2 years ago...

Two years ago this week, this is what I looked like.

Look at my feet! Oh my, they were so swollen. As was just about everything else.

Two years ago I was making all sorts of freezable dinners. I had big batches of Chili, Cabbage Soup, and Sloppy Joes (all diabetic friendly) simmering in various pots to go into the freezer so that Scott could have a cooked meal if I was just too busy or tired. Little did I know how tired we would both be and for how long. (For the record I have been exhausted since December 2007, when I was pregnant.)

Two years ago I was just pregnant. I could sleep and wake up on my own schedule. I could do anything on my own schedule, except potty breaks. Scott and I spent our last weekend as a couple doing everything we could think of. We went to movies, saw an I-Cubs game, had a late lunch at a bar downtown. It was our last weekend.

Two years ago, I was in Prep Mode. Besides the cooking I was constantly working on Weston's room, making sure we had the things we'd need and that they were where we'd find them the easiest. I was so excited about what he'd look like, would he have brown eyes like me? But I was surprisingly, oddly, calm. Like I knew everything would be ok. I bounced on my workout ball to get things moving. I ate healthy and swam a lot. (If you are able, trying swimming when you are very pregnant. It's awesome to feel the baby floating inside of you, while you are floating, like you are both weightless.)

I am not going to go into the birth story. But if you are interested, just check out 3 or 4 posts, starting here.

Last year I was so overwhelmed with his first birthday (and the fact that he was so sick.) that I don't think I took as much time to look back. And besides, Weston was still a baby at 1. Not now. Now he's a toddler. He walks, runs, talks, throws tantrums, smiles on purpose... he can tell you when he wants something, when he loves you, he has a real personality. But he can still melt your heart when he looks at you.
This picture is of the first time that the sight of him truly melted my heart.

See that bump on the right (our left) side of his forehead? to this day, when he falls, that's the part he hits and scratches/bruises. It doesn't looked that pronounced, but maybe it is....

Iowa Gurls Official Music Video

Heebedee Heebedee Hub-Hub-Hahb!!!!

 Whenever anyone asks about my job, you know... do you like it? I have always answered the same, "Not always, or usually, but I love some things I do and I love the people I work with." The next question that doesn't revolve around the current job usually is something like, "What was your favorite job?" Most people would expect me to say the Secretary of State's Office or my current job, since I am still there. (ha!) But they'd be wrong. My favorite job that I've had in the last 14-odd years of working? Damon's Grill. It's gone now. Closed in April of 2004. But for those of you that need a reminder... it was in the Holiday Inn on 50th Street in West Des Moines, which is now a Sheraton. 

I was 19 years old. A college sophomore in a sorority, in need of cash. (I've always seemed to be in need of cash.) I'd been drinking for a year and thought that qualified me to be a bartender. (again, hahaha, right.) I started by looking in the phone book. (Pre-internet) I saw an ad for Damon's Grill, and it seemed like magic. My last name was Damon, a somewhat unusual name. It was meant to be. So I filled out an application. And I waited. And waited. and waited. Finally I got an interview. At the time I was also working at Drake's D-Shoppe, the Secretary of State's Office and had just started as a bridal consultant for David's Bridal (a horrible experience that can be discussed later.) At my interview, I sat at a high top in Beethoven's trying to look all professional for Darin Boots. We talked. He told me that they did train bartenders, no experience required. But (but?!?!?!) They weren't hiring bartenders, only servers. But it was a step in the door, I could be a bartender in months. I was hired after my 2nd interview. Which was good because I had quit the bridal business.

I had a rough start: evil trainers who didn't share tips after I did all the work, blisters, ill-fitting uniform shirts, you name it. But then I settled in. I started working a few nights a week. I really enjoyed it. I loved socializing with most tables. I made friends, great friends. I grew up at Damon's. I had 3 amazing managers, though a few times I wanted to beat them to death. Darin reminded me so much of my Dad in size and personality. I used to get hugs from him when I missed my dad more than I could bear. And I know that he probably took advantage of that sometimes... especially when a shift needed covered. Eric was a like a big brother, a total teddy bear. You could get away with almost anything if Eric was there. Especially during the days... 4 projection screen TVs and no customers = fun for us all. He is also the only manager to make me cry in front of him. Over broccoli. Don't worry, I totally let him have it once the tears were dry, and I've never let anyone talk to me like that again. And then there's Andy. The Hot One. (The one who sang the Title to this Post all the time. I've been singing it to Weston since he was born.) He was like a big kid. He flirted, probably a little harassment, but it was ok - it was Andy. He was always joking and he made you feel great, just as you were. Don't get me wrong... he could rant and rave and yell with the rest of them. They all could. But they could drink with the best of them too! I was a server, a hostess, and a Bartender. I did it all, had it all. An illicit fling with another employee... best friends made... crushes bloomed and wilted (can anyone say Matt Kiel? Allison can, maybe Katie too, definitely Katie Nickrent can)... drinks poured and shared. I made a life-long friend in Jess Nelson, now Jess Jones. She was a sister when I needed one, a bridesmaid when I wanted one, always a friend - still is to this day. She actually introduced me to my husband. It's a weird circle. If it weren't for Damon's, I wouldn't have my family. It's funny how it all turned out.

Andy Pederson found me on Facebook yesterday. I have reconnected with some of the best years and people of my life. It's brought back so many great memories. Its funny to see the families and babies of the people who shared my single life. Who watched me through college; who watched me fall in love with Scott. You see, I left Damon's April 2nd, 2003, to move to Sioux City to be with Scott. I clocked out at 2pm, changed clothes and returned to the bar. Andy made me my first and last drink at Damon's. Apparently this was a tradition. Jess and I had our last dinner there during their last week being open. It was so sad, but it felt right to have one last hurrah. I'm not sure if I have any pictures from Damon's, I can't remember taking any. Maybe all I have are the pictures in my memories: Going to Friday's after close, then shutting them down. Doing Karaoke at Mulligan's. Drinking at Bradley's (which I did not like.) Becoming regulars at Limey's. The Jukebox at Limey's (God how I miss Limey's.) Days spent playing hooky with Matt Kiel, the endless car rides with Matt. Becoming family with Jess, watching her babies grow up. Burke... we'll also leave that one alone. (Shut up, Shannon and Jess.) There are so many things, so many memories.

 Now to give you an idea of what a day in the life was like... rent the movie Waiting. It's about 65% like that. Ok... maybe 80%.

And I will leave you with that.

Now and Always,
Erin Damn Damon

 (another Pederson name.)

Congratulations, Mrs. Brown!!!

April and Glen Brown... or is it Glen Brown and April Barkley-Brown?

Yesterday one of my best friends got married! April and I are sorority sisters. April and I didn't have an easy bond at the beginning. We really didn't even like each other. The funny thing was, we were together for the biggest events in our Chi Omega time together: We were initiated together. Secretly in pairs. April was my partner. Then we spent time in seclusion until the next pair joined us. Awkward when you're not really friends. Now the second event is really in 3 parts. Part 1, In early 2000, April and were named Rho Chi leaders to represent Chi Omega during the 2000 Fall Rush. Basically we were chosen to help new students navigate through their way through the Rush process visiting each sorority house. It was a huge honor to be entrusted with. April and I started to bond over the impending work when our Chi Omega National President visited. (Part 2) It wasn't good. Nationals was closing our house. Shutting down our chapter. Making us find a new home. April went on to live with one of the worst roommates in history, and I ended up with another XO and a a runner-up for the roommate list. And Part 3, April, myself and our XO sister Katie ended up in the worst Religion class ever. We hung out together during and after class, joked about our rough beginnings and became great friends and sisters. 
So... one of my best friends got married. She kissed some frogs to find her prince. Glen is a good man. He is kind and generous and supportive. He loves my friend sincerely. He understands her history and appreciates the woman that she has grown to be. I am grateful that she has found the love that she deserves. They will build a life together, a family. Their wedding was beautiful and a lot of fun. She looked amazing. And I didn't suck at miniature golf nearly as much as I was used to. (Yes, there was miniature golf at the reception held at Toad Valley Golf Course. Unlimited if you could handle the 96 degree heat and the 1 million % humidity. I didn't even venture to the course until 8:30 pm. And it was still hot.)  Anyway, it was a blast. Chi Omega women all together. Husbands hanging out together at the table. I just realized that Scott and I didn't even dance once. Weird. But we mini golfed together. That's enough, right? 
On a side note, I just want to give some notice to my husband and sister. Scott has blossomed so much in the past almost 8 years. He isn't afraid to talk to most people and actively goes out of his way to join the group. Last night he sat on the sidelines a bit, letting me laugh and dance with all of my friends. I had a wonderful time, and he's to thank for most of it. My sister Shannon graciously took care of Weston most of the day since the wedding was at 1 pm and the reception started at 6 pm. Weston had so much fun and cried when she left this afternoon after our visit to Mom. He literally spent all day Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday with her. Mom and Dad were supposed to watch Weston this weekend, but her health hasn't let her leave the hospital yet. So Shannon jumping in has helped us out so much. Kudos to Scott and Shannon for making my weekend so wonderful.

Chi O girls after the ceremony at St. Anthony's in Des Moines:
 Me, Jayme, Brandy (bridesmaid), Liz, and Marci.

views...

Weston passed out on me around 6:30 tonight after an active day out with Scott and I. We both napped a few hours. We moved him to his bed once it was determined that he wouldn't even wake up for food. A few hours passed when we heard crying through the monitor. So I go in after 11:30 to find Weston standing at the end of his crib, crying with his arms reached out. So I pick him up and he immediately curls into my shoulder and wraps his arms around my neck and starts playing with my hair. I love that feeling. We sit down and he falls right back asleep. About ten minutes later, he starts fussing and twisting. Next thing I know, this is my view: A sleeping cover model. again. :) Good night all!

my week...

Weston at the Park with Shannon on Tuesday.

So Weston's daycare was closed this week (a vacation with their daughter's dance team at Nationals in Branson.) So, I had Monday off work and we went on a play date with my friend from high school, Lisa and her 3 beautiful children. Some errands in the afternoon and a chiropractor appt and the whole day was gone. Tuesday I worked while Weston spent the day with his Aunt Shanny. They played a lot, and worked on the alphabet. Weston can sing the alphabet, and can recognize the letters D, G, T and W by sight. There may be more, but I can't remember. He's just so smart! Like a sponge.  Wednesday, Weston and I headed to Iowa City to see my Mom. We spent a few hours with her before both she and Weston needed a nap. Her blood and white cell counts are taking forever to come back up. We're ll worried. But today seems to be an improvement, even if it's incredibly small. Weston spent the evening in Cedar Rapids with his Linny and Dabe (Aunt Linda and Uncle Dave.) They all had a blast while Mom and I hung out watching Top Chef and planning Weston's 2nd birthday party. On Thursday morning, just as we were leaving Cedar Rapids to head back to the hospital, Mom said that she was too sick for visitors. While incredibly sad to not see her, it did get Weston and I on the road earlier than I thought. So we headed back to Des Moines to go to Blank Park Zoo with Shannon. We circled the Zoo two times and were disappointed to find the Zebras gone and signs for Penguins, but unable to find them. Weston was scared to look at anything up close or for too long. But he enjoyed the petting zoo, especially the baby goats, and the Sea Lions. We finished the day at the dilapidated Southridge Mall. Where we saw 4 of the 5 Blue Angels flying overhead. Shannon and I were once used to seeing the Angels every day when they practiced at the Naval Air Station where  we lived (Pensacola, Fl.) Scott's inventory got finished early so he was off today. We bounced around the usuals, Target, Hy-Vee, before coming home. Weston fell asleep before we could go swimming. So, it was an easy day. We have my good friend April's wedding tomorrow and a visit to Mom planned for Sunday. Here are a few pictures that Shannon and I have from yesterday.

Weston pointing at a Camel!!! He was so excited!

Our Blue Angel is the small speck just to the left of middle.

This is the scariest creature on Weston's Earth. Weston practically cried at the Seahorses. Until he got the "horse" part and neighed at them.

the baby giraffe who looked like he was coming over to say hi, but then changed his mind at the 10 or so preschoolers getting into trouble next to us.

Souie the Zebu. I blogged about her (him?) last year. Souie came close enough to pet. 

The baby goats!!! I love them!!!

Cream Puffs!!!

So, tonight is my husband Scott's 41st birthday. I generally try to make it special. I try to make all birthdays special. I think birthdays are a gift, and should be celebrated as such (Remind me of this when I hit 40.) Anyway, I had planned to cook him his favorite dinner tonight (spaghetti), go to an I-Cubs baseball game tomorrow and Adventureland on Saturday. But that wasn't meant to be. We have a party to attend in Sioux City on Saturday, and I am afraid tomorrow's baseball game is going to be a downpour. So, my birthday plans kind of road on tonight. I decided a week ago that I wasn't going to do a traditional birthday cake. I wanted something special. So I broke out a recipe for my Grandma Stahl's homemade Cream Puffs. (And by homemade, I mean that she got it from a very old Betty Crocker Cookbook.)

So... as I leave work, Scott calls to say that the power is out in the neighborhood. Hmmm... no cooking, no a/c. I ask him to make a choice, and we ate out. It was ok. But I think that's because I had my heart set on making him Spaghetti.

Obviously by the title of the post, I came home and made Scott the Grandma's Cream Puffs. My friend Sue suggested that I blog the process, so here you go:

Grandma Stahl's Homemade Cream Puffs
You will need:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

1 cup Water
1 stick Butter (1/2 cup)
1 cup flour
4 eggs beaten

4 oz. Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (I use sugar-free) (that's 4 small boxes!)
1 cup Milk
2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream.

ok... here we go:

Step 1: Bring the water and butter to a rolling boil in a medium sauce pan.
Turn the heat down to low.

Gently blend in the one cup of flour until the mixture is smooth.

Add all 4 beaten eggs and mix together until the mixture is very smooth, slightly shiny, and almost ball-like.

Drop the warm dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 3" apart.

They are best left free form. Imperfection is perfect. Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Check at 30 minutes, because mine were a little darker than usual, new oven though. Golden brown is the ideal. Remove from the oven and let them cool on their pan in a cool, dry room with no breezes. Think souffle, they will collapse if too much air moves around. your goal is a solid outside with a soft, air-like pastry on the inside.

The ingredients for the filling. Couldn't be more easy. Except you'll need 4 of the small puddings.

Beat the pudding and the milk until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add the half and half. Beat for another 2 minutes until soft peaks form. Refrigerate immediately if not eating right away.

The finished cream puff!
Assembly: Using a serrated knife, cut the top 3rd of the puff off. Remove it. Spoon the filling on the bottom, replace the cap of the puff. dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Store the cream in the refrigerator. Store the puffs in an air-tight container, also in the fridge. Should last a few days if they aren't gobbled up by then! :)