Baking

 I can cook, but my husband is the baker. There is something about having exact measurements that I struggle with. I have had a sweet tooth since the holidays and was craving some cupcakes. I decided to make Gina's Spiced Pumpkin cupcakes (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/09/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-pumpkin-spiced.html) Lucky for me they are pretty much from a box, no exact measurements needed, and they are vegan so Ellie can eat them.

Lucky for me they turned out just great and they are sooo delicious! Ellie loved them too, nothing better than sweet success.

New Years

I was able to take some time off from work after Christmas. The last weekend before heading back to work we decided to take off and go to Southern Utah and see Grandma and Grandpa Cooper. I believe the last time we were able to visit is when Ellie was 2 months old, and I was still on maternity leave. It was definitely a visit long over due. The car ride was interesting, thank goodness for smart phones. We were able to keep Ellie busy by watching Elmo's World or Yo Gabba Gabba. We had a fantastic time - good weather (high 50's), and of course great company! I think the highlight for Ellie was throwing rocks outside :)

Yes, those are rocks in her hand

It is so incredibly gorgeous here, I can hardly wait until our next visit.

Christmas 2011

Justin had to work on Christmas, but he didn't have to go in until noon. We had him all morning, which of course is the most important part of the day. Cindy and Dean came over for a lite breakfast and to see Ellie open her gifts.

Later that afternoon while Justin was at work, Ellie and I made our way to my in-laws. Cindy had cooked up a delicious Italian feast! She had done a minestrone and zuppa toscana soup with homemade bread sticks for the first course. The second course consisted of stuffed shells, chicken tetrazzini, and meatballs with a green salad and of course more breadsticks. For dessert she made sugar cookies, that were the perfectly baked covered in thick frosting and a peppermint frozen pie with homemade fudge (Thanks Grandma Cooper) and more breadsticks ;)  She had truly out done herself. We also had a chance to visit with Justin's grandparents, his sister Erica and her husband Rajiv and their three little ones, and Rajiv's parent Malti and Vijay. Ellie kept herself busy with the stairs again, and playing with her cousins. We had a great time visiting. 





Nap Time

Nap time and bed time are usually a struggle; however, not for Daddy. He had told me tales of a little baby, giddy with excitement, walking toward her crib for her afternoon nap. I found this very hard to believe because almost always tears are shed. He then went into further detail, that not only was the baby happy to take a nap but that she would lay down, let her Dad tuck her in with her bears, and wave good-bye and he would shut the door and off to sleep she went. At this point I knew he was exaggerating, how could this be true? Well one December afternoon, I came home from work to the baby still asleep from her nap (3 hours?) and this is what I found...

Daddy's must have the magic touch.

Christmas Eve

What a busy holiday season! Justin had to work on Christmas this year, so we decided to break things up. We invited my siblings over on Christmas Eve for a late lunch. I wanted to do something delicious, but I'm still a little burnt out from cooking all day on Thanksgiving. I thought a cranberry meatball slider would be easy, festive, and delicious - perfect! I asked my siblings to bring the sides/drinks. Melissa made the most delicious herb roasted potatoes, Rob was gracious enough to bring a candied pear and blue cheese salad which was scrumptious. Richard brought the sparkling juice for the non wine drinkers and yummy bottle of red for those that do. Oh, and for desert I made a super easy peppermint ice cream frozen pie.


 I had not put the presents under the tree until today. Ellie has shown as much restraint as a little one can. After we had finished eating she opened up her first Christmas present. It's true what they say, does the little one enjoy the wrapping paper or the gift more?

Yea for Elmo!

Christmas Eve Evening is when Justin's side of the family has their get-together. We always have clam chowder and a layered salad for our first course. Quickly followed by the most delicious fondue (Cheese and Meat) ever! For dessert I think this year was possible the best I had ever tasted. It was the usual chocolate fondue; however, the texture, consistency, and of course taste was absolutely divine. I look forward to this event all year, and it is never disappointing.