Happy New Year, Blue Moon!

Of all the commercialism that surrounds just about every holiday in our country, I do admit to liking the hype of "The New Year". It truly is a time to lighten up after the gluttony of the holidays, and each day is longer since we are on the Spring side of the Winter Solstice. I can't remember the last time I attended a flashy New Year's Eve party, and I don't even remember if I ever really wanted to.

My strongest memory of New Year's Eves past is being 3 months pregnant on 12/31/99, and though I didn't think the world would fall apart as we welcomed 2000, I do remember wondering what the world would hold for my first child, due that June. I don't think I knew how much motherhood would change my life. . .and I'm going to be real, I desperately love my children but all of it hasn't been great. Count me in as the mother who neglected self for family, which served no one in my family well . . .Duh!

37 . . . my new age. I've only been 37 for two weeks or so, and more than any other time in my life I feel the importance and promise of a new year. I don't feel like I'm getting old and dying, instead I am excitedly overwhelmed by all the things that I know now that I didn't know when I was younger. How do I put all of this new information together in my now distinctly adult life? How do I make our school all that I see it being? How do I develop the self-discipline to achieve the things on every level that I wish for myself? After all, I have learned time and again in my life that with a kind heart and the right intent, I have the power to make things happen. Waiting for the universe to notice what you need or want just hasn't worked for me. It does take work and diligence to make things happen. So, here I go. . .

The following is an excerpt of a newsletter from Ellen Shapiro (www.repattern.com). Some of her information is from Ton Pascal (http://www.dreamyourlifepositively.com/blog.html).

Only once in every 20 years, the blue moon appears on New Year's Eve, as it will this year. On a plain physical level what is happening is that the moon is out of phase with the days. For it to make its completecycle it's about 29.5 days. It doesn't coincide with our month, and that's why it is out of sync with our Julian calendar. It's the occurrence of two full moons in one month, which happens every two years, hence the popular quotation "once in a Blue Moon" which means 'not very often.' On average, there will be 41 months that have two Full Moons in every century, so you could say that once in a Blue Moon actually means once every two-and-a-half years.

On December 31, 2009, we have a Blue Moon Lunar Eclipse. On a spiritual level it is as if it asks us to 'flash forward' into the next two years to see what we can see. This is the most important New Years Eve we have ever been gifted in a long time. No matter how much you do not believe prophecy from time and earth, it will still affect your energy field and your choices.

This New Years Eve 2009 create an I AM TEMPLATE, an energetic road map into the next two years. Command the energies into a direction that serves the better good on all levels of your life. Ask the Light/Angels/Divine Spirit/God to release what still pushes your buttons and pulls your strings. Release the pettiness between you and others, the green-eyed energy that sucks your light. Release the anger that drains you of your strength, just keeping it alive. Release the expectations you have of others, as they ride their own horse of a different color.

The I AM TEMPLATE consists of an eternal circle. First, draw the large circle repeating the words I LIVE IN A PLACE OF PLENTY. Second, on the inside of the circle place everything you plan on creating in the next two years. Put down all of your dreams, aspirations, wants, needs, as well what you want for the planet. On the outside of the Circle write everything you are choosing to release. Release all that does not serve your highest good any longer. Be specific in those releases.

On New Years Eve bless the 'I AM Template' and then burn it, releasing its ashes like a sacred prayer on smoke.

Wow--where are the matches? (Laughing!)

~Leslie

Chipotle Macaroni & Cheese

I love homemade macaroni & cheese. It's true comfort food. I only make it for special occassions and Christmas dinner is one such occassion.

This year I made two dishes--a kid friendly version and a kicked-up adult version. It's the first time I've made chipotle mac & cheese and I must say, it was divine! Worthy of Noel Divine....if you're a WVU fan. I hope you take the time to make some homemade mac & cheese for your family. It's a gift of love all wrapped up in cheese!

Enjoy!
Janie

Homemade Chipotle Four Cheese Macaroni & Cheese
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus 1 Tbsp. more for dish
1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
5 1/2 cups heavy cream [may substitute 2% or 1% milk]
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sea salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
2 cups extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese
2 cups extra sharp white cheddar cheese
1 cup grated swiss cheese
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 whole Chipotles in adobo sauce
Smoked Paprika
1 pound elbow macaroni

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside. Place Panko breadcrumbs in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pour butter into bowl with breadcrumbs, and toss. Set breadcrumbs aside.


2. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat heavy cream. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, whisking, 1 minute.

3. While whisking, slowly pour in hot whipping cream. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.

4. Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, black pepper and 1 cup extra sharp yellow cheddar, 1 cup extra sharp white cheddar, 1 cup swiss and 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheeses. Stir until smooth. Pour approxiamtely 1 cup of cheese sauce into a food processor. Remove 2 chipotle in adobe sauce from can and place in food processor. Process until the chipotles are mixed throughout cheese sauce. Place cheese sauce back in pan with remaining sauce and stir until completely incorporated. [You may add more if you like your food very spicy. I found that 2 whole chipotles gave enough kick to the dish without drowning out the other flavors]

5. Fill a large saucepan with water; bring to a boil. Add macaroni; cook 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's directions, until the outside of pasta is cooked and the inside is underdone. Transfer macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce.

6. Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese, 1 cup of extra sharp white cheddar and breadcrumbs over top. Lightly sprinkle top with smoked paprika. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes; serve hot.

Sprout Organic Baby Food

Emma Grace didn't spend much time in the baby food arena--she wanted big girl food and fast. For the time that Emma Grace did eat baby food, I tried a new product that wasn't available when her big brother was at this stage--Sprout.

Many of you may know of Tyler Florence. He's one of my all-time favorite chefs! He is the creator behind the Sprout organic baby food line. What is so special about Sprout? All the fruits and vegetables are roasted to bring out the natural sugars and flavor of the foods. You can tell the difference! They have unique flavor combinations that babies will love! I will admit that I would buy my favorite varities and if Emma G. wouldn't eat them, I would! They are that tasty!

There aren't a lot of options when it comes to high-quality organic baby foods. As a working mom, I didn't have time to buy organic fruits and veggies and prepare them for my little one. My mom did take the time to make Emma G. some homemade goodies, but alas, it's very time consuming even for grandma! Each food comes packaged in a convenient ziptop package that makes it easy to throw in a diaper bag or backpack and go! The price is right, too. The pouches are $0.99 cents at most retailers and I often found them on sale at a two for one price.

I was so excited about the quality, price and flavor of the Sprout foods that I sent an email to their customer service telling them so. Much to my surprise and delight, we received several pouches of Sprout food for Emma Grace. Some were new flavors that had just been introduced to retail. I sent correspondence thanking them for the samples and received the following response back. Needless to say, it made my heart happy! Tyler Florence saw a picture of my little carrot top. Very cool.

From: "Janie Mote"
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:09:03 -0500
To: jillian@sproutfoods.com
Subject: Thank you!
Jillian,

We received the complimentary foods from you yesterday. Thank you—what a nice treat! My daughter, Emma Grace, enjoyed the oatmeal with roasted apples and cinnamon last evening. She usually doesn’t like carrots but ate the entire pouch of Sprout carrots this evening! I thought I would attach a picture of her enjoying her free samples. Again, thank you and we look forward to trying more of the Sprout Food line as it becomes available.

Big fans of Tyler and Sprout Foods-Janie & Emma Grace Mote

From: jillian@sproutfoods.com [mailto:jillian@sproutfoods.com]
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2009 8:22 PM
To: Janie Mote
Subject: Re: Thank you!

Cool! And guess what, I am having dinner with Tyler right now and his son Miles. Showed him the picture too. Thank you so much for taking the time to send us the photo. So glad you and Emma Grace are enjoying Sprout.
Very truly yours,
Jillian

My favorite picks are:
Roasted Bananas & Mango
Roasted Pears & Apricots
Sweet Baby Carrots, Apple & Mango
Baked Sweet Potatoes & White Beans
Summer Squash, Yukon Gold Potatoes & Parmesan
Roasted Apples & Blueberries
Oatmeal with Roasted Cinnamon Applesauce

37th Street Lights

If you want to take in some Austin funk, check out 37th Street east of Guadalupe this year. This isn't your average street of carefully adorned homes--there are vintage decorations and lights, lights in cars and maybe a motorcycle or two, and composed exhibits, such as "Barbie Meets Aliens". Note that this isn't far from Central Market, Phil's Icehouse, and is just north of UT.

~Leslie

Giant Magical Tree in Cedar Park

A giant oak tree awaits your family in Cedar Park. Standing under it each year is magical for my children--the tree is a giant umbrella of 50,000 clear lights and is billed as the largest oak in Cedar Park.

(Tree at top left)

Pack a snack and some hot chocolate and dance in the dark under this awesome tree located at: Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway in Cedar Park. To get there, take 183 to Discovery Blvd (by Walgreens in Cedar Park, just south of 1431), make a left onto Quest Blvd. Drive past the tree on the left (the park is really a big traffic island), and make a left into the post office parking lot. Park and walk over to the tree. There is no charge for this event. Often times, there are just one or two families stopping by to check out the tree, so the experience is quite solemn--a great way to escape the hustle and bustle this time of year.

~Leslie

Monday, December 21

The children thoroughly enjoyed the spring-like weather today--Winter Solstice! With the weather being so nice and mild, we spent some extra time outside today exploring and visiting the animals.

Alex and Maddy hang out in front of Lucy's pen.

There was a nice breeze this morning--enough of a breeze to blow the tail of Wacy's coon skin cap!

Sarah Justice adds some recycled "art frames" to Lucy's pen. It truly is becoming a pen fit for a diva!


Is this Bob or Spencer? I can never tell them apart. Look closely--he knows I don't know who he is and he's sticking his tongue out at me! SpencerBob.....such a character!


Lovable Chevy. Looking so serious but always the mischief maker along with his pal Tonka [not pictured].

Ms. Jennifer visits with Tonka [pictured, but not very well!].

Ms. Kari in the distance. Cool wave to the picture!

Our friend Elijah exploring.

Catherine and Maksim practice climbing.

Gabrielle and Leah having fun.

Got Raw Milk?

Georgetown Co-Op now accepting new members with local natural farm. Sand Creek Farm has many wonderful products including, raw milk, raw gouda cheese, yogurt, raw ice cream, raw butter, grass fed beef, free range eggs, farm vegetables and much much more. Meats are free range grass fed, eggs are cage free without GMO's, no hormones or antibiotics with proper Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio. Come join our group and reap the benefits of supporting local and healthy raw milk products.

For more information, contact Diane, chef@tailwagginsbakery.com
Check out Sand Creek Farm, www.sandcreekfarm.net

2009 Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice, everyone!

Today is the shortest day of the year, and the first day of Winter for us!

For facts to share with your family, check this out:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/12/091221-winter-solstice-2009-first-day-winter-shortest-day-year.html

Hash Browns!

Maybe you'll have a bunch of guests in town over the next couple of weeks, or perhaps you will have more time on your hands to make a big breakfast for your family. Here is a great way to make the morning easy by starting the night before!

Hash Browns

The Night Before . . .

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash as many potatoes as you wish. Place on a sheet pan or in a 9 x 13 pan that contains 1/2-1 inch of water. Adding water to the pan allows the potato skins to stay soft. Cover pan with foil. Place potatoes into oven to roast. Set oven timer for 1 hour, 15 minutes. (My oven shuts off at the end of the cooking time). Go to bed . . . potatoes will stay warm all night. Extra potatoes can be refrigerated and used up to 2 days later.

The Next Morning . . .

Remove potatoes from oven. Dice into 1/2 inch pieces and set aside--no need to remove the skin.

Dice one medium onion. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and a couple tablespoons of butter. When oil/butter melts, add onion and cook until slightly browned and softened. Salt onion to taste. Stir onions periodically in the pan.

Add diced potatoes to the pan with the onions. Salt generously. Cook approximately 7-10 minutes over medium heat. Flip over with a spatula from time to time, and you may see a nice crust form on the potatoes.

Serving Ideas: serve with over easy eggs and toast; make a breakfast taco with corn/flour tortillas, bacon, scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and salsa; use in an omelet or fritatta

Parent Modifications: add any of the following (diced) to the onion while it is cooking: jalapenos, poblanos, green pepper, red pepper, chorizo, a bit of bulk sausage, garlic

~Leslie

Menu, 12/21 and 12/22/09

Monday

AM Snack: bananas, water
Lunch: cheese lasagna, organic broccoli, organic milk
PM Snack: organic yogurt, organic animal crackers, water

Tuesday

AM Snack: organic apples, organic raisins, dried plums, water
Lunch: chicken/spinach/stuffing casserole, organic milk
PM Snack: gingerbread, organic apple juice

Enjoy your winter break! We will resume operation 1/4/10.

A Trip To The Dairy Vault

With so many things on my "to do" list, I feel as though I'm a gerbil running around and around in one of those little wheels. Trying to get last-minute things done before my in-laws arrive this week means the wheel is spinning so fast it's a blur, and I'm a gerbil in a full sweat.

It was time to make a trip to my local grocer, HEB. I enjoy doing the grocery shopping as it gives me time to clear my mind and I truly enjoy reading labels, looking at new food items, etc. In typical Janie fashion, I left the house in a hurry, but was so delighted to find that I had been organized enough to throw my grocery list in my purse.

I like doing my grocery shopping on a Saturday evening. It's quiet, and to all my single friends out there, or those of you without kids, I hear you snickering at me. Grocery shopping on a Saturday night? You'll be there soon enough. Trust me when I say you'll want to do the grocery shopping and leave the kids at home with your hubby every now and then!

I completed my grocery shopping in record time--about 40 minutes. I watched as the tired checker scanned all my groceries, and I handed him my coupons as I ran through my mental grocery list making sure I had remembered everything. Candy canes requested by Isaac?--check. Wipes for Emma Grace?--check. Orange juice for Todd?--check. Baking supplies?--check.

The cashier gave me my total, and I reached into my purse with great pride to pull out my wallet. Another task done on my list. My hand began to move frantically in my purse. To my horror, my walled was not there! Here we go. I dug my iPhone out and buzzed my husband--my freckled cheeks on fire. "Is my wallet there", I asked? "Yes", he whispered trying not to wake up sleeping children--I hung up on him in mid sentence.

I explained to the weary checker what had happened, and he informed me that he could "suspend" my order. Further escalating the situation, a manager was summoned to my checkout lane and he told me that my groceries would be parked in the dairy vault, and that if I wasn't back by 11 PM, they would add insult to injury and restock the groceries that I spent 40 minutes gleaning from their aisles.


The dairy vault--is that where shoplifters go? It sounded so serious [I wanted to take a picture of said dairy vault but I don't think they would have let me in.....] I assured the nice manager that I'd be back in 5 minutes--game on, buddy!



I hopped in my minivan and headed home. How fast could I get there? I pulled in the driveway, barely put the van in park, and as it bounced up and down from the impact, I jumped out and raced into the house to grab my wallet. I was greeted by my hubby and our 3 year old who was proclaiming that he was going to stay up ALL night. Ha! Funny, little guy! All night...."not possible" I say. Doesn't he know I don't have time for chit chat? "Your candy canes are about to be restocked, mister", I think as I bid Isaac and his father a goodbye. Six minutes. That's all the longer it took me to get to my house and back. I beat the clock. My buggy was pulled from the safety of the dairy vault, I paid for my groceries, and wheeled out of there as fast as my sneakers could take me.


A friend made the following comment on Facebook! when I recounted the events:

Oh Janie! I think you need a post it on your steering wheel. iPhone, wallet, money, keys, kids! Haha! That's just crazy!

Indeed, she may be correct.

SASSY PEA MARKET--10% OFF TODAY ONLY!

Sassy Pea Mkt and the petting farm open today ($1/kids). Save 10% on everything! Support LOCAL artisans! Lots of wooden toys, pottery, children's hair clips & tutus, scarves, hats, vegan body products, bibs, burp cloths, all natural dog treats, note cards, jewlery, photography prints. Raising 5 Beef a great gift--and ...their pork and beef cuts are 25% off! YARD EGGS!

Welcome to the Party

Time to prepare for the party. I arrive with my son and begin setting the stage . . .chairs down, put out table activities, unlock the door to the infant/toddler area, start the music. It's usually not long before our first friends arrive. Some of the little guys need some encouragement, but most of the children settle in quickly by hanging up their things, placing their shoes in the shoe basket and their water bottle in the water bottle box. From the infant parents, details about the baby we are inheriting is recorded on their daily sheets. For our older friends, a quick-sign in is all that is needed. I try to find a moment to start some coffee for the staff and begin receiving calls from families who have sick children or appointments that will delay them. I put on my apron--my energy shield (some like-minded programs say), so that I don't give all of myself to the children, but just enough.

My sister arrives, and our staff begin to come, too. Most arrive with their children in tow. Working mothers supported by mothers. The best way to work. We continue to greet every child and parent by name, ask a couple of details about something happening in their life, and have parents leave knowing that we have connected. Their child isn't just signed in, they aren't just a number. They have been welcomed into the family for the day.

The group size builds, and we split off into different groups inside this time of year. The noise level is high, but the children are productive. In warmer weather, we are outside enjoying nature by now, but today friends find one another, ask if a friend will be at school for the day, and stay warm for another hour before we head outside to feed the animals.

The Twos have their morning snack, the PreK continues its play, and the babies begin to settle in for a morning nap. Not everything is perfect, but we are all here, ready for the party.

~Leslie

Pictures of the Twos Class

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thursday is crafting day around school, and everyone was busy making evergreen trees. In PreK, we cut out trees, colored them green, spread some glue on them, and added glitter to be snow! It was fun. In one PreK class, the children waited until the craft was done so that they could be decorated with a little glitter on their cheeks and hair by Wacy. With crafting done, and the rain subsiding, we headed outside. It was good to get exercise in the chilly air, and it was definetly a boot day, as we found lots of puddles. Friends practiced using a wheelbarrow, and had fun playing hopscotch and walking up our "goat bridge" which is a climbing wall placed on a little hill in the petting farm yard.

Thank you to Violet and her mom, Clair, for bringing some yummy treats to share after lunch!