The Sparkle of New and Reflecting on the Old...with a Little Sugar on the Side

There is something exciting about new things in our lives. There is a little sparkle to their “newness” and anticipation about the possibilities that they might bring into our lives. Okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic about incorporating a blog into my routine. But I really am that excited about it! I realize that almost zero people will read it, but that fact that I can finally document my little projects, cooking experiments, and life experiences, while also finally getting rid of all of the pictures that are stored on my phone is extremely exciting to me!! Maybe…..because I need a more exciting life. But either way, I’m downright tickled to be able to have a blog that I can look back on—full of stored memories and pictures that will help me remember all the blessings I have been given in life.

So, for my first official post, my first line of business is to say thank you to my extremely generous and tech-savvy sister, Margaret. I'm thankful for you and your help in creating this exciting new outlet for me :) And without you, it might have ended up back on Xanga or MySpace. http://thehoosierhomemaker.blogspot.com/

Secondly, I have spent weeks trying to decide where to start. Brainstorming over what insightful post I will create in order to introduce myself in a well thought-out, creative, and of course, glamorous fashion. So far, I've come up with, "Here are pictures of my chocolate chip banana bread that I will post all over my blog!" Obviously, I will need to start slowly and build from there. By the way, here is the chocolate chip banana muffins and bread (one is missing....because I ate it).

They are delicious!! A recipe from another sister, Giles. Although, the recipe is intended for cookies, or as I like to call them "muffins tops", can be created. When my sister bakes them as cookies, they really look like someone peeled off the top of a muffin away from the bottom half and wrapper. But I decided to make bread and muffins. Not really sure why, but that's what happened and I'm happy with my life choice. This particular recipe yields an interesting consistency - quite heavy/dense dough, with lots of flavor!!


I'm a sucker for all things sweet right now....but it's not my fault! Actually it is, because I've always had a crazy sweet tooth. But I have been overindulging myself for the last 8 months due to a special addition that we will be welcoming in the coming weeks. Baby Girl Fleck is expected to make her appearance around March 1, 2017!

"Our Pumpkin is a Princess"

And all I've wanted these last few months is baked goods (cookies, cakes, muffins, cinnamon rolls), candy, cereal, ice cream. You name it! So this first pregnancy hasn't exactly been well controlled. Live and learn right!? That's part of the whole being "in between imperfections" ;)

Other examples of my overly zealous sweet tooth include chocolate chip bread pudding (using left over biscuits), monkey bread, pumpkin spice roll, pumpkin spice cupcakes with cream cheese icing, and so on and so forth. Luckily, my health hasn't suffered, just the number on the scale. But I have enjoyed all of my little creations, and so has my husband!

 

At this point, as I look back on the last few months, and look ahead to the next few, I can't believe where God has led me. Two years ago, I was immersed in the final preparations of a wedding and eating nothing - just to fit into that wedding dress. Now, I'm cleaning, decluttering, and organizing every inch of our house, eating everything, and anticipating another exciting March event. Crazy how life can change!

I hope to post often and consistently, but let's get real, that probably won't happen. But at least in these next few weeks, as I have a few more quiet moments to myself, I want to sincerely reflect upon how my life is going to change, all of the moments that have led up to becoming a mother, and most importantly, how I will adapt to this new role while also maintaining my current identity/personality. That last one is a much bigger thought for another day and another post.....with less pictures of fatty, delicious foods.