Koen goes to the gym...Part 2

Thank you everyone for all your advice. It was much appreciated! To update everyone, I took Koen back to the gym today. It is not a work out day for me but we went to Kids Club hoping to make some progress. He was not happy at first, very clingy. But soon he was running around playing with toys having a good time. I chatted with one of the caregivers for a moment, said good bye to Koen, then left for a morning smoothie. I hung out for about ten or twelve minutes then headed back. He was upset when I got there. The caregiver said he had just started to cry. So I picked him up and took him over to the toys. Once again he was running around playing and having a good time. A little boy even gave Koen his toy to play with. Soon more and more kids started to arrive and Koen seemed to be having a great time. He didn't want to leave! So we are going back again tomorrow and I am hoping that he does even better. Thank you again everyone. I will keep you updated on Koen's progress. Cheers!

Salmon Burgers....Delicious!

These were amazing! if you don't have time to make the patties. Trader Joe's sells wild Alaskan salmon patties seasoned and ready to go. Which are just as delicious. Give them a try and let me know what you think.


Salmon Burgers With Chipotle Aioli and Pineapple-Avocado Salsa...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite
Ingredients:
Aioli
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1-1/2 teaspoons Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Salsa
1/2 cup diced California avocado
1/4 cup diced pineapple
2 tablespoons diced roasted red bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
1-1/2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
1-1/2 teaspoons minced Serrano pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Burgers
1 egg
1/4 cup Chipotle Aioli (reserved from recipe above)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce
1-1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillet, finely chopped*
1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs, available in Asian markets) or fine, unseasoned dry bread crumbs
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Vegetable oil
4 hamburger buns, split
4 leaves green leaf lettuce
8 California avocado slices (optional)

Directions:
1) To make aioli, whisk together all ingredients in large bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup for burger mixture; refrigerate remainder. To make salsa, combine all ingredients in large bowl. Refrigerate, covered.
2) To make burgers, in large bowl combine egg, reserved aioli, lime juice and Chipotle Pepper Sauce. Stir in salmon, bread crumbs, green onions, cilantro and salt. Form burger mixture into 4 patties. Chill patties at least 1 hour.
3) Brush a medium-hot grill lightly with oil. Grill salmon patties about 4 minutes or until browned on one side. Turn patties over and cook 4 minutes more or until just done. Grill buns on outer edge of grill. Spread cut sides of bottom halves with 1 tablespoon Chipotle Aioli, top each with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 burger, 1/4 cup Pineapple-Avocado Salsa, 2 avocado slices, if using, and top half of bun, cut side down. Yield: 4 servings

*Tip: To chop salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes; pulse in food processor until coarsely chopped. Do not over process.

Memorial Day

 "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened." -BG

Your not my mother?

So Koen for the first time is having separation anxiety. When I go to drop him off at the gym Kids Club, I am immediately called back. When I walk through the door there is Koen, hysterical!. With that look on his face like "OMG! MOM! how could you!, you just left me here with these strange people!" He even gives me a mean mug! Good grief!. I know that this is only a phase and one I can't wait to get passed. I looked up some tips on trying to help him get use to being without mom and dad. But if any of you seasoned mom's out there would like to pass on your wisdom, I would gladly take it. I will keep you posted...

Static

Is it just me or is anyone else having a static problem? My hair is so staticy (is that even a word) that I feel like I am going to have to start packing dryer sheets in my pockets. I don't know what's causing it but I am pretty sure the Snuggy is to blame.

*Chuckle*

Folklife

OK everyone, grab your bongos, slip on those birkenstocks, and dab on the patchouli. That's right! the annual Folklife festival is happening this weekend. Since 1972 the Folklife festival has been bringing us all together to celebrate the many diverse cultures throughout the world.  Whether your going to check out your favorite polka band or maybe learn how to belly dance? there is something for everyone. Not to mention a variety of foods and booth after booth of local artistry. From kids young to old there is always good fun to be had. Have fun this weekend!

http://nwfolklife.org/

Here is a link to their website, you can check schedules, performance times etc.

Park

Koen and I have been hanging at the park a lot recently. He is hilarious to watch. The little guy is so busy. He runs around so fast trying to play on all the toys at once. Such a crack up.

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I rocked it at the gym today! whooo! feeling awesome! I also took Koen to the Kids Club at the gym, this is the closest he has been to daycare. He was excited when he saw all the toys and once I sat him down he took off! But right as I had finished my work out I get a page over head. When I get back to the Kids Club there is Koen, sobbing with a total mean mug look on his face. He was pissed I left him there I guess. But it took him an hour to notice that I wasn't there. So, not to bad for little Koen.

Koen Takes a Picture

Koen really likes to play with my camera. So I let him try it out the other night. This is the picture he took. Nice job buddy!

WTF?

Saw these grazing beauties on my way home the other day. I had to take a picture just to make sure I was actually seeing walking Rainer bottles grazing in my local park. No one else around. Just the Rainer bottles. Taking a stroll. Remember the old Rainer commercials? HA! yeah me too......WTF?

Feel the Burn!

So I had my personal trainer session Tuesday night. Holy shizz! my body HATES me right now. But man did it feel good to go to the gym. It's been a long time coming and I am more motivated than ever to get in shape.

Triumphant

I made it through the dentist. With a little help from some nitrous I did just fine. My mouth really hurts today though. I'm hungry but chewing just sounds awful. But I am proud of myself none the less. My first fillings ever! made it all the way to 30 before I had a cavity.... not to shabby.

Silly Face

Koen loves the camera. Anytime I take it out he is right there. He has started to make funny faces now. Makes me laugh every time.

It's go time!

So I am very excited! For my birthday my husband got me a gym membership. I have set up my personal training session, and I start working out tomorrow! I can't wait! For Mother's day I bought workout clothes so I am totally ready to get my fitness on! This is going to be the start of something pretty amazing.

Sick

There is nothing worse than a sick kid. Poor Koen has been sick for over a week now. It just won't leave. As a parent I hate that there is only so much I can do for him. Poor little man. That magic wand would sure come in handy right now....

I think this picture kinda sums it up. Get well soon buddy.

I love this.

Thank you Lucas. :)

Totem

If you walk along the waterfront in downtown Seattle you will see many things. The Aquarium, the old Carousel. A variety of shops and restaurants. But you will also see the John T. Williams Memorial Totem Pole Project. From the Ditidaht tribe of British Columbia, John T. Williams was a 7th Generation woodcarver, who was shot and killed last summer by a Seattle police officer. There has not been a totem pole carved in Seattle for over 70 years. I think part of what makes this so special is that this totem pole is being carved by Williams' brother along side other master woodcarvers. As well as many volunteers from other nations. The hope is to erect the Totems on the one year anniversary of his death. August 30, 2011.  I really encourage people to go and see what they are doing. Their work is really amazing. You can make a donation or even talk with some of the folks there.





I know it's late...

but.... Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!
 To all of you awesome moms!

And a special Happy Mother's Day wish to my very own mama. Thank you for everything you do. I love you mom!



A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

The Big 3-OH!

Ah thirty. We finally meet. We have been dancing around each other for years now. The twenties were awesome! lots of great things happened. I got married, bought a house and had a baby. Three big items I can check off the ol' bucket list.

For my birthday this year I told my husband I wanted to hang in Seattle with our family. Go to the Aquarium, have lunch ya know, a fun family day. I love hanging out in Seattle, especially down by the waterfront. It's just a great place with great atmosphere. So Saturday morning we were up early and headed downtown. Koen was so damn cute at the aquarium, he ran all over the place. He touched a starfish and was mesmerized by the octopus and sea lions. They have a big dome room there completely surrounded by water. Filled with all kinds of big and interesting fish. Koen really enjoyed being able to touch the fish tank and wave to all the sea life.



But the fun did not end there....Oh no! after the Aquarium, lunch at the crab pot and a stop at the homemade ice cream stand, there was still more.!

SURPRISE!!!! a surprise birthday party just for me?!!! I couldn't believe it! My husband really got me good! All of our friends and family came. The biggest surprise of all was seeing my mom and dad! it brought tears to my eyes! I had been really missing them and it meant the world to me to see their smiling faces. I am not sure when I have felt more loved than I did when I saw everyone at that table. I was so over joyed with love and happiness I could have pooped a rainbow!. I can't thank everyone enough for helping ring in my 30th. My husband will never know how much that really meant to me. Thank you Lucas from the bottom of my heart.

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If you are in South Seattle today go to South Park and check out the festivities. Instead of a traditional groundbreaking they will be a breaking the biggest Pinata any of us have ever seen. Some 20 feet long, it will be a replica of the new bridge to come. Lots to do there check out some local art and catch a fire dance maybe? Sounds like a good time and tons of fun for the kids. Pinata beating starts at 1:30.

Cinco De Mayo

 Happy Cinco De Drinko everyone! The tequila will be flowing tonight. But if your not going out and giving your liver a workout it won't soon forget. Here is a fun meal, should some Mexican food be on your menu tonight. Tacos, Margaritas and Tres Leches! Let's get it on! Cheers!

Lime Chicken Soft Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cubed
• 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 10 (6 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup salsa

Directions

1. Saute chicken in a medium saucepan over medium high heat for about 20 minutes. Add vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onion, garlic and oregano. Simmer for an extra 10 minutes.
2. Heat an iron skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan, warm, and turn over to heat the other side. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve lime chicken mixture in warm tortillas topped with tomato, lettuce, cheese and salsa.

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Margaritas

Ingredients

• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
• 6 fluid ounces tequila
• 2 fluid ounces triple sec

Directions

1. Fill blender with crushed ice. Pour in limeade concentrate, tequila and triple sec. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Tres Leches (Milk Cake)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 5 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Sift flour and baking powder together and set aside.
3. Cream butter or margarine and the 1 cup sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat well.
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 2 tablespoons at a time; mix until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Pierce cake several times with a fork.
6. Combine the whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk together. Pour over the top of the cooled cake.
7. Whip whipping cream, the remaining 1 cup of the sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla together until thick. Spread over the top of cake. Be sure and keep cake refrigerated, enjoy!

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I shall like to take this moment to share with you, something very serious.

       I have finished cleaning the house. Thank you. That is all.

Photography is a fun hobby of mine. Came across these old pictures the other day. Reminds me that I need to get out and take some new ones. Not only of the possibly strange and unusual, but of my exceptionally cute kid as well.

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Today I completely understand why in some cultures dogs are not domesticated. And possibly even eaten.

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Beer me

 We dry hopped our IPA, and bottled it this weekend. Name and label coming soon.



Next we transferred our strawberry blond onto 7lbs of strawberries. Mmmmm. And so far we have gotten pretty good reviews from the Tigers blood and Black Dynamite, but I have even higher hopes for these two. I am a huge fan of IPA so I am particularly excited for that one. More to come....