Happy Birthday Jordan!

So, THIS guy turned 31 today.  We had a nice dinner at home with the kids, and an extra large slice of cheesecake with chocolate ganache & raspberries.

Jordan was thrilled with his presents, and we are thrilled that he is the husband, Dad and friend that he is.  We love you!

La Mia Cucina

We have spent most of today lazily lounging in cozy warmth as a nor'easter storm has unleashed its frozen fury outside.  Always one for comfort food on stormy days, I've made pancakes, nachos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and chocolate chip cookies (although not all for the same meal!)

All of this work has really made me appreciate the kitchen we designed for this house.  I love the open shelves and deep cabinets, where I have easy access to baking accessories.

The sink is deep and wide, and of course the dishwasher is such a time saver!

We still have a few projects left:  a door to hide the cluttered pantry, paint for the trim, a kitchen island, and a sliding barn door that will go on the wall to the left of the opening below:

At the end of the day, we especially enjoy a nice cup of coffee (or cold iced tea in summer) in the little nook at the end of the room.

Buon appetito!

American Girl

Annabel is the very happy owner of a "new" American Girl doll.  Annabel purchased Josefina on eBay last week.

What makes Josefina even more precious is that Annabel has been saving up for more than 2 years to buy her.  Almost all of her birthday & Christmas money - not to mention her allowance - has been squirreled away for this.  That's no mean feat, especially since she has only been given permission to spend up to half of her savings.  Throughout the process, we've had lots of discussions with Annabel about delayed gratification, impulse buying, saving, and not purchasing cheap junk.  For now at least, she is thrilled with her choices - as are we!

Long an art fan, Annabel is also starting to show an interest in sewing, embroidery and knitting.  (She absolutely did NOT inherit her talents from me, that is for sure!)  The picture above was taken of her first sampler.

Yes, Annabel is growing up, and it's been fun to start to do other new things with her as well, including making our traditional Christmas leftse - matching aprons & all!

I truly do enjoy my little buddy!