An Auction for Ruby Jane

Due to some pesky dental issues, I have been chained to the couch and bed for most of the day.  My wonderful in-laws took the girls to the fair and petting zoo out in Loudoun County so that the hubby can nurse me back to health and so that I can get some rest--I am not good at getting rest.  :)

I checked up on several of my favorite blogs to see what was going on in blogosphere.  Weekends tend to be quiet, but when I stumbled upon one of my favorite blogs Make It-Take It I saw that she was sharing the story of a family with two little girls, one just a little baby.  This little baby started a fight for her life when she was just 3 months old.  Her tiny liver was failing her.  This is a sad story and one that unfortunately does not have a happy ending.

Although I know that this is a sad story, this family is bound and determined to create something positive from their experience.  Follow their story and check out the Ruby Jane Foundation Auction site as well.

This is a tough one to read, especially for any mother, but it's stories like these that truly remind us of what we have and that every day that we are with one another is a gift.  Nothing is owed to us.  We have such a short time on Earth, some shorter than others, but it is what we do with the time that we have together that counts.  If you have a minute or two just check out their site and the auction.

Just for the Record- Ania and Matt Taylor

Amaretto and Peach Cobbler = YUMMMMM

Amaretto is yummy.  Peaches are yummy.  Sugar is yummy.  Whipped Creamy is yummy.  SUPER YUM!

Tonight I am headed to a moms' night out for my MOPS group in Vienna.  I am bringing a delectable dessert made with the peaches we bought at the market yesterday.  The best part is that the peaches were picked on Tuesday so they are very fresh and tasty!  The cobbler isn't shown with the whipped cream, but I used heavy whipping cream and spiked it with a little extra amaretto.  Super easy and very sweet!  You can get the recipe here at Evolving Tastes.

The models are the sweetest part hehe :)

We're Back--and we're cooking!!

 Oh we have been away for so long!  I have really missed the pig and I knew that I needed to pick it back up because my little beauties are growing, growing everyday!

We went to the farmers' market today at Kidwell Farm.  There were Andean guitarists, a magician, brownies, and these huge red-velvet colored roman tomatoes.......

My sister LOVED tomatoes.  She would eat them whole just like an apple.  I, on the other hand was never much of a fan--probably just out of protest and wanting to be different.  When I saw these speckled oblong tomatoes I was intrigued.  When the vendor cut one up for me--I was hooked.  Katie, this dish is for you!


Grown Up Farmer's Market Dinner Salad  (I call it grown up because Laura says that the cheese went "bad." obviously not something that 3 year olds like I guess haha)

1 small handful of crumbled Gorgonzola
2 ears of corned-steamed and taken off the ear
1 pint of tiny new potatoes- cooked
a bag of Spring Mix
half a red onion sliced
2 teaspoons of freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon of ground sea salt
Drizzle of olive oil
1 gorgeous roman tomato

Add everything to a big bowl and let it sit in the fridge for a short bit so the taters cool.
 (Everything was purchased at the market, except the cheese--that I got at Trader Joe's)

I am planning on enjoying this later with a glass of Pinot Grigio that I got from the Ramona Singer wine signing yesterday!  Ahh the life of a stay at home mom--eating gourmet food, meeting celebrities--did I mention that my aunt is now best friends with Carson Kressly??  Yes it is a glamorous life!

So glad to be back in blogosphere!!

We have in artist in residence--literally!!!

Last week the girls and I went to the Chocolate Festival in our little town.  There were lots of fun cakes to judge and free candies to eat, but nothing was as much fun as the gallery!  We walked into the gallery intially because it was sooo windy and we needed a break to warm up, however we ended up staying because Laura found her calling-and possibly a new friend!  (Auntie MP you would be proud of your grand niece!)

The artist was working hard on his piece when Laura walked up.  She just started for a bit, and then you asked her to put her own twist on the picture.

She painted and painted and painted--with real oil paints and a HUGE brush!

I love this picture because it shows how little she is compared to the giant easel.

The finished product!

We got the artist's permission to post these pictures.  He handed us a postcard but it had several names on it, so I am in the process of searching the internet for his work so that I can give him credit.  In the rush of babies starting to fuss I forgot to ask him his name.  Once I find out, I will be sure to post it!

Blog Love!!

A friend turned me onto this blog...I love Emma Pillsbury's wardrobe on Glee!  Her prim and proper style is cute and classy!  Mrs. Pillsbury never fails to wear a skirt (something that I just plain couldn't do, because my connection to yoga pants are too strong), a brooch, and of course her pearls!  I was thrilled to find out that she wore a ring from Stella and Dot on the Rocky Horror Show Episode.  Anyways, check out the blog.

Donut Diva!

Here is Laura on a quick break from outlet shopping.  Her favorite place to go on Saturdays with daddy is "The Donut Shop" (Dunkin Donuts) so she went CRAZY when we pulled up to this place.  :)

  This is what they looked like on the way home :)  

 She seriously slept like this all the way home from Leesburg!! (about 40 minutes!)

Tired little baby eyes!

Hello Again!

I've been gone too long, but never fear I am back!  Between illness, birthday parties, and launching my Stella and Dot business I have been super busy.  Today we decided to take a girls' day.  We played at the park, we window shopped, and we went to lunch at Noodles.  This is Laura's outfit--she chose it herself!