Weekend Happenings

I love it when folks come to the Clarence Castle--ok, it's not a castle but a 1300 square foot 1950's brick abode nestled in a neighborhood close to the Arkansas River, with mole hills to boot--apparently these pesky rodents like being by water--I love having the linens fresh, bathroom sparkling, candles lit, cookies freshly baked (gee, I talk about cookies alot!). This weekend, Drew and SG came to stay! We played Cranium WOW, shopped, watched a Mason (or Shriners?) parade (not on purpose; it was happening while we were downtown and was a little creepy; hadn't imagined that would be Wild's first parade but I was in the car nursing so it was hard to miss), ate donuts, and went on a proper double date at Bella Luna Cafe. We also talked about their pending nuptials in June and how Shawn will design their correspondence and be a best man. And, to top it off, my parents arrived on Sunday, bearing more baby gifts and enchiladas for dinner. What a treat to have people in our home. I LOVE IT!

Grammy and Grampy (our nephew Max calls Daddy Gramp Pa Mustache!)

Drew & SG-pros at spoiling Wild

Cranium requires undivided concentration and seriousness. Marley even had to referree.

p.s.--our beautiful son is three months old now. THREEMONTHSCANYOUBELIEVEIT? Also, we think he may be allergic to kitties because he was acting awfully miserable around my friend's kitty today; I have a call in to the doctor....guess he's taking after his daddy!

Cookies as LAOK's (little acts of kindness)

A story of vulnerability at it's best here, folks, or, rather, honesty...our neighbor a few doors down, who is a bit of a kid-at-heart, broke a leg after falling off his segue (you know, those upright things on wheels that look like they belong on the Star Trek set). I found this a perfect opportunity to take him some cookies and proceeded to make a batch of chocolate chip ones. However, and here's where my mistake begins, I did not take them to his house upon their direct exit from the oven. I held on to them. Literally. Then I sniffed them--inhaling their sugary scent. Then I ate them. All. 

A few weeks later, I admitted this to him! Can you believe it? Deeply remorseful for my act-of-kindness-gone-selfish, I decided to redeem myself. So, I made these Peanut Butter Jumbos, and delivered them on the spot. My neighbor was so grateful for this gesture. I was, too, for I didn't want my sweet tooth to fail me again. I have so many things to grow through!

Peanut Butter Jumbos

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 cups peanut butter

3 eggs

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 1/2 cups uncooked old-fashioned oats

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup M & Ms

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. Beat butter, sugars, peanut butter and eggs in large bowl until well blended. Blend in baking soda, vanilla and oats until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips and M & Ms.

Scoop about 1/3 cup dough for each cookie. Place on prepared cookie sheets, spacing about 4 inches apart. Press each cookie to flatten slightly. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until firm in center. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 1 1/2 doz. cookies.

p.s.--this makes a TON of cookies (I made my smaller than 1/3 cup), if you must sneak in a taste before sharing with your neighbors. Not that I did or anything...

Chasing Harry Winston

OK, so I'm not quite ready to give an official review of my latest book find because I haven't read it yet! But, I'm just so excited to be reading for pleasure (soooo glad to be done reading pregnancy books; it just got scary after awhile) that I have to tell you about my latest find. It's Chasing Harry Winston, by Lauren Weisberger, the #1 bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada (loved the movie, although I have yet to read the book). Anyway, the inner flap reads, "Lauren returns with the story of three best friends who vow to change their entire lives...and change them fast." It, too, is set in Manhattan, so it should have depictions of the sights and smells of the beloved city. Oh, just so you know, I don't read sci-fi, mystery, or brainy-type books. I tend to like shallow, girly, light reads (referred to as "chik lit"); I admit this is a weakness and plan to expand my literary repertoire soon. Very soon. After the holidays. Then, after I lose the 5 pounds-ok, maybe 10-I'm sure to gain during the holidays. And by no means does my choice to relish "beach reads" have indication of my inner workings as a person; I am not shallow.

And I have to tell you, just really quickly, about my library experience. Wichita has pockets of "cultural richness", if you will, but not all of these areas should be frequented by a white girl in heels toting her roly-poly  baby. The "Evergreen Library/Biblioteca" is closest to our house. I park my car thinking, oh yeah, Shawn and I have driven past this before, now I know where I am! I go in anyway, clomp through the doors and into a large room (rather small for a library, I note) bustling with computer users and curious (ok, LOUD) children. I ask the lady where the new releases are (is that what librarians refer to them as, or is that just at Blockbuster?), and she points to a row of books directly to my right. About two feet to my right, to be exact. I peruse the shelves and find the Jennifer Weiner read I had originally intended on picking up. But then I see the spine of the Harry Winston book and am immediately enthralled.

I'll let you know if it was worth finally reconciling my late fees.

Adios!

Euphoria

 "So, are you enjoying being a stay at home mom?" 

"Oh my gosh, yes! We are having a blast. It is a dream come true!"

"And how's Wilder?"

"He's wonderful. Perfect. He's my wonder; I'd do anything for him."

To say I'm in a euphoric state over my new full time job would be an understatement. My and Shawn's intentions were for me to return to work after Wild's birth. What they say about the sacrifices one makes for his offspring is true--parents really will do anything under the sun for their babies. Although our pennies will be pinched to the point of developing finger blisters, those sacrifices will be worth it.

I respect moms who work outside the home, stay home, or choose a combination of both. The beauty of our country is that we're graced with many freedoms--freedoms that allow us to love and serve our families in conjunction with our convictions. 

I'm overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I've received in my choice to stay home. It's comforting to know that my friends would have been there for me just the same had I chosen not to take a break from my career. Though I've opted for the somewhat unglamorous (insert ratty t-shirt wreaking of spit-up, here), role of full-time mum, I remain grateful for the opportunity to be present at Wilder's milestones. While I won't be receiving a pay raise, I've just been given the world's biggest promotion. And the benefits?

Priceless.

Halloweenie!

WILDER was a pea-in-the-pod for Halloween; I assembled a quick farmer costume so we would sort of "go together." We went to the SHS (Shawn's work) Halloween party, where Wilder saw his friend, Grey (they even held hands!). It was a pretty hot day, so Wilder shed his fleece costume after a few minutes of being squeezed and ogled at. The bottom pics are of Wild in his nursery--Saturday morning, I think, when we had all the time in the world to enjoy his smiles and lie around in our PJs! 

My little man is getting so big--loves to gnaw on his fists and even had his first trip to the zoo (sorry, no pics)!

~