Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Something Stinks

Something smells terrible in my kitchen. I've looked and looked, and haven't found the nonviolent offender yet. Could it be a misplaced sippy cup? Rotten potatoes? A dirty diaper under the sink? My imagination won't let me ponder anything so mundane. Instead, I am searching for vampire remains or werepanther droppings.....

Homemade Chocolate Cake in 4 minutes!

I have seen this recipe on several blogs in the last year and resisted trying it. I tend to shy away from anything too trendy, only to embrace it a year later when everyone else is almost tired of it. Case in point--I just started wearing leggings under long sweaters. True fashionistas are probably tiring of this trend, but I am just adopting it. Anywho, I finally came upon a bonafide reason to try out this recipe. Last night Ash made homemade brownies. I wanted a brown with my whole heart. After asking Ashley multiple times to bring me one from Peoria, it became clear she wasn't going to acquiesce. Time for chocolate cake in a mug...in 4 minutes!!! The recipe follows:



Microwave Mug Cake
4 tbsp. flour
4 tbsp. sugar

4 tbsp. cocoa
1 egg
3 tbsp. milk
3 tbsp. oil
3 tbsp. chocolate chips (optional, but hell, would I be making this concoction if
I HAD any chocolate chips? No).
Small splash vanilla


Measure flour, sugar, and cocoa in a large mug. Mix well. Add egg and mix well. Add milk and oil and mix well. Add chocolate chips and vanilla and mix well.
Microwave for 3 minutes. Take notice that your cake may creep up above the top of your mug, but shouldn't spill over.

Now if I just had some frosting for the top.....

Monday, September 7, 2009

Another Conversation with Ms. Ava

I am constantly amazed by this child.

Me: Ava, what do you think is good about daddy?
Ava: How he turns on my fan and my nightlight.
Me: What do you think is good about mommy?
Ava: How you pick up all my toys.
Me: What about Grandma Lisa?
Ava: How she gives me a drink in a special cup.
Me: What about Grandpa Dave?
Ava: How he falls asleep on his red couch.
Me: Grandma Rita?
Ava: How she makes me supper.
Me: And Grandpa Doug?
Ava: How he helps Grandma Rita make me mac n cheese.
Me: What is good about Aunt Ashley?
Ava: How she and Uncle Ryan take me to the zoo to see all the animals.
Me: What about Aunt Tess?
Ava: How she takes a shower in the mornings.
Me: And what about Alex?
Ava: How he makes silly faces at me.
Me: What about Grandma Shirley?
Ava: How she sits on our couch with us.
Me: And Grandma Marty?
Ava: She sits on her own couch.
Me: What about Grandpa John?
Ava: He takes me for good bike rides. That's good.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

"The Yet to be Read" List


Rebecca, by Daphne Demaurier

The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield

The Spiritualist, by Megan Chance

Miscellaneous "Sookie Speak" short stories, by Charlaine Harris

The Outlander Series, by Diana Gabaldon

As well as read more of these series:

Phillipa Gregory's books
The Southern Vampire series
The Dresden Files



Eternal Friends

"Brother and sister,
together as friends,
ready to face
whatever life sends.
Joy and laughter
or tears and strife,
holding hands tightly
as we dance through life."
Author: Suzie Huitt



"Of all the things I have to play, I'd choose my brother any day."
Author: Unknown













"Sometimes being a brother is better than being a superhero."
Author: Marc Brown


WOO HOOO!!!






ASHLEY IS ENGAGED!!!