LADDventure

Thank You & Airplane Pants

I have no words to express how grateful I am for all the support of my book this week. So, I'll stick to two...Thank You!

I am in Wisconsin visiting family and friends, so I'll leave you with a little midwest love to kick off the weekend. I'm from just south of Milwaukee and will be attending a wedding there tomorrow. This video demonstrates all that is good and right with that lovely city on Lake Michigan...

I bought these pants from Target for the airplane ride. So comfy and cute. Obsessed.

Also, Airplane Passengers as Explained by Their Pants. Hilarious.

Just Sorry

I've been a bit of a wreck lately. Feeling raw, bare, frayed at the edges. This adoption process is more emotional than I was expecting at this point in the journey, taking classes and completing paperwork. It's all good stuff, to be processing what our kids are going through as they navigate the foster system, to think about our own family history and current family situations, and to begin to prepare to parent these littles. But, it's hard and it touches those bare wires of emotional nerve endings you may not have realized were exposed.

On top of that, I'm nearing the launch of my book, and feeling nervous, elated, tired... all of the above with plenty of promotional work ahead. After last week with something scheduled every night including three-hour adoption classes on two different nights, I found myself incapable of dealing with even the smallest of inconveniences or stresses. A monsoon made a mess of our outdoor furniture on the one day we hadn't prepared and brought it in ahead of time. Our cushions were soaking wet, and the wind shattered a potted plant and my nerves. Then we got two pool fence estimates yesterday and for some reason, discussing them with Mr. Ladd sent me over the edge. I snapped at him, irrationally yelling at him over the color of the fence. Hmmm. Clearly not about the pool fence.

So I told him to leave me alone, and sat sulking upstairs, contemplating apologizing and combining it with some explanation of my behavior when I realized there was none. I let myself off the hook, and decided to offer a much more sincere apology. Sometimes things are just hard, and we don't react well to them and there is no good reason. So I went downstairs with lowered defenses and said a simple, "I'm sorry. I was wrong. There is no reason for me to react like that, and I'm sorry." I am not usually the one to offer the first apology when we're not getting along. Mr. Ladd is a much bigger man than me in that arena. When I do offer it first, I often buffer it with an explanation of my feelings and how the whole situation could have just been avoided in the first place. But, I'm learning to just say sorry. Sometimes what you don't say offers the most sincere and honest apology.

5 years of blogging

I can hardly believe it, but it's been five years to the date since I dipped my toe into this world of blogging and hit publish on my very first post! At the time, I had this stirring to start writing, regularly, around the same time we had a stirring to move cross-country from Wisconsin to Arizona. It felt like it could actually happen, and it also felt like I should be documenting it. The move was starting to get real, and I knew it would happen quickly if we decided to actually take the plunge, so I thought the best way to keep friends and family updated and stay sane might be to start a blog. 310 posts later, here we are!

Even though I feel like I'm just starting to connect with a larger audience, this space means so much to me. It's this special digital scrapbook of the past five years. It's been an excuse to write, sometimes more regularly than others, and push myself creatively in all sorts of ways. It's also grown alongside my philosophy of living life with adventurous intention. They've happened simultaneously, and one has fed the other. Since that first post on June 30, 2009, the LADDventures have continued. I've moved across the country, quit my teaching job to pursue writing full time, traveled to New York City and San Diego for writing conferences, started another blog, launched a podcast, and written a book, and it all begins with seeing myself as a writer here in this little corner of the internet first.

The blog started as a documentation of our jouney west, and followed us to Arizona, where it's just crazy to me that we will meet our kids! Now, I am so grateful for this space to share the process of adoption, and becoming a family of four.

In honor of my 5 year blog-iversary I have one request: I'd love for you to join my email list by subscribing to get all the latest blog posts right to your inbox. I promise I won't spam you or share your email address. It's just my way of knowing who's reading, keeping everyone updated, and creating a community here in this space.

Finally, I want to say thank you for reading! Thank you for your comments and encouragement, and for sharing my blog with others. It means more to me than you will ever know, and I am so thankful for all of you.

Key West "Babymoon"

We're trying to squeeze in a few trips as a couple before we adopt our little ones. Mr. Ladd had a two-week work trip in the Miami area, so I met him there for the weekend, and we took off to Key West. The beauty of a "babymoon" when you're adopting is you can do all the things you would normally do on vacation, like stay up way too late and have one too many cocktails. It was amazing on all levels, and I would highly recommend it if you're looking for a tropical trip of your own.

First of all the drive! It's about 3 1/2 hours total from the mainland through all the little keys down to Key West. It's a stunning drive over the ocean with plenty of places to stop along the way for some Muddy Buddy's (our road trip snack of choice) and potty breaks. Bonus for a rental car with satellite radio and plenty of Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley on the way down, to shamelessly embrace full-on island mode.

We stayed at Casa Marina Resort and splurged on an ocean view room. The resort was gorgeous and relaxing, with excellent service. It's on the quieter end of the island, so it was a great mix of relaxation and quiet with access to the livelier parts of Key West.

After the drive down, we were hungry and our number one priority was to plant it oceanside with food and drinks to watch the sun go down. We didn't miss a single sunset while we were in Key West, and dinner at Louie's Backyard was a great spot to watch the first one. It was only two blocks from our hotel, and like many other establishments in Key West, a renovated old mansion with little tables for two, each nestled between their own set of french doors, all along the upper deck.

After dinner we hit Duval Street, the main drag known for it's laid back party vibe, where we stumbled upon McConnell's Irish Pub to use the bathroom, and ended up staying for the great band and these authentic Irishmen.

We stopped at The Rum Bar for a Dark & Stormy (which Kelsey and I first tried on the podcast, and which I'm now officially declaring the drink of Summer 2014). We finally made our way back to the hotel, strolling  through the old neighborhoods with tropical gardens and gorgeous Victorian houses turned inns and B&B's

The next morning consisted of Bloody Mary's, breakfast buffet at the hotel, wandering around town a bit, and a full afternoon at the oceanside pool. We took a cab to dinner down on the other end of the island, and started with happy hour on Sunset Pier followed by dinner upstairs at Hot Tin Roof, where I had one of the best appetizers of my life, the lobster cocktail, and a tasty pineapple-tini.

We had a front row seat from our balcony table overlooking Mallory Square, where everyone gathers every night to celebrate the sunset. It's worth celebrating here, let me tell you.

 After dinner we meandered slowly back to our hotel via Duval Street again, stopping along the way for a walk through a few shops and a drink here or there. My favorite stop was 915, on the way back where I had the most delicious Moscow Mule made with homemade ginger beer, and Mr. Ladd had The Moneypenny, a crazy refreshing cucumber gin concoction.

The next morning was Sunday brunch at the cutest little spot with seriously fabulous eats and attention to detail, 2 Cents.

After brunch, we took our time on the way back to the mainland, stopping for occasional breaks and listening to our own special roadtrip soundtrack of Randy Hauser. We discovered him a couple summers ago on this epic roadtrip, and he's just kind of been one of our things ever since. 

You know those special little things you have between you that seem to evoke a mood that nobody else necessarily gets, but it's just your thing? Randy Hauser is one of our things, and now so is Key West. Just absolutely lovely.

Any other recommendations for mini "babymoon" trips we can squeeze in before we are instantly a family of four?

Summer Bucket List 2014

For me, anything after Memorial Day is officially summer, and let's face it, it's already been over 100 degrees for weeks here in the desert so it's here to stay. We still have plenty of summer left, and it helps me get through the hot months to make a list of all the fun goals I have for this long season. Plus, this will most likely be our last summer before we have kids, so it feels particularly special. Here's what's planned so far...

• Get a library card
• Visit the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Lake Michigan
• Vacation in Key West!  (Blog post coming soon)
• Go on at least three Jeep day trips (1 down)
• Go on a boat ride
• Go to a baseball game
• Get a massage
• Try a lobster roll for the first time
• Throw a big pool party
• Never run out of this rhubarb simple syrup or crisp
• Have a few pool days
• Institute neighborhood night swims
• Keep my potted plants alive (no easy task for AZ summers)
• Go on an ice cream date
• Watch some fireworks
• Get away to the mountains for a cabin weekend
• Watch The Sandlot, National Lampoon's Vacation, and Fried Green Tomatoes (ultimate summer movies)
• Go camping
• Catch up with teacher friends (they're off!)
• Hold my finished book in my hands and celebrate! (August 4th)

Next in June

My theme word for the year is "next," both a reminder to take one step at a time, and to keep going when things get tough. To do the next right thing to move me toward the big goals and happenings of this year. So, each month I'm looking ahead to what's next. Here's what's coming up in June...

Next in travel...We are taking a mini vacation to Key West! Mr. Ladd is working in Miami for a couple weeks, so I'm meeting him there for a long weekend getaway to Key West. I'm looking forward to cooler temps, ocean breezes, and a tropical drink or two!

Next in adoption...Our adoption classes started (more details on Friday)! So that's where we'll be every Monday night for the next 12 weeks. It felt very real to be actively involved with other adoptive/foster families, learning about the process and preparing for parenthood!

Next in writing...In case you missed it, my book, Candid Classroom: What Parents Want to Know & Teachers Want to Tell Them, has a cover and a release date! It will be available August 4th, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Be sure to head over to The Candid Teacher and sign up for the email list to stay up to date with ways to help spread the word and upcoming events.

Next in food...We started a supper club with two other couples! We call ourselves Foodies With Booties, and the first month was tons of fun. It's our turn to host in June, so I can't wait to share all the details with you later this month.

Next in life...I'm working really hard to lose weight and get into shape, and although progress has been slower than I'd like, I'm determined to stick with it. I just moved on to Level 2 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, and I'm still sweating. I don't do it every day, but 4 times a week, and yoga twice a week, so it's more working out than I've ever done! My goal for this month is to finish Level 2 and move on to Level 3. Yikes!

The Photo Challenge Next Door-May

Camera settings: aperture-f5.6, shutter speed 1/60, ISO 800, focal length 55 mm

This photo was taken during an evening happy hour in the backyard with my boys. This is Mico. I was intentionally trying to take more pictures of him, as Buddy tends to be the more photogenic of the two. It turned out a little dark, but I love that it captures his intense stare and perfect little spade-shaped ears. I'm starting to understand more about using available light. The sun had pretty much set at this point, and I was still able to capture this, (something I never could have done a few months ago). I also love how colors are so much more vivid and true to life when shooting in manual mode.

My next door neighbor, Kelsey, and I are determined to conquer DSLR photography once and for all, so we've created a monthly photo challenge for ourselves.  We’re dusting off our trusty DSLR’s, switching them to manual mode, and not looking back. The only rules are to shoot only in manual mode, and to share the results no matter what. You can check out all my photos so far here, and Kelsey's here.

Also check out our latest episode of The Girl Next Door Podcast. We're sipping on the tasty rhubarb margaritas I wrote about yesterday, while lamenting the early onset of swimsuit season and discussing social media! You can also find us on iTunes. We're fun commute companions, I promise!

Dessert and a Drink Rhubarb Recipe

Desserts and drinks are two of my very favorite things. So, when I find a two-for-one recipe that yields not only a cocktail, but also tasty treat, I just have to share. When it involves rhubarb (my pumpkin of the summer) I have to share immediately.

This recipe involves making a rhubarb thyme simple syrup and then turning the leftover cooked down rhubarb into a crisp. It's perfection on two levels, and very easy. I stumbled upon a new blog recently, called Cider & Rye. Michele shares beautiful cocktails and recipes made with fresh, simple ingredients, and takes lovely pictures of them. What's not to love? Her instagram feed is so pretty and inspiring, and I just knew this rhubarb deliciousness needed to happen when she posted a picture of it.

I made it for an upcoming episode of The Girl Next Door Podcast and shared some crisp with Kelsey, but then immediately made more for Memorial Day weekend. It's that good.

The margarita recipe involves first making a rhubarb thyme simple syrup (which would also be tasty in iced tea or lemonade), but leaves you with tasty reduced rhubarb compote, which makes the perfect base for a summer crisp. So, I'm sharing both. Cook once, enjoy twice.

Rhubarb Thyme Margarita

(adapted from Cider & Rye)

Simple Syrup

• 6 C chopped rhubarb
• 2 C of sugar
• 2 C of water
• one bunch of fresh thyme

Combine all in large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is fork tender.

Pour mixture through a strainer lined with cheese cloth (I found cheese cloth at Target. Sounds fancy, but it's not.) Let gravity do the work of separating the liquid from the compote. Save and set aside the compote.

Pour cooled simple syrup into bottle with a fresh thyme sprig and store in fridge for up to two weeks

Margaritas (makes 2)

• 3 oz tequila (I used Hornitos)
• 2 oz orange liqueur (I used Cointreau)
• 4 oz rhubarb thyme syrup (see recipe above)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• a small bunch of fresh thyme to muddle and some for garnish

Rhubarb Crisp

(adapted from Bread & Wine, by Shauna Niequist)

• Cooked down rhubarb compote from making simple syrup
• 1 1/2 C Old Fashioned Oats
• 3/4 C almond meal
• 3/4 C unsalted, raw sliced almonds (pecans are also great)
• 1/3 C Olive Oil
• 1/3 C Maple Syrup
• 1/2 t salt

 Add compote to a 8x8 or 9x9 pan.

Combine all other ingredients in bowl and top the compote with it

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes

Serve alone or with vanilla yogurt (breakfast) or vanilla ice cream (dessert)

See Ya, Summer!

September is in full swing.  Pumpkin Spice Lattes abound, and Bath and Body Works' delectable fall candles are back in stores.  I am a sucker for seasonal marketing, clearly.  Monday will be the official start of autumn, and even though we are still in triple digit temps for a bit longer, the days are getting shorter. Nights and mornings are cooler, and apple cinnamon is in the air.  So hellish weather aside, summer is coming to an end.  Before I am completely lost in tubs of Halloween decorations from the garage and am drinking my weight in pumpkin ale of all sorts, I thought I would bid one final farewell to Summer with a peek at my bucket list and a wrapping up of memories just to make sure there was nothing else I needed to squeeze in before September 23rd.

Summer Bucket List  

Make rhubarb dessert of some sort

Host a pool party

Head to the mountains and go camping

Eat S'mores

Have a girl's pool day

Go for early morning/late night walk

Sit under the porch during a monsoon

Join a gym - There was a lot of sweating, does that count?

Take a road trip - We cancelled our Jeep trip to Colorado.  Saving the funds.

Organize my teaching supplies - I'm waiting for cooler temps in the garage.

Read a magazine cover to cover

Go to the beach - Didn't happen, and I'm sad about it.

Spend a day on a boat

Swim at night

Watch fireworks

Draw with sidewalk chalk 

Watch National Lampoon's Summer Vacation

Dig in the dirt - I'll do this for some fall planting

Drink an Italian Greyhound cocktail

Catch fire flies

Drive up to Flagstaff for the day- this would be good for leaf hunting anyway

Buy new sunglasses- Christmas present?

Pack a picnic

Spend an entire day with a good book

Drink a beer at a baseball game

17/25 bucket list items crossed off - About 70% of my summer goals accomplished.  Not bad, but I can do better in autumn.  Nothing inspires me like the start of a new season, and fall is one of my favorites, so I'll carry some of these things over to the next bucket list with lots of new pumpkin-y items as well. 

Bye, Summer.  You've overstayed your welcome. Don't let the door hit you on the way out!

Thankful Thursday - Labor Day Edition

I am packing up the marshmallows and laundering sleeping bags as I write.  Mr. Ladd has been in California this week for work, and I missed him over his actual birthday, so we're celebrating by headed into the mountains tomorrow for some camping in 75 degree highs and 55 degree lows.  Ahhhh.  There's like a 30-40% chance of scattered rain this weekend, and you know what?  I don't even care.  I will make the best of it and welcome the change if it does rain.  Worst case scenario, we pack up and head back down the mountain, right? 

This is the time of year I get a bit cranky and stir crazy and need to get the heck out of this desert.  It's actually been cooler lately, but I'm just over it and ready for crisp air at this point in the neverending summer.  So, I'm turning my grouchiness into gratefulness with a little list of things I'm thankful for right this minute...

A morning helping out my teacher friend in 2nd grade.  It's fun being back in the classroom, especially when you don't have to be!  (She's new to the blogging world too, and just started The Second Grade Life.  Go check it out, and show her some love :-)

So much love and support after this post about our current family situation - Seriously, wishing I would have shared sooner, because all the encouragement has meant so much to me and been so helpful.  Thank you!

An impromptu coffee date on Monday night with two ladies I just adore

A visit coming up from my brothers (Citizen Way's in town next weekend!), Mr. Ladd's family will be here the next weekend to go the Badger/ASU game, and today one of our favorite WI couples booked a visit for October!  Yeah for a house full of people we miss!

Fall candles, and pumpkin beer, and Halloween decorations  on the store shelves.  I used to hate this, because it felt like we didn't need to rush the chilly air and cold nights that would be plentiful back in the Midwest.  But now I love it, because even though I'm holding off on purchasing any autumn goodies for a while, it provides a light at the end of the hot tunnel.