Aromatic Love Notes

No kid or husband?! What's a girl to do? Bake, of course! I just finished baking these wonderfully tasty Petite Vanilla Bean Scones. I must say, they are to die for! I must share this with the rest of the world!!! The buttery notes hit first followed by the rich and decadent flavor of vanilla bean. My girlfriend (Thanks Tanya for the recipe!) claims they are just as tasty as the scones sold at Starbucks. I'll take her word for it, since I've never tried them. However, after making these tasty, yet naughty bites....I see a BAD habit forming in the future (Drive up Starbucks shouldn't be so convenient!). If you love to bake (or better yet, love to eat), I would encourage you to try this recipe. It's worth the effort, which isn't much, and is definitely worth a few special ingredients (i.e.-vanilla beans). I have made it easier and have a link to the recipe.....just click on the recipe title above and it will take you to the recipe (Shot out to you Tanya!). The recipe originates from the Pioneer Woman, which you can click here...and do a search for the recipe on her website. She offers step by step photos of the making and baking process!!! Enjoy! Happy Eating!

New Beginnings

The realization that I am unable to keep up with this blog is shameful. I have not been a loyal blogger. In my defense, once again, I find myself exhausted and spent. And quite frankly, the last thing I want to do, on any given day, is to sit behind the computer, again, to write. At the same time, I know that I do have friends and family that like to keep up with us. I desperately want to find new meaning to my blogging and it has come in the way of inspiration from a dear friend. Her blog is eloquent. I hear her speak when I read her words. I miss her less when I read her blog. She is the inspiration for my new found appreciation for blogging and the content it will hold. She makes me feel normal when I read her words. I feel like I am a part of her family. I admire and appreciate the subtleties of her vulnerability as she shares her thoughts, wishes and dreams....a piece of her and her family. Thank you Tanya!!! So...here is to new beginnings. A blog about me, my family and life.

A new century...a new entry

Once again, I find myself amazed and disappointed that I have left so much time between posts. At most...I find it difficult to keep up with our blog, but the thought of abandoning it is not really an option either. So I will continue with my ill attempts to keep our blog up to date...even if it is once a year.



Marissa is 3 1/2 years old and looking forward to her 4th birthday. She amazes us everyday with her wit and humor. She is sensitive and smart, sassy and sweet. She is in constant movement and talks just as much. She attends 3 year old preschool 2 times a week at Rockford Christian and loves every minute of it. She fills much of her day playing with balls, dolls, and puzzles. She loves to do crafts and cook. She loves to dance and run. In short...she is momma and daddy's little bundle of energy. (We are still in search of how to bottle it up. We would be rich and could retire early...we need the sleep!)


We are a truly blessed family and never, for one moment, take for granted all that God has given to us. We have accepted His gifts graciously and continue to learn to accept His will with the same grace. With that...here's to a happy and healthy 2010. Stay tuned....I have a lot of photos to share with you!

Who let the monkeys out?

Cake #2

Cake #1.  M asked for a "big, huge monkey cake".  And that is what she got!

Just monkeying around!

"Happy Birthday dear Marissa..."

A little R&R with Cousin Catalina

What a beautiful day!  Mid 70's, sunny and warm!  Thank you to all of you who made Marissa's birthday and her party so much fun and special.  We had a great time and hope you did too.  We missed those of you who couldn't come, but know your thoughts were with us.  Enjoy the pictures!

Easter

Concentrating!

Can't I just drop the egg in the coloring?

Pretty eggs by Marissa!

"Money?"

Marissa had lots of practice finding eggs this year, after participating in 3 egg hunts. As you can see, she had a great time!

3 Going on 16!

M is 3!  Hard to believe it.  She is in consent motion and always talking.  M's current growth stats put her in the 15%-tile for height and weight.  She is 27 lbs and 35.5 inches tall.  "I'm not concerned, because at least she won't be contributing to the national obesity problem." (Exact words from our pediatrician in reference to her size.)

Almost 3!

A quick 2 minute photo shoot produced some great shots for her birthday card invitations.  I thought you would love to see a preview.  Can you believe it...3 already?!