tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86372421777729779212024-03-19T15:55:03.637-05:00One Ginormous AdventureEsteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.comBlogger409125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-45844622555667597342013-06-30T09:00:00.000-05:002013-06-30T09:00:00.311-05:00Where to Start... Square One Sounds Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got a card in the mail a few weeks ago that said, "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end."<br />
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It is decidedly not the end. <br />
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I am standing firmly in square one. Last week I was sliding out of square negative three, so I am gaining ground. I've got my stilettos on to give me some traction. I am digging my heels in. The view around here is definitely not the view that I was anticipating or planning for, but this is my new reality. <br />
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Divorced.<br />
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I just... can't even... I wish... Sigh. <br />
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However, I have learned a few things over the past ten weeks. <br />
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I learned that I am capable of crying in the absolutely most embarrassing places ever. Ever. I don't cry. Well, that's a lie. I cry whenever I see that Folgers commercial that comes on at Christmas. And I cry when I watch Up. And whenever I'm reading a book and they sneak in a storyline about Alzheimer's Disease. But beyond that, I swear, I am usually pretty solid. Now, however, I am pretty certain that there is a YouTube video that contains security footage of me bursting into tears all over town. SunTrust Bank. Kroger. Starbucks (twice). My favorite Mexican Restaurant. IHOP. The Lawyer's office. Standing out in front of the Elementary School while trying to volunteer at the Book Fair. That's the short list.<br />
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I should probably move. It would free up a whole new venue in which I can show off how well my mascara drips down my face. <br />
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More importantly than that, I have learned that I have family that extends way beyond the confines of those people that have to love me because they are, in fact, related to me. And I truly didn't even realize it until now. <br />
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I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that has completely surrounded me over the past ten weeks. I am thankful. And grateful. And humbled. And I don't humble easily, people. You know this. You've met me. <br />
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I despise admitting that I need help. Yet, I needed help. And I didn't even have to ask. Help appeared. It appeared in the most unexpected ways and in my most desperate moments. There were the most perfect words spoken for the exact moment that I needed to hear them the most. There were words of encouragement, words to induce courage and words to soothe. There were hugs. There were shoulders to cry on. There were Starbucks Venti Nonfat Chai Lattes that magically appeared. Nothing is better in a crisis than a well placed latte. Well, that and a well placed, "Estee. You can do this." <br />
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I will never be able to repay the infinite number of kindnesses that were shown to me. I will probably bake you guys a bunch of cookies. Cookies equal love, yes? Please, please know that, heaven forbid, should your world ever suddenly tilt in a direction that you were not expecting, I will be here. I will even buy you some waterproof mascara. Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-73931456768601419762013-02-11T18:50:00.001-06:002013-02-11T18:50:12.006-06:00Cupcake Liner Bouquet of Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2K7wY99fXcz1ha1ZfKtYqc-haYoEyVWx6lrXI9RzEWyQEHqhmNwyGMjyRvLoxKhVrU2V_H2h03-KmvVGp_GnUcHiQSF97zbdG3effVrm0jiB4zdtH68gBgHCQYJ0Wu3NpalaQEqhwqkl/s1600/IMG_6948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2K7wY99fXcz1ha1ZfKtYqc-haYoEyVWx6lrXI9RzEWyQEHqhmNwyGMjyRvLoxKhVrU2V_H2h03-KmvVGp_GnUcHiQSF97zbdG3effVrm0jiB4zdtH68gBgHCQYJ0Wu3NpalaQEqhwqkl/s400/IMG_6948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once again, I need to admit to a bit of an obsession. Cupcake liners. It's even worse than the vintage bottles. I just keep collecting them and collecting them. Even *I* can't bake enough cupcakes to keep up with the influx of cupcake liners. Well, I could try. <em>Maybe I will try...</em> <br />
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However, at this particular moment I am going to show you how to make these darling cupcake liner flowers. I made these as gifts for the monster's teachers for Valentine's Day. These would be perfect for a birthday or just to brighten up a gloomy it's allllllmost Spring day. I have made these in a variety of containers. Flower pots are a great choice. Last year I bought vintage McCoy flower pots at a yard sale. You are only limited by your imagination. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7Ttbai0OWwvFSJpfMLz_L8uQyxDM6-CNdV06ZMk4tlpPSf3zfnJmzKtX0s4fBgDBIZ3Ox0XFE_dVb_0j5hEQvl75kl_aXLmG8HuR4ysRUVeDVzYOCmSOxYIvCnSQcENb-s05Zmwk2akY/s1600/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7Ttbai0OWwvFSJpfMLz_L8uQyxDM6-CNdV06ZMk4tlpPSf3zfnJmzKtX0s4fBgDBIZ3Ox0XFE_dVb_0j5hEQvl75kl_aXLmG8HuR4ysRUVeDVzYOCmSOxYIvCnSQcENb-s05Zmwk2akY/s400/IMG_6885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
You will need:<br />
1. A container of your choice<br />
2. Styrofoam that fits inside of your container to hold the suckers in place<br />
3. Cupcake liners - 6 per flower (I get all of mine at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebakersconfections" target="_blank">The Bakers Confections</a>)<br />
4. Suckers of your choice<br />
5. Green duck tape or masking tape<br />
6. A hole punch<br />
7. Floral Wire<br />
8. Wire cutters to cut the floral wire<br />
9. Scissors<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5maQuaVTDUrp36tpGke2Ezb_O9rPxG_AYzekbx6qhP2XKwRyNmzP7lrEht-E8nRZ0SoSH4z2sUgo6eEUFU_xhUXr_TAa8KrmNYSRzcB_hT-S0rKGZHxPNqFA-vruzZhK9k1UMyod9_YVm/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5maQuaVTDUrp36tpGke2Ezb_O9rPxG_AYzekbx6qhP2XKwRyNmzP7lrEht-E8nRZ0SoSH4z2sUgo6eEUFU_xhUXr_TAa8KrmNYSRzcB_hT-S0rKGZHxPNqFA-vruzZhK9k1UMyod9_YVm/s400/IMG_6898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each flower needs 6 cupcake liners. Two of these liners will need a hole in the direct center. Fold it in half and use the hole punch to make a hole in the center. Then unfold them so that they are flat.<br />
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Fold the other four liners in half and then punch a hole about a fourth of an inch above the fold line. These will remain folded in half to make your flower petals. Now add them onto your sucker stick. First add the four that are folded in half, turning your sucker one quarter turn for each petal. Then add the final two that have the hole in the center. <br />
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And now you have flowers. Have fun with these. Mix patterns. Use colors that you wouldn't normally put together. Use cupcake liners that have scalloped edges or use mini cupcake liners inside and then standard size on the outside petals. They will be gorgeous. Trust me. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyaCOeasSQmG52VEvXWQRcdIl07Xjnxxjuo0A9dxDBtNalKPLJpXaHKnEFBBFydCiachP3CUmv11PSojOsk96I0OKTtqYZuGCyOYQtEYDolha_fMfvwZ9ecwQgUVDl3kofpeaFmQlxbUM/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyaCOeasSQmG52VEvXWQRcdIl07Xjnxxjuo0A9dxDBtNalKPLJpXaHKnEFBBFydCiachP3CUmv11PSojOsk96I0OKTtqYZuGCyOYQtEYDolha_fMfvwZ9ecwQgUVDl3kofpeaFmQlxbUM/s400/IMG_6919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now... take one strip of green duck tape and lay it flat on the table. I would suggest 6 - 8 inches. Then lay a piece of floral wire of the same length on top of that. Finally, add another piece of duck tape enclosing the wire in the middle. (Isn't it <em>duct </em>tape? Why am I thinking that?) Now you can trim the strip of tape so that it looks like leaves on each end. Don't worry about being precise. Just do the best you can.<br />
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Now you need to twist the leaf around the base of the cupcake liners so that they won't slide down. This holds the whole thing in place. Plus, the "leaves" look pretty peeking out of your bouquet.<br />
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All you have left to do is arrange your flowers. I needed some height for some of mine, so I used the duck tape to attach a Wilton lollipop stick to the existing sucker stick to give it an extra few inches. It was exactly what I needed to make my bouquet full on the top.<br />
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And there you go! The perfect gift for someone you care about. Have fun creating. <br />
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<br />Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-20623843393583088452013-02-09T09:00:00.000-06:002013-02-09T09:00:00.837-06:00Vintage Bottles - Valentine's Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iFbaI9Rd9i_QSJsFAsyG5MoMDoL1Q0c8ltUbs-9B0RlFTelWw5zDkdp4DsWAA7cNOQOtnNbtkjb3Oqq5pcFG7HFjKFbQu46Srj8_a0Q9zga-zB4XyYjg8n6Ab4SOIlzF_s74YNqkhsEE/s1600/IMG_6812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iFbaI9Rd9i_QSJsFAsyG5MoMDoL1Q0c8ltUbs-9B0RlFTelWw5zDkdp4DsWAA7cNOQOtnNbtkjb3Oqq5pcFG7HFjKFbQu46Srj8_a0Q9zga-zB4XyYjg8n6Ab4SOIlzF_s74YNqkhsEE/s400/IMG_6812.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I have this thing. Obsession would be very strong word. But it would be correct. Ahem. </div>
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I love collecting random vintage bottles and jars. I just can't walk away from them. I mean, come on... they clearly need me to love them. The ones above just happen to be a small portion of my collection. A small collection of the clear ones. Not the blue. Or the green. I told you it was bad.</div>
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I hid them for a while. I do that sometimes. But then one gloriously sunny day I decided that they needed to be proudly displayed in front of my living room window. So, I set them all up with a dozen or so white daisies in the bottles and then stood back and proudly watched the sun bounce off the glass. They made my soul happy. I was outside watering the zinnias that grow in front of that window later when Brad came home from work. </div>
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"What in the world are those?" he patiently inquired.</div>
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"Aren't they fun? They look all trendy and happy," I answered.</div>
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"Or... like we are in an episode of Sanford & Son," he said. </div>
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"I'll potentially take that under advisement. It doesn't look good for you though, so don't hold your breath."</div>
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He sighed. The bottles remained. I won.</div>
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Fast forward a year and I may or may not have told Brad that the bottles had been donated to Goodwill. Perhaps. So, they are all going incognito for Valentine's Day. A few heart shaped doilies, some Baker's twine and some hearts made out of corrugated cardstock and they are barely recognizable. Well, maybe that's a bit of a stretch. </div>
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I originally saw this idea on <a href="http://pinterest.com/esteestone/love-month/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Where else? She used Mason jars. If I was obsessed with Mason jars, we would have to move into a bigger house. So, see? I've got that going for me.<br />
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The pins and hearts were part of my crafty stuff stash. The Baker's twine came from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebakersconfections" target="_blank">The Baker's Confection</a> and the doilies I picked up at JoAnn Fabric. They are filled, at the moment with red tulips. Last week it was carnations. Love love love. I think you need to make some. Don't you?<br />
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But now how to disguise them for Easter... Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-49207025006641350592013-02-08T13:23:00.000-06:002013-02-08T13:23:18.178-06:00Valentine's Day Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I adore February. I love that there is a little more sunshine filtering through my windows. I love that I can buy tulips at the grocery store. And I love that we focus just a little bit more on how much we love those special people that we have in our lives. At our house, it's Love Month. And nothing in the world says, "I love you" to my husband quite like peanut butter cookies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6I9nRgu2liPZjdYVJsopTUxYgvJXrKhLC3TCOOeJePw59i2paORT-Ry4eL8_e_EyzzKI2xsglyXpgqpVTyRlWcdS2SrNZFz94Qg8koYixGxYuFVJzDqwq68zO9bXPidwAWf4gqT2P1HA/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6I9nRgu2liPZjdYVJsopTUxYgvJXrKhLC3TCOOeJePw59i2paORT-Ry4eL8_e_EyzzKI2xsglyXpgqpVTyRlWcdS2SrNZFz94Qg8koYixGxYuFVJzDqwq68zO9bXPidwAWf4gqT2P1HA/s400/IMG_6879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I make these cookies often and I have used different fillings for them. I have used Michigan Tart Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Grape and even milk chocolate. The monsters prefer strawberry, which is what I used here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF129pWgZUouj9c8gPyBZK3Sc6zUv7i7PAEDEJJ9EaFDRn5O8YxWokNzTI0pc1y-DSkYpAKh6o1VbuiCSHmUu14hJosTGJwsFJfrSDVVIg80w4EV8tQM5fJMkVHyPq7R0LjDUBnFNDQVB/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF129pWgZUouj9c8gPyBZK3Sc6zUv7i7PAEDEJJ9EaFDRn5O8YxWokNzTI0pc1y-DSkYpAKh6o1VbuiCSHmUu14hJosTGJwsFJfrSDVVIg80w4EV8tQM5fJMkVHyPq7R0LjDUBnFNDQVB/s400/IMG_6854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The ingredients are very straightforward and probably things that you already have on hand. </div>
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For four dozen cookies, you will need: </div>
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- 3 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted</div>
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- 3 tsp. baking powder</div>
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- 1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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- 2 sticks of unsalted butter, room temperature</div>
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- 1 cup granulated sugar</div>
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- 1 cup brown sugar, packed</div>
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- 2 cups creamy peanut butter</div>
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- 2 large eggs, room temperature</div>
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- 2/3 cups of your favorite jam, seedless works best</div>
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1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.</div>
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2. Sift together your dry ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.</div>
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3. Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Be mindful that you are scraping down the sides of the bowl.</div>
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4. Add the peanut butter and then the eggs, one at a time and mix until well incorporated.</div>
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5. Slowly add the dry ingredients. Slowly. Unless of course you want flour on the ceiling. In that case, rock it out. Send me pictures. </div>
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6. Do not overmix this dough. You want soft and fluffy, not hockey puck.</div>
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7. Once everything is happily incorporated, the dough should have almost a playdoh consistency. It should be very easy to handle. Roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1-1/2 Tablespoon size. You don't want them too small because you won't be able to add the heart without the cookie falling apart. Find the size that you are comfortable with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdT4Wrgv0He1YQTYPlXM_gv5WSQ_K-H-dsMzF032Gr-IpisM7so8LUm9C82wj-9ET1l7lsKlKcnSkRBqdDAX1NQfLf3fKTdLxB-U9KOK4R5-KpOKDj1yYVoUc72EtAar7wgmOw6h2xx21h/s1600/IMG_6869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdT4Wrgv0He1YQTYPlXM_gv5WSQ_K-H-dsMzF032Gr-IpisM7so8LUm9C82wj-9ET1l7lsKlKcnSkRBqdDAX1NQfLf3fKTdLxB-U9KOK4R5-KpOKDj1yYVoUc72EtAar7wgmOw6h2xx21h/s400/IMG_6869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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**If you would like to freeze this dough, go right ahead. Once I roll the dough into individual balls, I fill a half sheet pan with them and stick them in the freezer until they are frozen through. Once completely frozen, add to a Ziploc bag. Whenever you are ready to bake them, just set however many you need out on the counter for about 20 minutes and you will be ready to proceed to the next step.** <br />
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8. Now that you have lined up the dough balls on your cookie sheet (lined with parchment paper or a silpat liner, please) then you will need to gently flatten them with the bottom of a glass. Don't pancake them, just flatten the top so that you give yourself a smooth surface to work with.<br />
9. Using the end of a wooden spoon, make three indentations so that they form an inverted triangle. That usually gives me the best guide on how to make my heart. <br />
10. Slide these in the oven for 12 minutes at 350 degrees. You did preheat your oven, yes?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5QUg2uShNqiF0DHtDAwhDqP-HSz3r_qQUN7s52_PrenyGoBLgpMKnT5ivd56rR8TW6qJcT7xjgLoUSQ_TJft3TRH-oPnO_KtV4S3OjvNYlhY3lFcF9edRcOhjYF7dOuE6ZDRd9U1OT0-/s1600/IMG_6872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5QUg2uShNqiF0DHtDAwhDqP-HSz3r_qQUN7s52_PrenyGoBLgpMKnT5ivd56rR8TW6qJcT7xjgLoUSQ_TJft3TRH-oPnO_KtV4S3OjvNYlhY3lFcF9edRcOhjYF7dOuE6ZDRd9U1OT0-/s400/IMG_6872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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11. After 12 minutes, you can see that the indentations puffed up a bit. Take the wooden spoon again and just flatten out the hearts again.<br />
12. Warm up your jam in the microwave about 20-30 seconds, or until it is smooth and easily stirred. This will make your life easier as you take a spoon and gently pour the warmed jam into the heart indentations. Slow and steady.<br />
13. Once all of the hearts have been filled, slide them back into the oven for an additional seven minutes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6I9nRgu2liPZjdYVJsopTUxYgvJXrKhLC3TCOOeJePw59i2paORT-Ry4eL8_e_EyzzKI2xsglyXpgqpVTyRlWcdS2SrNZFz94Qg8koYixGxYuFVJzDqwq68zO9bXPidwAWf4gqT2P1HA/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6I9nRgu2liPZjdYVJsopTUxYgvJXrKhLC3TCOOeJePw59i2paORT-Ry4eL8_e_EyzzKI2xsglyXpgqpVTyRlWcdS2SrNZFz94Qg8koYixGxYuFVJzDqwq68zO9bXPidwAWf4gqT2P1HA/s400/IMG_6879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And there you go. Perfectly adorable cookies for that special someone on Valentine's Day. What are you baking this February?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6I9nRgu2liPZjdYVJsopTUxYgvJXrKhLC3TCOOeJePw59i2paORT-Ry4eL8_e_EyzzKI2xsglyXpgqpVTyRlWcdS2SrNZFz94Qg8koYixGxYuFVJzDqwq68zO9bXPidwAWf4gqT2P1HA/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-15360118302748841612012-11-25T21:46:00.000-06:002012-11-25T21:46:01.721-06:00Thankful Version 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Et44MoGScY5HAobSBXWThhE6xv3C1w5B9TIVnH7qPvUHRDF0LHEPxht_oMfDf5BaLRHjUHD182EZvzsAOAr9KywcKvhCpf-HT67AoEX8m7tQBo7eCQ0mPrvPP74fH1anJkm9feii4jmS/s1600/IMG_6577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Et44MoGScY5HAobSBXWThhE6xv3C1w5B9TIVnH7qPvUHRDF0LHEPxht_oMfDf5BaLRHjUHD182EZvzsAOAr9KywcKvhCpf-HT67AoEX8m7tQBo7eCQ0mPrvPP74fH1anJkm9feii4jmS/s400/IMG_6577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanksgiving has come and gone. 2 weeks of planning the perfect menu. One week of grocery shopping and trying to find the right tablecloth. 2 days of pie baking. 1 day of cooking. 20 minutes of eating. Somehow I think my equation is off. Just a little. Oh, but it was worth it. I admit that I am a little sad to see November slip by as quickly as it has. </div>
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The entire month of November has been full of moments to be thankful for. We have spent very happy days raking piles of leaves just to jump in. I can't imagine a better use for leaves. We spent hours throwing Maddux's favorite Vanderbilt football back and forth across the front yard. The daylight slipped away as we chased after Paizlee's wild throws.</div>
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I freshened up picture frames with fresh coats of paint and bought all new comforters for the beds. <br />
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Since we are going to be spending more hours indoors over the next few months, I have been focusing on making things as cozy and welcoming as possible. <br />
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I bought a twenty-five pound bag of flour and I am happily planning on how to use every cup. The Christmas cookie list has been made and I am anxious to begin planning exactly what I am going to bake this year. In the meantime, I made my favorite <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/grandma-oples-apple-pie/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=oples%20pie&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page" target="_blank">Caramel Apple Pie</a> for Thanksgiving. You should absolutely try it. Just add a bit of cinnamon to your apples and your life will be complete.</div>
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As I type, the Christmas tree that we cut down this afternoon is happily twinkling in the living room. We are moving ahead to Christmas and all the magic that December entails. I hope that your November has brought you as much joy as ours has. Now... get those cookie sheets ready. I will be back with recipes!</div>
Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-90567990864293539402012-10-24T20:16:00.002-05:002012-10-24T20:16:20.349-05:00Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I keep thinking that I will eventually get tired of all the pumpkin. And yet, I don't. I just keep adding more and more cans of pumpkin to my cart every time I go to the grocery store. If I get really brave, I might actually figure out how to use an actual pumpkin, but let's not get crazy. <br />
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Allow me to introduce you to the cupcake to end all cupcakes... <a href="http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2011/09/pumpkin-pie-cupcakes-with-whipped-cream.html" target="_blank">The Pumpkin Pie Cupcake with Whipped Cream frosting</a>. It is one of those recipes that I will return to over and over again. And I owe all the thanks in the world to <a href="http://www.yourcupofcake.com/" target="_blank">Your Cup of Cake</a>, which is quickly becoming my favorite website. Move over Facebook, I've got cupcakes to bake. I made a few small adaptations to the recipe, but nothing epic. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAJEA4TZGQFQhU1Y-ZxecPrnpM_W2OyUsCDk0JUl6InxTic-vgqRD6eqIneZ7a5Gl3nQDTHhKT5OmKGcKH_3gSVSMwUjCiLKpwOLwJ8jX6qAGUB80NPHi4kt3GTOr_JZRxyeLzMfWEK_F/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAJEA4TZGQFQhU1Y-ZxecPrnpM_W2OyUsCDk0JUl6InxTic-vgqRD6eqIneZ7a5Gl3nQDTHhKT5OmKGcKH_3gSVSMwUjCiLKpwOLwJ8jX6qAGUB80NPHi4kt3GTOr_JZRxyeLzMfWEK_F/s400/IMG_5309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the cupcakes you will need:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">24 Golden Oreos (of which you are only going to use the half with the cream)</span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup oil</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 eggs</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1<span style="font-size: small;">-1/2</span> cups granulated sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">15 ounces pumpkin puree<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">(this is the small can - not pumpkin pie mi<span style="font-size: small;">x)</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2<span style="font-size: small;">-3/<span style="font-size: small;">4 </span></span>cup all-purpose flour</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 teaspoons cinnamon</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2</span> teaspoons nutmeg</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon cardamom </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the frosting you will need:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 pint heavy whipping cream</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup of sifted <span style="font-size: small;">confectioners' sugar</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your <span style="font-size: small;">sifted <span style="font-size: small;">topping of choice<span style="font-size: small;">: cinnamon<span style="font-size: small;">, nutmeg or <span style="font-size: small;">pumpkin pie spice</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span> </span></span></div>
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1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. <br />
2. Line your cupcake tins with cupcake liners. This recipe gave me 24 cupcakes. <br />
3. Split your Golden Oreos in half. Add one Golden Oreo half (the cream side, of course!) to each cupcake liner.<br />
4. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, oil, applesauce and vanilla extract. Mix together until they are all combined, but the trick here is to not over mix the batter.<br />
5. Add to your wet ingredients the granulated and light brown sugars. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Then add your pumpkin and stir until that is mixed in with your wet ingredients as well.<br />
6. In a separate bowl, sift together all of your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt and all of your spices. Use your whisk to make sure the spices are thoroughly incorporated into the flour.<br />
7. Add your dry ingredients to the bowl with your wet ingredients. Stir them *only* until they are combined.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB5Y8WTPYQABHiE9uQdTq5vw7KQxOPlo3KsME4PazCQsg99-NjeAkXPfXH1lnxlYjRDMVcYIVqU8GjVpRtKdtF70Cki4_qEa3kcW6Im-QK55H_HbvqyP8iT7yQ4Qd4E9FYMLUODx8WW7-/s1600/IMG_5322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB5Y8WTPYQABHiE9uQdTq5vw7KQxOPlo3KsME4PazCQsg99-NjeAkXPfXH1lnxlYjRDMVcYIVqU8GjVpRtKdtF70Cki4_qEa3kcW6Im-QK55H_HbvqyP8iT7yQ4Qd4E9FYMLUODx8WW7-/s400/IMG_5322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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8. Fill your cupcake liners about 3/4 of the way full. One of the things that I love most about these cupcakes is that they don't puff up huge big. There is definitely a time and place for huge big fluffy, but these almost have a more muffin consistency in that they are a little more dense. And delicious. And wonderful.<br />
9. Bake for 17-25 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center and if it comes out clean, you are good to go.<br />
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After you remove them from the oven and they are happily cooling, you can make the frosting. There are a million recipes out there that would be great for these. I have made them with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and a simple vanilla buttercream frosting, but I love the whipped cream frosting best for these.<br />
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1. Make sure that your ingredients are cold, cold, cold. I usually pour the whipping cream into the bowl and then stick the bowl into the freezer for 10-15 minutes while I sift my confectioners' sugar. This will allow for the stiff peaks that are ideal for your frosting. <br />
2. Using a whisk attachment or if you have arms like Popeye and want to whisk it yourself, whisk the whipping cream until stiff peaks form. You want the peaks to stand up on their own. Then carefully add the confectioners' sugar and the vanilla. <br />
3. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe on your frosting. I switch around with the tips that I use for this, but I love the round tip that I got at <a href="http://www.bakeitpretty.com/best-ever-cupcake-icing-kit/" target="_blank">Bake It Pretty</a>. You can't go wrong. <br />
4. Then sift on your topping of choice. I sift because when I sprinkle, it gets clumpy. But you might have better sprinkling skills than I do. It could happen. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSfqTWG6h559_G7srSJatzC07fomnhFtylxzvmOAOfzNQX67ZSxuj-9kuwYuANRj9znTqU9uBCzBr2QXBcmWco_5iJVB_wSEZUXXRcBfEJEAQxkOT9jcZzJdySkAZa19oQJzsoeucBIOi/s1600/IMG_5326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSfqTWG6h559_G7srSJatzC07fomnhFtylxzvmOAOfzNQX67ZSxuj-9kuwYuANRj9znTqU9uBCzBr2QXBcmWco_5iJVB_wSEZUXXRcBfEJEAQxkOT9jcZzJdySkAZa19oQJzsoeucBIOi/s400/IMG_5326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These cupcakes are just as delicious as they are pretty. What are you waiting for? You need to buy some pumpkin!Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-76950587135771809892012-10-22T14:52:00.001-05:002012-10-24T20:17:01.226-05:00The Butterfinger Cookie Bake-Off!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLGnAL3tmBcot0y9rkY3Cf57xhAR1CfZytUwRMYpr4Snu72uUxWuS4V0Qdtagzcdz0ioYHs7PrGYuNi8hf0zNVhrVYxkYzSmBK8V9kb0elVP9fdQdzCmKnb_KZdBZKYE4z1QwINaRAiq3/s1600/IMG_5957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLGnAL3tmBcot0y9rkY3Cf57xhAR1CfZytUwRMYpr4Snu72uUxWuS4V0Qdtagzcdz0ioYHs7PrGYuNi8hf0zNVhrVYxkYzSmBK8V9kb0elVP9fdQdzCmKnb_KZdBZKYE4z1QwINaRAiq3/s400/IMG_5957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The only thing that could be better than a cookie loaded with Butterfinger candy bars would be two cookies loaded with Butterfinger candy cars. I can see you nodding your head in agreement. </div>
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You would think that when I was adding 10 Butterfinger candy bars to the grocery cart on Saturday that Brad would have said something. I didn't even get a raised eyebrow. I don't know what this says about me. But I am going to run with it. <br />
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I am just as obsessed with Pinterest as the next girl, but when it comes to adding to my cookie arsenal, I am extra obsessed. I can't even begin to explain how frustrating it is to make a recipe only to have it fall apart or, even more fun, explode in the oven. I am going to save you from having to clean your oven. Well, just from cookies that go all volcano. The rest of the stuff in your oven, you are in charge of. I know, I know. Life isn't fair. <br />
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So, let's talk cookie options... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDRh4VxbEotZX-UGq0h3l8Xwaw0MUI9T8_U7Y7kJT-ylvmoJvUSA7Z6fm-GBL063gQtwqcrH2qHBMuyLG9IwwlKWFeEsOBDSLMFv51myiqNa1FS5i9KXcvE_Y4XI0dl5cZ5unVzWafiRD/s1600/IMG_5929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDRh4VxbEotZX-UGq0h3l8Xwaw0MUI9T8_U7Y7kJT-ylvmoJvUSA7Z6fm-GBL063gQtwqcrH2qHBMuyLG9IwwlKWFeEsOBDSLMFv51myiqNa1FS5i9KXcvE_Y4XI0dl5cZ5unVzWafiRD/s400/IMG_5929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/crispy-butterfinger-cookies/" target="_blank">Crispy Butterfinger Cookies</a> that I had <a href="http://pinterest.com/esteestone/sweets-to-share/" target="_blank">pinned</a> from <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/" target="_blank">two peas & their pod</a>. They feature oatmeal, rice krispies and milk chocolate chips. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwkeg7QMNKyaA21wvA-MvEQbjgWpZYldvkvnmsbOOzIiA2biJyiZTysDzhnqd-eoQZZOHX2anaZzS0y4Jq1o4PaCySBYJ_ullG2xbsXrE90ODvmxgxO-2NlqFSOBslBj_Fou4Aaoc3WyT/s1600/IMG_5921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwkeg7QMNKyaA21wvA-MvEQbjgWpZYldvkvnmsbOOzIiA2biJyiZTysDzhnqd-eoQZZOHX2anaZzS0y4Jq1o4PaCySBYJ_ullG2xbsXrE90ODvmxgxO-2NlqFSOBslBj_Fou4Aaoc3WyT/s400/IMG_5921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The dough came together very easily and I didn't have to chill it before I rolled it into balls and baked it. I love that. I made no changes to their recipe, which almost never happens. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7Kg5y1DOUKQdK6we8kHbDc8ipt0NhLSalKYKema-bZgAxzCebu7P0Z-UvUMRQK5Ne-2i9zcCCk4EBvvbS_UXIveMucg_EGOl348EFDjoK0SoSc2FFF1LDx9Dwjv5imI4kp4mURLv7pjb/s1600/IMG_5924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7Kg5y1DOUKQdK6we8kHbDc8ipt0NhLSalKYKema-bZgAxzCebu7P0Z-UvUMRQK5Ne-2i9zcCCk4EBvvbS_UXIveMucg_EGOl348EFDjoK0SoSc2FFF1LDx9Dwjv5imI4kp4mURLv7pjb/s400/IMG_5924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This recipe made about 2-1/2 dozen cookies which was perfect. I baked a dozen of them, and froze the rest of the dough for another day. It's amazingly simple to do. Just roll the dough into balls, place on a plate in the freezer until they are thoroughly cold. Then add to a Ziploc freezer bag. <br />
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*Make sure that you write on the outside of the bag with a Sharpie marker what they are, the temperateture at which you will bake them and how long they need to be baked.* <br />
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The "I wonder what these are!" game is no fun for anyone. Not that I would know from experience. Ahem.<br />
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I freeze them before I put them in a bag so that they won't freeze together. This way, they stay separate in the bag. When you are ready for cookies, put them in the refrigerator or on the counter until they are thawed and bake as usual. Don't tell anyone, but I have already started my Christmas cookies. All frozen and ready for baking! <br />
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If you prefer a chocolate option... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkryaHgFUizUZurDj4GuV-qtuu3D2894PYzH85yrEZmKyUWPKVI37iQUD6AMqUQja_nRPCEcbxCs84ia8bAtwKE6RubAvgLrzojAiy4sciVRCc8HJlbIDZXy2gAltW-MOeH9oPn1Lajo6/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkryaHgFUizUZurDj4GuV-qtuu3D2894PYzH85yrEZmKyUWPKVI37iQUD6AMqUQja_nRPCEcbxCs84ia8bAtwKE6RubAvgLrzojAiy4sciVRCc8HJlbIDZXy2gAltW-MOeH9oPn1Lajo6/s400/IMG_5949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2009/11/05/chocolate-fudge-butterfinger-cookies/" target="_blank">Chocolate Fudge Butterfinger Cookies</a> that I had found on Pinterest via <a href="http://picky-palate.com/" target="_blank">Picky Palate</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq99mWmZCdcGQ8w9CX7B40zUwf5UiloGggLByh6CY22wc73D8QuA1OSAn0DyGC9EA9Ff-de2Aq40Rr7DL2Nks-NOERNOJuLodJA53TRLNwCbyzGI9wvxXHMdWcvdY1HhaLhPGqlKtbOGP/s1600/IMG_5928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq99mWmZCdcGQ8w9CX7B40zUwf5UiloGggLByh6CY22wc73D8QuA1OSAn0DyGC9EA9Ff-de2Aq40Rr7DL2Nks-NOERNOJuLodJA53TRLNwCbyzGI9wvxXHMdWcvdY1HhaLhPGqlKtbOGP/s400/IMG_5928.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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They feature a delicious chocolate dough with chopped Butterfingers and full of chocolate chips. I admit that I made changes to the recipe. I'm sorry. I ran out of cocoa powder and I was desperate. I used 1/2 cup of cocoa powder and four 1 oz. pieces of unsweetened baking chocolate in place of the 1-1/4 cup of cocoa powder. By adding this, I reduced the amount of butter by 4 Tablespoons. I also used dark chocolate chips along with the semi-sweet chips just because I am annoying like that.<br />
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I refrigerated the dough for about 30 minutes because it was sticky. That wouldn't happen if you were a good girl and just used cocoa powder. If you really want to make your life easier, use a cookie scoop. Mine had an unfortunate accident that involved a Play-doh war. There were casualties. Which is why I rolled my dough by hand. It's a sacrifice I was willing to make. <br />
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Once all the cookies were made, I had three very willing judges to test them for amazingness. There was also another judge in the living room watching football. He wasn't so willing to write his favorite down on an index card. Husbands are so tricky like that. The monsters all chose the<a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/crispy-butterfinger-cookies/" target="_blank"> Crispy Butterfinger Cookies</a> (Which they referred to as "Oatmeal" as opposed to chocolate). I think they are crazy, the <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2009/11/05/chocolate-fudge-butterfinger-cookies/" target="_blank">Chocolate Fudge Butterfinger Cookies</a> were phenonomenal. Brad also voted chocolate, in case anyone wants his opinion, which he insists that you do. Both recipes were amazing and easily passed from "pinned on Pinterest" to actually being used in my kitchen. </div>
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<br />Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-49719175839634383492012-10-21T23:57:00.002-05:002012-10-24T20:17:28.758-05:00October is almost OVER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wait all year for October. All year. Truly. I know, I know... that's slightly bizarre. But good things always happen in October. It's one of the things that I can count on. Death, taxes and that amazing things happen in October.<br />
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This month has been full of happiness and pumpkin patches. We have eaten pumpkin cupcakes at least three times. Plus, pumpkin cookies. And maybe even some pumpkin fudge. Yeah... I should have been running behind the hayride just to burn off all of these pumpkin related calories, but I don't think that's allowed. <br />
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I have so many amazing recipes that I need to share. Pinterest is a labyrinth of recipes and I have had more explode all over my oven that behave appropriately. Therefore, I feel the need to share my successes. I will start tomorrow with my Butterfinger Cookie Bake-off. Two recipes. One winner. <br />
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I know. You can barely stand the suspense, can you?<br />
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Try to contain yourself. And go out and buy some Butterfinger candy bars. You will thank me later. Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-76446567572342828412012-06-22T15:44:00.001-05:002012-06-22T15:44:42.402-05:00Jam Thumbprint Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you are looking for a cookie that is healthy in any possible way, shape or form, walk away. Walk away quickly and do not look back, you are looking in the wrong place. These cookies are delightfully rich. They are perfectly lovely in every way, except if you are contemplating a bathing suit any time in the near future. Well, that's what they made those ruffled bathing suit bottoms for, yes? </div>
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The ingredients are extremely simple: butter (<em>3 sticks, room temperature</em>), sugar (<em>1 cup granulated</em>), egg (<em>just one</em>), flour (<em>3-1/4 cup, all-purpose, spooned and leveled</em>) and jam (<em>3/4 cup, any flavor that blows your hair back</em>). Think you can handle that? I knew you could. <br />
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First of all, preheat your oven to 350 degrees because I will forget to tell you later. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and the sugar until your mixture is smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the egg. Beat until it is completely combined. Slowly add your flour and mix until just incorporated. Don't over mix. Just get it where it is all one happy mixture. <br />
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Now you will need to roll out your dough into about one inch balls. According to Google, that is about 2 Tablespoons which still really doesn't help me. I want them smaller than a ping pong ball but bigger than a marble. That is just how scientific I can get. I know, you are super impressed. Place them about 3 inches apart on parchment paper.<br />
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Take your thumb and dip it quickly in water so that it won't stick to the dough, and make an indentation in the dough. You want it about 3/4 of the way down into the ball of dough. Here is where <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/342184/aunt-maggies-jam-thumbprint-cookies">Martha Stewart</a> and I disagree. Bake the cookies just like this for 10 minutes at 350 degrees, then remove them.<br />
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During the ten minutes that they are in the oven, you need to heat up your jam. (I have used Michigan Sour Cherry Jam and Blackberry Jam, both worked extremely well) I always do it on the stove, but I am assuming that the microwave would give you the exact same result. After they have cooked for the first ten minutes, use the end of a wooden spoon to re-indent the cookie. Yeah, I don't think that's a word. But you know what I mean. Once the indentation has been reapplied, then add about 1/2 teaspoon of the heated jam. Then, bake the remaining 8-10 minutes. By doing it this way, you won't have an evaporation line where the jam cooked off for the duration in the oven. <br />
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You want them to be just slightly browned around the very edge. Once removed from the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. <br />
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And then you have the most perfect Book Club cookies ever. They really had nothing at all to do with <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/boy-in-the-striped-pajamas-john-boyne/1007890459?ean=9780385751537"><em>The Boy in the Striped Pajamas</em></a><em>, </em>but paired with chai tea and a room full of friends, they truly made for a perfect cozy evening. <br />
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/342184/aunt-maggies-jam-thumbprint-cookies">Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart.</a>Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-14775913287216034912012-06-21T11:47:00.000-05:002012-06-21T11:47:10.676-05:00A New-ish Chapter and Other General VaguenessAre you ready? I am going to pretend like I have been posting the whole time without a lapse. And then I am going to make a vague generality while attempting to sound very deep and genius-esque...<br />
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I am standing on the edge of a very big change and beginning to really like the way that it feels.<br />
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This kid, the daredevil in a blue dress, starts Kindergarten this year. I won't lie, there will be sadness. Just as there was sadness when each of them left for school and when I ceased to be the one that held their wondering attention for hours upon hours. After that first day, they came home bursting with stories of new friends and the unending knowledge of their teacher. I was faced with, "Mom, <em>you</em> know how to spell my spelling words? Are you sure? Maybe we should check with Mrs. Moore to make sure you are doing it right."<br />
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But with Paizlee, it feels different. She is my last little monster at home. She is my final attempt at instilling my children with all the goodness in the world before sending her out to get her feelings hurt or having her self-esteem tried upon a daily basis. Oh, man. I am going to be one huge big ugly mess on the first day of school. In Paizlee's defense, she is braver than all of us put together and she will be more than fine, but I will still be a huge big ugly mess because that is my right as a mother. That and calling dibs on getting to be first controller for Super Mario Brothers.<br />
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So, with all the spare time that I will have on my hands now that I won't have to follow Paizlee around with bubble wrap and bandages, I will get to reshape my days. Oh, the soap operas and bon bons that will be in my future... oh, wait, that was last year.<br />
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I suppose while I am figuring out what next year will look like (especially since I just quit my soul sucking job, gasp!) I will hang out with the monsters. I am good, no, great with that until I come up with my next genius-esque idea. <br />
<br />Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-29470110723048813062011-11-22T01:37:00.008-06:002011-11-22T12:40:46.619-06:00Lessons Learned<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLO4vh46T_jJa_YVidUS3v4PniJTkmHA7p8zLji_ptVnFHwv_XSg-meWJt3MNW1tngTr0X191_bs5V9E0hmH1VebuzMMSZKAgGMo1-U-A-mPJAjks8z4QCqKMPR_ECihKm0QZk1t3_d8k/s1600/IMG_3964.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLO4vh46T_jJa_YVidUS3v4PniJTkmHA7p8zLji_ptVnFHwv_XSg-meWJt3MNW1tngTr0X191_bs5V9E0hmH1VebuzMMSZKAgGMo1-U-A-mPJAjks8z4QCqKMPR_ECihKm0QZk1t3_d8k/s400/IMG_3964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677734890816486098" border="0" /></a>We survived <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Maddux's</span> first year of football. Just in case you are wondering, I did not rush the field <span style="font-style: italic;">or</span> yell anything embarrassing. Shocking, I know. But I did learn a few things...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIJigxqOQ_eIhTxAjPa_UQkhFy5ZpENuEs-73muWpYFI55XOGrKpKXZQiJeoN4c5M7Dqd75uYw5eQn0-UH7srsnb9wt8arkkK6N36yo6IPrXtsXeK8VXJNYfMH0disrW30-O4I-tgKqCG/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIJigxqOQ_eIhTxAjPa_UQkhFy5ZpENuEs-73muWpYFI55XOGrKpKXZQiJeoN4c5M7Dqd75uYw5eQn0-UH7srsnb9wt8arkkK6N36yo6IPrXtsXeK8VXJNYfMH0disrW30-O4I-tgKqCG/s400/IMG_3525.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677721478433629490" border="0" /></a>1. Just because he was the smallest kid on the team did not mean that he couldn't be tough. Please remember that this was the kid <span style="font-style: italic;">dangling</span> from the side view mirror on his first day of Kindergarten because he didn't want to go. He has also been known to cry when someone looks at him weird. This kid was a whole new kid. This was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maddux</span> 2.0. He flattened kids that were a whole head taller. It was *awesome.*<br /><br />2. Just because he is tough, doesn't mean that I am. I tend to go all mother bear when something is said about my kid. Brad says my mean, outraged face is quite entertaining. At least he thought so until I turned it on him. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoGnZ9jTq4aqXOTsLGjyoB_ODzZ88fKTqtNSTMscu7L_KffRSgtDTcIb_J2ClmOmKVskUu5haEcasrn8d1IGgcpvdfLqDEzvkN4l2lIvg2FdJTYxQ-RmRSLZ3m7Z90wmFXotdFeKrfRuN/s1600/IMG_3556.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoGnZ9jTq4aqXOTsLGjyoB_ODzZ88fKTqtNSTMscu7L_KffRSgtDTcIb_J2ClmOmKVskUu5haEcasrn8d1IGgcpvdfLqDEzvkN4l2lIvg2FdJTYxQ-RmRSLZ3m7Z90wmFXotdFeKrfRuN/s400/IMG_3556.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677732939671053154" border="0" /></a>3. White football pants have to be the most stupid idea on the face of the planet.<br /><br />4. Little boys in football pads have to be the cutest thing on the face of the planet. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL-PpnaTKATAfIZTLBLKmvmKo-WlPmj53Ejas2qH4ZyZa5hpC8zVHPhaUT3Dbcc-A_yM5aGm95_fFZKybTfZ2hcxp0O6cygeoUo7O9hgUFdmuw7ChfTtIe0KHsOQUPn7uICpm4vpGTUYT/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL-PpnaTKATAfIZTLBLKmvmKo-WlPmj53Ejas2qH4ZyZa5hpC8zVHPhaUT3Dbcc-A_yM5aGm95_fFZKybTfZ2hcxp0O6cygeoUo7O9hgUFdmuw7ChfTtIe0KHsOQUPn7uICpm4vpGTUYT/s400/IMG_3550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677732195260471282" border="0" /></a>5. Watching football on television, or even in a stadium is way easier than on a field with ten thousand little kids running around. I spent a lot of time saying, <span style="font-style: italic;">Where did he go? Do you see him? Did he do something good? </span>The fact that they were Cowboys for the first half of the season until their Packers jerseys came in didn't help matters. <br /><br />6. The dentist will automatically get you in that day when you tell them that your kid knocked his teeth out at football practice. <br /><br />Never a dull moment at our house. Brad is now trying to convince him to try out wrestling. I can't be concerned with that, I am trying to secure enough bubble wrap for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Paizlee</span> to start gymnastics.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-60814280793181270292011-11-17T00:27:00.002-06:002011-11-17T00:48:05.625-06:00Wonderful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDcj9WAXxi3Lfj7zGUk7VyT0gNw9CKSIhjgGAVpTQDBONgDJ8zW0ARZwH6yued4FvCxd_3-f-TN0V8SZ-sRFpYm8n_i8iw-h1f3u1MLX2IP4nhzAi0Tge3SUcEtuwz-fm5Nz02wDROni0/s1600/IMG_3847.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDcj9WAXxi3Lfj7zGUk7VyT0gNw9CKSIhjgGAVpTQDBONgDJ8zW0ARZwH6yued4FvCxd_3-f-TN0V8SZ-sRFpYm8n_i8iw-h1f3u1MLX2IP4nhzAi0Tge3SUcEtuwz-fm5Nz02wDROni0/s400/IMG_3847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675848197661194738" border="0" /></a>Oh, monsters. Today you spilled like a gazillion cheerios across the kitchen floor and then proceeded to stomp on them because they made a cool noise when smashed to dust. You insisted on listening to Selena Gomez on repeat in the car until even I was singing "Love You Like a Love Song" and the lady in front of me in line at Kroger looked at me weird. You hid the remote control before you left for school so that I wouldn't play Mario Kart and beat your high score. You whined, you smelled weird, you begged, pleaded and drove me bonkers. You ganged up on me in an unsuccessful attempt to eat all remaining Halloween candy for dinner. <br /><br />And then you smiled sweetly. And I remembered just how wonderful you guys are.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-60468383765085751572011-06-21T10:37:00.007-05:002011-06-21T11:09:12.303-05:00Paizlee Brings It<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1XV3ChYNM_CxHAdPVjG57FJaGFReAfPPCkgamh9EnSHKfbuGkJrKK8r1md0Wrd0IuQ0Q6DXgS41xSIgzaANy3oEZTbsg3eF_kxgV8F2yhtrzgR4jtObWSHEZR72IJ52SpjN3E5HfHY7h/s1600/IMG_2585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1XV3ChYNM_CxHAdPVjG57FJaGFReAfPPCkgamh9EnSHKfbuGkJrKK8r1md0Wrd0IuQ0Q6DXgS41xSIgzaANy3oEZTbsg3eF_kxgV8F2yhtrzgR4jtObWSHEZR72IJ52SpjN3E5HfHY7h/s400/IMG_2585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620699289575405746" border="0" /></a>You have met Paizlee. The breaker of bones. The manipulator of parents. She is a force to be reckoned with. One day, she will rule this planet. However, she has a delicate side. I know, you can laugh and shake your head disbelievingly. I get it. I hear you. Maybe it isn't so much a delicate side, but a side that is slightly less <span style="font-style: italic;">let's jump off the deck on top of the neighbor's cat! </span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Her slightly delicate side gets shoved weekly into ballet tights and scuffed tap shoes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdzsZNmZ29AMafEmttlK1MmSWHepzlWLn88lDwFofoCP83RNAs3adEWTfW-rA4qHYJeNg7IaoNP61X3jkMo_WNmtfZq1tk8ipKWx_z8cfub84UPCucYfmsB4dXz86284GIWguXxjFZL-c/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdzsZNmZ29AMafEmttlK1MmSWHepzlWLn88lDwFofoCP83RNAs3adEWTfW-rA4qHYJeNg7IaoNP61X3jkMo_WNmtfZq1tk8ipKWx_z8cfub84UPCucYfmsB4dXz86284GIWguXxjFZL-c/s400/IMG_2582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620698443303737186" border="0" /></a>And when I say scuffed, I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">scuffed tap shoes</span>. As in, I do believe that these were once black, but have no remaining vinyl to prove it. She thought that the added reinforcement on the bottom of the tap shoes (the tappy part, duh) would help her accomplish her most pressing goal: climb the tree in the backyard. And to her credit, she did make it to the top of the tree. However, the tap shoes did absolutely nothing to help her return to the ground. She took them off and banged them together until I went searching to determine the cause for all of the noise. Construction workers? Deranged woodpecker? No. 4-year-old stuck up a tree with tap shoes. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAK_WSioNZGUx5M0UeD8LrlmlcU8TA1wg1kCH83HHbdBKzUfA3lXeOT-s7DMY87AvbAPNd-M_2WAKjehwHkBO24Wn9DL-bWxtpFeh-JYtOk_EqEzbYJeBZYEDVZiHo-wOc228WubWthGx/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAK_WSioNZGUx5M0UeD8LrlmlcU8TA1wg1kCH83HHbdBKzUfA3lXeOT-s7DMY87AvbAPNd-M_2WAKjehwHkBO24Wn9DL-bWxtpFeh-JYtOk_EqEzbYJeBZYEDVZiHo-wOc228WubWthGx/s400/IMG_2647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620699588261903666" border="0" /></a>When it came time for the recital, or the Paizlee Show as she happily called it, she was ready to wear the cowgirl costume and rock it out. This child has never met a spotlight that she didn't like. She flounced and twirled with the best of them. She moved, gasp, gracefully. She blew kisses to the audience and bowed like any typical girly girl. It was shocking. And endearing. And I may have cried just a little. <br /><br />Ballet is on summer break until August, so all remnants of graceful have long disappeared. Until dance begins again, we will have to deal with this...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY_h_nPBAgGArg9EUijmK13WLycGgLhmIyiONWL9MWSF_g6AmD4tF1g_8iEXD4bYfDLOwgAcc_hOMR8z6v2wdY_D6heawhCDf7abfDywdBgMFnIJkb2mBIdkxYdZgjzKboxIMAxrdaMWl/s1600/IMG_2502.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY_h_nPBAgGArg9EUijmK13WLycGgLhmIyiONWL9MWSF_g6AmD4tF1g_8iEXD4bYfDLOwgAcc_hOMR8z6v2wdY_D6heawhCDf7abfDywdBgMFnIJkb2mBIdkxYdZgjzKboxIMAxrdaMWl/s400/IMG_2502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620700109675342514" border="0" /></a>Hell.on.wheels. Literally and figuratively. Love this kid.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-53938253957555056242011-06-05T21:23:00.008-05:002011-06-06T00:45:34.569-05:00Desperately Seeking Sugar?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymJoR4_fFQbjw9JNTpbFXzm8NSbCTQhqy8GDFGw1ddW5RZ6NId-P22GL31HpDs5ZwLgLOL5_JodeKhfh7oAtw4STrbECM8r1opcyDTiLd4akQLLrBx_0aSHIlUd1z3fyEUH8SBXSe0f61/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymJoR4_fFQbjw9JNTpbFXzm8NSbCTQhqy8GDFGw1ddW5RZ6NId-P22GL31HpDs5ZwLgLOL5_JodeKhfh7oAtw4STrbECM8r1opcyDTiLd4akQLLrBx_0aSHIlUd1z3fyEUH8SBXSe0f61/s400/IMG_2059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614929769669095026" border="0" /></a>It is a gazillion degrees at my house. Give or take a few degrees. Regardless, with all of the birthdays and end of the year stuff going on my oven has been working overtime. In case you are desperately seeking sugar, I know where to direct you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0PUJGVfbCh00452-QiGcQDZ8Glxb5AYMtLZLlozmqtpW4TymY6rNcXYdPQ16h5t3pSFXfKuB-ewlwjiPB06FVxrhQApbuABjhye_lWZ2SeClf2cKvuDlF6w2v5B3fhjuQ8Tr7KDBmteB/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0PUJGVfbCh00452-QiGcQDZ8Glxb5AYMtLZLlozmqtpW4TymY6rNcXYdPQ16h5t3pSFXfKuB-ewlwjiPB06FVxrhQApbuABjhye_lWZ2SeClf2cKvuDlF6w2v5B3fhjuQ8Tr7KDBmteB/s400/IMG_2336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614936075690541586" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Breuklyn</span> wanted blueberry cupcakes for her birthday, so I adapted <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/312823/huckleberry-cupcakes-with-sweet-cream">this recipe</a> from Martha. I loved the light and fluffy frosting. yum.yum.yum.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYymqo518pDCvvyQlHdvCUHbh6nw0Jivp4GYdEZ2WbC3stRmVZ-lMYIXmMWDDk3hWFtLUh8xZpAyfEBjTQ9vKml56mcSigE4Drpi1fqoUvV-iNZT3YVrYjgp-Mvt9DP0iSyzhcAwDQbJiR/s1600/IMG_2309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYymqo518pDCvvyQlHdvCUHbh6nw0Jivp4GYdEZ2WbC3stRmVZ-lMYIXmMWDDk3hWFtLUh8xZpAyfEBjTQ9vKml56mcSigE4Drpi1fqoUvV-iNZT3YVrYjgp-Mvt9DP0iSyzhcAwDQbJiR/s400/IMG_2309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614929779102773890" border="0" /></a>I finally jumped on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Whoopie</span> Pie bandwagon with these <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/318802/raspberry-lemon-whoopie-pies">Raspberry-Lemon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Whoopie</span> Pies</a>. The secret to making the cookies similarly shaped is to trace circles on parchment paper and then fill with the dough piped from a bag...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8HEwciEyrkgKCpds8sMSRBwnrGRlEZp6lps4S_Wtfeg-t0qvb323QMurGY8meaY5ql6YBUuboUBNMhICak7BDkUnpZ1KZfxeN_maNdzuvqIUIdqDq6ySu9eqgtzXEsNl-Za_ukaynm45/s1600/IMG_2305.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8HEwciEyrkgKCpds8sMSRBwnrGRlEZp6lps4S_Wtfeg-t0qvb323QMurGY8meaY5ql6YBUuboUBNMhICak7BDkUnpZ1KZfxeN_maNdzuvqIUIdqDq6ySu9eqgtzXEsNl-Za_ukaynm45/s400/IMG_2305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614975297716488098" border="0" /></a>We all know that I can't ever make perfect circles without cheating a little. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwPFHyfSReooEu8AE_hxhAYXsGpxIswWscXE2HuHPBI4_opwR3lTZ2J4aR-zggbz6rMGvC3KE8hqc3wsm-7T4qubRmhBQnkGOKQu4r-ytQmNunbzeKVz1G2jp32vg8fSBTR1oC57pQXJX/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwPFHyfSReooEu8AE_hxhAYXsGpxIswWscXE2HuHPBI4_opwR3lTZ2J4aR-zggbz6rMGvC3KE8hqc3wsm-7T4qubRmhBQnkGOKQu4r-ytQmNunbzeKVz1G2jp32vg8fSBTR1oC57pQXJX/s400/IMG_2058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614939499429397634" border="0" /></a>Ah, the genius of <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/here-kitty-kitty/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bakerella</span></a>. She made <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Paizlee's</span> preschool class very, very happy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HPoOpDdy_B7bGc1foXkTWjFXfVe05RicYQszFwaZkTODZPwkJ0YB918Qu336Fyj3xDlJgeqcjRFRZ20uoRac38I9ksAkaJEcDQyM5MbcKJ0M0cm1aZe2Vc25zPtyXiTFmPMMSaEax9vR/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HPoOpDdy_B7bGc1foXkTWjFXfVe05RicYQszFwaZkTODZPwkJ0YB918Qu336Fyj3xDlJgeqcjRFRZ20uoRac38I9ksAkaJEcDQyM5MbcKJ0M0cm1aZe2Vc25zPtyXiTFmPMMSaEax9vR/s400/IMG_2826.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614928457363502946" border="0" /></a>Lemon.lemon.lemon.lemon. Need I say more? <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/261775/glazed-lemon-pound-cake?backto=true">Glazed Lemon Pound Cake</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVzZap2WLbGOw3vB2gtNnLQsQJ96XlnTGlltkMGogFt_CLinmuJxZLQ4NFL04aYgd-dJ_zviFGTENgZe_dmh-G6N4lect9Z_-y0hcl20zdBBjcQgpewLCDtzXdqIgzqT0NMs5BhHcNap4/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVzZap2WLbGOw3vB2gtNnLQsQJ96XlnTGlltkMGogFt_CLinmuJxZLQ4NFL04aYgd-dJ_zviFGTENgZe_dmh-G6N4lect9Z_-y0hcl20zdBBjcQgpewLCDtzXdqIgzqT0NMs5BhHcNap4/s400/IMG_2803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614928447972294338" border="0" /></a>These <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2010/08/pina-colada-cupcakes-recipe.html">Pineapple Cupcakes</a> with Toasted Coconut Frosting were the absolute hit of Maddux's Kindergarten luau. I think it may have had something to do with the umbrellas, but I can't be certain. <br /><br />If you happen to see me walking 14 miles to the store along the side of the road somewhere, it's either because I ran out of flour or I am walking off all the sugar. Either way, happy baking!Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-82600410164144791122011-06-03T00:51:00.006-05:002011-06-03T01:42:07.439-05:00June 3, 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXiUNxSSd67VQvQ9B2F5QSq3IRLR2ius-d3Y_rjBjCVXklKKjhkf3j88pkSK-KRr7H0jWHuv7AXJIJcuMJ0nFIrewTkuCgSZrMYsaFjF2bF_aijOZGYw28ry4Uta2JK0jbfxfPdApULs7/s1600/IMG_2820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXiUNxSSd67VQvQ9B2F5QSq3IRLR2ius-d3Y_rjBjCVXklKKjhkf3j88pkSK-KRr7H0jWHuv7AXJIJcuMJ0nFIrewTkuCgSZrMYsaFjF2bF_aijOZGYw28ry4Uta2JK0jbfxfPdApULs7/s400/IMG_2820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613867997943837314" border="0" /></a>Dear Nan,<br /><br />It's past midnight now, which means that I made it through what would have been your birthday. A day that was once full of lemon cakes, bouquets of flowers and laughter has morphed into a day of profound sadness. <br /><br />I baked you a lemon pound cake. You would have loved it. You could have eaten it without a fork, just picked up thick slices and sat on the front porch with a glass of Dr. Pepper. I baked it using your mixing bowls, your silver measuring spoons and your cake stand. I even used the orange bundt pan that you had hanging on the wall in your kitchen. I had hoped that the baking process would bring some sort of peace, but I admit that it just made me sad.<br /><br />I don't know what to do to make me <span style="font-style: italic;">less</span> sad. I keep thinking that this will get easier.<br /><br />I got a job. I said, "yes" to every sport or activity that the kids wanted to participate in. I volunteered to bake cupcakes, make costumes, be the room mother and work extra shifts. No matter how many activities that I find to fill up the hours of my day, I am still sitting here at 2 and 3 o'clock in the morning with too much time to think. <br /><br />I went to the Alzheimer's support group. I sat there on my metal folding chair soon after you were gone and listened to people speak about the spouses and parents that they had lost. I felt that my grief wasn't large enough in comparison to what they had lost. I felt inconsequential and shallow. <br /><br />I can't talk to Brad because just one month ago he lost his dad<span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> His pain is so raw and too fresh. I can't add to his sadness. He didn't get to say goodbye. <br /><br />I got to say goodbye. I was there. But when I should have been letting you go, I was instead holding on tighter and tighter. I can't let you go. I can't seem to get around this huge, gaping hole that I am finding every time I turn around. <br /><br />Until I learn how to live <span style="font-style: italic;">around </span>this sense of loss, I will continue surrounding myself with the things that brought you joy because they bring me moments of joy. I planted zinnias and two beautiful hydrangea bushes. I set my dinner table with the plates and bowls that you always used. I tell the kids all the stories of our many adventures so that your love will live on in them. <br /><br />Happy Birthday, Nan. I love you. I <span style="font-style: italic;">miss</span> you.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-7881707133922070792011-02-22T15:44:00.002-06:002011-02-22T16:15:22.899-06:00Tuesday is the new Monday?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7fYbyj9FGjI8ESTtPg_7zQ6_LqlUNl1QW4EGtAjlw5FSjifMxbu2QwwSWuXyWYGeFAN1FVex-VkzSYsEJVr-5ELVNkv1jTPLt4kjCt9HjfXMULDr_mcIFEPVsdwer1cVpv_0LNE1C-dG/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7fYbyj9FGjI8ESTtPg_7zQ6_LqlUNl1QW4EGtAjlw5FSjifMxbu2QwwSWuXyWYGeFAN1FVex-VkzSYsEJVr-5ELVNkv1jTPLt4kjCt9HjfXMULDr_mcIFEPVsdwer1cVpv_0LNE1C-dG/s400/IMG_1822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576635432928958562" border="0" /></a>This morning:<br /><br />Paizlee thought it would be fun to use the broom as a tightrope. I am sure that you can imagine how well this ended. She wedged the dang thing between her bed and her dresser and then proceeded to balance her 35-pound self on top. The broom snapped in half. I know, we are all shocked. I then made her pay me all of her allowance money to the tune of $2.35 to pay for a new broom. Yes, I am the worst mother on the whole planet. And yes, I know every mother on the planet by which I can compare myself.<br /><br />The morning then spun into something that looked a little like this: 1 Hello Kitty band aid, 3 pieces of grape jelly toast face down on the kitchen floor, 1 missing library book, 1 missing left shoe and 2 broken plates.<br /><br />Then I dropped everyone off at school and went to a meeting at work. With adults! Who don't need me to pour them a glass of milk or cheat at Eye Spy. <br /><br />And then I spent $110.00 on soccer balls and shin guards. Don't be jealous. And it's only Tuesday, people.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-39370397918643811442011-02-14T18:38:00.006-06:002011-02-16T09:47:13.863-06:00The Perfect Valentine's Day Breakfast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO47u2za2QOShwwdEWUN9mWVn7GyuuvEeBGd6oK4YBU1g9sUV_pabXLaSWWt962vYHeKgDYZRxVQ4SMcs0wjGlr185x7cBaL2Zcpu4xtM5NhjO1tUKE1UoM5Zitv0jsu9qVT1HQDl_jJvT/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO47u2za2QOShwwdEWUN9mWVn7GyuuvEeBGd6oK4YBU1g9sUV_pabXLaSWWt962vYHeKgDYZRxVQ4SMcs0wjGlr185x7cBaL2Zcpu4xtM5NhjO1tUKE1UoM5Zitv0jsu9qVT1HQDl_jJvT/s400/IMG_1890.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573709949809834482" border="0" /></a>Every year we have a huge big breakfast for Valentine's Day. I love the early morning sunshine that brightens our table. I also love a good excuse to put out bowls of candy. Shocked, aren't you? My favorite red tulips and hearts cut out of vintage road maps (that I bought <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66513974/vintage-maps-paper-hearts-ephemera-pack">HERE</a>) completed the table.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhyphenhyphenfcmZqYJe4GckcRRbq6WWXD69Ygz0cz_Ohmp0akv0L-pmHN4Tr3GxWr1km-2JUxkuAqPgMi4XlmYCMofiKTW6QIu565jJkjK3lg4Jq8VVbf9jFWpohkaOPasDXSbzOoiDI9YxnXo83N/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhyphenhyphenfcmZqYJe4GckcRRbq6WWXD69Ygz0cz_Ohmp0akv0L-pmHN4Tr3GxWr1km-2JUxkuAqPgMi4XlmYCMofiKTW6QIu565jJkjK3lg4Jq8VVbf9jFWpohkaOPasDXSbzOoiDI9YxnXo83N/s400/IMG_1935.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573731432318277090" border="0" /></a>A pile of pink pancakes always makes me smile. They were more or less in the shape of hearts. Leaning a little more towards less. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCJ33xyNombq0YEIJaco8mLtiFKI-rM2Hm7Q2DO84KplbjsHr-al54Jk6CSWk1XpUeZfRkrCDWle6zMCL1v41hSLNgA93xsUNSs4zswtkfg_-K0TWsewsDZzcOk9FF6NP1WAelsf3xTR1/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCJ33xyNombq0YEIJaco8mLtiFKI-rM2Hm7Q2DO84KplbjsHr-al54Jk6CSWk1XpUeZfRkrCDWle6zMCL1v41hSLNgA93xsUNSs4zswtkfg_-K0TWsewsDZzcOk9FF6NP1WAelsf3xTR1/s400/IMG_1939.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573755700950112514" border="0" /></a>Strawberry yogurt parfaits were the hit of breakfast. Plus, they were pretty. And we all know how much I love pretty food.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uP6KV8qW8sno945FpBaIpVKYoTF_T5cAVFfQJk7TBMFfwcLpVYVk2hf1N6XrRf0n0cwhuhIG9fDNpLiMA7sfE5S5yZuTzhyphenhyphenPLTrQ4kVx1DDAQjArg47CYcu5t2-orhCfDlHfChAbEGEg/s1600/IMG_1892.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uP6KV8qW8sno945FpBaIpVKYoTF_T5cAVFfQJk7TBMFfwcLpVYVk2hf1N6XrRf0n0cwhuhIG9fDNpLiMA7sfE5S5yZuTzhyphenhyphenPLTrQ4kVx1DDAQjArg47CYcu5t2-orhCfDlHfChAbEGEg/s400/IMG_1892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573710744080290130" border="0" /></a>My favorite part of the entire table were the name tags. Each beloved family member got a love note. It was the perfect way to start the day. I hope that your Valentine's Day was as love-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ly</span> as mine.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-66631301287333458112011-02-14T03:08:00.007-06:002011-02-14T08:53:16.191-06:00We {Love} Breuklyn Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhVDi1ZCnUxO3YogPmzEyOmaKuxSMbvszp46zSdc53QTsu7P8cjK5lDYjrS3InSW4zOlXNDeqKdxumt-VxZv2_IKV3BkCEmgM0a5z_rS_mlqouS5k8rjtP2e91H5pdllfBT4HelFZPFz3/s1600/IMG_1905.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhVDi1ZCnUxO3YogPmzEyOmaKuxSMbvszp46zSdc53QTsu7P8cjK5lDYjrS3InSW4zOlXNDeqKdxumt-VxZv2_IKV3BkCEmgM0a5z_rS_mlqouS5k8rjtP2e91H5pdllfBT4HelFZPFz3/s400/IMG_1905.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573473049031402722" border="0" /></a>Oh, my sweet and serious child. I love how each child has a very distinct and unique personality. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Breuklyn</span> is the athletic child. She is independent, intuitive to the feelings of others and very much adores her spot as the oldest child.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1phb2O52rIO_88aU6OhMXG_yHdD6QaM57FnRdgHLJ39CgfwMlXkFgJJHLB1x82TQV3_aA_k2oIsFKYnBWIpMldQpC5xnjDVHmfLkywgANLpJsSMeOApYb7KNM_v9FEdYiOLHNtMqsCIju/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1phb2O52rIO_88aU6OhMXG_yHdD6QaM57FnRdgHLJ39CgfwMlXkFgJJHLB1x82TQV3_aA_k2oIsFKYnBWIpMldQpC5xnjDVHmfLkywgANLpJsSMeOApYb7KNM_v9FEdYiOLHNtMqsCIju/s400/IMG_1900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573471878663172866" border="0" /></a>Whether it is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Breuklyn's</span> birthday or any time that she gets to choose what is for dinner, we know exactly what she will pick. <a href="http://because-estee-says-so.blogspot.com/2008/05/chicken-paprikas.html">Chicken <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Paprikas</span></a> with green beans. And an ice cream cake from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Baskin</span>-Robbins, of course. As soon as we sat down <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Breuklyn</span> looks at us and says, "Alright. What do you love about me?"<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Paizlee</span> - "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Breuklyn</span> because she is my friend and my sister. She lets me play with her Barbies."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Maddux</span> - "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Breuklyn</span> because she is always nice to me when she sees me at school."<br /><br />Brad - "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Breuklyn</span> because she is so helpful. She is the first one at the door when I get home from work to give me a hug, too. I love that."<br /><br />Me - "When <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Breuklyn</span> and I were at the grocery store today, there was a picture of a man dressed in a tuxedo on the front of a Valentine's Day card. 'Why is that man wearing a torpedo?' she asked me. I was totally confused until she pointed out the card. Instead of getting mad or embarrassed because I was totally cracking up, she just laughed at herself and said, 'I love it when I can make myself laugh.' I love that about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Breuklyn</span>. She can always find the bright side. She always delights in the sunshine. There is a lot that I can learn from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Breuklyn</span>."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDwL5zh1vozK19FBC_1EI3NLn9Uk6YwGw49-xzVNFa7Ue2S_iEdKripc9G3Nh6BbbT5Z3pBiJ9KRBROokoSFfcAhSXX8bi-IM3kqb_mpJB-6_r3J_OjdaKM4u3TaighSMUsWYSU1GcqCB/s1600/IMG_1907.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDwL5zh1vozK19FBC_1EI3NLn9Uk6YwGw49-xzVNFa7Ue2S_iEdKripc9G3Nh6BbbT5Z3pBiJ9KRBROokoSFfcAhSXX8bi-IM3kqb_mpJB-6_r3J_OjdaKM4u3TaighSMUsWYSU1GcqCB/s400/IMG_1907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573474248028268914" border="0" /></a>We have so thoroughly enjoyed our Love days. It was so nice to take a few minutes to <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> slow down and focus individually on the kids after the chaos of December and January. We had a huge Valentine's Day breakfast yesterday since Brad was home and then I just have to show you the chocolate covered peanut butter hearts that we made. Then we can move on to Easter. Right? I can plant some Easter grass and start planning Easter brunch... I am off to start some new lists!<br /><br />Happy Valentine's Day!Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-72164876137327324152011-02-11T22:55:00.010-06:002011-02-12T01:27:39.553-06:00We Absolutely Love Cupcakes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugoJsjsxDXABjqLJiYYR-G8pzn-HWyyG_8LIKhGRF_uC3Vj9jPIBzYO9VKYoUZyzmSO4tp4UcUEutGaNkn4Bz5zJEYCwOyOZoyvg2NpJ9oZlyzoECAwaRpbPDAmcgPjnkrBcbZFvyU-mH/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugoJsjsxDXABjqLJiYYR-G8pzn-HWyyG_8LIKhGRF_uC3Vj9jPIBzYO9VKYoUZyzmSO4tp4UcUEutGaNkn4Bz5zJEYCwOyOZoyvg2NpJ9oZlyzoECAwaRpbPDAmcgPjnkrBcbZFvyU-mH/s400/IMG_1843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572688675719504066" border="0" /></a>Um, duh. Was there ever any doubt?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiDaWlsyJX0o7XtpBus0DL4LLeZgUQtp-NCLIksQ3bu1y8NgKOgM43_KroDT14dWXk9IRmdlnQ7bDsr_Yd19ZKNVHGSzZNJ_UvDaMqOqBOXaB4RMfWk4R1cPIS3dzzRuGMVJIgJd0DPWj/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiDaWlsyJX0o7XtpBus0DL4LLeZgUQtp-NCLIksQ3bu1y8NgKOgM43_KroDT14dWXk9IRmdlnQ7bDsr_Yd19ZKNVHGSzZNJ_UvDaMqOqBOXaB4RMfWk4R1cPIS3dzzRuGMVJIgJd0DPWj/s400/IMG_1827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572663220865481314" border="0" /></a>Once again we made <a href="http://because-estee-says-so.blogspot.com/2009/02/rainbow-cupcakes-for-valentines-day.html">Valentine's Day Rainbow Cupcakes</a>. I must say, I loved looking back at the pictures from two years ago. The kids have gotten so big! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Paiz</span> was rocking it out in her high chair. Holy.cow.I.am.old. Just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sayin</span>'.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-aXrZbS_jnvCFQQazT0SWOz_zFxbhMNNpa7EjYgL_XxgpucJr1pZ0V-urvChWvP-TGikXnEsRtnZ_XJkFpiW2EBhFF-1XJzOO9En6de7v1nVbZmxvUllxVyTX8ssfe-zay6boPZ8JwiB/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-aXrZbS_jnvCFQQazT0SWOz_zFxbhMNNpa7EjYgL_XxgpucJr1pZ0V-urvChWvP-TGikXnEsRtnZ_XJkFpiW2EBhFF-1XJzOO9En6de7v1nVbZmxvUllxVyTX8ssfe-zay6boPZ8JwiB/s400/IMG_1831.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572664430151998466" border="0" /></a>I love using <a href="http://www.bakeitpretty.com/item_833/Paper-Portion-Cups-in-3-Sizes.htm">these baking cups</a> when I make cupcakes. They are easier for the kids to fill because they stand alone on a cookie sheet without having to use a muffin tin. They are a little more forgiving to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Paizlee</span> swinging batter around. Just take a pair of scissors and make a tiny snip at the rim of the cup so that when it comes time to eat, all you have to do is gently tear away the baking cup.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37fdzw5rvtkcEqMh3Blrix1Jhr0W15CZl0-X-xmPHPgDsfv9Rmw0mxGHugQtB-Cne5UGGMojuys9Ge-ZluYh8okC4x0gWNSywKdRtECQIoSaIB0PAS9zlD-CW333Nf_7O1iz1oGFEEcge/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37fdzw5rvtkcEqMh3Blrix1Jhr0W15CZl0-X-xmPHPgDsfv9Rmw0mxGHugQtB-Cne5UGGMojuys9Ge-ZluYh8okC4x0gWNSywKdRtECQIoSaIB0PAS9zlD-CW333Nf_7O1iz1oGFEEcge/s400/IMG_1835.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572688066384609250" border="0" /></a>I just love how pretty these cupcakes are. I made these at Halloween using green, orange and purple batter. I have a major weakness for <span style="font-style: italic;">pretty </span>cupcakes. Oh, and reasons to use sprinkles. I will do pretty much anything that involves sprinkles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_Wfm8hd9CMpglR9i6FWnJLmhPVp5LHobS9kr7HEAB_7Hw4HeodsT2E6jmOrHqIR2awiITk_-_xa0xRXoaa_bJkdBXHdMBh8oN1My8NYAqgD3AaTJBwyEihJX8f-uEAOr54f1Nx26x5wn/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_Wfm8hd9CMpglR9i6FWnJLmhPVp5LHobS9kr7HEAB_7Hw4HeodsT2E6jmOrHqIR2awiITk_-_xa0xRXoaa_bJkdBXHdMBh8oN1My8NYAqgD3AaTJBwyEihJX8f-uEAOr54f1Nx26x5wn/s400/IMG_1863.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572689564388475394" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Breuklyn</span> is very serious about decorating cupcakes. This is obviously a very serious business. She is also the first one done. She knows what she wants, gets is accomplished and is then happily munching on cupcakes while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Maddux</span> is still fretting over the perfect application of frosting. I love that she always knows what she wants and very often has no problem accomplishing exactly that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr8900dj1vplw_V3GMTgK06aClktnFed3OEptfqfc6c7dCh9l5Fv2HXpNQt_5l_yzXEbw6lUf6_Nom1cn_9eSD2TtBKUR1hEvmCdSGgKRMq1G7n3w5q76SMc1l4OGuU9X12JQtj_rLcE9/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr8900dj1vplw_V3GMTgK06aClktnFed3OEptfqfc6c7dCh9l5Fv2HXpNQt_5l_yzXEbw6lUf6_Nom1cn_9eSD2TtBKUR1hEvmCdSGgKRMq1G7n3w5q76SMc1l4OGuU9X12JQtj_rLcE9/s400/IMG_1867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572690369073495122" border="0" /></a>Notice that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Maddux</span> is wielding an off-set spatula. No spoon for him. He wants the real deal. He has carefully sampled the frosting and since it met his inspection he will now spend 15 minutes frosting a single cupcake. While <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Paizlee</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Breuklyn</span> hoarded their cupcakes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Maddux</span> was the only one who shared his cupcakes with Brad. Poor Brad. No one wants to share with him. Just where is the cupcake love, people?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxZff0sU1Kb6b-iFMVH2Nd4fVGWeodqezYhJkbWrzNJWYIbpjhsnU8je30778ebfGz_Oyksll-rHtUn-AjInMpQvCrU2e4BCTM2yncRiUsSs8aZpodvsqqoGw_Bsmug9MP2KMFpIhihg9/s1600/IMG_1880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxZff0sU1Kb6b-iFMVH2Nd4fVGWeodqezYhJkbWrzNJWYIbpjhsnU8je30778ebfGz_Oyksll-rHtUn-AjInMpQvCrU2e4BCTM2yncRiUsSs8aZpodvsqqoGw_Bsmug9MP2KMFpIhihg9/s400/IMG_1880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572691175933122194" border="0" /></a>Now this kid, she is all about the sprinkles. I can't imagine where she gets it from. The pinker, the better. She carefully arranged her heart sprinkles so that they were sticking up out of the cupcake. She licked all of them to make sure they would stick. She also licked the cupcake to make sure the frosting would stick. She is nothing if not dedicated. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugoJsjsxDXABjqLJiYYR-G8pzn-HWyyG_8LIKhGRF_uC3Vj9jPIBzYO9VKYoUZyzmSO4tp4UcUEutGaNkn4Bz5zJEYCwOyOZoyvg2NpJ9oZlyzoECAwaRpbPDAmcgPjnkrBcbZFvyU-mH/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugoJsjsxDXABjqLJiYYR-G8pzn-HWyyG_8LIKhGRF_uC3Vj9jPIBzYO9VKYoUZyzmSO4tp4UcUEutGaNkn4Bz5zJEYCwOyOZoyvg2NpJ9oZlyzoECAwaRpbPDAmcgPjnkrBcbZFvyU-mH/s400/IMG_1843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572688675719504066" border="0" /></a>You know that you just need to make these cupcakes this weekend, right? You can hear the sprinkles calling your name, can't you? If not, it is because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Paiz</span> ate them all.<br /><br />We will be up to our eyeballs this weekend in making Valentines, creating teacher's gifts and We Love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Breuklyn</span> Day adventures. I hope that your weekend is just as lovely.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-35525495058170730192011-02-09T22:26:00.003-06:002011-02-09T23:01:13.503-06:00We Love, um, Antibiotics?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUCa1X3S8dlK7anQRxyDygaXyRh6OuG0myY6mJmoliHoiHeELz6ICyNcj_Ue_rUHgPbqiYQ5TE7u7k1qFNwacnnyc2_M-zQoNmKKywBiNy3tJcoKr2UwEZ4vqrl6gE-xA8RwdMepa7u-h/s1600/IMG_8181.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUCa1X3S8dlK7anQRxyDygaXyRh6OuG0myY6mJmoliHoiHeELz6ICyNcj_Ue_rUHgPbqiYQ5TE7u7k1qFNwacnnyc2_M-zQoNmKKywBiNy3tJcoKr2UwEZ4vqrl6gE-xA8RwdMepa7u-h/s400/IMG_8181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571913768331594466" border="0" /></a>The numbers from my life this week:<br /><br />3 sick kids + 1 sick husband = 4 very good reasons for me to take a lengthy vacation in a land far, far away.<br /><br />$85.00 in co-pays and prescriptions + 20 minutes waiting in line at the pharmacy = Justification for me to buy <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Water-for-Elephants/Sara-Gruen/e/9781565125858/?cds2Pid=28406">3</a> <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Cutting-for-Stone/Abraham-Verghese/e/9780307271341/?cds2Pid=28406">new</a> <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Weird-Sisters/Eleanor-Brown/e/9781101486375/?cds2Pid=28406">books</a> for my <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp">Nook</a> without feeling guilty.<br /><br />12,000 Clorox bleach wipes + 104 gallons of water from washing sheets, pillowcases and blankets = Tulips, hydrangeas and more tulips covering every available surface in my house. Sensible, yes? Germs just pack it up and leave when surrounded by happy bursts of color, right?<br /><br />All thoughts of sprinkles, frosting and paper hearts have been put on the back burner until the antibiotics have run their course and the kids are back in school. I have high hopes for tomorrow. At the moment, we love Tylenol, ginormous bowls of <a href="http://because-estee-says-so.blogspot.com/2008/11/estees-homemade-vegetable-beef-soup.html">Vegetable Beef Soup</a> and <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11152090">super cute slippers</a>. Hopefully things at your house are more germ-free than at ours. If not, I've got plenty of soup.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-17895019655058256452011-02-06T12:51:00.006-06:002011-02-06T13:34:32.908-06:00We Love Love Love Maddux Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEa_D1vkswrSeRrrmqVIgQ4HTrbU6DXlOx5pVhxKnTapip3xBbBjzS4U2xbp8McZD2LmQOZJtsYaI_9wQMA-aq-ZlqZVmYHWksHdAxvccT4Xg850Zxr4rCXM6H-9HNcbG5Yn_3iQALFZ4P/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEa_D1vkswrSeRrrmqVIgQ4HTrbU6DXlOx5pVhxKnTapip3xBbBjzS4U2xbp8McZD2LmQOZJtsYaI_9wQMA-aq-ZlqZVmYHWksHdAxvccT4Xg850Zxr4rCXM6H-9HNcbG5Yn_3iQALFZ4P/s400/IMG_1746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570651839008440642" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Maddux</span> had a very difficult time deciding what he wanted to eat for his special day. It's a hard life when you are stuck deciding between cake, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes and banana splits. Those<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>are<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>his favorite foods, after all. I was actually teetering on <span style="font-style: italic;">banana splits for dinner won't be the worst decision I make all month</span> when he decided that pizza was a food that he could live with. As long as there weren't any pepperoni, onions, green peppers or anything else that makes a pizza edible. However, the exact opposite is true when it comes to banana splits. The more that you pile on in terms of bananas, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles and cherries, the better that it is. Clearly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiQ09-BzdZ4lirpvDAzpftvjeL3Tr5giSiLx5vQxvRfXevtZbzwRa7XrvQQndN6aifWdmQKFFv4Ar5oGiazas7jSr4pTlguIcZ4WLmIz_Ka1BdWdWWWnhXqJvMqEzIPBXdWCGINMHrreC/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiQ09-BzdZ4lirpvDAzpftvjeL3Tr5giSiLx5vQxvRfXevtZbzwRa7XrvQQndN6aifWdmQKFFv4Ar5oGiazas7jSr4pTlguIcZ4WLmIz_Ka1BdWdWWWnhXqJvMqEzIPBXdWCGINMHrreC/s400/IMG_1280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570659306607033522" border="0" /></a>We love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maddux</span> for many reasons.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Breuklyn</span> - "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Maddux</span> because he is funny. He has the best jokes."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Paizlee</span> - "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Maddux</span> because he is pretty. And he loves me."<br /><br />Brad - "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Maddux</span> because he is the best golfing buddy. He is always happy and he is the best at sharing with his sisters."<br /><br />Me - "I love Buster because he is unselfish and always super considerate of others. He always asks how my day was and what I did while he was at school. He is always concerned about the feelings of others and always always always puts his interests last. He is rocking it out in Kindergarten and reading like a pro. Plus, he really is hysterical."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9vvHFW_sYAAYMV3ZgbyFIH_1SYrHkbbv9BtuIFdSTdGagUBKjP8ULH9KQf0ypFnhZE1hai6-C5xcKBJIm8L0gyTnoHmPUMWKo1BSMC4d-ufzb1Efn_fbdyaSiSxDEMGwx6xCX79gwbgS/s1600/IMG_1778.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9vvHFW_sYAAYMV3ZgbyFIH_1SYrHkbbv9BtuIFdSTdGagUBKjP8ULH9KQf0ypFnhZE1hai6-C5xcKBJIm8L0gyTnoHmPUMWKo1BSMC4d-ufzb1Efn_fbdyaSiSxDEMGwx6xCX79gwbgS/s400/IMG_1778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570653580851209282" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Maddux</span> got money in a card from my parents because he got the Principal's Award for the last semester. As he sat in the backseat and looked at his dollars, he took half of them and shared with his sisters. "I don't like it when I have something and they don't" he said. He is just genuinely sweet. And, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Maddux</span>, I really hope that you will always stay that way.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-19395872628964595272011-02-04T13:47:00.007-06:002011-02-04T14:16:03.932-06:00Things I Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxkKL39wYrsxd8XYYTIqaUCrXrE8EVuUnBUeS64un2eL88UOj_0v8xkFix-SyRGKZrFH-RDhyphenhyphen1_a9UkwqDFvbTJKg7GpnjeRI12olaQE65V8OpUP6g1pg9dgSlakN5cUzeyfmuYsc6kNn/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxkKL39wYrsxd8XYYTIqaUCrXrE8EVuUnBUeS64un2eL88UOj_0v8xkFix-SyRGKZrFH-RDhyphenhyphen1_a9UkwqDFvbTJKg7GpnjeRI12olaQE65V8OpUP6g1pg9dgSlakN5cUzeyfmuYsc6kNn/s400/IMG_1639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569924050779240418" border="0" /></a>As you may have noticed, I take a lot of random photos of things that catch my eye. I have accumulated a lot of these pictures. Therefore, I created this layout. It captures a few of the things that I love the most.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpAZOnqBXrrNCmBKAuh_8uVeR0_bwJ9Ygucv9pJEtToLPJcA9f7Zjtgp6-VkKw7-iG7HGZWNJRaY1bz6wTKYonX9WSz2HZwHq4z__tmZqoEtJfGO3uyCzSaOzCt2Wx-s55vDwGk1BY5GT/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpAZOnqBXrrNCmBKAuh_8uVeR0_bwJ9Ygucv9pJEtToLPJcA9f7Zjtgp6-VkKw7-iG7HGZWNJRaY1bz6wTKYonX9WSz2HZwHq4z__tmZqoEtJfGO3uyCzSaOzCt2Wx-s55vDwGk1BY5GT/s400/IMG_1647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569925500057881378" border="0" /></a>I love layering on my layouts. Yes, this makes them a pain in the neck to store, but they are super cute otherwise. I find that the more time consuming and detail-oriented the layout it, the more that I love it. I am useless when it comes to quick layouts. I love to bask in the glory of a few uninterrupted hours of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scrapbooking</span> while catching up on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Netflix</span> queue. I am currently obsessed with <a href="http://www.fox.com/lietome/">Lie to Me</a>. I love when I discover a new (to me) show that I can watch from the beginning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8cOnG6dDj1VjdKWzthZORtvf6LtEigwe1dr_aRwGbZNHHwJaW9R7lcncriaBvuDMnuJ-4W-LbtiJU__fJc00AxdFDHzzfIm5ogX90i_FLms-yDg0dBuBfpgrLgx4Rhsv90b6e_zAAoAj/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8cOnG6dDj1VjdKWzthZORtvf6LtEigwe1dr_aRwGbZNHHwJaW9R7lcncriaBvuDMnuJ-4W-LbtiJU__fJc00AxdFDHzzfIm5ogX90i_FLms-yDg0dBuBfpgrLgx4Rhsv90b6e_zAAoAj/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569930188177681042" border="0" /></a>I am <a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/1552523/">hosting a contest over at Scrapbook.com</a> this month where you can submit a layout about your favorite things. One lucky winner will receive a $20.00 gift certificate to Scrapbook.com. I hope you'll check it out!<br /><br />I have lots of pictures from We Love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Maddux</span> day. Pizza, Super Mario Brothers on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wii</span> and banana splits were enjoyed by all. Have a great Friday!Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-74493290810881029312011-02-03T20:37:00.010-06:002011-02-03T21:48:42.620-06:00Valentine's Day Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqxbfTG3JAkLR0IMcxfe_h3l9ZHorRHdub-KHO2sFxhlHRZ8fLavqu9tflgou_a4uadwuWrQEFAAV6uGl0K6bdeuPfNYKmjWAyoA8wPd0Csf9urWz691LQ6BcPbz82j65fKaEQGTzFhns/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqxbfTG3JAkLR0IMcxfe_h3l9ZHorRHdub-KHO2sFxhlHRZ8fLavqu9tflgou_a4uadwuWrQEFAAV6uGl0K6bdeuPfNYKmjWAyoA8wPd0Csf9urWz691LQ6BcPbz82j65fKaEQGTzFhns/s400/IMG_1795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569668416091474578" border="0" /></a>Otherwise known as my new favorite cookie of all time. That is right, people. Of.all.time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzdDEuziHYwcGbuAgCGyBnA4hGBbvyYkizWfu14SmD2JWdkV4nFBzU4Vycn1VaeqGDm3GQAvMFdvcdovFuDWcFCdS7BFcdxlTkYA5FebortI-LLRM9qkOxGsZgKVBtaVBvLCMKrndDujL/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzdDEuziHYwcGbuAgCGyBnA4hGBbvyYkizWfu14SmD2JWdkV4nFBzU4Vycn1VaeqGDm3GQAvMFdvcdovFuDWcFCdS7BFcdxlTkYA5FebortI-LLRM9qkOxGsZgKVBtaVBvLCMKrndDujL/s400/IMG_1701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569660598601245602" border="0" /></a>You can find the original recipe <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/peanut-butter-and-jam-heart-cookies?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/valentines-day-crafternoon-party#slide_13">here</a>. For four dozen cookies (instead of the two dozen called for in the original recipe) you will need:<br /><ul><li>3 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted<br /></li><li>3 teaspoons baking powder</li><li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li>2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature</li><li>1 cup granulated sugar</li><li>1 cup packed light-brown sugar</li><li>2 cups creamy peanut butter</li><li>2 large eggs</li><li>1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam, stirred<br /></li><li>1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam, stirred<br /></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMfHZfzRNaeapaFPZjlPIXF5OPxzcai6WvpohkEHEoMPEZyWKs_0gRbcsFaEztQsmgZ01cpM0WPmJhKU9jxjCKiacZPHNI3cesbougO0oDt-FuPqE1-SXF5haQVJgpVi3K5kK0SsU0uvN/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMfHZfzRNaeapaFPZjlPIXF5OPxzcai6WvpohkEHEoMPEZyWKs_0gRbcsFaEztQsmgZ01cpM0WPmJhKU9jxjCKiacZPHNI3cesbougO0oDt-FuPqE1-SXF5haQVJgpVi3K5kK0SsU0uvN/s400/IMG_1708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569661539144873378" border="0" /></a>This is one of those recipes that is easily adaptable for kids. It isn't finicky and yes, it's a little time-consuming, but there are lots of opportunities for little hands to help out. <br /><br />Sift together your dry ingredients in a small bowl; set aside. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides of the bowl often. Add the peanut butter and then the eggs. Mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. <br /><br />The dough should now be almost a play-doh consistency. It was easily rolled into balls and not at all sticky. If you find it to be sticky, put it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then proceed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaHoXZDXlIfgPOx1LyDWq1ZdkoWl5keibhqHAR2wEeZVOA8gRcsezOIe3aZyQEp38mPsyeGuabu44akehV8GaUPdvMM_83T5IcRyU2_Wjhw9Qjx0pfcUgl_8YaRZYIazBmBmj5AXvTOuN/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaHoXZDXlIfgPOx1LyDWq1ZdkoWl5keibhqHAR2wEeZVOA8gRcsezOIe3aZyQEp38mPsyeGuabu44akehV8GaUPdvMM_83T5IcRyU2_Wjhw9Qjx0pfcUgl_8YaRZYIazBmBmj5AXvTOuN/s400/IMG_1712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569662664488910434" border="0" /></a>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough into 1-1/2 inch balls. The actual amount is just about 2 Tablespoons. You want them to be a little bit big because it makes it easier to add the hearts later.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRmvWLvPXYm7HNqnH_d9spa5KmfZPtg4JdcIpbThUQuRV274FrUXFzWSfuT-VE4zklmFAktPRya0MxP_2HBwaNSpv8D8aNqpgRbohKpLOo_p935KAE3NsSqQxNu8HZ_fBsWSgPdenRGsn/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRmvWLvPXYm7HNqnH_d9spa5KmfZPtg4JdcIpbThUQuRV274FrUXFzWSfuT-VE4zklmFAktPRya0MxP_2HBwaNSpv8D8aNqpgRbohKpLOo_p935KAE3NsSqQxNu8HZ_fBsWSgPdenRGsn/s400/IMG_1717.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569663395002415426" border="0" /></a>You can absolutely freeze the dough at this point. Freeze them individually on a cookie sheet and once they are frozen, throw them into a Ziploc bag. When you are ready to use them, put the bag in your refrigerator for an hour so that they can thaw a bit and then proceed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqs9bFdj7hUr78f0EDOGepzeZ4_k4TaMEKeNo0YcbHC9l3gVMfiJBO1qCYWgugyorYoM8CuI-7jw10LVEhwiRKWF946q0SZgY5B1nEm7AztkZ8qTIBwlti9Zb9JQ-PfzWgT33tRE3KNjZ/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqs9bFdj7hUr78f0EDOGepzeZ4_k4TaMEKeNo0YcbHC9l3gVMfiJBO1qCYWgugyorYoM8CuI-7jw10LVEhwiRKWF946q0SZgY5B1nEm7AztkZ8qTIBwlti9Zb9JQ-PfzWgT33tRE3KNjZ/s400/IMG_1732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569664627881461938" border="0" /></a>Slightly flatten the cookies with the bottom of a drinking glass. Don't get too carried away, you want the thickness. Space the cookies about an inch and a half apart on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMG_T7Gr2Wk6kukN3YnXr3nCHrzbaeEOjU7dJrrorvNDSV28AI_aapTHBjjA2LIyCybmqBZ9Tj341jTAdlOw5aGEXDOZu5C3fRgc2ts84NlaZ4wpdit1KZsJ54aLCE4_XgduS5v6_6m3K/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMG_T7Gr2Wk6kukN3YnXr3nCHrzbaeEOjU7dJrrorvNDSV28AI_aapTHBjjA2LIyCybmqBZ9Tj341jTAdlOw5aGEXDOZu5C3fRgc2ts84NlaZ4wpdit1KZsJ54aLCE4_XgduS5v6_6m3K/s400/IMG_1735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569665622623286930" border="0" /></a>Since my fingers are of the short and stubby variety and they are not at all helpful in pressing delicate hearts into cookies. However, the end of my wooden spoon is the perfect alternative. <br /><br />Once you have completed this step, pop the cookie sheets into the fridge for 20 minutes to chill. Then, bake for 12 minutes in your preheated oven.<br /><br />At the end of 12 minutes, remove the cookies and then reshape the heart in your cookie. You will find that it has gotten puffy in the oven. Flatten it out using the wooden spoon. Then fill the indented heart shape with your choice of seedless jam. I used strawberry for the first batch and raspberry for the second. Bake for an additional 7 minutes. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqxbfTG3JAkLR0IMcxfe_h3l9ZHorRHdub-KHO2sFxhlHRZ8fLavqu9tflgou_a4uadwuWrQEFAAV6uGl0K6bdeuPfNYKmjWAyoA8wPd0Csf9urWz691LQ6BcPbz82j65fKaEQGTzFhns/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqxbfTG3JAkLR0IMcxfe_h3l9ZHorRHdub-KHO2sFxhlHRZ8fLavqu9tflgou_a4uadwuWrQEFAAV6uGl0K6bdeuPfNYKmjWAyoA8wPd0Csf9urWz691LQ6BcPbz82j65fKaEQGTzFhns/s400/IMG_1795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569668416091474578" border="0" /></a> Brad, who hates it when I mess with his peanut butter cookies, has pronounced these to be his new favorite cookies. This man has never loved anything except plain old peanut butter cross-hatched cookies, so this is big. They will make the prefect addition to the ten thousand (or three) Valentine's Day parties that they kids will be having at school. Yum. <br /><br />I hope that your February is full of cookies!Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-62662829497255105502011-02-02T16:22:00.006-06:002011-02-02T17:30:59.112-06:00We {Heart} Paizlee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUANw3L_LHTot3AwpzjDtR7-z9uhPhFYQF3s7bsQr5Z3yqNUCRQ4_etETYannaQ5utAbL40GgSAnzGCpmaRmLwMUQLJhE5WtnQPgw2nx8tsKC8ZQG6xV1XvmzNk1SzwUdo01e2KptIKuU/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUANw3L_LHTot3AwpzjDtR7-z9uhPhFYQF3s7bsQr5Z3yqNUCRQ4_etETYannaQ5utAbL40GgSAnzGCpmaRmLwMUQLJhE5WtnQPgw2nx8tsKC8ZQG6xV1XvmzNk1SzwUdo01e2KptIKuU/s400/IMG_1615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569221795720236242" border="0" /></a>Yesterday we celebrated We Love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Paizlee</span> Day. When it is your special day you get to have a big special dinner of your choosing. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Paizlee</span> chose - ranch dressing. I love this kid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MqW7LRsYNgziFwSeQspkgxsoBGKxn-OKroAzK3n77tZBmpLJxaAnVdZTlRg_RtudTW08bLrRVNablFuolU1-9Y5vsaH610zg23_8okt_-88rXNMjUrkSChjazz7mF2T3yEpHw6aXEHpL/s1600/IMG_1655.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MqW7LRsYNgziFwSeQspkgxsoBGKxn-OKroAzK3n77tZBmpLJxaAnVdZTlRg_RtudTW08bLrRVNablFuolU1-9Y5vsaH610zg23_8okt_-88rXNMjUrkSChjazz7mF2T3yEpHw6aXEHpL/s400/IMG_1655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569223489244256658" border="0" /></a>We had salad (with homemade ranch dressing) and pink milk to drink, naturally. She was in her glory. We went around the table and told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Paizlee</span> exactly why she is so loved.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Breuklyn</span>, "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Paizlee</span> because she is hilarious."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Maddux</span>, "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Paiz</span> because she changes clothes like a million times a day and that is hilarious."<br /><br />Brad, "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Paizlee</span> because you have absolutely no idea what she is going to do next. You never know where she will turn up, what she will do or what she will say. She is unpredictable and we love her for it."<br /><br />Me, "I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Paiz</span> because she dances her heart out at ballet but mostly because her tights are all saggy around her ankles. I love her because she will try absolutely anything. She is the bravest, most enthusiastic and energetic of the three. She climbs into bed in the middle of the night just because she needs to snuggle for a minute and then trundles off to bed again. She is our last baby and sometimes we have a hard time letting her be big and she is alright with that."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfK7hvlXb_E7PrdswZ5n093Fda42E2egHQ02i3A6ZptVxtTQNh4HI6J9tjSjTNSkagleGQemClJAwOrryDEk_PhJ_GUUQ27NnQc3gRxE9SiObmxZeocsSIQcB7HYfoJGf91dradgXIx4y/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfK7hvlXb_E7PrdswZ5n093Fda42E2egHQ02i3A6ZptVxtTQNh4HI6J9tjSjTNSkagleGQemClJAwOrryDEk_PhJ_GUUQ27NnQc3gRxE9SiObmxZeocsSIQcB7HYfoJGf91dradgXIx4y/s400/IMG_1620.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569222261455821522" border="0" /></a>A trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Baskin</span>-Robbins (two scoops for her, strawberry and chocolate chip cookie dough, of course) rounded out her perfect day. Thanks, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Paiz</span>, for sharing your love with us. We are so lucky to have you.Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8637242177772977921.post-70872964401727732782011-01-31T14:30:00.012-06:002011-01-31T15:46:09.152-06:00A Little Bit of Everything + The Winner Announced!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eEDz5k1yvp-qyoDupXZf05a10dB67iSGkPa-p2FSHTIuFZZ1xMlbGkmPtLdI7R-KGAfo-F373bQPsgVT2IxiofH76HQZKG0XIHPMEAhNOZatGn0g0zbcSixXIvVtdnLaBsha83EoI3IC/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eEDz5k1yvp-qyoDupXZf05a10dB67iSGkPa-p2FSHTIuFZZ1xMlbGkmPtLdI7R-KGAfo-F373bQPsgVT2IxiofH76HQZKG0XIHPMEAhNOZatGn0g0zbcSixXIvVtdnLaBsha83EoI3IC/s400/IMG_1532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568465051103257826" border="0" /></a>I just can't resist adding a few more of my favorite things, since I had so much fun reading all of your favorite things! Of course, I snagged the first bunch of tulips that I could find. Shocked, aren't you?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7hVjaQWA3hpIdfLK6ma5-QecsJlWJRoxH8Ov2FCW1pOCdiTbFJ5JkZ6IdSQBwlagsV5PY6K4kZ0FZpYsgxG74Mon6aayBudRCdkwCszH8LjNzTQyuTV3aQet_vQfVwJrfs2Sq3QyVR_b/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7hVjaQWA3hpIdfLK6ma5-QecsJlWJRoxH8Ov2FCW1pOCdiTbFJ5JkZ6IdSQBwlagsV5PY6K4kZ0FZpYsgxG74Mon6aayBudRCdkwCszH8LjNzTQyuTV3aQet_vQfVwJrfs2Sq3QyVR_b/s400/IMG_1586.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568455221758134754" border="0" /></a>I have two new favorite bands that I just can't get enough of; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqDlTKqxu2w">The Decemberists </a>and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KkUeRPjc-Y">Mumford & Sons</a>. Love love love new (to me!) bands.<br /><br />February, at our house, is known as Love Month. The first 14 days of the month have special designations such as, We Love Breuklyn Day or We Love Our Teachers Day. Sprinkled into the mix is a day to make Valentine's Day cards and a day to make <a href="http://because-estee-says-so.blogspot.com/2009/02/rainbow-cupcakes-for-valentines-day.html">Valentine's Day Rainbow Cupcakes.</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1OtDaIBhgLIK0jbfWDpDzC-B5kgyga0WfSUyBqtMMQcUyfbrOjGSp5BXC8c8NVKkyTdSnc7_05TGttjfRCi3CPxLBCDUJzUh_ATIV4mlVLtVQBp_4_BDBypTvp9mzDsTCYaRMg6FiraT/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1OtDaIBhgLIK0jbfWDpDzC-B5kgyga0WfSUyBqtMMQcUyfbrOjGSp5BXC8c8NVKkyTdSnc7_05TGttjfRCi3CPxLBCDUJzUh_ATIV4mlVLtVQBp_4_BDBypTvp9mzDsTCYaRMg6FiraT/s400/IMG_1571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568450663284714002" border="0" /></a>Of course this means two things. 1. I get to buy exorbitant amounts of sprinkles and not feel guilty about it. 2. Everyone wants to know who gets to be honored on February 1st. Oh, the things we worry about over here.<br /><br />This year, Paiz gets the honor. She has <span style="font-style: italic;">decided </span>to acquiesce to my ranting and raving about potty training therefore she has been awarded the February 1st honor. You can read all about my adventures over at <a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/blogs/41587/view/173185.html">Scrapbook.com</a> where I am also giving away a $20.00 Scrapbook.com gift certificate. <span bg="" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="textMedium"><br /></span></span><br />All you need to do is leave a comment over at Scrapbook.com about something hilarious that has happened to you this month. Day Two of potty training and Paiz is losing interest fast. I need the entertainment. Desperately. <span style="font-style: italic;">Trust me.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC9G3JXEaPZA96QbztVOJdsEvbhkGupqaSUGdiSvY2MsRy3qXYTRMsPB4ia1ew32MUgCO3kgZx6BH2hFonUv6wZzGvKF2XJvFtC2Q-naq2x0Mb8qKoiKjYXBrwvo_vERu06k0A8oQNcoz/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC9G3JXEaPZA96QbztVOJdsEvbhkGupqaSUGdiSvY2MsRy3qXYTRMsPB4ia1ew32MUgCO3kgZx6BH2hFonUv6wZzGvKF2XJvFtC2Q-naq2x0Mb8qKoiKjYXBrwvo_vERu06k0A8oQNcoz/s400/IMG_1576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568454022754798098" border="0" /></a>Even though I told my kids that we might get started on Valentine's cards, I have decided that I lied. I am happily working on my own projects and they will just have to wait. I am so up for the Mean Mother of the Year award. And it's only January.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIcEUxH4MQIoA-pr5Of7DRUd0gWcpJtYfl_3QS-0KYyGGs6W3jGB7iuxMRayIDG9OIY3ruQKoQxUMhq3k4mcF5JfYxcYiuURCASg81MKQ46vueHLBCDQCOWrr4Mu37x961GOAff94HXpc/s1600/IMG_1595.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIcEUxH4MQIoA-pr5Of7DRUd0gWcpJtYfl_3QS-0KYyGGs6W3jGB7iuxMRayIDG9OIY3ruQKoQxUMhq3k4mcF5JfYxcYiuURCASg81MKQ46vueHLBCDQCOWrr4Mu37x961GOAff94HXpc/s400/IMG_1595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568456035171663634" border="0" /></a>Thank you thank you thank you for all of the fun comments on my 400th post!! I am working my way through and having a blast checking out your blogs. My little troublemaker was more than happy to choose our winner.<br /><br /><span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03921493641929671775" rel="nofollow"></a></span><blockquote><span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03921493641929671775" rel="nofollow">Sara Zenger</a></span> said...<p>WOW! Thats a wonderful pile of Scappy Goodness! =) Congrats on the 400 posts - I enjoy them so keep up coming!<br /><br />Right now I am enjoying my new book "House Rules" by Jodi Picoult, Pandora on my iPhone, a new recipe for Oatmeal cookies I make tonight and a day filled with scrapbook friends this weekend!<br /><br />Glad you back Estee! Thanks for the give away and I posted it on my blog www.sarazenger.blogspot.com</p> <p class="comment-timestamp">January 28, 2011 7:25 PM</p></blockquote><p class="comment-timestamp"></p><br />Sara, send me an email at EsteeLynn(at)gmail(dot)com with your address and I will get your package in the mail tomorrow.<br /><br />I have got lots and lots of fun Valentine's Day posts planned. There is enough sugar to get you through until September, so be sure to check back. Happy almost February!Esteehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172678717335585579noreply@blogger.com3