"You're the bestest cook in the world, Mommy!"

We're having a favorite meal around here tonight: Broccoli Pasta.

The best part was when Alanna told me, "You're the bestest cook in the world, Mommy!" and Rhys followed with, "And even your Dad is, too, Mommy!" Rhys remembered that we first had Broccoli Pasta with Grammy and Grampy, and Grampy was the one who provided the recipe and tutorial. Now when I make it, we remember where it came from- and how delicious it is. Even cooler: I made it tonight using my new Christmas immersion blender!

Broccoli Pasta

Noodles
Boil spaghetti or linguine for 5 minutes (not until done)

Sauce
1 large head of broccoli, rough cut
3 cups of chicken stock
Simmer together in a deep pot for 10 minutes or until tender
Blend together in a blender, or, even better, with an immersion blender directly in the pot!

Add
1 or 2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of grated peccorino or parmesan
Blend again

Add
2 egg yolks one at a time
Blend again

Add some olive oil (1 T)
Add partially cooked pasta
Simmer until pasta is done and sauce is thick

Serve with more cheese

Cheers

River of Lights

Last week, we met friends of Aaron's from college in Albuquerque and after dinner went to the River of Lights at the Botanical Gardens. Of course, photos with an iPhone are an inadequate representation of how cool all the displays were. And, this blog can in no way convey just how cold and frozen my feet were. But imagine being wowed by all the light displays at night, and be glad you have warm feet, and you can kind of get the feel for it.

The kids had a lot of fun too!

Walk in Time

Graphite, Micron pen and white pastel on a 1958 National Geographic

map of Eastern Europe, designating Communist and Non-Communist countries,

which is not necessary to the drawing, but is interesting to note anyway.

Completed December 30th, 2012.

Snow Play

 

 We played in the snow last weekend, on the Sunday before Christmas. It was SO much fun! We had planned to go for a hike, but were surprised by how much snow there was on the Corral Trail in the Jemez. So, we played, vigorously, for an hour. We had several snowball fights, went exploring, jumped, fell, wallowed, and generally enjoyed ourselves. The snow was up to little Alanna Belle's knees in some spots, and it was perfect for tossing around and tromping through.

As you can see in the top photo, Alanna's grape hat from last year is a little small, but she's got a different cute one this year, so we're all set for winter. Rhys finally got snow pants and snow boots, but we (he??? after repeated reminders to get it!!!) forgot his jacket. Luckily, Mommy travels with multiple jackets. We all experienced an abundance of laughter and joy.


Oh- and Happy New Year! We're looking forward to 2013!

Happy  

Day After Christmas!

We had a lovely day yesterday, and Aladdin (above) sort of sums it up: quiet, warm, cozy, relaxing. Hope yours was lovely too!

  

Almost Christmas

Yesterday, someone asked me if I was ready for Christmas. I made a somewhat flippant comment, involving "ready" and "Christmas" and "over"; we laughed in camaraderie, shared a story or two of excess, and moved on. Today, however, I feel a touch nostalgic. I'm so glad we have the weekend before the holiday so that we can immerse ourselves for at least a couple of days in the season, because it will be over in just a short time. Don't misunderstand: I am not an uber-Chritsmas-lover, I am just thankful for the chance to forget our regular daily grind for a couple of days and bask in gingerbread, lights, giving and receiving, and, most especially, time as a family.

Alanna tastes and enjoys the first snow of the season.

 

The dog and I got out to enjoy the first snow, also.

The kids tell Santa what they want for Christmas (they've been good kids this year).

Alanna performs in the program at preschool. She's been singing the songs for weeks!

And right now, we're enjoying COLD weather (11:30 am, 26 degrees F) and Henry Mancini's Christmas album. Joy!

One Year Ago (plus a few days)

I meant to re-connect with this blog on the anniversary of leaving it, but life, and stress-injured wrists, got in the way. The wrists are still a challenge, and I don't wish to over-stress them, so I'll keep it short.

Here I am.

Here we are.

Life goes on.

And here are some photos.

I got an iPhone. 

Above, a recent walk.

Below, a recent run.

 

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Above, Alanna Belle at the Winterfest light parade.

Below, Rhys was in that parade somewhere on this float.