Bake-Off 2012

image via dessert girl

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you may remember that every year I participate in a baking competition with my sister-in-law.  It has evolved over the years, but it is a fun tradition, and I'm happy we've kept it going.  

This year, Amber made a bourbon-cranberry bread pudding.  It sounded amazing, and the flavors were good, but the texture was extremely dense.  That may or may not have been impacted by a little oven mishap while the bread was baking - my mother-in-law didn't realize anything was in the oven and turned it off!  So it had baked for a while in a warm oven until Amber noticed and turned it back on to finish cooking.  I'm not sure it would've made a difference in the overall result, although it makes a fun story.  It wouldn't be the Annual Bake-Off without an accident of some sort!  We named this dessert "french toast", because that's essentially what it tasted like.  I like french toast, but it's not what I want for a holiday dessert.  It did get one vote, though - Aaron liked it!

I made a chocolate mint cream tart.  It was very good, impressive looking, and relatively easy to make.  It takes some time, because you have to let each layer cool before adding the next, but the overall effort is not intimidating at all.  This is a winner!

We also had an honorable mention this year.  I decided to make a pie as well, just so we had another dessert.  I had one last large butternut squash left from my garden, and my sister suggested I make a butternut squash pie.  I honestly never would've thought of making a pie out of a squash.  I roasted and pureed it a month or so ago, and I stored it in the freezer.  Then I followed the usual pumpkin pie recipe, replacing the pumpkin with my own squash.  I wasn't too sure about it - it was a beige color instead of the usual dark orange, but I had no reason to worry.  It was awesome!  I honestly may like it even butter than pumpkin.  It has a lighter texture, and it is equally good for dessert or breakfast.  I think this may be a regular Thanksgiving dessert from now on.  

photo by anna smith via country living

I wanted to try to document the entries and results from past year's Bake-Offs.  Winners are in bold.

2006
Amber/Tracie - Can't remember...some kind of tall cake that required a last-minute run to the grocery store to buy store-made frosting.
Mary/Kevin - Chocolate Pudding Pie

2007
Amber - Chocolate-Cranberry Torte
Mary - Raspberry-Almond Torte with Chocolate Ganache

2008
Amber - Chocolate Glazed Hazelnut Mousse Cake
Mary/Kevin - Devils Food Cake with Peppermint Frosting

2009
Amber - Black-Bottom Raspberry Cream Pie
Mary - Pumpkin Cheesecake

2010
Amber - Chocolate Mascarpone Pots
Mary - Pumpkin Cream Pie

2011
Amber - Spicy Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Coconut Frosting
Mary - Chocolate Pistachio Torte

2012
Amber - Bourbon-Cranberry Bread Pudding
Mary - Chocolate Mint Cream Tart

I will need some help remembering pre-2006 entries and results, so I will update this at some point.  I seem to recall an apple pie with way too much lemon juice.

Bake-Off 2008

*Our cake was supposed to look like this...

Well, this year's edition of the Family Bake-Off is complete, and I'm happy to report that my husband and I were the clear winners! Hooray!

My sister-in-law made this:
Chocolate Glazed Hazelnut Mousse Cake

And we made this:
Devils Food Cake with Peppermint Frosting

Both desserts were very good, but the flavor combination of chocolate and peppermint won everyone over. (Except my SIL, of course.) I have to admit, our cake did not exactly turn out as planned. The frosting really needed a stand mixer to get it to the right consistency, and we didn't have one, so we did our best - it turned out more like a glaze than a marshmallowy frosting. So the end result didn't look as pretty, but all the flavors were there. The cake was yummy, with a chocolate ganache layer and white chocolate/peppermint layer as well. I'm not sure I'd make it again - it was very high-maintenance - but we won!

...but it really looked like this. It still tasted great, though!

Bake-off 2009

*Picture from Williams-Sonoma

Each year, my sister-in-law and I engage in what has become an annual tradition - a bake-off. It began with more participation by my husband and my other sister-in-law and mother-in-law, but it has since dwindled. My SIL and I are keeping it alive, though. Competition aside, it is a fun way to get a couple desserts made for the holiday. We must choose something we've never made before, so it's also fun trying new things. Here are last year's results.

This year, A made this Black-Bottom Raspberry Cream Pie. It sounds fancy, but let's be honest: It's just a fancy way of saying "chocolate pudding pie with raspberries on top". And since we won a couple years ago with a chocolate pudding pie, I conceded the prize under protest. That said, it was a good dessert. It wasn't amazing, but it was good. The big boy definitely loved it.

I went with a Pumpkin Cheesecake. This cheesecake would've been awesome and absolutely would've won, but I overcooked it by about 10 minutes. I just kept opening the oven, saying "Is it done yet? Is it done yet?" I just couldn't tell when the filling was set, and I ended up waiting just a few minutes too long. So although the filling was super yummy, the crust had a slightly charred taste, which gave A's pudding the edge. I will definitely make this cheesecake again, though. Perhaps I'll try it again - and get it right this time - for Christmas.

*Picture from Epicurious

Holiday Desserts

*Image from Williams-Sonoma

So what are you all doing for desserts this holiday season? Besides the cookies and egg nog, of course. Those are just dessert appetizers. I'm talking cakes and pies and tortes and custards...
I previously mentioned our family bake-off, and while I can't share this year's entry just yet (my sister-in-law occasionally visits the blog), I thought I'd remind you of some previous entries, as well as another dessert I'm dying to make.

I really want to make this Pumpkin Cheesecake. It looks gorgeous, and I can already smell the pumpkin. It didn't quite make the cut for our bake-off entry, but it is staying in my file - perhaps next Thanksgiving.

Here's the Chocolate-Cranberry Torte my sister-in-law made last year, which easily won the contest. Our dessert was pretty yummy, too, but this torte is out-of-this-world good.

And a reminder for the Chocolate Pudding Pie. Super easy and everyone loves it.

What's Going On...

Picture via Better Homes and Gardens

I've reached the end of another week.  After a gloomy and, let's be honest, kinda grumpy weekend, I was able to pull myself back together to enjoy a good week.  I'm now pretty settled into my life at home, and I've determined that I have to have that "to-do" list ready for the week.  Checking items off the weekly list, along with the regular tasks of exercising every morning, packing lunches, helping with homework, attending swim/piano classes, reading every night...this is how I continue to have the feeling of accomplishment at the end of every day.  I think about trying to balance it all with working and I feel my blood pressure rise.  I am so grateful for this time to focus on life at home and with my boys, and I never take it for granted.

via Pinterest - source unknown

We're transitioning to cooler weather, and although I enjoy the process of pulling out my sweaters and wearing jeans every day, my boys have a harder time with it.  They don't want to let go of their shorts and sandals.  Aaron finally caved and decided to wear pants on a particularly chilly morning, but Nathan is clinging to his shorts and refuses to acknowledge the fact that Summer is over.  I figure he'll complain once he really gets cold.  Maybe with the first snow?  Anyway, I think there are more important things to fight about.  

In the meantime, the boys ask me at least a couple times a week when we are going skiing.  I think I need to help them appreciate the beauty of Fall.  Apple-picking (and pie!) is on the agenda for the weekend.

We're still working on details, but now that the living room has come together, we're shifting our focus to the family room.  We moved our old sofa and chair into this room, and we've realized that our current furniture doesn't quite work.   We're going to sell them and get a sectional, replace the old wobbly coffee table we've had for 13 years, and maybe get one more thing for the walls.  It's a fun project to have.

via Pinterest - source unknown

We have friends coming to visit for the weekend, and I can't wait.  They are good for my soul.  We are even going out tomorrow night, leaving four kids with a sitter.  Woo!  

The Red Sox are in the championship series!  

Speaking of baseball, Aaron had requested a baseball party for his birthday.  Then he realized that most of his friends are girls, and he's thinking they might not like a baseball party.  What's a boy (and his mom!) to do...  

Half of my to-do list consists of organizing and cleaning tasks around the house.  Not the everyday stuff, but things like taking everything out of the linen closet, folding, cleaning, and putting it all back.  I am oddly happy doing these kinds of activities and so incredibly satisfied when they're done.

We attended a charity walk last night in Boston with my husband's company.  It was to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  We brought the boys with us and enjoyed the walk around the Boston Common.  I also enjoyed the thoughtful questions posed and comments made by Aaron, including, "What is cancer?  Do kids get cancer too?  What are they going to do with the money we raise tonight?"  His last comment was a little painful..."I hope I never get cancer."  Well me too, little man, me too.  

I am starting to think about holiday menus.  I need a fabulous dessert recipe for the bake-off.  Got any ideas for me?

I have a coffee get-together with a group of the moms from Nathan's preschool next week.  I know at least a few of the women now, and yet I'm still dreading it.  I will go, though, and it will be good.  I know this and yet...

via Pinterest - source unknown

34 Things To Do Before Turning 35

*Some goals are easier to achieve than others. Getting to Barcelona to visit my sister and meet her new little man was an easy one.

I turn 35 on March 26th. As you may recall, I created a list of 34 things I wanted to accomplish before this date. I achieved some, and didn't achieve others. I may be able to get a couple more checked off before the date, and some will remain undone, but overall, I think I did pretty well. It was fun to create the list, and it was fun to check them off.

Here's how I did:

1. Take more bubble baths (this one will continue to be a goal)
2. Go apple picking
3. Create photo book in time to give it to my husband for Christmas
4. Visit Barcelona to meet my new nephew (So much fun!)
5. Write letters to 3 friends (Christmas cards don't count!)
6. Sign up for a yoga class (probably won't happen, especially now that I'm fully round and pregnant, but I'm focusing on getting exercise at home)
7. Take a picture of all 3 of us for our holiday cards
8. Organize our office desk at home (Okay, it didn't happen, but we're getting rid of our desk as a part of the next phase of house renovations, so this will resolve itself soon.)
9. Get dressed up and go to the Holiday Pops with K (Had tickets and babysitter all lined up - Darn snowstorm prevented us from going. Booooooo.)
10. Get rid of my wedding dress (if no takers on Craig's List, then donate) (Update: Okay, now my sister and SIL insist that I give it to someone in the family instead. So family - any takers?)
11. Take the little boy to the library (This has become a favorite Saturday morning activity.)
12. Bake a yummy gift for the neighbors for the holidays
13. Make time to see old friends while home for Thanksgiving (Marking it off because the holiday is over, not because I actually followed through. I tried, though - really I did!)
14. Spiffy up my desk at the office - new family photos, new calendar, clean out files, etc.
15. Watch Fantasia again (I only have a VHS, which just doesn't do it justice. My new goal is to get the DVD.)
16. Learn how to play a few new songs on the guitar (It's time to learn a couple more, though!)
17. Do some lessons in my Spanish instruction book - work towards doing one per week (Sigh....isn't going to happen.)
18. See a movie in the theater, complete with popcorn and raisinets
19. Use my still-unused spa gift card and get a pedicure (I just finished up this wonderful card and got a fabulous facial this weekend! Awesome!)
20. Host a brunch for some friends and little ones (This continues to be postponed due to our next phase of house renovations. I will do it eventually, I swear.)
21. Eat dinner at Blue Ginger, or maybe No. 9 Park if I'm really good (We had a wonderful dinner at Blue Ginger the night we found out it was a boy!)
22. Go sledding with my boys (Isn't going to happen this year.)
23. Bake a pie from scratch
24. Surprise my husband with homemade chocolate pudding (Maybe this weekend?)
25. Organize my CDs (Next phase of house renovations will force this one as well - it won't happen by 3/26, but it will happen.)
26. Get my hair colored at the salon
27. Organize drawers in the little boy's room (I did one - well, I basically just emptied it out, but still...that counts, right?)
28. Tickle the boy and giggle every day*
29. Organize my recipe binder
30. Pick out window treatments for our new downstairs windows (New windows coming soon!)
31. Clean out nightstand drawers
32. Go to a museum
33. Do some sit-ups and push-ups and stretching while watching TV
34. Carve a jack-o-lantern out of one of our home-grown pumpkins - let the little boy make a huge mess with the insides

Chocolate Pudding Pie

*Image from Williams-Sonoma

Are you starting to make holiday menus like I am? I love finding new recipes to try each year. My sister asked me for this recipe, so I thought I'd share it here as well. I've mentioned our family "holiday bake-off" - this Chocolate Pudding Pie was the winner a couple years ago. It's simple, tasty, and there were no leftovers!

Pins of the Week

Here are a few things I've spotted and loved this week (clockwise from top left):

*Balloons - This is a pretty picture, and it reminds me of the book I recently finished reading - Enduring Love, by Ian McEwan.  The writing is so good and so intense - it grabs you and doesn't let go.  
*Silver Facet Earrings - These are an example of what I need more of in my little jewelry box.  Simple, classic items that I could wear every day.  K, if you're reading this, you could pick these up now and be prepared well in advance of my birthday.  Hint hint.  
*Ellen Page - Isn't she so cute?  
*Pumpkin Cream Pie - I feel a bit lazy with this year's bake-off entry.  I'm making this pumpkin cream pie.  It does look yummy, though, doesn't it?  I'll let you know how it goes.  

These are just a few of the photos I've recently pinned on my pinboards at Pinterest:  Mary Loves

I also just pinned this one, which reminds me that although I'm not feeling great, perhaps what I need is to spend some time on the couch with a cup of tea and a book.  Here I go...

via tea for joy

What's the best dessert you've ever made?

*A's chocolate-cranberry torte. Amazing.

A few years ago, my in-laws decided to start a little competition during the holidays. The first year, it was really just a vote on who liked pumpkin pie better than apple pie, but our little "bake-off" has gotten much more sophisticated. We usually limit it to two or three entries, and this is a team sport. K and I are a team, and our key opponent is my sister-in-law, A. She is often accompanied by either my other SIL or my MIL.

K and I started out strong, and we won by keeping it simple and making a chocolate-pudding pie. It was heavenly, while the cake A & T made was....well, let's just say it wasn't. But A has come on strong lately, and she crushed us last year with an absolutely amazing dessert: chocolate-cranberry torte. This dessert was better than anything you've ever had at a restaurant. Seriously. Our entry was really good, too, and would've won any other year, but nothing could beat that torte.

A has chosen her entry for this year's contest, and she is already talking smack. So I need some inspiration. What is the absolutely best, most delicious dessert you've ever made? It doesn't have to be super complex, and if it involves a candy thermometer, I'll probably be too intimidated to make it. Sometimes simple is best.

Do you have any ideas for me? I want a yummy dessert for the holidays, but I also really want to beat my SIL. Winning is fun. :-)

*Presentation counts, too.

*It's a fun tradition.

Pins of the Week

Here are a few things I've spotted and loved this week (clockwise from top left):

*Michelle Obama - Love this beautiful picture of our stunning first lady.
*Cool shirt - It may not be substantial enough for New England winter, but looks pretty for New England fall or spring.  
*Heels - Since I'm trying to wear more dresses now, I also need more shoes.  Heels, to be specific.  How cool are these?  I love the substantial heel and the cute little flower on the front.  
*This is what I would do all day if I could - Just a fun picture, reminding me that it's nice to read during the day too and not just at bedtime.  
*Sweater - This one does look warm enough for the New England winter.  Another holiday wish-list item.  (My list is getting a bit long, I'm afraid.)
*Cranberry Almond and Cinnamon Tart - Trying to select desserts for the upcoming holidays, including a bake-off entry.  (I compete with my sister-in-law each year for the best dessert - just a little friendly family competition that adds a little fun.)  This one looks so pretty, and I like to steer clear of chocolate at Thanksgiving.


These are just a few of the photos I've recently pinned on my pinboards at Pinterest:  Mary Loves

Thankful...

Thanksgiving is absolutely my favorite holiday.  It's an entire holiday centered around giving thanks for all you have.  It's about family and friends and gratitude.  How wonderful is that?  I will be spending mine at my sister-in-law's house.  We will enjoy good food, plentiful wine, time with family, games, movies, and more food.  The annual bake-off will occur on Thursday, which is always fun.  Amber is making some kind of bourbon cranberry bread pudding, which I will admit sounds pretty awesome.  I will make a double chocolate-mint cream tart.  Yum.  I will of course report the results here next week.

september, by livia s via flickr

While we cook and eat and play and talk, I will also stop to give thanks for all I have, because it is a lot.  Good health, beautiful boys, a fun and handsome husband, a nice house, an awesome family, loyal friends, and of course the list goes on and on.

This reminds me that I want to clarify one of my posts from last week - the list of things that stress me out.  My friend Sara posted a link to it, and it solicited a comment that made me go back and re-read it.  In doing so, I can see how somehow would think that it was somehow a list of complaints, when in fact, it's the opposite.  The entire list consists of things that I love - singing, entertaining friends, being fortunate enough to volunteer at my son's school...  It has more to do with being out of my comfort zone.  As Eleanor Roosevelt said, you should "do one thing every day that scares you."  In this regard, I'm doing pretty well right now.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  (Even if you're not American, you can still celebrate.  Just pause for a moment today and be grateful.)

Thanksgiving Recap and Goals

This year's version of the soup can turkey.  His name is Tommy.

What a nice long holiday weekend.  I adore Thanksgiving.  It's the only holiday with no cards or gifts or expectations outside of spending time with family, eating good food, and being thankful.  Awesome. 

A few highlights:

*I love family traditions.  The soup can turkey (see above).  Inspired by Sara, I think next year we'll either do a gratitude tree; or if we stick with the turkey, perhaps we'll have everyone write what they're thankful for on the turkey feathers.  Love it!

*Food.  My favorites:  cheese plate, celery sticks with chive cream cheese, bread bowl with veggie dip, honey-glazed carrots, fresh cranberry sauce, and leftover turkey sandwiches.  My big boy eats them the same way I do:  cold turkey, wheat bread, mayo, salt/pepper, dipped in cranberry sauce.  Yum.  (Shh...don't tell anybody, but I didn't eat any turkey on Thanksgiving Day - I waited for the leftovers.)

*Great weather.  It allowed us to get outside to take walks and ride bikes a lot.

*The family bake-off!  I made a chocolate-pistachio torte, and my sister-in-law made a spicy pumpkin cake with cream cheese and coconut frosting.  She won.  I'm still not sure how, because I personally preferred my own, but I must concede that she got more votes.  I think it was the frosting.  I will say, though, that mine was just as good on day 4.

*A night out.  We left the kids home with Grandma and went out with my husband's sisters and spouses.  We went to quite possibly the best burger place I've ever been to.  It definitely was the best veggie burger I've ever had.  K's burger had gorgonzola, bacon, and arugula.  Oh, and the fries had this dipping sauce that must have some addictive drug in it, because I found myself wanting to lick the container it came in.  We went out for dinner and drinks, and we had a fun night.  It's very rare that we all get to go out like that, and it made the weekend extra special.

And now the countdown to Christmas has begun.  We decorated the tree yesterday, and my big boy has begun his daily requests for candy canes.  Before Christmas, though, we have a 5th birthday to celebrate!  There is much to be done. 

A few goals for the week:

1.  Extend the feeling of gratitude that Thanksgiving brings and carry it throughout the season.

2.  Buy pinata fillings.  Find a good recipe for yellow cake with chocolate frosting.  And other birthday party preparations.

3.  Exercise.  Remove some of the jiggle I added last week. 

4.  Start the holiday cards. 

5.  Pick out cookie recipe contenders.  Do you have a favorite? 

Weekend Recap and Goals

This was one of those weekends that flew by (of course don't they all?), and now looking back, I can't really remember what we did.  I'm sure there was some playing outside.  I seem to recall kicking the soccer ball and throwing a frisbee.  What else?  Hmmm...

*Hair cuts.  For my handsome boys.  I, on the other hand, still need one.

*Birthday party with my big boy.  Twenty-five kids jumping on bouncy houses and mazes and going down the tallest inflatable slide ever.  My big boy had a blast.

*We watched Crazy Stupid Love, which is cute.  I think that completes my year of Ryan Gosling. Once again I must say:  he's a badass.  

*I made oatmeal cookies with my big boy.  Chocolate chips in half for the boys, raisins in the other half for me.  I haven't made good old-fashioned oatmeal raisin cookies in a long time.  They are goooooood.

*Strategized about Christmas.  Picked out Santa's gifts and talked about what to get others.  I feel really behind on this, but just a few clicks of the mouse will get me caught up.  Hooray, online shopping!

A few goals for the week:

1.  Get started on that gift shopping. 

2.  Enjoy a happy Thanksgiving with family and remember all that I have to be thankful for.

3.  Make a scrumptious dessert for this year's bake-off and beat my sister-in-law!

4.  Do a long yoga session tomorrow in preparation for the excess that will follow.

5.  Set up my Christmas card station - to begin next week!

Holiday Recap

via prettystuff

Well, the leftovers are almost gone, the tree is up, and the Christmas music is in heavy rotation.  The holiday season has officially begun.  We spent a few nice days at my mother-in-law's house.  It was quieter than usual, but that's okay.  The first night, I was in bed at 8:45.  Thanksgiving night, it was 9:30.  The little boy was in the room with us, so it wasn't entirely restful, but still....I can't complain about the amount of time I got to spend in bed.  We came home on Saturday, which we've learned is definitely the way to go.  We then had that evening to get unpacked and Sunday to enjoy relaxing and decorating the house. 

The first thing the big boy said this morning was "Mom, I want my bag."  Forgetting that they are called stockings, he just knew that they'd be full of presents.  He was a little disappointed to learn that he has to wait a few more weeks.  Especially with his birthday in-between now and then, I think he'll survive.

Here are a few other things I learned this holiday weekend:

- Pumpkin Cream Pie is better than Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake Pots. (Woohoo!  We won Bake-off 2010!)  The gingersnap crust is what won it for us.  Delicious.  Since cream pies have won the last three years, I'm thinking next year we'll have to enforce a "no cream pie" rule, though. 

- The big boy is a fan of back massagers.  When we got home, he informed me that he liked Grandma's house better than ours.  When I asked why, he said, "because of the remote control chair".  I'm a fan too, truth be told.

- The little boy is a terror around a Christmas tree.  Fingers crossed that he loses interest soon, but so far he really loves taking whacks at it and throwing ornaments across the room.

- Baked French Toast is awesome.  So easy to pull together the night before, and then whoever gets up first just needs to throw it in the oven.  Once everybody is up and hungry, it's ready!  And nobody has to stand in front of the stove.  It's definitely a rich special-occasion dish but one I will gladly eat.  Those candied pecans! 

- It's good to give thanks.  Thanksgiving is such a lovely holiday.  I try to focus every day on the things in my life for which I am grateful, but how nice to have a whole holiday dedicated to just that.  I tried to remind my almost 4-year-old of it as well.  Every now and then I'd tell him something I'm grateful for and ask him what things would be on his list.  I got responses everywhere from "You and Daddy" to "glitter glue" and "my balance bike". 

via etsy

It's getting colder, and snow is in the forecast for the first time this year.  Maybe we'll get some early next week.  I will hate it in March, but for now I say "let it snow! let it snow! let it snow!".  I'll try to stay this cute all bundled up...

via thatkindofwoman

Weekend Recap

Did you all have a nice weekend?  We did, although I could have used at least 10 more degrees.  It was chilly!  I mean brrrrrrrr chilly.  But that's okay.  Some highlights:

Friday was before the chilliness set in - it was quite lovely, actually.  Sunny and temperate.  I was invited to a mother's day tea at my son's preschool, so I headed there early.  The big boy was so proud to have me in his classroom, and he kept putting his arm around me and pressing his cheek against mine.  Smiling.  I received a hand-painted flower pot complete with a flower that he planted himself.  The proof - a picture of his work - was on the front of the card.  Again, he was so proud to present me with my gifts.  Definitely a highlight of the week.  Friday night, K and I enjoyed the post-bedtime quiet talking on the front porch.

Saturday was dark and cold and very rainy.  A perfect day for baking.  The big boy helped me bake brownies and cookies for a party we attended later that afternoon.  The rain had eased off by then, and we enjoyed seeing friends and tons of kids.  Later that night, we watched "An Education".  It was very good, although a bit uncomfortable at times. 

Sunday was my day to sleep in.  My husband and I trade off - he gets Saturdays, I get Sundays.  I am usually awake, but at least I'm able to lounge in my bed for a while and ease into the day.  I got up to the smell of coffee and pancakes.  The day was spent alternating between inside and outside.  Dancing and chasing inside; swinging, biking, and chasing outside. 

The little boy is at the stage where I literally can't turn my head for a second.  He climbs on everything and is apparently fearless.  He climbed up on a little kid's picnic table we have in the playroom and proceeded to get his first bloody nose.  He screamed bloody murder for about 3 minutes and then acted like it never happened.  It was probably more traumatic for me than him.  So I guess we've officially entered the bruised and battered phase. 

I think the chilliness is going to result in colds for the boys.  The little boy was up a couple times last night, sniffling and snorting and wanting to cuddle.  I don't really like starting the week exhausted, but how many more chances will I have to snuggle and rock with my baby boy?  So I rocked and hugged and let him sleep on my chest for a while, trying to freeze the moment in my mind so I don't ever forget how warm and snuggly he is, even when he's no longer small enough to sleep on my chest.

You know what I liked about this weekend?  It was the balance.  I managed to get time with my boys, my husband, friends, and myself.  I am finding that the best weekends are those that include that kind of balance. 

Long post.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a good start to the week!


*Top two images from frommetoyou, "an education" image from ny daily news, and the last is my own sweet boy (taken at just a couple weeks old - my gosh how fast he's grown!)

List Update

In the spirit of the New Year, it's time for another list update:

1. Take more bubble baths (okay, so I've only taken two since I started this list, but that counts as 'more')
2. Go apple picking
3. Create photo book in time to give it to my husband for Christmas
4. Visit Barcelona to meet my new nephew (Going next month. Can't wait!)
5. Write letters to 3 friends (Christmas cards don't count!)
6. Sign up for a yoga class (this one may not happen, but I did do a couple yoga videos at home.)
7. Take a picture of all 3 of us for our holiday cards (The picture isn't the greatest, but I was able to include some other pictures in the card. And I must say - I got a ton of compliments on this year's cards. Definitely one of my faves.)
8. Organize our office desk at home
9. Get dressed up and go to the Holiday Pops with K (Had tickets and babysitter all lined up - Darn snowstorm prevented us from going. Booooooo.)
10. Get rid of my wedding dress (if no takers on Craig's List, then donate) (Update: Okay, now my sister and SIL insist that I give it to someone in the family instead. So family - any takers?)
11. Take the little boy to the library (This has become a favorite Saturday morning activity.)
12. Bake a yummy gift for the neighbors for the holidays
13. Make time to see old friends while home for Thanksgiving (Marking it off because the holiday is over, not because I actually followed through. I tried, though - really I did!)
14. Spiffy up my desk at the office - new family photos, new calendar, clean out files, etc.
15. Watch Fantasia again
16. Learn how to play a few new songs on the guitar (It's time to learn a couple more, though!)
17. Do some lessons in my Spanish instruction book - work towards doing one per week
18. See a movie in the theater, complete with popcorn and raisinets
19. Use my still-unused spa gift card and get a pedicure (Thanks, C! When do you want to go again?)
20. Host a brunch for some friends and little ones (This continues to be postponed due to our next phase of house renovations. It may not make the deadline, but I am determined to do it.)
21. Eat dinner at Blue Ginger, or maybe No. 9 Park if I'm really good (We had lunch at Blue Ginger, but I think we'll do dinner later this month.)
22. Go sledding with my boys (I need to figure out how to talk the little boy into wearing snow pants and boots first.)
23. Bake a pie from scratch
24. Surprise my husband with homemade chocolate pudding (I got the ramekins for Christmas, so I can do this soon.)
25. Organize my CDs (Will this ever actually happen?)
26. Get my hair colored at the salon
27. Organize drawers in the little boy's room (No idea what stops me from doing this one.)
28. Tickle the boy and giggle every day* (This one's so easy!)
29. Organize my recipe binder
30. Pick out window treatments for our new downstairs windows
31. Clean out nightstand drawers
32. Go to a museum
33. Do some sit-ups and push-ups and stretching while watching TV (But I was sore the next day, so obviously I need to keep it up!)
34. Carve a jack-o-lantern out of one of our home-grown pumpkins - let the little boy make a huge mess with the insides

Have Fun in the Kitchen with your Kids

*He really loves helping me bake!

*Shucking corn is one of Aaron's summertime favorites!

As I've mentioned before, I enjoy having the big boy help me in the kitchen. It keeps him happily entertained, and I believe he learns from it as well. Here are some of my thoughts about how to get your toddler involved in the kitchen.

1. Start at the grocery store. The big boy loves going to the store with me. Ever since he could point, he's loved going and learning the names of everything that goes into our cart. The produce section is the favorite, of course. At 2 1/2, he knows the names of everything from avocado to zucchini.

2. Ask for his input to meal planning. When it comes to dinnertime, it is what it is. But I will often allow him some choices when planning ahead. Such as, "should we have zucchini or peas with our pasta?" (It's almost always peas, but sometimes he surprises me.) And although I'm more strict with dinner, I do offer choices for breakfast and lunch. ("Oatmeal or waffles", "turkey sandwich or grilled cheese") I don't want him to be able to demand what he wants, but giving him a choice sometimes can help him get more excited about getting to the table and eating his meal.

3. Establish kitchen rules. And be consistent. The big boy knows that "only Mommy touches knives", and "never touch the oven/stove".

4. Have kid-friendly cooking supplies. There are some things they won't be able to use - anything breakable, the blender, etc, but there are lots of items in the kitchen that they can use. Cookie sheets, baking pans, spatulas, mixing spoons, salad spinner (one of A's favorites!)... I don't think "toy" supplies are necessary at all, and they want to use the real thing anyway.

5. Find ways to get your child involved in the cooking process. Start small, with tasks such as pushing the top of the salad spinner to help dry the lettuce. But very quickly, you'll be able to dole out more tasks, with your supervision of course. These include:
- Tearing lettuce
- Shucking corn or preparing other vegetables (de-stemming, etc.)
- Rinsing fruits/vegetables
- Measuring ingredients (with close supervision - A scoops, I smooth out the top with a knife, and he pours it in the bowl)
- Cracking and beating eggs (a current favorite)
- Opening packages
- Stirring

6. Don't forget clean-up. Aaron has loved washing dishes since he could stand on the chair in front of the sink. It's not exactly environmentally-friendly, having the faucet run while he rinses dishes for me, but we've both gotten better about getting it done more quickly. He rinses the dishes, I load into the dishwasher. And speaking of, he also likes helping me unload the dishwasher - he can put the silverware away and stack his (plastic) bowls and plates for me.

7. Have fun! I have a lot of fun when the big boy is engaged in the process with me. You obviously have to have patience. Provide a lot of praise along the way. Talk about everything you're doing. It's amazing how quickly they absorb information. And be silly - sing songs and make it fun!

I hope that by doing these things, he will continue to learn, he'll appreciate the effort that goes into his meals, and he'll eventually enjoy cooking himself!

*He was definitely interested in our preparation of a lobster dinner. He stayed hands-off on that one, though.