Happy New Year

Holla...I'll be back later to post more, but I have to get baby girl down for a nap. I am just posting these pics now because my mom is tired of looking at cinnamon rolls.
Okay, I am back now. Just wanted to update about the kids and state of our corner of the world. And all I can say is, that things are great. I love our simple, happy, warm little world. Yes, we get cranky and snappy sometimes, but we mellow out real quick and things always turn out for the best. Christmas was super busy, as was everyone's, but I was soooo exhausted on Friday night, and I still had the weekend to work. You would think that I was tired of baking...oh no. I've got a ball of cappuccino shortbread dough sitting in front of me that I am just raring to roll out and cut. The only thing that sucked about Christmas was that David worked much of it. I don't mind the days that David works, but I am really starting to hate the fact that he works evenings. Oh well, it won't always be like this. Sorry this is such a random post, but they usually are when I post more than a week apart.
For the most part Joseph is potty trained. With the exception of naps and bedtime, he wears underwear and always goes to the bathroom without prompting. He still doesn't sit on the "big" potty, but we have a little system when we are out in public, and it has worked well for us so far. Can I tell you he says the funniest things. For instance, everything he sees that he likes, let's say fruit punch, he'll say, "I want punch for my birthday", or "I want trains for my birthday", or "I want stickers for my birthday". Today, as he was looking at one of David's manuals for work he say, "this is my book, my library book, from Kansas City." Or how about, "Mom, you my best friend". There are so many funnier things that he says, I need to carry around a little notepad to write them all down.

Now for the sweetest girl in the whole world. Charlotte is now four months old. At her four month check-up she was in the 90th percentile for weight and height. Sometimes I have to give her an extra bottle because I fear she is still hungry after nursing. And unfortunately she usually takes it. I may start supplementing with formula when I am at work, to extend the life of my breast milk supply. But I can say this, I am going to keep breastfeeding until I can't produce anymore milk. Formula isn't the devil, and the most important thing is that she can get whatever breast milk I can provide. And now for the big news, Charlotte has two teeth. The first one I noticed Christmas, and told everybody about it. The second one is just on the verge of breaking through her gums. She is close to rolling over, and she loves to talk. And she loves her brother so much. She gazes so intently when he is in the room. Tonight, Joseph told her, "I love you so much Baby Mae..." which are my exact words. He even used my inflections as he said it. Well, I need to go now, my one and only New Year's resolution is to go to bed earlier. So I'll try to post sooner than a week next time.

Maple Syrup and Coffee

Oh my! I made cinnamon rolls. Hillary, I wish I would have made these sooner and brought them to work. They really are pretty easy. I was a little worried at first. They looked so puny right before going into the oven.
Here is the pan I set aside for my little family. These are all of the end pieces and one left over that was cut from the center. So sad...

How the puny have risen. Out of the oven...aren't they beautiful. There's more, wait for it...wait for it...

Maple Syrup and Coffee frosting in all of it's glory. Don't you wish you were my neighbor.

Hand, Foot and Heart Disease?

Be still my beating heart. I love when babies play with their feet. While I took these pics Charlotte just stared at me as if saying, "what's the big deal mom?" She was in her own little world.
Oh, how I love chubby baby skin. I could just eat-her-up! But, I guess I'll get back to my cookie making instead.

A No Go

Santa was a no go today. This morning when I walked down the stairs, our thermostat was turned off. So for the morning we had no heat, save for two space heaters and the stove. We managed to survive though, and will try for Santa tomorrow. David is off today. So I will continue more baking adventures tonight. I do love to bake. Even if my "goods" don't always come out pretty, I still have fun.

A Whole Lot of Nothin'

Well, I can't say I have been outwardly productive. Only in my little mind am I productive. I have been back to work for two full weekends now. It almost feels as if I never left. Generally speaking, I have enjoyed being back.
As for Christmas, well, I am so excited for this year, and I am sure you can't guess why...Maybe because I don't have to work. Maybe because I love to bake. Oh yah, and maybe because I am totally enamored with my two chittlins, and couldn't be more thankful for the wonderful life that I/we live. No, I don't travel to exotic places. No, I don't eat at fancy restaurants. The last movie I saw at a theater was JUNO. In fact, I hardly leave my house these days, except to go to the store, work, or some child related errand. And Monday through Friday, I only shower every other day. But I find pure joy in watching, listening to, smelling, touching, feeding, playing with, reading to, kissing on and loving my babies. Thank our Lord and Jesus Christ for bringing Joseph and Charlotte into our life. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Tomorrow, David and I are taking the kids to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop. My friend Josie said they have a really old school set up, and the pictures are free. I have been trying to prep Joseph for what to expect.
I will try to post some pictures over the next day or so. Every time I go to grab my camera for some reason or another the batteries aren't charged. Plus I have been busy baking, and cooking so the house is in utter disarray.

Pictures Galore

I just love having my children photographed. Picture taking went well, and I knew that it would. Do you want to know how I knew? Because, for the first time in her short little life, Charlotte's hair was lying flat, not in her usual mo-hawk fashion. Don't get me wrong I absolutely adore her "hawk", but sometimes I feel it distracts from her face. I mean that with the most humility.
I swear she has my nose.

Today I held two separate photo shoots for Christmas cards. Lots of fun, but also so exhausting and frustrating. When one was smiling and focusing on the camera the other was either crying or zoned out. I decided we were finished when Joe let Charlotte fall over to the ground despite my pleas. He even snickered when she started crying. You know he is going to love putting gum in her hair. Well, at least the first time and only time he puts gum in her hair, because after the first time there will be no repeat offenses.

First Day Back At Work

What a strange feeling to go back to work after taking fifteen full weeks off. But I must say it feel good to be back - that may have been because I had a very, very easy assignment. Since Charlotte is three months old and the holidays surround us I have been trying to get their pictures taken together. But since Joe has been sick for the last two weeks I kept canceling my appointments. Tomorrow is the day though, so wish us luck, and hope that everyone is cooperative and happy.

Is There a Word for Sticking Out Your Tongue in Desperation?

I will keep this brief. We are all decorated for Christmas now - at least on the blog, not at home. Today was one of those days. Charlotte peed on me and Joe puked on me (he's been sick for almost two weeks now). But at least the food was good. I start back to work on Sunday. It will be David's first day home alone with the kids. Hmmmm interesting...
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Top Secret Project - Take II: ShAken NoT StiRRed

I learned this fun crafty technique at the "stamp camp" that I went to last Saturday. I had never heard of such a thing, maybe you all have. But the first thing that popped into my head, was that I always see such cute party and cocktail napkins. What fun it would be to transfer the design to cardstock. Not only is it fun, but you have everything you need at home. Let me also say that for clarity I used this blog, the Creative Corner, to reference conrete directions, so if mine aren't clear go see this gal's blog.

Let's begin with a rollcall: Cute cocktail napkin...HERE. Saran Wrap...HERE. Scissors...HERE. Stampin' Up white cardstock...HERE. Two sheets of copier paper...HERE and HERE. Warm iron set to medium-high...HERE.

Another neat thing about doing this is you can get four transfers from one napkin.

Now, when I took this picture I didn't realize this was a 3-ply napkin. So when I went to do the transfer the first time it didn't work, because I had not removed the second layer. What I am saying is make sure you remove all of the bottom layers.

I don't know why, but you will want to cut your cardstock slightly smaller than your napkin.

Next you will trim the Saran Wrap to as close to the size of the cardstock as possible.

But don't freak out if there is some excess around the edges.

I wish I felt the same way about my waist and huge ...well, nevermind.

Now I didn't acknowledge the fact that I am ironing my transfer on top of my trusty spiral bound notebook. Yes, I have an ironing board, but didn't want to drag it out. Besides, the gal at the Stamp Camp used a pad of paper. Now, the layers will go like this...starting from the bottom: pad of paper or iron-able surface, one piece of copier paper, cardstock, Saran wrap, cute napkin, then lastly (we haven't forgot about you buddy) the other piece of copier paper.



The Creative Corner suggested using a medium heat, mine was set on MAX and Wool, so you will just have to see how your iron is feeling that day. Using firm pressure, iron over the image for 15-20 seconds.

You should be good to go immediately after ironing. I waited a minute or two before I trimmed my edges.


Here you can see where everything had adhered. I think I might frame it and set it in my kitchen window. You know, for times I need some inspiration!

I think I figured out what creates all this dadgum space at the end of my posts. I think it is when I post pictures that have been taken vertically. If that makes any sense...

Wheeeeesh.....Kurplunk

Wait, what's that I hear. Is that the sound of my top secret project flying out the window? A two story drop no less. I had wanted to make these cupcake bites from the Bakerella blog. And maybe I am the only one, but I thought they were a BIG pain in the ass. And I hate canned frosting (well, not all canned frosting just the can of cream cheese frosting that I used). Cupcake bites BITE. Sorry Bakerella. Not all of Martha Stewart's "good things" are good. There, I said it. But I found a new project that I will try to post tomorrow. Here are the items that you need:
1. A clothes iron
2. Saran wrap
3. card stock
4. copier paper
5. a 2-ply decorative napkin, like a cocktail napkin
6. scissors
7. And if we are being technical, an iron-able surface
See you bright and early. No, not really, just kidding. Just show up some time tomorrow.

Emeril's nuts

It's funny that Valerie just asked me for the spiced nuts recipe that I made two years ago. Because I just splurged on some pecans and almonds at the store so I could make some in the next week or so. So I thought I would post it. These nuts have just a little bit of heat, but are oh so yummy.
Emeril's Spiced Nuts - Ummm, ummm I mean some nuts that he adds spices to. Ha Ha!
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups unsalted mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Mix spices and reserve.


Directions
Heat the nuts in a dry skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to toast, about 4 minutes. Add the butter and cook, stirring, until the nuts begin to darken, about 1 minute. Add the spices, the sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and the salt and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and the nuts are glazed, about 5 minutes.
Remove the nuts from the heat and transfer to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, separating them with a fork. Let the nuts stand until cooled and the sugar has hardened, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Did You Know?

My sister-in-law, Sandy, sent me this. I liked the questions, so I thought I would post them.
1. What is your occupation right now?
RN on the weekends. Mom - Monday through Friday
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm not wearing any
3. What are you listening to right now?
The Sesame Street theme song
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
A homemade cinnamon roll. Thanks Aunt Sherri!
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes. I love driving a stick shift.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My sister. But she only called to talk to Joe
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes. I love her.
8. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Probably tennis
9. What is your favorite drink?
My mom's spiced apple cider
10. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes
11. Favorite food?
I live by the whim of my cravings. So right now, milk.
12. What is the last movie you watched?
The Polar Express
13. Favorite day of the year?
My children's birthdays
14. How do you vent anger?
I yell, or a closed mouth groan.
15. What was your favorite toy as a child?
??? Maybe my mom can answer that
16. What is your favorite season?
Hands down, Fall.
17. Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries
18. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Yes, and comment on the blog.
19. Who is the most likely to respond?
If I send this by email, my Aunt Sherri
20. Who is least likely to respond?
If I send this via email, my dad
21. Living arrangements.
Hubby, me, Joe and Baby Mae
22. When was the last time you cried?
Last night I teared up at Annie Lennox playing the piano. I bet my mom did too.
23. What is on the floor of your closet?
Stamps, shoes and boxes of kids clothes that don't fit, or have yet to fit.
24. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
Strange things about my friends. They seem to change with each new stage in my life. So I would have to answer my mom.
25. What did you do last night?
Cooked dinner, watched the AMAs and read my new Barefoot cookbook
26. What are you most afraid of?
My children dying
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
cheese
28. Favorite dog breed?
Border Collie
29. Favorite day of the week?
Sunday
30. How many states have you lived in?
2- KS and MO
31. Diamonds or pearls?
Pearls
32. What is your favorite flower?
That's a hard one, I love fall flowers like mums, dahlias and sunflowers. But the first flower that comes to mind is the Peony. The smell of a Peony is heaven to me, and brings back fond memories of childhood. Plus they are perennials, they are low maintenance and they grow more beautiful each year.

Going Out With A Bang

Well, no pics for this entry. Joseph became sick last Wednesday, and it took him well over a week to recover. Charlotte and I also caught some upper respiratory bug, which she and I still have. Yesterday was our first trip out of the house since Joseph got sick.
I spent the morning at a stamp class. Oh boy, I had a really good time. And I am planning a party sometime in January. Tomorrow I am headed to Cockrell Village - a quaint little cooking village. There are five cottages, each with a different theme. Very excited. Then this next week, I have one more project before I head back to work. But this project is top secret. TEE HEE HEE!

Foxy

"You know you're a cute little heartbreaker."

"You know you're a sweet little ..."
"Ooh Foxy lady"

Must Love Milk

Well, I guess I won't be posting weekly recipes. It seemed pointless, to post recipes from other blogs when I could simply link them. But, since I love to cook and bake, I thought I would post periodic tips, tricks and simple recipes. Since I do not have a functioning dishwasher, I like to keep my meals/recipes simple. The less dishes the better. So this morning I tried out a little tip that I saw on a Rachel Ray promo on the Food Network. Simply add peanut butter to pancake mix. I used Bisquick pancake mix and mixed as directed. Then I melted, we'll say, maybe two tablespoons of PB and added to the pancake mix.
You know to filp the pancakes once the top side starts to bubble. Right, you do know that don't you? Ok good, just checking. Well, because these pancakes are so thick, they do not bubble much. At this point I flipped these bad boys and they were fine.

See. Amazing. So thick and fluffy. Just wait till you get to eat these.

For the topping. Just melt some jelly with a little bit of water - to thin it out.

Ladies and gentlemen....I promise these are the fluffiest, thickest and most creamy pancakes you will ever eat. Or at least the fluffiest, thickest and most creamy pancakes we will make in our little, middle of America kitchens. And you must consume with milk.

Just Posting Some Pics

Just wanted to post some pics. I have been trying to stay off of the computer. Once I am on, it sucks me in and I accomplish absolutely nothing. I have spent the majority of my time with the kiddos, cooking to my hearts content, and washing dishes. But not washing laundry, because I despise laundry. Here are the chittlins in their polar bear pajamas. Joseph is purposefully not smiling.

Can I say it anymore...I love my babies!
I don't know if anyone cares or actually uses the recipes I post, but I have been trying some, and wanted to post a good seasonal one. That's why the "Recipe of the Week" hasn't been posted for two weeks. I am not sure if I will post anymore recipes. For my small audience, let me know if you use the recipes. If you don't give a diddly about my recipes don't comment and I will take a hint.

Baby Mia

Perhaps because it is three in the morning, I am not sure. Perhaps being away from work has sensitized me a little bit, but please investigate the Help Baby Mia on the sidebar. Looking at pictures of this baby girl, who has many facial similarities (big eyes, button nose, chubby cheeks) to my little cuddlebug tears my heart to pieces.

Please, Don't Tell My Husband

Please, please, please, you all know me. For the most part I try to keep things simple. Yes, periodically I find little addictions for a week or two, and then they usually fade away. Little addictions like shopping on ebay, making paper cranes, baking pie crusts, and stamping (which I still really enjoy, but due to finances and baby related items I have taken a temporary hiatus). Anyway, I think I have found an addiction that may last quite a long time. And if anyone remembers, I said, "the only reason I am scared of having a baby girl is because I won't be able to fix her hair..." That's my story and I am sticking to it.

No Slippy Clippy

HOLA

Long time no see. I guess I got a little preoccupied with the whole car thing. I was pretty stressed about finding a nice, safe family car, while staying within a budget. Not to mention we had a short time in which to accomplish this. I can say that car shopping this time around was much easier with internet access. We found a used, cute, immaculate Subaru Outback. I always feel guilty deriving pleasure from "things", but I really love my new car. It is so perfect for our little family right now.
Since I haven't posted for quite sometime, I thought I would update you on each kiddo.
Joe's potty training has been going very well. We have had only one "accident" in the last three weeks, and he is wearing underwear during his naps. We have yet to master pulling our pants up and down, but he is making progress.
We have stopped going to gymnastics. I felt like he really didn't have any fun when he was there. All he wanted to do was play with this big alphabet floor puzzle, which really wasn't worth a thirty minute drive. Since he is so musically inclined we are going to try a music class at the beginning of the year.
Lastly, many of you know that Joe was a very late walker (18 months), and that my mom has always thought that Joe had weak ankles, and that I should have them checked out. I figured he just wasn't an adventurous toddler, and didn't push himself to be active. But in the last month he has fallen several times. The falls seem very benign, basically just a light trip and fall, but he will fall in such a way that he won't bare weight on his right ankle for at least thirty minutes following the fall, and then limps around for the next day or two. This has happened, at least, on three different occassions. We have an appointment with our pediatrician on Monday. I am not sure if I will push for an ortho visit, I guess it will depend on what our doc says.

Little girl is just trucking along. I remember Joe being a really sweet, well tempered baby. But I think Charlotte is even more sweet tempered. She really only cries when she is tired. She eats well, sleeps well, and loves to cuddle. I love to take naps with her. She has the most adorable smile. And she loves the little characters, a frog and a monkey, on her bouncy. She just smiles at them and flails her arms and legs. I call them her "little friends". Breastfeeding seems to be going well. I am not sure that she is gaining weight like Joe did, but she's happy, and she's definetly not losing weight. I am just now mentally prepping myself for heading back to work.

As for our unruly neighbors, in the last week they have moved out/been evicted and the apartment building is now for sale. Things have been quiet. I like quiet.

Happy Will Rogers Day

Yesterday when I looked at my Farmer's Almanac calendar I saw that November 4th was Will Roger's Day in Oklahoma. Who am I kidding? I am trying to be non-chalant.
I can't say that I am a fanatic Obama fan (especially the fanatics in eastern Wyandotte who are shooting off guns tonight), but I can't help but feel ignited by his energy and aura. I am so thankful to be alive and witness to such a historical moment. I don't know if he will be the savior president that so many claim, but I am praying that he remains safe throughout the next four years.
On an even more important note, I hope to be posting about the goings on around here, like potty training, tantrums, Chili contests, car buying, piles of dirty laundry, breastfeeding and unruly, non-law abiding neighbors.

I Want Candy...

Candy corn that is.

My mom and the chittlins

Happy Halloween!

Recipe of the Week

This recipe may seem time consuming, but it really is quite easy, and totally worth the effort. It makes a large amount (great for a crowd). It is not heavy, but oh so filling. And when I take a bite it literally melts in my mouth. I absolutely love it. It is another (new) "go to" recipe. I have been cooking primarily from my new favorite website, Confessions of a Pioneer Woman, and this recipe comes from her site. Each of her recipes is a step by step pictoral recipe. I linked the original recipe below. Go check it out.

Mexican Lasagna
adapted from the Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts with bone and skin

1 cup of dry rice

chicken stock - to cook the rice

1 can diced tomatoes (slightly drained)

1 onion - finely chopped

2 gloves garlic - minced

10 inch flour tortillas

1 can of black beans (slightly drained)

Chili Powder

Paprika

Cumin

16 oz. Salsa Verde

1 small can of enchilada sauce

1 can of corn - drained

2 - 8 oz bags of cheese (you may want more)

sour cream

cilantro

1. Start by rinsing and drying the chicken breast. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breast, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook at 350 degrees for 40 - 50 minutes. Cooking time depends on the size of your chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to cool. When cool, shred the chicken and set aside.

2. Prepare one cup of dry rice with chicken stock as opposed to water. The TEXMATI rice that I used yielded about 3 cups of cooked rice for 1 cup of dry rice. Set aside.

3. Saute chopped onion in about 1-2 tablespoons of butter, just to soften. Add minced garlic and diced tomatoes. Add one tablespoon of chili powder, 1/2 tablespoon of cumin, and 1/2 tablespoon of paprika. Once this tomato, onion and garlic concotion is thoroughly mixed, add it to the rice, and gently combine. At this time you can also add the black beans.

4. Now, using the same pan that you sauteed the onions, add the shredded chicken and season with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1/2 tablespoon of cumin and 1/2 tablespoon of paprika. You most likely will need to add water to combine the seasoning with the chicken. I used leftover chicken stock instead of water.

5. Finally, we put this bad mam-ba-jamba together. Using a 9x13 pan, pour half of the Salsa Verde in the bottom of the dish. Next place a layer of tortillas. I only needed two, and of course they overlap. Now, spoon half of the rice over the tortilla layer. Sprinkle one bag of cheese over the rice. Then another layer of tortillas. Now comes the enchilada sauce, use as little or as much as you want. I never use the whole can. But I am a hesitant, cautious creature. Next layer: shredded chicken. After roasting my chicken, I will never boil chicken again. The corn falls on top of the chicken. Followed by the remaining rice mixture. Finish off with the remaining Salsa Verde and the other 8 oz bag of cheese.

6. Cook lasagna in a 375 degree oven for 25-35 minutes. Cilantro and sour cream finish it off. You don't need anything else with this meal. Save for a frozen margarita!

Howdy

Just wanting to check in with everybody. The Trailblazer was in fact totalled. Since the accident, I have immersed myself in car research, hunting and haggling. But still no luck. Hope to post a recipe later tonight. But don't hold me to it.

Vulnerability

You just never know when your life can totally change. Any second your life is turned upside down. Thankfully that didn't happen to us today. David was in a highway speed car accident. He is fine, so he says. He's just generally sore. The impact was strong enough to bust the concrete median. We are pretty sure the truck is totalled. A million scenarios have run through my head about what if he had been injured and hospitalized. I am just so thankful that he is okay, and that my children still have their father.

Now the really crappy part: we have to find a new car. I hate shopping for cars. It is such a big purchase, and I hate the whole car buying game - it absolutely infuriates me. The Trailblazer was the first (and last) vehicle that I purchased at a dealership, and I was pregnant at the time. And I felt like a force to be reckoned with. I wasn't taking any #$%^ from anybody. Too bad I am not pregnant this time. It's a huge car buying advantage.

Let it Begin

The thought of buying American Girl dolls has never crossed my mind, until David plopped this down in front of me as I was posting the past two posts. It came in the mail just today. How did they know that we had a baby girl?

Ouie!

Sweet Charlotte Mae turned two months on Saturday. We went to the pediatrician's office this morning for her well baby check-up and immunizations. She only weighs 12 lbs. 14 oz, which is not even a full pound gained this last month. The doctor said that was fine, that their weight gain can slow down at this time. I am really not too worried. She is a happy baby, and for several nights now has slept six to eight hours through the night. He said she has really good head control for a two month old, which is a change from Joseph because he was so behind in almost all of his gross motor skills. Other than the immunizations, the visit was fine. She has never cried so hard in her short little life. I didn't cry, but gosh dang it, it did break my heart. I was still talking about it after I got home, but she seemed to have moved on. Ha, ha! Something I thought was so nice, was that the doc's office gave us a little bottle of infant Tylenol - automatically. I was going to have to buy a bottle on my Target run (which I did anyway), but I was able to give it to her prior to her shots, which is what I always did with Joseph.


David had the kids sitting together on the couch. So fun to watch them together. And to hear Joseph say, "whacha, ya doing Baby Mae?" in his best version of my voice.

Be still my beating heart!!! When Charlotte and I were at Target we tried out some barrettes for her "hawk", but I wasn't too impressed. So we are now on the hunt for some secure, and comfortable baby barrettes.

See What I Mean...

I love my little farmhouse. I love our big backyard. I love the park behind our house. I love the quaint coffee shop in Bonner. I love the fact that the town has the Scarecrows on Parade contest, or Moon Marble Days. But I don't love the fact that the police are called to the neighbors house across the street usually twice a week. Several weeks ago there was a police chase through our yard. Too bad I didn't think to whip out my camera that day. Look for more pics because I will be documenting some of these police responses. You know, as a form of entertainment. Yah, that's it, entertainment.

Hedgehog or Porcupine?

You decide...

Baby Mae Cooks Breakfast

Last night as we were driving back from the farm, I asked David, "what do I want to make this week?" As I put away my crock pot last night, I found my long lost waffle maker. So waffles from scratch it is. I found this recipe just this morning on All Recipes, and it is phenomenal. So filling and lots of texture. Sometimes when I eat waffles, I feel like I just swallowed air, but not these waffles. They are of the "stick to your ribs" variety.
But first, some pictures of my sweet baby girl. Still, such the cuddlebug. Joseph has resolved to call her Baby Mae. He can pronounce Charlotte just fine, and still calls her Baby Charlotte Mae. More often than not though he prefers to call her Mae or Baby Mae. Which may be what I start calling her.
Please ignore the forsaken land that is my kitchen.

I also like these waffles, because you can freeze the extras. Just for fun I added a bit of pumpkin pie spice, and then ate some pumpkin butter alongside these golden beauties.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK
OAT WAFFLES

INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine the milk, egg, oil and lemon juice; stir into dry ingredients and mix well. Let stand for 5 minutes. Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown.

Makes 2 servings

Making waffles can be so exhausting.

"We Are Family..."

Don't know why but I never liked that song much. In fact, I asked the DJ at our wedding not to play it - he did anyway. That my friends, reflected in his tip. Just kidding, he was a really good DJ. But this post isn't about weddings or DJs. This is about the family reunion where a donkey chewed on my son's hand with an attempt at amputation. Well, not quite, but Jack the donkey did grab a hold of my son's hand tight enough that daddy had to pull Joseph's hand out from between clenched teeth. David said, "that he saw two things flash before his eyes as he pulled Joe's hands out of Jacks clenched jaws: 1) his son's hand with two less fingers, and 2) the look in my eyes as my wrath descends upon him. Surprisingly, Joe's fingers appear fine with only some minor swelling. Thank goodness, because I was not up for an urgent care visit.
Here mom is telling Joe to show everybody his swollen fingers. You can't tell a difference because his cute, grubby little fingers are kinda chubby. Boy, do I love chubby!

I think this tender moment happened after said donkey attack. This is Joe's cousin Josie, she is about five months younger than Joe.

Aunt Shelbe took these pics. Joe is wearing her sunglasses. Look at that exhausted, dirt caked and food laden face. I love to see my baby when he is soooo tired from physical exertion and fresh air.

Baby gansta. Hopefully, this isn't a sign of things to come, my homeys. You know I am just kidding right. Next thing you know I will be calling David, my baby's daddy.
Hope to get some pictures of Charlotte this week. It is hard to get interesting and stimlating pics of an either, eating, pooping or sleeping child. Maybe I will catch some dazzling smiles.