Monday

Gordo and I went to an adult dinner party over the weekend, with actual ADULTS. Holy crap did we have to be on our best behavior! I made these yummy chocolate covered pretzels. They are so easy to make and yet they are so pretty that it seems to give the impression that they were slaved over for hours. They were a hit, but little did I know one of our hosts isn't eating sugar for health reasons. So we had to take them home with us. Boo hoo. So yummy.

And here's your doggie update, because I know you were dying to know about the ins and outs of Dogasaurus Rex and Penny Lane. Rex successfully had his nails clipped tonight by his favorite Petco groomer. He was a complete baby about it. Partly I feel bad because I get him all excited about riding in the car (which he loves) only to screw him with the nail clipping (which he loathes). Penny is continuing to snuggle into my neck as I sleep which, *sigh*, I love. She's getting the hang of 'sit', not that I think she'll actually do it in class Wednesday, but who cares. She also has an affinity for trying to bury things. Rawhides, biscuits, toys, socks, etc. She likes to bury them behind couch cushions and under pillows. More than once now I have laid down in bed and had a rawhide under my pillow. If you've never experienced this, and I can't imagine that you wouldn't have, it is an interesting experience.

A second dog means buying a little more food, cleaning a few more hair balls, dealing with a few more quirks. It also means a lot more love and cuddle in our home. I love it.

The one where I pat myself on the back

If you thought I was cool before (and you know you did), there should be no doubt after you see what I have done. Just when I thought I had done all that I could do (Turkey Cupcakes), just when I thought I had met my culinary match, I found "the decorated cookie"~ My new favorite blog. Here Meaghan Mountford (who apparently is famous) takes things that are premade and/or very simple to make and makes them fabulous! And as I searched her site for past entries, I found what just might be the greatest idea anyone ever had.

Sushi cookies.

I don't want to give away any secrets, but it couldn't have been any easier. Debilicious loved them, and I've got to say that I was quite proud of myself. What baking feat shall I try to conquer next? Only time will tell.

In the meantime I say in the words of Debilicious "Merry Chritmas to all, and to all a good night."

Btw, I am very tempted to scan and post pictures of Debilicious and I from our mall adventure last night. We did the photo booth and, well, the results were a bit risque... Let's just say my husband will never look at D or I the same way again...

I'm kind of a big deal

Julia Child would be proud

My first quiche! Where did all this cooking and baking come from you ask? I haven't the slightest idea. I've always liked to cook and bake, but it wasn't something I loved and it certainly was never something I researched on the internet. But here we are, many baked goods and one quiche later. I think I put a bit too much broccoli, but other than that, it was quite tasty! L liked it because A) I used Egg Beaters instead of real eggs, B) it contained bacon and C) I was able to convince him that it was at least slightly healthy. He told me to put the knife next to it in the picture so that people would understand its size. Excellent idea.

Attempt # 13

Beginning of the school year brings lots of firsts. First day of school. First full week of school. First long weekend. First time I meet the new kindergarteners. First time meeting the new principal. First set of lesson plans. First paycheck.

September is bringing lots of continuations this year as well. Starting my seventh year of teaching, in this same, lovely school and trying to make the most of it. Continuing to try at lots of things. Continuing to try and be optimistic about all aspects of life, love my husband and dog, family and friends. Continuing to try and love what I have, and not waste time wishing and stressing over what we do not. Continuing to try.

I love fall and the crispness in the air. I love seeing the leaves change and I love football season. I love this time of the year, when it is too cold for shorts, but you can still wear flip flops. Its too cold for short sleeves, but you don't need a coat. I love puffy vests and colorful winter hats that look like they were knitted by someone's grandmother. I love apple picking and pumpkin patches and the smell of those things baking in the oven.

I have found a new fondness for baking and I have no idea where it came from. Luckily for L and I, I have friends to taste these baked goods, as more sweets in the house is not what either of us need. In honor of First Paycheck of the Year I made Kit Kat Bars, a Paula Deen recipe I found on the Heidi Bakes site. My friends at school were impressed. D~ I never did get your review, is it a keeper?

Betty Crocker in the making

I've been on a bit of a baking kick. I found a great website, www.heidibakes.blogspot.com. Not only does she have awesome recipes, but she also writes about the troubles she had and how to avoid them, things she would do different and pictures of the finished product. I hate making food when there is no picture. The first recipe I tried from her site was the S'mores Cookie Bars. They were very good, as D can attest to. The pan I used for these cookies I think was actually an 8x12, opposed to a 9x13, so it was a bit thicker than it should have been, and consequently should have stayed in the oven a bit longer. When I make it again (yes when, not if) I would definitely put more marshmallows. You can never have too many marshmallows.

The second I made the night before the first day of school, and brought it in as a Happy First Day for my friends. Oreo Gooey Bars; I believe the name says it all. An entire package of Oreos, lots of chocolate chips and butter. Very sweet, but very tasty. Best, I think, straight from the fridge, the crunch makes it a bit more like a candy bar. Don't know if I would rush back into this one, but my friends did seem to like it.

Elmo in da house

*You need to pretend that it says "SOLD" on this sign*

Congratulations to my dear friends, D, B (and K!) on selling their house after 4 short (or were they long?) weeks on the market. I wish them the best of luck in finding the house of their dreams, a house in which they can continue to raise their family and grow old together in. Not only do I look forward to helping them rejoice and enjoy their new home, I look forward to not having to look at their stuff in the place where I used to park my car.

My day today began as usual with my coffee, cereal and the Today show. A disturbing phone call from my mom and I decided I didn't want to spend the day home with no plans and no one to talk to but Rex. I wanted to help D prepare for what will probably be the biggest 2nd birthday party in history. An Elmo theme deserves nothing more than an Elmo cake. D and I spent the afternoon recreating Elmo out of cake and icing. It was a fantastic experience. Never would I have thought that so much effort would go into this. Smear some frosting on and that would be the end of it. No, no~ bags and nozzles and dabbing and special food coloring. I was a cake decorating virgin, but a quick learner. Here is the before and after.

Between cake decorating and playing with one of my favorite (almost) two year olds ~even though she told me I could NOT ride on her swing~ I pine for a child even more today.