I licked a little...

I'm not a good Catholic--I know that. But I try. I started off this Lenten season giving up a true love of mine: chocolate. As I was munching on a delicious lemon curd cupcake, Shawn--in not so many words--called me a wimp for giving up chocolate but not all sweets. He didn't understand where the true sacrifice was. Not wanting to pass up a good challenge, I agreed to give up all sweets and being a wonderful husband, he joined me.  I was doing so well...until yesterday. Not even a week from Easter!  In my <weak> defense, I was baking a birthday cake and the request was for "anything chocolate".  Excuses.

So as I'm getting the ingredients measured out, my mind can't help but to wonder how much willpower I will have not to lick the bowl, taste the cake, or lick the icing...Then I think, how can I not? I need to quality test and make sure it doesn't taste like sludge-this is a new recipe I'm working with here...So I vow--one little taste and that. is. it. Well...let's just say, I'm not a good Catholic.

The temptation (supposed to be an "N" but the stupid thing won't orient correctly):

I heart things!

I heart Spring! It's 80 degrees today. And totally sunny. It's not that we don't have great weather--yes, I know I live in Denver but the weather here really is great--it's just that I love wearing flip flops and going sans jacket. I raked little spot in the yard to rid of sticks and petrified dog poop, laid down a sheet, grabbed some toys and plopped a sunscreen-slathered boy on the sheet to soak up the sun. There is not much else cuter than a baby in a hat and onesie crawling around! See for yourself: 

But wouldn't you know, I actually started getting really hot--that sun is warm! We are closer to it here than we were in IL...Now, the coolness of my old Victorian house feels good, not annoyingly chilly (like it did before we went outside).

Nap envy

Why won't this child nap right now?? If I could, I'd be napping! Can I get an Amen?

Finally!

I haven't had a haircut since October. This is coming from the girl who gets a haircut every 2 months like clockwork! Needless to say, I was hating my hair and ready to <gasp> chop it off. Enter Julia-my hair savior!! I waited a month to get in with her but it was very worth the wait. Shapes Salon is the only salon in Denver where the stylists are certified in New York on cutting curly hair. It's called a Deva cut--they cut it dry then wash and dry it. I hated my curls until I found this place--no one knew how to cut it right. I feel like a whole new woman today =)

the art of distraction

Feeding Evan is truly a practice in the art of distraction: if he doesn't have a spoon to hold or Cheerios to try to grab, he gets antsy and frustrated. I sing him songs--"Dirty Banana", sung to the tune of MJ's "Dirty Diana". It's catchy, I know. And sorry for getting it stuck in your head.

Watching him eat Cheerios, though, is truly entertaining. I love to watch him chew!

Evan's dinner tonight was actually so good, I made it for Shawn and I--with a few modifications. Here is the recipe for the baby puree:

1/2 of an onion, chopped

1 chicken breast, cut into cubes

1 1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth

1 sweet potato or butternut squash, cubed

1 apple, cubed

Saute the onion in a bit of oil until it's soft. Add the chicken and cook about 3-4 minutes. Add the sweet potato and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the apple and simmer for about another 10 minutes. Puree to desired consistency. 

For our meal, I added red pepper, potato and zucchini and left out the apple. I also substituted the unsalted broth with the salted broth. Throw in the seasoning of your choice--I used bay leaves and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Obviously, I did not puree. I served it over rice. mmmm!

And I begin...

I am horrible at keeping a journal--I always feel like I have to start at the beginning. Hopefully I will have more success with this blog. I think my content is just going to be random thoughts from my day-to-day. Hopefully I can entertain you...