I love TBT on Instagram. Perhaps because I get a chance to go back through archives of endless pictures and pick one to share that people may not have seen. On Facebook, however, I saw a friend say, "If you didn't get the pictures developed at Walmart, I'm not sure I'm ok with #tbt."

Perhaps a valid point, perhaps not. I feel like it completely depends. I mean, why should all my throw backs have to be when I was 18 and younger? I feel like even the tiniest throw back with Michael can make me tear up, or thinking about marriage before the baby, or when Clark and I were dating... the back-tracking continues.

Anyway, since I have such a love for it-- I thought I'd start sharing on here!


This is Michael last June during one of his first real romps in the grass, wearing one of Dada's old hats (backwards, of course)!

What's your opinion of #tbt? Share a link if you have one on your site!

This is one of my absolute FAVORITE dinners. I'm not sure why. Clark liked it maybe the first two times I made it. After that he got rather tired of it. Probably because I wanted to make it ALL. THE. TIME.

I'm not sure why I haven't shared this with you before. I adapted this recipe from the Cook Yourself Thin cookbook. Make sure to check out the original! The cookbook has some awesome adaptations and recipes in it.


Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground white turkey meat (you can also use ground chicken, I suspect)
- 5 to 8 oz fresh or frozen spinach
*Pictured is made with frozen spinach, but I typically use fresh. I just had the frozen so I thought I'd try it-- and it worked wonderfully!*
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 to 1/2 C bread crumbs (whole wheat to keep it healthy!)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1/8 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 to 2 tsp tabasco or hot sauce

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 375. Prepare a cookie sheet by spraying with cooking spray/coating with olive oil.
- In a medium sauce pan, heat your olive oil. Add your onion and sautee until soft and golden, about five minutes.
- Add your spinach and saute until wilted, about 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
*If you are using frozen (that's been thawed), it's clearly already wilted. Just toss it in there and saute it for a few seconds to let it soak up some flavor, but it doesn't need to be in the pan quite as long as fresh spinach.*
- Place mixture in a large mixing bowl with the turkey, bread crumbs, egg, and spices. Mix together just enough until it's combined, but don't over-do it!

- Use 1/3 to 1 C to scoop mixture, level it, and then flip the cup upside down onto the tray to get an even amount per loaf.
*I used 1/3 C and got about 5-6 loaves, I believe, but you can make them bigger if you have less people!*

- Cook for 30 minutes. During this time, make your sauce/glaze.
- Brush the loaves with the sauce at the 30 minute mark, and then put them in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. If they start to really burn around the edges, remove them.


These go great with roasted veggies or asparagus!

Yesterday I spent a good chunk of time just browsing at past blog posts. I realize that lately I haven't exactly been posting regularly. On the contrary, I have found myself avoiding blogging. Why? I asked myself that same question.

I've realized that in the past year or so I was getting caught up. Caught up in the idea that I had to "be the best". Take amazing pictures for everyone to envy. Post amazing recipes for everyone to try and cook. Share amazing stories/devotionals/ideas for everyone to find inspiring. I got caught up in trying to be the super-amazing-mommy-wife-blogger.

I mean, I jumped from having 66 total posts in 2011 to having 212 in 2012. I started really getting a feel for our SLR camera. I started thinking about things like blog posts, and immediately wanting to blog whenever we finished hanging out as a family or I finished cooking or whatever. I was always thinking about the blog.

Then I hit a rough patch. I was so excited for my "25 Days of Christmas" idea, and it ended up pretty much being a sinking ship. I felt so much pressure to get a blog post up every day that my pictures were mediocre, some of my grammar atrocious, the the giveaways I had lined up barely had any entries. I was devastated. I mean, I really thought my blog was growing, and then it turned out I really could only count on my friends/family to make it look good when everyone could so clearly see it was drowning.

As 2013 started, I was pretty close to just letting my blog go. Let it slowly die out. Post every now and then when I was excited to share and if there was any new interest shown, but ultimately I was just going to let time run out.

I know, melodramatic. But I got so caught up in the fact that my blog wasn't "perfect". That all these women were making their lives look so wonderful and picture-perfect and I just couldn't keep up.

I told this to a friend, who said my blog was refreshing because it seemed real compared to so many others out there. But I honestly wasn't convinced. If mine's so refreshing, how come I only have 59 followers? When I told another friend about my struggle, and said I may try to simplify, she suggested I find a focus and run with it. I know this is because my blog can be all over the place.

Moving forward...

The past three months of this new year that I proclaimed was going to be "the year", have kind of sucked. Excuse the expression but I find no other way of saying it. I have been struggling more with my eating habits, losing my temper at tiny things, and letting my house go to the point that I'm pretty sure Michael and I got sick from the overwhelming amounts of dog hair, dust, and who knows what else. I haven't been depressed, per say, but I certainly haven't been in the best of places.

What does this have to do with blogging? Let me tell you.

I missed it.

I missed blogging and yet the pressure I was putting on myself for my blog to be perfect was keeping me from it. You may recall the post I did last year about the Super-SAHM. You know, that every stay-at-home-mom these days has to be this all-powerful person and do everything wonderfully and organically and gosh forbid if you use disposable diapers or don't make your own baby food. YES, I am one of those mothers. I made a huge deal about making my own baby food, and love our cloth diapers. BUT I don't think mothers who don't do that are any less of mothers.

A woman in my Bible study who I look up to so much said that she's found that all mothers need to start building each other up as mothers rather than pointing out each others' flaws.

Just because a mom doesn't eat organically, or just because she uses disposable diapers, or just because she makes brownies from a box, or just because she works full time doesn't make her ANY LESS OF A MOTHER. It makes her human. Moms have the hardest jobs of all, and to constantly put each other down or try to out do the other just to appear to be the "better mom" only hurts us-- the women.

Why would we want to do that to each other? Doesn't the world put us down enough in one way or another? Shouldn't we be supporting each other?

What does this have to do with blogging? Let me tell you.

I was letting other women get to me.

Women who I don't even know, who haven't ever said a negative to me or in my general direction, were making me feel inferior. These women who can have family outings and take gorgeous pictures were making me feel self conscious. These women who lost their baby weight in a heart beat and don't struggle with food choices were making me feel like I wanted to eat everything in sight. These women who have kids who are already potty trained (and are Michael's age) or who do constant crafts with their children were making me feel like a failure. These women who work, buy organic foods, have bigger houses, have nicer furniture, have their children in their own beds, are constantly taking outings with friends and family-- were making me feel naive and inadequate, even though I don't know them at all.

All of this was keeping me from blogging. Suddenly I was aware of my mediocre pictures from a point and shoot camera (since our SLR was stolen in November). Suddenly I was aware that I haven't been making the best food choices for me or Michael. Suddenly I was aware that maybe my child already watches too much TV. Suddenly I was aware that I wasn't up to par with all these other women.

And now, I'm aware that it doesn't matter.

I am who I am as a mom. I need to stop holding myself to all these "blogger standards" that may not even really be there and blog because I enjoy it, and blog for those that enjoy what I do. The internet is vast and never ending, so it seems, and the fact that I'm letting all the ridiculousness of the world get to me is, well, ridiculous. We blogging mothers (and mothers/women in general) need to stick together and support one another, no matter our circumstances.

So, whether you're an outstanding photographer or just sport a point-and-shoot, whether you use disposable or cloth diapers, whether you make your own baby food or buy it in the store... you get the idea... I am behind you.

You are awesome.

Remember that.

For more ideas on being an "imperfect mom" check out Jillsavage.org!

I know, the name of the cookie is a mouthful. I just couldn't think of something simpler!

Today is my dearest friend's birthday, who happens to be vegan. So I thought it only appropriate that I share this one today.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter [substitute-- like earth balance], softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 C unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 1/4 C whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup oats (quick or old fashioned)
- 1 C semi sweet chocolate chips [or a vegan substitute

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 350 and prepare a cookie sheet by spraying it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Bear together your butter and sugars.
- Next mix in your vanilla and applesauce.
- Mix in your dry ingredients (except the oats and chocolate chips).
- Fold in your oats and chocolate chips. Do not over mix.
The mix will be a little "flimsy". Not to worry-- your cookies will still be delicious!
- Use a cookie scooper or table spoon and place your dough on your prepared sheet.

- Bake for 11 to 14 minutes until the bottom is golden/brown.
- Let the cookies sit on the pan for 2 to 3 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. If you don't, they will inevitably fall apart. Trust me!
- Let your cookies cool for a good five minutes. They are crumbly, so the longer you let them sit, the firmer they become.


This recipe was adapted from Six Sisters' Stuff.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECCA!

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!

I find it somewhat humorous that our first day of spring is the coldest we've had in the last few days. I mean, we got to 75 Saturday, and right now it's 49.


Needless to say Michael and I have been enjoying the weather. Life is so much easier when we are able to spend most of our day outside. While today we could probably go outside and enjoy it, it's beyond windy and Michael has a very, very runny nose. I think he may have inherited his daddy's allergies. While normally this wouldn't keep us back, he has already had endless amounts of dog hair and who knows what else sticking to his face. I'm being a wimpy mommy and don't want to face the possibility of a face like the following picture (from yesterday), but with snot involved as well.


So, what do you do when you're inside with a toddler and a little beyond stressed because your house is a disaster area? Ummm... bake cookies, of course!

Funfetti [Chocolate Chip] Cookies

Ingredients:

- 1/2 C [1 stick] butter
- 1/2 + 1/8 C sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 C all-purpose, unbleached flour
- 1/8 C whole wheat flour
- 3/8 tsp baking soda [1/4 + 1/8]
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 C sprinkles
- 1/4 C chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 375. Prepare your cookie sheet.
- Beat together your butter and sugar. Add your vanilla and egg white.
- Mix in your flours, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in your sprinkles [and chocolate chips if adding them] with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Use an ice cream or cookie scoop to measure the cookies.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden/brown on the bottom.

*This is a half recipe, and therefor only makes approximately 15 cookies*

For the original recipe, visit Tasty Kitchen.

Hello blogging world! I know, I know. It's been a while. I'm sorry. Sometimes life gets the best of me and it takes all of me to get the laundry done and be the places I need to be. Thank goodness this upcoming week is slow of pace. That means I get to pay more attention here and hopefully catch up!

So, what you're here for. This AH-mazing recipe!

Coffee Cake Muffins

Ingredients:

- 1/2 C brown sugar
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon

- 2/3 C sugar
- 1/4 C butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 C low-fat sour cream
- 2 tbsp water
- 1.5 tsp vanilla
- 1 3/4 C all-purpose, unbleached flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt

- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 400. Prepare your muffin pan with liners and/or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together your brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar together. Add your eggs and mix until well blended.
- Add your sour cream, water, and vanilla.
- Gradually add your flower, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just blended together.
- Take 3 tbsp of your brown sugar/cinnamon mix and put it in another bowl. Pour the remaining into your batter. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix it-- but don't over blend. You want to be able to see your sugar mixture (as pictured).
- Fill your muffin tin with about 1/4 C to each (a little less if possible). Sprinkle brown sugar/cinnamon mixture on top of each muffin (should make around 20 muffins).
- Bake for 25 minutes. Check with a tooth pick to see if it comes out clean with no batter, and go from there if they aren't done after 25 minutes.
- While the muffins are cooling, mix together your powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle over muffins (after they have cooled for at least ten minutes) as evenly as possible.

These are perfect if you have a brunch or morning function to attend and need to bring something to share!

This recipe was adapted from Myrecipes.com

Friday's are always a little bittersweet to me. It's when everyone is available and busy all at once. Of course, as a stay at home mom, there are only so many instances where I'm busy...ha...ha...ha.

Dear Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead,You are awesome. Thank you Mrs. Healthy Ever After for telling me I should watch you. I'm so motivated to start eating better and considering the idea of investing in a juicer. On top of that, you were something to watch on TV that didn't make me feel like I was wasting time.

Dear Baking, I'm sorry to say I think I really need a break from you. I don't WANT to take a break, per-say, but I think for my health and future spring clothing I must. You help keep me calm in stressful situations and prolong my writers block with flare, but I think I'm going to have to take up something else (making vegetables look prettier and therefore appear more appetizing?) so I can really kick-start my 2013 dietary changes... which I was supposed to do two months ago now.

Dear Spring, Thirteen Days to go. You better be here on time.

Dear J Crew Factory, You are making me want spring and summer even more. Could you please stop? I am so torn between some of your wonderful things and Anthropologie's. Of course, since I don't need anything right now, you're making things just bad in general. So... stop being cute.

Have a happy *and wishfully warm* weekend!

The idea for this post came from Ashley over at The Sweet Season.

Michael is 18 months old today! When did this happen? When did the itty-bitty baby we brought home from the hospital who had to have weight checks turn into a booming toddler with an appetite? I would certainly like someone to tell me! I know, I know. This is just the beginning of experiencing how quickly time goes by.



While Michael is still a picky eater, his palate has expanded somewhat. Michael's favorite foods right now are: cheese, Plum squeezable pouches, strawberries, applesauce, and all sorts of bread. I'm trying desperately to get him to eat new things. The other night we tried tomatoes... but no such luck. And, as you may recall from a certain Friday's Letters, his absolute favorite thing is homemade mac&cheese and green beans. At least I know there's one vegetable he'll eat! He has taken an interest in carrots but I still need to figure out the best way to cook them. He really wants them raw, but he's not quite old enough/ready to eat them like that.

Ballons, or "boons" as Michael calls them, are one of Michael's favorite things. The only reason he loves going to the grocery store is because when we first walk in there's a huge
display of balloons. It keeps him happy until we hit the baby aisle and buy a "smoothie" (pouch). The picture is from a day we went to the park and stumbled upon a birthday party coming to an end. Michael ran up and started saying "boons" and the mom was kind enough to give him two of them.

Other new words for Michael: "eh-mo" (Elmo), "bow-balls" (snow balls), "we-ow" (meow), "church" (the "r" gets a little lost but otherwise this one is very clear), "dance"... and I'm sure there are more. He's working on saying "teeth" and "fish" but the "th" and "sh" sounds always seem to come first. It's adorable, but it really seems to be frustrating Michael. I'm hoping he can get it soon (for his sake as much as my own)!

I promise you're really close to the waffle cookie recipe!
Brushing Michael's teeth is the biggest battle. Don't be fooled by this picture. He loves to take the toothbrush, suck off any toothpaste that may be on there, and then slide the toothbrush around his mouth a few times and call that brushing. For whatever reason he hates having the front teeth brushed, so I end up having to "torture" him and do it for him. I'm hoping this will get easier as he gets older.

Although Michael's sleep schedule has been a little off these past few days, he is still napping consistently in his own bed. He even leads me to his bed in extreme circumstances of exhaustion! It's so exciting to me. I haven't started night-time transition because I know it's going to be way harder, but it's coming.

More than anything, Michael loves quality time with his Dada.


Being outside (especially if there's snow).

And... (what you've been waiting for)....

Waffle Cookies


Ingredients:

- 2/3 c flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 c butter, softened
- 1/4 c sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp maple syrup


Directions:

- Cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg, syrup, an vanilla. Gradually add your dry ingredients (you don't have to premix them).
- Heat your waffle iron to the medium to medium-high heat setting. Make sure to coat it with cooking spray or butter every time!
- Drop about 1 tbsp of batter in each "square". Make sure they're semi spread out!
- Cook for about two minutes/ until golden *If they really brown it's ok they're just a little crunchier.*
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or I think I cinnamon/sugar mix would taste good, too!

Easy and super delicious, especially for breakfast/waffle lovers!

Inspiration for this recipe came from Crazy About Cookies! For more Michael updates make sure to watch Friday's Letters.