Just a bouquet...

Once we were out of debt (all consumer debt, including cars and student loans, which was our goal before we had kids), one of my splurges was having fresh flowers on the table, even through winter. In the summer, I've kept up with this since having a kid, which is easy because I'm an avid gardener (wrote about that here). For some reason, I haven't had any flowers in the house all winter.

For a change, my husband was with me at the grocery store as we hurriedly gathered the contents of our list.  As we went by the flowers, he stopped, grabbed my hand, pulled me back and said "pick one".  Oh, yes. What a splendid idea!  A great reminder to slow my hurried pace, appreciate the beautiful selection and take home something to brighten up our home in the midst of winter. 

Just a simple bouquet of white tulips was my choice.  I separated the bouquet into different vases.  In the middle of winter, these fresh beautiful blooms are so refreshing!  I appreciate them so much.  It's been a busy time in this house lately with many things we cannot control.  But these flowers slow me down and I stop and appreciate them as I move through these busy days. 

On our table, just as the sun is setting.

Tidying up after the rest of the house is sleeping.

And greeting me in the morning as the sun rises, next to a fresh carrot cake.

I thank my husband for reminding me of how much I enjoy fresh flowers.  I think flowers will be on my shopping list the rest of winter.

Quilt 42

Quilt 42-Twin Size-2001

Quality time with mama

I cook/bake something just about everyday of the week.  I know I'm not like some mamas when it comes to the kitchen, as I eagerly invite my little sous chef. He's likely made more bread in his lifetime than some adults have in theirs.  Yes, on some days it would be easier to fly solo...but creating in the kitchen with him reminds me of my childhood days.
When I was little, I was fortunate to have a mother who encouraged kitchen exploration.  I frequently pulled my chair up to the counter to "help" with whatever she was working on.  I remember being 8 and making homemade applesauce and chocolate chip cookies that turned out like hockey pucks (as my dad termed them).  Regardless of outcome, I was encouraged and supported from those early days.

  I remember how she taught me to measure wet and dry ingredients.  I always used a knife to level off things like flour.

I remember how she put the light on in the oven, so I could watch my creation bake.

I, remember pretending to be my mom, creating with her pots and pans, particularly while she cleaned up (who really wants to help clean up anyway?).  I smile when my little guy asks for a "spoon".

And of course the good old drum concert.  Who could forget that? The more obnoxious the noise is, the bigger my smile.

 While some may think these memories would bring me sadness (my mom passed away when I was 15), it's actually the contrary.  I smile thinking of all those wonderful memories.  I'd rather have 15 years of a fantastic mom rather than a lifetime of a mediocre mother. My heart sings to think I'm creating the same wonderful memories with my little guy as she created with me. I feel thankful that I had a mother who loved me and cared to teach me.

And you know what is really neat?  Pretty soon, I'll be creating in the kitchen with two little helpers.  Isn't life grand?

Brownies with Oreo Topping

The picture doesn't do this dessert justice.  That's what happens when you get a craving late night on a workday.  I'd save it for natural light, but there wouldn't be any left by the time my husband demolishes the rest of the batch.  This was a random throw together topping with Baker's One Bowl Brownies.  And it's oh so good!

 

Start with:

Baker's One Bowl Brownies

4 sq. Baker's unsweetened chocolate
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour

 

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwave bowl at high 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.

3. Stir sugar into chocolate. Mix in eggs and vanilla until well blended. Stir in flour. Spread in greased 13 x 9 inch pan.

4. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Cool.  

Then for the topping:

1/3 of block of cream cheese, softened

1 cup cool whip

5 oreos, chopped

Mix all and top the brownies with the mixture once cool.  Mmm!

It's a...

girl. :)

Spotlight on my Dad: Toy Car

Another vehicle to add to our collection randomly arrived for our little guy.  Isn't it cute?!

Cozy Winter Maternity Shirt

My husband was lovingly teasing me about my maternity look.   As you mamas of more than one have realized, the belly pops much sooner the 2nd time around.  My regular cozy around the house clothes are a bit snug.  Thanks to some generous people, I've been given oodles of maternity clothes, but a limited selection of lounge around the house clothes. While I have some maternity yoga pants (love them!), I've been sporting my husband's large and cozy sweat shirts.  Real attractive, right?  Since I'm too cheap to buy lounge around the house shirts just for a brief maternity leave, I figured I'd create instead. I made this somewhat smaller at the top (although still roomy and comfy), but wider at the bottom to allow for the unavoidable expansion.  I know it's white and it may get dirty, but it's fleece and oh so cozy.

Since I'm working at improving my embroidery skills (which I think I stink at), I am monogramming lots of things. 

Not the best picture of mama, but I'm cozy.  And nothing's clinging to that baby bump.