Pacific Package

There's a package on its way from Tokyo...

Image courtsey of Rand McNally

More to come soon!

I Spy

Everyday I spy with my blue eyes....



Eldest working hard on school work. This girl really gets down to business when it comes to school. She has a great work ethic. Is it any wonder she does so well in school? We're very proud of her commitment and happy that she has such a love of learning.



Not even her sweet brother begging her to play disrupts her from her studies. She simply...adjusts and keeps on working.



And there is absolutely nothing wrong with making work fun and pretty, right?

Everyday I spy with my blue eyes...



Our wee one walking or crawling around with some sort of food in his hands. I have heard the expression "bottomless pit" when it comes to eating habits, but I've never really seen it. Until now. The wee one loves food and is constantly sneaking around with his jars and containers. He especially loves hiding under the kitchen table while his sister is doing her homework.

Everyday I spy with my blue eyes...



This gorgeous orchid plant my friend Blair gave to me as a thank you for my PTO work. I have a serious case of "black thumb", but somehow this lovely plant has flourished under my care. Everything about it looks very delicate. From the wispy stamens to the cloud-like petals, I was terrified to begin nurturing our flower as it grew. But grown it has. Its leaves are glossier than ever, and the blooms are vibrant. Maybe after I brush a bit of that black off my thumb, there's a bit of green underneath after all.

Everyday I spy with my blue eyes...



Eldest's bedside table. She always has a stack of books on top-a la Jackie Kennedy-in varied topics. She is in the middle of each, colorful bookmarks sticking out all over the place. What gets me the most, however, is her Bible. I love that she has it so close to her and that she's reading through it. If you ever get the chance, ask her about her favorite story within these pages. Don't think you'll get the chance?

It's the story of Saul's conversion to Paul. She said she could see the story come to life in her head: from Saul's blindness to the Holy Spirit entering and changing him-giving him true sight.

Everyday I spy with my blue eyes...



My children at play. It doesn't matter where we are. Their age difference hasn't hampered their bonding either. These two come together like peanut butter and jelly and just love, love, love. There is such joy in their time together. God bless them both.

Everyday I spy with my blue eyes...



Eldest's sleep friends. Just when I think she's growing up too fast, I look on top of her bed. Seeing this pile of her favorite stuffed animals helps to remind me that even though my daughter is becoming a young lady, there is a big part of her that is still my little girl. She's holding onto her childhood just as hard as I am.

Everyday I spy with my blue eyes...



The greatest school in Charlotte, North Carolina. My husband and I count our blessings that eldest attends a school that not only educates their children well, but integrates Faith into their teachings. Not every child has such opportunities.

Everyday I spy with my blue eyes...



Starbucks. Y'all had to know this one was coming. Our baristas know my family's names, they know our drink preferences. They even know wee one's birthday is on June 15th. To say we're there often would be an understatement, but I don't think this deserves an apology. They make great coffee and the people there are kind as can be. Great beverages with even better service? What's there to complain about?

And since the wee one has just woken up, I believe that's where we're headed before an early lunch at Brueggers Bagels. I pass the torch on to my replacement on the PTO Board today, and what a phenom this parent is. Academics are going to be in very capable, talented hands these next two years.

A wonderful weekend to you all!

A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend

Did you all have a lovely Memorial Day weekend? I hope so.

We had rain day after day until yesterday evening, but wouldn't have changed a thing. We were all together, spending the days talking, cooking, and being silly. We were able to see some early summer movies and even had some precious one on one with one another. Eldest went to see "Night at the Museum" with her Daddy, and we both went to see "Terminator Salvation".

No tea time, unfortunately, but we're going to make up for it this weekend.

In the meantime, I'm going to appreciate every moment from these past three days.There was yummy food such as rosemary and garlic roasted red potatoes with homemade cheeseburgers (some inside-out, some not).





There were many a moment spent laughing with our wee one as he was his usual charming self.









Eldest rested and relaxed since it's the end of the year and she has worked her little buns off every quarter. It's too bad she still has roughly a week left.



And what on earth was our wee one staring at so intently? Obviously eldest was in the midst of devouring something-something our little guy wanted to eat as well.



You see ladies and gents, when certain foods love one another, they decide to come together.



Out of that love is born something delicious, delectable, and delightful. It's messy. It's sweet. And it always leaves you wanting s'more.



We were all a mess. Big, chocolate-marshmallowy messes. It was worth every single bite.



I cannot stop thinking about the good times we had together. Nothing could have topped it.

Except maybe this...



Guess who's getting ready to walk all by himself?

Mini Quiche Recipe

This is a mini-quiche recipe I promised Sarah, from La Jeune Marie. Have I taken long enough to get this up? So sorry! I just hope you enjoy this as much as eldest and I have.

We're going to have a nice long weekend ahead of us and I thought, "What better time to enjoy a fun, scrumptious recipe?". And since I know many will have gatherings for Memorial Day, it's the perfect opportunity to pass around a delicious appetizer.



Mini Quiche Recipe: The Basic

1 pkg. pie-made pie crust
4 lg. eggs
2/3 c. heavy cream or milk
1/4 c. sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Press small parts of the dough into tartlet or mini muffin pans. Bake until golden for about 10-15 minutes. The crust should be a little brown on the indside. Let the crusts cool for 10 minutes before filling. While crusts are cooling, beat eggs, cream, cheese, then add salt and pepper. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons into each pastry, then bake until set. This will take approximately 8 minutes and should yield around 2 1/2 dozen.

As you can see, it's a variation on my regular quiche recipe. You can use whatever ingredients you wish to add, just make the portions very small. You can use biscuits, puff pastry, or your own crust recipe. You can use milk as I usually do, but for these little bites I will say this: It's much richer and memorable with the cream. And can you really go wrong with cream in anything?

I don't think so.

The recipe is pretty simple, but because of the smaller size, I'm more careful with measuring how much goes into the quiche mix. Plus, due to the size of the cups, it really is better to pre-cook the crust as opposed to the larger one where baking them together is perfectly fine.

Should you choose to make these into Quiche Lorraine, all you need to do is add either pre-cooked and crumbled bacon to the liquid or small bits of diced ham. I love the Florentine myself, so I added spinach with finely shreded parmesan (or finely shredded montery jack or gruyere if you're feeling adventurous) to some of our mini-quiches.

Two quick notes about adding the spinach. One, make sure that if it's not fresh (as in frozen) you defrost it, drain it, and squeeze the everliving life out of the spinach to remove excess liquid. Since it will be put into the liquid part of the quiche, it will be plenty moistened. Two, you don't need alot of spinach in each quiche. The best way to incorporate it is to put a tiny bit into the shell of the quiche, then pour your liquids on top of it. Be sure that you season your spinach as well. Not too much, though, as the size of these quiche are so small.

A little will go a very long way.

I hope that if any of you have an evening to yourself or a party to throw you'll try these. They're quicker than they sound, delicious, and if you're not careful, likely to be alot less before your family gets home or your guests arrive.

Not that I know this from first hand experience. Not me!

Enjoy a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend and this delicious recipe.

Tea For Two

I'm not sure what triggered this, but this morning I have been overcome with nostalgia. It might have something to do with a possible move halfway across the globe, or maybe it's the unusually gloomy London-like weather we're experiencing.

It's cloudy, cool, with dampness in the air touching everything. It leaves you chilled on the inside even though the actual temperature is gradually getting warmer.

It's left me wanting a steaming pot of tea, a plate of dense scones with clotted cream, and craving the company of my mother.



I grew up with the tradition of afternoon tea. Mother would prepare it most weekends for her friends, sometimes hosting large gatherings. I was invited and sometimes allowed to bring my own friends to participate. It sounds very formal, I know, but though the actual serving and presentation was, those who attended always brought amusing conversations and lots of laughter. It was so much fun. The weekends were a culmination of great preparation and a love of this refined practice.



On weekdays, however, it was our tea time.

Once I was home from school, my mother would prepare a pot of tea. While it was steeping, she'd whip up delicious tea sandwiches: cucumber, benedictine, egg salad-all with the crusts cut off. She'd always have a few sweet treats for the dessert portion left over from a gourmet party or another tea. And then she'd heat cheese and dill in a bowl, placing small tea crackers next to a side plate.

With the efficiency of someone well-versed in this art, she'd set out two of her Wedgewood cups, freshly pressed linens, and tea spoons atop more of her Wedgewood plates. Mozart or Chopin played softly as she'd pull the curtains, dim the lights, and light a fire. It was amazing. We'd sit there for hours, quietly reading and sipping, or having light conversation.

There was no bickering, there was no "I'm the adult, you're the child". It was a common ground for both of us to meet on and was a dearly treasured time.

She passed on this passion to me, and I consider myself blessed that eldest adores tea time as much as my mother and I do.



We've experienced the art of tea all across the world, and while some left much to be desired, I still claim my childhood home as my absolute favorite spot for tea.

Oh, and Windsor Court, of course. It was there that I was able to enjoy my first sips of port and sherry.



My mother has been hosting Christmas and Summer tea's in Windsor Court's Salon for almost 25 years. It's her home away from home, we like to joke. I spent many days after school there with her and have to say it holds some great memories as well. I was very happy that before we made our move to Charlotte eldest was able to enjoy herself there.



She isn't much of a tea drinker-which is perfectly fine. But she loves every other part of afternoon tea, both the food and ambiance.

I've lost count of the many teas I've hosted, or assisted with. It's been that many. But today I'm really missing those quiet afternoons with good conversation. Perhaps with this extended weekend ahead, I'll ask my husband and wee one to take a little boy bonding time so eldest and I can enjoy a little tea time.

That should be wonderful. I know eldest could use it, and so could I.

I'll leave you all with some of my favorite pictures from the last few years. I'll apologize for the quality of some as they were taken with a very old camera years ago. These images are from different tea houses, hotels, and homes.

Taking a little quiet time is important. Whether it's to reflect, to relax, or to enjoy a little one on one with someone dear to you, it's good for your heart and your mind.

And with that in mind, I think I'm going to go make that pot of tea after all.

Here's to you, Mom.

Images of a May Crowning

I am very happy to share with you some of the images I was able to capture during yesterday's Mass and Crowning ceremony. We were blessed with a gorgeous day, but it was really cold! Who knew you could live in the south and have 30 degree weather in mid-May?



Now don't fret. The outdoor pictures were taken later in the morning, when it was closer to the low 60's. The children were able to hold their flowers and do so pretty comfortably.



But it was still pretty chilly.



Would you like to see just a little of what our boys and girls wore? This a favorite for most mom's. Dad's, too, believe it or not. It's a veritable fashion show, but though the boys suits are adorable, save the occasional rebel who decides to wear seersucker, they're fairly standard. But still so darn cute!



The girls, on the other hand, tend to show much more variety.







This darling girl seemed to be praying as she entered the church. I thought it was lovely.



Crinolines, silks, satins, linen. Lace both modern and antique. Cap sleeves, sleeveless, elbow-length. Gloves. Religious medals. Tea, ankle, and floor length dresses. Some wear their own crown of flowers, some don veils.





And let's not forget the pearls. Some get to be a bit much, but they're still so fun to see. Every little girl looks so different and each boy wears his own chosen tie to stand out. It's a testament to their young personalities and sweet as can be.

The wee one did well during the Mass. This picture shows him a few minutes before, and he was happily occupied.



Of course, once the ceremony started, he just had to move about. Thank goodness for the choir loft stairs. He'd go up four, I'd pluck him up and set him back down at the bottom. This kept him very busy and was very simple entertainment. The best kind!

Mass went by quickly and before we knew it, it was time for the actual crowning.

We all gathered outside in a circle surrounding a small flower garden and our statue of Mary.



Eldest sings in the school choir, so she and the other Song Leaders stood near the center in a semi-circle. Family, friends, communicants, and faculty stood around them in praise.



Our parish priests then arrived, and the blessing and crowning of our statue took place. The moment was peaceful and serene, much like our heavenly mother.







Of course, no moment of solemnity would be complete with out a little girl talk. But somehow I don't think Mary would have been bothered by this quiet act of sisterhood.



It was great that we were able to attend yesterday's Mass and May Crowning. I couldn't help but feel that every moment had been truly touched by Mary, and participating was a blessing in many ways.

We were able to give our sweet girl a hug and kiss before she had to return indoors for the rest of her day, and thank our priests for honoring us with their service.

The wee one had a great time as well-enjoying the attention from eldests friends and many others.



I hope wherever our path takes us in this next year we're able to find a school and parish as dear to our hearts as this one.

Here's to hoping!

Coming up next...a repice I promised the lovely Sarah from La Jeune Marie: mini quiche.

Enjoy yur May day ahead.