When I write blog posts I forget that there are people out there that may read my posts that I don't know. And rarely check my blog analytics, I always forget how to access it. I blog because I want to and because I like to journal my sessions, my life, my kids and just everyday things that inspire me. So when April from Parents Magazine contacted me, introduced herself and complimented my work I was completely flattered. She looks at my blog? What? My little blog? She then asked if she could use the 'Back-to-School' photo I took of Ty and Brielle on their first day of school this year in her upcoming feature. Yay! Here's a little look below.
Okay so abrupt change of subject, but who's ready for Fall? I'm sooo looking forward to the crisp weather (which still doesn't happen till December her in AZ), smell of pumpkins, the scent of autumn candles, the clothes (boots, boots and more boots!), the yummy baking and the list goes on. Well, the other day we had a little tease with the weather. It was the first morning in months that I walked outside and I didn't' immediately break into a sweat. It made me feel alive and made me yearn for Fall. So what else did I want to do? Bake! I had some bananas that had been dismissed by the kids and I that were begging to be used somehow (instead of ending up in the garbage like they usually do). So my baking assistant, Brielle, and I immediately started the yummy bread baking right after school. She loves to bake as much as I do. She tested the batter and preferred to put it all over her face saying she didn't really like batter. Thankfully she thinks the bread is heavenly ;o)
Here's how I made my Yummy Banana Bread!
- 1/2 cup margarine, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 to 5 very ripe bananas
- 2 teaspoon Mexican Real Vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups Baking flour
- a dash of salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons dark brown brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
Mix the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add in white sugar, eggs (mix well after each egg), mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Then sift in flour, soda, baking powder & brown sugar. Then add it cinnamon and allspice. Fill 1/2 way in a prepared pan and place in a 350 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes. It is scrumptious!! We're making more today. :)
And lastly, August our puppy is now officially potty trained!!! Yes, it's true! I'm removed all of the baby gates and have allowed him free run of the house when we're home (although he follows me and is at my feet where ever I go). I'm so proud of him....a little overdue but I'm so glad he's finally learned that going potty inside causes everyone stress including him. And he's stopped chewing on things that aren't his! He has a basket of toys that are his and he goes to those whenever he wants to chew on something. And August has enjoyed his new-found freedom by being the focus of play for Brielle and her friends. While Ty and his friends play DS, Brielle and her friends are dressing up August in princess dresses, and jewelry. He's such a good sport about it all. Tee hee :)
