Happy Birthday!

Here are the fruits of my labor yesterday. A Chocolate Bundt Cake with a Raspberry, Cream Cheese and Chocolate Chip filling. Happy Birthday Julie, my raspberry loving friend! And some yummy chocolate cupcakes for a sweet little girl turning 5! I hope they are tasty!

Christmas Lite

It is almost depressing to think about the holidays approaching in such horrible economic conditions. On the upside, I am sure there will be more sales than normal, so it may be possible to get that perfect gift for a steal. But on the downside, there are so many families struggling with uncertainty about the future. I feel like Santa's sleigh will be a little lighter this year for many people. A few years ago, our family tossed around the idea of anteing the money that we would spend on gifts for each other and give it to a worthy charity instead. We didn't end up following through, but maybe this year would be a good place to start. Does your family have any Christmas traditions that focus more on giving to those in need, encouraging togetherness and creating new experiences? I would love some ideas!

Summertime in October

Looking out the window, the leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground. There was a nip to the air when I took the dog out this morning. But before I dress the girls for the day I check the forecast. A high of 84 today and 87 tomorrow! What is going on? I just changed the girl's closets out and neatly put their summer things away. North Carolina weather is crazy! I'm still looking forward to a day of baking, so I'll just look out the window and pretend it is a chilly fall day.

Adult ADD

I think I have it. But do you think there is a type that only affects how you clean your house? I find myself very unable to stay focused on one task where completing chores is concerned. I busted myself this morning in the midst of making the kids chocolate milk. I almost stopped before I even added the chocolate syrup to go make up my bed. Does that make any sense? I had a talk with myself, "D, do you really want to leave your children longing for chocolate milk while you go and make up the bed so that you can hear the lil' darlins screaming- where is my chocolate milk?". So, I proudly finished the task at hand and they are happily slurping up their milk. But, my bed is still not made. Instead, I sat down to write this. O.K., I'm going to do it now, right after I feed the dog. Is there a cure for this?

What I Am Thankful For This Week

• Daniel and Tiffany coming on Friday for a weekend visit...hip, hip, hooray!
• Weekend Visitors ensuing a thorough cleaning of the abode, the hubby is happy!
• My new yoga class, I love it!
• The oldest darlin' insisting on doing her homework as soon as she walks in the door
• Being blessed with wonderful family and friends that make me smile daily

Twilight

IMG_1369_2 (Small), originally uploaded by danielleGaetano.

"October is crisp days and cool nights; a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book" -John Sinor

I know I am a little late to the game on this book, but it is sooo good that I had to write about it. 'Twilight' by Stephanie Meyer is my Book Club's pick for October and it really is a guilty pleasure. It is not the type of book that will generate a ton of enthralling discussion, but it is a book that leaves you longing for more. I have had to hold off on the second book in the series just because I know I will be useless until I have it finished. So, if you haven't read it, go get it, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Happy Birthday

Today is my father-in-law's birthday. He really loves German Chocolate Cake, but I'm a cupcake girl, so he had to settle for these...

I hope he is having a fantastic day, he deserves it!