….. and me with no teeth.

 

Ah, my grandpa. He’s half deaf, miserable as hell, smokes too much and keeps the heat on 100 degrees. Man, I love him.

I am struggling to find the words that accurately describe how much this man means to me. He’s been there for me in times no one else was. Offering all he had to help. Frustration builds when I see someone so giving, receiving so little from others. I ‘m not referring to tangible things. Just love, attention, and a visit once in a while. After my grandma passed, the visits stopped. Why is it that when one half dies, the other half seems to be forgotten? I myself have neglected my him at times,  and am trying hard now to right that wrong. Even if it means spending each weekend in the kitchen trying to mimic my grandmothers amazing cooking, because he’s craving good food. (Today he’ll be receiving potato pancakes, lasagna, chicken cutlets, and some Ava sized hugs!)

Today we celebrate his 88th birthday. He hasn’t changed a bit. He doesn’t listen to the doctors. He eats badly, and complains too much. But you know what? I think it’s working for him, and I’m glad that he’s still here. I’ll love him anyway.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Lady Bugs and Spice Cake

 

A few years back I had made the decision to humor my sweet Ava in almost whatever she had an idea to do. One day she had informed me that it was her baby doll Max’s birthday and she would like to have a party for him. A few days later, the cake was baked, balloons were blown up, and party hats were on.

Today, I am told, is Lady Bugs birthday, she is 3 years old. As I had hoped that she wouldn’t remember Max’s party, she did. So, the cake is in the oven, the balloons are waiting for all of my hot air, and the party hats are on deck. Yay.

Applesauce Spice Cake

recipe adapted form Duncan Hines Spice cake mix package

1 pkg Duncan Hines Spice cake mix

3 eggs

1 1/4 cup applesauce (or one can apple pie filling)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour cake pan.

Combine mix, oli, eggs, and applesauce. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Pour into pan and bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean!

Happy Birthday Lady Bug!!!

                         

Blowing out her candles! (which were really matches because mom couldn’t find the candles! lol!)

                           

Don’t forget the guests!

Yeah, I know. Just go with it.

 

So I am the worlds crappiest blogger. I hardly ever blog,and when I do, It’s the random-est thing ever. It’s how I roll I guess.

On that note, I can catch you up some. The big thing going on now? Weight Watchers. I jumped back onto that wagon and have been riding it since January 3rd. I have lost a total of 7.8 pounds (I’m gonna go ahead and call it 8 lbs) I My first goal is to get to 170. I weighed 170 when I had gotten pregnant with A bird, and haven’t seen it since. Next, I’d like to get below 170, into the 160’s. Then, I’ll go on from there. It sucks most days. I’d love to just completely down a loaf of garlic bread, and wash it down with some Ben and Jerry’s. But, I can’t.

Ava has informed me that when she grows up she would like to open a restaurant. She will name it Briakka Rye (pronounced Bree-okka rye) and serve mac and cheese, noodles, “the square cookies with powdered sugar from the Princess and the Frog” (a.k.a. Beignets) and ice cream with a cherry on top. I told her she had an excellent idea, and will do anything to help her make it happen.

In the matter of cooking, I have a  few recipes I plan on trying out, such as, chicken spinach and noodle casserole. I’ve never been big on casseroles, but one can change,eh? Also found some cookie recipes that are teasing my senses a bit!

I have recently taken Beginner Knitting classes. I learned how to cast on, knit, pearl, bind off, and most importantly, fix my mistakes. My numerous, numerous mistakes. I’ve just begun scarf # 2 and will learn to knit a hat starting the 21st. My ultimate goal is to learn how to knit socks! Who doesn’t love a good pair of hand made socks? A crazy person, that’s who!! lol!

And I’m spent. I think that all covers it all. Thanks for listening!

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

Mixing up a new year.

Merry Christmas to my faithful readers! (all 12 of you!) It's been a while, so I thought I'd update you a bit on my life lately.
 After surviving hives, anaphylactic shock, and prednisone, I 'm here to see another day! Santa was very good to me, despite me not being so good this year. I awoke Christmas morning to unwrap a shiny new RED! Kitchen Aid mixer. So much delight flooded my heart. No more struggling to mix a triple batch of cookies! No more kneading my fave challah recipe for what seemed like 10 hours! No more numb hands from mixing a giant batch of meatloaf. Life is good, indeed.
 My Naps was joy stricken with his new Kindle, and sweet A Bird had gotten everything on her list. "Santa" searched long an hard for that damn Leapfrog leap pad, and finally found one! Let's not forget about Singing Tori, and the Karaoke machine!
 Headed into this new year I, of course, have the standard "I want to lose weight and get healthy" goal. Only, I think this year, it might actually happen. I start WW again next week. It will work, because I will stick to it.
 I also would like to learn to knit socks. I just love hand made socks. A Bird is starting swiming again (she's been promoted to an Eel!!) and has expressed interest in ballet lessons.
 Our efforts to conceive have not yet been fruitful. I will continue to pray, and trust that God will provied.
So that's it for now. I have lots of recipes that I plan on posting..... the anticipation is aweful isn't it?!
Happy New Year!!!!

A tough pill to swallow.

 

I know that God loves us equally.

While I know this fact, I struggle at times to believe this with all of my heart.  When is it the hardest for you? I’m reminded everyday that my God loves me. When my Ava smiles, I’m reminded that doctors told us we had a slim chance to conceive. When my husband hugs me, I’m reminded that God gave him to me. When I go to work, and come home to a roof over my head and food on our table, I’m reminded of God’s Grace. Yet, what is it that makes me struggle to believe that He loves us all equally? When I see so many women conceiving, and others that may never, I struggle. When I see so many suffering from cancer, and others abusing their bodies, and living without medical problems, I struggle. I used to think, Man! those people are lucky… But is it really luck? How can one person struggle, while the next suffers, and I’m supposed to believe that He loves us equally? I can only rationalize this by telling myself that those suffering, are suffering for a reason. It is through our suffering that God’s grace can shine through. I good friend once told me that He does give us more than we can handle, so that we learn to let him take the wheel.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Turkey for me, Turkey for you…

 

 

photo courtesy of http://www.flouronmyface.com

Today I am thankful for fresh baked bread, real salted butter, cheese, (the doctor’s that will someday perform my bypass surgery from eating to much cheese and butter) my family, my health, Ava’s sweet laugh, and  God’s endless grace. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!