My new favorite cookie recipe

I'm on a roll.  Why stop now?!  Peanut butter and chocolate...could it get any better?

Before I seem to take any sort of credit, I did find this recipe on the web (not sure where?) after Spencer said he wanted peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.  

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter (we used chunky...the only way to go)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light.

Add egg and mix until fluffy.

Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.  After, add to wet ingredients.

Bake for 10-12 minutes

Try not to eat the entire batch in one sitting 

Ham and Cheese Turnovers

I promised a dear (and patient) friend I'd publish this recipe a long time ago.  Here's proof that I'm faithful and (sometimes) tardy.

I found this recipe in an old issue of 'Real Simple'.  I'm just now getting to all those magazines collecting dust.  I guess the treadmill is good for something after all.

1 pound package refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pizza dough

(stay away from that Pillsbury stuff...as Mia would say, "That's na-nee" a.k.a. "nasty")

8 ounces deli ham, thinly sliced

4 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced

1/2 yellow onion, cut into thin rings

Heat oven to 400 degrees

Roll the pizza dough into a 14 inch circle and cut into 8 triangles

Stack a piece of ham, cheese and onion on the bottom of each triangle and roll the dough up around the filling (you'll see some of the filling peeking out of the ends)

Transfer the rolls to a parchment-lined baking sheet (not necessary, but it makes clean-up easier)

Bake until golden and crisp, about 20 minutes.  I'm finding it takes more like 30 minutes.

I'm planning on making my own dough once I have a reliable mixer. You know, one that wasn't used to mix tile grout and trips the breaker box.  Needless to say, its now in the garbage.

I'm tired!

This week has been a busy one.  After I found my cell phone in the garbage can last night, I could no longer deny I'm operating on far too few brain cells.  And yes, the phone was put there by yours truly.  I sure wish I could blame the kids for that one.

Spencer's solely responsible for this ensemble.  Nothing he's wearing is particularly offensive, but paired together it was certainly a fashion nightmare.

 I wish I had a chance to take a picture of the get-up he wore on our walk today, which included a winter-like beanie and safety glasses.  

Very interesting.

You decide...

I should set the scene for you.  Imagine you have been one of six firefighters selected to appear on the field of a San Francisco Giants game in honor of firefighter appreciation night.  Maybe you'd be ecstatic?  Okay, well, pretend you're a baseball fan.  You might agree that this is more than likely a once in a lifetime opportunity.

For the sake of anonymity I'll call this specially selected firefighter, Firefighter Fonzie.  His wife too plays a role in this story, so, I'll refer to her as Wifey.  You following me?

Here's where you decide the ending to this story. 

Choice A

Everything runs just as planned.  FF Fonzie and family arrive at the event a few minutes prior to their requested arrival time of 6:20.  His Wifey and kids are in the stands cheering him on. Of course the video camera is out to record this once in a lifetime moment.

Choice B

Wifey suggests they depart the house at 4:00 pm.  "Remember San Francisco traffic is often unpredictable", she says.  FF Fonzie dismisses Wifey's suggestion.  After all, she's crazy.

The negotiated departure time is set for 4:30pm.

The family departs at 4:30, just as planned.  After a quick trip to the grocery store and the gas station, they're on their way...to Berkeley that is.  Did I fail to mention FF Fonzie's boots are still at the fire station. Obviously, that won't fly.

Arrive in Berkeley only to discover there's not enough money to pay for toll and parking.  The family car stops at the bank real "quick".  

Finally, the family made it to the fire station.  FF Fonzie returns to the car with his boots. Wishes he'd had time to polish his boots.  Hopes no one will notice.

The family makes it to the Bay Bridge at 6:00pm.  Although the ballpark can be seen from the bridge, they're in a car not a boat.  FF Fonzie is convinced he can make the cars in front move by vocalizing his encouragement (in case you're wondering, it sounded something like, "Go, go, go!").

The vehicle makes it off the bridge at about 6:15pm.  FF Fonzie calls his contact at the park to let her know he's just around the corner...sorta.

Arrive outside the park at 6:25pm.  Not bad, eh?  After realizing there's no parking directly in front of the park, FF Fonzie parks in the street directly behind several police vehicles.

FF Fonzie hops out quickly, but not in time to stop the officer from preparing his parking ticket.  Because FF Fonzie is now pulling his uniform out of the trunk, Wifey is sure to let him know more than once about the events transpiring before her eyes.

As Wifey pulls out of their "parking spot", FF Fonzie tries his best to talk Mr. Policeman out of the ticket.  

FF Fonzie rushes to the office while Wifey and kids search for parking lot D.  Wifey discovers the only clearly marked lot is lot A.  She circles the block looking for lot B, C and D.

Out of pure desperation, Wifey pulls into lot A and asks for directions to lot D.  Learns that lot D is across the street and there is no lot B or lot C.  Makes sense right?

FF Fonzie begins changing into his uniform when he realizes he forgot his pants in the trunk. Hopes no one will notice.  

After realizing his only two choices were jeans or boxers, he decides he better call Wifey and report the news.

Wifey can't find phone as she's simply trying to avoid pedestrians at this point.  FF Fonzie begins to panic a bit.

Wifey finally locates lot D and wonders why the sign identifying the parking lot is the size of a post card.  Her phone rings again and this time she answers it even though she's surrounded by police and technically breaking the law.

At 6:45pm, FF Fonzie tells Wifey she must drive-by the executive offices (again) and drop off his pants. Promises a woman out front will be waiting for her and waving like crazy so she can't possible miss the drop-off point.  Wifey says a few things on the phone she'll later regret.

As Wifey drives by the offices, she observes a woman chatting on her cell phone, but no waving arms.  After nearly passing by Chatty Cathy, she's finally waved down.  At this point Wifey has missed the empty bus drop off and must park in the intersection.  The ticket issuing policeman is right across the street.

Now Wifey is far from the infamous lot D considering S.F. is chock-full of one one streets and people.  She's beginning to resign herself to the fact that she and the kids will be missing this once in a lifetime event.  Wifey breaks the news to the kids and the tears flow.  Thankfully, things are remedied with a Red Vine for each.

In the meantime, FF Fonzie is almost ready to make his debut.  He realizes he can't carry his other clothes so he looks for a storage spot.  The only place he can locate is the utility closet. He stuffs his belongings in with the toilet paper and cleaners.

Before walking on the field, FF Fonzie notices his badge is missing.  Yep, its in the car.  Knows better than to call Wifey.  Hopes no one will notice.

After hauling both kids, diaper bag, and camera bag (that she won't need) from the car, Wifey is on her way to the game.  Realizing she'll be missing the performance, she stops outside the ballpark and catches a quick glimpse of the event on the large screen.  She's not happy.

Wifey makes it to the seats just before FF Fonzie.  She's sweating buckets and ready to remove her clothing despite the cool weather.

FF Fonzie gives Wifey a kiss and admits he wished he had that half hour back.  He agrees Wifey isn't crazy all the time.  

What a world! What a world!

Year four must be tougher than I remember.  Little guy has doled out his fair share of drama the last few days.  I have a short snippet of evidence on the video camera, but Alfonso isn't willing to share.  Trust me; its funny!

Tonight while I was getting the bath ready, Mia decided to "hop" in on her own.  She picked the front "seat", right next to our ducky bath spout.  Normally Spencer rides shotgun and he was not happy to see Mia in his place.  He climbed in anyway.  After a little bout of splish-splashing (aka mini-tantrum), he exclaimed:  "Its so boring back here!  There's nothing to do.  She never lets me sit in the front!"

To that I say, "What a world!  What a world!"

There, now I feel better.  

Back to (pre) school

Unlike last year, not a tear was shed.  Its not that I won't miss him, but he is gone just two mornings a week.  Now kindergarten is another story I'd rather not discuss.

Later today day Spencer wanted to see his pictures from this morning. He's supplied me with the following titles (no joke):

Army picture

Helicopter pilot

Silly face

He didn't care to offer anything for this picture, so I will.
Cutie

Anytime is a good time for sugar cookies

Today was Spencer's last full day before preschool starts again tomorrow.  Well aware that this mom was in full-blown sentimental mode, he mentioned he wanted to make cookies with frosting.  So began my search for a sugar cookie recipe.  The recipe itself isn't hard to find, its just deciding which recipe to use that had me scratching my head.  After finding one I liked, I added nutmeg.  My friend Heather added some to the dough she made for our cookie baking day and I swear I could have eaten the whole batch right up before it entered the oven.  Thankfully, I had the kids there to stop me :).  

Mr. Bubbles

Miss Independent (sorta)

Mia brought her life vest to me and although I tried to talk her out of wearing it, she insisted and I caved.  No biggie, right?

She called out to me while I was cooking dinner in the kitchen and this is how I found her.  She climbed in all by herself and she was so proud.  Her moment of pride quickly changed course the minute I pulled out the camera.  In the camera operator's defense, I'm fairly certain Spencer had a little something to do with the teary episode too.

A dream come true

Spencer has been waiting for this and the day finally arrived.  This boy loves horses and ponies too, but that's a sore subject around here :).

Winding down our summer...

We decided to make our way to the State Fair because we hadn't been with a kid, or in this case, kids.  I'll admit the free parking and half price admission might have encouraged us some too.

Although I well aware that fall is approaching, it didn't feel so today.  The weather sure made me realize I may be looking forward to our next season more than I realized.  Yep, I tend to mourn summer's passing.

In case anyone is interested, Alfonso took a few pictures of the Delorean from Back to the Future.  C'mon...no takers?!

My cave dwellers

We made a cave out of a big box we had laying around.  The three of us were armed with our hard hats and full bellies.  My hat was designed with digging in mind.  Spencer said I needed the shield to keep my eyes protected from all the dust we were stirring up.  Maybe its time for me to dust the place.

Baking is messy business!

Is it still considered "baking" when one simply opens a box and stirs?

Anyhow, Mia thought it was delicious.  I licked the bowl myself, but no one was there to take my picture.  Sigh.

C'mon kids!

I'm going to blame it on post-vacation brain, but I took the kids to Contra Loma for the walk of their life.  I had planned to take them to a little fishing dock, but when we got to our destination we discovered it was closed much to Spencer's disappointment.  To make matters worse, we had to walk all the way back to our picnic spot.  Oh, and it was naptime.  I swear Mia almost fell asleep standing.

We went to Napa for four days to celebrate our 9th anniversary. I still can't believe how fast the time has gone by. Suddenly, fifty years seems so close!

Our relationship has sure changed over the years. That's a good thing considering we were (practically) babies on our wedding day. As much as the years have forced us to grow-up, we've learned to do the growing up together. Our interests are similar, but not so much so that we're suffocating (been there, done that...not fun!). We're far from perfect, but still in love. 

There's no greater joy this world can provide me than being married to my best friend.  

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  But how can one keep warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Eccl. 4:9-12

Hmmmm...That's a version I have yet to read

When we got back to the car after church this afternoon (and getting back to the car is an event when you attend a large church), I asked Spencer what he'd learned. Sensing he was struggling a bit, I used the goodies he'd created to put the pieces together for him. As it turns out he'd heard the story of the Prodigal Son.

I love this age. Its my favorite for sure. Spencer understands just enough to fuel a decent conversation and misunderstands just enough to make that decent conversation fun. I was a bit floored to hear his re-telling of the story in his words. Really, he managed to soak up a good chunk of the story.

He told me about how the father in the story gave his son money. After the son received this gift he left. While he was away, he spent his wealth on....McDonald's?!?! Yep, that's what he told me.

Isn't he cute?!

The last time I had a chance to see Sullivan was way back in February. It was sure nice to sneak in a few days with the little guy...his mom isn't so bad either :).

One year ago today...

...Mia was placed in our arms. Its a day I'll never forget that's for sure.

As I looked through pictures from August 2, 2007, I had to laugh at Mia's hairdo. Her foster mom explained she'd fixed her hair in anticipation of our meeting only to have her rip out the the rubberbands on the way to meet us. As I glanced back at Mia while we were in the car today, I found her doing the very same thing...only this time I was there to witness it.

She's sure a sweetie.

Claiming God's word for our children

Yesterday was a toughy. We went to bed unsure about how best to handle Spencer's "issue". Spencer's a thinker and for the most part, that's been a good thing. The problem is he thinks too hard about some things and is absolutely sure he'll fail before he even tries. Can you relate a bit? I sure can.

I've come to the conclusion that every child is born with an extreme bend or two. For me, I imagine a little tree with a branch bending at some extreme angle. You realize that particular bend isn't so harmful to the tree now just a little sapling, but one day when that little tree grows big and tall, that bend could very well be crippling. I'm sure you'll agree that it is far easier to adjust an extreme branch while the tree is still pliable and young, and not rigid and old (that rigid and old adjustment part is what landed me in counseling :) and let me tell you, it has been everything but easy).

I don't feel it's our job, or even our right, to try to completely correct our child's "bend". I believe God created my children for a very special purpose and their "bend" may very well play an important, if not vital, role in who He designed them to be. All I ask is that God shows us how to parent our children, that He shows us how to best correct a possible extreme and turn it into something positive, and that the "bend" not be a hinderance for them.

A while ago, I started memorizing a Bible verse with Spencer. I guess you can say I claimed this verse, through prayer, for him.

Phillippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Isn't that an uplifting verse for us all? Part of me figures that is this verse is repeated enough, I just might believe it too.

We try to pray with our kids every night, but last night I found myself doing something I've failed to do for some time. Last night I took the time to pray over my kids when each was fast asleep. And as I did, I found myself clinging to this very hope:

James 5:16b "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Who better to ask for help than the God that created both myself and my children?