April's learning curve

I kept racking my brain this month thinking,"what the heck can I learn this month." I was very limited this month because some of the ideas I will do later this year can only be done later this year. I felt a little disappointed in myself. I was so determined not to let this be just another broken resolution. The deal was to learn how to do something new each month, right? Key words being "do" and "new." I know how to bake, but what about a "new" recipe that I've always wanted to try? Does that count? In a round-a-bout way, I thought it should...but that's too easy. So I focused on the other word, to "do." How out of the box does that need to be? I'm still not sure...

I decided to do something I don't normally do...give myself some grace. I set a goal but don't really feel like I lived up it. Maybe, however, this is still part of the learning experience this year. To give grace...knowing that April has come and gone, and that May is another chance.  After all, the spirit of wanting to learn is still there.

So, I still wanted to try a half-attempt at something new this month. I made a granola recipe that I remember my grandma making :)  Warning: this smells SO GOOD while it's baking!!

2 C brown sugar
6 C oatmeal (quick oats)
2 C whole wheat flour
2 C coconut
1 C wheat germ (optional)
1.5 C nuts (pecans or preferred choice)
1/4 C sunflower seeds (optional)
1/2 C unsalted peanuts (optional)

1 C vegetable oil
1 C water
2 Tbls vanilla
1 tsp salt
1/4 C honey

Mix first half of ingredients. In separate bowl mix second half of ingredients. Combine. Spread out on cookie sheets and bake at 300F for 1 hour.  This makes slightly more than 1 gallon of granola.

Some tips: Wheat germ is not required for taste but it will help the ingredients stick together a little better.  I left it out simply because my grocery store didn't carry it and I think everything stuck together just fine.  The amount and type of nuts/seeds are totally optional too. You can add more or less of either...whatever your fancy. If your peanuts aren't roasted, no problem, because they will roast in the oven.

From grandma's kitchen, to mine, to yours, enjoy!

My best poem ever

A few posts ago, I mentioned that during the months of February and March I would be taking a break from the blog and anything to do with it. I mentioned there were personal reasons involved. Well, I finally feel able to share why I needed a break.

Well, it was a cold February night. I had just been out with my girlfriends and was all but settled down for the evening. Bundled up with two tiny, wrapped presents, I led my husband out to the basketball court within our townhome complex. I gave him the option of which gift he wanted to open first. He chose the poem...


Daddy dearest,

I wanted to come and play today
But mommy wouldn't let me.
She says I have to get big and strong
Since my hands and feet are wobbly.

I hear you like to play basketball
And run around a lot.
Maybe you can teach me how
So I can come with when I'm a tot.

I promise the time will go by quickly,
For now I have to stay in mommy's womb.
So daddy dearest wait for me,
I'll be done with growth camp soon.


So, was it the most well written poem in the world?  Well, of course not.  But, it's the most meaningful one I've ever written.  The second gift contained a little pair of socks with the words "daddy's allstar" on them.  So, for any mother out there familiar with the woes of the first trimester, you can easily imagine why I did nothing the past few months.  :)  And now, onto the second trimester...and the fun decorating that goes with it!