Christmas Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Carlos had a dessert contest for his Holiday Luncheon at work. I wanted to make these delectably delicious Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting, but didn't have time. Instead I did Chocolate Crackle Cookies and guess what? We won. There were two winners for cookies and we were one of them. Who would have thought? Anyway, want to share the picture and the recipe. Very yummy and very pretty. Not sure if this picture does them justice, but anyway...won a $15 Gift Certificate to Panda Express. Not bad. I hope you try this recipe, because it's good.

Martha Stewart's Chocolate Crackles

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I've used various combinations of semisweet, bittersweet and dark chocolate chips and all work well)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/4 pound) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Melt chocolate (I do this in the microwave, checking and stirring every 30 seconds, but I'm sure Martha does this in a double boiler). Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add melted chocolate. Add flour mixture alternately with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined. Shape dough into a flattened disk and wrap with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Using 1 heaping teaspoon of dough apiece, shape 1-inch balls. Roll each in confectioners’ sugar until completely coated. If any cocoa-colored dough is visible, roll dough in confectioners’ sugar again. (Or, if this is making you nuts, use my method, above.) Place the cookies on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake until flat and the sugar coating splits, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Transfer to a wire rack, and let cook completely. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Valentine's Day

We have been under a great deal of stress lately and it would be easy to dismiss Valentine's day altogether, but I am one who believes that during tough times, you need special times more than ever. So, Valentine's day was a priority. I have to admit that we sort of celebrated in small ways from Friday, Feb. 13 to Tues., Feb. 17. It was not a constant celebration, just little things that pertained to the theme of the day, "showing your love."

First of all, every year, we do something for our kids for Valentine's Day. Most years it is a card and a stuffed animal, or flowers and candy, some small gift, usually. This year, Carlos and I surprised the kids with a puppy! They have begged for one for years and I always said that I wouldn't have a puppy while I had a baby. Well, Jakey just turned 3, he's potty trained and a dog's life expectancy is anywhere from 10-15 years. So taking all that into consideration, we needed to take the leap if it was going to be taken at all. So, let me introduce to you...Oliver (picture below). He is 3/4 Yorkshire Terrier and 1/4 Chihuahua. They call those types of mixes, Designer Dogs. He looks like a Yorkie. Anyway, he is very cute and the kids are in love with him...I am starting to fall for him, too. I better love the little guy because in reality, I am fully aware that I will be the one who cares for him most. However, it really comes more naturally to everyone but me. I am learning. And for those of you who don't like little yappie lap dogs, I, too, always said that if I had a dog, it would be a labrador, not a small dog. But, the fact of the matter is that I needed a small dog and one that doesn't shed in order to be able to embrace the idea.

On Saturday, Carlos and I were invited to an engagement dinner with some friends. One of our friends proposed during dinner on Valentine's Day and wanted us and a few others to share in this special occasion. At first I was kind of bummed thinking that our Valentine's day was being overtaken by this, but we really had a great time (Congratulations Perry & Gloria). We went to Piatti in Danville and had excellent food, as well as excellent company. Carlos also got me flowers, which was very thoughtful and sweet of him. He had Jakey give them to me. I am glad that he is already teaching our son how to be romantic and thoughtful:)

Then on Sunday we had some good friends over for dessert. Chocolate cake...mmmmmm. There is no better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by eating chocolate and sharing it with those you love.

Because Valentine's Day was absorbed with friends and not exactly the romantic holiday between Carlos and I that we had kind of hoped for, we had a romantic date and evening last night. It wasn't elaborate or expensive, just hanging out, talking, sharing, and spending time together. I truly love the man I chose to marry. He is an amazing and selfless person. I feel lucky.

After all that, we didn't even exchange our cards until Tuesday (today). There was just never the right moment. I know that sounds funny, but we just didn't get a chance (or remember) until tonight. So....Happy Valentine's Day to everyone (3 days later) because we just barely stopped celebrating it ourselves.

Mother-Daughter Book Group

Olivia, Libby, Kayla, Gabby, Paige, & Jenny all dressed up in Pish Posh style at Libby's house.

About a year ago we got an invitation in the mail from one of Jenny's friends inviting us to join a Mother-Daughter Book Group. Six other mothers and daughters were invited to join, as well. So, last February, Jenny and I along with the other mothers and daughters started meeting and reading. We meet every 6 weeks or so and discuss a book that we all read. Of course, the group is geared to 11/12-year old reading. So far, we have read some fun and different books. The books we have read are: Sixth Grade Glommers, Norks & Me, Pish Posh, Sand Dollar Summer, Ella Enchanted, Twilight, Shakespeare's Secret, and Matilda. We take turns hostessing the group and of course there is always yummy food and drink to enjoy. At the end of each meeting, the hostess girl presents 4-5 new books and the girls vote for the next book. Our next read is interestingly enough called Mother-Daughter Book Club. Last night we met at our house. It has turned out to be such a fun way to spend time together and given us a chance to share our love of reading. Since Jenny started middle school this year, I don't get to see my mom friends as often, so this is also an opportunity to reconnect. Jenny is fortunate to have a very nice and grounded group of girlfriends whose mothers I adore, as well. At some point, I am hoping to start a group like this with Juliana and her friends, as well. Then Lacey....

Jake is 3!

After six months of sitting on my blogger butt, I am finally trying to get back into it. I decided I am not going to attempt to "catch up," rather I will try the "go from here" approach.

Jakey's 1-week Bday Party!

Jakey just celebrated his 3rd birthday a few weeks ago and I just can't believe that my baby is 3. No more babies for me, so Jakey will always be my baby. But, I guess I will say that about all four kids...they will always be my babies. So in honor of Jakey turning 3, I will tell you 25 fun facts about Jake.

1. He has brown eyes, light brown hair, and an infectious smile.

2. He is a prince among princesses...our only boy after 3 darling daughters.

3. He knows he's a prince and that his princesses will do just about anything for him.

4. Most of the time he does not act spoiled in spite of #3.

5. He is FULL of energy and life...going nonstop sun-up to sun-down.

6. He is a snuggle bug when he wants to be.

7. His big brown eyes and infectious smile get him out of most sticky situations.

8. He loves anything with wheels (planes, trains, cars, tractors, trucks, etc.)

9. He wants to be a "Police Dog" when he grows up.

10. His hero is for sure, hands down, his Daddy. Daddy can't go anywhere without the Jakey shadow.

11. Everyone else pales in comparison.

12. He wants to marry Mommy when he grows up (that was only after we told him it had to be a girl, not his best friend Alika).

13. He loves his preschool class....Teachers Jeannie and Kathy are pretty, Jakey says.

14. Lacey is his favorite person to act silly with. (Watch out when they're wound up!)

15. Jules is his greatest protector. He's never safer than when Jules is on Jakey watch.

16. Jenny is Jake's biggest fan and most fun and patient big sister.

17. Jake's favorite color is ORANGE.

18. Jake's favorite "I'm Mad" phrase is, "You're a Poophead!" (embarrassing many times)

19. Even when you're the poophead, Jakey forgives quite quickly. Most of his best friends have been the poophead. As have, all the family members:(

20. His Valentine is Grammy.

21. He doesn't forget ANYTHING...sometimes good, sometimes not so good.

22. Jakey thinks he's older than he is most of the time.

23. When Jakey wants to say his prayers, he says, "Mom, let's do my Heavenly Fathers." I don't want him to ever stop saying this...so sweet.

24. Jakey could dribble a soccer ball down the hall on his bum before he could walk. (Can you picture the smile on Daddy's face)

25. Jakey is fiercely adored by his 3 sisters and his mom and dad.

Happy Birthday Buddy (It was January 16th). We love you.

Hilarious Blogger, pictures, etc.

I recently came across a blog that I think is so funny. You have to read through several posts before you really get the idea of the blog. It is essentially a spoof on the young married Mormon wife blogger with the PERFECT life. If you are LDS you will totally "get" this and probably know plenty of people like this. Actually, if you are of pioneer heritage, you probably have some of this in your very own DNA! Anyway, check it out at http://seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/.

I have had an interesting week. My back decided to go out at the beginning of the week and as a result of being a bit restricted, I have been reflective. I also have a few other things I have been thinking about and all this reflection has just made me grateful for my family. Carlos and my four kids are such a blessing and I am privileged to be an integral part of their lives. So, on that note, here are a couple more pictures of my cuter than ever kiddos! Summer swimming and Jakey being silly, per usual!

Lion King, Jenny's Birthday, etc.

Our summer has gone screaming by and I have been extremely negligent with my blogging. I am better at this during the school year. So, here are a few pictures from our end of school year and summer so far. Enjoy and keep coming back even though I am not the most diligent blogger!

Jenny & Julesies in "The Lion King" Production. Jenny was a zebra and Jules a Flamingo.

Jenny with Grammy on Jenny's Birthday.

Jenny got her ears pierced for her 11th birthday. She was SO nervous, but in the end, she said it didn't hurt after all!

Thanks to Pappy (Lisa's dad) Jenny and Mommy got to go to Disneyland together for Jen's birthday. It was so fun to spend some one on one time with Jenny. Here are a few of MANY pictures of the trip. It was a blast.

All WET and sunburned on the Grizzly's Peak ride in California Adventure!

The Toy Story Midway Mania ride with our 3D Glasses. It was so fun!

I'm not sure which one is Goofy?

Jenny and Mom in our Movie Star glasses!!!!

STAY TUNED, THERE'S MORE TO COME SHORTLY......

My Friend Jen Tagged Me!

7 Facts about ME

1. I have been hit by a car twice in my life (some of you already know that).
2. I was engaged before my mission and it didn't work out (long story, but happy ending, of course)
3. My favorite treats are Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Orange Sticks.
4. I think the movie "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" is HILARIOUS!
5. I am NOT afraid of dying, just leaving behind loved ones! Maybe I'm a bit morbid.
6. I spend too much money when I am stressed out!
7. I hate to wear shorts! So, I NEVER do.

Thanks Jen, for making me get back into the blogging world. I tag Tammy, Melanie, Mom, and Ashley (if they are reading my blog.)