Whatcha got Cooking ...

Most of my posts are about Amelia. Obviously, she is the biggest part of what I am doing and more interesting (and cuter, I might add) than anything else. But lately, I've been a little more busy outside of my mommy role and thought I'd give a quick update on ME ... if you are interested :) come back, and next time I'm promise more crazy Amelia stories.

1. A couple weekends ago, I had my first catering job. A friend was having a Artisan/Antique Market with a large group of helpers. Some advice and food suggestions soon turned into a job offer. I loved it: planning a menu, considering options to stay within budget, spending 2 whole days cooking away. Hoping another opportunity comes along sometime.

2. I also taught a cooking class last Saturday. The youth group was having a special weekend and the girls got to come over here for a quick cooking lesson and some kitchen tips. That was a little awkward at first but I hear they all enjoyed it and got lots of good information. I made muffins before so we could eat, chat, and share some quick baking tips. Muffins are good also to suggest add ins or ingredient swaps to make recipes your own. At the request of the group, we made homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo. Some of the things I shared: how to hold/use a knife, how to get rid of onion/garlic smell on your hands, how to handle a kitchen burn, meat searing, deglazing, and a basic understanding of sauce-making.

3. Lasting, I've had fun trying some new recipes and making some up myself. My newest one: Steak pot-pie. Yes, not terribly different or creative but since my husband is picky and also allergic to chicken, I tried a different combination of things and put this together. The main ingredients were steak (clearly), zucchini, and carrots in a rich sauce. It got rave reviews.

The biggest excitement in our house this weekend: no more crib! Amelia has graduated to a big girl bed. After falling/climbing out of the crib about a week ago, we figured it was about time. She has done great so far! Although, I fear I have kissed nap time goodbye for good.

Mommy and Amelia trying it out

It also is the new favorite place to play.

James and I were thinking about how small she looked in her crib when we first brought her home...

a Message

A message for Amelia's Great-Grandfather, Dad-dad. She, of course, becomes a little more shy when the camera is out. But just so you know, she always wants to wear these pjs and when I say they are dirty, she asks if mommy can wash them. They are getting too small but tonight when I asked what pjs she wanted to wear she said: "Sponge bob. Sponge Bob is happy, and I am happy too."

Pumpkin Patch

This week we took our annual trip to the orchard for hayrides, pumpkins and family fun. This was the first year Amelia seemed to understand what was happening which avoided outburst of tears a couple times. And she is still talking about it and how much fun she had.

Amelia and Daddy before the fun.

on our hayride checking out the apple trees

There was so many pumpkins! But Dad and Bug found a good one!

Amelia liked sitting on all the big pumpkins.

We also decided to go through the corn maze since Amelia's favorite past time is to walk. We made it out with minimal trouble. Amelia was a great decision maker on which way to turn.

We had a great family day and Amelia survived without a nap!

Happy Fall!

Campout

We had a wonderful weekend; one of my favorite weekends of the year. Every October, my family meets at a campgrounds in Illinois to hang out and catch up. We lovingly refer to it as Campout. We've been going to the same place for 28 years and even the smell of the place brings memories. We had lower numbers this year due to other commitments (38 in total, when usually we have 50+), but coffee was still drunk around the clock, fires were still going, stories were still told, and we all enjoyed a relaxing and wonderful weekend together.

Here's some pictures of Amelia:

Amelia talking with Uncle Charlie

Amelia with Eliana, the newest member of the family. This is my cousin's granddaughter... yes, that is correct, my cousin is a grandmother.

Amelia had fun all weekend with her cousins and is still talking about them all. This is Tara who she made play with her most of Saturday.

Much frisbee golf is played... people of all ages

Enjoying just walking around outside.

Each year we set aside time to talk about what God has been doing and have 2 or 3 people share from their lives. (James actually shared this year. If you would like to hear that ... I posted that HERE.) I am so thankful for the like-minded souls, both in crazy humor and, most importantly, in Christ Jesus. Thankful for the encouragement and challenges these people give me, thankful we share in a Christ-filled heritage, and thankful for the unique opportunity to apart of a family that is this big and this close.

Looking forward to next year!

Cookies

Amelia and I made some sugar cookies this weekend, one of Daddy's favorite. Amelia got to decorate for the first time too. She did a fabulous job of both decorating and making a mess. But it was fun to finally be able to do it with her. Looking forward to Christmas cookie decorating and many more times in the kitchen with my girl.

And of course, a taste test when we were done!

One more thing: This week was our first choir Sunday of the season. I enjoyed it very much. We sang this song ... Great I Am. Take a listen. I've been singing/thinking on this for a few weeks now. A reminder of the power and the majesty of our God.

Have a good week.