mmm...blueberry pancakes

Growing up in the Baker family you had to become a lover of pancakes. My dad always made the pancakes and prided in the fact they were the size of the plate they were served on. I must say, I don't make pancakes as often as I had them growing up, but when I do, I remember how good they really are.
Since stumbling on Bakerella's blog I have become a huge fan, so it was no surprise when she posted the Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes and Orange Maple Butter, I had to try them out on my boys. The picture actually came from her link...

http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2009/06/good-morning.html

Well, I made mine this morning and they didn't come out quite as glorious as hers pictured...plus I didn't stack like 15 on top of each other, but they were yummy. So, final thoughts would be if your into pancakes and want to try a different spin on an 'ol favorite...try these out!

My little dude's a Kindergardner!!

Well, the moment finally arrived. After dwelling on it all last week, not believing it was actually happening....the day came to go to school. I broke down a little last night while ironing his shirt, which btw will not be a regular thing!! Scott told me this was the next step in this process called parenthood. I agreed, but it still didn't make it easier. I told him it felt like the beginning of the end. He laughed and said we still have 13 more years before he's out of here. Anyway, based on last night I was not looking forward to today, but as I awoke to the beautiful sunshine and crisp autumn air God just put a peace in my heart...and I made it the whole day without crying!!!

Elijah was a bit nervous of the unknown, so I am so excited to hear how it went! Here a few pics from this morning...

Nothing Like Grandma Margie's Bowl

So this morning we woke to the sound of shattered glass. Scott immediately jumped out of bed and when I got to the living room I saw 2 sheepishly looking boys and my husband who said, "You are Not going to be happy!"

Apparently one of my favorite kitchen items or just items in general had been dropped and was now shattered all over the carpet. At first I saw the yellow pieces but it had not registered what it was. I was glad the boys were OK and then sent them to their room. It was then when I asked what it was, that my heart began to sink. OK, OK "its just a bowl" you say. And yes, no item on this earth is more cherished than my family.....but then again, this wasn't just any bowl...it was that 1940s, vintage yellow, Pyrex bowl that had belonged to my grandma so long ago. My first memories in the kitchen were watching my grandma put things in that yellow bowl. I loved when she would pour the yeast into the warm water and sugar and watching it bubble.

"no touching" she said, "just let it rest for a few minutes".

And then to see that become such a beautiful dough that wasn't quite done until it "felt like a baby's bottom" (no clue where she came up with that one(-: ) And then she would roll out the dough, spread out melted butter, sprinkle some Cinnamon sugar and the most delicious Cinnamon rolls would emerge. So simple, yet so hard to replicate!

There wasn't a time that I used that bowl that I wouldn't just think of Grandma, if only for a second. Just yesterday Elijah and I were mixing a batter in it and I thought to myself, "How cool, my grandma gave me a passion for baking and cooking starting with this bowl and now I am sparking an interest with my son."

One of our favorite uses for the bowl was what we did with it last night...it was the vessel to some might yummy popcorn. Anyway, the bowl is gone and with it a symbol I would always equate with my grandma. Thank goodness God allows us to keep such special memories with or without the bowls.

Wow, 6 months has flown by!

Well, actually August 2nd was the 6 month mark, but whose counting??? Well, it just happened to work out that Shoahannah's Hope deadline for submitting grant recipient stories is this Saturday, so it was perfect timing to work on a video! Here it is, well the link anyway, and I promise to start blogging more often(-:

~ciao

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6sEyVwVjBY

So, I have been AWFUL at blogging this summer. its probably facebook's fault(-: I'll try to get better, well maybe after the summer is over! Anywho, this little video is for gramma jo, aunt kelly and aunt susan...and well, anyone else that want to peek into the mind of Elijah. Most of the pictures and videos were taken by him on his camera he got for his birthday...

What a PAIN!!

So, I hate migraines! Seriously, are they really necessary?? I'm trying to enjoy our 2nd day of camp, and whammo...ugghhh! I HATE MIGRAINES. Anywho, I'm obviously feeling better, at least enough to mess on the 'ol lappy...in the dark mind you. anywho, that's that!

June 2nd, another special day!

So far in 2009 we have had many incredible days. January 2nd, we officially became the parents of Yonatan and a family of 4. February 2nd we finally got to hold him in our arms. Yesterday, June 2nd, we readopted him in the State of Ohio. Going into the courtroom we knew Yonni was our son and nothing would change that, and this was just another paperwork thing towards his citizenship...but for me it still had its hints of excitement. Because we were not able to be in the courtroom for the original adoption in Ethiopia, this gave me the sense of it being official. As a family, this time we were all able to be participants. Although we have had our share of tough days, we are so blessed to have gone on this journey and even more blessed to be able to call Yonatan our son.

Here is Elijah and Yonni as we made our way to the courthouse.

Daddy leading the way

A quick photo opp before entering the building.

Waiting in anticipation for the judge to see us.

They took us into the courtroom and we were seated and had to wait for the judge to arrive. Elijah and Yonni had fun playing peek-a-boo under the table.

YAY, its over and my name is now officially Yonatan James Williams!!!

Sometimes they are just so darn cute!! I love to see how much they care for eachother!