A new year

As I think about all that I am leaving behind in 2010 and the possiblities of what awaits in 2011, I am thankful to have the choice to have faith in a greater plan and to reach out to better my communication with my Heavenly Father.
I sincerely hope that you may too! Happy New Year!

orange ricotta cookies

I spied this recipe the other day and have been craving to make it. Being that we are now in Sicily, land where fresh ricotta and citrus this time of year are in abundance I thought it the perfect time to put this orange ricotta cookie recipe to the test!
Let me tell you, they did not fail!!! These cake like cookies are the perfect mixture of orange, soft and delicate, dark chocolate to top it all off! YUMMY! If you like those chocolate oranges that often fill our stockings at Christmas time, you will LOVE these cookies!

(picture of Ragusa Ibla, the older part of the city)
We are going to be hanging out with our Sicilian family in Ragusa for another week or so before heading to the other side of the island, Palermo. I will have pictures and stories to post later, but as for now... find some time for the above mentioned cookies!

PS did you see this story???

Christmas by kids

Five

"Oh, the comfort-the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person. Having neither to weigh thoughts, Nor measure words--but pouring them All right out--just as they are--Chaff and grain together--Certain that a faithful hand will Take and sift them--Keep what is worth keeping--And with the breath of kindness Blow the rest away."
-Dinah Maria Mulock Craik (saw this on Speaking Spiritually Blog yesterday)

Gingerbread "houfe"

This year our little Lottie bug was much more involoved in the gingerbread house building night! Last year the kits that we bought were full of broken pieces that were difficult and time consuming to frost-glue together before we could build them, and since the candy we were using was already a year old (I bought too much last year) I did not want to be bothered with whipping up royal icing from scratch again this time around. So, we took the shortcut and hot glued everything together! It worked fast and perfect! You can see that Charlotte was very pleased with her HOUFE!
Do you have this tradition?? If you want to pick up a cheap kit we found ours at IKEA.

Once there was a snowman

About a week ago a snow storm rolled in. Charlotte and I decided to take advantage of the white stuff and build a snowman or "No-man" as she says it. Since we did not have snow pants for her we made due with a white garbage bag and tape! Worked great! As you can see we also had a problem with gloves to fit. In the end we enjoyed playing in the snow!

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Happy Halloween 2010!

 

Italy is not known for the Halloween Celebrations, any "festa" to do with a Saint- now that Italy does... so when a chance to dress up for Halloween came we took it! As last year we were invited to Celebrate a 3year old birthday party, costume style! Charlotte was Strawberry Shortcake (the french version.. since there she is called "Charlotte aux fraises") I made her costume with some felt scraps and an IKEA blanket. I was a black cat that swallowed a fish, you know since I am 5 months pregnant and showing I thought the "Little" should have a costume too! Giovanni also pointed out that since the baby will be coming in March it was rather fitting that a fish be on my belly for the zodiac sign Pisces! Giovanni was a fisherman because it went well with my costume and also for the reason that this summer at the lake he fell in love with fishing thanks to my nephew! We had a great time... but are happy to be going to bed. We ate too many browines, cupcakes and salty treats! Hope you all had a fun weekend!

Rome Temple Groundbreaking

On the occasion of the Rome Temple groundbreaking we headed to Rome Friday returning to Milan on Sunday afternoon. Giovanni is involved with the PR for the temple and helped the world report people with interviews, ect... Charlotte and I got to hang out with the cousins for the short stay and enjoyed being with family, and being apart of this historical event even if it was a fast trip.

something new, well to some of you

 

What's new?? We are going to have a new little one arriving in March! I am about half way through the pregnancy and feeling great! Yesterday we got to take a peek at our "little" during an ultrasound! It was exciting!! Even Lottie was saying "baby, baby"! Gio and I are undecided about finding out what we will be welcoming into the world come spring, so I had the Dr write the BIG Answer down on an index card and seal it in an envelope, that way if we get really anxious we can open it up and know! Excitment is the best word to describe what we are feeling!

a few favorites

Lottie loves these two videos!


What do you think??

Caramel dipped

Feeling the mood of the season I have been craving caramel dipped apples! I remembered seeing a recipe somewhere in blog world during the past week, but could not seem to find it... I was looking for a simple caramel recipe that would not be too difficult to make, while Googleing the subject I came upon a GREAT recipe go here to check it out! It was fairly easy to make (I did it along side dinner) let the caramel cool while we ate and dipped my apples after dinner was eaten! The apples are now in the fridge. I plan on sending some with Gio to the office tomorrow! His co-workers will be in for a treat, I don't know if any of them have ever had a caramel dipped apple!

Thanks Marco

Our friend took a few shots of us the other day. Here is a preview.

Sicily Summer Highlights

 

I am attempting for the first time a collage. I hope it comes through ok. It was hard to choose just a few pictures to show you from our time in Sicily... back in July! I do think, however; that these represent our fun time! Now that the weather is turning COLD here in Milan looking at pictures of the beach is stirring up feeling of nostaglia for sun and water!

Beautiful, really.

I had an awesome experience the other night! I went on a date with my friend Bianca to hear Andrea Bocelli sing in the Duomo (main Cathedral) of Milan!!! He has such a simplistic and clear voice that resonates through whoever is listening. The setting was perfect: detailed paintings hanging between the columns depicting the life of Christ, stained glass telling stories from the Bible, most everything around crying out to acknowledge the existence of a greater power in our lives.
My only 2 complaints are the hard benches that made sitting for nearly 3 hours difficult and the late hour of the concert (9pm).
The concert was to benefit a foundation (sorry it is in Italian)supporting children in Haiti. In opening the concert a now grown orphan sang an original song she wrote about her feeling of her beloved country, it was lovely. Then Andrea came out and sang. There was a small boys choir to accompany him during a few numbers as well as a young Ukrainian violinist. Everyone was wonderful! I thank Giovanni for getting us the almost impossible tickets and to Bianca for coming up with the idea to invite me!

Fried little fish

Remember when I told you I would post some pictures of Lottie popping little fried fishy?? Well here are 2 for your viewing pleasure! I have other pictures from the summer that I want to share- sorry for my absence! Hoping to have them up next week!

Accepting yourself

"We receive mixed messages today that self-love and a sense of self-worth are forms of selfishness and conceit. However, I know from my own experience that when I don't fully accept myself and all of my warts, blemishes, and imperfections, I am crippled in my charity toward God and my neighbors. Let me encourage you not to feel guilty as you aspire to appropriate self-love, which comes in part by honest self-knowledge and acceptance."
—Jeffrey R. Holland, On Earth As It Is in Heaven

Time well spent

Our vacation has been GREAT! So great infact that I am still on vacation (Gio went home last week... someone has to work, sorry Giovi!)!
We spent a few weeks in Sicily with Gio's family and after a short day in Milan to change out some of the luggage we flew State side and have been here for a little over 3 weeks. We took a few days to visit some friends in Saramento, CA and one week in Lake Powell with my family! The in between times full of movies, pool trips and visits with loved ones! I don't know when I will get any pictures posted, but for now I am enjoying family and our time here!

vacation time

The Bags are packed, the house is clean enough to leave.... Tuesday night we jumped on a plane to head south. We are in Sicily for the next few weeks and already enjoying the Food that will make us FAt and the Sun that will color our skins, oh, and least I forget the siesta's that are nearly madatory! For the first few days of our trip we are in Palermo. Giovanni is doing some Geneology work here. I am enjoying seeing new places, Lottie is adored the beach and the tiny fried fish we had for dinner last night! (pic's to come). It was so very funny to watch her pop them into her mouth like they were french fries! One after another, always tail first. I am off to play with Lottie, she just brought me a jasmine flower for my hair... so sweet!

I just needed to Breathe

T




Today I had some challenging moments as a mother. Lottie has not been feeling well for a few days. She had a fever Friday and Sat with a runny nose and hardly any appetite. Sunday the fever was gone, but still a yucky nose and no appetite. I know that this is nothing to be alarmed about, but today she was just inconsolable!
She would throw herself on the ground and scream. I knew she was not feeling well and wondered if her throat was hurting since her little voice was really hoarse and she had a cough this morning. I tried giving her many things, singing, playing, offering different drinks and snacks. I finally just left her on the ground to work it out for a few mins (all the while she is still MADLY pulling out fist fulls of hair) and went to the other room to breathe!! This honestly was the first time I had encountered a heavy feeling of inadequacy as a mother. What can I do??? Am I really going to be able to help her figure out her feelings and work through them? I know there must be more ahead of me, but as for today I was nearly in tears not knowing what to do! a little later I remembered this wonderful video I saw last week.
Read whole talk here.

Do you need a HUG???

I saw these people a few months ago in the center of Milan. I got a HUG! My grandma sent this on to me so I thought I would share with you... Along with my virtual open arms to give you all ABBRACCI!

Independence Day

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. (from the Constitution

"...where the Spirit of the Lord is , there is liberty." 2 Corinthians 3:17

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (from the Declaration of Independence)

I am very THANKFUL for the freedoms and Liberties I enjoy! Not only the freedoms of going where I want or doing what I want. Choosing how to live my life, however not being naive to the fact that it did not come free. Thank you to those who have given much for these FREEDOMS!
More then anything I am Thankful that I have spiritual freedom that enjoy thanks to a Loving Father in Heaven who prepared a plan long ago so that we may all return to him; thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ!
"Wherefore men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself". 2Nephi 2:27 (the Book of Mormon)

Green Rice Salad

I LOVE this recipe! It is best if you can make it the night before or in the morning and let the flavors mingle before serving. It can be served on a bed of lettuce with a roll for a full meal, or as a side salad! I also love this recipe because it was given to me by my sweet friend Brighid who this week has moved with her family from Milan (we miss you already).

Green Rice Salad

Balsamic vinaigrette:
2cCups olive oil, preferably extra virgin
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
6-8 green onions, including green tops, minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp minced or pressed garlic
2 tsp granulated sugar
salt
freshly ground pepper

Rice salad:
2 cups long- grain brown rice
2 cups long- grain white rice
6 green onions, inculding green tops, finely chopped
2-3 cups minced mixed fresh herbs (ex. basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, tarragon, and/or watercress)
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked fresh green peas or frozen peas
1/4 cup pine nuts

FRESH HERBS are the SECRET to this glorious salad! Use herbs in whatever combo you find appealing. *I don't have access to any kind of cheddar here so I use parma or grana. Really any combo of cheese should work. I also like to use a combo of barley, kamut, or other grains other than rice to give more substance. Be creative~!

To make vinaigrette combine all ingredients adding salt and pepper to taste. Whisk well to blend and reserve.

Cook brown rice in water fluff with fork and transfer to large mixing bowl, cool slightly. Gently toss the warm rice with about 1/3 of the vinaigrette. Fluff frequently until it cools completely, then cover and let stand at room temp for several hours or as long as over night.

Cook white rice in water, fluff with fork cool to room temp, then add it to the marinated brown rice in large bowl. Toss with green onions, minced herbs, cheese, green peas, and remaining vinaigrette to taste let stand for about 30 min. for flavors to blend.

Toast pine nuts, cool and add just before serving.
Serves 12-14 as a salad, or 6-8 as main.

Got Milk?

How fresh is your milk?? Around the area of Milan there are this little MILK vending machines. You can buy a bottle (plastic .30 or glass 1.00euro) another option is bring one from home (I saw someone even use a coca -cola bottle)open the little door, drop in your euro and watch the bottle fill with milk!

When I first heard about this system I thought imagined in my head little tubes running from the machine to the cows teet(thanks for the correction :) being milked... all going right into my bottle! It is not quite that FRESH, but almost. It tastes yummy and has that cream that settles on the top!!!

These are just a few other pictures taken on Gio's phone recently.

Lunch

HUNGRY???

Happy Fathers Day

How thankful I am for Fathers!
Big arms to Hug, Teach, Comfort, Disipline, Praise, and Love!
I know Charlotte feels the same way about her daddy as I do mine! We could not do with out! We Love you!!!

Pure Joy at loving on Daddy!

We celebrated (american) Father's Day(Italian Father's Day is March 19th- St. Joseph) with a pizza made to look like Giovanni. Believe it or not Lottie helped me put on some of the toppings! Giovanni was totally surprised! He had no idea that today was "special"!

I tried coconut saffron gelato, pretty good!