Oatmeal Cookies and Spring

It's the official start of spring today!  Happy Spring!  Contrary to what some may think, I feel it has been a record breaking warm winter.  With the exception of the "cold snap" it really was pretty mild.  I was able to walk/jog most days. Woo Hoo!  Blake loves going out in the stroller and I love to go out.  I've always been more of an "outdoor exerciser".  I would like to maybe plant some flowers as it warms up.  I love long days where Andrew and I can go on a family walk with Blake after dinner.  Even though it can be a bit brisk, we just bundle up and enjoy the sun.

As promised, I am posting Andrew's all time favorite cookies.  They may be mine as well.  They are addicting, and it is terribly hard to eat just one.  So I give fair warning.  I created the recipe entirely on my own.

I would like to add a caveat-- We have a family friend who makes the most amazing Coconut Cookies.  These will never be hers.   These are completely different, and we love them.

Andrew's BEST cookie EVER

Preheat oven to 350

2 sticks butter softened NOT melted
1 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 3/4 c. oats
2 c. corn flakes
1/2 c. chopped butterscotch chips
1/2 c. chopped pecans
2/3 c. coconut

Crush the cornflakes to smaller pieces.  Chop the pecans and butterscotch chips.  Place in a medium size bowl with flour, cinnamon, oats, coconut, salt, and baking soda.  In a stand mixer cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs, and vanilla.  Slowly pour in dry ingredients mixing on low until incorporated.  Form into heaping cookies.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.

You can easily omit the pecans and if you really hate butterscotch you can lose those too.  I do not love large bites of butterscotch myself that is why I chop it up very fine to add a mild flavor that truly enhance the cookie!

Happy Happy Spring!

Trying a blackberry for the first time

I think he likes it!

Happy 6 Months Blake!

We had a busy and eventful week.  On Wednesday Blake turned 6 months old.  I can not believe how fast these 6 months have gone by.  My former life of parties, working, eating out with friends...is a distant memory.  I made a goal this week to try and do one chore around the house a day.  My mom was so good about this growing up.  I remember that Thursday she vacuumed and cleaned the kitchen.  She did this until after I left for college when she finally hired someone.  My grandma cleaned her house by herself until she passed at 71!  Blake has gotten a lot easier.  He is able to play and roll around happily.  He also pretty consistently takes 2 naps a day.  This gives me time to tidy up.  I thrive on schedules and routines and so do babies.

Blake is growing up so very fast.  He is very close to sitting by himself for long periods of time.  He rolls all around, eats all sorts of food, and this week he was able to have a baby rice cake to celebrate his 6 month birthday.  I also had the very real feeling that I needed to enjoy this time with just me and Blake.  I found myself feeling a little more patient and willing to hold him and comfort him.  Of course I always do, but it just felt different.  I let my world stop and just hold him for the first time in a while.  I realized I will never have this moment, in this time, ever again.  Soon enough he will grow up there will be more children to divide my attention with....all of these changes will be good and exciting, but for now its just me and my boy. (oh and Andrew...Blake's favorite time of day is playing with dad.  My favorite time of day is relaxing with Andrew when Blake is in bed :)

As I was holding Blake this is what I couldn't help but think:

Son, I'm so glad for this moment.  I know it's small and short but you are my boy.  I've known you for a while.  I remember the first time I felt your presence and knew you were waiting patiently for me to be your mom.  Thank you for being patient with me.  I can see you as a teenager, full of life and an example to all your friends.  A quiet leader.  That's what you are.  I see you as a young man getting ready to marry and start a family of your own.  Thank you for being such a good example to your siblings.  In a way I've always known you, and you'll always be my boy.  I love you son.

Sorry, had to be a little sentimental.  After all it is sentimental Sunday.  (I know that isn't really a thing...but I am always sentimental on Sunday's so it is a thing for me!)

By the way this week I'll be posting Andrew's ALL TIME FAVORITE cookies I make him.  They are oatmeal, or as we call them "Big Fat Magical Oatmeal Cookies".

Happy Sunday!

Sitting like a big boy

Being silly with dad in church

He's a happy guy

I think we have some musical talent!

6 Month Celebration!

Grandma's House

A little over 3 weeks ago, I got a call from my dad asking if I would come work or him for 2 1/2 weeks.  I talked it over with Andrew and we decided it would be a good opportunity to make some extra income for our family.  After the tickets were purchased, I felt like I was running around my house trying to get everything together because I was leaving in 2 days.  Both Andrew and I also felt a little like we had rushed our decision once we realized how long we would be gone from each other, not to mention that we would miss Valentines.

Blake always loves being at his Nammie Shaundi's house.  He gets lots of attention, and it's just easier having a baby in a house.  

At first I was really enjoying working.  I felt accomplished.  However,  I started to miss my old life as a stay-at-home mom.  It was so humbling to be out there.  I really realized how blessed I am that I get to raise Blake full time.  I know there are so many amazing moms who balance a career and raising kids.  I applaud you!  

However, for me I realized 2 important things while I was out here in California.  A few Sunday's ago we were visiting with a family friend and she said, "How do you like working?"  I told her that I was really enjoying it.  She then said, "Working is easier that being a mom huh?"  I said YES!  Even on my hardest most frustrating days as a teacher or nanny it was never as hard and my hardest moments with Blake.  So interesting.  

My next and most important light bulb moment came from another family friend.   She is in her 80's.  She turned to me in Relief Society (Women's church meeting) and said, "Jennifer your baby is so cute!  I bet being a mom is different than what you thought it would be?"  I confirmed that yes it was different than I thought it would be.  She then said, "But it's a good different."  She is right.  Being a mom is good different.

Blake has LOVED being in CA.  Warm weather and lots of attention.  He is growing up too fast.  Rolling, eating food, holding his own bottle, and sitting by himself (we are still working on perfecting all of it.). The best news of all is his digestive issues appear to be resolving.  He is now on
Goat milk.  He is so much happier.  I feel bad my little guy was so uncomfortable for his first 5.5 months of his life! I have a whole new baby.  He laughs at things, and loves to entertain us.

As far a sleep.  He is sleeping better too.  He usually only cries if he really needs something.  We are having so much fun with him!  We will be glad to be back with Andrew again.  Blake loves his dad and I do too!

Playing on mom's bed

Houdini Boy getting out of his swaddle wrap

Nammie taught me to hold my own bottle

Being silly at church

Flirting at the mall

Being silly with dad in the mirror

Enjoying the warm, sunny weather

Blake and I really enjoyed the warm weather, and especially enjoyed when Andrew came to visit us!

5 Months flew past!  This week marks 6 months!