What did zero say to eight?

What did zero say to eight?

....Nice belt.

...and so it is we have an 8 year old, I'm only a tad bit late on his birthday post but justly so, we've just been crazy busy.

But I feel at this point this big dude deserves a blog post - an update for all my friends and family to applaud his efforts at turning a glorious healthy age of 8 and finishing up 2nd grade with not only academic honors and achievements but with athletic achievements as well.

He celebrated his 8th birthday in May with 2 of his best buddies at an amusement center. It only seemed like yesterday we were throwing him a big Thomas the Train extravaganza, now a fun outing with buddies racing go-carts and playing mini golf does the trick. 

Finally big enough to drive alone

.....he tested and passed for his young dragon black belt in karate...

He did his first season in track and field showing a affinity towards the long jump and actually placing twice in meets for the long jump. He also ran the 100m and 200m dash.

He also finished 3rd place in his age group at the Kerr Family YMCA youth triathlon

Welcome to the Gun Show

He melts my heart and drives me crazy at the same time, has an abundant amount of energy one moment and can't be peeled off the couch the next.  He's both a daddys boy and a mamas boys and he can work that against us, but we love him, our little button. He asks a lot questions now that I usually have to either defer to his dad, or to google to find the answer, a lot of times I can get away with "what do you think?". He is on the 4th book of the Harry Potter series and will take up piano lessons in the fall.  His love of learning and school is a blessing, he started 3rd grade this week and was the first kid to class- ready to get to work!

First Day of 3rd Grade

3 is as 3 does

"Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable".
- Regina Brett

Ryan won't be 3 for very much longer, his birthday is coming up here on the 29th...that's tomorrow!  His grand party was yesterday with 8 or so of his BFF's and few special guest appearances from neighborly big kids to help out. 

Big Brother delighted to apply tattoos

We did a treasure hunt, had pizza, cake and ice cream and he got showered with gobs of attention and presents, as any birthday boy should! I don't do "Pinterest perfect" parties but costumes are key! 

We had fun this year that's for sure.

Special Guest Helper

Comparing loot

Some parents feared or hated the toddler years, but I'm kinda ( ok, very) sad to see them slipping by.  Age 3 for both Roman and Ryan have been magical ages, the age when language explodes, reason and ability fight and collide at every turn, affection is king and the outside world- other little people are almost, if no at times more important that the parental unit. Ryan will be friends with just about anyone or creature that smiles at him, he loves dogs, cats, worms with an equal intensity.  He's super affectionate, open hearted and a joy. Seriously, at what other age will I hear " Mommy you're the best mommy ever, I love you, you are my best friend"

3 is as 3 does - For Ryan.

3 is.... running into door knobs, declaring lasagna to be your favorite food one day then retching over it the next.
3 is "play with me", "play with me" and "play with me some more".
3 is hugs on the legs, sneaks from the candy jar, and tears for a dead worm.
3 is teamwork, holding hands, and follow the leader.
3 is 3 books at night and many bath time fights.
3 is learning, questions, language and laughs.
3 is being swung in a towel, crawling into dads shirts, and dancing naked.
3 is "I can do it", "help me", "when's tomorrow?" " Watch"
3 is broken sleep, hard sleep, talking sleep, and no sleep.
3 is favorite PJ's that make people laugh, bigger car seats and costumes anytime.
3 is scared of dark rooms, scooby do on repeat and more cheese crackers than should be legal to eat.
3 is following big brother round, poking him, jumping on them and running after them like he'd never dream of leaving him behind.
3 is daddy love, mommy love and teacher love.
3 is knowing a trip to the store yields a free cookie, the dry cleaners give lollipops and the deli serves either sprite or punch or lemonade- a mix of all 3 isn't unreasonable.
3 is karate, soccer and a desire to do just about every other extracurricular sport out there.
3 is scribble scrabble, rockets out of blocks, superhero capes and PB& J. 
3 is big boy underwear worn backwards, peeing on trees and noticing girls like pink and boys like blue.
3 is saying with sincerity "bye mommy have a nice run", "how was your day?" and "I sure hope it doesn't rain tomorrow". 
3 won't be remembered by him but I will remember 3.      

My hope for Ryan in this next year of his life is that he continues to be compassionate and open to all new friendships and experiences. I hope he continues to grow his imagination, vocabulary, independence and physical strength.  With all his wonderful friends, his teachers and his big brother to guide him along, he's going to have another great year. 

Happy Birthday Fluffy!

One to Remember

Merry Christmas from the Ades Family

Mostly Nice, a little Naughty.

2012 has been a great year for us here in NC.

Aaron has even declared it at times, to be "our best year as a family yet".

And yes, now I really wish I kept a better blog of our happenings, it's just too hard to narrow the year down in one post but I'll try list some "highlights".

With the onset  2012 we had Ryan turning the magical age of 3 (and my favorite age so far) he is in part time preschool and loves it. He has a lot of little friends, he takes indoor soccer lessons and is in "little ninjas" karate class. Ryan loves to dress in costume,  eat pasta and read stories. Ryan will be 4 in January- he wants a Pirate birthday party at home, his wish we be granted of course!

 Pirate Adventure Boat Ride Murrells Inlet, SC

Belt Promotion

 

Roman turned 7 in May, he is in 2nd grade now and is turning into quite the athlete... he has been in karate "Young dragons" and has just advanced to purple belt. He also came in 1st place for his age group at a local 5k race. He has his sites on winning another 5k and via the inspiration of his Dad ( no doubt)  is talking about doing a youth triathlon next year. He also wants to join the neighborhood swim team this summer. He is excelling in school- deemed a "dream student" by his lovely teacher. We could not be happier with the year round school: 9 weeks on, 3 weeks off. The breaks always seem perfectly timed with the seasons, holidays and our energy levels.

With the summers being so hot here, it's nice to have extra time off in the Spring and Fall to be out and about- we ride bikes, and visit nature trails and parks in the area. There are also a lot of mini enrichment camps  art, sports, etc to keep us busy. 

Aaron turned 40 in April- with that came a big party and surprise visits from out of state friends. As a gift, he got a long awaited road bike and jumped feet first into the world of triathlons- starting with a local sprint event he then signed up for bigger pursuits of an  Olympic length event ( 1640.42 yards swim, 30 mile ride  &  6.21 miles run).  He kept me busy in the kitchen as he trained for that event entirely on a vegan nutrition plan.  Next year - early June he will compete in an Half Iron Man event ( 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile ride & 13.1 run ). This will take place in Raleigh- please consider visiting us during that time to cheer him on, free room and board to the first guests to buy tickets!

Not to be out done by my boys.... this mama on the move obtained a personal fitness trainer certification in the Spring and I landed a (very) part time job at my YMCA. I'm trying to decide on my next move- I might pursue some continuing education in nutrition and more certification in specialized fitness programming. In Oct, I ran my first Half Marathon = 13.1 miles, I was greeted at the finish line by my boys- they were so happy and proud for me, it was a lot of fun and hard work. I plan another one in the Spring. When I am not running & working out, and looking after my boys, I stay very busy volunteering regularly in Roman's class, and I am the membership director for the PTA.

We took a few trips & excursions this year. From Washington DC in the Spring, to the mountains of NC- Asheville & Hendersonville, in the summer where we visited the Biltmore Estate and Aaron's Aunt and Uncle. Our trips to the coast included, Wrightsville Beach, NC and Myrtle Beach SC. We went back to CA in October to visit my parents & friends and we toured SF by bike.  Alcatraz really captured the imagination of the boys- Aaron even started dreaming up a scheme to compete in the "Escape from Alcatraz" Triathlon.

What's up for the New Year? Besides probably more of the same? We are thinking about getting a puppy, something along the lines of a golden retriever or lab. Aaron and Roman joined a Yguides program just for dads and sons up to 3 rd grade- they will be taking a few camping trips and outdoor excursions with that. I shall resolve to post more abut our happenings! 

So stick around on our family blog!

Catch ya on the flip side- Happy New Year!

Every other year or so I get the "bah humbugs"  and it usually ends up with me abadoning atleast one or two seemingliny "urgent " or even the not so urgent "to-do-s" like  sending out the perfect holiday cards, or baking dozens or dozens of cookies, or making several last minute dashes to walmart for " just one more" stocking stuffer. Well this year is a bit of a triple threat because I'm not doing an any of those aformentioned things! There is just too much fun to be had with the family & friends to be bogged down with standing in line,  slaving over the stove and buying plastic battery suckers.

But one thing I have been wanting to do for some time now is revisit my blog in an attempt to fill in you 6 followers ( and maybe more?) who might like a year end wrap up from the Ades family- remember us way out her in Dixie? Thought so!

So, my apologies in advance  for not sending out cards this year ( but I do like to receive!)  hopefully you may enjoy, in the days to follow, some good pictures and stories of our past years adventure.

With love, the Ades Family

Vegan Entrees We Enjoy

I am slowly typing up some of my go-to favorite recipes, I thought I would compile them on my blog as to be able to share them easily. I am putting them in alphabetical order but may later organize them by main ingredient. Let me know your thoughts if you have nay questions about these, just shoot me a note. Enjoy!

A.

Vegan Alfredo

gifted to us by Leaf the best vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Boulder CO.

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant Vegan Alfredo

2 cups raw cashews (soaked in hot water overnight and strained)

1/2 yellow onion (diced small)

1/2 Tbs raw garlic

1 Tbs nutritional yeast

1/3 cup evoo

2 cups water

S & P to taste

Saute onions and garlic until clear - blend all ingredients together to desired texture. Nut pieces should be basically liquid, should not be chunky.

I used a food processor to make this, not a blender, chopped the onion and garlic first in the processor then sautéed them, then returned them to the processor to blend, came out very smooth.... heated very slowly on the oven for a few mins. Served over fetuccini one night with broccoli then had left overs a couple night later with whole wheat penne and edamame.

( Roman enjoyed this sauce )

B.

Black Bean Burgers

Adapted from Good Housekeeping recipe Aug, 2011

Tex-Mex Bean Burgers

1. c. quick cooking brown rice ( I use

1 can low sodium pinto beans ( I used black beans)

1c fresh corn kernels ( I used a cup of canned corn, drained)

2 cloves of garlic, crushed with a press

1.2 tsp coriander

1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder

( I had neither one of the above spices so I used 3/4 tsp of Savory blend fajita seasoning )

salt and pepper

Spray veggie or olive oil

Burger Buns, favorite burger fixings, lettuce, avocado, tomato, red onions, cilantro, jalapeno,

Cook rice as label directs; let cool.

In food processor, pulse rice, beans, corn, garlic, seasonings, little dash of salt and pepper. Combine but still chunky. ( This can be refrigerated, covered, up to 4 hours) I did this and I think it made the patties easier to form.

Shape mixture into 4 ( 1-inch tick ) patties. Spray a 12-in nonstick skillet, and heat on medium for 1 min. Cook burgers 8-10 minutes or until browned on both sides.

I had the oven going for sweet potato fries so I placed the burgers on a baking dish and put them in the oven while I prepped the fixings, check the temperature with an to make sure they are nice and warm throughout.

I opted out of using a bun and just placed 2 burger patties along side giant salad and topped the burgers with avocado and salsa

C.

Rich nut & Chickpea Chili

6oz ( 1 cup ) raw cashews

4 tsps chili powder

2 tsps unsweeetened cocoa powder

4 teaspoons olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cups small broccoli florets ( 9 oz)

2 1/4 cups water or low sodium veggie broth

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

12 oz soy or veggie protein crumbles ( about 2 cups)

Garnish ideas

1 cup plain soy or coconut yogurt

grated lemon zest

coarsely ground black pepper

chopped fresh tomatoes

lemon juice

minced cilantro

Whole wheat tortillas warmed on a pan or tortilla chips

In a food processor combine the cashew, chili powder and cocoa. Pulse the mix until it's the texture of coarse meal. Be careful not to turn into a paste.

In a big pot or dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Sprinkle with sugar and cook, stirring, until onions are softened and begin to turn gold, 5-7 mins.

Add broccoli and 1/4 cup of water or broth. Cover and cook for 2 mins.Stir in cashew mixture, remaining 2 cups of water or broth and crushed tomatoes.

Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 mins. Stir in chickpeas and soy crumbles and simmer uncovered and stirring occasionally for 10 mins. Add more chili powder and salt as needed.

Add all or as many garnishes as you like. I refer lemon, fresh tomatoes and fresh cilantro.

It's a wrap, 2011 in review

I'm thinking about changing my blog title to "Family on the Go" What do you think?


This is us on Thanksgiving for the Wake Forest Gobblers Run 5k . I have done a lot of solo 5k & 10k races in the past, but this was the first one we all did together. I don't think I'll ever do another one without my family!Roman and Aaron ran together and I pushed Ryan in the stroller; Ryan got out of the stroller a few times to run and received cheers and applause from other runners, we were all grinning ear to ear. Roman especially loved bellying up tot the post race snacks!

I thought I'd catch us up on some of our family highlights of 2011, before I embark on new entries for 2012... we have certainly been a FAMILY on the Move this year that's for sure.

It seems like it all started last spring when we decided to take a family vacation to Florida, where we experienced the magic chaos of Disneyland, Animal Kingdom, and the Nickelodeon resort. If that's not a lesson in endurance, crisis and money management I don't know what else is! But we did have fun.

In the late spring Aaron took a job promotion that would move him to a new facility in Clarksville, VA a small lake side town just north over the state of NC. After careful consideration of school districts, housing and commute time, we settled on establishing ourselves in sleepy Wake Forest, NC.

In an unbelievable turn of events we sold our home in CO after one week on the market! We spent almost a month or more apart as Aaron started his job in VA and I closed up the house, managed the movers, finalized the sale of the home and attended several tear jerking "farewell " parties for us and the boys.

We moved into a rather dumpy short term rental where there were troublesome bugs, even more troubling neighbors and an inoperable stove.... but after 3 months we closed on the sale of a "new to us" dreamy home. Hurricane Irene helped us move in a most expeditious manor.The neighborhood we moved into is very welcoming. I have been invited into the neighborhood book club and Aaron has been invited to play touch football on Sundays. People knocked on our door to introduce themselves and brought us treats. Roman is in heaven... surrounded by other boys his age, they rule the cul-da-sac with their bikes, scooters, Nerf swords, football and hockey games. We feel really lucky, a tad bit relieved and generally really happy with our decision to move.

But the bugs in NC are freaking big!

Roman has lost 3 teeth, said goodbye to old friends and made tons of new ones, he is continuing with karate and will be awarded with Orange belt this weekend. He rides the bus to school and has recently been entered in the Accelerated Reader program in his first grade class.


Ryan continues to bring smiles to everyone he meets, and he has made some new friends in the neighborhood too. He goes to music class with me, and will likely start preschool soon. He turns 3 this month and wants a Batman cake.

Below is a picture of Ryan at his Aunt Rebecca's wedding in Golden, CO.

We finished out the calender year by celebrating Christmas with Grandma and Papa Ades, & visited extended Wilmington. We played and boated near Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.

So what does the new year hold for us? More ( yes still ) unpacking, furnishing and organizing, more swimming, more fun in the sun, lemonade stands, backyard parties, biking, rollerblading and running.

As for little whole me, I will continue to volunteer my time as Romans room parent, spending time in the classroom and assisting the PTO with various school events like teacher appreciation, fundraising events and such. I also hope to blog more, do more yoga, perfect a few more vegan entrees and take piano lessons.

Here's to hoping the world doesn't end this year so I can keep you posted on our happenings!

Many blessings for a wonderful 2012

Mama on the Go and Family

Out with the Old, In with the New

Irene's Dining Room


Ades' Dining Room

Hurricane Irene made a big splash on the news, and along the NC coast as well but not so much here inland Wake Forest. However the threat was large enough that we picked up the pace of moving into our new home and fit about 2 days worth of what was suppose to be mellow loading and unloading into 8 hours. We worked to the point of hysterics, and by hysterics I mean a bit of stress, and alot of mostly laughter, at one point we were trying to navigate our queen sized mattress up the stairs and it became a scene out of Friends: "PIVOT!" where we had concluded the bed was clearly defective and would need to be dismantled and replaced. That was about when we had to call it quitting time.


Enter bird bath margaritas, and some very tired bodies.




By the the eve of the Irene's landfall we were moved into the new house well enough to sleep and eat, basic provisions were stocked and we stayed abreast of town happenings online. We spent the next day unpacking, and living the simple life till the rest of our stuff would be brought over by the professional movers.

Aaron had the week following the final migration off from work and we unpacked, and ruthlessly purged our books, kitchen gadgetry and kids toys ( yard sale potentially next week if anyone wants to make the trip to peruse!)

We also took plenty of ridiculous bubble baths in the jetted tub:




We actually rounded out our first week in our new house -out of the house quite a bit. The neighborhood pool held a labor day boat "regatta" party where kids and adults can race a hand made boat across the pool crafted only out of cardboard and duct tape.Roman entered the race with the help of his dad (and mom) hello-2 trips to Walmart for camouflage duct tape!!!

Sizing up competition:

Our boat was named:" Your mama wears combat boots"

Poolside spectacle.I mean spectator.

We did not win the regatta but had a blast trying, it was a great diversion from unpacking as well as a fun time spent with neighbors.

As the days pass into Fall, temperatures are dropping and the oven like southern heat wave is becoming somewhat of a distant memory. We are getting more and more settled... if you can call sitting on camping chairs in the tv room settled. We are slowly bringing order back from a chaotic and stressful past few months.We are enjoying cooking in our new kitchen- we went over a month without a working oven in our lovely rental home!

We love love love our new neighborhood,and neighbors I can't wait to share more!