Would you like some cookie with those sprinkles?

I was feeling brave, so the girls and I did some baking together this week. One day, we made fudge, spritz cookies (thanks for the "gun," Jen, it was perfect...M did them all!), and chocolate covered cashews. The next day, we made chocolate cherry cookies and "candycane" bread. The girls loved it and didn't even argue too much about whose turn it was to pour something in the bowl next. I've been feeling like a "slacker mom" lately 'cause I just want to take the easy way out, but these two days cured me of title, at least for a little while.

Now E is Famous!

Get a load of me and my little one on B2 of the News Tribune today! We've been waiting and waiting for it to finally be in the paper, and hooray, today's the day!

When I went to the Ready! for Kindergarten meeting, I met the lady who did this story. I guess I was too verbal 'cause when I saw her at the library for storytime a week later, she asked if she could interview me for the story. Imagine that, me having something to say about education?! The photographer came to our home just before Thanksgiving and took over 400 pictures in 20 minutes. You'd think that out of all of those, he could've published one where I look a little more interested in what E is doing, but oh well! ;) I was really surprised to see it in color, too, and so big!

I hope you can click on the article and get it big enough to read. I have some pretty cheesy quotes...

That's Some Cookie!

I wasn't one of the parent helpers the day this craft was made at E's preschool, but I was there the next day when they were all displayed on the wall. I noticed a striking difference between my daughter's creation and those of her classmates:

On their ingredients list were things like sprinkles, frosting, and candy.

Now take a look at my daughter's list, right out of her creative little mouth.

Wow, there's a tiny part of me that's a little embarassed, but mostly, I am proud of her for thinking outside the lines. No idea where the thoughts came from (maybe she thought the bell-shaped foam sticker looked more like an octopus?), but this project is definitely a keeper.

p.s. I notice that I've posted a lot more about E than about M lately and I feel guilty about that. It's not that I adore one more than the other...I'm just WITH E a lot more. Now that they're both on winter break (not "Christmas Vacation," mind you) I hope to glean some entertaining stories from both of them!

Comfort and Joy

When we moved, we somehow lost the box containing all my essential baking supplies: salt, pepper, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa, etc. I gave up looking and replaced them all, but kept forgetting to get more cocoa.

I finally remembered this week and, standing in the cold and rain yesterday, waiting with cold toes and E for M's bus, I was suddenly filled with intense longing for one of my very favorite comfort foods.

Homemade chocolate pudding.

If you've never made it, you are truly missing out. If you had, you know why my girls enthusiastically supported my idea! As soon as we got home, I set to work. Soon, we were at the table, "mmmmmmmmm-ing" and feeling truly content.

And then we began the mad rush to get ready for E's preschool Christmas party. But those moments were bliss.

Now, in the midst of all your Christmas baking, we highly recommend you pause and make some of our favorite chocolate pudding. (But be prepared to never go back to instant pudding again. Sorry, Mr. Cosby!)

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Chocolate Pudding:

Heat 3 cups of milk in a saucepan.

In a separate bowl, combine:
1 cup sugar
2 heaping T flour
2 T cocoa
2 eggs

Add a little heated milk to the mix. Gradually add entire mix to the milk, stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat. Add 2 T margarine and 1 tsp vanilla. Option: add a dash of cinnamon. Sometimes we serve with cool whip and/or marachino cherries.
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By altering this, you can make a great chocolate pie filling. Let me know if you want that info. Personally, I'm usually just as content with just the pudding, and it doesn't involve a rolling pin! :)

Notes

This morning, P was putting the finishing touches on his talk for Sacrament meeting. E asked him, "Daddy, what are you doing?"

"I'm writing notes for my talk."

"Daddy, those are not notes."

"Sure they are!"

"No, they're not. Here, give me your pen and I'll show you what notes are."

She then proceded to write these "music notes" on his paper!

I guess those episodes of "Little Einsteins" are paying off!

Impressive, Crazy Pictures

If you want to see some impressive, crazy pictures of the damage that the wind & rain did in my hometown of Astoria, Oregon, you can head on over to my bro's blog at http://brionicman.blogspot.com. I knew from talking to my SIL that it was bad, but wow, seeing it is a whole new story.

Safe and Sound

Just a quick note to let you know that we are all a-ok, at least in our immediate vicinity. The flooding is bad south of us and north of us, but we just got a good soaking along with some impressive winds. Thanks for your nationwide concern! ;)