Mr. James Wallace turns 3

I don't like 3rd birthdays. It's like one big bonk on a Mommy's head that my baby is no longer a baby. When they turn 2, it's okay, because they aren't talking much yet, they still need naps, they aren't potty trained...the list goes on. But at 3, they are just big. They are too busy to cuddle much (although James did learn how to ask for that, so he will say, "I need some cudd-o time" in this pathetic forlorn sounding voice lately, but I don't mind at all!)

Anyways, our little James is now 3. He's been waiting many months for it, but now is hesitating, as he doesn't quite believe his good fortune. But, as you can see, he's quite pleased with his birthday cake, and I'm grateful for a digital camera so that I can capture his true personality without guilt.














As for what he likes...he likes things the same. He's known to say "I want to go home" quite regularly, and can't handle change very well. Last week he got new shoes and had to move to a bigger carseat, and was none too pleased. We've tried to make the transitions smoother, but he still bawks at any changes that he can't figure out. The other day I drove our "little grey car" and I guess he just kept saying the whole way home with Greg in the van "Mom's driving the little grey car, No way!" He says "no way" alot not in a disobedient way, but a "I can't believe it" way along with "what the wip (rip)?" I just put the boys to bed, and forgot to sing Luke's song, and that didn't go forgotten by James (Luke forgot). James picked the same song every night for 1 1/2 years (Behold, Behold, I stand at the door and knock, knock, knock...) and has just switched to The B-I-B-L-E, and sounds super cute when he sings it. Luke now requests Behold because he knows that it's James' favorite!














Most of you probably remember the tears we've cried over this little boy. He cried and itched and thus didn't sleep (and neither did we) the first 18 months of his life from eczema and food allergies, and we are so thankful he is almost cured. I think he'll struggle with it most of his life, but thankfully we have found resources to keep it at bay. We've learned what makes it worse, and what makes it better. He just had a treatment on Monday, and he is back to his singing self. He was singing "don't cry in a manger" all day yesterday (to baby Jesus), and loves to spell out his name to different tunes. He still seems to catch every bug that comes along, but hopefully as he gets bigger his immunity will get stronger. It makes my heart rejoice every time I hear him laugh or sing, because of all the crying he did as a baby.

He says his 's's as 'h's, so I love listening to that. "Let's hing a hong" or "can you help get my hocks on?" He is always telling Luke when he feels bullied or pushed, "don't push people" or "don't throw things at people", always meaning himself, but uses the term "people". He loves our green truck, and prays for it every night.

Anyways, that's a rundown on our new big boy! We just love him, and he brings so much sunshine to our days! (and he hasn't been a terrible 2er, so we're hoping 3 will be smooth as well!)

P.S. Here's his cake (#2 for me). He wanted a car carrier, but that was a bit too complex for a small round cake (I likely could have done it on a 9x13, but had this one baked before I thought it through). It turned out as I wanted, except the icing did run a bit, as I didn't use any stabilizers in the colors. I am learning lots, and enjoying it too!

Elise Meredith turns 1 today

Today I'll write a tribute to Elise, since it's her special day. It's hard to explain a baby's personality, since it is mostly described by actions and sounds, but I'll try.

This year has flown by. As an older lady at our church says, "the days go slow, but the years fly by!" How true! I guess when each birthday rolls around, it's a big reminder to Dad and Mom that life is definitely going by fast. It's likely because we're so busy in it, that we don't notice, because I know for those who have little to keep them busy, time seems to stand still. If only we could even it out a bit. I do know that when a grandparent holds their grandchild, time speeds up for them, and slows down for the parent. What a blessing that is!

Anyways, Elise is getting to be quite a mischief maker. She loves climbing on stools, and reaching whatever she can grab (usually cups with drinks in them). She loves to be in the bathroom when the boys are, and no good comes of that! She has the sweetest little giggle, which is definitely all girl! So far her interests are pretty generic, although she does love to give hugs and has a big grin on her face all the time now that she can walk all by herself. Her other interests include digging in every cupboard, and opening and closing their doors. The one thing she can't handle is when a door is closed. For some reason she thinks I am behind it (even if I'm just in another room), but she'll cry and cry in front of any closed door. She is trying hard to use a fork or spoon, and gets very frustrated when the utensil is empty when she puts it in her mouth (as the food always falls off!)

This video was taken the other night when James wanted to show Luke how to change Elise's diaper. He had wanted to help me one time, so thought he was the "expert"!

I think age 1 is getting to be a fun age. That first year, babies are so much work, and then with our sleep issues, it has made enjoying the baby stage not so enjoyable. So, I'm glad she's sleeping better (last night 8:30pm-7am, yay!), as that makes me a much nicer person to be around. I've also gotten my own sleep back on schedule, and even though it's pouring rain outside...we're all okay inside (which wasn't the case these past months/weeks).

I'm looking forward to learning more what kind of girl she'll turn out to be, and have been pleasantly surprised that there are many princess-free options for mothers of girls these days (my fear when she was born, if you recall). We've also come up with lots of nicknames for her that don't involve princess/beauty terms as well, which was another fear I had. (so many girls get called names that makes them think they are the center-of-the-universe, and then parents wonder why their attitudes are so unpleasant).

Here's a picture of her as Queen for the day. We have a tradition in our family that the birthday kid wears a crown all day. She didn't keep it on long, but at least for a few minutes. She also wanted to be poking in the icing rather than smiling for the camera, but hey, she's 1!














So, off to decorate James' cake. Wish me luck! (I'll post pics when I get it done!)

I've been sorting papers lately, and came across this article which I found very encouraging. It seems that I've needed alot of encouragement lately, as my mood leaves much to be desired. I keep hoping summer will come and I'll feel better, but know deep down that likely isn't the cause. My baby girl is sleeping *better*, but I lay there awake unable to sleep most of the nights, waiting for her to wake up (as has been her habit for so many months). This leads to the inability to cope, frustration with noise/disobedience/fighting among kids, etc. Praying for strength to be the mother I want to be, rather than one who gets irritated at everything. Even being around myself irritates me, and there has been little I can do to make me feel better/cheerier.

"The Apostle Peter wrote that we are kept by the power of God though faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:5-7) As we just read, we are kept by the power of God through faith unto our salvation. Today we face all manner of adversity. Our natural instinct is to question why we face these things rather than recognize that God wants us to direct our faith towards Him.

When a trial makes our future uncertain, we are tempted to look for some way to avoid enduring the trial. Then our faith would not be tested as to whether we are trusting in the flesh or in the Spirit. It is when we look inward that our trials become temptations. Care and anxiety come from within. They are not from God. Jesus said, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matt 6:25-26) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.(James 1:2-3) How difficult it is to wait on the Lord, but there is a blessing in being patient. During your times of trial, remember that we are kept by the power of God. We have this assurance in His Word: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is fatihful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) "

Ivan Seppala
Christian Monthly April 1991

Cake Course

The past couple weeks, I have been attending a cake decorating course. With 3 kids birthdays in the next month, I figured that I had better learn the basics if I want any satisfaction to come of decorating. I've been able to avoid cakes thus far, either by doing sundaes, cupcakes or angel food cake with bananas, strawberries and whipped cream (James' request last year); but knew I'd need to learn to decorate properly some time. Well, actually, I wanted to learn sometime.

I was at Michael's buying their basic kit with my 50% coupon to go and attempt it at home on my own, but then saw that they offered a course. Hooray! Someone to teach me the basics without too much time or effort. I just had to find a babysitter. I was able to do that, so signed up the next chance I got.

I've attended 2 classes now (of 4) and here's my first attempt. For those of you who do elaborate cakes, please don't laugh. This was my first one, and although the sun is quite off center, the rest turned out to my liking. I also learned the one thing I wanted to know, which is how to keep the crumbs out of your icing. And the difference between the consistencies of icing. Stuff I never would have figured out on my own, and would have given up long before I ever learned them!














This week we learn how to do roses, so that'll be challenging, I'm sure. This is the first course I've taken since becoming a mom, so the learning curve is definitely noticeable. I don't see myself doing wedding cakes any time soon, but should be able to tackle the car carrier (James' request this year) and football (Luke's request this year, if it doesn't change). We'll see. I might end up picking something in my "scope of practice", or whatever they teach me in the next classes. For this non-creative impatient person, it won't be too elaborate!

What is the purpose of the home?

I enjoy this blog, and thought I'd share today's message with you. Enjoy!

What is the purpose of the home?

Appreciating what You Have

Spending the day away from my kids always makes me appreciate them more the next. Yesterday was one of those days. I've been taking a cake decorating class, so yesterday morning attended that, and our psuedo-Grandma watched the kids. Then I picked them up and we came home for a few minutes, I let them run around and go to the bathroom and then were off again to Daddy's work. I dropped them off with Greg, and then went out for dinner with a few of my cousins, since one of them is moving back to Michigan. I'll miss her, but her husband has been out of work since Christmas, and he has some leads out there (plus, he's from the UP, so loves it there as well). Their kids get along really well with our kids, and although we didn't see them real often, the kids sure enjoyed it when we did.

The other sad note was that a different cousin's nephew passed away from cancer. He's been battling it since last October, and they thought that the chemo/radiation was doing it's work, but apparently the cancer got into his spinal fluid. He went downhill fast after that, passing away yesterday. He was only 9 years old, and I just can't imagine what his parents are going through. To see your little boy suffer so, and then die, must be impossible to do of our own strength.
Although they know he is now safe in the arms of Jesus, going home without him is going to be difficult. The empty hole he left in their lives will be so difficult to work through. The questions of "why him?" and "could we have done more to save him?" and so many others will flood them, I'm sure. If you can write them a note of comfort, I'm sure they'd appreciate it. The mom is kind of like a cousin to me. The boys grandma was married to my uncle, who was killed in Vietnam only months after they married. She then remarried, and so our families have kept in touch all these years. Although not related, they have been like extended family because their mom was family for a while. It does make me hug my own kids tighter, appreciate their kid-ness and messes and noise. Because it would be pretty quiet around here without them (even one). The more kids, the better!!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewbisila/journal

We Love Pancakes!!

I come from a long line of pancake lovers. My Dad ate pancakes every day of my growing up years that I can remember. Except on Sundays when he made us cornbread muffins. And then one year when he got tired of pancakes, he made waffles for that time. But, it's back to pancakes again. I recall waking up to him scraping the batter out of the bowl and flipping pancakes all my life. Now the pancake lover in our house is Greg. He goes into withdrawl if we don't have them at least once a week. So it's no doubt that we eat alot of them in our house now.

A few weeks ago he had asked for pancakes for breakfast on a Saturday, but then time was short, so we ate something else instead. He was gone all day, and then when he came home, asked for them for supper. When he did, James started jumping up and down yelling, "pancakes, pancakes, pancakes!!" The funny thing was that I had planned something else for dinner, but deep down knew that since Greg missed the breakfast pancakes, he'd be wanting them for supper! And he did! He makes them most of the time, adding extras as he sees fit.

I'll post my favorite recipes, because they are easier to make than one might think. No need to buy mixes, because you can have a batch whipped up before you know it. Dad's old standby recipe is first. Just 6 ingredients; 3 dry, 3 wet.

Basic Pancakes
1 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt (or hearty dash)
1 c. milk
1 egg
1/4 c. oil (or a hearty splash)
Mix dry. Mix wet. Add wet to dry, mixing minimally. Pour on griddle and fry then flip. We double this recipe for our family.

You can use any type of flour you'd like. We usually mix half white with spelt, or else add cornmeal to white. Just equal 1 c. of flour.

Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes (my absolute favorite!)
2 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar (optional)
4 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
1 c. sour cream or plain yogurt
1/3 c. melted butter
1 c. blueberries

In a bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, sour cream and butter. Mix well. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until blended. Fold in berries. Cook on hot griddle flipping once.

Blueberry Sauce
1/2 c. sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1 c. water
4 c. blueberries

Combine sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Gradually stir in water. Add blueberries. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 2 minutes, or until thickened. Serve hot over pancakes, ice cream or cake.

(these pancakes are great without blueberries, just with butter and syrup)

My Uncle R is also a pancake expert like my Dad. His recipe is here:
Grandpa R's Saturday Morning Pancakes
1 c. flour
1 c. mixture ground grains (flax seed meal, 10 grain cereal, cornmeal, etc)
2 T. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 T. sugar
1 1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. oil
3 eggs
1 t. almond extract
Mix wet in one bowl, dry in another. Mix together and fry.
For waffles: put egg yolks in with the other liquids, and then beat egg whites separately and fold into batter.

Our favorite on pancakes is butter with maple syrup. But since maple syrup is costly, we've tried many other things. We love honey too, but lately have been using Roger's Golden Syrup, which we were reintroduced to while over at Uncle R's house recently. It's a Canadian product that you can't get down here, but is very tasty and yummy so we had my Mom bring a few bottles on her last trip.

Women unite! Here's an environmentally friendly opportunity for you to do your part.

A mother/daughter team came up with the DivaCup for your monthly uses. Here's their quotes from their website:

“Not every woman can afford a hybrid car nor easily convert their home to solar power. Yet, by choosing to use a menstrual cup instead of disposable tampons and pads, any woman is able to make an environmentally responsible choice each month. This is no small matter. In the U.S. alone, billions of tampons and pads are dumped into landfills and the environment each year.” Carinne Chambers

“With all the state-of-the-art conveniences Western society has developed, it baffles us why outdated feminine products are still being used. We believe that reusable menstrual cups are the next generation of feminine hygiene because they are the most environmentally responsible choice. They are also the most convenient and reliable option available and are not linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome.” Francine Chambers.

http://www.divacup.com/en/home/diva_cup/

Check it out and let me know if you've ever heard of this. I know you can buy them at Whole Foods and REI.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalms 19:14

This verse was read at church yesterday, and has been popping up in my head ever since. What an encouragement for us to follow God's standards, and keep our hearts and minds pure. Not that we can do it of our own strength, but through the faith God has given, we can be called His children. I think of how much I love my own sweet children, and then cannot even fathom that my Heavenly Father loves me so much more than that.

One thing I have decided, is that I will try not to blog at bedtime. The world is just too overwhelming, and problems seem insurmountable. In the morning everything is fresh and new and peaceful (yes, all 3 kids are still sleeping), and even looks doable.

On Saturday our family drove up to Seattle to attend a celebration of life for a lady we did not know. Her parents are friends of ours, so we wanted to be there for them. Their daughter passed away at age 44 from kidney disease. She had had a kidney transplant in her early 20's that had reached the end of it's life expectancy, so had been on dialysis since then. She ended up with many complications from the dialysis, was in much pain from the disease, and had told her dad last fall, "I just want to go home and be with my Saviour". She had become a believer about 10 years ago, and that was the source of her strength. Although a very sad time, it was also joyous, as her victory has been attained. Faith has become sight. It was a good reminder to us all, to be ready if our time should be near. She left a husband and daughter, as well as numerous other family members behind, but also left that legacy that Jesus is the only way, truth and way of life.

We decided to take a detour on our way home, to avoid Seattle traffic (they are doing construction, so everything was pretty slow), and headed out east and then south. We took back roads and enjoyed most of the drive. What normally would take 2-3 hours to get home ended up taking 6 (and we didn't even finish the drive, we got back on the freeway about an hour north of home). But, it got dark, so we figured that the scenery wasn't worth the time when we couldn't see it. Some friends of ours were driving with us, so that was fun to caravan. Elise didn't get a proper nap, so her attitude left much to be desired, but we enjoyed ourselves anyways. Drinking coffee, visiting, and having "quality family time". We took our little commuter car, so the kids were all crammed in the back seat where you could easily visit with them. Normally in our van, the boys ride way in the back where you have to yell for them to hear you and then crank your head around to hear their response. Fun for Greg and I to visit, but not so fun for them.

Yesterday was spent going to church, potluck dinner and then home for naps. In the evening we went to the park for a walk, and so the kids could ride bikes. It was a beautiful day, and I was still pretty tired/grouchy so a walk was the best thing for my attitude and frame of mind. I was glad Greg suggested it, because it did help immensely. Just to watch the river flowing smoothly along (the Columbia), feel the breeze on your face, watch the joy the children are having and visit with my husband...it doesn't get any better than that.

The sermon yesterday morning was so perfect for what I needed too. Our pastor spoke about when Thomas didn't believe that Jesus had really come back, and how we are all like him in some way, in yet God reveals himself for whatever need we have, so that we can have faith to believe as well. He mentioned that we need to pray that God's Word would be enough for us. That we wouldn't be satisfied with anything that did not feed our souls (empty calories, so to speak), but that God would fill us to overflowing through His Word and through His Power. But, that if we need more (like Thomas did) that He would give us that extra for our need at that time. He also used the comparison of going to his own father when he was a child to make right a wrong he had done. He expected his father to get angry, or to scold him. But instead, his father wrapped his arms around him, blessed him by telling him that all his sins had been forgiven and washed away, and never mentioned it again. How much more our Heavenly Father wraps His loving arms around us when we've done wrong, and we can go to a trusted friend and hear those words of assurance that our sins are also forgiven through Christ dwelling in our Christian brother or sister. What a great joy and blessing when we can verbally hear again and again, that we're forgiven. It's one thing to know it in our hearts, it's another to hear it proclaimed in our ears as well. This is true "freedom in Christ!"

The song coming to me now is "My Jesus knows just what I need, Yes He knows just what I need. He satisfies, and every need supplies, yes, He knows just what I need!" It's on my Elvis' gospel album, and I love it. He knows our needs, so much better than we know ourselves.

These pictures are from Easter Sunday. We were at my cousins house and they wanted us to take some family pics of them, so I had her take some of us too. My cousin had asked, "how did you get that suit on James?" I replied, "Kicking and screaming". He refused to put it on that morning, so I told him he didn't have to and that he could wear his normal church clothes. He was crying and didn't want those either, so I decided that if he's going to cry no matter what I put on, then I may as well put the suit on him. He looked so "smashing" in it!


PS I posted the Coconut Cake recipe on that post, for those interested ;)

Griping

The complaint of today, is that I think that getting kids to sleep (and teaching good sleep/nap habits) is definitely the most difficult part of parenting(that I've encountered thus far). I know I've complained about it before, but am griping once again. Everyone's tired, in yet getting them in bed (and sleeping) is nigh on impossible. Tonight it was the biggest boy falling asleep on the way home from Bible Study, and when I tried to put him right in bed, he awoke and said he wanted to stay up later. Well, later happened to be just long enough to have a snack and brush teeth. But it was too long. Everything turned into a crying session, and it took forever to calm him down, with James yelling, "stwop cwyin' "over and over. Elise should have been in bed by then, but of course couldn't sleep either with all the cryin'. So, eventually I got both boys distracted by telling them how to cheer up when you're sad (tell stories, remember fun times, think of fun times in the future, etc.) and they finally fell asleep. Then Elise took another hour to get down, wiggling, squirming and crying all the while. She did fall asleep on her own in her crib finally (no nursing, no pacifier = yay!) so we're making progress. That has taken many months to get her to that point, so I'm hoping it'll continue.

Quite a while ago, we were on a date, and an pair of older couples were seated next to us while we were trying to enjoy a quiet night without the kids dining on prime rib. Their conversation was varied, but one thing I recall one lady say was this, "My daughter-in-law takes 2 hours to put her kids in bed every night. Can you believe it?" The other lady of course couldn't believe it, but I wanted to speak up and say that I did! And 2 hours is on a good night! Our routine has many items, and I've tried shortening it, and it still takes just as long. I often omit picking up toys, but the rest are hard to ignore.

In our house, it goes something like this: pj's on, pick up toys, say prayers (with Daddy as he goes to bed about now), eat snack, brush teeth, go potty, get in bed, read Bible Story, each kid picks one song to sing (or 'hong to hing' as James says) and then hugs, kisses and good night. Seems pretty straight forward on paper, but still seems to take all evening. And even longer if it's bath night. And then get a baby to bed is: pj's on and diaper change, nurse her and feed her snack, let her get up and play a few (or until she burps, which is still necessary with her), rock her while I sing her two songs, then lay her in her crib (and wait until she's asleep so she doesn't cry and wake Daddy since she's still in our room).

If kids aren't overtired, I do enjoy bedtime. Conversation flows alot freer with the boys, and Elise just conks out. But the days when that happen are few to nonexistent. I know it will get better as they get older, and I do cherish this time, but would cherish it more if things ran more smoothly. Maybe I should pull out the timer for bedtime. That might make things happen more promptly, without so many distractions. For chores, it works great, so maybe that's what I should try for bedtime too. I hate ending the day so frustrated. Bedtime should be soothing and relaxing, not with me feeling gray hairs popping out all over my head. I told someone recently, that if anyone thinks they are sinless, just come to my house about 9 pm and put the kids to bed. Evil thoughts readily avail themselves. I'm so thankful to God as He's forgiven all my shortcomings, because they definitely are many!

Thoughts from Today

Today I'll just share what's been on my mind lately. First of all, a question...How much should enjoyment be a part of ones life? I don't mean having fun all the time, or thrill seeking. I mean how much of each day should be spent bearing our burden (whatever that may be) and how much should we be enjoying where we are and what we're doing each day. I ask this mostly because with a baby who is now 11 months old, enjoyment is minimal. It's getting better, and I have an idea that much of it is due to the long dreary winter taking its toll. And Greg's long hours, leaving him tired and frustrated. And not enough sleep for the past 11 months as well (although she did sleep 8 hours in a row the last 2 nights, so we're making progress!) I just dread getting up many mornings, knowing that my goals won't be reached, I won't get any alone time with my husband, I'll be breaking up fights and hounding my boys to get done what needs to get done, and then I'll be tired and spend 2 or 3 hours putting them all to bed. As I type, Elise is still up playing with plastic wrap because I've tried twice to put her down and she just cries and kicks and wiggles. So, she's happy now, so I'll leave her that way. I do know from past experience that we have good years and bad years. The bad years are the years that the baby is born, because nothing turns out like you want it to (except you get a healthy, happy baby that grows up). The yard doesn't get mowed, the garden is all weeds, the meals are mediocre at best, and the housework leaves much to be desired. The good years are the year from when baby starts sleeping good and is walking up until a new baby is born. Then we can go to dinner at others houses and actually enjoy ourselves (rather than passing a tired, fussy baby back and forth the whole time), home improvement projects actually get done, and Greg and I can actually go on the occasional date and enjoy ourselves.

Anyways, I didn't mean to write all about this, but would like some input on what others think when they make decisions for their own life.














Here's a picture of that little sweetie that causes us all the grief. She LOVES the bath. She has been nervous in the shower ever since she was born, but since she's moved on to baths, you can't get her out without much kicking and screaming. She actually gets giddy and wild, which is quite hazardous since she isn't very good at standing up yet. But she doesn't care if she falls, she just tries it again and again.

Well, off to bed for us now.

Yum, yum, yum

A couple years ago I had some airmiles from an airline I rarely used, and they told me that because I didn't have enough to fly anywhere, that I could use them up with magazine subscriptions. I ended up with one of those super glossy paged magazines with most stuff in it out of my price range and out of my lifestyle. Although...in one magazine some delicious looking cakes were featured, so I tore out the recipes for future use (I have many good intentions, some of which get fulfilled, others which never do).

So, that summer when my in-laws were up, we decided to bake a cake for a friends birthday. After going through the article, I asked my mother-in-law which cake we should bake. She didn't hesitate, but said, "the coconut one". So we did. It turned out dee-licious. Later that summer I was at my parents in Alberta, and asked my Mom which cake she'd like me to make for her birthday. She also didn't hesitate, "the coconut one". Goody. I get to make it again.. That would have been my choice both times too, even though the other ones looked and sounded fabulous. But, I haven't made it since (nor done much other baking due to an unnamed baby who doesn't like to sleep long enough ever).

In choosing a dessert for Easter, I chose to make it again. It's in the oven baking right now, and I can't wait to taste it. I'm not sure the significance of making coconut cakes at Easter, but it seems to be a tradition. Will have to look that one up. But, since you can't have a slice of my divine cake, you can order one yourself from the lady who came up with the recipe for a mere $50 plus shipping. I can post the recipe if anyone's interested, but check the website out. It looks just wayyy too tempting.

http://www.veryvera.com/


Coconut Layer Cake with Coconut Icing

1 c. unsalted butter at room temperature
2 c. granulated sugar
4 large eggs at room temperature
3 c. unsifted cake flour
3 t. baking powder
1/8 t. salt
1 1/2 c. whole buttermilk at room temperature
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. coconut extract
cooking spray/flour for pans

Heat oven to 350F. In electric mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugar for 20 minutes, or until light and fluffy. On low speed, add eggs one at a time, incorporating after each addition, and scraping sides of bowl and bottom. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt. Alternate additions of flour mixture and buttermilk to ingredients in mixer, beginning and ending with flour. Add extracts, scraping sides and bottom of bowl to incorporate all ingredients. Mix well. Spray 3-9" round cake pans, with cooking spray, dust with flour and tap out excess. Divide batter among prepared pans. Bake 15-20 min or until top is firm to touch and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Flip layers on wire racks to cool. Cool completely before icing.

For icing:
1/3 c. unsalted butter, softened
2/3 c. cream cheese, softened
1 t. coconut extract
2 t. vanilla extract
3/4 c. unsifted 10x powdered sugar
3 c. sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 c. toasted coconut for garnish
In mixer on low, cream butter for 1-2 minutes. With mixer on medium, add cream cheese. Cream butter and cheese together until light and fluffy, scraping sides and bottom of bowl to incorporate all ingredients. With mixer on low, add extracts and blend smooth. Add sugar a 1/4 cup at a time mixing after each addition until smooth and creamy.
To finish cake: Place one layer of cake on a serving dish and ice with 1/3 of icing. Repeat with remaining layers. Use remaining icing to cover cake. Press flaked coconut by hand onto top and sides. Sprinkle top with toasted coconut.

My notes: I would make at least twice that amount of icing, even 3 times. It is so tasty, and as you can see, this recipe doesn't make near enough. Also, toasting all the coconut would likely make it much tastier, as it just makes the flavors come out more.

Here's another Classic Coconut Cake recipe that looks fantastic, it was featured in the latest Better Homes and Gardens. I haven't made it, but want to!

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/layer-cakes/coconut-cake-with-frosting/

Special Hidden Talents

This morning the boys and I were folding laundry when James started to do the "potty dance". I reminded him that he should go, while he denied having to go. A few minutes later, I reminded him again, and he heeded my warning. Off he runs to go, and Luke says to me, "I could hear his heart telling him to go potty." I wondered what he meant, and he just repeated it again. Then he added, "Just like we can hear Jesus in our hearts, I could hear James' heart telling him "James, it's time to go potty.""

Hmm...I'm trying to figure out what he means, but have concluded that because I just know when James has to go (Luke doesn't notice the potty dance like Mom does), it must be that I can hear what he feels. I've also been telling James to "listen to your body and go as soon as you notice that you have to" and stuff like that, so likely Luke is connecting the potty signals with conscience. Greg and I were joking later of what kind of highly classified job Luke could get with a 6th sense for knowing when people have to go to the bathroom.