i DON'T need another hobby..

but if I did..

and if I had more time..

and if I had no children..

and if magical elves appeared to take care of the clean-up..

I'd decorate cookies all day. 

Because I love it. 

The reason for the cookies:  end of season Soccer Parties 

D was #7 for the Tigers; A was #11 for the Sharks.

The soccer season ended last Saturday..I toted Azure around my neck instead of the camera companion of our previous seasons, so these cookies may be all we have to show of their uniformed selves this time around. 

The teams:

The Sharks were incredibly fun to watch.  Aidan was a fabulous Defender and worked hard to keep the ball on the other side of the field.  The boy has a powerful kick.  We've played with some of these kids for 2-3 seasons now, so it's especially satisfying to see their progression. 

The Tigers team, as you can see, was dominated by girls.  But these were girls who dominated the field as well, so we were definitely not complaining.  Davyn is my daydreamer boy.  We're waiting for him to get some competitive urges.  He'll be playing again with most of these same kids, so perhaps the girls can teach him a thing or two.  

I'm not sure when the cookie hobby will reappear, but the soccer mom hobby will stay for Spring, as we start up again in a few weeks.  After all, there will be plenty of time for cookies when these littles get Big. 

food.

Yesterday I told Jim that Azh is simply not happy with our daily routine anymore.  That I didn't know how to entertain her.  That I'm boring the poor child to high levels of discontent.  He thought I was crazy.  But I knew that something needed to be done.  She has been fussy and non-napping for the past two days.  And last night she woke up at 4:00 instead of 6:17.

But today I realized the source of that supposed disgust. 

Food.

Anticipating a busy evening, we were making dinner around noon.   I strapped the babe on my chest facing outward, and together we browned italian sausage, boiled ziti, and made marinara (okay, so we technically just opened a jar and doctored it up a bit).  I dipped my finger into the red sauce and snuck a taste into her mouth.  Her lips smacked and I gave her another.  Without further thought, I arranged my makings in a 9x13, topped with cheese, called it good, and sat down to eat my simpler lunch of zitis splashed with olive oil, pepper and parmesan.

She was parked on the carpet belly down by this time, but the toys held no charm.  Oh no, her neck craned up to watch her mama intently.  And suddenly I knew the look.  Not boredom.  Not disdain.  It was the same look I give people who eat chocolate cake when I'm self-denying.  She wanted food.  She wanted flavor. 

I could blame this on the Jim "whopper" (candy, NOT hamburger) incident of a few weeks back.  Or on the bit of tikka masala I slipped to her on the sly last Sunday.  Either way, the girl is ready. 

It was time to try again.  Our first solid attempt happened after her 4 month appointment.  The doctor said rice cereal could be started, so the next day we tried.  And she pushed out every morsel in utter disdain.  But after those sweet and savory extremes that have followed her first bland cereal bites, I knew that the rice cereal would never do the job today. 

So I pulled out the fruit of my fall canning labors and pureed some peaches.  With a bit of rice cereal and formula for bulk. 

Bite number one:  Her tongue twirled around the spoon, but her eyes grew steadily larger as the flavor actually hit the buds.  Half of the bite dribbled down her chin, but I scooped it in (a skill that is definitely on my resume) and sat back to watch her reaction. 

A deep chuckle erupted. 

Then an all-out giggle.

Pure elation.

I couldn't shovel the food in quickly enough. 

But this was the face she wore each time we paused for breath: 

The girl likes food. 

And then she yawned.  Drunk on peaches.  I placed her in her crib.  She looked up with drowsy "thank you" eyes, then closed them into sleep.  All disdain dismissed.

Miss Mae

I thought for sure I'd be using my camera daily after having this little one.  But somehow months have passed and it's gathering more dust than data.  So thank you to those who are bugging me for updates on our Azure.  I took these of her this morning.  After she wet through her diaper.  And clothing.  And crib sheet.  And her dad gave her a good bath. It seemed as good {bad?} a time as any. 

Her typically quick smile was elusive and her hands did not want to leave her mouth, but these capture my Miss Mae as she is today. 

She is changing daily.  Her eyes are ever eager to take the world in.  Her tummy is ever hungry.  And her voice ever ready to be heard.  Jim is the best at accomodating that need.  They chat away in the evenings when he gets home.  His worst fear has indeed become Reality.  The girl has charmed us all. 

and one to show how much she's grown..on Davyn's lap..

baby shower cake

I had a hard time letting the little gumpaste shoes go.  I love them so.

And now to clean up the mess.  I would be happy to cake daily IF it didn't have to be at my own house!

p.s. 

Jim laughed when I made this cake last Friday.  And teased that it would never make my blog.  Well, it was delicious (cake mix! store bought frosting!) and I am thoroughly enjoying the Olympic Games.  So here it is!

A Call for IDEAS!

I just got a calling to do the Night Programs at our Stake Girl's Camp.  I know I have oh so many brilliant friends with eons of added up brilliant experience, so I thought I'd send a plea out for Ideas.  What impactful spiritual and fun night programs have you seen done at YW Camp?

OR

do you have any ideas that follow a University theme?  The first night is a Pep Rally, the last night Commencement...

E-mail me! amhend@hotmail.com