By request...

We served this to our cousins, Nikki, Rob and Robby last week and Nikki liked it enough to ask for the recipe.

grilled chicken with oregano, cinnamon and paprika

served with

tomato and red onion compote


We are just catching up with life having returned for 2 nearly back-to-back trips out of state!

Some interesting things:

1) Steve and I had passports that expired a month or two ago.

Time from day sent to day received: 11 business days

The backlog is truly over! Actually, it may have been as few as 8 since we had our mail held and I am even counting Christmas Eve as a business day since it isn't a federal holiday. Those who haven't seen the new passports are in for a surprise. They are quite flashy, even tacky in my opinion. Each page has images and quotes of/from American icons (statue of liberty, Mt. Rushmore etc.) drawn in a way I would describe as propagandistic, considering they are designed to be seen by foreign officials. There is also an overbearing abundance of eagles. It looks like the same people who designed the intro to the The Colbert Report made it.

2) We discovered our screen door has a storm door. Oops, we should have noticed that in our basement last year. It looks a lot nicer than the green fleece blanket we had hanging over our door last winter. Good thing I took to riding our exercise bike about 2 weeks ago and noticed it. (You can tell how much we used it last winter).

Ick!

This is off our normal topic (ok, I guess there is no "normal" topic for this blog), but here it goes.

OK, I am not a germophobe at all and generally am not a fan of news exposes, but this is disgusting.

Just in time for holiday travel :(

Hotel Glasses

ok, enough with the trains!

Think it is genetic?

Yum

Balsamic-Glazed Sirloin Steak

Just tired it for the first time this week, but will definitely make it again. We had it with brown rice (and green beans) to soak up the glaze - great stuff. Oh, and we doubled the sauce like some the commenter mentioned. I am glad we did.

Lights

I should have gone to the street and taken the photo from there, but it is cold out!

Another Lego Train!

This one is for the little man of the house. It is part of the now discontinued "Lego Baby" line.
We got it free (well we had to pay shipping) for buying enough pampers to redeem points.

A Christmas Miracle

Ok, I am using that term VERY lightly, but not only did our chimney not cause us any problems with the first fire of the season (YAY), but we finally figured out what our hall light switch does (YAY, YAY).

I swear we have tested every outlet in the living room to see if it is tied to the hall, but apparently we hadn't. So now I can switch off our Christmas houses with the flip of a switch. These houses, save the lego-themed one, date to when I was in middle school/early high school and my mom and I had way too many Christmas decorations. Some, like these, have been handed down to me. Luckily I like these and some are even worth some money now (they are collectible and get "retired" every so often). I have some more playing to do with the "snow" to make it better , but I am guessing next year there will be too much attraction to the high cords so this will be our only chance to use them for awhile and wanted to get them out.

Holiday Project - LEGOS!

We also have a motor and some track. As a kid I always thought it would be cool to have a train go around the tree and now we will have a genuine Lego Christmas train.

How it began...




The end!




The two Steve let me make...

Spicy? no, Yummy yes

This is a standard dish for us...very easy, quick and quite tasty. The name is misleading, it isn't really spicy. It is amazing what you can find on the back of the box!


Spicy Chicken & Couscous

Much needed

With Jack doing a lot of this, but little actual sleeping....

this is just what Lauren needed!

Hmmm, Mexican

Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

From cooking light - yummy.

Something New..

I thought I would liven up this blog by adding links (or text) of our favorite recipes now and again. Here is the first...


Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers Spanish Style

Hot Spot!

"Arlington is hottest place in Eastern Mass." according to a 10/10 Globe Article by Sacha Pfeiffer... a sampling of the description of our home, sweet, home!

"Welcome to Arlington, which is enjoying its own housing bubble while many other communities in Eastern Massachusetts struggle with declining sales and prices. Despite spiking foreclosures and subprime sorrows nationwide, real estate in this suburb northwest of Boston remains freakishly hot. Prices are stable, activity is brisk, and frenzied behavior not seen since the boom years - deliberate underpricing to fuel bidding wars, multiple offers over asking price, tight deadlines for submitting offers - is often routine.

Why home sales in Arlington continue to be so robust offers a case study in how a community with a key mix of attributes can muscle through a difficult real estate market. For many buyers and sellers, Arlington has that magic blend: proximity to Boston, respectable schools, desirable housing stock, prices notably lower than in surrounding communities, and city amenities in a town setting, such as a thriving restaurant scene.

Densely populated, tree-lined residential streets are largely populated with handsome Colonials, Capes, and two-family homes, many of them converted into condominiums. Bustling Massachusetts Avenue is the spine of the town, and is home to popular spots ranging from the charming Capitol Theatre movie house to the upscale Wild Child children's clothing store, to the newly expanded Argentine restaurant Tango.

That vibrant scene is attracting legions of buyers, particularly young couples trying to buy their first homes or trading up from condos."

Bed is here...

hopefully someday soon we can show pictures of the rest of the room too - it is still a big old mess! It is getting much better though.

Back from Maine

Didn't have much free time with all the wedding activities, but here are some photos from the Belfast/Searsport area...

Art is up

michigan art finds

Steve and I have some art for the new kitchen & half-bath on the way...

We bought three of these below in Glen Arbor. (First column, second down. Third column, fourth down. Fourth Column, 2nd down.). We had the paint swatches with us and they will match great. Pictures to come once we have them up!



More exciting (but w/o photo) we acquired a piece by Steve's grandmother Carolyn. It is a lovely painting of lilacs (taken straight from one of her bookcases!) and will match the kitchen perfectly.

Table and BED!

So we got our new kitchen table together and ready and we love it. It is as big as possible and still keeps the flow ok in the room, which is ideal. We also now can look at our backyard which is an added perk.






Also, thanks to our tax free weekend here in MA, Steve and I decided to purchase a bed we had seen a few months ago. It will be nice to not have our mattress on the floor anymore! For less than the cost of one from pottery barn, etc. we got this that is made in Vermont (by hand no less) and is solid cherry!

Ordered a table

Well, I am not sure what it will look like in person since they don't have it at the store, but this is the table we ordered for the kitchen. It is a little bigger than I would have liked for the space, but it is counter-height which will make it more functional. Also, since the stools push all the way under it should feel the same size as a smaller table with chairs. (At least that is my current logic!)



PS - After speaking with friends who have the same problem trying to find a small table for a small kitchen, we should all start a company making them! There is virtually no selection out there.

DONE!

The painters came this weekend and save buying accessories (wall decor, curtains and a tiny table/chairs) the kitchen is done!

I can pick 'em

I picked a color called "stem green" for the kitchen walls. My mom and I were at Williams Sonoma this week and they had a similar colored spatula so I got it. Turns out it is really as identical as could be and they have a whole line of things in that color - including le creuset cookware and kitchen aid stuff. Too bad we don't need any of it and I am not a huge fan of le creuset (too heavy and too expensive). However I did get the mixing bowls and all the spatulas! Apparently I have high class color preferences.


We are waiting for the painters to show up. Hopefully I will have final pictures on Monday!!

That explains it.

So, miracle of miracles the interior is done! The good carpenters came today and fixed all our last minute things indoors. yipee...They still have to insulate some in our crawl space, which they would have done today save the unwelcome discovery of like a bizillion bees in that space. They took it upon themselves to spray the living daylights out of the area. (No worries about the baby, we can't smell it in the house) They plan on coming to finish that tomorrow.

We also found out about the contractor. Apparently he got a job at a rival company and when he gave his 2 weeks notice at his old job they didn't accept it and asked him to leave! That is why there was no appropriate transition etc. He was nice enough to call today to apologize and explain. This makes WAY more sense.

Once the painting is done, I will post more pics!

interesting development....

This may explain a lot. Our main point of contact for the kitchen, who ran one of the company's two storefronts, apparently is "no longer with the company.' He had worked for them for like 15 years so this is a bit shocking, especially because we only learned of it when Steve called to leave a message and noticed the answering machine had a different message. The company's owner returned our call and said he would be our point of contact and would review our final punch list and get back to us. Yikes, given the suddenness and lack of handover, I suspect he was fired. Not entirely sure why - he was a bit ditsy, but did know his stuff and after that long, one has to wonder. Glad our kitchen is 99% done.

Long time no post..

I was waiting to post "final" pictures of the kitchen. Sadly, it STILL isn't 100% done. We do now have all the doors installed, but are missing a few door pulls. There are a few other odds and ends for them to do. This was supposed to be done last Saturday but the contractor's car broke down (which I believe as it has seen better days). I guess with the holiday week they didn't get to us. We still owe them money for the final items, but I am thinking the amount isn't enough to push them that fast:(

The good news is now that it is functional we are very pleased and though, as is to be expected, there are a few small things we would do differently, it works for us far better than the old kitchen.

Now we really really need to finalize a paint color for both rooms!

He's Here

Jack Robertson
9lbs 6.8oz, 21 3/4 inches





Coming Soon....
Jack's Blog

And I thought the kitchen progress was slow...

I have no labor signs at all, so most likely I will make it to the induction scheduled for this week. I call on Wednesday to find out what time that evening I should come in, and will be given a preparatory treatment that evening for the induction drugs on Thursday. I am very much hoping that the hospital isn't super super busy and they have to reschedule (which is not common, but does happen apparently). Of course I truly have my fingers crossed that I go into labor naturally before then.

In more productive news, thanks almost entirely to Steve we got around 85% of our stuff clean and back into the kitchen yesterday! Thank goodness....

Before & After!!!

Ok, so it isn't 100% done, but close enough for this.
Now on to finalizing paint colors and cleaning the dining room..

Still here...

Both the kitchen guys and me!

The kitchen guys should be 98% done today! All the carpentry/touch up work is slated for completion. After that we are just waiting for 2 missing doors, some shelves, the toilet seat and a part for the bathroom sink. So the contractors will be in here next week at some point for an hour or so.

Baby and I are doing fine, I was monitored this morning to check the baby. During this they simultaneously monitor contractions, or in my case, lack of contractions.

I will try to post kitchen pics tomorrow...

Giant Feet

I had an ultrasound yesterday to check the baby's position since the OB and I thought he may have turned sideways. Luckily, he didn't and is head down as he should be. It was nice for Steve and I too see the little guy again.

This confirmed without an inkling of a doubt that he is indeed a he - though we are saving that picture to annoy him as a teenager. We also confirmed that he has huge feet, like both his parents. The nurse doing the scan seemed a little taken aback by the size of the feet so I guess it wasn't just our impression. You can be a judge...




The foot is the oblong light spot at the bottom of the image, you can also see the leg going up the image towards the top.

Looks like if I don't go into labor on my own, I will be induced on the 14th, so at longest we have 7 more nights of sleep.

Food milestone...

Well, I didn't get a picture, but Steve actually cooked dinner in our kitchen tonight. Sadly, that doesn't mean it is all done, but the appliances now all work so we tried out the range. It boils water for pasta just fine:)

Nothing to report...

For those wondering, our lack of an update is not because Lauren is in labor. I am still here, feeling pretty good and we are both hoping our kitchen is done soon.

We went to see Knocked Up on Saturday. I was hoping for my water to break or something during the movie, as it clearly would make a memorable story. Alas, it was not to be. However, the movie was worth it, we both found it extremely funny.

Status Report

Updated 4:00 Friday..notice nothing has changed since 1:00 PM on Thurs - though the plumber did show up for 1.5 hours this morning...

Done:
Fridge in place and working w/ power but no water it seems-- (need to check on that)
Dishwasher in the room
Range in place and working
Glass installed in the 2 cabinets with glass fronts
Reordered cabinet and door have arrived

Still to do:
Install last 2 cabinets
Install microwave (after adjusting the vent)
Once the prior 2 are done, install the crown molding above those 2 cabinets
Install and hook up toilet
Intall bathroom sink, faucet, then hook up to water
install toilet seat
Install backsplash on bathroom sink
Install bathroom mirror, hardware
Install footboard at base of all cabinets
Install & hook/up under cabinet lights
Finish off last of outlets
Finish off outlet for dishwasher
Hook up dishwasher to water
Hook up radiators

I am starting to get very impatient and am not at all convinced they will be done by Friday. I will not be amused if all our dishes are still on the dining room floor when we come home with a baby.

Happy Birthday!

We went out to explore the Arlington "res" this morning instead of doing chores (and because it is such a nice day). It turns out it has a 1 mile walking path around the reservoir and a small beach run by the town. You need passes to use the beach in season, but they do provide lifeguards, bathrooms and also a small playground. It is no Lake Michigan but not bad for 1.5 miles from our house...

After a couple of false install dates... flooring...

The floor is in and we are very, very pleased. The wood brings some color to the room and warms it up nicely (as we had hoped).

My last “Case of the Mondays”

In honor of Office Space being on Comedy Central last night I thought I would take a second and reflect on my last Monday at work (at least for awhile!) I have mixed feelings about leaving. For many months I was extremely excited at the prospect of no more deadlines, fewer off-the-wall requests from bosses, and less time spent in traffic. Making my own schedule (ok the baby will make my schedule) seemed somehow a nice change of pace, even if it wasn’t going to be stress-free or relaxing.

However, the closer it comes the more I realize I will miss my amazing, caring coworkers and being lucky enough to work in Harvard Square. I took a walk around the block to enjoy some fresh air this morning before heading into the overly-fluorescent bulbs of the office (another thing I won’t miss) and took these 2 pictures. Though I rarely have enough time to enjoy the views and atmosphere during the work day, it really is a pretty amazing place to work. What makes this somewhat easier is the prospect my organization is about to undergo a major change resulting in different staffing and likely a major move out of the Square WAY out into the suburbs. I actually hesitate to use the word “suburb” as it is that far out. I most likely wouldn’t have considered staying given that daunting potential commute, but regardless I am approaching the end of an era.

Of course what is to come promises to be more unpredictable, more exciting yet at times even more routine, and will push me in ways I haven't been challenged before.

Ok, well no floors

BUT, we do have counters installed!






The plumber should be here Monday to hook up the sink/fridge. The floor should be delivered any day (the contractor has been bugging them regularly and they are dragging their feet apparently). Then it has to "season" for 2-3 days before being installed, apparently. Hopefully that means the floor can be done this week. I am hoping that the week of Memorial Day it will be all done.

This week, besides the counters, all the trim around the doors and windows was installed. Other than that we are waiting on the floors and the replacement cabinet to show up so the final touches can be done in the area above/next to the range.

Kitchen Pics to Come Next weekend

We are getting our floors AND our counters this week! Too much excitement. There will be a grand reveal of the almost finished kitchen next weekend.

In the last week our cabinets got hardware (brushed satin pulls), the trim/molding was put up around the doors and windows and all the cabinets we have are installed. (One had to be sent back and a replacement has been ordered.)

More Kitchen & Nursery Updates

Sorry for the bad lighting -- but you can see most of the high cabinets, the vent for the range and the bottom cabinet doors are up on this wall.

The molding is up and doors are on for this side!


The bathroom - the mirror still needs to go on the wall cabinet (duh) and the bottom cabinet door isn't in yet either...



And the glider was delivered for the nursery - it is so comfy!

Couldn’t ask for a better place to work!

My office threw me a shower today and besides being very generous, they showed remarkable thought and creativity.

In addition to the assortment of outfits, books, toys and other such things they got me an adorable cake of my favorite flavors from where our wedding cake came . A few months ago I had a discussion about local bakeries and wedding cakes with a coworker who remembered. Luckily she ordered plenty and my office is health conscious so Steve and I will be eating it all weekend!

One of my other coworkers is extremely creative. She actually appeared on an HGTV show called “crafters across America” showing off greeting cards she makes. She made me the tee-shirt below.

For those that don’t immediately get it, check out or corporate logo below!

Appliances and Cabinets!

Really and truly it is starting to come together!

~All the cabinets (save one high cabinet) are up on the interior wall and the fridge is here (though clearly not pushed in all the way.
~ All the bottom cabinets are in on the exterior wall - and the slide in range is in place.

Even more progress..

We have...

~finished walls and a ceiling (just need paint)
~overhead lights that work
~cabinets IN the house (though not installed obviously)
~ an appointment for appliances to be delivered (Thursday)
~ our millionth black granite sample – (nero angola black)
~ an appointment for our granite to be templated (Friday)