Chocolate Fudge Brownies

I made brownies this morning, as soon as I got up. What is happening to me?!

I also have this strange need to beach the house from top to bottom. Can anyone explain what is going on here?

Help! I'm nesting and it's driving me crazy! I actually lost sleep last night thinking about the roasted red pepper soup and grilled cheese sandwiches that I'm making for dinner tonight. Is there a cure for this?

Sunday Roast

I made my family a Sunday roast for lunch today. It's been a long time since we've had one and in the UK it's kind of a tradition. The whole house smelled yummy, but I couldn't help but feel that my family members weren't here to enjoy it with us. I forgot the gravy and I miss bread pudding terribly.

But I think over the Fall and the Winter it's going to be a weekly occurrence - we all sit down on a Sunday and eat a roast. I love family traditions. Now that I have my own children I want them to have their own traditions and memories that make them feel warm and happy. It's been a long time since my family back home and I have practiced out traditions, like leaving milk and mince pies for Santa (we also used to leave a bowl of water out for him to wash his hands with after coming down the chimney, and a bowl of dog food outside for the reindeer!) but I'll remember them always.

I hope in twenty years from now my babies remember our family time around the dinner table and our holiday traditions, and look back on them with a smile.

The life of a 'work at home mom'.

It's been a long week. The Dude had music class and toddler class, we've taken a tour of daycare (he's going once a week so I can focus on my work now that things are picking up) and we've been to the library, the pediatrician, and the store - Several times.

On top of that, I've been trying to publish an article or two every day, have applied for a couple of jobs and eaten a lot of food - at least every 30 minutes! I feel like I've accomplished a lot in 5 days. Yet, the house still looks like a wreck. In fact, as I type, I'm waiting for the washing machine to finish so I can put the last load on. When did life become so fast-paced? Why do we feel like we have to cram so much into one day?

I've written an article about Fall leaves games and crafts today. I'm ever so proud of it! Check it out and tell me what you think. http://www.examiner.com/x-20546-Hartford-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d10-Fall-leaves-play-and-craft-ideas

Do you have any games or crafts you like to do with your kids that relate to the Fall season? If so, please drop me a line by posting a comment below. I love to hear from you!

Career defining moment!

I am so happy right now it's ridiculous!

When I first went into freelance writing, my son was 4 months old and I was a total wreck where organization was concerned. I knew I wanted to get into publishing - my dream is to work for a publishing house some day, but I had no idea where to start.

So, I trawled through the pages of Amazon.com and read every editorial review going about starting a freelance career. That's when I came across 'The Writer Mama' by Christina Katz. It's broken down into easy-to-follow sections with a task at the end of each chapter - which is the best way for me to learn. She also gives practical advice on how to juggle Motherhood with a writer career - something I was in desperate need of.

So I bought it, loved it and signed up to her E-zine. It's become my writing bible.

I didn't realize that Christina is on Twitter until today when I read through my copy of her newsletter, so I decided to follow since I find her advice invaluable. Guess what though - she is now following me back! I have said that I will write an Amazon review for her - I promise I will, but I'm too star-struck for words right now.

It definitely feels like a defining moment in my whole writing career so far; like I've finally 'made' it. I feel like she's been a huge help every step of the way through her writing, but I'm so glad I've finally been able to thank her. I'm so looking forward to taking one of her classes and I hope she likes the Amazon review!

Home-Made Birthday Cards

The Dude has been making home-made birthday cards. We went to the craft store and purchased some blank cards, crayons, finger paints and glitter glue pens. Sure, he's only 18 months old, but that doesn't mean he's not artistic.

Only one problem. He doesn't stop when the paper runs out. This evening I have had to purchase a product called 'Goo be gone' and have sprayed it on just about every surface available in my home. Honestly - I love the stuff. It's a little greasy, but it removes crayon from walls faster than you can say Crayola!

Am I worried about future scribblings? No. I'm not saying I'm happy about the drawing on walls and doors, but at the end of the day, the stuff comes off. Now if there were only a product that helped to erase minor annoyances!

The television

I've recently been inspired by a blog called Unplugyourkids.com. It encourages parents to limit the amount of television your children watch on a regular basis. I admit, sometimes it's all too easy to pop the Dude in front of the TV while i get cracking on some housework or my freelance work. But recently I've been feeling that by encouraging this behavior, he's missing out on learning opportunities.

So, this week I am going cold-turkey. Completely unplugged. No cartoons, just Mommy and Dude time. Crafts, baking, playing in the yard, going to the library. Stay tuned as it were, I'm sure this is going to be an interesting experience!

Pork chop recipe part two

It went very well. I'll definitely be making that again. We ate it with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Yum!

I should probably tell you though that my Hubby doesn't eat mustard and the recipe calls for Dijon. So as with most recipes that call for mustard, I didn't tell him. Usually he eats said dinner and compliments the meal, without noticing it's there. This time however, he caught me putting it in the pot. Still, I managed to convince him to try it and he even ate what I couldn't finish. Obviously if he were allergic I wouldn't dream of being so devious! I won't be trying that trick for a little while though. . .

Pork chop recipe part 1

Here is what we're having for dinner tonight - shall let you know how it goes. . .

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eating-well/pork-chops-with-apples-thyme-recipe