Happy Birthday Berta

In celebration of Berta's birthday I tried this new S'more layer cake from my new cookbook The Smitten Kitchen.  A decadent cake with graham crackers, chocolate filling and marshmallow frosting. Michael did a good job of toasting without burning my cake.  The cookbook author Deb Perelman runs a fabulous food website  http://smittenkitchen.com/

A Very Minion Christmas

Jacob is loving his new Despicable Me wear that he received from Aunt Thea.  The slippers were particularly popular.  Happy New Year's Eve.

Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas.  May your holiday be merry and bright.

Smitten Kitchen Cookbook Round up

Olive oil ricotta cake was a big hit at work with recipe requests.

Chocolate chip brioche pretzels.  Butter and chocolate, what could be better.  It has inspired me to make more brioche.  Jacob and I would eat these for breakfast but Michael seems to have some rules about not eating chocolate for breakfast, silly man.



Making New Memories

We spent the day helping Thea with some house projects.  Jacob got the job of decorating the tree which he did enthusiastically.

Thea continues with the sisters are forever theme.

Thea's new stocking.

Jacob's favorite ornaments.

The finished tree looked quite festive.

After we were finished with our chores Jacob finally sat in the Papasan chair.  Thea put the bean bag on top of him.  We all had a good time making this house a home.  Thea gets her new furniture Monday.

What I Am Thankful For

It was really hard saying goodbye to our childhood home but we will always have our memories.  Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

Thea's graduation 1976 and 2013.

Before move in 1970 and 2013.

I am thankful for my sisters, who I would not have made it through this year without them.  I am thankful for my idyllic childhood and the wisdom to know that it was idyllic.  I am thankful for my parents and all that they have taught me.  I am thankful for my family and the love that I receive.  That is what I am thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving.

MJ One Las Vegas

We did not take many pictures this vacation except for our big night out at the Michael Jackson show.

It was a great show and well worth the price of admission.  A tapping good time was had by all.