Dear Sweet Wood

4 years!

2016-04-05T18:44:00.001-06:00

originally posted sept 2, 2015

okay, I totally forgot to write something. Babies...

9 months

2016-04-05T18:42:00.005-06:00

originally posted sept 2, 2015

Ansel, You made it to 9 months in August! Holy smokes kiddo. We went to Lake Michigan to celebrate. You like the water, but were scared of the waves, that is okay.

This towel though. Exponential cuteness.

As a 9 months old you are pretty neat. You learned to crawl super fast, especially if it means you can get to someones phone, a roll of toilet paper, or me right at the moment when I'm cooking and cannot hold you.

Once you were crawling you started pulling yourself up on everything. And once those skills were mastered you decided it was okay to learn to sit by yourself. Seriously though you just barely learned. It is adorable watching you sit your little cheeks resting on your chest while you play with a toy.

Favorite things:

Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! you can't get enough, many a tears have been shed when the pizza is gone.
Eating with your fingers! You love it!
Squash.
Biting leaves off plants in the garden.
Giving raspberries.
Bath time!
Eating fuzzy lints off the floor.
Flirting with old ladies at the grocery store.

Not so favorite things:

When I stop you from pulling the lamp down on yourself.
Fruit is meh
Falling

What can I say, you like almost everything right now!

At 9 months you were like 22 lbs, 30", so chunky and lovely!

Desert Family part 2

2016-04-05T18:42:00.001-06:00

originally posted august 14, 2015

After our tromp through the desert we headed up north to visit with the Wood Family! Ansel at this point was in love with getting attention all day long, and hated driving in the car the rest of the time.

Michael being the greatest uncle to his new best friend We stayed at the cabin for a few days soaking up even higher altitudes, clouds and trees.Mr. Wood took lots of beautiful photos of the hummingbirds and the nature The miraculous everybody shot! All Ansel wanted to do was grab Simon's hair. Then we left and it was sad. But my brother Michael and his wife Danielle took car of us before we flew out of Vegas and watched their baby girls play video games and dance with Mr. Wood and it wasn't so sad anymore.

The End.

Desert Family

2016-04-05T18:40:00.003-06:00

originally posted august 14, 2015

We did our pilgrimage to the ancestral grounds this summer! First south, then north. Here are some photos.

Also, I cut my hair.

Also, Ansel is getting humongous. 8 1/2 months!

Also, My Mr. Wood is a stud

The desert feels like the cleanest place. It dries out the gross inside of your body and fills it with sage, clean air and sunshine. The Chadaz Cousins, who are very good at playing with Ansel even though all he does is scratch their faces, featuring the family Emu! Sorry Aunt Marilyn we snuck into your yard while you were getting surgery...Great Grandma Brimhall

Great Grandma Malaska

The beautiful men in my family. You know what they say, if you can't handle the heat get out of the kitchen.

Or something..

Grandma-Grandpa Malaska and babe. Accidentally but perfectly color coordinated for the last photo before our leaving! ugh, why must we be so far?

The Salad Sandwich

2016-04-05T18:39:00.002-06:00

Can we talk about something?

Like... There was a time that I thought getting a sandwich on wheat bread was the worst part of my week. Or the time of my life where eating a salad was as difficult as tying my shoe. Unfortunately for tiny Shannon my mother made salads constantly. It was such a chore to eat. My brother opted for combining his lettuce with whatever we were eating for dinner (the lettuce pizza--I'm sure you've heard of it?) but even pepperoni couldn't soften the blow of that cursed side dish.

Now days? I gladly make salad for dinner. Just salad. Like a giant plate of salad.

Isn't growing up crazy?

However, man cannot live on leaves alone. So over at the Wood house we regularly switch up our salad routine.

This one though... Friends. Strangers. Listen. This salad sandwich. It has changed our world. To the point that if someone offered me a choice between this salad sandwich or a burger, I would have a difficult time choosing. If you don't know, I have a thing for hamburgers. And this isn't just puffed up food blogger talk, this is real.

I don't know how you could not like vegetable sandwiches after eating this. This is really more method then recipe, but the key is the bread and the sauce. To be sure my favorite part of a salad with all the dressings is the dressings--so this recipe celebrates just that. If you are a leaves only type, I encourage you to step out of that cabbage patch and come join my veggie-explosion over here. Add whatever veg is in season or your favorite produce. Things like onions, radishes, olives and tomatoes are sure to debut in the coming months.

Also, the bread is a monster crouton. I like to make a few croutons with our salad meals whenever we have stale bread on hand. I just chop up the bread and throw it in a frying pan with some oil and spices. Tastier and fresher then the box. This is the same method, but with a whole slice. Crispy and flavorful, not dry. Do not skimp on the crouton bread.

And before I go further, since it is a Salad Sandwich you could eat it with your hands. But since it is a Salad Sandwich, you should eat it with a fork and knife.

Are you convinced yet? I feel like you are not convinced yet. But I'll stop before you tire of my exuberance. It is just good! I mean, look at all the pictures I took of it! Mr. Wood was so sad when he came home and I told him what I had just eaten. But a girls got to do what a girls got to do before the light is gone.

Enough. Recipe :

Salad Sandwich

Dressing:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp juice from pepperoncini jar
1 pepperoncini chopped
1 dash garlic powder
1 dash hot sauce
1 tbsp parmesean
salt and pepper to taste

Sandwich:
1/4 head Lettuce
1 Cucumber
1 Carrot
1 Avocado
1/4 Green Pepper
Slices of your favorite cheese
8 thin slices of bread
softened butter
1 tbsp oil
Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper

Prepare veggies by washing and slicing each. Thin slices are best.
Prepare dressing by mixing all ingredients together, keep in fridge until ready to use.
Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Drizzle a little oil in the pan. Spread each side of bread with a little butter (less than you would if you were making grilled cheese). When the pan is hot place your bread slices in and cook until golden crisp. Sprinkle one side with garlic powder and then flip and cook that side until golden crisp.
Assemble sandwiches by generously layering veggies, cheese and dressing. Lightly Salt and pepper the avocados and cucumbers. Enjoy!

notes

You can thin the dressing out by adding more pepperoncini juice. Thicken it by adding more mayonnaise.

Add any veggies you like to the sandwich!

6 Month Ansel

2016-04-05T18:36:00.001-06:00

originally posted may 22nd, 2015

Happy Six Months lil' handsome.

You are completely breathtaking. Mr. Wood and I love to play with you as much as we can. You just laugh and smile all day (mostly).

Once the camera is out however, you only give your serious face.

You want to eat everything. Today we tried tiny dots of plain yogurt. You sucked them off my fingers and made a face that was a mixture between disgust and amazement that we would willingly consume something so inedible. You did want several more licks though. The only thing we eat that you insist on tasting every time is pizza crust. To the point of baby tantrum if you don't get a lick.

You could suck on a pizza crust and be happy forever. That is how I know you are our true son. Goober.

You have recently learned how to kiss me. When I ask for a kiss you give me a big sloppy one and it is the best part of the day. It only works when you are hungry, so you are just tasting my face, but that is okay.

Your favorite toy is the tag on anything and everything. You could gently caress and pinch the tag on a pillow for a half hour if I let you.

You have also started to roll around. Now that you have discovered self propelling you are equally excited and frustrated as you spin quick circles on the floor in attempts to reach something right in front of you. Soon baby cakes, soon.

Finally. You are totally huge. 19 something pounds and 29 something inches. Luckily you still love cuddling, so for now all that hugeness makes for prime squishes, kisses and loves.

Happy Half Year!

Friday Favorites: Mother's day

2016-04-05T18:35:00.002-06:00

originally posted may 15, 2015

There isn't much to be said, other than motherhood is a great blessing in our life. I love this little man. I love how his face scrunches up when he laughs. Life is good.

Lakes and Friends

2016-04-05T18:34:00.000-06:00

originally published may 6, 2015

We are right in the middle of finals week here in the Wood home. Granted I am not writing any papers, but Mr. Wood has spent enough time typing for the both of us in the last few hours--let alone the past 3 days. We decided that next time we need to get him a laptop neck tray (typing of the dead style) so that he can take walks with babe and I, and still write.

So while he types deep into the night it is my job to record our more happier histories of the past month.

Like this lovely lake trip with our dear bosom friends Q and E. Naturally their whole visit was lovely. We walked, talked and ate delicious food till our hearts were full. Q and E got a small glimpse into the life with a young baby on antibiotics and the rashes that follow. Also, Spring finally came out. The only thing better then the floral explosion of spring after a icy drought?

This:

Like a siren of the sea I cannot turn away from that face. Those cheeks! The glittering eyeballs!

We visited Tiscornia Beach in Michigan and their North Pier Lighthouse. The further out you go, the colder it gets--but at the tip it is just fresh air and blue water as far as the eye can see.

It was a cold day. The sand was hot and littered with lady bugs.

The end.

The Babe in My Arms

2016-04-05T18:32:00.002-06:00

originally published april 7, 2015

It is happening. That thing that happens to all moms. My baby is growing too fast. Maybe being a mom is always feeling this constant tangle of hurt and pure joy. Hurt as they grow and change into new people, and joy as you see the growth. Happiness for the moments you have, excitement for the moments to come and heartaches for the moments that have gone.

So let's save this little moment Easter Sunday, where Ansel, at 4 1/2 months wore a big boy outfit, and we tried to take pictures in the cold sunny wind, and we marveled at his chubs and fingers and toes and little dusting of bright red hair.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake

2016-04-05T18:31:00.001-06:00

originally published feb 19, 2015

You know that scene in Matilda where the kid is forced to eat that whole entire cake? And you know how it's kind of disgusting and glorious at the same time? There are 2 types of people that watch the movie. First the person that feels nauseous at the idea of eating anything after that scene, and second the people that think "man Bruce, I wish you had left me a chunk"

I think we all know where I fall in that scale.

Well this cake is the condensed version of that glorious cake. Seriously Cooks Country--this is at the top of ridiculously dark and moist chocolate cakes in all of America. And I think it is a little dangerous that you are just proliferating stuff like this in cookbooks in my house. Because we all know I will eventually make it and then consider the pros and cons of eating the whole thing myself Bruce Bogtrotter style. Luckily one slice was enough to give me a chocolate hangover. Well one slice and licking the pudding bowl clean...

As always America's test kitchen makes good recipes, but here are my kitchen notes:

The cake batter method is crazy, but really easy. Just go with it.
I used brewed Pero in place of coffee. You can also sub water.
I used 9" cake pans. The cakes baked to the top, I'm not sure how the batter would fit in 8". They also took longer than 35 minutes.
This cake is best after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight
Decorating? So easy! I want to crumble cake and cover every dessert with it.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake

Pudding:

1/14 cups sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups half and half

1 cup milk

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cake:

1/12 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

3/4 cup Dutch cocoa powder

1 cup brewed coffee, room temp.

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the pudding:

Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, salt, half and half, and milk in a large saucepan.

Set the pan over medium heat and add chopped chocolate.

Whisk constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture begins to bubble, 2-4 minutes. The mixture should be the consistency of pudding. Do not over heat or it will curdle.

Stir in the vanilla and transfer pudding to a large bowl.

Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until cold. 4 hours to 1 day

For the Cake:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, grease and flour 2 8" cake pans. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Off the heat whisk in the coffee, buttermilk and sugars until dissolved. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla then slowly whisk in the flour mixture.

Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 30-35 minutes.

Cool the cakes in pans 15 minutes, then turn on to a rack and cool completely

Assemble:

Cut each cake in half horizontally. Crumble one of the cake layers (half of a cake) into medium crumbs and set aside (this will top the cake)

Start with one layer on a flat serving platter--spread 1 cup of pudding over the cake. Top with another layer of cake and add 1 more cup of pudding over that. Finish with the last cake layer, then spread remainder of the pudding over the cake. Sprinkle the cake crumbs over the top and sides of the cake pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.

Refrigerate up to 2 days.

WIWOW: Chocolate Cuddles

2016-04-05T18:29:00.002-06:00

originally published feb 18, 2015

Ansel hit 3 months this week. He also started his first tooth! We have been celebrating by constantly holding him--this little guy can't get enough. Literally it is all he wants to do. So swaddles, wraps, and rocking chairs have been my daily projects. Like a week long ocean cruise in stormy weather, I have been in constant motion.

In the edible realm of life Mr. Wood and I are finishing up this Brooklyn Blackout Cake. It was ridiculous enough that I feel it necessary to share the recipe with you. We haven't had anything this rich in recent memory. So look forward to that!

WIWOW: Routine

2016-04-05T18:28:00.003-06:00

originally published feb 4, 2015

They say there comes a point with a baby that things get back to normal. That is a joke, a really cuddly adorable joke. I don't even want things to go back to normal, Ansel is too lovely for that. Well, sleep would be nice. What is really going on is that a point comes after the new baby where you realize for your sake and the household's sake you must enter into some sort of a routine. Week by week you can add more in until you have a fully functioning home and social life or whatever.

So here are somethings that I'm squiggling in between the hours of staring, feeding and rocking my baby boy.

Sketching again. I really enjoy making art, but it is the first thing to go by the wayside whenever things get stressful. But I like having something to work on just for me. So to motivate me I've been following some art journal prompts which have been fun. It takes me more than a day sometimes, but working through them is my only goal.

Yoga! It feels so good!
Planning menus: I love and hate this. I just don't want to think about it sometimes, but I love looking at a plan, following it, and having all the groceries I need. But, I was thinking a valentine menu would be fun, so I've been cruising the internet for ideas. Like these fancy pants menus. Right now I'm thinking something like this chocolate black out cake? But it doesn't look festive, and I hate making layer cakes for just the 2 of us. But I like to eat cake. At the rate I'm going my valentine dinner will be just cake. I'll tell you how cake dinner goes next week.
Sweeping. That is serious serious stuff.
Eating girl scout cookies that Mr. Wood was persuaded into buying at work, forgetting the piles of baked goods I've already made this week. Albeit I eat america's obligatory treats happily.

--Shannon

Winter Days

2016-04-05T18:27:00.001-06:00

originally published feb 4, 2015

We have had our official first blizzard of the year. Michiana is great because whenever the weather even hints snow, every T.V. channel has this scroll bar at the bottom with all the urgent news and estimated times of the snowfall. We take weather over here so seriously we are willing to cut off the bottom of night time television just so we can constantly know what is going on. Subtitles do not work on these days.

Anyways, it was as big one. Shoot I don't know. 1 foot of snow? 3 feet?

Google says 12.3".. so there is the official record.

But, snow days are the best days! And I want to reflect on some things that are giving me the happies.

1. Snow makes the Michiana monotony of gray day after gray day a little more interesting. The whole world is currently sparkly and white!

2. Because: These guys!

Mr. Wood loves to study and hold Ansel in the mornings. Look at those chubs! It's almost always a party when you have that much baby chub.

3. Also, sunshine. The sunshine after a storm is so beautiful and warm. We don't have many windows, so any sunshine we can get is amazing. See my dirty windowsill with view of neighbors half-finished renovations looks ah-MAZING

4. Finally, Sunday night traditions. This year before "Downton" we have a new tradition. The great British baking show! So aesthetically pleasing, that I can't handle myself. To prepare for the prettiness that is: people with English accents baking dobos tortes in pastel kitchens set up in a garden of an antique estate--I make my own treat. Usually something I haven't made. This week? A strange pie brought to me via npr. Atlantic Beach pie. It was lovely, very easy, and an excellent 2nd breakfast.

I hope you are finding happy in your life, but if you are running low this pie might help.

Ansel: 2 months

2016-04-05T18:26:00.003-06:00

originally published jan 20, 2014

2 months:

You've gained almost 4 pounds this month dude! And that is approximately 4 pounds of cute.

Right now you

Hate:

Sleeping
Playing on your tummy
Going to the ear doctor (which we do too much)
Baths

Love:

Cuddles
Making faces and giggles
Saying "hi"
Punching your own face
Kicking
Grunting, especially from 5:00 am to 7:00 am
Stinkering

You are getting amazing chubs!

Christmas 2014

2016-04-05T18:25:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Yes, I know it is almost february, but in 20 years when future posterity is reading this, they won't mind right?

So the Wood family had a lovely Christmas vacation. For us it was gloriously long, and to have Mr. Wood home so many days in a row was the best Christmas gift.

Christmas Eve we skyped with family, and made an overly ambitious meal--that was totally worth it. Ansel wore this lovely outfit including a jumper from Mr. Wood's first Christmas on earth. The food was great, we tasted our first "Spumante" juice--which was actually amazing.

Christmas day was a lot of fun. Ansel didn't know what was going on, but he danced with us, and watched us open presents (which he hated--the paper ripping was like nails on a chalkboard for his little ear membranes). This Christmas was special as our first away from family--but the packages and cards we got from our loved ones over in the west made the morning so amazing! We loved everyone's quirky little reminders of how awesome of a friend/family member they are.

We also took advantage of the long break to visit my sister and her family in Rochester New York. We spent one glorious 50 degree day visiting Palmyra. Here our some pictures of the sacred grove. The sunshine and cold air felt soo good, I could of walked around all day.

Ansel loves to walk and sleep and get little kisses and rubs on his fuzzy little head.

The cutest silliest little people in the world:

The view from the hill Cumorah

We didn't want to leave, because family time is the best time. But we did, and on our way back the cold started creeping in, and we stopped by Niagra falls. Verdict: Amazing! Town? Totally creepy. Did people really go off the falls in barrels? Or is that just a myth perpetuated by PBS documentaries? There is like a ton of rocks.

Till next year!!

Homemade Clementine Soda

2016-04-05T18:23:00.004-06:00

I am a sucker for homemade soda. My favorite for winter time? When you can't eat another cutie, and they are getting slightly shriveled? Clementine! (or mandarin really what is the difference?). Making soda syrup is really easy, and requires almost no attention. Keep it in the fridge, get a bottle or can of club soda and you are ready to go. My favorite thing about homemade soda is that I can adjust the sweetness to my liking, and I can add cream! Italian soda remix! And I don't have to drink a whole can, which is a skill I lost somewhere around 15 years old.

Macerate the oranges by smashing them in 1 cup sugar. This will help pull out the juice, and make it so you don't have to simmer the syrup as long. Then add enough water to barely cover the oranges, a few orange peels and simmer it away.

I like to add vanilla and cream to my sodas. They really are so bright and refreshing--which is often exactly what winter meals need. Enjoy

Clementine Soda Syrup

1 lb clementines
1 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1 lemon
water

Peel clementines and slice in half against the segments (so it is easier to get juice out)
In a medium sauce pan combine sugar, salt, clementines, and few torn up peels. Smash with a wooden spoon until oranges give up their juice.
Add enough water to barely cover oranges (1-2 cups)
Simmer over medium-low heat till liquid clears and becomes thick and syrupy 10-20 minutes. Stirring and smashing the orange segments occasionally.
Test the consistency by dipping a cold spoon in the syrup. As it cools it should come to the consistency of maple syrup. If it is too thick, add more water.
Take off heat, let cool then strain out orange remains.
Add the juice of one lemon, stir.
Serve with club soda, to taste.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Ansel Lee

2016-04-05T18:21:00.003-06:00

originally published jan 1, 2015

November 15th 2014

5:50 P.M. (probably)

8 lbs 14 oz

21.5 inches

Time to celebrate! Lets Stay up all night! Drink a ton of milk! throw up on our clothes! etc

Maybe I'll tell my birth story later. But for now this is my first blog post since the baby, so typing with one hand, and cradling/binky balancing with the other makes me feel like I just successfully tightrope walked across two large buildings.

Photos: 1 month

Life: 4 more days

2016-04-05T18:20:00.003-06:00

originally published nov 8, 2014

Of course we know he won't actually come on the 12th. How often does that happen? But, in all honestly I would gladly take him if he came yesterday.

I was huge for halloween. A huge person with a cold. I don't have a picture actually, but I'm sure you can imagine. However, my costume didn't prevent me from eating candy, and staying up past midnight watching Nosferatu. I don't think that movie counts as a horror movie, unless the horror rests entirely on his creepy fingers. Also, did anyone even think of running away from him? Maybe something was lost in translation.

It also snowed, which was a little scary. Mr. Wood took some pictures for the occasion.

With the little snow flurries there weren't many trick or treaters out. Which was a little disappointing, but what can you do?'

So the seasons are definitely changing here, just like our lives. Soon a babe will be here and I will show you all the pictures. But for now we are trying to enjoy our last moments as a relatively mobile childless couple. It feels like my birthday! Ladies in the ward took me out to dinner, and girls nights are always so appreciated and more needed then one realizes. Mr. Wood took me to Five Guys for a dinner, a walk around the mall and a look at the little pet shop puppies (neither of which convinced babe of the awesomeness in the world that he should come see). We also went to see a movie at the theater. Fancy right?

Mr. Wood and a friend are currently hammering away to get the new floor down in the bedroom. With everyone around me offering niceties and help I feel thoroughly pampered. The baby is probably feeling pampered too, because he is getting too comfortable in the womb.

So as we float on this wave of anticipation I invite you to join a long. Tell us what do you think, when will the first born come? How much will he weigh? How long will he be? What will his name be?

All will be revealed in good time. Until then, here is another picture of the seasons to come, and you should all come over for pies and things.

all pictures courtesy of Mr. Wood this week !

WIWOW: Slowing down and hurrying up

2016-04-05T18:19:00.003-06:00

originally published oct 23, 2014

I currently get a great satisfaction by slowing down and resting, for a cause! That being said I also feel that distinct urge to hurry up and get every little thing ready. So one thing at a time.

Okay, for this "What I'm Working on Wednesday", here is the actual project that is getting some attention this week. That glorious robe that will cover my backside while I walk around the maternity ward at the hospital. Mr. Wood and I finished our baby class (yes we took the fast tracked version) and were rewarded with a tour of the maternity ward. All I can say is two words: Jacuzzi. Tub.

Yeah--as in jacuzzi-tub. Don't be too jealous. I'm hoping I actually get to use that. Glamming it up, labor style.

So the robe:

Hopefully it gets to come with us to the hospital, if not you won't see me beating myself up about it. Like with many stages in life pregnancy is full of moments of triumph/excitement, often quickly followed by a sneaky snide little monster comment.

Example: (snide comments represented in italics, because they think they are always better than other comments)

"We got a carseat!!"

"It has been 2 months and you still haven't taken the carseat out of the box, come on..I mean really?"

"Our baby is going to be so cute! And have our big noses!"

"Really? Noses? Why aren't you reading up every piece of literature learning to control your bodies labor pains so you don't have to douse your baby in modern medicine? You won't care about noses when your baby comes out soaked in anesthesia."

"Actually I think the baby's nose will be way cute."

"Yeah? Well what about how the bassinet sheet you have doesn't match your curtains?"

Anyways. I know you know what I'm talking about. Luckily I don't have real life snide monster comments from people (thank you). Also, when I imagine my little snide monster commenting in italics it is easier to realize how ridiculous and snobby she is. I think sometimes it is good to just brush off the inner monster comments. But sometimes it is good to recognize them. There is no weakness in recognition. I should take the car seat out of the box, but I shouldn't get weighed down by monster voice, because how long will that really take? 10 minutes max right? Like 6 to find the scissors and some more to cut the box open?

In other news, Autumn is beautiful here, as promised. Mr. Wood and I went out for a walk this Sunday at St. Patricks park in South Bend. It was beautiful and smelled wonderful. Even on a gray day we were filled with the beauty of nature. Till next week.

WIWO Thursday: Crafting

2016-04-05T18:17:00.000-06:00

originally published october 16, 2014

They say there is an affliction called Nesting that befalls pregnant women (mammals?) in the last trimester. They are caught up in a sudden urge to clean and prepare every little thing before the babe comes. Our Realtor confessed that when she was in her last trimester she was up on her roof cleaning gutters. GUTTERS! Our baby isn't going anywhere near the gutter, otherwise I'm sure he would be ashamed. The truth is I am here at 36 weeks, slightly sick, exhausted and in no mood to clean one more inch of this house. Still in between remodeling jobs (although painting is finished! Thanks to my beautiful sister) my soul has almost given up on tinkering, reorganizing and shifting boxes. Let alone dreaming up extra loads of laundry to do, and nooks of floor to mop.

Alas, I am caught up in another mood entirely. Crafting. I know what you are thinking--but, I do not consider myself a "crafter". There is no shame in the word, in fact I see crafters as "jacks of all prettiness". Martha Stewart is a crafter (if she does in fact make all that stuff on her website). Those who have made something actually cool with modpodge are crafters. People who know how to get in and out of Hobby Lobby are crafters. I love to sew, I love to cook, I love to paint--but rarely do I step outside of my narrow aisle of creating. I could probably count all the crafts I've actually completed on my 2 hands. (but then again maybe not because I would have to try to remember Girls Camp...) My "Craft" supplies consist of tempera paint, some odd spools of floral tape, fake flowers I've never used, 1 bottle of tacky glue and a hot glue gun--which I cannot wield safely let alone skillfully. I don't even own glitter!

My point is: this is a weird feeling. So my first craft? I bought a vase, twinkly-light-up-twigs and made a center piece with some handfuls of freshly picked acorns. My acorn/twinkly stick vase was charming until the acorns let loose a pile of fat white maggots. There is no picture of that craft. See, you crafters saw that coming right?

Next, I made a wreath. I associate wreathes with moms, so maybe that is why I made one. There is no tutorial or anything, since I'm afraid of the hot glue gun I'm pretty sure most of this will fall apart once I take it down. But it sure does burst with autumnal pride right?

I have a hefty line up, considering I will be in charge of a newborn human in just a few weeks. But only a few are outside my realm of creating, so maybe the crafting hasn't gotten that intense yet. I mean I still haven't purchased a bottle of glitter, and none of these require glue.

1. A leaf garland! The seasonal garland is considered the audition to become a crafter, in case you were wondering.

2. A pillow case for my body pillow! I am also going to do some dip dyeing experiments for your benefit and mine. Here is the start so far.

3. A robe for this future milk machine! I don't think this counts as a craft...

4. Curtains for babe's room! What makes this crafty? Hand stamping. It will become very real

5. Finally? Making at least 1 thing in babe's room match his black curtains!

Which will be finished first? Which project will be left in the dust? Will this affliction stick with Shannon for the rest of her young adult life? Does Mr. Wood even know what is going on? All this and more coming this fall season on dear sweet wood!

33 weeks!

2016-04-05T18:15:00.002-06:00

originally posted sept 26, 2014

At least that is what they keep telling me, it is hard to imagine.

So here is a little (10 day old) snapshot of how we are doing

If you believe me, sometimes I forget that I'm pregnant and we are having a baby in NOVEMBER. That being said, I am quite excited to meet this little guy. I hope he looks like his daddy, beard and all.

I've been working on the house less, and cooking more. With fresh batches of sour dough, yogurt and homemade food weekly I'm keeping myself busy. Like my dad says "you just can't help it can you?" the answer is no. We can start a club if you also find your self obsessively making from scratch food every day, there will be snacks. But sometimes I wonder if it is that weird, or if I am just keeping ourselves fed. I just so happen to make more labor intensive food then I probably should. But you should all come over and have a cookie, it would be a fun excuse to make some more.

So as is requisite for grad students (seriously, you should meet his cohort) Mr. Wood is growing a beard. Cool huh? It is very red. How long can he keep it up? I don't know, but I'll keep you updated. Also note we are both wearing sweaters, because some days it is just down right cold here. Luckily we've had a week long sunshine break, so I'm trying to go outside sometimes so the baby can feel some sun before his half birthday. Just kidding, it can't be that bad of a winter right? right? Joking can only help so much...

And if you are wondering, "man is Mr. Wood getting soo huge with all that food Shannon is baking and cooking every day" (I made a ham casserole yesterday, I've never made a ham anything in my 3 years of marriage!). The answer is no. Baby and I have taken on the sole responsibility of gaining weight for the winter. And we are doing really well.

Joe Froggers

2016-04-05T18:13:00.002-06:00

originally posted sept 26, 2014

We are officially over our heads in dessert. Don't look in the freezer, it is embarrassing. Also--I don't see an end in site, with a can of pumpkin lurking around every thought and our chocolate mint plant over flowing with green leaves. Let's just say that to everything there is a season, and this season is consumed with baking. So you should come over and help me clear out the freezer.

I want to share with you one of the recipes I tried this week. It is from the cook book "America's Best Lost Recipes" by cook's country. I love food with a history, so along with a short story there is some old recipe your grandpa used to talk about. I also love molasses, which is why I tried the Joe Froggers recipe first. Joe Froggers come from 200 years ago in Marble head Massachusetts and Joe's tavern--owned by Joseph Brown, a freed slave and Revolutionary war veteran. Apparently his signature rum and salt water made the cookies amazing. A molasses cookie is always perfect for fall, and although I can't vouch for the authenticity of this recipe, I can say that I love them. Soft and chewy and beautifully brown. I made some considerable alterations, which I will include in the recipe below. Namely I used a combo of black-strap molasses and dark molasses. The cookbook warns against this--but I didn't notice anything off. The dark molasses gives a beautiful color and a bit of a smoky flavor. If of course you hate molasses--I don't know why are you are still reading-- you can use light molasses. Also, the rum and the salt flavor is essential--so find some rum or use a decent amount of extract. Without it the cookies would just be your average (albeit flat and soft) ginger cookie.

The recipe also calls for the dough to be rolled out and cut into 3 1/2 " circles. I really dislike rolling out cookies, especially rolling out sticky dough. Plus this dough spreads out enough that it doesn't really matter, so instead I scooped the soft dough onto the pan, and pressed them flat with a floured cup. Easier right? Or is that just me.

The end cookie is chewy, soft, butterscotchy and dark. I find them slightly addicting, I'm convincing myself it is the ridiculous amount of iron from the blackstrap molasses that my body craves, but we all know I just want a cookie.

1 1/2 Tablespoon rum extract
scant 1/3 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups flour *
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 cup molasses *
1 teaspoon baking soda
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar

Stir the rum extract, water and salt in a small bowl until the salt dissolves.
Whisk the flour and spices in a medium bowl
Stir the molasses and baking soda in a large measuring cup, and let it sit until doubled in volume (about 10 minutes)
With an electric mixer on medium-high beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the rum mixture.
Add the flour mix and the molasses mix alternately in 2 batches, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until stiff, at least 8 hours or up to 3 days.
Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat. Make 6 cookies per sheet (they will spread) and scoop the dough (about 2 tablespoons) on to the parchment. With the bottom of a floured cup press the dough down so that it is about 1/4" thick.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the first cracks start to appear
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes so they can finish to set.

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Notes
* I used 3 3/4 cup of flour, the dough was still very sticky-- but without the extra flour my dough looked like cake batter.
* original recipe calls for mild molasses, I used half dark, half black strap and an extra tablespoon of sugar. The darker the molasses, the less sugar in the molasses.

Option: you can put 2 pans in the oven at the same time, just be sure to rotate. Also the silpat cookies will take longer to bake then the parchment paper cookies.

What I'm Working on Wednesday: Layers

2016-04-05T18:11:00.000-06:00

Originally posted september 3, 2014

Wow, it has been a week already. Here is what we're working on.

Mr. Wood and I are now Cub Scout leaders for our ward! How exciting is that? I know, now I have even more excuses to bake because of the little boy mouths to feed--this is in the oven right now

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/06/20/smore-cookie-bars/

Now due to the sickeningly sweet amount of sugar in this recipe alone--it is a great choice to test on 9 year olds. Right? Sorry mothers... But no, it is exciting. So far I really have no idea what to do-- so we are winging it tonight.

Next, my baby tummy is 30 weeks old! Cool huh?

Finally, the house is moving along at a snails pace, but exciting things are happening. Like our new lawn mower came today! I think i'm more excited that our lawnmower is "Fiskars" brand, than the fact that we have a lawnmower. It is like scissors for the grass!!

Here are some photos of our current stage

The weird wood stuff is gone! And I had cinnamon toast squares for lunch!

My big job is skim coating the kitchen so that we can get some equality between the new wall and the old wall. Above is the texture of our entire house. Why would someone take the time to do the entire house? I don't know either.

I couldn't get a picture of the current stage of wall texture because there is no light, but just know it is better, and it takes soo many layers and so many podcasts. Plus here is a sweet picture of Mr. Wood's first wall! And My 3rd grade attempt at wall texture. We will get there.

Here is a before and after of the other side:

Cool huh?

Also, notice the lovely light hanging in the kitchen? That is the previous light that was once attached and then mysteriously fell off of the ceiling. We might wait till our dads get here to worry about that one.

Happy Wednesday!

What I'm Working on Wednesday: Demolition

2016-04-05T18:09:00.001-06:00

Originally posted August 27, 2014

Time to mention what I'm working on in this little plot of Indiana. Usually it is food, but probably for the next 2 months just house stuff. Poor little Wood baby will have to wait for awesome craft projects.

Mr. Wood and I are working on remodeling our house. You may remember this is our first home! So exciting right? When a young couple says "oh we are remodeling right now", I image sparkling teeth shining off radiant faces, with a homey golden glow behind them, some paint on a cheek, and a bright cheery space. There is probably a ladder in the scene and a paintbrush in one hand. What it means for real is something more like this:

Half of our boxes still unpacked--but slightly torn open as we search for semi essentials--1 month in.
Mr. Wood and I wearing tattered (like really tattered) shorts and dirty t-shirts everyday, and some of us can't zip those shorts closed.
No surface ever being clean, ever. Especially if it is horizontal. Want to put down that heavy load? Too bad. there is a million things already sitting on top of the stove.
Every trip through our 900 sq foot house is a maze.
Wearing shoes constantly, because why vacuum when you are going to tear it all up and throw it away? Plus, who needs to pick up sharp objects when you are just going to need it in a couple hours?
Being always sweaty.
Going on an errand every day.
Nothing ever looking done.

But I have to admit I kind expected stuff like this would happen. Although I forgot to calculate the speed at which my pregnant body can/should move--so we are behind schedule. Don't worry though--with Mr. Wood starting class yesterday--we are sure to get the house to a livable state by the time Wood baby comes out.

Our current focus is the kitchen, so here are some pictures. I don't have today's picture because I can't lift myself off the couch--but I assure you it is actually starting to look better, and has stopped looking worse each time we do something.

(Note: The brightness in this photo is some camera miracle. Refer to later photos for what the kitchen looks like 97% of the time)

Ah that stove. Something to be terrified of. It ran on a pilot light so was always warm/gasy smelling. Plus the lighters on the burners only worked 30% of the time. Goodbye magic chef-- it is now replaced with a swank new stove. Note the mustard linoleum-- which after being pulled up revealed a layer of avocado green/dark brown linoleum. Classic. Laminate flooring is going on next. Also note the walls, which seem harmless enough. These walls however are a lie. Perfectly smooth walls covered in ugly mauve wallpaper were actually ugly mauve wallpaper covered particle board tacked and glued across the entire kitchen, revealing underneath a very shabby tile removal job, and wall texture that will cut you.

The previous owners were also kind enough to remove the cabinets on top, and cover them with particle board, so this is what Mr. Wood did on Saturday:

At first I was like "Oh we could just put doors on that, and have sooo much storage! Hallelujah we need that"

Then I was like: why is the framing so wonky? And why did they fail to match up any midway points with the cabinets underneath?

Kills me. Who knew 6 inches could kill you? That plus the shabby job in general led us to take down mode. Which was actually an amazing idea. Next year hopefully we will have some cabinetry type deal, but for now, just a little more space to breathe.

As for now, we are doing pretty good. BBC shows at night to keep us sane, occasional baking extravagance still happens, long naps, vegetables and exploring our new town all keep us healthy and good.

Next week: I'll show you more pictures of how we are doing it all.

3 years!

2016-04-05T18:08:00.000-06:00

Originally Published August 21st, 2014

We've been married 3 years as of August 18th! Woo hoo!

To celebrate we decided to take a break from house work (which I must admit is going slow) to spend a day at Lake Michigan. And you know what friends? It is like the ocean! Misty fog, warm sand, blue water--but one better than Oregon because you can actually swim in it, all day! Which is what we did.

Only Mr. Wood got pictures of him swimming, but here is my baby! I made this maternity swimsuit right when summer started, and it actually still fits. But more importantly-- 3 years, and now we have 3 people in the Wood family.

Being married is the best thing to have happened to Mr. Wood and I. Going through life with someone by your side makes everything an adventure. And if it isn't adventure at least you have someone's shoulder to cry on. Now that the beach is over it is time to get back to work. Mr. Wood starts school next week, and has been busy this week with orientations. We're also back to work on the house, but I want to shake this dust off me and head back to the lake.