Tarheel in the Making
Today is the 21st anniversary (man I am getting old) of the day (September 12, 1991) I received my early acceptance letter to UNC-Chapel Hill. The adventure I took in going to the school of my dreams not only afforded me a wonderful education but it opened my eyes to experiences, people and cultures I had never even dreamed of knowing. I'll always be grateful I had to chance to go to UNC and I am hopeful that Julianna will at least consider it. More importantly, I want her to select a school that will enrich her life as much and even more than UNC did for me!
Fun in the Late Summer Sun
It's that time of year again (my personal favorite). When the shadows of the summer sun are getting longer and the days are getting shorter. It's almost time for fall and I can't wait. Julianna and I spent a little time outdoors this week planting some pansies and fertilizing for the winter.
Julianna is 3 Months Old Today, Mommy is 38 Years Old!
As a kid, it's never fun to "share" your birthday with someone. You want to the day to be just for you! Time changes things and today I find myself totally excited to be sharing a special milestone with my daughter. She transitions from being a newborn to being an infant and I transition from being old to older 🙂
We had fun taking some pictures of the two of us celebrating our big day!
Nine is so FINE
Happy Birthday Cousin Rachel!!
Today you turn 9 years old. We couldn't be there with you to celebrate but we spent a little time on some photos to wish you a happy, happy day! We hope your day has been extra, extra good and we can't wait to see you again real soon!
P.S. Check mom's email for another surprise!
Little Moments
A former colleague once told me that you never remember days rather you remember moments in life. As Eric was preparing to leave for work on Monday morning he took his little girl out on the deck from some quality time. It's hard to end the weekend and say good-bye to our cutie pie. These are the moments to always cherish. I took the photo before Eric was aware so I was behind our screen door.
Great Grandma Nichols
Julianna met great grandma Nichols this weekend. It was a special day for us as she is lucky to still have a great grandma. Grandma Nichols was tickled to death to meet her and the best part of all as she was totally surprised when we arrived.
Julianna is 2 months old today!
Check out Julianna at just two months old. I can't believe how fast time is moving and much she is changing!
Enjoy!
Happy! Happy!
Bright colors and flowers make mommy so happy! Julianna shows off her beautiful skin in a seersucker sundress complete with a smiling plush flower we call "Rosey".
Baking with Mom
After reading "The Best Mouse Cookie" to Julianna a few times in the past two weeks we were inspired to make a batch of mom's favorite ooey-gooey Monster cookies. Julianna sat close by, adorned in a handmade chef's hat, and "talked" to mom while she baked. She is sure to be a fan of baking just like her mom when she grows up. Also, check out my recipe for "Monster Cookies." They are wonderfully chewy and so easy to make -- be warned they are addictive and the recipe makes about 40 of them!
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- “Musti” the mouse, Julianna’s Chefs Hat and our own batch of the BEST cookies!
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- So excited! It’s my first baking lesson
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- A little flour on the cheek and nose just means you’re serious about baking!
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- This is so much FUN!
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- What? Are we really making 40 of these cookies??
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- DING! I hear the timer — cookies are ready to come out!
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- Wishing I could have just a little taste…
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- All this baking makes me sooo tired!
Monster Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 12-ounce jar crunchy peanut butter
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1/2 cup M&Ms chocolate candies
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the M&Ms, chocolate chips, cranberries, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for until cool. Store in airtight container.
Fun times with Papa
I was fortunate enough to capture some candid photos of Eric with Julianna -- this is one proud papa!
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- It’s a bird, it’s a plane!
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- Two of a Kind
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- Look what I can do!
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- I’m getting so strong!
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- Abort! Abort!
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- Papa’s Favorites…