Apron Strings

Yesterday I needed to bake a dessert for a church activity. Charlotte is finally getting to that age where she can "help" me in the kitchen. Cooking/baking is one of my favorite activities, but a lot of the joy has been stripped out of it after having a child who always seems to be the whiniest when I'm in the kitchen. I'm so excited that Charlotte is getting to the age where she can be my cooking partner (even if it will be messier).

This picture reminded me of a quote by Barbara Kingsolver that says "Cooking is 80 percent confidence, a skill best acquired starting from when the apron strings wrap around you twice." I hope that we'll be able to create many fond memories of time in the kitchen. I think the kitchen is the heart of the home and is where my mom did her best teaching (and I'm not referring to teaching me how to cook).

So what did we make? These yummy Apple Streusel Bars!

Another Waffle Celebration

This year for International Waffle Day we tried these Double Chocolate Waffles with Berry Sauce! We also made Buttermilk Syrup to put over them and the ice cream. It was delightful (and a little sinful) and also fun to try something new. The Gerber's came over to celebrate with us. I love this holiday!

A Christmas Package

Here are some pictures for the Houston Nelsons of Charlotte opening up the presents they sent her.
"Books, my favorite!"

Here's a video of Charlotte telling me about her new books and toys.

She was so excited about that dress that we had to put it on immediately!

Thanks Popie and Mimi/Nana (TBD)

For Zachary

We got a letter from Adam's brother, Zach today. It was lovely to get mail from him. One of the things he mentioned in his letter was the huge icicle they got in Houston. Zach, would you still consider that one to be huge after seeing this one:

=) We love you Zach!

Oh, What Do You Do In the Wintertime?

We've been getting lots of snow here. Adam shoveled a little pathway for Charlotte to walk into.

We bought a sled when my family was visiting because Dito had never been sledding before. Sometimes we take Charlotte out on the sled. She reminds me of the kid in A Christmas Story when his mom gets him all bundled up (yes, that movie has Cleveland written all over it). She can hardly move with her snow pants and hood on. It gives us a good laugh every time.

Christmas in Ohio

This year was our first Christmas we spent in Ohio. My parents and Dallen came up to spend the holiday with us. I am so happy that they did because it would have been very quiet without them. Also, Dallen entertained Charlotte so well that I didn't know what to do with myself. Nice!
My mom and me making Christmas Eve dinner.

Charlie was very excited about the necklaces she got from Santa.
She was also excited about the clothes she got.
And had to try them on.
Adam got a new baseball cap.

My parents copying the face that Adam makes as he opens presents.

Dito wasn't too thrilled with the game we got him. His facial expression makes us laugh.

I'd post more pictures, but blogger is being funny about letting me drag and order them. All in all it was a great holiday.

Let the Christmas Festivities Commence!

Adam finished his mid-terms and clinic work for the month. It has been a long three weeks. While I completed all of my Christmas shopping, I felt like the Christmas festivities couldn't really begin until Adam was a part of them. So, my friend Amber and I set up a gingerbread house making event for the very evening after our husbands were done.

I enjoy doing this every year!

Adam made the pentagon. Um, sometimes I don't get him. =)

Here's mine.

Amber won the CandyLand award.

Dan won most improved!

My Little Girl

Where or where did my baby go? It seems as though C becomes more of a little girl every day. It is so wonderous for me to watch her learn and express herself.

Dear Santa...

No need for a sippy cup:

Wearing a ponytail:

Always wearing big girl shoes:
Chatting on the phone:
I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father sent her to me!