Looking Dapper

I'm all ready for your wedding, Uncle Tom.

Cinnamon-Roasted Pecans

We headed to an Amish store yesterday to pick up some odds and ends. Who knew I would get so excited over finding SAF yeast?!

As we were perusing the aisles, (the "one finger" rule is extremely necessary when taking GLAAM into a very small store...or any store for that matter!) Maddie spotted some cinnamon-roasted pecans and asked if we could buy some. Now, the Amish may refrain from some things but a healthy mark-up on certain grocery items is not one of them. Perhaps these were slow-roasted over many months?

I asked Maddie if she would like to pick out some plain 'ole pecans and we would cinnamon-slow-roast those bad boys ourselves. She was delighted.

Maddie's Cinnamon-Roasted Pecans

1 cup pecans

1 egg white

1/2 cup sugar

1 t. salt

2 t. cinnamon

Beat egg white and mix into nuts. Combine other ingredients in separate bowl first and then pour over nuts. Stir thoroughly. Bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Try not to eat the entire batch in one sitting. We so did not do that. Nope.

Throwback Friday

Maddie, 5 years old

Maddie, 9 years old

Ok, so this picture requires a bit of an explanation.

I was bathing the kids this week, doing hair and whatnot. Gabe asked if he could have a pony tail also. I explained that they're usually for girls to which he responded, "Evan Almighty has a pony tail!"

Hmmmmmm.

He was super stoked for said pony tail....until he glanced in the mirror. His expression changed immediately and he said, "I want it out!" When I asked if I could snap a quick picture he obliged but refused to glance anywhere near the camera.

p.s. What could he possibly have spilled on his shirt? I bathed him about 8 seconds before I snapped this photo. Sigh.

Bedtime Convos

Abby was hanging out with me as I was nursing Lincoln to sleep in the nursery tonight. Here's our conversation:

A: Mom, what job are you going to have when you are a Grandma?

Me: Well, I'm going to be doing lots of things including helping you with your family, I hope.

A: Like so I can go on a date night with my husband?

Me: Absolutely!

(random change of topic coming)

A: Did you know I was talking with God and I think I'm going to have a son someday and name him "James?"

Me: I was not aware.

A: Yes, and I've never even heard of that name.

Me: You didn't know your Uncle Sam's middle name is "James?"

A: NO!? I guess he'll be my son's uncle then.

Me: Great Uncle, but yes. And he would have been his uncle anyway, but ok.

(random change of topic coming)

A: OH! I narrowed down my things I want to be when I grow up. Its either a dentist, hairstylist or construction worker. Doctor is out.

Me: (where do I start?)

A: Doctor is out because I won't give people shots. Dentist is in because I could help people fix their teeth. And I can be a construction worker because its not just for boys. And I love trucks. And I might want to drive a car transporter so I can sit in all the cars I am driving around....

(random change of topic coming)

A: Mom, which pizza is your favorite, Donatos or Papa John's?

Me: Not even close, Donatos!

A: I like Papa John's better. Wanna know why?

Me: Bring it on.

A: Because I have a Papa AND I have an uncle named John!

(random change of topic coming)

A: Knock, Knock?

And there you have it. 3 minutes in my world.

*My grandfather is "James" also....moment of memory lapse as he has always been called, "Jim."

Happy 3rd Birthday Gabe!

Dear Gabriel,

Where do I start? I wish I could put into words how amazing it has been to parent you over the past 3 years.

I love the excitement you show over the smallest things. Like this week when we picked Lauren up from preschool and you exclaimed in the most joyful voice (and biggest smile!), "Nony, did you have the BEST day at school today?"

Your love of music is contagious. Nothing makes me smile bigger than seeing you jam away on the guitar. You will stand by the iPod for hours and just sing to the music. God has something cool in store for you with music, this I know.

I might have cried last week as I walked in to see you standing in front of Lincoln's swing and saying, "YOU ARE MIGHTY!" over and over with your arms raised. At the tender age of barely 3, you are an incredible big brother.

Sometimes I think my heart will burst, I love you so much. Tucking you in at night and hearing you say in your small, sweet voice, "Mommy, will you nuggle with me?"

Thanks for giving me the experience of raising a son (I know, I know, I have a looong way to go;)) I am forever blessed.

Guess what Gabers? I love you!

Guess what buddy? You're special!

Guess what little man? You are healthy, whole and powerful!

(I hope you never forget this little exchange we have)

All my love,

Mommy

Happy 9th Birthday Maddie!

Dear Madeline,

9 years ago today you gave me the title of "Mommy" -- a role that I was born to fulfill. I will never forget the moment I first held you in my arms, it completely and totally took my breath away.

You look for the gem in everyone. I wish I could take credit for the amazing way that you care for others. You remind me of your Uncle Sammy as a child. I am convinced you have a bit of Mother Theresa in your soul.

Thanks for making me laugh! Today at lunch for example, as you were reading the menu...."fresh fruit crepe made with.....organic yogurt....AHHH, NOW you're talkin' my language!" You are the only 9 year-old I know that petitions fast food restaurants to carry organic items on their menu. You inspire me.

With everything in me, I pray to be the Mommy that you need me to be.

I love you,

Mom