Dear Grampa, Can you Hear Me?

Dear Grampa,

It is the 16th of August,  2012.  Tomorrow would have been your birthday.  I always have these "conversations" with you in my mind and decided, since I started a blog not long ago, that I would write you a letter and share it with my loved ones, many who are your loved ones too. 

I decided to do this while I  was giving the kids a bath tonight.  Maddie, your first (and only) great-granddaughter just turned 5.  She is a mini-me and considering I was always your favorite, you would adore her!  She also has a very curious nature about her, similar to yours - interested in how and why things work the way they do.  Reece, your first (and only) great-grandson is a gentle soul and is turning one on Monday.  You were a gentle soul and I often think of you when I witness his serenity, sitting with his hands together, fingers laced - something my mom says you often did.  I only wish you were around to know my babies - but mostly I wish you were around so they would know you.  They will know you, through my stories and you will always be alive in the memories I share with them.  But, it saddens me to no end that they will never really get to know you. 

 They will never have you lift them up, above your head, to say "hi" to the African wooden mask that hung above the doorway in the kitchen.  They will never get to explore the "deep dark woods" with you - learning about nature and taking in the peaceful scenery.  They will never have you build them a set of stilts or Amos, the wooden tap dancing toy.  They will never drink from the water hose in your back yard in Miami as I did for so many summers while you worked in the yard.  They will never listen to your stories, and if they interrupt you, they will never have to sit through the torture (sorry, it was torture) of you starting over.  From the beginning.  Every time. 

They will never hear you sing, in that monotone voice, "The Bear Went Over the Mountain," or, "I Wish I was a Fuzzy Wuzzy Fox."  I sing those songs to them, all the time, but it just isn't the same. 

I could go on and on and on with all the things you did for me and of all the things we did together.  I have a beautiful lifetime of those memories. 

I loved spending my Christmas holidays with you, calling you on the phone and receiving your letters (with that very unique handwriting).  I have every letter you have ever written me and there have been times that I gather enough courage to sit and read them.  But, I don't do that often because I get sad. 

I have a hard time talking about you with others.  I can't do it without crying. Now I know you wouldn't want me to cry.  And I am not sad, I celebrate your life all the time.  But I don't think you really understood how important you were in my life. I can safely say that you loved me without condition. Many people talk about "unconditional" love.  I don't believe in it - at least not in such a commercialized manner. I know, without a single doubt, that you had unconditional love for me. That is why I cry.  I don't think that anyone will ever love me that way.  Well, hopefully my children will.

 

I was by your side during your last weeks on this earth.  I got the phone call and jumped on the first airplane to Egypt and never left your side until it was time for me to come home. That day, the day I said goodbye to you, knowing it would be the very last time - is as fresh in my memory as if it happened just yesterday. But I am grateful I was able to be there, lay next to you, sing our favorite songs to you, and I even brought you some maple syrup (your favorite) and gave you a taste.  I know you knew I was there by your side, even though you couldn't open your eyes and talk to me.  I know you knew I was there.

And I want you to know that you are always here.  In my heart. And tomorrow on your birthday, I will celebrate you.  I will read your letters, I will sing your songs and I will tell your stories.  I will never forget.

I love you Grampa.  Happy Birthday.

Your favorite, always -

Valerie



Her Birthday - Take 4

So, we moved to California just after Maddie turned 3. Most people who know me, know that I have this need to "settle in" immediately.  To the non-OCD type of individual that means:  everything unpacked, put away, pictures hung and fresh flowers in a vase BEFORE anyone goes to sleep. 

Well, with this move it didn't happen.  In fact, two years later I am still essentially living out of some boxes with half my life in storage.  That is a long "tear in my beer" story - so I digress and focus on the subject here- her 4th Birthday.

Because I was not quite as settled in as I wanted to be and VERY pregnant (7 months going on 12), I decided to go to one of those 'places' again and host her 4th birthday. 

Fairytale Town in Sacramento (http://www.fairytaletown.org/) is probably one of Maddie's favorite places.  After one visit, we became members and decided that it would be an ideal place to host her party.  Much like other "birthday in a box" venues, we had a short window of opportunity to create a magical experience for the birthday girl and her guests.  However, I could have handed out PB&J sandwiches in a brown sack and skip the cake and the kids would have not cared. The focus was running all over Fairytale Town and having the time of their lives. 

As you know, I can't just settle for ordinary.  So, I rented a portion of the venue (Sherwood Forest) and the planning began.

The Fourth Birthday.

Inspiration: Toadstools, Owls and the Forest
Location: Fairytale Town, Sacramento, California

The Invitation.
I found an adorable invitation on Tiny Prints  (sound familiar?) that featured classic looking toadstools and a forest scene. Unfortunately (I will blame my pregnancy for everything at this point) I don't have a picture to share. 

The Goods.
This was my first birthday party in which we were no longer living in Madison, Wisconsin.  Where would I get my cake?  I heard about several bakeries around the area that are fabulous.  I also had a work friend who makes killer cupcakes so I asked her if she would be willing to make dozens of cupcakes for the party. She agreed (thankfully, her cupcakes are better than some overpriced gourmet ones I have tried since moving here).  I also found these precious fondant cupcake toppers of owls and toadstools on Etsy.com.  Oh, how I love Etsy! 

So, the cupcakes were homemade with love by Janet, toppers were hand crafted by a very creative Etsy vendor and they were perfect!  Absolutely perfect.

The Food.
I knew it would be impossible to get the kids to "sit" in one area - not at this venue.  This place is fantastic so full of adventure and places to explore - there was no way these kids were going to stick around for the food.  So, I decided to theme my 'food table' with typical (easy) park type of food:  hot dogs, salad, finger foods, chips, fruit salad (served in a punch bowl and scooped into little cups) and the dessert.  What kid doesn't love hot dogs? 

The "nook" I rented had benches that I covered with traditional plastic (fancy) table cloths and created "forest" themed centerpieces.  I bought all the supplies for the centerpieces at Michael's. Even looking back at these photos, I could have done so much more but just didn't have the energy.  

The gift bags were filled with handmade stuffed owls (also purchased from Etsy), bubbles, and various other treats.  I purchased butterfly stickers and attached them to clothes pins to seal each gift bag. 

The Activity.
More than 30 kids ran wild around Fairytale Town - exploring, climbing, running, laughing - and having the perfect time!  There was also a wonderful play structure just feet away from our area where the younger ones played while parents visited. 

I truly didn't have to plan a single thing beyond providing a stopping point (for food), icy water (it was hot hot hot), and cupcakes. 

All in all, everyone had a wonderful time!  Considering I was due just two short months later- it was over as quickly as it started and clean up was a breeze. She felt that this party was "one for the books."  That's my girl! 

Her Actual Birthday.
My daughter attends a Montessori School in Sacramento. Aside from being one of the best programs for kids (totally biased), they have a most wonderful long-standing tradition to celebrate a child's birthday.  The birthday girl or boy walks around the sun, with the world in her hands, as many times as they are old.  It is a beautiful ritual, surrounded by friends, and looking at a photo timeline of their life. I thought I would share some photos from that tradition.  My little girl was four.  FOUR!  Oye my grey hair!

Oh yes, you noticed?  She is driving a Benz!  That birthday gift (thanks to the grandparents) blew anything else out of the water. Now if she would only drive herself to school (or a job)...I would have been as equally blown away.  (kidding ... I want her to stay tiny forever). 

Post note:  As my darling handsome (aka husband) was proofing this he asks, "No comment about me putting together THAT Benz?" 

(climbing up on a chair) - WORLD! ATTENTION WORLD!  This little Benz came in a box.  Yes, a box.  And even though it said minimal assembly required - it actually required a degree in engineering.  My husband has quite a few degrees - engineering isn't one of them. After hours, sweat, possibly blood and certainly a few choice words  - he felt as though he should be offered a job with Mercedes (as their chief engineer no less).  For real.  Props to the handsome - always going above the rainbow for his girls. 

For the love of squash blossoms!

Seven to eight years ago, I couldn't find my way around a kitchen. In fact, one of my very first gifts from my boyfriend (now husband) on Valentine's Day was a chef knife. Apparently it was a challenge to chop vegetables or other items with a butter knife (who knew?)! 

Suffice to say my husband did all the cooking for the first 4 years of our marriage. His travel schedule (nearly every Monday-Thursday) put a kink in that equation. I couldn't possibly raise a healthy daughter by grazing the kitchen for whatever I could find. So, I put on my apron, sharpened my chef knife and starting making magic in the kitchen.

As you can imagine, many meals ended up in the trash. I know my husband was way more supportive than he needed to be - suffering his way - bite after bite with one of my culinary masterpieces (aka disasters).  He never complained, made subtle suggestions, and came up with a great restaurant we could go to instead (as I scraped the food into the trash bin). 

Being the type of person I am, I loved the challenge of mastering the kitchen.  And four years later - I do all the cooking, I make homemade ice cream and can bake!  Ta-dah! 

I love exploring in the kitchen, trying new things and replicating some of my favorite dishes enjoyed at dining establishments (my honey walnut shrimp is near perfection) .

Do not be shocked if I wake up one morning with the desire (and drive) to go to culinary school! 

I am always asked to share my recipe.  So, in addition to my event planning madness theme, I am going to use this very platform to share these recipes with you.  Since my only followers (at this point) are friends and loved one's - it gives me great joy to share some of these adventures with them.

My first recipe to share:

Battered Squash Blossoms
I will not take any credit for this one.  I will give all the credit to my lovely Joseph Candeloro!  I was staying at his home in San Fransisco for the weekend (work activities) and we were too tired (and lazy) to go out and grab a bite after a long day. He is quite talented in the kitchen - and is Italian.  Um, helloooo!  He opened the fridge and pulled out this box of beautiful flowers.  I had never heard of eating squash blossoms.  A common dish in Italy, Fiori di Zucca, I was sold.  He whipped up a batter....deep fried these heavenly blossoms and served them with mozzarella di bufala.

 Hook.  Line.  Sinker!  I was on a mission (with success) to find my own oasis of squash blossoms! 

I went to the Sacramento Farmer's Market and under the bridge I found them!  First table!  Hallelujah! 

I brought them home and was a little overwhelmed with the cleaning process. It wasn't just a matter of cleaning them, I had to evict various leggy creatures from their home.  I don't do crawly things very well.  Once cleaned and trimmed I was ready. 

The Batter.
Easy.  Flour, water, seltzer, and salt.  That is it!  I am not going to give you specific measurements because I don't know what they are.  I simply took a two cups of flour and added a little bit of water and a lot of seltzer to get a thin consistency.  The carbonation in the seltzer (I learned from Joseph) allows the batter to be light and fluffy. 

The Goods.
I filled a large pan with oil and brought it to a high temperature. I then dipped each blossom into the batter and cooked it until golden in the hot oil. 

Once fried, I drained them on paper towels and served them warm! 

My 10 month old - LOVED IT.
My 5 year old - LOVED IT.
My non veggie eating husband - LOVED IT. 

Needless to say we will be eating a lot of squash blossoms while they are in season (limited time). 

There are many recipes out there on the various ways they can be enjoyed.  This weekend I am going to make a ricotta mixture with fresh herbs and stuff the blossoms with it.  I promise to let you know how it turns out. 

 

Her Birthday - Take 3

When it came to Maddie's 3rd Birthday - I have to admit I did something I swore I would never do. I booked one of those "activity" places that give you a two hour window to throw a fabulous party (fabulous???) and then kick you out the backdoor as the next party rolls into the front door. I never wanted to be given such limitations when planning any type of party, especially one of my daughter's birthday parties. 

However, there was a lot going on that summer as we were moving from Wisconsin to California. My husband was already living in California and our house was in a constant "show" state - and I couldn't imagine having one of my normal parties (normal to my standards) with all that was on our plate. So, I contacted The Little Gym where my daughter took gymnastics. She loved it there, it was colorful and Miss Kate was the best teacher there - and she would lead the party. In all, it was the best solution to a true conundrum at that moment in our lives.

But, don't think I just gave in and allowed the venue to dictate every detail.  There was no way I would do it "like everyone else."  So, I started planning on how I could use what is provided to us (a short window, limited space) and tried to find a way to make it as perfect as possible. 

I am sure you are asking how I made it unlike "everyone else" and naturally...I will tell!  The party was a huge hit - every detail was appreciated by the kids and parents - and despite this being the most unlikely place for one of my parties - it turned out just fine.

The Third Birthday

Inspiration: Gymnastics

Location: The Little Gym - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The invitation.
The invitation was simple and found on my "old reliable" trusty website:  Tiny Prints. Sadly, I don't have a photograph to show what we did for her 3rd birthday.  Again, living out of boxes! 

The Cake and Food.  
The cake and cupcakes were simple this time. I didn't go to the drawing board as I have in the past. I simply wanted something colorful and festive to match the bright primary colors found all over The Little Gym. The Rolling Pin bakery did a good job in trying to capture what I had in my mind. I had a mini cake made just for Maddie and then cupcakes for her friends. 

I didn't have an opportunity to do one of my traditional themed food buffets due to the time limitations.  But, I did at least provide some finger treats for the parents and kids but mostly the focus was the dessert. 

In an effort to ease my mind and try to create little experiences that one would not typically find at one of these venues - I created the "Maddie Moo's Munchies" candy buffet. This was fun! The kids could build their own take-home gift filled with wonderful sweet treats from the candy buffet. One of my best friends even brought Brigaderio's (a traditional Brazilian treat) to add to the colorful selection. It was a big hit! 

The activity (aka the FUN)!
The main focus of the party is the activity. The kids spend about an hour and a half in the gym - dancing, moving, celebrating and just letting loose. My daughter had the time of her life - and in the end - that is all that matters, right? 

...did I mention that Miss Kate was amazing! 

Party Favors!
In addition with a bag full of sugar from the candy buffet (sorry parents) each kid got a customized T-Shirt that read:  I went for the Gold at Maddie's 3rd Birthday Party!  They were cute and perfect for that gymnastics theme.  Many of her classmates wore their t-shirts at school the following week. In my daughter's eyes - it was reason to celebrate her birthday again and again.

The Summary?
Despite feeling like my creative hands were tied by going to one of these venues - we achieved our desired results:  a GREAT party. I won't lie - not having to do any clean up after a bunch of wild toddlers take over my home - was FANTASTIC!  And, if you really push (and nag) you can certainly bring more pizazz to a party of this kind and everyone at The Little Gym were patient and accommodating (no, I am NOT high maintenance at all). 

Her Birthday - Take Two

Welcome back to my little nook in the big world wide web! This is now my second post and hopefully I will learn to use the tools better in my layout and presentation.  As I continue down this creative venture, I should become an expert.  Until then, thanks for putting up with my learning curve. 

Now where do I start?

Ahhhhh...the terrible two's started a bit early in my household. My daughter was already proving that she was independent and a negotiator. A typical conversation, "Maddie, it is bath time." Maddie, "Two more minis (minutes)."

Despite the occasional outburst of exorcist like emotions - she was independent, creative, an explorer and still the little diva we adored. Meanwhile, my grey hairs could be likened to gremlin's (ahem....if you don't know what a gremlin is..you are too young to read this blog) ... add water and they multiply.

So, as promised, here we are on this blog journey documenting her little parties.

Now...on to her second.

The Second Birthday

Inspiration: Art!

Location: Chateau Madeline in Madison, Wisconsin (a.k.a our house)

Total planning time: Didn't you read my post on her first birthday? I won't admit that it was about 9-10 months of planning. Don't judge me.

While working as the Executive Director at Madison Ballet (yes, I had a day job) I would often frequent a little craft shop downstairs. I would buy things to scrap with, browse the clearance isle for those "I can't live without" art supplies and more. All of these shopping trips resulted in spending too much money but building the ultimate "art box" for Maddie and her creative side. It was worth every penny.

Walking down one of the isles I noticed canvases of many sizes - and they were on sale! At that moment, I knew exactly what her party would shape into. So, I bought a trunk load of art canvases (large and small), paints, brushes (why did I buy brushes - they were two and use hands for everything).

I also bought feathers, glitter and anything else these kids could add to their art project.

The Invitation.

This took some thinking and a lot of browsing on my favorite invitation sites: Tiny Prints and then shaaazam - I found the perfect invitation. It reads:  Maddie's Art Fair - A masterpiece created by you is yours to design and take home too!  Come to my party & create - afterwords we will eat cake!

Simple, cute, and perfect for the theme! 

The Cake.

Much like with her first, I was inspired by a paint tray and brush. Naturally everything had to match. I (yet again) sketched out the design I had in mind and went to my favorite bakery in Madison - The Rolling Pin. I also asked them to design cookies in the same fashion. I found the perfect cookie cutter online (after much research) and lent it to them for the project. I often wondered if they loved me or hated me at that bakery. OCD at its best.

The table that the food and cake were displayed on were decorated with fabric I purchased from the scrap bin at a fabric store all in primary colors. I then purchased various paint brushes and boxes and boxes of crayons to "sprinkle" among the food table. Of course, my table also displayed "themed" party food for the adults (and kids).

Not a single detail spared for this monumental milestone.

The Food.  We are foodies after all!
As usual I create a buffet table with various treats for the adults and kids (themed of course).  Despite getting picked on a little by friends  - labeling my food is fun!  I used paint splash stickers and gave silly names to my food - all paying homage to the theme: art, beautiful art! 

On the menu:  Matisse Mozzarella Pizzas (mini english muffin pizzas), Frida Fruit Kabobs (no explanation necessary), Dali Corn Dogs (big hit with the kids), Rembrandt Pasta Salad and of course, Picasso Punch! 

Again, the food table was splashed with crayons and paint brush accents and scraps of vibrant primary color fabric. 

The punch was simple:  rainbow sorbet with sprite!  Delicious, colorful, and festive! 


The Activity (aka - the fun)! 
I remember sitting there with my husband with his "Oh, Valerie" look (happens all the time) when I talked about the activities I planned for the kids. He reminded me that these were a pack of wild two year old children - would they really stay focused on an activity?  I am sure he was protecting my need to have all things logistically in line and the flow to be perfect. Little did he realize that you put a blob of paint in front of a child and blank canvas that it would consume them for hours! As usual, I was right (sorry, honey)! 

Oriental Trading is an excellent source (no secret there) for certain party supplies. I ordered festive smocks for the kids to wear while painting. With some puffy paint (who doesn't love puffy paint) and I customized each smock with their name and some paint splashes.  I am not an artist by any means but these came out beautiful.  This was also part of their take home gift! 

After the traditional meet and greet between two year old kids - we headed outside.  In Madison - June weather is DIVINE!  Outside I had little tables set up with individual canvases and a buffet of paints and other supplies the kids could add to their masterpiece! 

One little detail I also included was a display of her memory box. Each year I spend months and days and hours putting together a large memory box of everything important from the previous year. At her party her memory boxes were displayed so that anyone who was interested could enjoy them! 


Let the good times roll! 

Each child created their own piece of art to take home. They also worked together and created a mural that hangs in my daughter's room to this day!  It is a wonderful keepsake from her 2nd birthday. 

After painting and cleaning up with a hose (another unexpected highlight/activity) - the kids sat on picnic blankets and enjoyed their food!  They also enjoyed Maddie's play structure - climbing, swinging, laughing - it was a perfect time.

Finally, each child was sent home with a custom art box filled with crayons, art supplies, and the paint palette cookie! 


Here are a few more pictures to document the great time had by all! 

The End Result?  One happy two year old and one exhausted mommy! 

Her Birthday - Take One

I am an event planner. This has many pros (I am good at throwing a party, I have OCD when it comes to details, and I always come up with great ideas) and many cons (I am good at throwing a party, I have OCD when it comes to details, and I always come up with great ideas).  In essence...work, work and more work! 

Despite the work (to the third cube), I take great pride in putting my event planning skills to work when it comes to my daughter, Ms. Madeline Ainsley Dixon a.k.a. Maddie.  Ahh...Maddie.  So full of life, a dreamer, an actress, a dancer, a philosopher, a negotiator, a bossy bear, a snuggler, a fashionista, an artist, a lover, and a living live large extraordinaire (to name a few).  She is a mini-me (which is scary) but with all the beautiful qualities her dad possesses too.  I am one lucky girl (pass the bottle of hair dye, STAT)! 

But I digress.  Maddie loves to attend a party as much as I love to plan a party.  A match made in heaven.  Today's blog takes us back in time (she is now five) to showcase the events we have planned in her honor.

I do this after much prodding (encouragement) and nagging (support) from friends and loved ones alike. 

The First Birthday

Inspiration:  Mother Goose
Location:  Chateau Madeline in Madison, Wisconsin (a.k.a our house)
Total planning time:  Hellloooooo, I told you I was OCD so I will NOT admit that or you will judge me. 

Mother Goose is a classic and a favorite of mine. I spent many years reading the  "Charles Addams" version of Mother Goose classics with "dark" (yet hilarious) illustrations to match what is really a very dark storytelling (do we really realize what we are reading to our kids)?  In fact, everyone should own one of these and here is the link:  http://www.amazon.com/The-Charles-Addams-Mother-Goose/dp/0689848749. 

A copy was given to my grandfather, Charles Ezra Bowman on his birthday in 1970 by his sister, Aunt Chris!  In 1981 it was given to me. I memorized it (and can still recite the entire book to this day) and I passed it down to my daughter when she turned two (with a copy of one of my 2nd or 3rd grade spelling test inside).  She loves it! 

Considering she was just turning one there was no way I could take the dark Mother Goose approach (maybe when she is an awkward teenager) so we went with pastels and tradition galore.

The Invitation. 
I adore Tiny Prints (always have) and I am sure there are a million places online you can buy an invitation.  I happen to really favor Tiny Prints. 

It simply reads:  "Hey Diddle Diddle, with a smile and a giggle we invite you to join the fun.  We'll laugh and we'll play and all shout hooray!  Sweet Madeline is turning one!

Naturally, things must be cohesive so I used the same color scheme to decorate and the invitation inspired the cake design, the give away cookies, and more! 

The Cake.
The cake was made at one of the best bakers in Madison! The Rolling Pin bakery took my drawing (yes, I sketched my vision of the cake) and turned it into reality. Not only did they design a nice cake but it isn't about the design - it is about the flavor. I can still taste it to this very moment five years later.

I had a large cake made for our guests and a personal cake for Maddie to dive into. 

The cake was designed to look like an open book!  Various Mother Goose characters were showcased and on the right was a "book plate" that read, "This Book Belongs to Maddie on her 1st Birthday." 

The personal cake had the same design concept with a cow jumping over the moon! 

The Food.  We are foodies! 
I don't know how to throw a party without providing food for the adults (and kids alike).  My buffet spreads are always a highlight (according to my guests)!  So, here are some pictures to showcase that effort. 

The Menu.
Humpty Dumpty Deviled Eggs (morbid, I know)
Peter Peter Pasta Eater (pasta salad)
Little Piggies in a Blanket (croissant sausages)
Three Blind Mice Cheese Dip (to die for dip with cheese, bacon and Captain Rodney's glaze.  H.E.A.V.E.N)
Jack and Jill Punch
The Extras.

We had a few extra details to complete the experience for our guests. 

 

The Summary.
Needless to say, everyone had an amazing time.  We were surrounded by family and friends and she enjoyed every second! 

Keep in mind this is one of my more "simple" parties since she was only turning one (does she really need a big "sha-bang?" And, I didn't want to be one of "those moms" ..... okay....you caught me...I am totally one of "those moms!" 

End result?  One happy little girl!