So, it didn't snow...

Ah, I should have known. The kids were disappointed; they were ready with their waterproof gloves. I even brought my shovel to my front step, ready for the opportunity to flex some (non)muscles.

It was a pretty pitiful sight actually, with me peering out the window searching for snowflakes.

By this afternoon however, the temperature dropped and it became quite chilly, and the boys asked that I make some cinnamon rolls. I gladly obliged, and the second rise will be overnight in the refrigerator for tomorrow's breakfast.

I was never really much of a baker. I always thought that there was such a finality in baking, that there wasn't the opportunity to correct a recipe until it was too late. I had such aversion to it that I stuck to what I do best and that was to cook.

But over time I just felt that I needed to overcome this fear, and I begged Greg for a mixer to make my life easier. I thought that if the mixer came as a gift I would be more obliged to learn? I asked and I asked but didn't think I would get one. But on Christmas day, my little (large!) wish came true, and I found Tiana (in imperial black) sitting on my counter.

Yes I name my gadgets.

Tiana and I have had wonderful times together. Since Christmas I have taken plunges in baking I never thought I would, such as Proofing Yeast and Kneading. And sometimes Greg, the kids and I get to partake in some successful creations!, and other times, well, I faced the truth of discarding flour (though I despise wasting food and food ingredients). But I'm no longer scared, and that's what matters the most, I think.


With today's baking, also came knitting. February's Knit Along at Sewing Mamas is all about knitting for others. I started promptly on a pair of wool pants for Rafaella, hoping I could get away with making them with such little yarn.

Rafaella has gone through a growth spurt however and I think I will be lucky to get a large pair of shorts from the single skein and trim of Morwenna's Yarn.

I am still quietly hopeful I can get capris from the coveted amount I have.

(lalalalalalalalal, don't tell me otherwise please!)

Filipino Comfort Food: Picadillo (pick-a-d-yo)

...a smattering of yummy veggies : potatoes, onions, tomatoes and peas mixed in, cooked and simmered with a choice of ground meat or poulty.

Comfort food.

My mama made us this dish at least once a week. While other Americans had pizza, we had Picadillo. We ate it over steamed white rice, and served it to ourselves using a fork and spoon (one in each hand, just to make sure you know what I meant).

My kids now love the dish, mixed in with the same Calrose Rice.

I smile when I hear Cooper making "yum yum yum" sounds when he eats this dish, when Greggy asks for a second helping, or when Rafaella smashes the food all over her face.

Home is where love is...and where Picadillo is being made.

C is for cookie...

Whew...the last of the Christmas Cookies go out to Greg's coworkers tomorrow. They have just finished cooling and I placed them into tins. I hope that they will be nice and fresh for the AM (maybe for breakfast?)

C is for confused...



My guage is right on. I followed the directions, and the wristwarmer is WAY. TOO. LARGE . Phooey. I didn't realize that my hands were that small and skinny. If the rest of my body was, I would be most grateful, but not this moment, with these hands.

so,

C is for change...



I am trying again with a different pattern using this DK Blue Faced Laceiter Yarn hand dyed by Nada and Brad.

C is for Crossing my fingers

Some lace, lots of chocolate, and strep?

I had to live vicariously through Greg these last few weeks. While I grappled with backpacks and homework, he took a business (military) trip through England, Germany, France and Belgium.

I heard from him every couple of days, and he recounted (at my request) what he ate and drank, and the sites he saw. It brought back memories of travelling with him. And because I am ruled by my stomach, what I was most jealous of was that he got to eat authentic cuisine and drink hearty, warm beer.

As a consolation prize, dearest Greg brought back two loves of mine: linen and chocolate. A little Belgian lace goes a long way in my book...I still have our lace curtains and pillowcases we bought from Brussels a few years ago, of which I have not displayed because I am afraid that they will be forever stained by my little ones.

This time around he brought home a table cover with matching napkins.



A little more dangerous is Belgian chocolate. I now have few bars of several kinds and they are all resting in the refrigerator. As you can see, I only pictured one here, but I am quite selfish when it comes to sweet stuff, I don't even like to photograph it ;) . These chocolates are my stash, and I have been enjoying a morsel at a time since he came home almost a week ago.



Since his arrival, unfortunately, Greg has been banished to the couch in the family room. Though I expected to pass the baton with some of the children's needs when he got home, he has been coughing and complaining of a severe sore throat. I think it's Strep. Poor guy...but then again, I wouldn't mind getting sick for 2 weeks worth of a European getaway ;).

At least I have my fluff for the week :)