Project 365:: Day 266

Day 266 Oh, what a long road it has been.  I kept telling Dale that bad things come in threes and Jarred's motorcycle accident (details to follow) better be the last of things.  Low and behold, during an amazing classroom observation on Thursday my cell phone rang.  I thought it was maybe a wrong number, but no, it was a call for an interview.  An hour later, my phone rang again--another interview!  Granted, these interviews are not through TFA, nor are they in public schools, but they are teaching positions. 

So, Friday I went to two interviews and was offered the job as a lead preschool teacher at non-profit preschool downtown.  Starting soon, I will be teaching 8 little smiling children in my own classroom with a world-class location downtown.  Easy bus commute.  Good pay. Benefits.  Regular hours.  I feel a little lucky that I finally landed the job I have been dreaming about. 

There you have it.  What a week.  From a motorcycle accident to a new job.  By the way, Dale's restaurant, Revel, is on the "Best thing I ever Ate" on the Food Network, airing Monday at 9pm.  I think things are on the upswing.....knock on wood.

and PS, the picture is my new school, surrounded by 4 Starbucks and some smaller coffee shops....this mama just got a whole lot happier.

Project 365:: Day 265

Day 265 We found this little gem for 50 cents and it now has a permanent location in our kitchen. Both boys love to "cook" while I am cooking. Kannon especially loves adding sugar to his "pan" and stirring while watching me. It is seriously adorable and makes cooking slightly easier....win-win.

Project 365:: Day 264

Day 264 Oh, what a week. In order to distract ourselves from Jarred's motorcycle accident, that has left him with a fractured hip and a long hospital stay, we took the boys to the children's museum again. Kannon was quite happy with these toys and refused to leave his car behind.

Project 365:: Day 263

Day 263 Kannon has new wheels. Unfortunately, they dont work but I suspect the birthday fairy will be bringing a new ride by sooner rather than later. Kannon clearly looks disappointed by the lack of....movement.

Project 365:: Day 262

Day 262 This was taken during an attempt to call my friend Hanna to say happy birthday....however, we were slightly distracted.

Project 365:: Day 261

Day 261 We headed to the aquarium for a little playdate with a fellow teacher friend. It was crowded but these boys still had fun in the underwater dome where we snacked. Next time, we will try going back on a quieter day.

Project 365:: Day 260

Day 260 My little sweetie, Kannon, has been a little under the weather. He has demanded that I sleep next to him in bed and last night, fell asleep in my arms. I am not going to lie, I love these peaceful moments especially now that this toddler never seems to stop moving!

Project 365:: Day 259

Day 259 What sweet little angel could cause such a mess?? CLARK! He is trouble these days!!!

Project 365:: Day 258

Day 258 We were hoping to explore the Pacific Science Center today but were surprised to find that it was closed for the week!!! But, we lucked out and headed to the nearby Childrens Museum where Kannon had a blast exploring the mini-villages, complete with a grocery store just his size! He "shopped" for dinner, I think I am happy with his options.

Project 365:: Day 257

Day 257 Clark has had his share of bad days lately. With Kannon constantly beating him up and his frustration at attempting to walk, he is covered in bruises and scratches. Today, was no different. Clark was eating dinner when Kannon decided to take his share. Poor kid bawled for what seemed like hours until I could spur his interest in something else.

PS Clark is an expressionist.  He always makes the best faces which is why I got him the shirt he is wearing.  Half the time, his expression matches the goofy, bushy eye-browed, silly face on his shirt.

Project 365:: Day 256

Day 256 Keeping consistent with yesterday's kale chip recipe, I thought I would share one more. We went to a fabulous playdate barbecue on Saturday where I learned this tomato recipe. I had to test it out on Dale so for today's dinner we had tomato and cream cheese bruschetta and an arugula pesto pasta. These tomatoes are out of this world and so easy to make!!!! Thanks Marisa!

Tomato and Cream Cheese Bruschetta

3 tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup of european style butter (easier to find than you realize!)
1/3 cup of sugar
salt and pepper to taste

1.) Over medium heat melt the butter. When the butter just begins to sizzle add your tomatoes in a single layer. Add half of your sugar, salt and pepper and saute for 4-5 minutes.

2.) Flip the tomatoes gently and add the rest of your sugar, salt and pepper and fry for another 4 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and your kitchen smells amazing.

3.) Option One: Serve tomatoes in over a brick of cream cheese and sliced baguette.
Option Two: Slice baguette and bake slices at 350 degrees for 7 minutes. Spread the cream cheese on your slices and put under the broiler for 3 minutes (just until it starts to get bubbly!). Spread your baguette slices on a plate and top with your tomato goodness.

***All in all this recipe took me no more than 20 minutes and Dale and I cleaned the plate. It was the perfect beginning to our meal.

Project 365:: Day 255

Day 255 Kannon and Clark helped me in the kitchen while I made kale chips. Kannon was happy shredding leaves and Clark loved shaking and mixing the bag of goodness. The best part, they loved the kale chips! Recipe follows.

Kale Chips

***They are crispy like potato chips and melt in your mouth!

Heat oven to 250 degrees.
Remove thick rib from kale leaves and tear leaves into bite size pieces.
Using a bowl (or a ziploc bag) toss the leaves in few tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of sherry vinegar, salt and pepper.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until crisp.
Let cool and season with extra goodness (whatever your goodness is!) Enjoy!

Project 365:: Day 254

Day 254 Today was National Ural Rally Day and Jarred being the proud owner of a Ural (think Russian motorcycle with a sidecar) was off for essentially a photo scavenger hunt. One of his assignments: kid in the sidecar. Kannon was happy to pose and even happier to take a trip around the block (eek!!!!). They all loaded up for this picture but when it was time for Dale and Jarred to leave sans Kannon, he threw a fit. The poor kid wanted to be a part of this bro-venture.

Project 365:: Day 253

Day 253 I got "bread painting" from a friend of mine and it was so much fun! Kannon painted 5 pieces of bread and loved snacking on them when he finished his masterpiece. All I did was add a few drops of food coloring to milk and voila! Behold our Van Gogh!

Project 365:: Day 252

Day 252 On our way home! Over 3 bridges and a ferry ride and we will bid adieu to our wonderful trip!

Project 365:: Day 251

Day 251 Our crew! I love our little family! We switched Kannon's car seat to forward facing which I am still unsure about.  All the research shows that extended rear facing is the best and in many countries children rear face to 4 or 5 years of age.  The law says you only need to rear face until age 1 and Kannon is nearing 2.  The carseat fit much better forward facing in our rental car and Kannon loves the switch.  He doesnt fight us getting in and out of his seat and he no longer screams during our drives.  I haven't decided whether I will switch when we get back home but I am leaning towards moving him forward facing.  I think I need to do more research! Until then, Kannon will enjoy his view!

Project 365:: Day 250

Day 250 What a view, right?

Project 365:: Day 249

Day 249 We rented a minivan for our vacation and Kannon just thought it was his personal toy. He loved running around the van and trying to "drive". Too bad we will have to return it :(

The Great Outdoors

We ditched town in favor of a cabin near Olympic National Park.  Let me say, first, that the pictures don't do it justice.  It was insanely beautiful and given the smokey conditions (from a nearby wildfire) and my dirty lens, I wasn't able to capture the full glory but I think I made a good attempt.  The kids had a blast getting dirty and very much enjoyed the whole eating outside thing.  We rented a minivan for the occasion and I just about cried when I had to return it.  I LOVED that van!!!  We stayed in a cabin at Dosewallips State Park and are so excited to return some day.  We were nestled between a river and a beach and woke up to an elk herd nearby.  Emma (the dog) certainly had her fun chasing sticks and balls and the boys just about died of laughter when she discovered the river. These are just a few of our adventure.  You can see the full set here: https://picasaweb.google.com/KatDizale/ONP#

It was our first family vacation in far too long and it will not be forgotten.  After a few bridges, an hour drive, and ferry ride later, we arrived home just in time to dive back in to chaos.

Project 365:: Day 248

Day 248 We stopped for a quick coffee break before we head on our little adventure. We are going to Olympic National Park where we rented a cabin for two nights. I have wanted to visit for 6 years but have never had the chance and I am so excited to finally be going that way! I will be sure to take lots of pictures!

Project 365:: Day 247

Day 247 Kannon pointed at his hair tonight and said, "hair, all gone?". He seems very intrigued by his new shaved head and frequently rubs his hair longingly.

Project 365:: Day 246

Day 246 Well the hair pulling has stopped significantly and our boys look cuter than ever. Although, I will say Kannon is now looking for other places to grab during his tantrums and has so far found ears, eyelids, and the back of Clark's shirt. I guess you cant win all the time.

Project 365:: Day 245

Day 245 Problem: Boys keep pulling each others hair out. Solution: Shave heads. Problem solved!!! Except now they look even more like twins!

Project 365:: Day 244

Day 244 We went downtown to celebrate the first day of September. The weather is already getting chilly and I found my favorite pumpkin muffins and pumpkin lattes. Fall is almost here.....

Project 365:: Day 243

Day 243 Kanon now prefers the big boy swing to the silly baby swing. He is getting pretty good at swinging himself. What a big boy!

Project 365:: Day 242

Day 242 Camera hijacker!!! Kannon thought he was pretty clever and immediately pretended to talk to "Papa". From the conversation I heard "baba, naynane, go, bay" or in English "Papa, airplane, go, play". You hear that Papa? Better come play!

Project 365:: Day 241

Day 241 The weather was beautiful and the kids needed out so we headed to Golden Gardens. To our surprise it was the groundbreaking of the new playground and the boys danced to an eclectic pirate band and played on the beach. Days like today I never want to end.

Project 365:: Day 240

Day 240 Kannon started his first day at gymnastics. How do you get a photo of a kid who jumped and ran for 45 minutes straight? Needless to say, he loved this place!

Project 365:: Day 239

Day 239 Kannon has found his inner cowboy and started practicing on Emma. Poor dog.

Project 365:: Day 238

Day 238 I still have no classroom placement but I have been taking the bus to UW everyday for training. I am beginning to love this bus ride, especially on beautiful days.

Project 365:: Day 237

Day 237 We love this goofball but it is rare to see him sleeping this peacefully these days. Clark is just growing up more and more each day and savor these sleepy moments.