Resurrected

Yes, really, truly, it’s me! Writing! On my blog! Who would’ve thunk it. Believe me when I tell you that I am going to work hard (think dwarfs in a diamond mine) to resurrect this here blog. I can do it. I will do it! Or at least that’s what I’m saying today.
Here are a few catch up pics of Hattie. We’ve got some Easter pics, some from the fountains at Crown center, her and her cousin Luke at the piano, and her in her summer dress and snow boots of course. Don’t question the fashion people, just go with it.

BlueStem

Last night Brian and I had a wonderful opportunity. We were fortunate enough to not only eat dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Kansas City, BlueStem, but we were able to eat with the chefs & owners (husband and wife Colby & Megan) and our good friends Ted & Jackie who own Room 39 (another of the city’s finest). We were not disappointed! Tons of fantastic food, tons of great wine, fun company, AND a celebrity sighting! Steve Martin was having dinner when we arrived. Missed getting a snapshot, as they ducked out quick when they were finished. Dang! Promise he was there - scout's honor.
Here’s what was on the menu (and yes, there were only six of us!).
Truffled pommes frites (aka awesome French fries) with 5 dipping sauces (siracha aioli, green goddess, heirloom tomato ketchup, garlic aioli, and truffled mustard). By far the fanciest & tastiest fries this world has seen!
Smoked salmon with capers, egg, crème fraiche on toast
“La quericia” cured meats (believe it or not, that refers to a pig that is raised on a mostly acorn diet – crazy, yes? Tasty, yes!), with cornichons (one of my favorite words to say)and more of that awesome truffled mustard
Kobe beef tartare – three words: Oh. My. God. It was WONDERFUL. I WILL make a trip down there for a plate of that all to myself. Soon. Like, maybe tonight. Seriously, it was amazing.
Okay moving onto the main courses – no, we aren’t even there yet!
Mussels with coconut milk, lime & chili. Yet another winner. I would’ve never in a million years ordered this dish, and yet it was in my top 3 of the night. I think I polished off a dozen of them and then dipped bread in that sauce. Heaven.
Mac & cheese with bacon. Know how to make a fantastic mac & cheese better? Add bacon.
Pulled pork sandwich. There is some unwritten law that says you must like bbq to live in KC. Typically I break that rule and stay out of the dozens of bbq places around the city. This was pretty damn good, though. Colby’s homemade sauce was perfect…sweet, spicy & smoky.
Shrimp & grits. Another one of my favorites of the night (have I said that yet?). I don’t think I tasted grits until I was out of college, so my knowledge is lacking, but these were incredibly creamy and soooooo good with the slightly spicy shrimp.
Steak with a tasty chimichurri sauce. Who doesn’t love steak?
Buttons popping, we moved onto dessert. Sometimes you’ve just got to power through...
Milk chocolate frozen mousse & various ice creams
Bittersweet chocolate tart with candied kumquats and bergamot ice cream
You can never go wrong with chocolate. Ever.
All in all, one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. Make a trip down, you will NOT be disappointed.

I am, indeed, still alive. The blog barely is.

Okay, okay….I know it’s been a million years since I’ve posted. I often think about doing it, but then one of several things happens; 1) I don’t feel clever or creative 2) My life doesn’t seem all that exciting to warrant a new post 3) I’m too lazy to spend what little free time I have on a post 3 people will read or 3) I’m too freaking busy to sit down and write even a few words. The excuses keep coming, I know. But here I am damn it.

Lots of little things are going on…we’ve got a vacation planned – hooray!- more on that another day. Hattie is being sweet and smart and funny all the time. I’m still falling more in love every day, if that’s possible. We’ve been doing lots of little activities lately….Worlds of Fun, the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, petting zoo, soccer games. I love being out in the fall…it’s such a crisp time of year. (I also feel like we need to get everything in before it gets too damn cold to do anything outside!) We have a Halloween party coming up this weekend at Mom and Dad’s. My princess will be in full regalia (we hope) and I will post some pics afterwards to get you all in the Halloweenie mood. By the way, I’m talking Hattie the princess, not Brian. Although that conjures up some interesting mental pics. Click! On a side note, my running has been going well lately…putting in what, for me, is a good amount of mileage. But what for most actual runners, would be pathetic. Whatever. I am signed up for my first 10k (6.2 miles) beginning of November. I’m looking forward to it! 10ks are hard to come by around here. Though there is nothing better than a cool autumn run. Except for a mental pic of Brian in a pink sparkly dress and tiara…

Louisburg

I know its been for-ever since I've posted...I'll get something up soon. In the meantime, here are a few pics from our trip to the Louisburg Cider Mill yesterday. Enjoy!

This one's for you Gina!

I have attempted a few haircuts on Hattie. One was a disaster and we had to go get it fixed at a local salon on a busy Saturday before a holiday (oops). The others have been sub-par trims. Now that HP is older and can sit still, I decided to go and invest in a pair of good scissors. I must say my first true attempt came out pretty good! It only took about 5 minutes and is much less crooked than a few we've gotten from the beauty school up the street (and I didn't feel the need to break out the ratting comb, hairspray OR flattening iron like the girls up there). The sunglasses really set it all off, don't they?

Zoo

I took off work yesterday so we could take a trip to the zoo. It was a perfect day…sunny and not too hot (well, at least for KC in July). Hattie enjoyed seeing all the animals, especially the ‘goats’ (kudu). In the morning before we left, I asked what animals she was excited to see…I listed a few to nods and yeses and her question to me was, “They’re not going to lick me, are they Mama?” I told her no, no animals would lick her at the zoo…it didn’t dawn on me until a little later that she’s used to dogs who always give her kisses.

We’re on day 3 of 5 on the potty chart. Each day that she stays dry we mark off a day. On day 5, Hattie is going to get a new bike! Her very first bike. I think I am just as excited as she is. We almost made it to day 4 yesterday, but the long day with a 10 minute nap resulted in a mishap late in the day. When she has an accident, she'll look at me and say, "Aw, I'm sorry Mama. I'm sorry." It breaks my heart a little bit, she wants to do good and she knows she's let down her cheering section. Overall though, she is doing great – just a couple of setbacks.
And you know there are few things cuter in this world than a tiny behind in Elmo underpants.

Better Late Than Never

My Dad has always been very much involved in my life. He’s been there for me in many ways, but mostly he has been a great teacher. He has knowledge of so many subjects and is a patient coach. When I was young he showed me how to develop pictures in our basement darkroom. He showed me how to swing a golf club (which I really wish I did more like him). He taught me to fish. He taught me how to play basketball and coached my team every year in grade school. He also helped my mom coach volleyball. He taught me to be competitive while still enjoying myself and to take wins as well as losses in stride. I always enjoyed learning things during the projects he had going around the house, whether it be painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical or yard work. His work ethic is something to behold. Even though he’s retired, the man does not sit down. He ALWAYS has a project going at home or for someone else (he spent hundreds of hours helping Brian and me get our house updated and remodeled). He plays golf several times a week. He helps my great uncle who does not get around well maintain his lake home. He babysits his 5 grandkids lots. He attends sporting events, recitals and school plays. He spends time with his brothers and sisters.
He has taught me that life was not meant to be spent sitting down. It is about doing, going, experiencing, helping, and enjoying every single second. I love you Dad, for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do. Happy Father’s Day.