So I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks, not really sure why other than so many things going on.  We went through two weeks of Phoenix feeling very sick and Scarlett away at camp.  It is funny because I think maybe Scarlett being away caused Phoenix to feel sick and I lost some of my inspiration for blogging!!  Well we also had a western party celebration for our uncle's 50th birthday as well as my nephew and daughter both turning 13!!  I also had a birthday and was able to get away for a couple of days, leaving Phoenix for the first time since he was born.  It was a great rest and long overdue.   In addition, my father's aunt, the matriarch on that side of the family passed away.  I went to the wake and watched her brother, my great uncle, say goodbye to his last sibling.  Sadly, being the youngest, he has buried all five of his siblings.  It was sad but wonderful to reminisce about the love they shared for years.  I also was able to spend some time with cousins I don't see as often as I'd like.  So  I am feeling so  many emotions these days and was overwhelmed by all that was going on.  I am happy to celebrate the lives of all my family that I love greatly.   Watching my uncle turn 50, someone who to me, along with his wife, my aunt, are eternally in their 20's caused feelings of melancholy.  Watching my daughter and my nephew, who were born a week apart, turn 13 was wonderful and scary all at once.  Watching my great uncle lose his last sibling made me see how fast time goes by and how each moment counts. 

Love to all those celebrating a milestone or holding on to memories of past milestones. 

Happy Birthday Scarlett!!

Quote of the Week

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

 

Happy Birthday to our beloved Country

 

Here is wishing a year of peace

 

unity not separation

 

less natural disasters and

more natural wonders

 

less sorrow and more happiness

 

Happy Birthday America   

Her blanket

Scarlett has a blanket since she was a baby that she continues to sleep with everyday and bring with her whenever she is away from home.  In fact, when she was about five years old,  after spending a few days in a hotel in Florida, on the way  hone Scarlett realized she did not have her blanket.  She cried for a good hour repeating "I love my blanket, I will never see it again!"  Luckily, we called the hotel and they were kind enough to have saved it and they shipped it to our home. 

For some reason a few weeks ago, Phoenix decided he was going to take ownership of the beloved blanket.  What ensued was days of the two of them playing tug of war with the blanket and hiding the blanket from each other.   Scarlett promised to buy Phoenix a new blanket and Phoenix promised to buy Scarlett a new blanket.  Each night since, Phoenix looks for the blanket before he goes to sleep.  

The other day Scarlett was packing to go away to camp.  She came out of her room with the blanket and gave it to Phoenix, "Here Phoenix, you can use it."  I was amazed and proud of her.  I'm sure she went to pack the blanket in her bag and when she thought of her brother she chose to consider him and put him first.  Since Scarlett left for camp Phoenix has not been feeling well.   He came down with a fever and a cough. 

However, the blanket is there to comfort him.

 

The only thing that put a small smile on his face is when I reminded him how much his sister loves him by sharing her blanket.

 

 

Quote of the Week

Enjoying the small things

Finding quiet moments in our home with a 2 year old and a 12 year old is somewhat of a challenge.  It seems I never have a waking moment to myself.   I have even tried to escape to the bathroom with no success.  Our kids, like most mothers could confirm, have some kind of bathroom radar.  As soon I close the bathroom door behind me, one of them is knocking or calling out mom.   I want to stay up late after they have fallen asleep but most of the time I find myself falling asleep at the same time. 

Tonight, Scarlett has left for two weeks of camp and Phoenix, who has not been feeling well this weekend, is asleep.  I have a moment to myself. 

A hot cup of coffee with my new discovery of Bailey's Toffee Almond Cream creamer and some cinnamon along with a good book.  

 

 

 Time to enjoy the moment.  Good Night.

 

 

Easy cinnamon walnut cake

I have begun coordinating our coffee hour at church this year.  Although some have helped each week, I usually provide some of the goodies.   I have said before that I am far from a cook or a baker, but I have been trying.   Here is an easy make cake that I came up with combining a few different recipes I have collected.  It has a swirl of nuts, sugar and cinnamon in the middle and has the consistency of a pound cake.  Great for coffee or tea time. 

Ingredients for cake:

1 3/4 cups of flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup room temperature butter
1tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for swirl:

1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts

1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 81/2 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray

2. In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt

3. In a bowl combine the eggs, sour cream, sugar, butter and vanilla (the butter needs to be room temperature to mix well)

4. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture until blended

5. In a bowl mix the swirl ingredients

6. Pour half of the batter into the pan

7.  Spread the swirl mixture evenly over 1st layer of batter

8. Spread rest of batter on top

9. Bake 40 minutes(times may vary with each oven) toothpick inserted in center should come out dry