Adventures in Mommyhood

Ugg.  We've been sick around our house.  Holland came down with a fever that lasted for 7 days, then took a day off, and then became horribly clingy and screamish and was diagnosed with an ear infection today.  When the Dr. looked in her ear and proclaimed it infected, I admit I was really happy about it.  It was nice to know that there was something to give her that would make her feel better.  I was enjoying all of our snuggle time, but you know, I have to use the bathroom and eat once and awhile. Little Claire Bear had a cough and then developed an eye infection... Take a look... Here's Claire the morning she woke up with infected eyes- look how puffy they are!  She was still cute as can be helping me fold laundry while enjoying a hot cocoa and watching Max and Ruby.  I love that show. Now Lance and I both have sinus stuff going on and once and while I have a sneeze that almost knocks me off my feet.  Can't wait for the sun and the warmer temps to return.  We ar

Our snack situation at home reached a critically low level today.  Since fiber is the word around here lately, I reached for this recipe.  I'm not sure if I'd go so far as to call these bars healthy.  They are very rich, due to the large amounts of sugar and fat that they contain... so healthy... no.  But wholesome?  Perhaps.  In addition to the fat and sugar that you'll find in the recipe, you'll also find whole wheat flour, old-fashioned oats, and flax seed.  They are really filling.  I don't know about you, but it takes at least 3 cookies to satisfy my sweet tooth.  One of these bars will do it, but there is something about knowing that they contain whole grains and omega 3's that makes reaching for another one seem justifiable. WHOLE WHEAT CHOCOLATE REVEL BARS 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups packed brown sugar 1/4 cup flax seed (optional) 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whole-wheat flour 3 cup

Holland still isn't walking and she will be 14 months next week!  Fisher walked at 13 months and Claire was 16 months, so I'll just be patient.  It would be nice if she was walking relatively soon, though... crawling on grass and cement is no good.  Here's the latest progress she's made...

{this moment} A Friday ritual inspired by   Soulemama .   A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savor and remember.  

After a couple of really rough weeks of my youngest screaming (seemingly nonstop) at ear piercing decibels, clinging to my leg or hanging on my hip for what seemed like 23.5 hours a day, the "phase," or whatever it was, has ended.  In its place, are two molars and a seriously improved attitude.  Now we are experiencing a time of baby bliss... She is just too cute, too sweet, too silly and too scrumptious.  I've always loved her, but now I seriously like her.

{this moment} {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

We do not usually have many snacks in our house.  Usually, on a good day, one could find some Goldfish or Wheat-thins in the cupboard, and I try to bake some cookies once a week. That it pretty much the extent- and that is just because I have 3 little kids.  I grew up in a non- snacky home.   My sister and I like to joke that there was no "food" in our house... only ingredients.  Everything was basically homemade.   Other reasons we tend to not have a lot of processed snack food in our house is that they tend to be expensive, and do not favor the weight maintenance/ weight loss goals of the grownups in our home. Every once and awhile, I soften.  While running errands last week at Target, I wandered over the grocery section and noticed that there were some pretty good sales on "snacks."  I was headed out of town with the kids for the weekend, so I decided to fill the pantry for my honey. Cheddar Bunnies- check Graham Bunnies- check Granola Bars- check Honey Bunch

Fried Pollenta With Maple Syrup This is something that my mom would make for my sister and I when we were growing up.  One morning she would make us "cornmeal mush" and then next we would have "fried cornmeal mush."  I have chosen to call it "fried pollenta" from now on, because it sounds yummier and not as "mushy."  Ingredients 3 cups water 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1/4 cup flour 2 tablespoons butter Directions 1.In a saucepan, heat water to boiling. Reduce heat to medium; stir in salt and cornmeal. Cook, stirring regularly, until mixture is thick. 2.Spoon cornmeal mixture into a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 3.In the morning, melt butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Slice cornmeal mush into 1/2 inch wide slices. Dredge in flour. Cook in melted butter until golden brown on both sides. Top with maple syrup. Hearty Goulash Soup I've been feeling bored with my su