Food blog

I had a day that was so filled with nice things it was almost decadent. First, I woke up without the headache/aching joints/fever that had put me to bed at 7 pm the night before. I made poached eggs on toast for all of us, which is one of our favorite breakfasts. (Murray introduced me to it and, like many things he's introduced me to, it's a winner.)

 Then the kids and I had a lovely walk with a friend from work and Natty got to play at a playground. (As soon as I learn how to import pictures from Snapfish I'll import some of the pictures she took.) 

I had a hair appointment next and there was a bit of a panic when I realized that Natty's school/daycare was closed for Good Friday, but Murray offered to take Natty while I got my hair and brows done. Carole had Sam so I had an hour+ without anyone else! 

When I got everyone collected and we got home I put Natty in front of a movie (a ploy which later backfired on me as she gets grumpy after too many movies and this was (gulp!) her second one that day (the first being Nemo at Murray's office - but she only watched half of it - does that make it any better?)) while I decorated cupcakes. And ignored my children until Murray came home to a wreck of a house, grumpy kids and a Nigella-esque wife (beautiful from the salon visit, covered in green frosting and chocolate - what's not to love?!?). I don't know if he saw it quite the same way. 

Here's a picture of Sam's first ride in his Johnny Jump Up from Ama. He's really too young yet but will grow into it fast. 

And here are the cupcakes. 

I'll admit it - I read food blogs. (you can tell by the photos - I've got the tight focus thing down) Specifically, I read one (Chez Pim) when I have time. She is a real Foodie so I live vicariously through her. Me, who served leftover lamb stew for dinner the last 2 nights, made from a lamb roast cooked the day previous to the first lamb stew night. I am very lucky Murray doesn't mind leftovers. (don't get me wrong - it was good lamb stew! No shame there). 

However, my food tendencies these days are towards culinary humor. Although, since my sense of humor is odd I'm sure my culinary humor is as well. Anyway, I made these cupcakes for our church's Eggstravaganza tomorrow. I realize that this is what mothers do, and I will be making many more batches of cupcakes/cookies/bake sale items, but it's still new and entertaining for me. I thought they were funny - as funny as Natalie's birthday cake and along similar lines. They're just a simple white cake recipe (with flower sprinkles in them - since they are for kids) with a quickie buttercream frosting. The roses I bought at a cake store - love that Pink! And the birds nests are melted bittersweet chocolate with coconut filled with Cadbury's dark chocolate eggs. The nests are reminiscent of similar nests I made last Easter, including a big one for the crazy chocolate chicken! Very good memories of Easter with Ama, Grandpa Greg, Christi Sobel and her mom in our little house in London. 

Photos

Here's some long awaited photos - Starting with the stars:

Natty still loves Sam passionately and he loves her back - he smiles the most (and cries the most) for her squeaky voice and little face shoved right into his.

We LOVED having Aunty Lelia visit.

He's a smiley little kid! 

Dinner with the Boston Buttners - Soo Jin is Natalie's hero

And an update on the real estate search - we got into a offer/counteroffer flurry this week and ultimately did not want to pay what the owners wanted for the house. We're both fine with it. On to the next one!

Babies and boats

Since making my decision to forego school, I've been at peace. And I seem to be getting more accomplished - or at least I feel like it since I don't have a huge spectre of schoolwork hanging over me.

This morning I survived the usual chaos of getting Natalie and Murray out the door while jiggling Sam, who was being a fuss. Then I stood at the window watching them drive away and Sam fell asleep in my arms - heavenly. His little hands, which are just learning to clutch me, were clinging to my shirt and his soft head was resting on my chest. In moments like that I don't care that I'm unbathed and still wearing my prego yoga pants: it's just Good.

I've since successfully laid him down (that means he stayed asleep), cleaned the kitchen and sat down at the computer with a second cup of coffee (decaf). I'm also folding laundry while I wait for pages to load. That's as multitasking as I get. Natty and I are going to a neighbor's for tea after school and then she has ballet class. She's the smallest one in class - can you imagine me, "Skyscraper," having a petite child? But I remember when Sue Kindred and I were the same size. Then I shot up and didn't stop growing for a long time. So maybe she will too. Sam is growing so fast you can almost see it. He got his 2 month shots yesterday - yikes, they give a lot at a time! Next time I'll find out how many and ask, as Teal recommended, that we space them out a bit. Such a little body to deal with all that stuff. He's getting Tylenol around the clock and seems to be fine.

We're still interested in the 1704 house. Murray warned me that, if we buy it, before we close he wants me to sign a contract that I will not whine about the cold. Who...me? Whine about cold?
We're doing all kinds of research, including talking to others who live in old houses and a wonderful woman said to me yesterday, "Living in an old house is for people who value atmosphere over comfort." What a great way to put it. Now, are we those people? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Murray describes it as the wooden boat of houses - romantic and beautiful but a lot of work. At least it's not the concrete boat of houses - what would that be? Ugly, but functional?

I know I'm missing photos on the blog - Murray keeps the Mac at work now and it has all our photos. So we'll get it home and I'll load some on soon.