Bread is Good

Here is just another glimpse into our home.  Last night I tried another bread recipe from a really old cookbook I bought for $1.99 at the Goodwill.  This recipe was worth the $1.99.  I also made a cinnamon swirl bread but, I didn't make enough to get a picture of it.  (We at it all for breakfast.)

 

This is a sweet brioche bread.  That is not what the cookbook called it but, that is what it is.  It is fairly luxurious but, one of the easier breads I have made.  I will make it again, and the cookbook isn't going to walk the plank back into the donation bin.

I am making roast for dinner tonight so this loaf will have to wait till then to cut.  It will be excellent.

Why won't they just wait a little longer...

...to grow up on me.

This is from last weekend when I took a few snaps of my 12 year old.  I figured that I needed to take a few pictures of her during her awkward preteen years.  All I remember were the horrible middle school yearbook pictures that captured all my imperfections for all eternity. LOL!

This is what came out of that session:

 Okay, so if this is her awkward stage, I am anticipating something amazing when she comes into her own.  This girl is going to be an astounding woman.  She is the whole package my friends.  She is beautiful, smart, witty, generous, loving, passionate, involved, creative, faithful, thoughtful...yes, I could go on and on.

I love her.

Class of 2013

I don't think I need to say how happy sad this makes me to see my youngest about to transition into grade school.  But, I will anyway.  I really can't believe that this part of being mom is over.  It went by so fast and it has been so hard and so great at the same time.  For the past 12 years I have had a baby to smother and well, to baby.  Well, there are no more babies in my house and I am going through my own graduation. And since, I am sentimental, you get to read about it. ♥

Here is the photo reel:

Here he is ready to walk the procession up to the podium.  He seems so tiny (like a baby).
 

These two go together because he is sitting so quietly and properly but, within a matter of seconds, he is waving at us (in true Mac fashion).

 

The moment of truth.

 

And his Pre-Kindergarten teachers.

Now you might think that this didn't phase my little bubble of sunshine. But, before my tears could even surface, my sweet boy was crushed.  He was overwhelmed with emotion and recognized what a change this meant. I am always surprised by my little man's sensitivity to his great big world.

So, Congratulations Mac, I couldn't be more proud of you.  I know that your grade school years will fly by and we will be standing taking graduation pictures of you again.  Please, I beg you, take it slow.  I love you, Mom.

I saved it!

I found these at the store, clingy to life.  So, I saved them.  ;)

Most people know that I am a scavenger.  I hate to throw out plants and it kills me that stores won't just give me the throw-aways.  I could totally make them come back if they would just give me a chance to have them. (There is an exception--I am horrible with roses...they are on their own if they make it to my garden.)

Anyhow, these next shots are of plants that I bought for less than $4--pots included.  I have lots of plants like this, when they bloom I will shoot a pic of them and share.  Anyway, my garden is happy right now.  That makes me feel good. 

But for now, I will focus on reviving the cast offs.  The seem happy enough in my garden.

Aren't they just lovely? These potted plants are typically $14-$19 at the local home improvement store.  I got them for a LOT less than that.  And here they are expressing their gratitude.    The impatiens in the background are also a rescue. I expect blooms soon. I wish I had before and afters of these things.  I will try to remember them next time.

Dusky Roses

Here are a couple shots of my roses at dusk tonight.  I am so in love with them for not dying on me.  I am especially in love with my pink one because she is about 10years old and manages to survive my terrible rose growing ability.  I love spring because spring loves me back.

Graduation Time

Say it ain't so...

My baby is leaving pre-school.  And this is bittersweet.  Gosh, I just didn't think it would happen so quickly. I tried so hard to keep him tiny and he just wouldn't quit. I guess that is fine, but, I am going to miss the Pre-K years.

He is a very smart lil' guy. He  can read simple words and sentences.  His patterning skills are top notch.  His creative play and vocabulary are stellar.  Maybe I will just keep him home with me.  I seem to be doing a bang up job already...

I am so proud of you baby boy!  Congratulations! Mommy loves you and can't wait to see what else you can do!

A Flower for My Sister on her 25th Anniversary

“For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands”
― Christina Rossetti

This is for my baby sister who left this world 25 years ago. When I see the angels in the orchids I always think of her.  These flowers are also for my mother (who like an orchid), the strongest, most enduring, and most lovely person I have ever known.

SubUrban Cowboy

My son wanted to know where his chaps were.  I had to explain that cowboys wear chaps on the range--not in the suburbs. ;o)

This is why I learned to take better photos.  Giddy up Lil Cowboy!  

Mom's Birthday Dinner

Happy Birthday to THE BEST MOM IN THE WHOLE WORLD.  I love you Mom and I hope this year is a really good year for you.

Middle Child

I finally got my photos of my Middle Child. I tried to pick just one but, I couldn't.  So you get to see the ones I liked most.  And I couldn't even decide if I liked the color or monochrome.

I think I like the color for the eyes and smiley shots but for the soft smiles I really like the black and white.  I love the subject but, I think I need a reshoot.  He won't give me one today though.