Hello out there...No we did not fall off the face of the earth, we are here, healthy and so very happy to start out 2011. I really did mean to post something in December, but time just got away from me. I don't know about anyone else, but December just flew by. I think because Christmas Day and New Years Day both were on weekends, the month just seemed to be over before it even started and here we are almost to February. I am always a little depressed at the beginning of January, I am so sad to see Christmas end for another year. It is my very favorite time of year, I absolutely love it . The celebration of the birth of Christ has always been just magical for me to think about, even as an adult, it has not lost its wonder and amazement. We celebrated something very special this past weekend; something that has been thought about, talked about, cried about, and most importantly prayed about for about five years now. We participated in our church membership class. We have attempted to join our church twice before and because of sick kiddos have not been able to attend. I just knew that God would place us in a certain class, with particular leaders, on a specific weekend for His unique purpose and He, of course, did not disappoint. We are so blessed to have very sweet and helpful family and friends that helped with childcare throughout the weekend so we could really "be" there. Physically,mentally, and spiritually. I know some would wonder why I am making such a big deal about this, I mean I know people join churches all the time, really some without any thought to it. But, as a couple, this was a commitment that we took extremely seriously. It is called a covenant membership for a reason. Throughout the sermons and speakers during our two day class, I could feel God's love around me, my heart actually felt literally warm. Its hard to put into words, and I know sounds hokey, but its true. It was one of the most defining moments in my spiritual journey. I have only belonged to one church until now, the one I was raised in, the one that my children to this day attend for pre-school. It's a wonderful church, but we decided when we got married, we would allow God to lead us to a body that we both felt was right. We found it and then we waited and prayed until we knew "this" was it. It was kind of like entering into a marriage. For us, it was a commitment of that magnitude. To say the least, we are extremely grateful and excited for our future. It dawned on me Saturday night that God's timing as usual was perfect. He knew that this was exactly how we should start off the new year!
Another way we are starting off the year is to take away my 15 month old's pacifer. My other two children were thumb suckers so the pacifier attachment has been new to me. She still used that somewhat transparent green one that they give you when you are leaving the hospital. I don't know who is going to have a harder time giving that up, the baby or me! We had six pacifiers when she was a month old (I know, I know) and over the course of 15 months we have (as of today) lost them all. I made a deal with myself that when we lost the last pacifier, we would be done; that I would not purchase another newborn pacifier for my 15 month old child. Yes, I made this deal, but we will see if I have the will to stick to it. I will covet your prayers...especially tonight when we are attempting to go to bed!
Now for a humorous story from this afternoon. I will preface this with that I do not find it funny, maybe ten years from now I will, but my husband and parents found it hilarious so I assume its one of those you had to be there to experience the "is this really happening to me" moment. I was on the phone chasing (yes chasing) my very fast 1 1/2 year old (she is quite quick on those short legs) to change a diaper that I could see through her pants was leaking...yes leaking. As a Mom, you know that when you see that sight, that slight brownish discoloration appearing on clothes in the rear end area, it's going to very unpleasant very soon. As I am chasing her and she is successfully avoiding me, she trips and goes head first into the corner of her crib. Immediately I see a goose egg forming on her right side. Screaming follows with me rushing downstairs to get our boo boo bag from the freezer which ignites more screaming as soon as I place it on her head. This is when we lost the most recent pacifier...its too bad, it would have come in handy. I also then proceeded to smash and spread her bad diaper all over her in my efforts to comfort her and end the screaming...then my headache began. I finally get her calmed down, changed and in the bathtub. As I am bathing her I hear lots laughing and commotion coming from downstairs. I begin to walk backwards trying to keep an eye on my baby in the bath tub as I attempt to investigate what the other two children are finding so delightful. To my horror, I see them loading their foam chairs from pottery barn on the stairs to use as "sleds" as they slide down the stairs. Yes, I had that "are you kidding me, this is really happening" moment. I yell out to stop moving or face the consequences and pulled my dripping baby out of the tub only to find NO towels in the closet (they were ALL in the washer) so as I attempt to dry her off with a wash cloth, I scold my other two children and look at the clock. It's only noon. Only seven more hours until relief arrives. It may have to be a pizza night :)
I thought I would share one of our family's favorite birthday breakfasts. It is the one I serve my husband every year on his birthday for breakfast. It is special occasion worthy, but easy and quick enough for any day!
Bananas Foster French Toast
This recipe is for the sauce portion of the Bananas Foster French Toast. Use your favorite recipe for basic french toast and use my recipe for the topping. I also included my recipe for basic french toast in case you need it. Enjoy!
Bananas Foster French Toast:
Sauce:
2 bananas sliced into rounds, save 1/2 of one to the side
3 TBSP butter (or light butter)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
1/8 tsp of cinnamon (just a dash or a pinch)
Melt 3 TBSP of butter ( or light butter) in a nonstick sauce pan over medium heat. When melted add in the nuts and sugar and stir with a whisk until the sugar is melted and combined with the butter. Then add 1 and 1/2 diced bananas and cook for 1minute over medium high heat. Take it off the heat and add in the additional bananas and the vanilla. Pour or spoon the sauce over cooked and hot french toast and if your being extremely celebratory, top with powdered sugar and whipped cream :)
Lauren's quick french toast
2 eggs beaten
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup skim milk or fat free half and half
pinch salt
1 tsp vanilla
Mix the above in a shallow dish with a whisk until combined. Heat a nonstick skilled over medium heat and spray with a nonstick spray. When heated, quick dredge both side of whole wheat bread and lay in the skillet to cook, usually 1 minute per side, or until golden brown. You can use any bread with this.
