Fried Okra is yummy

Cowgirl

Allison trying on her first cowgirl boots at Justin boots in Justin Tx

Buttermilk Marble Cupcakes

Second try on the cupcakes. These came out amazing - yes the missing one is the one we got to taste test. Both Allison and Kevin approve so we have our birthday cupcake!  And this was without even frosting them.

For those who don't share my chocolate addiction I will make some just buttermilk cupcakes with strawberry frosting.

Walking caught on video

Walking

Allison just walked across the short side of the living room - from the coffee table to the TV with no stopping.

Monday Monday

Also a new food today - snow peas in her fried
rice.  Our fried rice did not include cheerios or
 teddy grahams.

Why does it feel like Mondays are always the hardest day of the week?   After spending 2 hours yesterday organizing coupons and making my grocery list I got to the store this morning only to find my coupons were still sitting on the counter at home.  

Allison still has a runny nose, and a bit of fussiness.  I'm quite ready for this to be over - its been over a week now.

Despite that she managed a new word, and used it correctly in context even.  Most of my phone calls these days are done on speaker phone so Allison can listen and contribute as she desires.  For 3 separate phone calls today at the end of the conversation Allison said "bye."  Of course only Kevin heard it, she said by to Papa D (my dad) and GiGi (Kevin's mom) right after each had hung up.  New rule - if you are on the phone with Allison, wait 30 seconds after saying 'bye' before you hang up if you want to hear her say it.  At the moment it's a tiny bit of a delayed reaction.

Unfortunately BNSF had a fatality today, so Kevin didn't make it home until after 7pm.  As I was throwing together dinner Kevin surprised me by pulling a bottle of champagne out of the fridge.  It was a great way to end a stressful day and made a simple dinner special.  

Birthday Cupcakes - Test batch 1

Angel Food cupcakes -
 top with fudge frosting, bottom with strawberry

Yesterday on Allison's 11 month birthday I made my first batch of test cupcakes for her upcoming cupcake themed 1st birthday party.  

Good thing I tested them!  I thought it would be fun to make angel food cupcakes, but about half of each cupcake stuck to the paper.  They turned out more like cupcake tops with frosting.  Yummy but not really what I want.  The homemade frosting came out pretty well.  

So on to the next recipe. . .

11 months

Sleeping Princess

Allison is 11 months today. She woke up not feeling great so just went down for a morning nap.  She has 2 new teeth coming in so that may the reason.

Just Between Friends

I have to give a big "Thank You" to Kathy and the rest of my bible study group for introducing me to Just Between Friends.

www.jbfsale.com

We just had one last week in Grapevine and I got to go Sunday afternoon with Eden for half-off day.  I got 19 outfits for Allison for $63.

If you have kids or are pregnant, I recommend looking for one in your area!  I will be doing most of Allison's shopping here from now on.

Testing mobile blogging