What's for dinner?

We've been trying hard around here to make meals that serve the whole family. It's a great idea, but some nights it just doesn't work. (Jack is just getting his back teeth, so hopefully he'll soon be able to eat meat!)
So rather than making a grilled cheese or a hot dog for Jack, I've been looking for healthier alternatives that he can have while we're enjoying our adult dinners.

Here's a picture of tonight's meal. I know, it looks disgusting!! But I can testify that it's actually quite delicious!
I'm not certain that its completely healthy, since I did make a rue and add quite a bit of cheese. It does have three vegetables tucked inside however, and the whole thing took about 15 minutes for Jack and I to assemble.

Weelicious.com has quickly become my favorite new place to search for kid-friendly recipes. You should check it out!

Here's the link for the the green macaroni and cheese.

We've also made the spinach cake muffins which were a HUGE hit with Jack.  Audrey has been enjoying them too, and a few adults liked them at my last staff meeting.  Who knew spinach could be so good?  

Here's a picture of Jack helping with the muffins and proof that they were well received.  

Update: Dinner was a huge success! Audrey and Jack both loved it.
The next time I make this I will probably cook the broccoli a bit before assembly. Other than that, it was a hit!

Tomorrow's the big day!

Tomorrow is the big day.  We're heading to Christ Hospital at 9:00am to be induced!  Dr. Grim offered on Tuesday, and I quickly jumped on the chance.  I learned my lesson with Jack and decided to be induced the first time the doctor offered.  With Jack we waited that whole extra week, hoping something would progress naturally.  

Today Jack and I made cupcakes to celebrate the baby's birthday.  He loves to sing Happy Birthday, and I thought it would be a fun way to celebrate when he comes to the hospital to meet the baby for the first time. 

We're really excited for tomorrow and can't wait to meet this little one.  We've got our girl name picked out, but as of tonight we're wavering on our boy name.  According to every stranger on the street this is a girl, so we shouldn't have to worry about our boy name!

We'll do our best to keep you posted with pictures and updates about the baby once he or she arrives.  Thanks for those of you who have been praying for us and for those helping out this weekend!  

Jack knows a good thing when he finds it!

Last week I found Jack climbing into the dishwasher to find the spatula we had just used.  I know it's kind of gross and I probably should have redirected him away from sitting on the dishwasher, but instead I grabbed my phone to take a few pictures:

Here he is today licking the spatula (and the bowl and his fingers) clean:

Jack's 1st birthday: The Party

Happy Birthday Boy

Jack had a house full of family celebrating him on his first birthday.  It was a perfect night - including time with cousins, catching up with aunts and uncles, getting spoiled by grandparents, gift opening, cake eating, and a lot of laughs.

We are so blessed to have a wonderful family and Jack is incredibly lucky to have people that love him so much.  His cousins were big helpers and kept him entertained all evening.  He was full of smiles throughout the night and seemed to enjoy all of the attention.  Thank you family, for making it such a special night!

Time for presents....

Jack's helpers

Happy to open gifts

All smiles all night!

Time for cake...

The Cake

Singing Happy Birthday

First taste

He likes it!

A whole mouthful

Back for more

Clean plate club

Time with family....

Jack and Titus

Drew, Mara, and Jack

Jack and Nana

Quick update

To say that we've had a busy week would be an understatement.  I'm way behind on blogging (and pretty much everything else), so here's a quick recap of where we've been:

Last week started with Jacob  preparing side dishes and desserts for 120 people for CHCURC's 1st annual Pig Roast and Square Dance. The event was held in the carriage house at Laurel Court (the former Buddy LaRosa's Mansion).  The food was great and I absolutely love how people in College Hill Support their community.

Job well done, Jacob.  Sorry I didn't get a better picture!

Square dancing

On Tuesday Jack and I took advantage of the beautiful fall weather and walked to our new polling place to vote.

Check out that tongue!

I was considering making Jack a Weeble Wobble cake for his birthday.  Jack was excited to practice with me:

Happy baker

On Wednesday we had the privilege to babysit sweet Levi Jumper while his parents went to see Wicked.  Jack liked having a buddy around but did not like it when Levi cried.  Jack tried to make Levi smile, but when it didn't work, Jack cried too.  He's a sensitive kid.

Jack and Levi (eight weeks)

Levi's better here, but Jack was still sad.

Thursday was pureHOPE's annual Silent Auction and Fundraising banquet at Manor House in Mason. I didn't get any pictures of the evening, but it was a great night.  Jack stayed home with my mom and got a special treat:

Jack's first pet

Friday was spent preparing for Jack's big birthday party.  He helped me to make his birthday cake and cupcakes.  Yes, he helped with his own cake... And I used a box cake mix.  I love to bake, but you really can't beat a good boxed cake!

I haven't forgotten about you, loyal blog readers!  I promise to work on getting birthday pictures soon.  

Whoopie Pies

If you have ever been to our house for dinner you would know that Jacob cooks and I bake. I love that I have a husband who is willing to try new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. Lately he has been perfecting stir-fry with his new wok. Yum. We eat well every night and I think we make a pretty good team!

While I love to bake, I tend to stick to my favorite recipes and not branch out too often. In fact, if I think about my favorite recipes the ideas have all come from other people:

The best part of baking

Brownies - my sister Jodi
Chewy cookies - Jacob
Apple Torte and Pound Cake - Mom Samad
Pumpkin Muffins - Becky Verhagen

Well, this recipe is no different. Jacob sent this link to me a few months ago and I have tested it out three times now. I think I have it down. I've had some helpers along the way and have received some great critiques from my nephew Sam's sharp palate!

Note from Sam - kids don't like the sea salt in the filling.
Note from Me - Adults do! (actually, Mara and Titus didn't seem to mind it either)

These Whoopie Pies are a light chocolate cake with peanut butter filling. The sea salt mentioned above cuts back on the richness and makes it an adult-friendly dessert. The cakes come out perfect with no adjustment to the recipe. It takes a bit of time to work through each step but it is worth it!

Click here for the  link to the recipe. I hope you enjoy.  If you have any favorite recipes please share!

Baker in training  (he seems to prefer staring at the lights)

My taste testers:  Titus, Sam, and Mara