Dear Little House:

I will miss you!
Today was a bittersweet day. I spent some time cleaning, de-kidding, and taking pictures of you. We are planning on selling or renting you this summer. I am really emotional about leaving you behind when we move to Cleveland for rotations. Today was sweet because I feel like I am bonding with you when I clean and polish and organize you. It was bitter because I know this relationship that we have can not continue growing with such a distance between us. You may be small and fragile and in need of a nip/tuck here and there but you were our first real home. I will always love you and remember you fondly. Andersen had his very first room to himself here. Hen was welcomed into this world by your warmth. So many memories... I will try to find you someone nice to live here.






If you are nice and interested in buying or renting my little house please contact me...

Getting ready for Valentine's Day!

I LOVE Valentine's Day! Maybe it is just because I feel like I have an excuse to throw pink, girly, love where ever I want to in this house full of boys. I have big plans for this Valentine's Day. They include heart cookies, cupcakes, decorations, jewlery (I am going to try to make) and a family date.

Here are a couple of books I got for the boys. Again, I feel like I can get a little bit girly for Valentine's Day. Every now and then a little book splurge, away from preschool book orders, is needed or maybe I should say "taken".

I got this for my little Henry. I keep reading it. I love the art and even the texture of the pages. If you haven't guessed, books are one of my weaknesses.
This is the book I scouted out for Andersen. How adorable!

bebecha = darling

This is my attempt at taking pictures of myself. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

One of Dan's best friends growing up lived right next door. His little sister IS bebecha! I love what she creates. It is so classy, girly and perfect! I really wish I could buy EVERYTHING! I have to limit myself though, not that they are priced too high(remember medical students and stay-at-home moms don't make much/any $) Anyway, this headband is a necessity! I get compliments on it all the time. It is really comfy too, I usually can't wear other headbands. I want to try the stretchy one too.
My wish list includes: these earrings...

this necklace...

AND this headband, for now.

Check out bebecha's etsy shop. I know you'll love everything too!

The Mint Brownie Recipe

My mom makes these mint brownies every year around Christmas. Over the last couple of years I have started the tradition in our little family as well. I feel like I can post this recipe because it has been in our family for so long and we have made adjustments. I think my mom originally got this recipe from my dad's mom who got it out of a newspaper in Texas before I was born.

Lets break this down into 3 steps, although cutting these brownies is another step which I find more difficult than making the brownies.
This is the recipe I use for my pan, which is 17 1/2" x 12 1/2". It is like a cookie sheet and a half. You can try to change recipe to fit your size of pan.
Bottom: 2 boxes of Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie mix.
Middle: 1 16oz tub of Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting
1 1/2 T peppermint extract
a drop or two of green food coloring
Top: 1 1/4 C semi sweet chocolate chips
8 T butter
2 T Karo syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla

Yes! I always have something go wrong - this time 2 drips of salsa fell onto the brownies! ERRR to having a small kitchen! From experience it is better than not having a kitchen though.
Step 1: Make brownies. I use Betty Crocker's fudge brownie mix. I'm sure you could make some by scratch but I am used to these and they are delicious. I would also recommend adding walnuts if you like them because it makes them even better. I let these cool completely and even chill sometimes before the next step.

Step 2: Frost brownies. I buy Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting and add peppermint extract and food coloring (just a bit to tint frosting). Mix together well and spread evenly onto brownies. Chill before adding chocolate top layer.

Step 3: Chocolate top: Melt chocolate chips and butter on med-low heat until melted and add Karo syrup and vanilla. Drizzle then spread evenly over chilled frosted brownies. I use a butter knife but I have always wanted to try one of those frosting knives. Chill before cutting.

Cutting tips: Chill!!! Use a sharp knife and try to glide it through, if that catches the top layer then I would try to lightly press to cut. Good Luck. Oh, I always cut off sides and eat them instead of serving them.