Happy 8th Birthday Sophia

Dearest Sophia Grace,

Well it happened again. I blinked and another year passed. All of sudden you are 8 years old. I feel like this last year went by the fastest. I hope this doesn't mean from here on out all the years will be the same as this last one. But I have a feeling I better buckle up and hold on tight.

Sophia, you continue to surprise me. Just when I think I have you figured out (stupid me - yes, I used the 'S' word), I get thrown for another loop. There are plenty of times I don't understand you. But always in retrospect I come to the realization that you are developing your own ways. You are on your journey of becoming a young adult.

What has surprised me the most is your ever growing perseverance. If there was one word to describe you it would be, 'determined.' I honestly don't know any other kid at this age who is as determined as you. It doesn't matter the challenge or how many tears might shed along the way . . . YOU'LL NEVER GIVE UP. And I am not going to lie, there have been times I thought it would have been best to throw in the towel. But deep down, I knew there was no way on this Earth that was ever going to happen. So in the simplest of modern day terms, "YOU ROCK!"

Sophia, you are so focused. It's quite astounding. I have friends that 'joke' around and call me, "Tiger Mom" (I will explain that to you one day soon). But truth be known, as you already know, IT'S ALL YOU. And although I worry about the stress you put on yourself, I also know I can't change who you are. There are times I worry so much it's like I am the one trying to accomplish the task at hand. My stomach is in knots for you. My palms sweat for you. My heart races for you. My nights are restless for you. And another admission on my part . . . sometimes I want to change your stubborn determination to make my life easier, but in the end it would be like changing your genetic make-up. ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE.

I have a great admiration for your ability to ignore what others are doing. You are so focused on yourself. That is a great quality. So many kids, as well as adults, feel self-worth and confidence when applying life's challenges as a a competition. At this juncture in your life it is school and sports. But you, my dear, have mastered the best of both worlds by making yourself the most important competitor; which in turn has crushed some others along the way.

Aside from the shenanigans of growing up, you truly have a tender heart of gold. You have a lot of compassion for others and a soft, gentle soul. I am reminded of these treasures when you watch over the younger siblings of friends, when I see you cry when watching a sad part of a movie, and when you help your classmates are struggling through the day's lesson. And even though Kalista drives you insane sometimes a lot, you always have her back like a big sister should. Even if it means ganging up on ME! I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sophia, you are a beautiful young lady inside and out. I wish I could slow down time. But I can't. So the next best thing is to be here for you until you no longer need me. I hope that day never comes. 

Happy Birthday my love,

Mommy

Vacation like days

Sometimes I forget people actually come to Santa Barbara for a vacation. It's a good reminder when I am thinking of places we should be venturing off to for a summer break. I mean, really...

Why am I trying to escape this?

Sand digging fun with cousin Eric.

A little massage from some cuties.

I am pretty sure my kids will never outgrown the carousel.

 My fave pic

 Kalista is such the goof!

Not a bad place to call home, huh?

Happy in Utah

Summer vacation has been relaxing and a little busy. A good kind of busy though. We spent a few days up in Park City, Utah over the 4th. This was our second time back and it was a nice carefree, no work vacation. Just the way I like it!

Hard to believe this was close to 10:00 PM!

 Fitting in with the locals for the parade.

Patiently waiting for the works.

This was like 8:30 PM!

But I am going to say...

By far the most beautiful skyline of fireworks I had ever seen!

 We spent a day at Utah Olympic Park. So much fun and lots to do and see.

Little chair lift ride to the alpine sled ride:

This is also where training happens

during the summer months:

Can you say, "CRAZY?!"

Some ropes course action for Sophia & David.

This was like no joke and the real deal.

There were some tears from kids at the top and it took A LOT 

of coaxing to get them to completion.

Thank goodness Sophia loved it!

 Couldn't get enough of this:

 And yes, a selfie. But with a story:

A lady stopped me and said, "I just wanted to tell you I think you're beautiful." 

I was super embarrassed! She also went on to say, 

"As women I don't think we compliment other women enough." 

And you know what?! She's absolutely right! 

About complimenting other women, that is. :)

I am going to try and pay it forward when I can!

A little World Cup action while the kids were swimming:

One of our favorite things to do...

walk downtown:

 And eat:

Until next time Park City!

Come back to me...

This girl...

Where did she go?

Dear Kalista,

You have finished your JK year. And what a year it has been. My spunky, outgoing, feisty little gal disappeared this last school year. There were lots of tears shed (a lot from you and a ton from me) from the beginning to the very end. I didn't think we were going to make it to June. You are going off to kindergarten in the fall and there is something I need you to know...

I have missed you; not only physically being by my side, but I have missed your soul. Your dad and I don't know what happened this last year. You went from confident without a care to scared and unsure. You became a mystery. You never put up a fuss getting ready for school and you were always happy as a clam at pick-up. So your dad and I thought maybe it was the adjustment to a new school and new friends. But as the months went by and the tears were still present, I knew it was more than just jitters. You stopped participating in activities you once loved. You were adamant about not wanting to attend birthday parties. You declined having your own birthday party.  I would cross my fingers you would be the Old Kalista and belt out all those songs you happily sang at home.  But no more school recital participation. Only tears. YOU disappeared. And so, for the last school year, all I wanted was for you to come back to me.

One day during Christmas Break I asked you why you were so upset at school drop-offs. And although I had asked you this same question time and time before, this time you were mature enough to give me an answer aside from the shoulder shrug. You looked at me and said, "It's just too hard. The work is too much."

I will never forget that day. Your answer broke my heart. I want you to know, your dad and I had the best intentions for your last year before kindergarten. We wanted to give you the same opportunity we had given Sophia. As a parent, someday you will understand, you want to always make everything equal. But you have taught me it's okay not to always do the same for each child. You and Sophia are completely different kids in the world of academics. The two of you learn at different paces. I am sorry I didn't realize this sooner.

I just want you to know I am so proud of you! You have become a delightful reader and are on your way to mastering math. Everything has been on your own terms and pace. From all this to ballet, to gymnastics, to singing, and swimming - you are an amazing and gifted girl. And I LOVE YOU!

  

Congratulations my darling. You did great.

Cauliflower Tortillas

Yes, there is such a thing! I think cauliflower has been one of those veggies that gets a bad wrap. I hear them described as tasteless and pungent smelling when cooked - and all is true if you just steam it. I always roast cauliflower with a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper; roasting brings out that nuttiness and it's so yummy.

I have seen renditions on other ways to use cauliflower. I think the most popular right now is cauliflower pizza crust. But here is another one that should not be overlooked:

Cauliflower Tortillas

These are not hard to make at all. A little time consuming with prepping the cauliflower but by no means difficult. Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Break down a head of cauliflower. 

You just want the florets and not the thick stem.

Dump it into a food processor and pulse away.

Stop when it resembles couscous.

Transfer 2 cups to microwave safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Stir and then heat for another 2 minutes. Now for the not so fun part...take the cooked cauliflower and strain out all the moisture. You will need cheese cloth and SOME GLOVES CAUSE IT IS HOT!

Whisk a couple of eggs and throw in chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Stir in the strained cauliflower. Mix well.

Take the mixture and form 6 small tortillas. The mixture will be wet.

Tip: Form the tortillas on top of the line baking sheet. You can easily pat them

into a thin layer this way.

Bake for 10 minutes then flip and bake for another 5-7 minutes. Let them cool on a wire rack. After slightly cooled, heat up a pan and brown each side for about 2 minutes. You can press down slightly while they brown.

Serve warm and with any condiments you like!

PS I made mine a little on the thicker side since I knew I wasn't going to add any fillings. But next time I will make them thinner for soft tacos!

Thank you Recipe Girl for the inspiration!