be subtituted).

I literally had like 4 of these!!

Here are me, Mom, and Eden getting it.

Here is some of the food:

A "s'more" lollipop. I had two of these

Oysters in the half shell, yes please!

This was pâté with a pickled cherry. I am not a fan of cherries unless they are fresh, but I love anything pickled. Result - LOVE!

Chef Carlos' lobster from Country Club at Wynn. Arguably my favorite dish that night:

They had a white chocolate macadamia bread. Arguably my mom's favorite dish that night! Yes, out of all the gourmet goodies, this won her heart. I mean tummy.

Here is the planning committee at the press wall - the right side isn't being seen, so we can't see Chef Carlos and a few others.

There was an amazing silent auction put on by Lindsay Delgais and her mom Heidi Watt. They outdo themselves each year. Here is a picture of me checking out one of the items, and showing off my hair at the same time! Unfortunately, I was outbid on the Tastefully Simple basket I wanted. (If you don't know about Tastefully Simple, go order their "garlic garlic" NOW).

Did you order the "garlic garlic" yet?

Here are some pics of me and family/friends at the event. Thank you SO much for the dozens of friends who bought tickets to support this amazing cause. SO MANY KIDS will be having full bellies thanks to you!

I had to show off Eden's sleeve!

Me, Katy, Lauren, Eden, and Rose.

My daddy came!

One of my favorites of me and Charlie:

Look at my hair!!!!!!!! Tee hee.

And another:

I love his new jacket!

The event was really windy outside but that was the only real downfall, and we still had SO MUCH FUN! I can't wait to find out how much money we raised.

Keep up with me for some recaps of the next day with Eden and her mommy on a double date w/me and my mommy, and some great recipes (to be posted soon).

Doggy groomin and some ESS in my life!

2012-05-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Cravings: Groomed dogs, Eden Sydney Sherman, Taste of the Nation preparation!!!!!

It was about time for some raggedy rats to get groomed. I have been having an awful time sleeping (not sure if it's allergies or Charlie not being here at night). I've mentioned before, but it looks something like falling asleep at 1, waking up at around 5, and then a couple hours later going back to sleep for a "nap" for about 2 hours. Anyway, at around 930, 945 am I was waking up from my "nap" when Charlie bursts in saying "You're late to take the dogs to grooming!" I guess my parents called him? Anyway, I was all tired and groggy and rushed over and was there at 9:50 (they are a minute away), and the dogs weren't supposed to be in for 30 more minutes. Woopsy!

My dad picked them up from the groomer since I was running all over town like a chicken with my head cut off in preparation of Taste of the Nation. Shared custody of the dogs is nice.
My mom sent me the following pics:

Odge in his creepy hiding spot (he's such a neurotic dog).

Look at my bubba!

Maya is saying, Lee you smell good!

Lee stays white for about a day and then finds the dirtiest part of the road to go roll around in. It's nice while it lasts.

Since I stopped working I seem to have kept so busy, I don't know how I would have done it while I was working. I did make time for a ver special friend though, ESS! Eden Sydney Sherman is one of my very best friends. We met in college when we pledged the same sorority and although she transfered to UPenn after 2 years, we remained very good friends. Over the years we have visited each other in DC, NY, Philly, and Vegas. She and Charlie get along really well too which makes my heart happy.

Eden and her family have a time share in Palm Springs, and I was SUPPOSED to stay with them but I had to run a few errands around the neighboring states and missed it. Luckily, they had decided at my incessant urging to come to Vegas for a few days. Eden would be here for Taste and our mommy's could meet etc. They drove in and I picked her up on Wednesday afternoon. She came over and I showed her the house and we went to the country club (TPC Summerlin) where we are dining only members. I think it would cost like, an average household salary to be full members. Ridiculous. BUT, the food is really well priced and so absolutely delicious, and with it being a mile away from us, how could we not? If you live in the vicinity, I highly recommend you check it out!

Here are me and Eden reunited:

After some catching up we went to pick up my mom and the moment she got in the car, my mom said "Eden! You should move to Las Vegas!" Eden just cracked up because besides my mom's South African accent, it was basically me speaking. We dropped Eden off at the Mirage where her parents were staying, because they had tickets to see an impersonator show. Mom and I went to some last minute ticket buyers for Taste of the Nation. New post soon to go over the main event, and my lovely mother/daughter double date w/Eden and her mommy.

Maya says "See ya next time!" (and in a few posts, some excellent yummies with recipes!)

My Monday and Tuesday cravings, plus a made up recipe for beet/potato gnocchi

2012-05-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

Cravings: The Bachelorette, cookies, girls fixing cars, dinner w/the parents, chicken schnitzel!

Last Monday, I went over to the Rabes (they are now the Rabes, not just Jaren, since Roger is home!). I brought Roger "my" famous cookies, from here on out titled "oh my g-d" cookies, except for this time I cooked the butter for about 10 minutes on medium to make brown butter before using them. All else was the same. Charlie said he could taste the difference but I couldn't really. I think if anything they were a bit better. In case you are new, the cookie recipe can be found here. It was great to finally MEET Roger even though it definitely felt like I knew him already.

After hanging out w/the Rabes for not too long (I don't want to infringe of their family time!), I headed over to Jessi's house to watch the Bachelorette premiere with some girlfriends. My guess is Arie. He's CUTE! I guessed JP for Ashley's season the very first episode and Charlie took my bet thinking the odds were in his favor. I've told Charlie I'd leave him for JP, hahaha! Too bad Ashley got him, but in reality, I would NEVER ever ever dream of leaving Charlie. Ever!

Jessi has to take care of something with Joe's car, since he is deployed still he couldn't do it. Check out how handy she was!

EVERY TIME I jump a car I get nervous it will explode. Every time. SO scary. Luckily, it did not explode, as it never does :-)

Check her out playing man of the house while he's away.

Then we watched the show and she made awesome guacamole which I forgot to snap a pic of so I took a picture of the red pepper I ate.

Recipe: Cut up a red pepper. Serve. Yum.

On Tuesday night my parents came over and we had dinner. Charlie is working nights, my absolute least favorite shift. I see so little of him. I made him breakfast for dinner but then he had dinner too. Mom took some pictures of me cooking:

I then remembered I was wearing the apron Rochelle got me at the engagement party (I took a pic) so we also laid out the matching place mats:

Posing in my apron for Rochelle

I had thin chicken breasts so I decided to make schnitzel just the way my grandma taught me. I didn't have regular breadcrumbs but I had panko breadcrumbs so I changed it out that way. Then I remembered I had a turkish shwarma seasoning mix from Israel that I had bought so I mixed that into the flour and the breadcrumbs. I shouldn't have salted the chicken because I forgot I had put the seasoning into the flour and breadcrumbs and it was a TINY bit too salty. Enough to get me eliminated on top chef. Not enough that my family disliked it. There were zero pieces left!

On the menu with the schnitzel:

-Costco's chicken tortilla soup (this is AMAZING and freezes/defrosts well). It's also great to slice avocado into.
-Green lentils cooked with some of the shmarwa seasoning
-spinach, avocado, tomato, red pepper salad with a citrus yogurt dressing
-roasted broccoli and brussel sprouts.

Oh, and Charlie had oats as well :-) Since it was breakfast for him!

After clearing the table and doing some dishes, I decided I needed to use some potatoes that were sitting around, so I made a potato/beet gnocchi.

I made up the recipe:

Ingredients:
-2 potatoes (I weighed it and they were about 14 ounces)
-7 ounces of fresh steemed/peeled beets (you can buy these at costco or trader jos ready to go!)
-one egg (I wrote this down in the recipe I made up and forgot to use it!)
-1 ounce grated parmesan cheese
-1 heaping tablespoon of plain nonfat greek yogurt (regular yogurt or cream cheese or sour cream would work as well)
-2 cups of whole wheat flour (plus more for rolling/cutting)

Directions:
-Microwave the potatoes in saran wrap for 6 minutes. Let them cool and then peel them. Put them in a food processor with the beets, and puree for about a minute.

-Add the egg, yogurt, and cheese, and puree until all mixed together.

-Add 1.5 cups of flour and process.

-Sprinkle a bit of flour in a mixing bowl and dump out the ball of "dough" into it. Add the second cup of flour one tablespoon at a time and knead with your hands - it will be VERY sticky. I repeat - VERY sticky. Keep going until the dough feel sright, mushy and sticky, but not so sticky that the whole glob is stuck to your hand.
-Cut the dough into 4 pieces and roll into balls. With each each ball, slice about 4-5 pieces, and roll them into logs. Use a LOT of flower while you are rolling them out. I used my hands, not a rolling stick. Roll every log from every ball.
-Once everything is rolled out, give it one more sprinkle of flour, pat it all in, and using a very sharp knife (or pizza roller or scraper), cut the gnocchi into inch long pieces. You may have to sprinkle more flour as you do this.
-Once you are all finished, you may need to do one more sprinkling of flour over all of them before you seal them in a zip lock bag:

You can also press a fork into them to give them that scrunchy look, but I was too tired.

When you feel like eating them, boil a pot of salted water, and boil them until they float to the top. Enjoy!

"Hey sweetie, can you go to Arizona for the day?"

2012-05-15T17:16:00.004-07:00

"Hey sweetie, can you go to Arizona for the day?" Are the words my love woke me up to on Saturday morning. Charlie had been up the entire night scouting vans for the business since one of them was in the shop and we needed to get a spare van (so the guys would always have an option in case something like this happened).

Charlie booked tickets on spirit air (after booking and canceling tickets on another airline that ended up being for a month away). We had some time before we left so I cooked up some turkey breast in a pineapple/teriyaki sauce that I made (and baked some broccoli with the remaining sauce) and made us some sandwiches with a separate turkey roast I had made.

Here I am slicing the grilled turkey (I grilled on both sides then baked it in the oven to cook through). I was upset that Charlie didn't get my full hair in so I had him take another picture.

Yup, that's right, I'm sporting a sock bun!!

My mom drove us to the airport and we arrived in Phoenix. The first thing that happened is that the van seller went to the main phoenix airport and we arrived at the Mesa one. Small mistake. He picked us up and was very nice. We got to his shop and everything seemed great until he asked Charlie what the van was for. It went something like this.

Van guy: So what are you using these for?
Charlie: We have a van pool business. The DOT subsidizes government workers to carpool to work.
Van guy: Oh, but you know my van is cargo, right?
Charlie: ........

CRAP!

So we started looking for other vans in Phoenix area, hey we were there already. We found one and the told us it was in some horrible area - turned out to be a developed area with 3 bed 2.5 bath homes. Charlie said if that's the bad part of phoenix we're moving there. Anyway, first guy seller was really nice and told us he'd look at the auction for a 15 passenger van, and told us he'd drop us back off at the airport. On the way we stopped for some Nielson's Frozen Custard:

Charlie and I shared vanilla with heath bar - can you guess which of us was craving it?

Well, we ended up renting a car because there were no flights out, and driving to Luke AFB to stay the night in lodging. It was cool to see all the F-16s and I tried to take a picture to which Charlie stopped me and told me that it was "suspicious activity" to take pictures on a base! Hahaha.
Thank you google images, although not nearly as cool as the several parked ones we saw all together:

There were actually no rooms on base so we stayed nearby at a military rate and woke up ready to head home. We then decided that since LA area was only 5 hours away, to see if there were any vans there. So, we stopped at cracker barrel for breakfast, found a few viable options, and were on our way.

Of course we first took some pictures for mothers day since we'd be missing it on both sides:

Kinda tired.

Here is our food - I was so disappointed they did not have chicken n dumplins for breakfast! I had a parfait with a side of biscuits and gravy (aka biscuit and gravy despite the three they served me! Who can eat that much? - okay, most obese Americans, but still!)

Charlie started digging in before I could get the picture. He doesn't really understand why I'm photographing everything, haha!

Of course we also cheated at the famous cracker barrel peg game:

and browsed the store (well I did while Charlie looked at more vans on a marine rocking chair outside as they did not have any AF ones).

I found this recipe book which I sort of wish I had gotten:

While reading about coke/diet coke/coke zero recipes on the drive to LA I discovered you can make cake out of diet coke! Trying that asap and will report.

We arrived in LA and I stayed in the car while Charlie tried out a van that didn't meet expectations, and then a second person from England who had several, and we may be purchasing two from him in the near future. Then we went to this extremely sketchy looking area near Sherman Oaks and waited at a gas station hoping we wouldn't be robbed. I stayed in the car, drank a coke zero, nibbled on some very disappointing cracker chip things, and wished I had a change of clothes and maybe some deodorant. Eventually Charlie called me and told me he heard the man say "b'seder" (okay) and recognized he was Israeli. He wanted to purchase the van, but it was Sunday, aka, banks are closed!

We went with two Israeli men to starbucks to try to do a transfer electronically through our banks but it wouldn't let us, and obviously we didn't have enough cash on us besides Jaren and Becca pretending we are drug dealers. I assure you we are not, I didn't even have my vitamins for those days! The transfer didn't work and so we realized we would have to spend yet another night without any clothes etc. The Israelis actually invited us over to one of their aunts house where Charlie hung out w/the boys and I hung out w/the girls. There was a nice girl my sisters age who spoke better Hebrew than I can but was telling me she didn't know how to read/write. Very nice, felt like a wonderful huge Israeli family! The grandma made sure they told us where the closest Target was (so cute when she doesn't realize we can just google it). YAY, I bought clean underwear, and a toothbrush!!!

I found out that there was an air force base in LA called: Los Angeles Air Force Base. Creative. And also weird because Charlie had not heard of it. Turns out their lodging was in San Pedro so we just stayed in Sherman Oaks and got Marriott points. Since we left on Monday morning and that is when I was supposed to visit Eden in Palm Springs, I cancelled that trip, so I haven't seen her yet. TOMORROW!

Then, Thursday - TASTE! If you haven't gotten your tickets yet get em soon!

And don't forget to always have the essentials in your purse when you travel. Even if it's supposedly for less than a day.

Things to always have when you board a plane

2012-05-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

The following post will explain why, but I now know to always have the following items on my body when I board an airplane, even if it's supposedly for less than a day:

Pictures in no particular order:

1. My glasses2. Extra contact lenses (I had just enough)3. Phone charger/car charger/headphones for driving (I happened to have with me)4. Underwear (target run!)5. Deodorant6. Toothbrush 7. Arizona Green Tea powder packets (better than crystal light, and I had with me, woot!)8. Computer, so you don't fall off the blogging bandwagon (maybe this explains my short hiatus over the weekend)9. A great attitude, which I really did have, even amongst cargo vans!

"Mom can you drive me home from the doctor just in case?"

2012-05-14T18:28:00.001-07:00

On Thursday I had a medical procedure. I wasn't sure what it would entail because it would just depend what the doctor found (I am fine but need a follow up in four months). Anyway, I took some advil before and knew I probably wouldn't need strong painkillers but better safe than sorry! Anyhoo, I asked my mom if she could come with just in case I needed a ride. If you've been reading, you know she's been having some issues with her shoulder. There was a funny story with a "reverse placebo effect" where she thought she had taken an anti-inflammatory and felt great pain relief and it turned out to be a strong painkiller (whoops!). Anyway, the doctor gave her an anti-inflammatory and she had taken it once and it hadn't really affected her. Well, wouldn't ya know, she fell asleep in the waiting room, and I had to drive from the doctor! Hahhahahaa. So funny! At least now she knows :-)

We went straight to a meeting with Pietra at ThreeSquare for the wedding. Getting so excited for everything! When the menu is finalized I will post it. We are getting married at a food bank and I wrote the menu - it is going to be lots of small plates instead of a sit down dinner, to encourage mingling and socialization.

On Friday I clicked a picure of my overnight oats when I put them in (well not overnight since I only let them sit for a few hours during the day.) Here is the pic. Unfortunately, I was again so excited to eat them that I forgot to take a picture of what they look like when they thicken up:

One day soon I will resist their deliciousness and snap a full process pic!

I went over with Shannon (one of my old youth group students) to Jarens. Shannon said she would babysit Clara to help Jaren out, and Jaren asked if we could say a prayer since Roger was still delayed in Manas for about the 5th time. Shannon and I both brought Shabbat candles and we showed Clara how to light the candles and drink the wine (sparkling grape juice).

Clara is saying, "mom, I'm not Jewish!"

Then we went to Nellis for Military Spouse Appreciation Day. It was kinda lame, but I am still glad we went. There were lots of raffles (including a kindle neither of us won), lots of information, some presentation, a very lame fashion show, and chair massages.

(Jaren took this of me on her camera, thank you flickr for allowing me to steal this).

Not such a great pic of me but shows you what there was:

On the car ride back Jaren and I were making fun of the fact that Jaren says my eyes "sparkle" when I know I am going ot take a picture. I just kept thinking Tyra Banks saying "smize smize" on America's Next Top Model. Smize is smile with your eyes. I guess I am just very happy, or when I was a cheerleader I learned to fake smile with your whole face? Well I guess my stance is, it's not worth smiling if you don't mean it!

That day a shutterfly book arrived that I made for my grandma from our Israel trip. It came out PERFETLY. That night my parents came over to say hi for a few minutes and here is my dad so genuinely happy to see the book for his mom. We didn't tell him we were making it.

Oh, hi mom!

Thanks again for the "ride" yesterday. Haha! Just kidding, love you Ima! (Ima is mom in hebrew)

Will report on my spontaneous weekend soon - hope it makes everyone smile with sparkly eyes!

This and that Thursday

2012-05-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to pick up some Taste of the Nation tickets from Jen at LaCave. It was my first time going to the Wynn in a while and I forgot how beautiful it was! Look:

Mmmm my overnight oats tasted just like apple pie this morning. I swear I woke up so excited to eat them. If I celebrated Christmas I'm sure it felt something like that. My sleeping habits have been really weird with Charlie on nights. I am going to sleep around midnight or 1, waking up at 5 or 6, eating breakfast, and then falling back asleep at around 7 or 8 for another hour. What the heck? I used old fashion oats, chia seeds, apple-cinammon chobani greek yogurt, one packet of stevia, a bunch of cinnamon, and almond milk. I have a good metaphor for those who are confused by overnight oats. They don't taste raw, just like ceviche doesn't, because the acid "cooks it". The chia seeds absorb the liquid and thicken it up to make them thick and mushy and yummy, almost like the chia seeds "cook" the oatmeal.

I woke up feeling motivated and put on new workout clothes but when it was actually time to work out I kept delaying. Enjoy this exchange between me and Jaren:

Notice how it's past noon and I still hadn't gone? I ended up doing a 20 minute interval run. Not bad but not great. At least I got some sun! I need to start going to body pump again and doing the stairs/elliptical for an hour on alternate days. I've been slacking a bit.

I have a medical procedure at 230 because I had some abnormal test results. I spoke to my sister who said that my results were the least worrying of what "abnormal" could be, so I am not that nervous, although I think I will be when I sit in the doctors office. Hopefully it's quick and painless. Mom and I have a meeting with Pietra at threesquare after to discuss some wedding stuff :-)

In happy news, Charlie came home and put his food leftovers directly in the fridge! I didn't need to remind him, I didn't need to find them in his car 2 weeks later, or in the gym g-d knows how long later. I was so excited to find them this afternoon. Thanks sweetie, it's so the little things!

Spoke to Pat (Charlie's stepmom) last night for a while. I am excited to spend some time w/them this summer finally. Hurray!

Gotta shower before the doctor. Wish me luck.

Who says superfoods can't be amazing, and thoughts on amendment 1 passing in NC

2012-05-09T11:41:00.004-07:00

Here was my breakfast:

Oh wait a second! I was so excited to eat it, that I just demolished it instead of snapping a pic. Well here is what it was in approximations (I don't measure I just eyeball) Superfoods in pink (a super color).

Cinnamon banana overnight oats:
1/4 cup of old fashion oatmeal
2 tsp chia seeds (necessary)
3 ounces of vanilla greek yogurt
1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
1/2 a banana mushed in
heavy sprinkle of cinnamon
1 packet of stevia sweetener (I've heard this is a good food not sure if it's super)

Mix well and let sit overnight in your fridge. Stir in the morning and put in more milk if you want. I usually eat these cold but felt like a warm breakfast so I nuked it for a minute. It was so good. SO GOOD.

In other news, what do you all think about Amendment 1 passing in NC? My thoughts are that let's remove actual human rights for a second, and look at separation of church and state. Aren't we supposed to be protected from that? If marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman because g-d said so, shouldn't marriage only be under g-d? Are atheists then not allowed to get married? Are people not allowed to have interfaith marriages, or just go to the courthouse or a drive through wedding w/no mention of g-d? Why is a g-dless marriage okay between two straight people but not okay between two gay people? I think that the church should make up its own mind about if they want to allow gay marriage (I know many reform rabbis that do ceremonies for example, and many that will not). However, the government allows a separation of church and state for marriages so why should gay people not be entitled to that?

Okay, that's about as political as I go. I don't want arguments or debates. That's my opinion, you can send me yours, but hostility will not be tolerated.

Finding treasures during spring cleaning

2012-05-08T14:49:00.001-07:00

Look what I found:

Movie star/celebrity? or Future Hubby?

While doing all my organizing I found a scrapbook that Charlie's hs gf's mom made him. It was AMAZING. I would honestly hire to make me scrapbooks. There were all these pictures of Charlie playing football etc, and several articles he had written, clubs he was in, a few high school dances, etc. Did you know that not only was my love the salutatorian at his school, but the president of the FBLA - future business leaders of America? Is anybody surprised? I wasn't! How handsome does he look in that picture?

In other news, does anybody have any good tips for where to buy those camelback water bottles for less than $20? Lol. Also, any tips on keeping them clean? It's so hard to clean those straws and I don't like the thought of drinking bacteria. I found cheaper ones at Target but they are not that good. Speaking of Target, look what I found. I immediately texted Katy this picture:

They had an entire collection and I so know what I am getting for her birthday! (One more month and then you are my age.....which is......24....never 25).

Speaking of Katy, I miss you! Why did you start working when I stopped?

Poor Jaren, Roger was delayed again, so I told her I was taking her to Max Brenner to distract her. I met her at Clara's feeding therapy which happened to be right across the street from my wedding dress shop, so we went to see it! I hadn't tried it on since I bought it. It fits amazingly and I LOVE IT! They started the alterations but since I'm basically having it re-done in so many ways, it's going to take a while. Obviously not gonna post pics on that. Poor Clary had a blue sucker and Jaren wouldn't let her walk with it so we had a very cranky Clara (which is better than a cranky Jaren having to dry clean, or worse, buy a wedding dress). After the dress, we went to Max Brenner and I had my favorite - the Mexican Hot Chocolate. Jaren and I shared a salad, and then this beauty:

Demolished.

And if I haven't posted enough (gosh can you imagine when it's my babies?) here are some adorable pictures and videos of Clara the last couple of days (and a few randoms). I told Jaren that Roger is gonna be like, "why is Avigail calling you every hour" when he's back, because I'm so used to spending time with them now. At least Clara hasn't called me Daddy yet. Just aunt Aggie.

Yes, that's a 2 year old laughing amusedly when "Aggie crying". Unbelievable what humans find funny :-) Can ya blame her?

Clara eating with chopsticks just like Mommy.

After eating, you always want to dance a little:

Clara and Aggie

Pre taking off her diaper by herself and repeating "diaper! trash! Diaper! Trash!" over and over utnil we let her throw it away. She did go potty twice though (and I tried to show her the bidet but ended up getting splashed whoops). Clara went to wake up Charlie last evening (he's working nights), it was very sweet. He also didn't mind a naked 2 year old saying "wake up charlie" which made me smile.

This is a book Katy and I found while cleaning out the bookshelves. I'm assuming this belonged to a past ladyfriend's of Charlie's. This book is so outdated. It speaks about introductions and "lesser people" so you introduce a female to a male (this is their first example!) and a lower rank to a higher rank etc etc. Sort of ridiculous. It's also funny that it's like "eye contact is important" "repeat someone's name in your head so you remember it". Anyway, Jaren made me pose for this as a joke and then uploaded it onto my fb account and wrote "I can't wait". The funniest thing? About 12 people have liked this and commented nice things about it. It's a joke friends! (But I am excited to be an air force wife because it means I"ll be charlie's wife!)

Another thing I"m excited about? On Monday I'm driving to Palm springs to see Eden! On Tusday I"ll see Emily and Shayna and FINALLY meet David, on Wednesday Eden drives back to Vegas with me as do her parents, and on Thursday we all go to TASTE OF THE NATION! I can't wait - let me know if you want tickets.

Avigail's Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

2012-05-06T23:22:00.003-07:00

Here is the recipe I made up for the crust:

Ingredients: 1.5 cups of warm water (110 degrees)

1 tsp white sugar

1 tbs dry active yeast (refrigerate after opening, you can buy it anywhere, and can use it for LOTS)

1 tbs olive oil, plus more for coating

2 tsp kosher salt **I used 1 in my recipe and decided I should have added another**

1 tbs honey **I did not put this in my recipe but decided it would make it better**

1 cup of bread flour

2 cups of whole wheat flour

1. Pour 1.5 cups of warm water (110 degrees) into a large bowl. Add 1 tsp white sugar (this is essential, the yeast feeds on the sugar), and then 1 tbs of dry active yeast.

Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

2. After the yeast mixture has "foamed", stir in 1 tbs of olive oil, 2 tsp of kosher salt, 1 tbs honey.

3. In a large food processor, put 1 cup of bread flour and 2 cups of whole wheat flour. While the processor is on, slowly pour in the yeast mixture. Once it is all combined (this will happen quickly and it will be sticky), take it out and knead it for 2 minutes on a floured surface. Coat a large bowl with olive oil, and put the ball of dough in it, rotate it to make sure the whole surface area is greased. Put a paper towl on top, and leave it for one hour.

Above is the pre-risen dough.

4. Once the dough has risen, you can roll it into one or two pies depending on how big your cooking ware is. (I made two small-medium pies). Put your desired toppings, coat the sides with olive oil, and bake at 425 degrees for approximately 20 minutes, or until crust is golden.

Enjoy!

Topped with caramelized onions with balsamic and za'atar, sliced tomatoes, and topped with avocados for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Pizza success (and laughing so hard you may tinkle)

2012-05-06T23:14:00.002-07:00

Pizza was a success! I made two different kinds, both Vegan. The crust was REALLY good, although next time I would like to add one more tsp of salt and one tablespoon of honey. I'll post the recipe after this in a separate post.

I rolled it out into two smaller pies, and baked it for about 20 minutes at 425 degrees.

Pie number 1: Onions caramelized in balsamic and zaatar, topped withs sliced tomatoes. I added the avocado the last 2 minutes.

Pie number 2. Not as visually appealing. Caramelized onions with sliced pear and "vegan" mozzarella cheese. I usually would use fresh mozzarella but I made this at my parents house.

Oh! Their neighbor brought sushi and I ate about 4-5 pieces. It was SO GOOD! I asked her if I could come over and have her teach me and she said she'd be glad to.

Here is some of the food from last night:

Adina made a salad, and then a platter with different salad toppings - it had jicama and just awesome things. It was such a cute idea and I am definitely replicating it. I really want to do the same thing but almost like a "seder plate" style, where the different salad mix-ins are in small little dishes.

Here is Maya, the Sal's youngest, with Maya, our youngest:

I went over to Jaren's after dinner with Jessi and she was hanging up her American flag wreath since her husband comes back from deployment this Wednesday:

Clara's new favorite thing is playing with credit cards from your wallet, so I cleaned mine out and brought her a bunch of cards. I also brought her my license that expired forever ago - Clara has a fake id! She was SO happy to get her presents and every few minutes would turn to me and smile and hold one up and say "presents"!

We then made signs, aka Jaren made a sign for Clara (yes there was a joke about why wasn't Clara doing this, 2 year olds these days), Jessi made a work of art for Joe (who comes back in 3 weeks) and I sat on the couch and drank a coke zero and a bag of bugles. I actually did help out by getting different things so Jaren didn't have to get up. Poor thing couldn't lay on her belly to work on the poster. I have quite a hilarious picture of her attempting to but I will not post.

Last night was definitely reminiscent of making signs for big/little week during my sorority days. It really felt like I was with old friends and we could not stop laughing. When a pregnant woman thinks she may pee herself laughing its not that big a deal, but when I almost do, it means you're having a good time!

Jaren will probably kill me but I had to snap a pic of her at one point because her face was bright red from laughing. I don't think you can tell in this pic, but trust me it was.

Hope you all had a weekend that made you laugh so hard you thought you'd pee yourself!

Perfect Saturday

2012-05-05T17:25:00.004-07:00

We woke up early compared to our schedule lately, at around 715 and went to hike at Red Rock. We met one of the spouses Nikki and her pit/lab mix. We did a bit over an hour hike. I HATE going downhill especially when it's climbing. Im such a baby. I also had a runny nose because of the weather and didn't bring tissues. I felt so high maintenance, but then Charlie did point out that I sounded like I have a cold (I don't, just wind/allergies etc). I was so proud of myself hiking w/no breaks. I know it's not nearly as intense as Masada but that was a wake up call to start stair climbing and it helped!

We went over to my parent's house to hang out for a bit and decided to go to brunch. My dad goes to sweet tomatoes every weekend and really wanted to go but I was starving from the hike and wanted breakfast as did Charlie so we convinced him. We told him we'd go tomorrow. We went to the griddle in the vons shopping center and it was eh. Not totally impressed w/the menu. I would have rather gone to babycakes!

We noticed a new boba shop so my mom and I went in and when we came out this is how we found our men:

Twins! So cute.

Mom and I went to my house while the boys did boy stuff (probably broke something on the computer) and we discussed some details for the summer (she'll be visiting etc etc) and spoke about some other mommy/daughter stuff and then made a menu for tonight. The Sals are moving so we invited them for dinner along with Adina and Rick and my parents' 80 year old Japanese neighbor whose husband passed at NINETY-EIGHT! Amazing. What amazing people that my parents think to invite her. My mom said she was so pleased and asked what she could bring, and my mom said anything she wants, she doesn't have to, so she's bringing sushi! Note: invite her to my house too, it's a mitzvah.

I baked my famous Ilana Shapiro cookies (well my cookies now since I only make that recipe!) and took a batch over to Sheila at the front gate. Mom is giving one to someone and I am bringing th eothers to Jaren's tonight - she and Jessi and I are making posters for Roger and Joe's return. Roger comes home on Wednesday and I think Joe has about 3 weeks (hopefully!). Here are some of the cookies:

If you haven't made these before, please reference this recipe. They are perfection. Big and chewy and just yum. The secret is a, you have to have bread flour, and b, you have to refrigerate them for at least an hour before you pop them in the oven!

Dad dropped Charlie off and took the dogs to their house (he missed them) and then sent me this picture of Odgie cuddling with "squirrel". Squirrel is actually a stuffed dog (that is totally disgusting) that Odge has had since I was in college or something like that. The picture was really unclear and dark so I didn't instagram it, I DOUBLE instagrammed it. That's right!

Okay Jessi is here and I'm being totally rude and finishing this. Plus I need to wake up Charlie and make my pizza from the pizza dough I made. Reports on that later, and the recipe I made up if it's a success.

Pre-risen

A night downtown

2012-05-04T22:51:00.003-07:00

We both love Vegas and no matter where the AF takes us we know we want to end up here (maybe not permanently but for a long time). I know now we're going to get pcs orders within the year, now that I've put it out there for the universe. But we'll be back here.

One thing we dont like about Vegas is its lack of a true downtown where you can around, shop, have a coffee, a beer, etc. Every major city has one and we don't. I know we have the strip etc but there really isn't the down to earth jeans and flip flops bar area, or the places where you can just randomly walk around and explore new stores and restaurants.

The Andersens (Jeff was Charlie's roommate in UPT and are our business partners now) decided to get a babysitter and go out and invited us to join them. SOMETHING MADE CHARLIE GO OUT!!! Thanks Jeff and Allison! Although it's not the downtown we crave, it was fun and different. There are definitely interesting people there. As we were walking around the arts district Charlie made certain that we agreed on private school for our future children :-)

It's first Friday so they had all the local artists at the arts district. We saw this and thought my parents would like it for their house with the copper.

What do you think mom?

I had a very pink drink that was blood orange and something with champagne:

Picture came out good so I wanted one of me and my man:

Something was funny but I don't know what. Look at what a gentleman holding my jacket!

I like this picture because you can see the Stratosphere in the background.

There was a car show type thing and this van was just too funny:

We wanted to go to fremont and do the zip line but we ended up eating at Hugo's Cellar and got stuffed and then Jeff and Allison had to go home for the babysitter and me and Charlie have to wake up early to go hiking with Nikki at Red Rock. The restaurant is very cute and delicious and although it's not inexpensive, it includes sides and an AMAZING salad and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.

Here is a picture of Jeff and Allison w/their food - Jeff got the smaller of the two options for his steak and I don't think this picture really does it justice.

I was stuffed although my portion was much smaller, I had a seafood trio so Charlie helped and I only had a bite of his steak, so I felt okay. I also had a total vegan lunch so I felt better. Last night I put veggie ground in the slow cooker with several of the green chilis the Mountains left us, one whole onion, tomato paste and two cans of water, one miller light, 1 tbs cumin, 2 tbs chili powder. Cook on low all night. I added one can of black beans and one can of kidney beans today. Yum!

Not sure it's the most aesthetically pleasing picture but it's chili, come on! Katy came over to help finish the bookshelves and she and I couldn't tell it was vegan, although Charlie claims he could. Maybe next time I'll add bacon grease. (oh wait......)

Spring Cleaning

2012-05-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

Spring cleaning has been going on. And by that I mean I spent many hours attempting a wreath and about one cleaning. Charlie did drain the pool:

Apparently you're supposed to do this every like, 8 years, and the prior owners hadn't done it once. So we rented a pool pump/drain (no idea what it's called) and did it.

Doggies, don't fall in!

They don't seem too interested. (whoa, I almost typed to instead of too).

Last night while eating a batch of fresh kale chips (literally off of the pan I made them on) I had the idea to keep the pool empty since we will be in Alabama for June and July, so we could save a huge water bill! My mom and Katy were over but since my mom was sharing the kale chips with me and Katy hadn't dug in yet, I made Katy e-mail Charlie from my mom's computer. The e-mail said something like: Hey sweety, I have an idea, why don't we keep the pool empty until we're back and save a huge water bill? By the way, what the HECK is all the stuff in the gym room?"

Well let me show you what I found in the gym room, interspersed througout granola bar wrappers, silverware, and paperwork:

It was NOT in the laundry basket, just all over there. I guess I did do spring cleaning beyond the hour of organization. When my mom saw it she asked if I was sure I wanted to marry him. What a ridiculous question. I just need to make sure to go in there more often to clean it. If I don't go into the office for two days it looks like a frat house.

I forgot to take a picture of the kale chips but it was super easy and delicious. I literally just took precut kale, put it on a sheet pan with about a tbs of olive oil, then took a lemon wedge and sprinkled it, a tiny salt, and fresh parmesan cheese. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes (although I think next time I"ll do 15 minutes). I don't usually do parmesan but the Moutnains left me some when they left.

I also roasted brocolli and brussel sprouts in some balsamic and olive oil. Katy and I ate almost the whole batch for dinner. I was STUFFED off of vegetables.

This was already dug into. You don't use etiquette at the Maddox household, just dig on in!

The living room (and kitchen area) is a wreck because I am organizing everything. Mom came over to help but first we ran to hobby lobby to get the finishing items for my wreath (almost done!!!!). Mom had an MRI done and she did not have a tear which is good and bad. Good because it's not a tear, bad because there's no surgical solution. Just needs to endure the calcium until it dissipates.

We sat her down on the couch with a heating pad and Katy and I started working on the bookshelves in the living room. Katy and I both have one of our degrees in psychology (my other is math and her other is premed I think), and we were laughing because we were like mice that go and do something inefficiently several times before realizing what the quickest route is. We kept going around behind a couch side table before realizing we could go the other way (duh!), before realizing we could just move the original side table! We have lots more to do and she's coming over soon to finish the job.

Charlie came home from work early and he kissed me hello and proclaimed "you smell like kale" and I proclaimed "you smell like alcohol". Thank GOODNESS he went out and had a little fun (I know he only had one drink but still!). He has been working nonstop and so he and Rob went and had a drink after work. He seriously comes home most nights and this is what happens:

This is from a couple nights ago. Odge loves his daddy and his favorite spot is to crawl on top of your legs right in the crack between them.

So if you're wondering why on earth the wreath is taking so long, ask yourself: would you be able to work on it when this little bubba crawls right in?

Mom can I sit there?

I looked over to Charlie to help me but Maya was taking all his attention:

(notice the ladder in the background? For our bookshelves)

The dogs nicknames have changed to Lazy, Stubborn, and Annoying. Can you guess who is who?

Lee - help me out here, get up!

No mommy I'm comfortable. Go watch Big Bang Theory.

I guess I'll finish the wreath another day.

Yarn balls and crows feet

2012-05-04T14:19:00.001-07:00

Two nights ago I decided to make a rosemary focacia pizza crust. I had a tomato pesto and then I had random cheeses left over, which is why this pizza looks so.....creative?

The mozzarella (white closest to camera) was my favorite.

Katy came over bc I hadn't seen her since she started her new job with the RRA's. She had an interview for a cocktail waitress position to earn extra cash until all her licencing came through. So I am wearing short blue shorts, a baggy white tank top, and Katy comes over wearing....Katy clothes. She wouldn't just let me snap a pic so she took one posing with Lee-kles.

We then proceeded to eat dinner on the couch while watching jeapordy and making yarn balls. In our awesome outfits.

Yes, rolling yarn balls.

Katy do you know the jeapordy answer?

We watched teen week and actually knew most of the answers. And I even knew final jeapordy. I never know final jeapordy. So happy. We always know the math and food questions. Of course.

My finished product. Yes, I mean the yarn ball. I know the finished product should be the wreath. I am special.

I did finish all the felt flowers!

When Katy left I started rolling the yarn onto the wreath but my thumb hurt from the swing incident so I stopped and cuddled the bubbas instead. Odge has been scared of the dog door (what a freaking weird dog). He'll stand there barking. I have learned that if I send Maya out the door, she'll sniff him and walk back to the door and he follows her in. I was about to go send Maya out, when Lee just jumped out and went to get him! So freaking cute.

Don't worry Mommy, I went and saved Odge.

Aww Lee-kles, thank you, I love you!

Also, I am beginning to see smile lines aka crows feet! Don't believe me?

Scrunch!

(sad)

grownups on the playground

2012-05-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

I watched Clara on Tuesday so Jaren could go to her doctor app across town. Tell me you wouldn't go hang out w/this girl on a daily basis:

On my way there I stopped at El pollo loco and had a chicken avocado salad bowl. Demolished. Clara took a nap right when I got there.

I don't know why but it looks like I have braces in that picture. Clara is so sweet, right before her nap. She tries to call me Avigail but it comes out as "Aggay" so I am officially "Aggie" to the Rabes. Love it! Made me so happy when she got this HUGE smile on her face when she woke up and cried "aggie".

We went to the park with Jaren when she came back from her appointment. Clara and I see-sawed w/Jaren:

And then we all swang for a while. Well not we all, just Clara and me. First Clara

I got my arm workout in.

Then me:

Dude, swinging is a lot scarier than I remember! Remember how we used to jump out when it went out? What the heck??? Obviously Clara got tired of pushing me so she went back on the swing and Jaren pushed us both. (okay, a 21 lbs 2 yo did not really push me).

Weeeeee! Notice how clara is barely moving? Jaren and i played a game instead of pushing her.....

Which ended in this:

a nice chunk of my thumb missing. Why you ask? Because Jaren had to spin me. There's a video but having a hard time loading it.

Back to January - a surprise dog party!

2012-05-02T23:04:00.001-07:00

Well back in January sh** at work hit the fan and after a horrible week, Charlie called me and told me to come over to my parents house for dinner. It was January 5th. Back in Jan I almost quit, but things seemed to be better again. It was bad. I was PISSED. Well, my mom and Charlie obviously knew this, and set up a surprise party for me. The only problem is, that my birthday is in July. However, Odge and Lee's SEVENTH birthday was on January 5th, and Maya's 6th birthday is January 15th. I have friends like Katy and Eden that go all out for doggy birthdays. I don't, but I still know when they are etc.

Anyway, after work I walked into my parents house for dinner per Charlie's instructions to find this:

I mean come on! Is that not the cutest thing? It instantly made me realize what an amazing family I have. I know gushy stuff doesn't put food on the table, but family is SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT than your job. I probably cried, I don't remember. It was so sweet. Yes silly, but at least the surprise was for me. If you have ever given your dog a surprise party, please tell me so that I can make fun of you. (katy, eden...? either one of you?)

Anyway, they had also set up the table w/china for dinner in honor of the celebration:

And had gotten them presents they enjoyed:

It was one of those flattened out fox tail type things. They killed the squeekers within an hour.

Random things I've been upto

2012-05-02T22:33:00.001-07:00

Random things I've been up to in no particular order (seriously, some of these are from January).

Hugging one of my favorite Shaynas! (end of April 2012)

Helping some doggies find forever homes with Rose. (mid April 2012)

Making my own Indian dishes. Let me say, quitting my job has made me quite the housewife (as if I wasn't before). Charlie's not complaining. (mid april 2012)

Hanging out w/some lovely ladies making crafts. (wreath pictures to come, although it's not complete yet!) (end of april 2012)

Making kale chips. And Juice. I loved it. Charlie said it tasted like grass. I guess I didnt' put enough fruit in for his taste. (March 2012)

Spending time w/my savta (who is 90) and Charlie in Israel.

Updating pictures on instagram from me and Charlie's first date. Yes he took me on a hellicopter ride. No he did not fly it.

Opening (and LOVING) presents from our engagement party.

Playing at Duty free. Guess which one came home with me and which one came home with mom? (end of march 2012)

Donating blood and loving the fact taht the tape matched our outfits perfectly! (March 2012)

Hanging out w/my two Vegas bridesmaids.

Part 2 of back to blogging (what I've been up to/Jaren inspiration)

2012-04-30T23:26:00.006-07:00

I stopped working. Long story I don't feel like bloggin about and Charlie has been BEYOND supportive. I finished officially this last week and the moment I was finished I just felt HAPPY. Relief. There are some great (career) things in store for me, and I can't wait.

This summer Charlie got chosen for SOS and we are going to Alabama for 2 months. I got accepted to a course about Israel in Atlanta (rabbi akselrad sponsored me) so I am basically paying $150 for a 3 credit grad course, plus they pay for me to have meals and be housed. Go avichai! I hope to spend time with my sister, with Charlie's sisters (and my new nephew!!), and with his parents. I can't wait to meet Pat (his stepmom). She and I talk several times a week and she said the sweetest thing "if you don't mind, Id like to just treat you like I treat my daughters". So touching. She also invited my mom to stay with us.

Mom had the calcium thing come back to her shoulder and has been in excruciating pain. She had a procedure done today and we're hoping it actually helps this time.

I helped Charlie with some van pool stuff this morning so I was at the park and ride with his car, so I went over to Jarens and finished the flowers to my wreath (finally) and then she drove me home and we had dinner with my parents. Been spending lots of time w/Jaren and Clara and been loving it. Feels like college girlfriends (plus a 2 year old). Here is them last night, we had been making fun of that tagline so I sent this image to Jaren today while she was getting new tires.

Clara LOVED my dad. I hope she can spend some time with him (it would be great for BOTH of them). I titled this Jaren Inspiration because her blog (it's private, sorry, two readers, one of which is Jaren), is the funniest thing ever. I seriously think she could be a comedy writer. She's just honest in a way that most people arent, but it's not the kind that is just for shock value. It's the perfect combination.

I spent two days babystting the Mountain boys.

Jessi and Jason are pcs-ing to Holloman and Jessi didn't want them around the movers. We had a playdate in the pool. Eden got some strange texts talking about naked children in the pool. Kieran was a great swimmer and Aidan had fun w/some of the pool toys. Clara came and kept calling it a bath. Every couple hours Aidan would say "Um, miss Avigail?" And I"d say "yes Aidan" and he'd say "um, I love you". And then my heart melted. Or maybe my uterus melted. Good thing Charlie was out of town in Boston or I may have not fit into my wedding dress.

See you all on a more regular basis. Hopefully. But probably not.