Gotta Hold onto the Streak

I knew it was going to be out late last night and that I wouldn't want to write when I got home before I went to bed, so I jotted a little list of my bads and goods while I waited for #s 2 and 3 to get done with EFY.

One of my goods happened after the list was written, so here they are--the goods and bads of July 16th, 2013:


Bads

• The Oregon Association of American Mothers, Inc. parting with the National Association of American Mothers, Inc. (Please note that what follows is all personal opinion).

I have been a member of this group for the past three-ish years. I believe this is a wonderful, worthwhile organization to be involved in. I will continue to be part of my state group, but I have learned that most of my hang ups about this association have been rooted in the deteriorating national organization. It's been very interesting to watch, as an innocent by-stander, and see an organization switch gears from the things it was originally based on.

It has become clear that the greatest motive for this group is not necessarily to do the right thing for its clientele but to do what the majority wants it to do. They want to be popular. I'm sorry, but the traditional role of mothers will never hold a majority in our society or be very popular; therefore, somebody's got to part ways. In this case, Oregon was the first to step up and walk away. And so one wonders, who will champion the cause of the traditional mother? Not this group anymore, it seems. Sad. So, Oregon will carry itself and continue to stand up for the role of mothers.

The saddest part of this is that it divides us from others who are in other state associations. That has been a wonderful reassurance--to know that there are other mothers in other states who are working toward the same ends.

• Not getting #1's package sent. 

I woke up early to get kids off to various activities. By the time I was getting kids to EFY, I could feel a headache starting in. By the time I got home to the medicine (I really haven't had many in so long that I don't carry the medicine with me on a regular basis), the headache was full blown.

I pretty much got nothing done. No cookies, no music picked out, nothing in a box. I made the realization later that if I sent it today, it would have to be shipped and wait out the weekend. I don't want the cookies to have to wait that long, so the plan now is to ship one box with the non-perishable items and send the cookies on Monday (unless someone in Provo wants to make them and deliver them. That'd be amazing!).

Goods

• I got the blanket made.

This is a long story. Whenever someone we know and love has a baby, we make them a blanket. #1 mentioned, in one of her letters, that her MTC teacher's wife had just had their first baby. We decided to make him a blanket and send it to #1 and her MTC bubs so they could gift it to him. It just needs to get into that package and make it there before they leave the MTC. It turns out, and I didn't know this until #1 said it in last Saturday's email, that this will be the last class he will teach at the MTC. Teachers there are given a three year job. His tenure is ending.

• The Oregon Association of American Mothers, Inc. parting with the National Association of American Mothers, Inc.

This is both good and bad. I know this was a very hard thing for our organization to do. Back on June 12th, a letter was sent to the National organization with the hope that it would open communication and that they would work to resolve some of our concerns. Nothing of the sort happened. From what I saw, the replies were rather contentious in nature. This made me sad, but it made me happy to know that we were making the right decision.

I, to be honest, was shocked at some of the language chosen for those letters. I almost wondered if they'd been read through before they'd been sent.

I am proud of the women I've served with. They are now on new ground--their own ground and they can do with the organization as they please. Way to go, ladies! Way to stand up for what you believe in.

• A Girls' Night Out

I have a VERY dear friend who, from time to time, will call me up randomly and ask if I can run away that evening. Yesterday was that day. YAY! We went and got appetizers at Applebee's and sat and talked over all of the major events in our lives. I absolutely treasure my friendship with this woman. I don't know what I'd do without her. We laughed and cried and finally returned to our homes around 1:00am. 

I am better because I know her. I am grateful for friends like this. I often feel that they are somehow hand-chosen for me. I have, in most of the chapters of my life, had a confidante. I don't think this is by chance.

A Rockin' Day

Two bads, three goods, folks....Away we go!


Bads

• Had to do a timed three-mile walk today, so while #5 was having soccer practice, I went out with my little Nike+ thingy in my shoe and went for it on the track. As I would walk around the track and would get to the far side, each time, I would pass this extremely awkward couple that had draped themselves across lanes 7 and 8. They were in a rather intimate position there, so I tried not to look but pretended that the soccer field was so very interesting.

As I would pass, they would laugh. I didn't think much of it until #6 ran toward me on the track to hug me. As he did so, I said, "Are you coming to walk with me?" Within moments, as if there were a parrot behind me, a woman's voice (the one draped over lane 7) was mimicking me. Hmm....Interesting. I continued to walk. Whatev. Just strange. Haven't experienced anything like that since maybe....middle school?

• Cub Scout day camp rocked, but port-a-potties didn't. They were actually very nice port-a-potties, as those kinds of things go, but still....If I can avoid using the facilities in times like these, I will. Well, it couldn't be avoided all day long...unfortunately.

Goods

• I'm going to see if I can explain this as briefly as possible but still have it make sense. When things started out with our day camp registration, we had quite a few boys going. Because of this, four of our boys were going to be combined with another smaller den of boys--a group our boys didn't know. 

As of yesterday, boys were dropping out, so we ended up with only needing to have one group. But, because we were leaving this other group in the lurch as far as leaders were concerned, we promised them we'd provide an additional leader for them for today, as was originally promised, so that they could find an additional leader for each of the other days this week. Does that make sense?

Well, today, I was that leader for the other group. It was the SWEETEST group of boys. There were four of them. Because there were only four, there were open spots on the archery range, so we, the two adults, were invited to join in. I had never shot a bow and arrow before. It was SO fun! I actually got two bull's eyes. Yeehaw!

It was fun to go to day camp and get to be one of the guys. Our last station was the bottle rockets. Thought I'd share just what the bottle rocket station entailed with a short video of #5 (Thanks, Jon!):

Our little group followed my own ward's group (with #5 in it) all day. I met up with them just as they were moving on to the next station.

As I said before, water rockets was our last station before going home. We got in there and started filling the bottles halfway, putting them on, and pumping the air into the bottles. The rockets would fly into the sky and droplets of water would fall on you.

Well, I was hot. I was tired. And those little droplets of water just weren't cutting it, so I turned to the boys and said, "I want to get wet." Well, that was all the invitation those boys needed. We spent the next 20 or 30 minutes dousing each other with water. We were running and laughing and having a BLAST! Just when I thought it was over and I'd start to dry, another boy would come along surreptitiously and pour water on me.

Seriously, I've volunteered at day camp for at least a day almost every year since #2 went (he's now 17), and this was by far my favorite memory. We even ambushed one of the staffers that just kept hanging out in the area.

When all was said and done, I stood there and the boys gathered 'round, big, huge smiles on their faces, water dripping from everything--hair, eyelashes, earlobes, and they asked, "Are you coming tomorrow?"

That made me so happy. I felt so loved and wanted.

Seriously, what a great day! I LOVED being one of the guys.

• We went to dinner as a family. I found a gift certificate for $15 for a local restaurant on restaurant.com and paid $2.40 for it. Our good friends walked in as we were eating and were seated in the table right behind us. FUN! Love you, Megan!
• Went to pick #2 and #3 up from EFY. I LOVE this experience! These kids are so enthusiastic and happy when they come home. It's fabulous. They told us about all the new friends they made and how they went about doing it. I budget money specifically for this experience for my kids all year long so that they can go and participate. Every year, I decide that it was definitely worth it and the following summer will include the same activity.

Okay, so in other news, #4 took off for scout camp at 5:15 this morning. From what I understand, he signed up for a basketry class and a horseback riding class. He is also going to have a survival experience one night (at least, I think it was only going to be for one night).

He woke me at 4am so that we could run and get him some last minute snacks to have for today. I jumped out of bed, and we hit the road. Should be a fun week for him.

Since he's gone, and I'm missing him tonight, I have to share one thing that #4 does that makes me giggle inside (Sorry, this was the only clip I could find that had the part I wanted. It doesn't even happen until 2:36 into the video--the very tail end. If you want to skip ahead, please do, but this scene is all so classic, so you may not want to. The winking part? AWESOME!)....

Whenever one of us says "I love you" to the other, we always follow it up with that last little thing Ferris does, the "I love you too. Mi mi mi mi" thing. Today, one of the kids said "I love you" to me. Of course, I said, "I love you too." But, "Mi mi mi mi," popped right into my head, and I instantly missed #4.

Tomorrow will be a day spent at home getting a package ready to send off to #1--getting a blanket and cookies made. I have some work to do and an interesting post to write for the Oregon Association of American Mothers, Inc. I'm looking forward to spending time with #s 6 and 7--just the three of us. I promised them chocolate peanut butter milkshakes at some point during the day.

Yep. Today was a good day. If I could spend everyday being a kid, man, I'd do it in a heartbeat, so glad I have the kids so I have the excuse. I just need to let my hair down more often. Who knows, maybe there'll be a water fight here tomorrow. I don't think I quite got my fill. Except, next time, I won't be wearing jeans and Converse.

Goods and Bads for July 14, 2013

Okay, as if my mom asked me, here are my bads and goods for today:

Bads

• Not writing stuff on my calendar. I was doing so good at this, but lately, I've been lousy at it. I knew there was an open house to say good-bye to a wonderful family from our ward, but did I bother to write down the time? NO! We got there, but it was only because #6, who has the mother of this family as his Primary teacher, kept telling us we HAD to go. I finally got smart enough to check with someone (Thanks, Paige) about the time, and sure enough, it had started quite awhile before then.
• Walking into the open house. Just awkward. I feel this way much of the time. I had intended to make some brownies to take, but I had fallen asleep this afternoon (something I rarely, if ever, do. So, yes, we were those people. You know, the ones that show up empty handed. Considering how little time was left when we arrived, I figured maybe it was better anyway. Sure enough, there was a lot of food there.

Goods

• Having friends over this evening to play games. It forced us to straighten our house up a bit, and I also got the brownies made before they came over. It's been so long since we've done anything like this. After we do, I always wonder why we don't do it more often. Such was the case this evening. The conversation was fun, and I even caught myself laughing a few times at the great stories that were shared. Thanks, Kim and Sean. We HAVE to do this again sometime.
• Learning that I may not be needed at day camp tomorrow and that I will get to go on Friday and work with my good friend.
• Once I got warmed up, being at the open house was great. We really have such wonderful people in our ward. I love being around them. Sad to say good-bye to this great family, but glad for the chance to get to. Thank you, Caitlin and Ryan for opening your house. John and Stephanie, we're really going to miss you and your sweet children. Glad that we have blogs and Facebook to keep us connected, so we can watch the kids grow up. Thank you for all you added to our ward.

We also went to choir practice today, and I taught sharing time about family prayer, family scripture study, and Family Home Evening and how these things strengthen families. I challenged the kids to do these things for the next two weeks and gave them a chart on which to keep track. .If they bring it back at the end of the two weeks, they will receive a prize.

Crazy week ahead with EFY for #s 2 and 3, scout camp for #4, and day camp for #5. The Warden's taking the day off tomorrow to be with #s 6 and 7, but if I find I'm not needed, I'll come home after dropping the boys off and the Warden can head back to work. That's what I'm praying for tonight.

Most of us wrote to #1 today as well. That always feels good. I've got a package I've got to get off to her early this week. I have a couple of things to make before I can send it off, though.

Things to Do

Today we celebrate #7's birthday. Our kids only get a big party with friends every four years, so this will be #7's first birthday party. On the off years, they get a smaller celebration with family and one friend. For this party, #3, who has aspirations of being an event planner, has it all laid out. I put it in her hands. It's going to be so fun!

image: community.thenest.com

This morning, we have a Tinkerbell cake to make. I'm using my small Pampered Chef bowl to make a doll cake. I've never done this before, so wish me luck.

We also have a baby shower to attend this afternoon, so we'll have some blanket making to do--me and #3; although, we might rope #s 4 and 5 in as well. When we all get going on it, we can be done in less than a half hour.

#1 has Preparation Pay today. It's typically called "P-Day," but we're learning at our house, it must be referred to as Preparation Day, or somebody around here can't stop giggling. Ugh! This means we should be receiving an email from her.

The great thing about this whole mission letter thing is that since we've been writing to missionaries for years, our kids are well practiced. Along with this, our kids learned the great joy of receiving letters from missionaries. #1 knows that writing back is super important. I'm really excited to hear from her.

I sent her a package yesterday. For some reason, she wanted her big fleece blanket. We also sent her some cookies. We'll see if they're any good by the time she gets them. She also wanted a few clothing items sent. #3 and I unpacked and repacked all of her boxes. I thought she'd put her blankets in one of the four boxes, so I ended up opening them all. It ended up that the blankets were in a closet. Oops. Anyway, we refolded all of her things and organized them into the boxes and marked every box with what was in it just in case we ever have to search for something for her again.

#1's guy friend (that's what we'll call him) just got his mission call this past week. He's going to the Tokyo South Mission. YAY!!! He's been studying Japanese for a few years, so this is nice. It doesn't always work out that way--I studied Spanish, but it's sure nice when it does. It ends up that his mission president was my teacher in the MTC all those years ago. The world just keeps getting smaller.

The Warden and #2 return some time this afternoon from high adventure. I've heard from the Warden twice while they've been gone. It sounds like they've had a BLAST. They've been through the Redwoods and have jet boated, just to name a few things. I can't wait to see them and hear all about the amazing things they've done. They may walk in in the middle of a four-year-old birthday party, but we shall see.

The other thing I have to do today is pick up my Bountiful Baskets. I did this a couple weeks ago too. It was great! I'm looking forward to the fruits and veggies we get for this week. I'm going to go a bit early to help unload the truck.

image:
juliashinklephotgraphy.com

Also, another twist on life....I've cut back on a number of things. Driving with #1 a few months back, I was expressing my displeasure about a few things in life right now. She shared that I was doing too much and that other things around here were paying the price for that. She encouraged me to cut some things out, so I started in that very day. It was hard to do because I believe that what I've been involved with has been very worthwhile, but for now, my focus needs to be here at home.

I have to be honest, with a grandmother that passed away at 37, I dread the idea that if I die young, I won't get to do all of these things I really feel passionate about. I feel like I have to do them now, or they may never happen. It's amazing how this grandmother affects much of what I do and don't do. I think he story is tragically sad. I figure, at this point in life, I celebrate every year I've survived since 37. There is just so much to do in life, and I want to live to do it all.

When I called to cut myself out of one responsibility that I took on a few years ago, the woman I spoke with shared with me that she totally understood. I was so surprised with her support. She said that this is one of satan's greatest tools--to keep us overly busy and distracted so that we lose focus on what's really important--our families. Wow! She couldn't have said anything better. I knew I was doing the right thing.

In the meantime, there have been three new opportunities thrown my way. I have to be honest, I only rejected one of them. Of the other two, the responsibility was filled while I was deliberating (I was at camp that week) and this most recent, I'm doing. The good thing is that it isn't a long-term commitment and doesn't require a lot of time away. The two commitments I pondered undertaking were both that way--short-term commitments with little time required to do them.

A friend called yesterday, while I was purchasing the fabric for the blanket and gave me the chance to join a walking team for the Hood-to-Coast Relay. I'm super excited about it, and it really is just what I need--something to get me moving a bit more. I also get to hang out with some FABULOUS women. Not sure what could be better than this.

So, there's life for you. Now, I'm off to make a cake with some kids and get a blanket started with another kid or two. I'm looking forward to an email and to seeing the Warden and #2 today. I don't think they could get home fast enough. I've missed them! In the meantime, though, I think I may have enough to keep me busy.

Maybe Not as Bad as You've Been Led to Believe

I just want to write something....anything today. Just so I can say I wrote for two days in a row. Wow, how things change. It used to be that I'd have to stop myself from writing a third or fourth time in one day.

So, here's what's been on my mind today....

You know, I'm always good for an analogy. Funny things come together in one place in my mind, and I find the tie between them. Today, I had such an experience.

I've sat in on two different missionary discussions in the last two days. It's been a VERY sweet experience. Brings back such great memories and has connected me in a very deep, spiritual way to four wonderful women.

With the influx of young missionaries, those who have are out just prior to now have really had to step it up and take leadership roles much earlier.

Let me explain this a bit better. I think I shared that we have Sisters in our ward now--as of about two or three months ago. One of the Sisters was brand new. Well, transfers just happened and that brand new missionary is now training a brand new missionary. Amazing! But if anyone can handle it, she can.

These are young women the same age as #1. But, when I'm with them, I forget the because although these are regular, normal, everyday young women, for this 18 months of their lives, they are doing something remarkable.

Now, where my randomness comes into play....

#1 made the most wonderful cookie dough today. I told her I'd make them into cookies if she'd just make the dough, but of course, before I could cook them, I had to have a bit of dough (yes, "bit" is a very relative term. Some people might refer to my "bit" as a bowl-full, but I'll leave that up to your imagination).

While I was eating it and enjoying it to its fullest, I posted something on Facebook. Rumor has it that eating cookie dough, because of the raw eggs will give you salmonella or some such. To be honest, as I wrote it, I thought I'd have a hundred comments about how terrible I was to eat it and how bad it is for me, but to my surprise, there was not even one. As people commented, I got to laughing about how not one soul made a comment about how sick they'd become by eating cookie dough. On the contrary, every comment was about how much people agreed with me.

Another thing that came to my mind, as I'm in the thick of being with the missionaries at times, was how some people think that meeting with the LDS missionaries is like eating cookie dough. If you do it, it's bad for you.

Clearly, those who feel that way, haven't ever sat in on a missionary discussion.

I feel like the guy who originally told people not to eat cookie dough really just wanted it all to himself. This is exactly the kind of thing one of my brothers would have said to me as a kid just so he could sneak it away and eat it all himself.

Having been a missionary myself and now having the joy of going with these sisters, I think everyone should give it a shot at least once. Not really sure why someone would turn others away from such a great experience. Is it maybe because they haven't tried it themselves?

Outpouring and Down Pouring of Tender Mercies

Just thought I'd take a moment to give you a glimpse into #1's world. There have been some pretty sweet tender mercies land in her lap, for which we are very grateful. Never have I seen so many land in such rapid succession. Is it because I've been unobservant in the past?....

image: sistermissionaryclothes.com

We, just as of these past two weeks, have sister missionaries in our ward. This means that #1 can go out and learn some of the ropes from them. Had we still had Elders, she wouldn't be able to do this, so this is a nice little blessing to have come her way right now. She is actually leaving with them in just a few minutes from now.

We have a friend who served in the Philippines who we're going to go see in a couple weeks to hear her son speak before he leaves on his mission in the Alps. She has a tape of children's songs sung in Tagalog as well as some books and things for #1 to peruse. Awesome! Nice that she'll have a little exposure to the language.

image: amazon.com

A friend brought some Girl Scout Tagalong cookies to our door yesterday morning. So CUTE! Tagalongs are #1s favorites. When she was a Girl Scout, she would always order her own box of Tagalongs just for her. By the way, we know the language isn't called "Tagalong," but it's awful close.

It's been great connecting with other moms whose kids are going to the Philippines through ldsmissionarymoms.com. I got a tip from one on shoes just this morning. The other day, one posed a question about lice and fungus, which I understand are concerns for the Philippines. She asked about tea tree oil. I had heard of it but have never used it and really know nothing but the name.

image: care2.com

I posed the question on Facebook and instantly received answers. All I asked was, "Does anyone know anything about tea tree oil?" and the first respondent said something about it being an antifungal. She chimed in just seconds later with something about putting a couple drops of it into shampoo and that it will kill lice. There you go! Wow! She didn't even know why I was asking, but she provided the exact answers I needed within seconds.

Here's the other funny thing about that whole bit....

A couple weeks ago, I checked my messages on Facebook, and a friend who lives in Washington wrote and said she was coming down to do a class on essential oils. Would I like to come? Well, I've received many, many invitations like this and have turned every one of them down. I'm just out too many nights of the week and feel for my kids and husband when I do that to them too much.

This invitation was so personal that I really couldn't say no, so I was already scheduled to go to learn more about tea tree oil before I even knew it was going to be something #1 would need. Pretty nice little tender mercy, wouldn't you say? Someone's watching out for us rather carefully.

shadeclothing.com

Then, there's the friend who just called to tell me about dresses on sale. She just bought one for her daughter who's heading to Brazil. And the other friend who happened to have two sewing machines, and I could have one if I didn't mind messing with the tension a bit. I'm not sure how to "mess with the tension," but I figure you tube must have something for me, right?

The friend with the machine also had a number of skirt patterns, so #1 got to look through those and found two she really liked.

Wow! This is all so amazing!

image: twfec.org

To be honest, I've never felt such love and support as we've experienced since #1 put in her mission papers. I truly feel like the whole world is on her side. What a wonderful feeling! So much love has been shown to #1 and to our whole family. Thank you!!!

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Six More Weeks, Really?!

The second week of the eight week challenge has now passed.  I really am in it for the health part of it, but you wouldn't know it by my behaviors this past week--especially since yesterday.

I have now lost five pounds.  That wasn't my goal (to lose weight), but I'll take it.  I could probably lose about ten more before I start looking sickly.  At least that's how it was with Weight Watchers those years ago. I got to that point and people started asking me if I was sick.  That was pretty sad.  Then we had our family portrait taken, and I could see what they were talking about.  That portrait will never be put up on any wall.

The thing that's killing me is that between Sweetie's issues and the car being broken into, I can now really see the true value of chocolate.  Just a little bit would make life so much more bearable.  Let's just call it...medicinal.  Yes, that's what it is.

I'm sure I'd be handling all that's happening so much better if only....if only.......

Saturday is sugar day--two days away.  So far, there are snickerdoodles and a candy bar in there waiting for me.  On the agenda will also be a brownie in a mug, and I may just keep a never ending mug of hot chocolate in my hand.  Other than that, I have no plans, but I'm definitely open to suggestions.

Rosettes

Kids'll start heading home within a half hour.  YAY!!!!

I knew a woman once who had a gorgeously spotless home.  She HATED it when her kids had a day off from school.

I choose otherwise.  At one point in time, our house was gorgeously clean day after day, but it was only because I was freaking out about every little mess that was made.  I choose not to be that fanatical.   My home is never gorgeous or spotless--not any more, but my kids like being here, and I like having them here.

I would love to be able to find the balance between these two things--kids and cleanliness, but so far, even when we get things clean, they don't last all that long.  The kids are good cleaners, but to be honest, they need someone to remind them to do the cleaning.  Sometimes life gets busy, and I slack on my reminder duty. 

Someday it will be clean, but that will only be because the mess-makers no longer reside here.  That will be a sad day.

For now, with a half hour to go, I'm counting down their return.  They'll be here with me for two weeks straight.  We're going to do some fun things.  We have two birthdays during that time and some fun traditions to uphold.  I'm excited!

For today, I'm working on getting the house in order, so they can come into a peaceful, warm, loving place.  I'm also making them a treat...rosettes.

 My mom used to make them for us when I was a little girl.  I inherited the irons from her.

I've found them online for around $13 if you're interested in having some.

Here's the recipe I use if you already have the irons and want to give it a go:

DESSERT ROSETTES
Put a bunch of shortening in a pan (the pan needs to be wide enough that the irons can fit into it) and melt it.  Once melted, the oil should be at least an inch deep.  Yes, these are deep fried.

Add 2 tsp. sugar to 2 slightly beaten eggs.
Add 1 C. milk.
Mix 1 C. flour and 1/4 tsp. salt and stir into the egg mixture.
Add 1 tsp. vanilla.

The batter should be smooth and have the consistency of heavy cream.

Screw the iron of your choice onto the handle and let it heat up in the melted shortening.  You want the shortening to be hot.  I've tried substitutes for this, but it has to be shortening--sorry.

Dip the hot iron into the batter about 3/4 of the way up the side of the iron and put it in the hot shortening until  it's brown.

Remove the rosette to paper towels on a plate.  Let them cool a bit and then dip them in powdered sugar; they should still be a bit warm when you do this.

Eat shortly thereafter.  Enjoy!

Tuesday: Tooties wiff Taffrin

Woke to find no eggs in the fridge this morning, but that was NOT going to stop me from keeping this tradition.

Today we made Jam Thumbprints. To be honest, the girls weren't overly thrilled with them. They're not as sugary or gooey as they like. They're a shortbread cookie, but I put some glaze on top. Here's the recipe:

JAM THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Preheat the oven to 350^.

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1 C. butter
2/3 C. sugar
Cream together and add:
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together and gradually add:
2 C. flour
Mix until the dough forms a ball.

Ideally, at this point, you should refrigerate the dough so that it's easier to handle, but we didn't, and it was just fine.

Roll dough into 1" balls and push with your finger to make a well. Put a small dollop of jam into the well.

Bake for 14 minutes.

While they're baking, mix together:
1 C. powdered sugar
a bit of water (enough to make a glaze consistency)
1 tsp. vanilla

Once the cookies are out of the oven, drizzle with glaze.


We all sat down and enjoyed some hot chocolate with our cookies.

ENJOY!!!

Cookies wiff Kaffin: My FAVORITE Cookies

My kids informed me, and as I listen closer I can hear, that it's not "cookies wiff Kaffrin" but "tooties wiff Taffrin."

Today we're making my VERY favorite cookies in the world.  I don't make these very often--mostly because they have to sit in the fridge for four hours before you can bake them.

We're going to go ahead and make them anyway today.  I'm going to send dough home with Kaffrin with instructions on how to bake them.  This one isn't in the cookbook probably just because I don't make them very often.

We've donned our holiday aprons and the David Archuleta holiday station is playing on Pandora.  Hands are washed (with the ABC method).  We're ready to go.  Here's the recipe for you.....

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:
1 C. cocoa (the unsweetened powder kind)
1/2 C. oil
2 C. sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 C. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. powdered sugar

Instructions:
Mix the first three ingredients together; add the eggs one at a time; throw in the vanilla.

Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together and throw them in and mix them into the first mixture.

Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for four hours.

After the four hours is up, preheat the oven to 350^.  Grease the cookie sheets.  Roll the dough into 1" balls and roll them in the powdered sugar.

Bake for 10 minutes.


I hate to add this little detail, but it MUST be said.  These are AWESOME with a vanilla milkshake.

Cookies wiff Kaffrin

Here's the link to the giveaway.  Enter to win one of the Madhouse Cookbooks.

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In all the time I can remember, I don't think I've ever welcomed a Tuesday morning like this morning.

So happy to have a moment to slow down and make cookies with the girls. Only this morning, we're not doing cookies. I have a couple of bananas that are BEGGING to be made into something else, so we're making this recipe.

I've made myself a hot chocolate to sip away at (the hot chocolate from the dry pack cannery is TO DIE FOR, but make it with milk.  WOW!).

Went to the library last night and laid out the rest of the final project for personal finance.  Ends up it'll be more than 100 pages long when all is said and done. PHEW!  Can you see why I'm so happy for a moment to slow down?

Kaffrin brought #7 the CUTEST pair of gloves and socks this morning.  I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get #7 to take those gloves off to make bread this morning.  Kaffrin's grandmother put the trim around the socks and gloves and sells them at bazaars and things.  They're darling!  Complete with jingle bells on the gloves. So CUTE! 

Speaking of Kaffrin, I called my dad last night to help me with part of my project.  He told me the most amazing story--a miracle that happened in our family while my younger brother and I were on our missions.  As part of that story, he brought up a very familiar name.  I'd never heard him talk about this person before.  He shared a story about that man's dad too.

I clarified who he was talking about and sh#7ared with him that that man's granddaughter'd be coming over to play with #7 and make cookies today.

How cool is that?!  My dad was friends with not only Kaffrin's grandfather, but her gread grandfather too.  Transgenerational friendships!  Wonderful!!!  I had no idea.

Cookies Wif Kaffrin - Week 4

I'm guessing we'll continue to make cookies on Tuesdays as long as Kaffrin asks.  This week it was snickerdoodles.  We didn't get them all done by the time it was time to go home, so I sent part of the dough and some cinnamon and sugar home with Kaffrin.  It was fun to be able to write the page number of the cookbook on the bag the dough went home in and know that whatever Kaffrin's mom needed to know could be found there.

So, if you have the cookbook, you can find the recipe there--p. 62, recipe #4.  Enjoy!

Cookies wif Kaffrin

Yesterday was "Cookies wif Kaffrin" day at our house.  #7's buddy comes to play, and we always make cookies.  I have been sharing those recipes here and here, and I'd love to say that this week's were fab, but they were just eh.

I found the recipe on allrecipes.com, and someone in the reviews even went so far as to say they were the "best cookies" they'd "ever tasted."  Not much of a cookie eater, huh?

So, I'm sharing the link here with you.  Give 'em a try.  I will say one thing for them, I felt like I was being healthier by making pumpkin cookies.  They were a bit cakier than I like.  I followed the recommendation to add in some nutmeg too.

They weren't gross or nasty or anything like that.  They just didn't fit all of my requirements.  Let's see if your list of requirements fits mine:

• Gooey
• Sweet
• Soft
• Warm

Yup.  That's about it.  I'm really not a hard to please cookie eater--I'm not picky, right?  I just have my priorities set.