Reality

I wish I could just have a "Reality TV Show" at home to document all the amazing things my kids do each day. I work full time and my husband goes to school at night. I cherish this summer as its been an amazing and full summer. Both my boys are at such great stages in life and I am truly happy where we are. I have a friend Jen who is a stay at home mom and does freelance writing. She is so good at keeping up with her blog and I envy all that she is able to document, as I know I will remember these amazing years when they are young, but I am not so sure the boys know how amazing they are and I wish I could just save every moment for when they are older and can view it too. I certainly hope I remember these times in the future. Although I am not documenting it as well as I like, I am forever grateful for technology and my phone that now can take photos, email and video and is so handy that I can take it wherever I go.  I love dancing for hours at night listening  and singing to Children's Folk songs with my boys, watering the plants in the garden and seeking out bugs and new sounds, touches and tastes that go with summer. I am so happy I can spend my evenings with my boys and as many free days as possible. I think working during the day makes those evening times so much more precious.
I read a blog this morning about a woman with 8 children who obviously stays at home, ranting that "mom's escape to the corporate world, to get away from their children" and that women don't appreciate being with their kids as they should. I disagree and feel this is an absurd assumption some women have of working moms. I don't have the advantage to stay at home with them, however, I do cherish each moment spent with them and I think being a working mom (outside of the home) shows them responsibility and having the drive to succeed in the world. I am putting my education to work. I paid a lot of money to go to school, and to have these kids. I try to make the best of both worlds. Also with their dad going to school right now, its showing them how to study and take school seriously at a young age. I am so proud of my family; However un-idealistic it appears to others.

Family Seidel: Wine Time!

Family Seidel: Wine Time!

Wine Time!

Wine Time! Catchy isn't it? I think there should be a link called WineTime.com. Unfortunately there isnt...I could think of all kinds of things it would be about. Maybe Clocks made from Wine bottles? Or a Wine Distributor, or maybe just a random blog someone writes about types of wine or while drinking wine. I love wine. Its a great drink and no wonder, its been around for thousands of years. So there you go... My wanton rambling today was about wine. Clearly I am in need of some!

From Shoes to Bare Feet?

As I was taking a jog with Gavin the other evening, I seriously started to consider running barefoot…… Yes you heard it right, BAREFOOT. Now many would consider these people who run around in the wet and cold completely insane. However, I think the structure of my body would allow me to run much further and without pain with no shoes. It seems to be a bit of an oxymoron. How could running barefoot help your feet? I have no idea. I am no expert in any of this. However I know when I am barefoot running other places it’s been much more comfortable for me. I know it’s a big trend too. To be clear: I am not a band wagoner. I actually try not to be one of those on purpose. So does anyone have or know someone who has transitioned to barefoot running? I need some tips if this is something I will actually try. Or does anyone know of the foot coverings one would use to make you feel more like barefoot running? Thanks for any tips or suggestions.  I know I am pretty much insane for thinking of doing this, but one of my goals is to actually be able to run further distances without my feet causing me pain.

Playing with Neighbor Kids?

Playing with Neighbor Kids?

Yesterday was a beautiful spring day. It finally started to warm up and it hadn’t rained in 2 whole days! As we pull in the driveway, coming home from swimming lessons, we see the neighborhood kids playing in the tree next to our driveway. This is the popular hangout spot for the kids in the cul-de-sac. Previously, whenever I was outside gardening, Garrett could go out and play with them, always supervised.

Last night, just as we were getting out the car, the neighbor girl runs over and asks Garrett to play with them. Here I am torn, as I need to get into the house and start dinner and watch the little one, but I totally want him to go play with them. He is only 4 years old. These kids range from 8 to 13years old. I know they are bigger, but very friendly and allow him to run around with them. I finally decided to postpone dinner, have dear husband watch Gavin and go out and do a little Gardening… I’m not comfortable letting him play alone yet, that’s for sure. If I could see right out my window and watch him that may be different, but unfortunately the way the house sits I can’t see where they are. Sooooo here’s the question: At what age do you let your children play outside in the neighborhood alone? When is this acceptable? I have no idea if I every will feel comfortable. I know we live in a very safe neighborhood with very little traffic and we know all our neighbors. We are blessed with all these things. I think back to my childhood and I was running around at a very young age. However 30 years ago we didn't know all that we do today! And I was blessed with older siblings that watched for me.

TIME IS FLYING BY!

Time flies when you are having fun right? Gavin will be turning 1 year old on April 19th! I can't believe it! I love my boys! They are playing with each other and loving life! I am so grateful for all the things that I have. The sun is shining today, so I am thanking God for everything beautiful and enjoying my fantatic husband and wonderful children. We will be celebrating Wade's Aunts 100th birthday on Sunday. What an accomplishment! She is so lucky to have all her facilties as well. This week is a celebration of life for so many friends and family. I hope you celebrate life this weekend too. :)

I finally did it! - cooking

I finally did it! I broke down and bought Brussels Sprouts yesterday. I love cooking and reading about cooking and watching cooking shows. Every now and again they will roast brussels sprouts. It actually looks good. I love other green vegetables, however, DETESTED brussels sprouts as a kid. I never would eat them, my sister loved them and I knew if I sat it out long enough, my mom would just give them to my sister to eat!
So if you don't know what roasting a cruciferous vegetable is, it is where you drizzle olive oil and season with black pepper and salt and cook in an oven at around 375 or 400 degrees for about 15 to 30 minutes. I do this with Califlower, broccoli, asparagus and now Brussel Sprouts. I sometimes add a little garlic powder as well. My husband now eats all the vegetables I can get in him and they are delicious. I also steam vegetables as well. Not as satisfying though! Now I can honestly say I will eat Brussels sprouts again. I think i need to roast them longer and cut them in two if they are bigger in size but I feel very happy I have added another vegetable to our menus.

What Not to Wear ... Portlandia?

I have noticed some odd fashion statements the past few days. I would not consider myself a super Trendy Fashionista, however, I do know the basics and stick to them. I accept that people like to make a statement, however, what is up with the people of the Portland Metro area lately? Is it because its not winter, but not yet spring either? I was behind a girl with her high school friends at the Convention Center Burgerville... She literally was wearing 3 pairs of pants..... I took a picture if you don't believe me! And two shirts in addition to a coat. It was 55 degrees and sunny. Yesterday at lunch a saw a woman who appeared quite put together with her woal coat and nice hair and make-up. However from the waist down it was a tan skirt, white thick patterned tights and black patten leather shoes??????? with a really bright pink purse..... so odd. I appreciate all the great alternative things that make portland weird, but sometimes I think we look like a bunch of Raggamuffins, and who can take us seriously when we walk around looking like we don't care?!

New blog???

So I have seriously considered doing a blog for other  working mom's about products I dearly love and help make our hectic lives a little bit easier. It would include recipes for delicious yet easy to prepare dinners. What do you all think? It needs a catchy name too!

Family Seidel: Question of the Day

Family Seidel: Question of the Day

Question of the Day

My rant for the day...
I haven’t blogged since before the holidays. I have thought about it but been too busy to sit down and do it. Well tonight I am sending out a question. Are all mom’s in Vancouver stay at home moms???? Seriously, as a mom with two kids it seems all women I encounter are stay at home and only seem to socialize in the middle part of the day! We love where we live and the community, but seriously have had such a hard time finding other mom’s and dad’s to hang out with as we work, in Portland...Anyways... this is the question of the day.