Thick Blood...

We went to Iowa last week for a very quick trip. We needed a break from the day-to-day, the late nights at work, and the monotony that comes after the holidays.

In Dennis's family, there are a lot of cousins similar in age to our kids' ages because 4 of the 6 children got married within 5 months of each other. It is always very chaotic but extremely fun for our kids to play with their cousins.

L to R: Emma, Andrew, Sarah, Samantha, Corey, Caleb

This is the family that probably has the most similar ages to our children. Samantha is 2 months older than Sarah, Caleb just turned 3, Emma is 2, then Corey is 16 months, and Andrew is 11 months. Samantha and Sarah especially have a great time.

Jen's Bakery...

For those of you who don't know, my dream is to have my own bakery one day. I will get to bake to my heart's content and then sell the stuff instead of eating it all myself! Doesn't that sound divine? (maybe it sounds like a lot of work too)

For Valentine's Day, the hospital where Dennis works had a bake sale. It's become expected that I make a few things at each sale they have. We've tried to mix it up a bit and do something different each time.

Last week, I made a few of these....
A lot of these...
And even more of these...
(recipe & instructions at Bakerella)

My reputation preceded me this time. Dennis told me that the bread loaves and cookies didn't actually make it to the sale. They got bought as he walked into work that day. All the work is worth it when that happens!

Oh yeah... and everything tasted scrumptious. I had to test it out before I gave it all away.

Free Labor & Young Love

Mr. Andrew has decided that helping Mommy unload the dishwasher and the tupperware drawer is fun stuff. He's pretty good help.

He only requires room & board...
...and he's got a killer smile!



What ever happened to the rule of not dating until you are sixteen? Our defiant Emma has thrown it out the window and is often seen hand-in-hand with this little cutie...

He goes by the alias of A-Train and is such a gentleman - giving Emma a gentle push as they swing at the park.

Happiness Is:

Mommy's helpers standing in front of me while I try to bake...

A good storytime...

Warm days in the middle of winter...

A friend to enjoy the warmth of the sun...

Dressing up your baby BROTHER...

And baby brother smiling even under the circumstances...