In Medias Res

I wanted to write something up about what we're all up to. This already has been an absurdly packed year, so I suppose it's fitting that I should summarize with a Christmas letter in late-May. Let's begin.

Lucie is currently pulling her hair out. Not really, it's grown out most of the way from when she cut it real short last summer, but as she's entering mole-person territory as the LSAT approaches it's fair to say it's only from monumental self control that she doesn't look like that lady from Shutter Island.

Yeah, remember this lady? Creepiest part of the whole movie.

Oh, yeah. Did we mention that Lucie's preparing to apply to law school? We may have forgotten that. Let's see, last year she started a post-baccalaureate program in paralegalism. After wading through the grime and the muck of the law -- what else would you call transcribing dictation and drafting traffic complaints -- and still wanting more, Lucie decided on going to law school. So in the midst of an internship at the district attorney's office, getting a 4.0 in her second semester of the program and everything else involved in the day-to-day, she's been completing an arduous self-study program for the LSAT. She's sitting it on June 10th, and may be hard to come by until then.

Sean, myself, also finished this latest semester with a 4.0. Big surprise, huh, glasses couple is busy wearing glasses. So, I should back up a little. I spent last year working as a Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus, selling life insurance and a few other things, and that was alright. But, although I had decided against diving further in academia, the salesman lifestyle wasn't quite what I had in mind either. So, I started a MS in Accounting program through Texas A&M University Commerce. Can't remember where, but while I was freelance writing I heard it repeated that "accounting is the language of business." Makes sense to me, and the deeper into my program I get the more sense it makes. 
Since February or so, I returned to freelance writing. I got to stay at home with the kids and also have time to keep up with my classes. Over the next seven months I'll be taking 27 credits, which should put me on track to graduate and start working in public accounting by the time Lucie starts law school. So from time to time I may look like Charlie from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Should I link this up as my selfie?

Anyway, that's more or less what Lucie and I are up to. Lucie's also still teaching Irish step for her school, and I started brewing beer. The kids will have to be the subject of another post because I spent way too much time finding screenshots for this post.

Mother's day!

Im just posting to say how happy and grateful i am for my two beautiful healthy children. I feel so blessed today.

Green!

Here are some snaps of my favorite color... I have always loved it. Im the only "green eyed" in my family and i always liked that :-)
I always wait for the first bright green leaf buds each spring... Finally they are here!

Tildy and her "pony"

This is Matilda Margaret and her purple zebra.
She has the sweetest, most knowing little face sometimes.

Playing in the yard

We have had gorgeous weather all weekend! Here are some pics of the tots soaking up the fresh air!
My mom and dad were here and my Dad had the very goofy idea of putting eamon into the jumper seat hanging in our front TREE. Lol he is officially eamon's favorite person.... I wasnt thrilled from a safety standpoint ;-)

Selfie

This is my thinking face

Easy weeknight dinners

So, our schedules are all over the place and far from traditional. 2 nights a week im gone until after the babies are asleep. I teach irish dance and have my classes those nights so an easy meal i dont have to spend more that a half hour on is key.
Sean and i are in love with Indian and Thai food lately. We have a delicious Indian place near us that is so convenient- but too pricey to frequent ;-) So, i discovered the indian grocery in our city!
Im slowly building up my confidence wiyh the spices- not made my own curry totally from scratch yet.
It is a great weeknight option for us. Once you have your base sauce (pictured is red garlic curry) you can add almost anything!
I usually steam carrots, cauliflower, and potato. The pictured has sautéed tofu - but chicken or even beef is liscious!
Add steamed veggies and let simmer a few minutes. Fold in spinach to lightly cook. Serve with rice.
Basmati rice can be pricey, but at our indian grocery i can buy it in bulk for a steal!
Yogurt, onion, carrot and mint (raita) on the side with pita bread from the grocery is a nice upgrade :-)

Green thumb in a concrete garden

So, every spring i start thinking about all the beautiful vegetables and herbs i will grow- think garden paradise that would make Martha Stewart's jaw drop.

Hmm then i remember i rent. Problem? Ok maybe. I might happen to be landlocked by concrete and the slightly industrial strength bushes installed in front of our townhouse, but im determined to at least contribute something homegrown into my cooking this summer. So... Patio herb gardens are my new obsession. I think i will first try a simpler one like this...