finding normal...

This holiday season just seemed to get crazier and crazier as time went on.  With holidays and family, a funeral and lots of memories...  we are just now getting back into the swing of things.

Back to finding normal.

What is normal?  I have no idea.

All I know is that normal right now consists of a 10 year old, a 2 1/2 year old, a 1 year old, a tired pregnant mama, and a busy new-business-starting daddy!

I have been missing my kitchen like you would not believe (or I suppose you would believe!)...

Well, actually I miss cooking what I feel like cooking, instead of what I have to cook, you know?

Hopefully I will be able to get some groceries soon and get busy.

The idea-list in my head gets longer every day and I think I just may explode if I don't get some creativity out!  :o)

Thank you all for your prayers and patience through this emotional holiday season.

I hope to be back to 'normal' very soon!!

(And since I can't leave you without a cute kiddo pic...  check this little olive-loving guy out!)

happy birthday to... me?

Well, yes...  technically.

But more importantly...  Happy Birthday to YOU Grandma!

I love you, I miss you, and I will always cherish the years we spent celebrating together.

I know you are having the most amazing birthday ever with all of the family and friends who have been waiting so patiently for you...

I must admit, I'm a little jealous.  :o)

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Thank you for instilling in me a deep love for food and baking, and for being a huge part in shaping me into the woman I am today.

I love you!

my favorites of 2011

I ended the year with a list of your favorite recipes of 2011.

I am starting the new year with a list of my 11 favorite recipes of 2011!

These are the ones that I keep going back too, and pulling out for company and special occasions...

The ones I think about and drool over and want to make over and over again...

The ones I will be making many times in the new year, I'm sure!!

(These recipes are in order of date, not preference...  it was SO hard to narrow down to my top 11, but these are definitely the winners!)

#1  homemade Starbucks cranberry bliss bars

#2  buffalo chicken mac & cheese

#3  lemon chiffon truffles

#4  copycat Olympia Pizza's pepperoni subs

#5  cinnamon & vanilla slow cooker steel-cut oatmeal

#6  not-so green smoothie

#7  blueberry nectarine crumb bars

#8  easy homemade pure vanilla extract

#9  farmer's market pumpkin bars

#10  eggnog latte sugar cookies

and #11...  super creamy stove-top mac & cheese!  (I just made this again the other day!)

Happy New Year everyone!

Here's to a beautiful 2012 full of food, friends and more blessings than we can imagine!!