The Thompson Family

Trinity and Nora

Happy Halloween! Here are some photos from Nora's preschool, Children's Village, located in SOMA, San Francisco. Enjoy!

Click here to view the entire photoset on Flickr.

I started using SparkPeople when my friend Serrina emailed me about it... I just finished my first week, and I have lost 4 pounds in 7 days. Here is my "summary" of my food tracking for my first full week:


click the image to enlarge

It really, really makes you think twice about all the stuff you put into your mouth when you know you are going to write it all down!

Visit Sparkpeople.com if you want to check it out. Here is a snippet from their "About Us" section of their website:

SparkPeople Inc. is a leading online preventive health company. Our goal is to help as many people as possible reach their goals and lead meaningful lives. All of our programs and services are medically sound, completely free of charge, community-based and accessible. In the areas of health, fitness, goal-setting and leadership, we help people discover what will truly motivate them to reach their goals.

The Moses Family had a Sunday afternoon halloween party at their home in Berkeley. Lots of fun kiddos running around, and really nice parents to chat with. But of course Dean and Lucie would have awesome friends! Nora and I had a really great time. We especially like the haunted house that Felix made in his room. Very cool... View the photos on Lucie's website (www.tacocat.com). Thanks for a great halloween party Mosii!

Finally got around to snapping a shot of Nora's pony collection. I was over-estimating it... she ONLY has 15 ponies. Thanks to all the friends and family that have helped her grow her pony family. And a special thanks to Mama T who started the whole pony craze back in July 2005! Here are a few photos of Nora with her ponies for your enjoyment.

Shelly had her CVS test Monday, got the results today, and they all came out just fine. That was a big one for the Lyon Family. They also got to find out they are having a GIRL! Shelly said she is "over the moon!" Nora named her "Butterfly Snowdrop" - but I don't think that name will stick. Due date is May 2007, right around Mother's Day (how apropos!). Grantie is going to have a little sister next spring! Yipee!!!

Here's a oldie but goodie... This was taken four years ago to the day. Nora was just 5 weeks old! Such a little cutie patootie! And Otto was only 5 months old!

My favorite cooking blog: 101 Cookbooks

Triple Chocolate Espresso Bean Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground espresso powder
• 3/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
• 1/2 cup natural cocoa or cacao powder (Scharffen B or Dagoba), not dutched
• 1 cup organic unsalted butter, room temperature (soft to the touch)
• 2 cups fine-grained natural granulated sugar (evaporated cane sugar) – for example, I love alter-eco brand, OR do 1 1/2 cups sugar + 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large organic eggs
• 3 teaspoons high-quality vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup cup organic semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 8 ounces chocolate covered espresso beans

I can't wait to try this recipe... it sounds so interesting and tasty!

Lifted from NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6354859

For centuries, an evening of dinner and the opera formed a winning combo. Food historian Francine Segan celebrates the dynamic duo with a new book of musical meals: The Opera Lover's Cookbook. She pairs recipes and menus with beloved arias and overtures and pays tribute to some of the great composers through dinners and desserts.

RECIPE

Just like Puccini's Il Trittico this marvelously unusual dish is made of three main parts. Cointreau-spiked caramelized onions and sweet oranges are complemented by the slightly tart dried apricots to create a multilayered flavor.

You and your guests will love this dish, which is based on an Italian Renaissance recipe.

Linguine 'Il Trittico'

• 1 pound linguine
• 1 large purple onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup, 1stick, unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup Cointreau
• 1 1/4 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
• 8 to 10 fresh or dried apricots, sliced
• 1 tablespoon light brown granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced best quality candied orange peel, optional
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup almond slivers
• Zest of 1 orange

We saw this guy, Bob Marley, at the Improv in Las Vegas, and he is by far the best comedian I have ever seen perform live. He talks about stuff like being married, chips and dip, Atkins diet, trying on swimsuits... Pretty much everyday stuff that could apply to lots of folks. Check out his website at www.bmarley.com for more info.

Click the button in the middle of the video & get ready to start laughing!

Now that I have a young daughter, I am more aware of body image issues, how society views beauty, etc. and I am keeping my eyes open for things of that nature. I just came across these Dove videos/ads that are part of their Campaign for Real Beauty.

The first is "Evolution" and it is an interesting comment on the reality of advertising, and how UNrealistic the final images we see truly are. It is worth watching, as it is actually pretty cool to see the transformation. Watch the "Evolution" Video (opens in new window - 1:18).

This "Daughters" video is great too... it is lots of girls talking about their feelings on their weight, beauty, acceptance, etc. Made me a bit sad for the state of things. But it also made me hopeful to how I can work with my daughter to keep her self-esteem strong she grows up. Watch the "Daughters" Video (opens in new window - 2:41).

They also have a commerical featuring girls that I thought was pretty sweet. Watch the "True Colors" video (opens in new window - 0:45).

Find out what the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty and the Dove Self-Esteem Fund is doing about the problem of low-esteem in young girls — and how you can help.

I am so excited... one of our favorite movies is being re-released this week! And in digital 3-D! If you haven't seen Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" in the theater, you shouldn't miss it this time around. I remember being so thrilled by the film 13 years ago when it first came out.

Nicki Kalis & Andy Goodwin came over for dinner (they are dating, and we are all so thrilled!), as did Shelly & Chad. Dell grilled up some yummy steaks, and Nora kept everyone entertained. It was really great to see both Nicki and Andy so happy. View all the photos on Flickr.

Hangin' on the Marina Green with John Shine and Karen.


Watched the Blue Angels, ate some food on a stick, Nora got to experience the "jumpy castle extravaganza." Grownups had a beer and watched the Cowboys lose. It was PERFECT weather in SF. Heaven!


Nora LOVES John! And who wouldn't!!!

Nora started swim lessons today at Bakar Gym (UCSF Mission Bay). Her coach is named John, and he lets the kids pour water on his head during "free time" which is the last 5 minutes of the lesson. They love it!

Drawn by Nora, Age 4, Children's Village Preschool.


"Nora, Mommy, Daddy"


"Otto, Grandmama, Papa"

Joan, Shelly and I took a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Joan's birthday. And, you won't believe it, but we only gambled one time, and lost only $20 total between the three of us! We had so much fun drinking and dining and spa-ing and pool-ing and show-ing that we just didn't have time to lose money! View the photos on Flickr.