One for One

We love our Toms. I really love the whole idea of these shoes. Toms is a company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. These children are at risk for diseases. Emilia has so many shoes that she has never even worn. It is sad to think there are children who don’t even own one pair of shoes. So, after purchasing a pair for myself, I bought a pair for her birthday. I encourage you to check out the website. There you will find lots of shoe styles for the whole family, more information about One for One, as well as their blog. These shoes make great gifts, so consider giving them this Christmas season. Did I mention how comfortable they are? Seriously, you may never want to wear anything else again! 

Emilia meets Cousin Cooper

When I heard my sister-in-law and best friend Amanda was pregnant, I was so happy and excited. It’s such a blessing to have a child. Now we have another in the family, and we love him so much. Cooper was born 11/4/11. Emilia was born 10/4/10. Pretty cool, I think! They are exactly thirteen months apart. Chris and I went to meet our beautiful baby nephew in the hospital the day he was born. Emilia met him Sunday. It was a sweet moment.

Lemon Chicken Soup

I found this recipe in Giada De Laurentiis’ cookbook, Giada at Home. I met her at a book signing at the The Incredible Food Show last year. She’s my favorite celebrity chef. Probably because I have a love for all things Italian. I was so excited to watch her cook and meet her too! I’ve made a few recipes from the book but this one seems to make an appearance in my kitchen most. Nothing warms the soul like chicken soup. I love how the lemon brightens the soups flavor. I made it for Amanda and Josh this weekend when we went for a visit to see baby Cooper. More on that to come…





Recipe:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice  (about 2 lemons)
• 1 dried bay leaf  
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces or any short pasta
• 2 cups diced cooked rotisserie chicken, preferably breast meat
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt

In a large stockpot, bring the chicken broth, lemon juice, and bay leaf, to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat so the mixture simmers and cook until vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Add the chicken and heat through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the cheese. Season with salt, to taste.
 
Enjoy!

Goodnight Moon / Goodnight iPad

This book sits on the nightstand in Emilia’s room. Goodnight Moon is a beloved children’s classic. It’s one of our favorites. We have read it to her every night since she was born. When I came across Goodnight iPad, I couldn’t help but laugh! The parody highlights the technology obsessed world we live in today.  Forget bowls of mush, or cows jumping over the moon, this new bedtime story has WiFi and iPads and gadgets galore.

 

 
Check out the video version of the book:

Jacobson Park

We met Misty for sushi and a fun afternoon at Jacobson Park. We love spending time with her and the weather was perfect. We saw lots of geese and played at the playground. Fall is so fun!

Horse Watching

We live in the heart of horse country. Today Emilia and I came across this beauty not too far from our home. So, we peeked through the fence!

Posted from my iPhone

Trick or Treat

This was Emilia’s first trick or treat. Last Halloween she was less than a month old. So, this year we really enjoyed the festivities. I think she wore her costume a total of 5 different days. We went to McConnell Springs for Little Goblins Galore, The library's annual Boo Bash, and Joseph-Beth's annual Trick or Treat Story Time. We also, visited grandparents and went trick or treating in our neighborhood. Emilia had her first taste of candy, and yes she liked it!

Emilia is 1!

It's hard to believe that our baby girl turned ONE on October 4th. She has been such a blessing to everyone in our family. She enjoyed her birthday party very much. With teething, a cold, and more than 30 people in our home to celebrate the occasion, I wasn't sure if she would be a happy baby that day. Boy, did she proved me wrong. She was all smiles. :)  It was as if she knew it was her day.

                          Love the invitation.                             Yummy cupcakes from Caramanda's.

                    So sweet, she clapped her hands when she was finished opening gifts.

                                                                                                  She loved her cake!

                  A Radio Flyer wagon from Emilia’s grandparents. Everyone had a ride!

                                                     Checking out her new Power Wheels from Uncle Ryan.