Canning 101

The plan for the weekend was to visit the local U-pick to get fresh strawberries for canning. We had our jars, lids, pectin, etc, but the only thing we were missing was a canner. Of course it’s no fun just going out and buying one, so I thought we’d stay true to my passion and stop in the local thrift store. Lo and behold, as I walked around the corner there it was, practically calling out for me, a nice old, lovingly used canner. I opened it up and right inside was the rack too - - YES! It was a triumph of great proportions! So for $6, I walked out of the thrift store the lucky (and very proud) owner of a canner.

We left the thrift store and headed immediately to the u-pick strawberry farm. We were pressed for time because we were trying to out run a really nasty storm heading our way. Of course it wouldn’t have been too bad if it were a nice summer shower, but oh no, it was a full on thunder/lightening storm. We had to hurry and pick our strawberries before the storm rolled in. Luckily, we got there with just enough time to pick about four quarts of berries before the lightening and hard rain started coming down.

When we got home, we cleaned, cut, and sliced the berries getting them ready to make jam. This was a process to say the least but it was so much fun. I’ve always wanted to learn how to can but never had the opportunity. I’ve watched Shelli’s mom do it like a pro, and even had the chance to enjoy some of the fruits and veggies Nana has canned. With Shelli being from the south, she always talks of the many fond memories of growing up in the kitchen with her Mom and Grandma, spending the summers canning everything that came out of the family garden.

I’d hoped this would be a fun thing for all of us to do together, and it sure was. We even made a batch of sugar free jam for Mamaw, and a still had enough strawberries to dip in chocolate. In my book, today was a Win-Win for everyone!

Lazy day

Today was a lazy day around here. Shelli went back to work today after our nice little getaway so I took advantage and unpacked from our trip, tried to make a dent in the mini mountains of laundry, and cleaned up a little.

When I looked at the clock, it was almost time for dinner. I had NO energy to cook so I pulled out a box of Sloppy Joes and called it, “dinner!” While we were eating dinner, Zoe went on and on about all the stuff she and Nana did while Shelli & I were out of town. Nana headed back home Tuesday morning and of course Zoe misses her very much -- we all do! There is something about grandparents. They sure know how to spoil kids. I guess that’s just what grandparents do.
Zoe sure doesn’t complain!

We are back!

Carmel

Shelli & I -- San Francisco

Pier 39

We are back from our trip to San Francisco. My childhood best friend, Ariel and his partner, Joey were married this past weekend and it was nothing short of amazing. As I stood up there watching Ariel and Joey lose themselves in each others eyes, I couldn’t help but to tear up. I’ve never met two people more meant for one another and I was ecstatic to be a part of their special day. To be friends with someone for so many years, I couldn’t help but to reminisce about all the things we’d been through. Ariel, Christina, and I have been friends since the 3rd grade and have been through so many milestones in our life together. Looking back over the years, there isn’t too much we haven’t been through together.

Ariel, Me, Christina, & Joey

Joey, Shelli, Me, & Ariel

While we were gone, Zoe and Nana had a good time. They did it all from bike riding, shopping, baking, and going to the park. We sure are going to miss Nana when she is gone, but Zoe will for sure be going through withdrawal. We will be going down to see Nana in July so hopefully we can console Zoe until she gets to see ‘her’ Nana again. We were so happy Nana could come up and watch Zoe while we took off for the weekend. As much as we missed Zoe, it was nice to have a little one on one time with Shelli.

Needless to say, we are dead tired....
We are looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow!!!

That is all we want!

Photos from our day

A few pictures from our day out with Nana.......

Lunch at Zoe's favorite Japanese Restaurant for some Habachi and Sushi.
Zoe LOVES Sushi!

Followed by an afternoon playing with Mimi's new remote control car

As Zoe would say, "It was a BEAUTIFUL day!"

Nana's Here!

Nana got here Monday afternoon and we've been going non-stop since she pulled in the driveway.

We have been having so much fun getting all caught up.

Today??????

For the past few weeks, Zoe wakes up every morning asking, “Is Nana coming TODAY?” Tomorrow, Nana will be here and Zoe couldn’t be more excited. I’m not sure she will even sleep tonight – ha!

This afternoon we whipped up some homemade banana bread for Nana’s arrival. We are all very excited to spend some quality time with Nana. The best part is Nana will be here a whole 8 days. We usually go down to see Shelli’s mom in NC so, this is a nice treat to have her at our house so we can cook for her and let her relax for a change. We always keep her on her toes when we are at her house, not to mention getting spoiled with all the good home cooking.

We will see you tomorrow Nana!

Day Hike

With all the rain we had yesterday we were cooped up in the house all day. So this morning when we woke up and saw it was sunny and beautiful, we couldn't wait to get out of the house. We packed our picnic basket and took the short drive over to the park and went on a LONG hike. I guess with all the rain from the day before all the creatures were out and about today. We saw catapillars, frogs, turtles, squirrels, birds, and tons of neat bugs.

Once we got finished on the trails, we found a shady tree and had a picnic. It was a perfect family day. And as if it couldn't get any better, on the way home Shelli stopped at the grocery store to pick up some crab legs for dinner -- Life is good!

Chores = Rewards

When Shelli is out of town for business, I expect Zoe to be a BIG girl and help me. Shelli was in Boston this week and Zoe was a dream. She not only helped me with meals, laundry, and cleaning her room but she also helped me walk and feed the dogs. A year ago none of this would of happened and it’s so nice that she is able to help a little when Shelli is out of town.

Last night about 11:30pm, I heard Zoe get up and go to the bathroom. On her way back to her room, she stuck her head in my bedroom and said, “Mommy, I sleep with you?” I put my magazine down and said, “Yep, Jump in!” We had some girl talk until we both fell asleep.

This morning when we woke up, Zoe had two requests. #1 - She wanted a ‘COLOR POSTER’, and #2 - She wanted a donut. Because she’s been so good, I couldn’t turn that request down.

We are excited for Mimi to get home this evening. We always miss her a whole bunch when she is gone!

She can do it!!!!

Muffins

It rained ALL DAY today so Zoe & I decided to make some apple cinnamon bran muffins.

P.S. - Since Mamaw couldn't be here and it's her birthday today, Zoe wanted to make her a "BIRTHDAY MUFFIN" and blow out the candle for her.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!
We miss you.

Mother's Day Weekend

Thursday some friends of ours came in to town for a long weekend. We had planned a day trip to New York City for the weekend, and it was so much fun. We’re always up for a trip to the city, but never have the chance to get there as often as we would like, especially without Zoe. Not that we don’t have fun with Zoe but anyone who has been to the city knows it’s not easy getting around with a toddler. The streets of NY are way too crowded for a stroller, and the subway system isn’t the easiest with a toddler either. So with that said, Zoe spent a fun packed weekend with Aunt Wendy, Tess and Tucker and we took off for the Big Apple.

We bought our unlimited ride subway ticket and took off for the Bronx to check out Yankee stadium. Once we were finished checking out the stadium (yes we even got to go in and see the field!) We worked our way back to the city stopping at Central Park and working our way down Broadway via Times Square, all the way south to the Financial District. And of course, what is a trip to the city without checking out Canal Street?

My niece, Jessie loves Canal Street and I missed her not being there with us this time. There was lots of good stuff that I just knew she would have LOVED! We took a break after all the Canal street bustle to have lunch in Little Italy, and even had time for a little stroll through Century 21 department store. We were exhausted by the time we made it back to Penn Station and were looking forward to the 20-minute train ride back to NJ. This morning we ALL woke up and were so sore we couldn’t move.


After Ruthy and Lisa left, Shelli told me to get dressed because she was taking me out for the afternoon, I got dressed and off we went. Shelli took me to a Spring Fair where they had crafts, food, jewelry, and a lot of local made stuff. Zoe even got a bag of kettle corn. It was a good day! As we were walking around looking at all the booths, I couldn’t help to feel a little heart heavy. It was mother’s day and my mother was hundreds of miles away. It made me miss my family even more so than usual. My mom is an amazing woman. Someone I look up to, trust, and hold nothing back from. I’ve got the best of both worlds. She’s not only a fantastic mom but she’s a fantastic best friend too. Not that I can complain about my mother –in- law either. She’s fantastic too and I’m blessed to have two mom’s, (kind of like Zoe--ha!) I love and respect them both very much.


Just when I thought our day was coming to an end, I got some presents from Zoe. She got me a beautiful bracelet that I had my eye on for a few months now along with a necklace. Today was a perfect day. My favorite part of the day was when Zoe turned to us while we were at the fair, sitting on the rocking chairs and says, “Happy Mother’s Day, I love you.. Thank you for adopting me!” What more could I ask for? I looked back at her with a tear in my eye and said, “We love you too baby!”

Shelli Bean

Today Shelli had out patient surgery. She is home now and doing well but I wanted to post a few pictures of my two favorite girls this morning at the hospital.

With that said, I will be taking a small break from blogging to take care of my sick girl. We have some friends coming into town at the end of the week so I will be back after that.

Amanda, Thanks a million for your help with Zoe. You're the best!

Birthday Bash

This afternoon was the BIG day, Kyle and Owen’s birthday party! Ever since we received the invitation in the mail, Zoe has been talking about it non-stop.

As usual, this morning we were running a little behind but we managed to get ready and out the door and on our way to the party. When we got there, Zoe was so overwhelmed; she wasn’t quite sure where to start or what to do. There was a bounce house, the sandbox, the swings, the playhouse with a full kitchen, and lots of kids to play with. Zoe’s first stop after making a quick round of Hello’s, was straight to the sandbox where she spent most of her time playing and chatting with all the other kids. Before we knew it, there was an announcement of an impending surprise. Heather asked all the kids to go to the table and pick out the bags with their names. Inside the bags were various types of instruments, a kazoo, a xylophone, maracas, a flute, etc. Moments later we hear what sounded like quick drumbeats or firecrackers (you never know with the J-M’s!) We all look toward the sounds and around the corner came the University marching band. As we all know, marching bands or music of any kind is a huge FAVORITE of Miss Zoe. She had a small version of a band for her birthday, so I think she was re-living the whole thing all over again. Zoe sat right next to the conductor and watched intently the whole time. Enjoying the moment and taking it all in – each and every note!

Not to rest or allow for a lull in the action, it was cake and ice cream time. Again, Zoe was front and center, right next to Kyle and Owen as they blew out the candles on their cakes. Once we sang Happy Birthday, it was a free for all. There was an entire table full of yummy stuff to make your own sundae (as if the cakes weren’t enough). It was a 4 year old dream come true.

The piñata was the last activity for the day. Zoe got in line and waited her turn to hit the piñata. After several rounds of beating the piñata it finally was busted enough to let the candy start spilling out. What a big day for all the kids, the weather was beautiful and the party was so much fun. By the end of the day, everyone (parents included) was ready for naps! We met a lot of really nice people and Zoe made some new friends. We also got to visit with Mor-Mor and Mor-Far again, which was a nice treat as well. Mor-Far made his (in)famous Rum punch and was enjoying serving it up and visiting with everyone.

With only days away from Heather giving birth to their third child – a baby girl. The McCormick Family didn’t fail in putting together an absolutely fabulous party. Good Luck Heather & Braydon, We love you, and make sure to keep us posted!


PS… We think Zoe may be a little sweet on Kyle (not that one can blame her!)