Author: Ang Anderson

My Kindergarten Heart

Posted on by Ang Anderson

Last week we celebrated Easton’s graduation from pre-school at Trinity.  He has been attending Trinity since he was eighteen months old.  He will be six in a few weeks.  (Six!!?!!) 

I keep asking myself, “Where has the time gone?”.  I knew this day was coming.  I have known for years.  And yet, my heart is still having a hard time letting go.  

My sweet boy.

Oh, I have soaked up every single moment with him and will continue to do so.

But now, it is as if a part of me is not sitting here at my laptop but it is sitting in Mrs. B’s class at Garfield Elementary School.  My heart is at kindergarten.  I took the day off in anticipation of this monumental event.  Because I thought I might be sad.  And I am.  But happy too.  Because Easton is so very excited for Kindergarten. 

He has been talking about it for well over a year, eagerly anticipating the day when he could attend.  We have encountered numerous kindergarten adventures in the books we read at home.  He has been attending pre-school two days a week so he is familiar with the environment.  He attended Kinder Camp two days last week, which most certainly helped ease the transition to the new school for both student and mother alike. 

Last night, I was too excited to sleep.  My mind was reeling with memories of the past and anxiety about the future.  So, I prayed.  As hot tears began to roll down my cheeks, I prayed for blessings at Kindergarten.  For kind hearts, for guidance and protection, and for a great year of learning.  I prayed for the teachers and parents and when I thought of the whole universe and mothers everywhere doing this or having done this, I felt better.  Much better. 

So, it is with an excited heart that I present to you my sweet boy, who now has the new title of (gulp!) Kindergartener.

Is it just me or does he look older in only one week???

I know I have been in various stages of denial throughout the summer.  Click here for proof.

However, I put on my brave mom game face for Easton today and am slowly sliding into acceptance. 

Slowly.

Back to School Blessings to All –

Bogle Vineyards

Posted on by Ang Anderson

I love surprises.  Good surprises.  Happy surprises.  Surprises that give joy, gladness, and excitement.

I was recently surprised (and experienced all of the emotions listed above) by a dear friend’s visit back home.

We celebrated by enjoying an evening out at a local establishment. 

Our destination is a favorite of mine. (And so is my friend!)

We held our groom’s dinner here and have celebrated many special occasions over the years. 

They indulge their patrons in what my husband terms “feel-good food”.   

It is also a place I enjoy spending time with dear ladies in my life, taking in a lovely lunch or a mom’s night out.

So, it goes without saying that when dear said friend ordered a bottle of wine, it would also be lovely.

I was eager to try a new label and have happily added this to my wine list.

I wanted to share the discovery with you, in the event that you may be looking for a new winemaker to try.

Without further ado, I introduce you to Bogle Vineyards.  We thoroughly enjoyed the Chardonnay.

During a family dinner at another local restaurant, we tried the Riesling by accident.

I had requested a bottle of Bogle Chardonnay and our server delivered the Bogle Riesling. 

We were happy to have been privy to the mistake.

I am clearly favoring whites here but Bogle also carries gorgeous reds.  Summer just calls for white.  For me.

Cheers to a new favorite!

Details below and photo above courtesy of the Bogle Vineyards site.

Bogle Winery - Phantom
WINEMAKER NOTES
Winemaking is both an art and a science, and Bogle winemakers have again hand-crafted a perfectly balanced, yet complex Chardonnay. Using the techniques of barrel fermentation, sur-lie aging and partial malolactic fermentation, winemakers have layered flavor upon flavor, creating an easy-to-enjoy wine with generous character.Generous aromas of fruit and toasty oak entice the senses as you first encounter this Chardonnay. Green apples and juicy pears give way to elegant hints of lemon meringue, and finish ripe and refreshing on the palate. Created by aging on the lees, the rich and velvety mouthfeel adds complexity to the fruit, allowing the flavors to sink softly into toasty notes of American oak. The finish, lingering and graceful, is coupled by a mouthwatering acidity that creates a longing for just one more sip….
SERVED BEST WITH
Enjoy this wine with just about everything!
Bogle Winery - Phantom
WINEMAKER NOTES
Our 2011 Riesling will seduce you from the very first sip. Grown in the cool microclimate of Monterey, these grapes showcase fruit full of expression and concentration, leading to a well-balanced white wine.Ripe yellow peaches and fresh pears spring from the glass, while juicy mango and other tropical notes show off in the background. Though 100% stainless steel fermented, the grape’s spicy tendencies show through, with touches of nutmeg melding with the stone fruits. Honeyed and lingering, the finish fills the palate, yet refreshes with its acidity.
SERVED BEST WITH
Riesling is a great food wine…it can partner with spicy Asian dishes, fresh fruits and soft cheeses. Enjoy chilled…

It’s Really Happening

Posted on by Ang Anderson

 

A few weeks ago I was walking through my home away from home, Target (or Targét Boutique if you will), and I nearly had a panic attack as I encountered the seasonal corner.

It was most certainly not a sight for the faint-hearted.

I was shocked.

Devastated.

Heart-broken.

It was hard to believe that my retail friend could injure me by what seemed to be such an alarmingly early display.

Everywhere I looked, there were reminders of a day looming on the horizon.

In aisles and on end caps, I could not take my eyes off of the dreadful items on the shelves.

There were crayons, notebooks, glue, markers, backpacks, calculators and all sorts of… I can barely bring myself to say it…back-to-…*deep breath*…school…supplies. *another deep breath*

 

Oh good Lord! My sweet boy turned five last fall and I knew this day was coming. But already? As if the old-fashioned alarm clock in my head is not ticking loudly enough? I will have to let go. But it pains me so. I have been mentally preparing myself for years. I think my only source of strength is Easton himself. He is ready. He is excited. He will be my rock on that fateful day, September 4th, 2012. I will have to steel my heart and put on my game face. I will not shed a tear in his presence. But when he walks into that elementary school, my heart will find a new ache.

I don’t even know if I am really as worried about him as I am about other kids. I’m worried that someone will be mean to him. Someone will say something unkind to him. Someone will hurt him, with words or actions. And the mere thought of that happening is unbearable.

I trust that all we have taught him in the last five plus years will shine and sparkle. It will glisten in the playground sun. He will exude kindness and a sweet heart and his good nature will protect him. His pre-school adventures at Trinity Children’s Center will guide him as he encounters similar situations in kindergarten.

There. I said it. Kindergarten. I know that he will be fine. I just don’t know if I will.

At least I still have 49 days, 10 hours, and 15 minutes.

Desperately trying to reign in the First Day of School for My Baby Jitters –