I make a mean cookie

- Monday, October 25, 2010

I can't make a recipe the way it comes. Pretty much ever. I made Apple Spice cookies- dairy and egg free. Someone in our house church is terribly lactose intolerant and so he can be difficult to bake for. However, here is the delicious recipe before and after it got my makeover:

Original Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup chopped apples

My Ingredients [recommended : )]

  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/4 cup margarine
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup cider
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 grated apples (I left the peel on, why not?)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
  2. Cream shortening, margarine, and sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture slowly.
  4. Blend in cider and remaining dry ingredients.
  5. Add nuts and apples and mix.
  6. Drop on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes (I lean towards 12+ minutes because I like them crispy on the outside).
I'm aware that my recipe is more involved, so if you are looking for a shortcut use the first recipe, but at LEAST add cinnamon. I love the flavor and texture the whole wheat flour adds. Plus it makes you feel a little better.

Mom, I might have to make Dad some version of this some time: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Butterscotch-Apple-Cookies/Detail.aspx

Mommy Milestones

- Sunday, October 17, 2010

Most people are aware that babies and children hit "milestones" that give parents and doctors an idea about how development is going. For example, Grace can track objects with her eyes- that is a milestone she achieved. Well, I found these 6 week milestones for mommy, and they made me laugh out loud!

  • You managed to get through the first paragraph of a news article before you nodded off. No worries, those first few sentences will give you something other than baby burping to talk about at the next family gathering. (Although you'll probably talk non-stop about burping, anyway.)
  • You discovered a new parent truism: It doesn't matter that you're now a swaddling pro—your baby's an even better pro at breaking free from being swaddled!
  • You've mastered the midnight baby feeding, changing and re-snapping the pajamas routine.
  • You've embraced the fact that some days you don't get out the door until noon... and that there's nothing wrong with that!
  • You remembered that the phrase "getting busy" can mean something other than trying to change a diaper, answer the phone and recite "This Little Piggy" at the same time (even if you didn't actually "get busy").

Dear Grace- 1 month

Labels: - Tuesday, October 5, 2010


My friend Jillian writes to her son every month so that some day he can read about his wonderful childhood. She writes about his achievements and all the fun times they spend together. I've decided to do the same thing. I may forget some months, but that will just mean we were having too much fun for writing!

Today you are one month old. It may not seem like much, but it's been a life changing month for me- and for you! Life was a little scary for you at first. We had to be away from each other when you spent time in the nursery, and it was hard for me and Daddy. You just had a little trouble adjusting to your new world, and needed some time to rest before coming home. You are so strong though, and you got through it.

Speaking of how strong you are, you have been able to push back against me from the day you were born. You can already lift your head and turn it from side to side. You love to kick your legs and wiggle all around. Sometimes you grab at your hair or your nose. You can now keep my gaze and love to look me right in the eyes while you are nursing. When you hear a voice you can loo towards it, and you can find me or Daddy in a crowd.

This morning, very very early, you were done eating and I thought you were falling asleep on my lap. I was checking some e-mail before putting you back in your bed and you said "ahhooo" or something to that affect (you know, just a sweet little coo noise). I looked down at you in surprise that you were back awake, so I smiled at you, and you gave me a big smile back! I then told you how beautiful you are and you smiled again. Your Daddy and I love you so much. All the books say not to expect a responsive smile this early, but you are a genius : )

At the pediatrician today:
22 3/8 inches long
9lb 5oz weight
14 3/8 head circumference

She said you look very good. I was so proud when you smiled at her. She said it was very early for you to be doing that! You are now enjoying sleeping in your swing on this gorgeous fall day. I'm not sure if that is a bad habit or not, but I do it anyway. You have some reflux, so sitting up while sleeping helps you not spit up so much.

So, happy one month birthday, Gracie. You are a wonderful blessing to us, and we couldn't ask for a better daughter. I can't believe how fast you are growing. What a miraculous display of God's creation!

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