Read and Tell Me » Mi Casa es Su Casa

Landlocked No More

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:19:24 +0000

Oklahoma gets a bad wrap. Not all the time…it deserves an eye roll every time there is a shirtless man telling about the latest tornado. Not to mention summers are HOT with only the relief of luke warm pools and dirty holes in the ground to cool off. Winter is usually cold with little snow and an abundance of ice.

But, things are really looking up around here. We now have the Thunder, our local NBA team. Devon is erecting a huge tower in downtown that will forever change our city’s skyline. The Myriad Gardens have become a amazing place to spend an afternoon and I cannot get enough of the amazing restaurants and multiple art districts.

Law Man and I love our date nights. Last week was no different. I was feeling a little under the weather and he was running late so I killed a little time on Twitter. @LudivineOKC was serving a Seafood Stew and it sounded delicious. Much to my surprise, when LM walked in and said we were heading to Ludivine I was THRILLED and I knew exactly what I was going to order. The Stew was delicious and I got a crazy hair that I could recreate this little bit of heaven.

Tuesday I stopped by Whole Foods (Oklahoma even has a Whole Foods now and it is minutes from my house). I stocked up on fresh seafood (Squid, Scallops and EVEN Mussels) and headed down the bean aisle to find some dark colored lentils. I measured out the correct amount and checked out. I was sure not to close off the bag mussels because they “would suffocate” I was told. Who knew they were still alive in the store? Probably a stupid question, but I am in the middle of the landlocked states.

It took me a good 24 hours to find the courage to combine the two recipes that I thought I could adjust to create just the meal I was going for, but I did it. Last night I, Amy Curran, made a seafood stew from scratch….fresh fish and all. And, it did not disappoint. I will definitely make this stew again. Next time I will invite over some friends because it made enough for the entire street. So, I am officially landlocked no more.

We Love Lucye

admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:46:47 +0000

Despite the blizzard of 2011, family and friends gathered to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Lucye Jane. Since it is so close to Valentine’s Day, and it is the first girl born to me and my sisters…..pink and hearts became the theme.

The shower was full of handmade details. Felt banners, custom conversation hearts, knit and crocheted hearts and chains, and of course the felt balls.

We got to use my mother’s china….I love this pattern.

Did I mention it had snowed for five days? The guests were real troopers so we gave them a lot of parting gifts.

The grandparents went over the top with CUTE!

Mary even channeled mom and found a perfect piece of baby jewelry. This would have definitely made mom happy!

I was so pleased to host the shower with just of couple of my sister’s sweet, sweet friends….she knows how to pick them.

I think Tracy and Lucye got the picture……

We love them both very much!

Blooms

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:11:23 +0000

The snow has melted and the sun has come out. The trees and flowers got the memo and it is very welcome here at our home. I cannot believe that this weekend is Easter. This is the first year in nearly 7 years I have not hosted and this is what we have….bulbs in bloom. Every year they are either a week early or a week late. Oh well, such is life. I am just so thankful for the sun.

And by Sunday…..they should all be beautiful!!!!

I have also been a little behind on getting out my Easter decorations. But, I did make some new ones and got out a few of my favorites…including the very loud and very annoying dancing, singing, ducks.

And, who could forget the Vintage Annalee Mr. and Mrs. Bunny? These were staples of Easter at my Grandmother’s house for years. They are a little bit “loved” with new cotton tails and a little chocolate, but I love them still the same. Imagine I pretty much had to pull them out of the dumpster after an attic cleaning at grandma’s house. The best I can tell they are 18″ Vintage Mobilitee Bunnies circa 1971. I am getting this date from a 6″ Annalee Bunny for sale on e-Bay with the same fabric clothes. Either way, I love them!!!

Erin Go Bragh

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:37:03 +0000

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!! I have a special love for SPD since I became a Curran!!! I grew up a Brown….and never really had a heritage! Since, I always pretended to be a redhead, I married into a family of redheads….and they are Irish!!! Well, sort of…needless to say I struck out in the redhead department. But, I do get to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a little more enthusiasm.

So, here is how we are celebrating this year….

I ironed my favorite white linen tablecloth and used my random green pieces to celebrate the holiday!!!!

My favorite green piece is a little box that my grandmother gave me. It is said to be a “first curl” box and actually holds a curl of my great grandmother’s hair…I know, it is a little weird, but I think it is beautiful and a neat thing to have.

Then, just for good measure, I had to put some glittery Leprechaun hats on the mantle just to torment the children…..not really, I just really like them.

That is it for decor…..a bit cheesy, but the boys love to see the house with a few details to celebrate whatever holiday is coming.

Then, nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like GREEN play dough. And now it covers my kitchen floor….but, a good time was had by all.

Finally, the big celebration will come when the Curran Cousins Convene over here on Saturday for a little Green Chili.

Spring Cleaning –Day 2

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:15:14 +0000

I got a little bit more cleaning/organizing accomplished today…I organized the boys clothes. This sounds small and easy, but let me tell you wardrobe management is one of the jobs of parenthood I like the least. It is finished….CHECK!

Spring Cleaning — Day 1

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:42:51 +0000

Let the Spring Cleaning Party Begin!!! I operate so much better when I have the house organized and everything is in it place. It is also so much easier to be a “good mom” when the house is not cluttered and we have a nice, comfortable, home to reside in. How do I know this???? Well, I don’t….I have never been this organized, but it is worth a try. Here are a few resources I am using: Simple Mom’s Spring Cleaning Party 2009 I {heart} Organizing Cindy’s Clipboard Organizing Posts Where will I start? With a list, a clipboard, and a cup of coffee….. Day One: Purge: Go through house and purge of obvious things I do not need or want. Organize: My clothes, jewelry and accerories Clean: Master Closet and Master Bath

New Beginnings

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Baby Alpaca’s First Milk — We got to witness this little miracle on our annual trip to Victory Ranch in Mora, NM this past June.

I am here……barely, but here. I am anxiously anticipating fall. So many new paths intersecting here with me and my family.

Today, the older of the “little guys” had his first swimming lesson. It was so precious. He was so excited…..his biggest accomplishment you might ask?….splashing his teacher, Mr. Hong. Eventually, I will have to break his little heart and tell him that they don’t promote you for splashing.

I had a full day working on some possible grants and making new contacts for my little business. It is so exciting, but a little overwhelming. When I woke up this morning, I questioned if I would have enough time and energy to pull through. I am thrilled to say, “I did it.”

Lately, I have had some discord among some family members who seem to think I am crazy to think that I can have it all, work and serve my community while still raising my children one dirty diaper at a time. I am here to say, I can do it and I am doing…..oh yeah, I will continue to do it.

One more first…..between the Olympics and the Political Conventions I am about to finish my FIRST sweater. So exciting!

Back and Better Than Ever

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:15:00 +0000

So, this is how I left my old house. I small gesture to the new owner to enjoy. We are finally moved into our new house. Things are starting to get back to normal and we are really enjoying life. I have so many plans for this new home. First, I have been working on my “studio.” I love it. The boys and I spent some time out their this morning…”letting the creative juices flow”. I think they will enjoy it almost as much as I do. I purchased some great mid-century furniture from a good friend. I think we will move it in tomorrow. Anyway, I can’t wait to get everything set up. I am recommitting myself to this blog. I have so much to share that I think I will have to take it slow so I do not get overwhelmed. Those of you who have asked where I have been….thanks. It is nice to know people are reading this.

I need a "Studio"

admin — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 05:04:00 +0000

since I began my new life as a SAHM, I have been doing all kinds of arts, crafts, and writing. I keep telling my husband that I need a “studio”. This is how I will turn my new hobbies into “real money making ventures.” He laughs. Now, I have a GREAT idea….I will knit a studio.

Breaking Down the Walls

admin — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 01:45:00 +0000

I have been very into the Creative Moms Podcast. I listen to it while working out a lot…if I loose the 30 pounds I am going for I owe it partially to Amy of Creative Moms.:) Today I had listened to the most recent podcast, so I went back and downloaded the first one. Since then, I have been thinking about the walls that are around me and those that I might help build around others. Several things came to mind.

My grandfather was dying of lung cancer and I became very interested in recording some family history that I felt like was dying with him. I made up a questionnaire and gave it to several family members to fill out. I also asked that they include some pictures. I had a great response and they shared wonderful insight about my themselves. I was so excited. Then I sat down to write….the plan was to weave the stories together into something compelling to read. I began with my Grandma Brown and some of her stories. When I was finished with the first draft, I gave it to my dad to read. He hated it. He said that I had all of the facts wrong. I was crushed. For one, how do you get the facts wrong, when they are sitting right in front of you? I don’t think I have sat down to write down anything outside of personal journals and papers for school. I still have all of the questionnaires, but I have no idea what I will do with them. Regardless, I was motivated today to keep writing…good, bad, or otherwise writing is a passion and something I can really pass down to my boys.

Hence this blog. It is an attempt to expose my writing gently.

The podcast also got me thinking about my interest in sewing, knitting, etc. I have always considered myself creative, although I am not sure anyone else would describe me in this way. I am definitely not an artist and it may be a stretch to be even consider me artistic, but like Amy I do not like to think of myself as a crafter. The word that best describes me is creative. In my mind the things I create are as much of a part of me as my children. I think about them and work with whatever medium until it takes the shape of something that reflects something in me. I cannot imagine putting a price on my little creations.

Currently I am really interested in holiday decorations. I love transforming my living room for each holiday. It makes me smile when Adam comes out and points out the new additions. Here is a picture of the Valentine Banner I made…..I am happy with it, but more than anything, I learned a lot of different tricks and got a lot of ideas for more projects.

I also really enjoy creating the “perfect” rooms for my boys. Vintage Airplanes is the theme for Adam’s room and Nursery Rhymes the theme for Nathan’s. Here are a couple of pictures. I will write more about the details and how I developed these rooms. I love them!

Adam’s Airplane Room

Nathan’s Nursery Rhyme Room