After the Holidays (Honey Cranberry Scones)

 

So it's been a while.  There were holidays and trips and cleaning and work and all those other things that make up a life.  But today there was a break in the action, and the kiddo and I had a play date with our neighbors across the way.   I love our neighborhood; our neighbors are some of the sweetest you could hope for.  There are trees and grass and other kids to play with once Chase gets big enough to care about playing with other kids.  This is a wonderful place to raise a family, and as more young families move in around us the happier I am that we chose to live here.

In the interest of time and healthy yumminess, I opted for this easy scone recipe for our mid morning snack.  I used whole wheat flour and only a few tablespoons of brown sugar to up the health factor (or at least decrease the dessert factor) and added dried cranberries.  You could easily substitute whatever fruit you have on hand or have a hankering for.  Just make sure you share them with friends.  :-)

A Last First (Pumpkin Whoopie Pies)

Today was our trick or treating night here in New Jersey.  Or as I've been calling it, Sandy-ween.  We were extremely fortunate in this area that we were not as hard hit by Hurricane Sandy as those poor souls in the barrier islands and in points north.  Prayers and donations go out to those who were affected by the devastation, and hopefully we can all continue to band together and help our neighbors.

This was Chase's last first holiday.  Since he was born two days after Halloween, he had already been through all the other holidays - this was the last one he hadn't celebrated yet.  It's incredible to me to think that we have a one year old.  I never thought that parenthood was going to be like this.  Challenging, tiring, and the most fun I've ever had.  Hubs and I have come along way from the day that second line appeared in the test window.  Our family has grown by one, but our love has grown by a million. 

Family (Chocolate Cannoli Roll)

I've been thinking a lot about family lately.  About who makes up my family.

I have a related family - people who belong to me by blood, who make me crazy while holding me down to earth.  Who have taught me things since the beginning of my life that helped to shape my view of the world.

I have a work family - people who come together to take care of others, make me laugh when I need a smile and kick it in gear when I need a hand.  Who I can count on to never leave me high and dry, and who have afforded me a sense of belonging to something bigger than myself.