these are a few of my favorite things ...

it's a perfect storm really ... superbowl with my favorite football team and my favorite songwriter playing the halftime show. 

go steelers.

Thanks Mama T

My cute mother-in-law (yes - I love my mother-in-law. I lucked out in the in-law department when I married into the Tanner clan), decided to teach herself a new trade and learned to knit. She made me this killer scarf - which I couldn't adore more. I am a sucker for a few clothing/accessory items. And they are, in no particular order:

> skirts
> hats
> hoodies
> vintage jewelry and brooches
> anything with birds on it

and of course
> cozy handmade knit scarves, mittens and/or beanies

Thanks Mama T. I love it!

The Chocolate

Recently my friend Ange, started up her own dessert bakery. I just finished her website a few weeks back - and she is already a force to be reckoned with. Her desserts are just as tasty as they look. The Cherub may just be the best thing I have EVER eaten. So check out her new website and order something for your next hooplah. Congrats Ange on the new gig!

www.thechocolatedc.com

Is this heaven?

Last night we had to use broccoli as a bartering item with Jack to get him to eat his chicken and potatoes. We kept making him eat at least one bite of each before we would let him have more broccoli. Who ever heard of such a thing?

banana bread you must try

My friend Stephanie posted this yummy recipe on her blog back in the summer, but this week I found myself almost throwing out some bananas, and felt like I should give them one more chance to be eaten. I think I will add some nuts next time, per Ryan's request, but other then that, the recipe is awesome! Thanks Stephanie!

Cinnamon Banana Bread
2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 egg, beaten
a pinch of salt
1/4 cup melted butter
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in the order listed. Place in a greased bread pan and bake at 350 for about 50 minutes.
Makes 1 loaf and lots of happy bellies.

happy birthday Cashman

The Cashman turned the all time 1 yesterday. Tonight we are celebrating in style with all of Cash's adoring fans (aka grandmas and grandpas). Ryan had a gig yesterday with Paul Jacobsen and the Madison Arm, and luckily Cash was very understanding about moving his big day to today.

Where did a year go? I can't believe my little man is already 1. We love the Cash to bits and pieces. His little machine gun laugh, his never ending supply of energy, his shy smile and head bury trick, his great taste in music (yes - the only thing to calm Cash down some nights is to put on documentaries about Bruce Springsteen or Tom Petty), and all the life and love he adds to our little family of four.

Happy Birthday Cashman, our little heartbreaker - we love you!

book find #3

Wave, Suzy Lee

The boys and I discovered this book a few months back, but Jack grabbed it again this last week on our run to the library, and I was happy to check it out a second time so I could officially post it as one of our great books finds.

The illustrations are stunningly beautiful, with two simple colors, no words and the silent dialogue between the girl and the ocean. You will love it.