snowy glow

Surprisingly, as much as everyone prepared, the blizzard didn't strike this time around.  We did get a nice dusting of snow that has kept us inside all weekend.  Here is our home looking wintery and wonderful.  We have a contract on our house now and will be doing the inspection tomorrow.  We have been a little wistful this weekend, remembering all the memories that have been made in this house.  I will so miss my garden and all the love and hope it represents.  I will also miss all my 52 windows and the amazing light they bring.  The good thing is that I will be able to devote my gardening energies to my parent's home.  They have a rose garden that is calling my name.  And now Rodolfo and I get to design and create our next home.  Whatever results from this next step, it is a journey that I look forward to taking.  2010 really is a year of change for us.  And change is both scary and exhilirating.  Change takes faith.  Change takes courage.  Change forces you to live.  Change is a good thing.  Until the move out date I think I will really be enjoying this home.  I love you dear old 1222!

Bubble Dreams

Gigi and I have quite a routine for bedtime.  It is not the simple bath, book, bed anymore.  No, it is way more elaborate than I could have ever schemed.  She prefers to select a toy that will listen to the story, then we all read the story together, talk about the story, watch a slide-show of one of 7 princess slides (she received a mini-projector for Christmas last year), then talk, giggle, tickle, lay quietly and then say goodnight.  And her goodbyes remind me of the way French correspondence is formally ended-- with flowery flattery.  Tonight she told me, "mom I hope you have sunshine dreams, princess dreams, candy-dreams AND EVEN BUBBLE DREAMS!"  She took a deep breath before she blurted out the bubble dream part.  It was like it was the absolute highest confectionary honor she could bestow on me for the evening.  It was utterly adorable.

Will it Blizzard?

We are looking at the skies wondering what will happen tomorrow.  The weather report says that we are supposed to have an ice-snow storm that will rival the one a few years ago that knocked out electricity for 3 days.  You would have never guessed it from the weather today.  It was 65 degrees outside, blue skies and no wind!!  Craziness.  Oklahoma weather is sooooo unpredictable!

Grampy's Song

Grampy Max showed me a poem that he wrote the other day.  He has been digging into his geneaology and learning about his family.  Part of this poem/song contains words written by one of his distant relatives.  This song is a perfect glimpse into Grampy.  I love it and thought I would share it with you:

Just Wobblin' Along

Just wobblin' along
whistlin' a song

Age has slowed my pace
And wrinkles line my face yet
Deep inside I know--

*The spirit never ages
The essence of the soul is
Sure and strong forever and
keeps us young and whole

Just wobblin' along
Whistlin' a song

Max, Age 89
January 2010

*Charlotte Pease

From the mouth of babes...

This morning, as I was getting Georgia ready for the day, she looked me squarely in the eyes and said, "Mom, I talked to God and He told me that you are pregnant.  You are going to have a baby.  You don't have to wait anymore."  She said it so matter of fact and with such clarity I had to just stare at her for a minute.  Georgia knows a minscule amount about my struggle to have a second child.  We've talked before about how we are waiting to see if God will bless us with another baby.  But our discussions have been one or two sentences max.  Her comment today really surprised me.  There was a huge part of me that wanted to take her message at face value.  I really wish it were true.  My response was something along the lines of "wouldn't that be wonderful."  I think Georgia is beginnig to think about siblings and desire one.  I do not know if she was motivated by her ponderings on siblings or if she actually heard a message from God.  I wouldn't put it past God to deliver a message through a child.  Just thought I'd put it here to document in case it does happen! :)  I will say that there is some science to beliefs and their effects on biology.  I am about to read a book called The Biology of Belief.  It deals with this very topic and is based on a very new branch of science called epigenetics.  Epigenetics asserts that thoughts not genetics determine your overall health.  It is not a "name it and claim it" type of idea.  Epigenetics has to do with electrical currents that run through the brain and the effect they have on biology.  I can't wait to read it!

Ballerina

Degas captured all those beautiful ballerinas, and I got to do the same thing back in November (albeit mine were a little younger!). Georgia adores her class! I remember taking my ballet/tap/jazz class at the Moose Lodge when I was around her age. I loved my teacher and I still actually remember a small bit of choreography that we performed to "I of the Tiger". I can even hear the song now in my head as I type-- DDDdddd dun, dun dun dun, dun dun dun, dun dun daaaaaa. Gigi will have her first performance in May. The dances are supposed to be top secret, but from the information she has leaked, I gather they will be performing at least one routine to Walk the Dinosaur. I can't wait!

Ladybugs-a-plenty

We have had an inordinate amount of ladybugs in our house lately. I have no recollection of ever seeing any ladybugs in the months of December and January in the history of my life. This year, however, we have plenty! They are on the floor in the playroom, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, dining room and the hallways! I have no idea where they came from and wonder why they all chose to come into my house. Although it seems very unusual to me, I am happy to see them. I've always thought ladybugs were friendly little creatures, not to mention that they are an important symbol at GPhiB! I thought I would google what they symbolize, thinking maybe I have some sort of natural phenomenon occuring. It turns out that ladybugs are very good luck! Here's to 2010!

Belle Annee!

Happy New Year! I am very happy to welcome in 2010. It is a new beginning ripe with possibilities.

Too Many Photos

I have too many darn cute photos from Christmas. It is going to take me half of 2010 to go through them all!!

Here are Gigi and Rodolfo making the most midget snowman I've ever seen.

Snowfight! :)

Christmas morning

Mindos making snow angels.

Gigi received a beauty salon from Santa. We all got our hair done by her, including Elle!

Merry Christmas Darling!

Well, baby, it's cold outside! We are sitting in a winter wonderland today and I cannot help but think tomorrow will be a white Christmas. Georgia and Rodolfo are out sledding right now and I wonder if I will ever get to finish my Christmas shopping. I have a few stragglers left on my list to buy for and was hoping I'd make it to the store today. But I'm having so much fun sitting in my warm house, watching the snow fall and listening to Gigi giggle about the sledding that I don't want to go anywhere!! Maybe I'll hit the mall in an hour or two...

Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful Christmas wherever you are. May the joy of the birth of Christ fill your hearts and transform your lives.

Merry Christmas!

love, JoDee

old photos

Found these photos from August. I don't think I posted them and thought I would!

fear of heights

This image provoked a strong reaction in me. It is a Barbara Berry ad that I saw in Elle Decor magazine. At first I was drawn in by the garden scene. I've always admired hedge rows, they remind me of a favorite childhood book, The Secret Garden. Next I was struck by the funny juxtaposition of the giant, mirrored armoire in the middle of the garden. Then I noticed the woman sitting on top of the armoire reading a book. Her presence made me laugh. Finally, I realized that the book she is reading is titled "Fear of Heights" and my admiration for this ad was piqued. Such symbolism! Here is a woman, conquering her fears by doing the very thing that frightens her most. There is something exhilirating about staring your fears in the face, taking them head on and conquering them. That is what this brave woman is doing in this ad. I love it! I plan to frame this picture and hang it in my new home office where I will be working out the details of my new adventure: www.clementineroad.com . Check it out if you haven't already!

Cracker Nut

Here is a very small glimpse of the fun Rodolfo, Gigi and I had last night. We started our evening at the Oklahoma City Art Museum's Cafe where Gigi had a delicious PB & J sandwich and some fruit while Rodolfo and I dined on steak and tomatoe bisque. Then we headed over to the Civic Center, stopping briefly to watch some ice-skaters, before finding our comfy seats. We went to see the Nutcracker, or as Gigi keeps calling it, the Cracker Nut. Georgia was 100% enthralled by her first ballet. I have to say that the costuming was top-notch and the dance at the end of the first act was breathtaking. During intermission we had to persuade Gigi out of her seat. She didn't want to leave because she thought she was going to miss something. We explained that a little bell would sound warning us before the second act began. It was so funny when she heard that bell ring. She made a b-line for the theater, running full-speed ahead. We had to really run to catch up with her! Mr. Bear came along with us. We dressed him in a bow-tie so he would be appropriately dressed for his night out at the theater. We took a family photo by this gigantic Christmas tree, but it won't load. So, anyway, I thought a photo of Mr. Bear enjoying his lemons was better than nothing. This evening was so fantastically magical that I'm pretty sure the Cracker Nut will become a family tradition. Anyone want to come next year??? :) Oh look, the tree photo finally loaded!

Mon anniversaire

Celebrated my 33rd birthday on a beautiful winter day this year. Early in the morning Gigi presented me with her sweet gift, a blue-heart necklace, a birthday tiara and a sleeping beauty card (it played the theme from the ballet-- that is such a beautiful score!). While shopping with my dad for the gift, Georgia also bought herself a matching necklace, with the exception that her heart was on a pink ribbon (mine was on a green one). She wore her necklace all day and so did I! It sure is fun having a daughter. We all went out to Sushi Neko that evening, had cake and then headed out to look at the Christmas lights. We saw a stretch-Hummer driving around too. I guess they were doing a light-tour, not a bad idea for an evening out with friends. However, the ultimate in fun for a light tour, in my opinion, would be by helicopter. Maybe I'll do that on a future birthday... This year the celebration was really low-key, just how I wanted it. Cheers 33! I'm looking forward to living you!

Happy Birthday Elle!

It has been birthday central around here lately. Ellyn Claire turned one at the beginnig of the month. We had fun celebrating with that little bundle of smiles. Favorite part of the party was watching her eat the cake! My battery lost its juice half-way through the party so I didn't get to capture it. Mindos got some good pics though. Happy birthday sweet little niece!

fun day

We had fun celebrating Rodolfo's 35th birthday a few weekends ago. We started our morning with a trip to Cafe Antigua, the local Guatemalan restaurant. Then we came home and made a chocolate cake and celebrated! Later that day we put up Christmas lights and our tree. The weather couldn't have been more picturesque. It was cool, no wind and sunny. I am very thankful that we were able to celebrate his birthday together in such a fun way. God is very gracious. He has been teaching us both about forgiveness. The depth of God's love for us, His children, is profound. And I think this beautiful birthday was a perfect example of it. God was totally in the middle of it all! Thank you Lord for your blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Things I am thankful for in 2009:

my family
my garden and potager
sunshine
my camera
the internet
cardamom
aveda mint tea
Grover
Wally
Dr. Randine Lewis
blueberries & lemon
Elle Decor, Town & Country, Vogue
Anthropologie, Janie & Jack, Target
Hydrangeas, peonies, roses
pianos, especially player pianos
The Flavor Bible
Flaxseed Oil & Wheatgrass Shots
travel possibilities
seat warmers and electric hugs

Cardamom

I've begun a love affair with cardamom. Just a year ago I had never heard of this spice. Then I watched that movie, Outsourced (I think I've referenced it several times now), where it was mentioned in a cheesy come-on line. Out of curiousity I bought the spice at my local Target Super Center, found a recipe on Epicurious.com to use it in, and haven't been able to stop re-making the recipe ever since. Since I love the recipe so much I thought I would share it with all my loyal blog readers. Perhaps you are looking for a twist on Thanksgiving dessert? Well, here is a great option. It uses blueberries so it is rather summery, but I just love it and I hope you will too!

Lemon Blueberry Cobbler Gourmet August 1996
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Yield: Serves 2

2 cups picked-over blueberries

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

1/3 cup sugar1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon cornstarch

2/3 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 400° F. and butter an 8-inch (1 1/2-quart) glass pie plate.

In a bowl toss together blueberries, zest, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until combined well and transfer to pie plate.

Into another bowl sift together flour, baking powder, cardamom, and a pinch salt. Add cream and stir until mixture just forms a dough. Drop dough in 5 mounds on blueberry mixture and bake in middle of oven until biscuits are golden and cooked through, about 25 minutes.

FYI - I only use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom b/c the spice for me is very strong. Also, I do about a cup and a half of berries, mixing blueberries and blackberries. Finally, I use about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon zest. My mouth is watering thinking about it!

Georgia Girl

Georgia is rounding out and looking more and more like a child and less like a toddler. She has grown about 2 inches since her birthday in August. As such, she has been eating tremendous amounts of food. Every night before she goes to bed she asks if she can have a midnight snack. In part this is her sneeky way of extending her evening before bedtime. But my oh my can she eat when she has this snack. Typically she eats a banana, a pb&j sandwich, water and or milk. She has also been saying funny things. The other day she asked me what a moth eats. I told her they eat clothes and other things... then I added we should look up what other things moths eat. After a few minutes I looked over at her, and there she was, looking up at the ceiling. I asked her why she was doing that and she replied "you said to look up what moths eat, so I'm looking up." Ha! :) Also, for those in the family who get this one, the other day I blew in Gigi's ear and told her "I just gave you goose bumps." She then blew in my ear and said matter of fact "I just gave you bird poopoo." Oh!! :)):):):) I died laughing!

Autumn Gold

GOLDEN. That is how the air, the light, the color-- the season -- feels this very moment. I LOVE this time of year. My opinion still stands that Oklahoma is most beautiful in May. But when I'm basking in this golden halo of amber autumn color I question my spring senses. It is too beautiful some evenings. I breathe and breathe again deeply trying to absorb it all, but I never can quite take in or get enough of the vast beauty that these sunsets spray into the wide open skies. Yukon is best for enjoying these evenings because the land is flat and the sky is huge. The picture above is taken at my home in Oklahoma City. Still a fabulous view. Thank you Father for autumn. It is glorious.