Beaters and Bowl

My mom was a HUGE fan of licking the bowl and beaters especially if chocolate was involved. The kids and I (well mostly me) made Chocolate Mousse for dessert. Julia Child's recipe of course. Do you think they liked it?

Julie and Julia

I just finished watching the movie, Julie and Julia. I read both Julia Child's autobiography and Julie Powell's book. My dad gave me Julia Child's cookbook, The Way to Cook. You can say that I am more than a little obsessed. So far, it's a good thing.
I love that we are never too old to learn something new and find hidden passions in our lives. Life is an adventure! More thoughts to come.

Hmmm...It's Too Quiet

I was upstairs fixing dinner when I realized that it was too quiet. No talking, laughing or yelling. I prepared myself for anything as I walked down the stairs. I found them sitting on their beds listening to Adventures in Odyssey. Too cute.

They are listening to it this morning so I'm going to try and get some sewing done. I'm making Hayden a comforter cover and quilt.

Dinner Tonight!

I just made this tonight and it tasted as good as it looks. This is a feat for me since normally you wouldn't find me slaving away in the kitchen for the fun of it. My dad gave me Julia Child's cookbook, The Way To Cook and I'm learning so much. This was Coq au Vin. Mmmm. Yummy! Have you learned anything new lately?

The "Not a Party" Party

This post is a few days late. It seems I'm doing a lot of things backwards these days. Luke turned 4 December 20th along with his friend Violet. Violet's mommy and I had these precious kiddos 20 minutes apart. That wasn't the original plan but it was ultimately God's plan for us to be connected forever in such a special way. Luke told me several times that he didn't want a party so the I threw a "dinner" instead and invited a few of his little friends over along with a few others. Luke had a great time at the "dinner" and got to share blowing out some candles with Violet.

Baking

This Christmas was my second one without my mom. Last Christmas we spent it away from home so I didn't get a chance to grieve not having her here. I am finding this to be a slower process for me. I'm not trying to drag it out it's just that life is so full that I tend to put everything pertaining to her and my feelings on the back burner. So, it was a gift to be home this year. These last couple of weeks I was looking for ways to reconnect with memories of her.

I made these biscuits for breakfast with her biscuit cutter. I cooked a beautiful Christmas dinner all by myself and cried tears of thanksgiving remembering her and all that she brought to our family. My dad gave me a bracelet that he had given to my mom on her birthday in 1961. It was one of the first presents he had given her. I gave Hayden a book on knitting , needles and yarn so I can teach her how to knit. My mom taught me how to sew and I have always been grateful to her for that.

It was a simple and beautiful Christmas!

Master Craftsman

This is a shout out to my wonderful husband who just finished this activity table for the kids. Not only did he make it out of recycled wood but he made it in 2 days!! Isn't it beautiful?! I am so impressed with his ability to design and build things. It is just one of the many things that I love about him.

Lover Boy

My friend Olivia has started a screen printing business and I'm convinced now that everything she does is brilliant. The other day my brother declared that Luke was "a lover not a fighter" which he is. So, I called Olivia and before I knew it she had taken the phrase and turned it into this darling t-shirt! You can't tell from the picture but Luke loves his shirt. He walks around the house repeating the phrase. Hi..lar..i..ous!!

Mom and Dad's Anniversary

today would have been my parent's 48 wedding anniversary. i've always loved that they got married so close to Christmas. i'm on the hunt for their wedding picture so this one of them is a stand in until i can find the real thing. my mom looks beautiful. for those of you that knew her knew she hated having her picture taken so i don't have many. this grieves me. so, i love this picture because she is looking right at the camera and it is clear that she is so happy.

this second picture was taken at my granddad's funeral(my mom's dad). it had been a long day and we were back at the hotel letting off a little steam. this is one of my favorite pictures because it is how I want to remember her..laughing.