A Pretty Spot in My Day

Phewy, it's been a long week. My kids have been succumbing to a nasty virus that develops into high-fevers and croupy coughs. Another one bit the dust, as Jane is now bed-ridden and looking excessively puny. Somehow, I've managed to stay healthy so far, which is no small miracle given the propensity for sick kids to climb in one's bed and huff all over one's face. Besides the good Lord's mercy, I chalk it up to diligent hand-washing and, uh ... "nasal-rinsing" ... I'm telling you, it works. I started it last summer for my allergies, and consequently have not been sick since. I use it every day and twice a day if I feel something coming on.

It's not glamorous, but nine months of no illness even though every single member of my family has been sick at least once during that period? Who needs glamour!

That said, I am still weary of fielding sickness and wary of coming down with it myself. So in the midst of the yuck, there is nothing like a little moment of beauty. Water droplets on succulents? A pretty spot in my day.

The Devil's In the Details

I've been on a restrictive diet lately. Trying to kick the sugar habit. Gobs of veggies, fruits, lean proteins, probiotic dairy. No sugar. Full stop. It's been good. I'm finding new ways to cook and enjoy food, as well as prove to myself that I do not have to punctuate each meal with something sweet. Except for yesterday.

I decided to give myself a 'cheat.' I would still eat good meals, but I was jonesin' for a cookie like nobody's business. So I made them. Chocolate-Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies. Do you like these? I know I shouldn't. At least not so much. But I do.

They are stupid-easy to make, which is dangerous if you are having an I-want-it-now sort of craving. You can be stuffing your face with the batter alone in under 10 minutes. It's bad. But I was dreaming of them and I'd been so, so good ...

So I went about a very premeditated glutton attack. I made them in the morning, right before I left for some appointments. While I was gone, they were cooling to perfection. Once home, I made myself a big salad and sliced up some grapefruit ('cause I'm so healthy and all ...). Then came the big pot of tea, my book, a cozy blanket ... and my cookies. So I ate 3. Well, okay 6. Sheesh, you are so nosy. Fine. I ate 9! Are you happy? But I was really planning on only 3. Does that count?

By three o'clock I was panicked and my belly was distended to second-trimester proportions. I maniacally wrapped them up and virtually threw them at the teachers during carline pick-up. It was that or throw them out, and I might as well pretend I'm one of those thoughtful parents that bake up cookies specifically for the school staff, right?

I'm back on the wagon. I think I'll still allow myself some 'cheats' but not these devilish suckers. Mercy!

"The-Devil's-In-the-Details" Chocolate-Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Stir and bring to boil:
• 1/2 c. milk
• 2 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. butter
• 3 T cocoa
• 3 T peanut butter

Boil for one minute and add:
• 3.5 c. rolled oats
• 1 t. vanilla

Mix well and drop onto waxed or parchment paper. While cooling, plan exit strategy. They are dangerous.

Girl Breakfast in Black & White

Forgotten Coffee Cup in the Front Room

Recently, I've unearthed a pair of forgotten blue Spode cup and saucers I once purchased on a trip when I was in college. Pretty dishes really do make things taste better.

And when you forget to clean them up and find them the next day ... there they sit all happy and pretty. So you leave them another day just to enjoy the artfulness of forgotten, pretty things.

Birthday Celebrations, Archery Style

A couple of weeks ago, our boy had a birthday. Eleven! Another year's worth of reasons to be so very proud of him. Ever a fan of Robin and his merry men, Peter received his own bow and arrow set this year. We have still yet to obtain the hay bales and set up a shooting range outside. Still trying to figure out the logistics on that one ...

 So while he waits, he had a band of his own merry men over to the local archery range for a shootin' party. Targets and balloons were obliterated and once Pops brought out the life-sized poster of the wart-hog, the arrows really started flying.

For celebration, Peter chose a smattering of donuts instead of birthday cake. Brilliant! A real crowd-pleaser and mom pleaser as well. Doesn't get much easier than ordering up 3 dozen donuts!

And Peter, in his ever-gracious way, allowed his wee-lass of a sister to partake on several rounds. (She was shockingly good. Just look at that stance!)

It is a happy thing, indeed, to celebrate one another. Peter, it is our joy to celebrate you.

In Happy Expectation!

Yahoooo! My brother and his sweet wife are (both) expecting their first! Happy, happy days.

Potted Spring At the Front Door

Do you have the spring itch to start planting yet? I kind of do ...

Operation Healthy Snack

It's a hefty snack if not a full-on lunch. Hummus and pea-pods, apple slices and smoked gouda cheese. Dip the peas and pair the apple and cheese. So good I'd almost give up pie.

Almost.

A Stack of New Towels and Happy Thoughts

Tomorrow we celebrate our anniversary. Fourteen years. And if we count those sweet courting days, we mark 20 years together. Twenty! What a unique joy to already have so much history with each other.

After some frank discussions about the state of our bath linens, we decided it was truly time for some new towels! Bath towels that are fourteen years old, ripped, frayed, and dingy as all get-out? Mmmhmm. New white towels are a celebratory luxury indeed.

With a twinkle and a smirk, Pops told me he feels like a king using these new towels. And I love that about him.

No Greater Joy

The Sunday before last, my children chose to be baptized. Oh happy, happy day.

Little Jane was the one who led the way. She's been asking to be baptized for several months now. What do you say when your 6 year-old begs you to be baptized? Yes! You say yes!

On the eve of her baptism, Peter and Lucette decided now was them time for them, too. And the three of them shared the day together. A shared memory made of declaring who their life belonged to. What a gift for us all.

Pops did the "dunking" as Jane labeled it. And before he did so, he read the verse we chose for each of them when they were just babes in arms:

Peter -
"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening" 1 Samuel 3:10

Lucette - 
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights" James 1:17

Jane -
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" Matthew 5:8


And the verse on my heart that day? 

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth"

3 John 1:4