Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Oatmeal Cream Pies

This is another great recipe, not only for the allergic child, but for the rest of the family as well.


It's surprisingly quick which is good since the boys love them so much.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Homemade Magic Shell

Magic Shell is one of those vacation staples for our family.  And, following tradition, it never fails that someone mistakenly puts the bottle in the fridge thus rendering it a hard, useless chocolate lump.


I was very excited to discover this homemade version for several reasons: (1) it's not processed in a factory so I know what's in it;  (2) it requires only two ingredients; and (3) it can be refrigerated and reheated multiple times.


Just heat and stir 1 1/4 cups of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup solid coconut oil until melted. 
Store in a glass bottle for easy reheating.


Now every cone is extra special!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Free Play

When the boys are away, 




the heroes will play.

We're down to just two kiddos this week so I'm playing catch-up (housework & home plans; crafting & cleaning; car repair and school planning; blogging and purging).  We'll see what actually happens.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Father's Day 2012

Someday he'll come along, the man I love,


And he'll be big and strong, the man I love,


And when he comes my way,


I'll do my best to make him stay.


He'll look at me and smile, I'll understand.


And in a little while he'll take my hand.


And though it seems absurb, I know we both won't say a word.


Maybe I shall meet him on Sunday,


maybe Monday, maybe not.


Still I'm sure to meet him one day


Maybe Tuesday will be my good news day.


He'll build a little home,


just meant for two,


from which we'll never roam;


Who would?  Would you? 


And so all else above,


I'm waiting for the man I love.

The Man I Love by Ella Fitzgerald
  

Happy Father's Day

Saturday, June 2, 2012

In Which We Celebrate Josie's Birthday

We have some experience in celebrating first birthdays, but this occasion called for something different:


a decidely feminine affair,


complete with pom-poms, a bunting, fruit, and cake.


Pink cake.


(Gulp.)


I have to eat my words.


The girl needed a dainty cake, and the boys nixed my plan for white.  "Pink," they decided.


She was happy with their decision.


Jonathan was kind enough to help the birthday girl,


but I think she would have figured things out on her own.


The highlight, however, was her gift:


her very own shopping cart.


She knew exactly what to do.



Happy Birthday, dear girl!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Josie at One Year

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl

Has it really been a year since we received the surprise of our life?


The sweet nurse filled out the bassinet card in advance of the delivery and said, "I'm going to write 'boy' just so I have to cross it out!"  And boy, did she ever!


You can fall in love in an instant.



We were all smitten.



And the excitement still hasn't worn off.  I constantly look at her and am amazed; "I have a girl!"


And I wouldn't trade her for the world.