Chocolate cake and a story

I love to cook. I''m comfortable following a recipe, or improvising. The running joke between me and mother is "where'd you get your love for cooking?" A family member asked me this straight-faced while my mom was RIGHT there. Awkward. The same person mused that I must have gotten it from a dead relative. Slam. I know where I got it, and so did that unnamed family member. I got it from my mom. She is the best home cook I know. I'm supposed to say that, because she's my mom, but even church people think so, too. Anything I make well, she makes better. When I got married, she wrote out many of my favorite recipes in a little journal. The journal is one of my favorite things. (Cue Julie Andrews.) The recipe I'm going to share is not from said journal, but it was a nice story to intro some of my cooking/baking adventures.

I'm not a baker. I love to cook, but baking stresses me out. Everything from the weather to the size of the measuring spoon has to be exact. I once read an article that showed the variation from one teaspoon to the next. Bah!  I want the perfect recipe, too, but I don't bake often enough to have the perfect recipe. I rely on All Recipes a lot for the user reviews, but even that has failed me sometimes. Not this time! I'm bringing chocolate cake to EVERYthing.

I found this recipe on AllRecipes, but after reading a few reviews, I discovered that it's the same recipe on the back of the Hershey's Cocoa box. Let's give credit where credit is due. My mom said her grandma used to make it. I didn't know this, but how 'bout a connection to the family matriarchs for the win!  (Enjoy the recipe.)

Basically, dump everything into a bowl, mix, pour into a prepared Bundt pan, and bake. I made THIS glaze to finish it off.

P.S.: I will get better at taking process pictures.

Fill-You-In #9

The official start of spring isn't until next week, but it seems spring activities are in full-swing at our house. The GORGEOUS and somewhat unseasonably warm weather might have something to do with it.

Last week, we battled the stomach flu, and this week Jon and Eleanor have had a cold, but it hasn't kept them down too much. Jon had a soccer coaches meeting this Tuesday (soccer starts in April!), Eve had her check up on Wednesday, and we hosted a group of friends on Thursday. Friday I prepped for a friend's birthday, and we've spent today celebrating a happy little 3-year-old's birthday. I'm brewing up a post about a few cakes I made for the party, so stay tuned! Our week in pictures and words:

 Eve. This is my favorite picture to date of her.

 

Eleanor, the artist. She spent a little time outside drawing herself and picking dandelions for me, but she calls them sunflowers. Why not?

 

We took a quick trip to Sam's Club with grandma, and Eve enjoyed her first shopping trip in the shopping cart like a big girl. Girlfriend is nosy! Eleanor picked out her Easter dress, too (pictures coming).

 

Eleanor sported a handlebar mustache at Elon's birthday party. All of the kids got a mustache and it was HILARIOUS! Some of the dads pasted 'staches on their faces and succeeded in looking extra creepy.

 

Eve and her friend, Elliot. 

Currently Reading: Death Comes to Pemberley by PD James. I'm getting a slow start, but will probably wrap up this week. I'm looking forward to book club on Tuesday.

Fitness: Weights this week.

Crafting: I bought what I thought was everything I needed to make some DIY shades for my back door, but didn't notice that the shades didn't come with hardware. I'll post about this project eventually.

Favorite blog post from the week: Week 29 - I can't wait to meet this little gal!

Movies: Nada. We have Edgar on Netflix, but haven't watched it yet.

TV: We're getting ready to watch SNL from last week. I'm EXCITED to see JT host, even if I am late to the party.

Planned posts: A post about my recent baking adventures, and MAYBE a book review. I'm behind on those.

Things to remember
Eleanor:  Eleanor screaming from the back yard "MOM, watch me swing!" I might have mentioned in another post (or on Instagram or Facebook--I lose track) that she's recently learned to swing herself. She's quite proud. On the same morning, she beamed as she walked in the back door with her "sunflowers" for me. She said, "Look, Mom, I brought beautiful sunflowers." We put 4 dandelion heads in a Pyrex bowl. She's so sweet, and dramatic. I see the stage in her future.

Eve:  Eve is exerting a lot more control over her little baby body. She flips and turns and rolls everywhere, especially in her crib. If I put her down before she's ready to pass out, she flips on to her stomach and grabs a hold of the slats of her crib and yells at me as if to say "get me out of this jail, lady, or you'll be sorry."

6 months, but not really

Eve had her 6-month check-up yesterday despite her almost 7-month-old self. Well-baby visits are always hard for me, because it goes against my mama-grain to let someone stick needles in my child.  I'm still on the side of vaccinations, but not vehemently so. I understand the other side of the coin on this one, but haven't made the choice not to vaccinate for my family, and probably never will. If you're sitting on the other side of the computer screen saying "you don't have to take her to the doctor," I hear you. I really do. Just like a hear the home-birthers and home-steaders. I'm a step or two away from going Little House on the Prairie, but it really wouldn't take much. :)

I don't need a doctor's validation to tell me my daughter is doing fine. I know she is. SHE is perfect, and has hit all of the baby milestones that I don't really check. All 14 pounds and 9 ounces of her. Disclaimer: I definitely checked the milestones with Eleanor, and remember most of them. I love my doctor, and enjoy chatting with her about Eleanor and Eve, and am thankful for modern medicine and, if nothing else, to have another mother to chat with about my worries.

I should note that Eve, like her sister, is quite petite. She's a smidge longer and a smidge weightier than Eleanor was at this age, but I think her cloth-diapered bum makes her seem bigger and fill out her clothes better. And let's be honest here. Big sister has ALWAYS been on the move and has NEVER been content to just breathe. Eve seems a tiny bit more relaxed. I'm OK with that. So far, I think the best part of having two babies is seeing how different (and similar) they are, and watching their little relationship develop. Eve looks at Eleanor with stars in her eyes and love in her heart. Eleanor, as long as she's not bizzy, loves to make her sister laugh and fuh-reaks out on me if she starts fussing. MOM, MOM she won't stop making that noise. COME QUICK! They make me happy.

Anyway, all of that to say she's healthy and I'm happy. Today and every day, I am thankful for healthy children. I hope I never take that for granted, because I know and ache for the mamas who have real worries about their babies--children who are in the hospital, children who are terminally ill, children who are not loved. Pray for them. Note: It took me 3 sittings to write this short post. Miss Eve must have a 6th sense and be sensitive about me writing about her.

Fill-You-In #8

I'm kind of overwhelmed that we're a third of the way through March. I caught myself thinking about New Year resolutions the other day, and then thought "Mari, that ship has sailed," but 2013 still feels new to me. I love winter. I like how everything slows and we hunker down to weather the winter months, but friends, I'm over it. I'm ready for almost whatever spring has to offer, and I pray it's warm and sunny. I need some windows open, spring cleanin', yellow daffodils, and GREEN in my life. Bring it on, but hold the tornadoes, please.

We've been sick around here this weekend. Eleanor brought home THE STOMACH FLU. It was awful. My poor mother and Jon took it off Eleanor's hands for her and it looked bad. Really bad. I'm not sure how I survived it, but I'm glad I did. Someone had to maniacally wash laundry and sanitize all weekend long. I haven't had a lot of time to work on things around here, because of said stomach flu, but I've been pondering.

Maybe it's the change in the weather or maybe because it's I'm just plain motivated, but it's time to simplify. I go through this "phase" a few times a year. The local donation centers usually stand to benefit. Our closets, garage, attic, and cabinets are all packed full of stuff. Stuff is just noise. Noise that gets in the way of quality time, because I have to maintain it. Clean it, dust it, wash, store it. DONATE it. I'd love to make the phase a way of life, but somehow the stuff always wins. Not this time...maybe.

I haven't been as snappy as I usually am with Instagram, but quality over quantity, right? I LOVE these pictures of the girls. Be still, my heart. Check out our "snow girl" complete with princess dress.

Currently Reading: In the Time of Butterlfies by Julia Alvarez. I wrapped up Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson and Nancy Clancy (with Eleanor). Death Comes to Pemberley by PD James is up next.

Fitness: I'm working out regularly (yay!), but need to add in some more running. I'm hoping the warmer forecast and longer days get me out the door. I still have a 5K on April 27. We also reactivated our Y membership.

Crafting: Aside from wanting to make beautiful spring crafts, I want to buy some paint to paint these drab walls, and do a few easy furniture refinishing projects.

Favorite blog post from the week: Clean.-- Fleeting I've also been inspired to KNIT by a lot of blogs lately. Warm weather won't be good for that, but maybe I can get a jump on fall.

Movies: I finally watched Breaking Dawn Pt. 2. I've followed this series since the very beginning. I read the books in a week. Maybe I'm just over it? I liked the movie, but I found myself criticizing the acting and the ridiculousness of the Renesmee business. If I'm questioning the validity of vampire folklore (which I happen to love), you know it has to be bad. I'm not sure that the idea of a human/vampire offspring is so terrible, but who names a baby Renesmee? A baby that grows creepy-fast reminded me of an old Star-Trek episode where Deanna Troi has a baby that matures super fast. Maybe Meyer "borrowed" that one. I did like the twist at the end of the movie, though.

TV: Since we ditched Dish and got a Roku player, my TV time has dropped dramatically. I have, however, stayed with The Bachelor. I'm seeing a trend, but I'm 100% OVER him, too. I'm not even sure I'll watch the last episode (yes, I will). Sean really isn't very interesting, and I'm positive he won't pick the girl he SHOULD pick. I'll be shocked if they work out. They NEVER work out. They are probably already separated. :)

We just started Game of Thrones Season 2. I have much better things to say about it, and I'm inspired to start the 4th book in the series. It may be a beach read. Did you hear that--BEACH! We're going to the BEACH in May.


Things to remember
Eleanor:  I was listening to the '90s station on Spotify and Barbie Girl started playing. Eleanor LOVES the song, and watching her try to sing it cracks me up.

Eve:  Baby girl is just funny. Aside from jabbering ALL the time (which I love), I checked to make sure she was asleep last night, and found her trying to cram both of her feet into her mouth.  I'm also confident she's saying "mamamama". It doesn't matter if it's at me or not :)

Taking care of EVERYthing while Jon was sick. Props to all the single parents out there. I don't know how they do it, and I'm so thankful for a helpful partner. God bless Jonathan!

Fill-You-In #7

I think I'm over "Fill-You-In FRIDAY" and will just Fill-You-In as needed. I got stuck with the dreaded winter cold that has been going around, we enjoyed an extra-long weekend at home with Jon for President's Day, and then he got snowed in for a day during Winter's reminder that he's not gone yet. I can say with confidence that I am over winter, and ready for spring. It usually takes all season for me to get there, because I do like the cold, but it's time. Get going and good riddance. We could use some spring rain (and flowers and green leaves and warm winds).

My friend, Lindsey, posts weekly pregnancy updates, and I like the format of a questionnaire for these Fill-You-In posts. I might make up my own questions and start posting them regularly. It will be fun to look back and see how we progress through the year. Thanks for the idea, Linds! :) Now, to get the questions together...

While I'm talking about my friends and their blogs, Dani at Be Good Natured, makes very cute wool-felted creations, and I am the lucky winner of a cupcake this week! I know a little girl who will be very excited about our cupcake. I'm excited, too!

I've also made my return to running. It was made official by the purchase of new running shoes (Asics) and a pair of shorts (Nike). It's a slooow comeback, and none too pretty, but it feels good to get out there again. Wish me luck! I'll be running in the Color Me Rad 5k with some friends in April.

Here are our Instagram pics for the week:

Eve turned 6 months old. Time flies. I can't believe she's THIS big. She "talks" all the time, eats oatmeal every day, and is slowly showing her sweet little personality. She's an easy-going gal, and she is loved so much. What did we do without her? Sleep, but other than that...

Speaking of sleep, sleeping children are the sweetest.  We still wear Christmas jammies. It's a waste not to!

I think sleep is a theme this week. Cuddling a sleeping baby is one of the many joys of being a mommy. I love these moments with my baby SO much. If you're wondering, Eleanor loves cuddles, too. I need a BIG recliner so we can all cuddle and read books together. I hope Santa reads this!

Currently reading: Winter's Bone, In the Time of Butterflies and Nancy Clancy (to Eleanor). I have to make a real push this week, so I can get started on my next book club read.

Projects on the horizon: Curtains for our back door, spring pillow case dresses for the girls


Have a great week, friends!

I Forgot to Fill-You-In Friday #6

Whew! I'm way behind on my updating and my blog. The blog is still on my mind, it just can't seem to make it to the top of my priority list. I've had A LOT of "billable" work lately, and it's a huge blessing financially and as a reminder that I have skills outside of mothering. Go me! So, I've been working in my spare time, and in my spare-spare time, I'm trying to keep up with reading and exercising.

Last week I talked about balance, and how I struggle with it. Honestly, who doesn't? Everyone I know deals with something like this: If the house is clean, the kids are not having fun, if mom has herself together (well-rested, well-fed, exercised, socialized) the house is a mess and the kids are a hot mess. It's life. I just need some perspective sometime. It's a GOOD life. God willing, I know there will be many, many days years from now where I will wake up to grown kids and have plenty of time to do it all, and I will miss my sweet babies.

My new strategy for dealing with my "to-do" list is organization. Every morning I write out a vision for the day complete with color coding and prioritization. When I'm standing in my kitchen trying to make sense of my day because I'm short on good sense, I go to my vision and remember, OH YES, I really wanted to read 30 pages in my book, read a book with Eleanor, put together a new brochure for the ad campaign, take a nap, or put away laundry. Yes, naps make the list. They should make your list, too. I also promised myself to not put things that definitely won't get done on "the vision". Yes, we need to patch the wall where Eleanor ripped the curtain and the rod completely out, but c'mon. It's not getting done until at least May (maybe Christmas) and I'm not going to be the one to fix it, so why pretend?

A recap in pictures and words, because I'm long-winded:

 

 Eleanor got a haircut! I did, too. We both needed it. Isn't she beautiful?

 

Isn't SHE beautiful, too? She's sitting up AND eating solid food AND she'll be 6-months-old this month. She hadn't been sleeping well, and the caption on that bottom picture was something like "stealer of sleep, but maker of happy". We've been working on a "trading down" sleeping method, and it's uhhh-freakin-mazing. I've never been a proponent of cry it out, because I'm the one crying the hardest by the end of it. This approach is much gentler and has seemed to work for our family. (Please, don't take that statement as an attack on those of you who can cry-it-out. I'm from the school of "do whatever works for you".)

 She begged and begged to eat the "sucker that looks like a magic wand" that she got at Sunday School. I finally said "OK" and she took about 3 licks and decided it wasn't that good. Yessss. (I hate red dye 40 candy and limit it as much as possible.)

Eleanor and I ventured into the back yard with little sister. It was the best. Eve likes to swing, and Eleanor likes to push her. Speaking of swing, Eleanor magically developed the ability to pump her legs and swing by herself. Praise the Lord!

That was the fast and furious recap, and reminder that I'm still here, and still have blogging on the mind.

Mari

Fill-You-In-Friday #5 and BOOKS

I've been terrible about taking pictures this week. Sometimes, no, all the time, I have trouble with BALANCE. Balancing kids, balancing friends, balancing family, balancing work, balancing exercise, balancing housework (yuck)--balancing everything. In general, I bite off more than I can chew, rushrushrush then CRASH. To remedy this, I've been making little lists and keeping a better calendar to help manage my commitments. It's helping, and so is my mother. She helps me with my little monsters while I take care of some of the more grown-up parts of my life (like work). God bless my mom. She is a saint. And because my dad is probably the only person reading this, he's all right. Most days.

I've been contemplating how I spend my time. I'm not the most efficient person. THIS blog post has inspired me to use my time better, because there is no "more" time. In an effort to save time and money, we're ditching the satellite in favor of a ROKU player. Eleanor is in love.

I'm going to share with you one area of excess in my life, and one of my lists. BOOKS. If you follow me on GoodReads, I'm not the worst offender out there, but my "to-read" list is HUGE and always growing. In 2013, I have high hopes. I've gotten off to a slow start, but my hopes are not dashed. I maintain one book club, and am excited about another one, so my list of "personal" reads may have to get shorter, or I'll have to become better at pushing my own agenda at book club.

Reading List
Book club x12 x24

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
• Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
• A Feast for Crowns by George R. R. Martin
• Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer - In process. I love Krakauer's writing.
• Watership Down by Richard Adams 
• Wicked by Gregory Maguire
• The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - I might be the only person who hasn't read this book.
• In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez 
• Divergent #3 by Veronica Roth - Due out in Fall of 2013. I WILL pay full price for this book to read it as soon as it drops. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer 
• The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene - A friend recommended this to me years ago. I bought it, but haven't read it. This is the year.
• Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
• Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell - I want to see this movie (I'm behind the times, I know), but I want to read the book first. It's the same story with Les Mis.
• The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins - No, I'm not questioning my faith.
• This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin
• Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• Flavia de Luca - I don't even know the title of the book, but it's a British mystery series and I've been wanting to read it. I know one of my friends will fill me in on the details I can't remember.

Looking over this and my GoodReads account, I'm realizing that 40ish books are probably unlikely, but it will be fun to see what gets read, what gets added, and what gets pushed to next year. I'm also trying to read chapter books to Eleanor, so throw some of those in the mix. The Wind in the Willows, Stuart Little, and a few others are on my list, but girlfriend likes more fantastical stories. I can't blame her.

Have a good weekend, friends.