crazedparent tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-49518 2009-07-15T14:08:25-07:00 random riffs of the parenting kind TypePad Are you my mother?... tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83451c74f69e20115720a6b9e970b 2009-07-15T14:08:25-07:00 2009-07-15T14:10:03-07:00 I'm not a bird watcher and yet over the past two weeks, I've become obsessed with two adult birds that created a nest the plum tree resting in our front yard. I discovered the nest after watching the birds poking around our yard looking for food. They'd find a worm, hop across our lawn and then fly up to a branch in the tree. After I witnessed this happening several times throughout the day, I was compelled to investigate (read: I felt nosy.) The boys and I went under the tree and discovered a nest...but no babies. We continued to... Charlene Prince Birkeland

Are you my mother?


I'm not a bird watcher and yet over the past two weeks, I've become obsessed with two adult birds that created a nest the plum tree resting in our front yard. 

I discovered the nest after watching the birds poking around our yard looking for food. They'd find a worm, hop across our lawn and then fly up to a branch in the tree. After I witnessed this happening several times throughout the day, I was compelled to investigate (read: I felt nosy.)

The boys and I went under the tree and discovered a nest...but no babies. We continued to check on it every day. 

Last Friday, the boys were playing on the driveway when we saw the birds fly away. We heard chirps. Loud, squeaky chirps. We ran over to the nest and discovered the babies had been born. The boys could not contain their excitement, and I was glowing in a proud mama way because birds were born in our tree. 

The nest was too high up for the boys to peak, and really, I didn't want them to disturb the babies or cause the parents concern.

I grabbed a ladder while the boys watched me attempt to snap photos with a shaky hand. The birds, they were so tiny, sweet, fragile, adorable and curious. 

Today, the nest is empty. 

 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/07/are-you-my-mother.html Dispatch from the test kitchen (camping edition): A bird's nest... tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83451c74f69e2011570d6ee3b970c 2009-07-09T07:28:54-07:00 2009-07-09T15:29:23-07:00 You know you're living the camping high life when you start the day with a scrumptious breakfast (we call it a "bird's nest" and I'm sure there about 20 other variations of it). We recently camped at Butano State Park, which is about an hour's drive from most spots along Silicon Valley. We took a few side trips to Bean Hollow State Beach (gorgeous) and San Gregorio (funky), along with dinner one night at Duarte's Tavern (disappointing...the hostess yelled at me). Butano State Park is ideal for family camping because the campsites are super kid- and parent-friendly. The walk-in sites... Charlene Prince Birkeland
Bird's nest

You know you're living the camping high life when you start the day with a scrumptious breakfast (we call it a "bird's nest" and I'm sure there about 20 other variations of it).

We recently camped at Butano State Park, which is about an hour's drive from most spots along Silicon Valley. We took a few side trips to Bean Hollow State Beach (gorgeous) and San Gregorio (funky), along with dinner one night at Duarte's Tavern (disappointing...the hostess yelled at me).

Butano State Park is ideal for family camping because the campsites are super kid- and parent-friendly. The walk-in sites require that you hike down a small hill to your spot, but once there your kids can play and roam in a very contained area. And the best part? You can easily keep an eye on them while they're exploring in the forest under the towering redwood trees (and searching for banana slugs).

Also? No mosquitoes.

Back to the bird's nest. They were made under the watchful eye of the power couple known as Mom's Pizza Dough and 1000watt Consulting.

Let's review the goodness, shall we?

First, prepare the "nests" by taking a small glass or cup and using it to press out holes in bread. 1000watt dude discovered the best bread for this recipe a Whole Foods hamburger bun. Perfect density, easy to cut and the addition of honey as an ingredient gives the bird's nest a nice taste. It also helps the bread brown evenly (my opinion).

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Next up, heat a frying pan with a little bit of olive oil. When the pan is nice and hot, drop in the bread and then crack the egg into the hole. When it looks like the egg white has settled and cooked a bit (the egg white will look gel-like on front side but you can see the cooked whites), then ever-so-carefully flip the bird's nest.

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Voila!

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After the eggs are cooked to your liking, then enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. My favorite part is that very first bite where the egg yolk oozes out just enough so you can dip the bread into it.* Yum!

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*We usually cook the egg yolks completely for the kids otherwise we risk cries of "Ewww! Gross!"

Other dispatches from the test kitchen:

Rainbow cake

White Bean Soup

Homemade croutons

 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/07/dispatch-from-the-test-kitchen-camping-edition-a-birds-nest.html Send Pablo Sandoval to the All-Star Game! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83451c74f69e2011570e3075e970c 2009-07-07T21:46:00-07:00 2009-07-07T22:03:45-07:00 I interrupt this moment of unplugged-ness for some rather important business. A few months ago, Seven and I were to meet Pablo Sandoval, the third baseman for the San Francisco Giants, at a signing event. We missed it because Seven was in the middle of a playoff game that went exceedingly long for his division. Pablo signed a few baseballs for us to pick up later and Seven was content to know that the Panda had done that for him. If you've had a chance to watch the Giants and have seen Pablo Sandoval crack the bat, hustle at third... Charlene Prince Birkeland

I interrupt this moment of unplugged-ness for some rather important business.

A few months ago, Seven and I were to meet Pablo Sandoval, the third baseman for the San Francisco Giants, at a signing event. We missed it because Seven was in the middle of a playoff game that went exceedingly long for his division. Pablo signed a few baseballs for us to pick up later and Seven was content to know that the Panda had done that for him. 

If you've had a chance to watch the Giants and have seen Pablo Sandoval crack the bat, hustle at third base or catch for Barry Zito, you know that, without a doubt, he deserves to be at the All-Star Game.   

So click that little widget and vote for Pablo!!

 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/07/help-get-pablo-sandoval-in-the-all-star-game.html Unplugged... tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d83451c74f69e20115706d04e7970c 2009-06-26T07:23:17-07:00 2009-06-28T23:15:16-07:00 I learned of Michael Jackson's early demise yesterday evening, hours after the news broke. "How sad! Did you know Michael Jackson died?" I asked my husband as our laptops were back to back at the dining room table. "Where ya' been?" he said, his voice aghast at my lack of news knowledge. "It's been all over the news. How could you not know?" If it had happened three weeks ago, his comment would have seemed more appropriate. But since the boys started their summer vacations, I've unplugged all day. I'm not monitoring news sites all day, waiting for breaking stories... Charlene Prince Birkeland
I learned of Michael Jackson's early demise yesterday evening, hours after the news broke.

"How sad! Did you know Michael Jackson died?" I asked my husband as our laptops were back to back at the dining room table.

"Where ya' been?" he said, his voice aghast at my lack of news knowledge. "It's been all over the news. How could you not know?"

If it had happened three weeks ago, his comment would have seemed more appropriate. But since the boys started their summer vacations, I've unplugged all day. I'm not monitoring news sites all day, waiting for breaking stories to write about on Shine. I'm not scouring my iPhone for updates. I'm not in the car listening to NPR or other radio stations, as Nol and Q., my frequent passengers have requested I play CDs of late.

The combination of no television, very limited time spent online in the day, and resisting the pull of my iPhone, has made me very detached. I've been getting my news old-school; I read the newspaper every morning. Or I'll skim the headlines at night when I'm wrapping up work for Shine.

A friend recently asked me if she should call me to reach me, since I'm not checking email as frequently.

"Yes, call me. That's the fastest way to reach me," I answered, and we both laughed because it acknowledged just how much of my life is spent online.

This unplugging experiment, it won't last much longer. Both boys will be in summer camp soon, and I have things to write, web sites to work on. But for now, it's been nice step away from my desk and laptop, especially since it seems I've been glued to the same spot for 18 months.

Stepping away has changed me. And change is good. Really, really good.

And to Michael Jackson: Thank you, thank you, thank you, for bringing music and dancing to my life. For "Beat It" and your amazing video that I grooved to in the fifth grade talent show. And for that ridiculously lame yet cool jacket in the "Thriller" video that made little boys try to copy your style (you know who you are). For "PYT" and the lame crank calls I used to receive from kids in class using that riff. For "The Girl is Mine" with Paul McCartney. For "Smooth Criminal," with its amazing sound and rhythm (could we expect any less?) and for letting Alienl Ant Farm remake the song. And for "Human Nature," my all-time favorite song of yours. RIP, MJ.


 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/06/unplugged.html Losing space... tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67971375 2009-06-10T22:06:02-07:00 2009-06-10T22:06:02-07:00 I gave up my home office this week. (Even writing those words is painful.) It was a parenting decision that resulted in the boys getting their own bedrooms. And mom's desk, artwork, photos, and peaceful slice of bliss was related to, well, we're not sure yet. The desk has been taken apart, the photos and pieces of my work and writing life are all packed away temporarily in a closet that is already overflowing with mementos of the past few school years. In the process of moving the rooms around, I've created about 20 more home projects that need to... Charlene Prince Birkeland

Staycation day 2: coffee and lists with Nol
I gave up my home office this week. (Even writing those words is painful.)

It was a parenting decision that resulted in the boys getting their own bedrooms. And mom's desk, artwork, photos, and peaceful slice of bliss was related to, well, we're not sure yet. The desk has been taken apart, the photos and pieces of my work and writing life are all packed away temporarily in a closet that is already overflowing with mementos of the past few school years. 

In the process of moving the rooms around, I've created about 20 more home projects that need to be complete to get our family organized. And so the list making begins.

I'm on a staycation this week while Seven is home from school and Q. wraps up his first year of preschool. We've been crafting up a storm. Now if only I could cross more things off of my list.


 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/06/losing-space.html Welcoming summer vacation... tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67635547 2009-06-04T10:36:35-07:00 2009-06-04T10:37:31-07:00 There is nothing more heartbreaking than picking your preschooler up from class and having him crumble in your arms while hard, hot tears stream from his face, his voice begging you to "just go home, mama." The subtle reminder that being four, being a younger sibling, and learning how to play with friends is so, so hard. The start of summer vacation marks the end of the the school year. I've always felt some trepidation at managing the juggle of various schedules and activities that the three months bring. But this year, I am breathing a sigh relief for the... Charlene Prince Birkeland

Sights of summer.


There is nothing more heartbreaking than picking your preschooler up from class and having him crumble in your arms while hard, hot tears stream from his face, his voice begging you to "just go home, mama." The subtle reminder that being four, being a younger sibling, and learning how to play with friends is so, so hard. 


The start of summer vacation marks the end of the the school year. I've always felt some trepidation at managing the juggle of various schedules and activities that the three months bring. But this year, I am breathing a sigh relief for the break from school, and sporting a smile of excitement at the possibilities that summer will bring.

 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/06/welcoming-summer-vacation.html Distractions and inspirations... tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67381729 2009-05-28T13:20:21-07:00 2009-05-28T13:22:27-07:00 Distractions. Originally uploaded by crazedparent I bought a yard of Japanese canvas from Etsy a few weeks ago and it finally arrived yesterday. I'm making a gardening apron with the bug pattern. But the strawberry canvas was a surprise treat from Bytinser (thank you! thank you!), and I have so many ideas with so little time! Charlene Prince Birkeland

Distractions.
Originally uploaded by crazedparent

I bought a yard of Japanese canvas from Etsy a few weeks ago and it finally arrived yesterday. I'm making a gardening apron with the bug pattern. But the strawberry canvas was a surprise treat from Bytinser (thank you! thank you!), and I have so many ideas with so little time!

 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/05/distractions-and-inspirations.html See dog jump... tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67332211 2009-05-27T12:02:59-07:00 2009-05-27T12:06:39-07:00 See dog jump. Originally uploaded by crazedparent The dog, she has recovered. Luna Lovegood still shows some pain in her hind leg, lifting her paw when she retrieves things during a light game of fetch. But when the boys blow bubbles? She turns back into her Wonder Dog self. Check out the air. Charlene Prince Birkeland

See dog jump.
Originally uploaded by  crazedparent

The dog, she has recovered. Luna Lovegood still shows some pain in her hind leg, lifting her paw when she retrieves things during a light game of fetch. But when the boys blow bubbles? She turns back into her Wonder Dog self. Check out the air.

 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/05/see-dog-jump.html Get crafty: DIY purse for little girls... tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67305367 2009-05-26T21:15:12-07:00 2009-05-26T21:19:26-07:00 Whenever our schedule is running us ragged, I find myself feeling more inspired to be crafty. Perhaps because it forces me to shut down my laptop and focus on creating something in a different medium. Over the weekend, I spied instructions to sew this adorable little purse on Skip to my Lou. Since my niece's birthday party was the next day, I had to make it. Added bonus? The tutorial is meant to include the assistance of a preschooler. Translated: Super easy sewing project. I used TinkerBell fabric (1/2 yard for $1.50), two hot-pink flower buttons, $1) and rubber bracelets... Charlene Prince Birkeland

IMG_2881

Whenever our schedule is running us ragged, I find myself feeling more inspired to be crafty. Perhaps because it forces me to shut down my laptop and focus on creating something in a different medium. 

Over the weekend, I spied instructions to sew this adorable little purse on Skip to my Lou. Since my niece's birthday party was the next day, I had to make it. Added bonus? The tutorial is meant to include the assistance of a preschooler. Translated: Super easy sewing project.

I used TinkerBell fabric (1/2 yard for $1.50), two hot-pink flower buttons, $1) and rubber bracelets from Anchor Blue (I found a five-pack on sale for $3). The bag took about 25 minutes to make. The most challenging part was sewing the bracelets into the fabric. I opted to use the machine instead of hand sewing, mostly because I'm impatient and wanted to finish the bag before bedtime. 

Next time, I plan on adding liner to make it more sturdy. 

What crafty goodness are you working on? And what do you turn to when you're super busy?
 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/05/get-crafty-diy-purse-for-little-girls.html Songs of summer: Chris Isaak, "Baja Sessions" tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67118589 2009-05-21T12:14:51-07:00 2009-05-21T12:17:03-07:00 The blue skies and warm breeze this morning made me think of Chris Isaak. I came home after dropping the boys (all three of them) off at school and work, and turned on my copy of "Baja Sessions." It was the first time I'd listened to it in about eight years, but the sound of the first song began playing, I felt instant peace. The entire album is summer. It's relaxing on the sand while staring out at waves as they alternate between screaming and whispering across the shore. It's making out with your love on a chaise lounge, while... Charlene Prince Birkeland
BAJASESSIONS


The blue skies and warm breeze this morning made me think of Chris Isaak. I came home after dropping the boys (all three of them) off at school and work, and turned on my copy of "Baja Sessions." It was the first time I'd listened to it in about eight years, but the sound of the first song began playing, I felt instant peace.

The entire album is summer. It's relaxing on the sand while staring out at waves as they alternate between screaming and whispering across the shore. It's making out with your love on a chaise lounge, while the sun keeps you warm. It's margaritas and Mai Tais on a porch while the sun drops into water so far and so deep and so dark.

I'll be playing it endlessly.

What songs transport you to those peaceful, dreamy summer moments?

 http://www.crazedparent.org/2009/05/songs-of-summer-chris-isaak-baja-sessions.html