These Years

 

I am finding these young teenage years challenging.  Don't get me wrong, she's still as sweet as can be and funny, too.  But friendships are paramount now, and I'm not sure at times where I fit into the scene.  

I provide what she needs and take her where she wants to go.  I fine-tune the logistics and oversee her responsibilities.  She's really in charge of it all, though.  

I tell her often how proud I am of her accomplishments and efforts.  

I miss the days when my job was to keep her safe on the neighborhood playground and hold her in my lap so she would take an afternoon rest.  

I miss being her world.

Happy Valentine's Day

I am celebrating this evening with my bunch.

Michael. Olivia. Aaron. Harry.

We will have heart-shaped pizza and chocolate cupcakes. Harry will have the crumbs, and the dog biscuits that Olivia attached to his valentine.

I hope you all are so fortunate.

Bring the Garden in Friday with Pumpkin Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a nod to the one, very green pumpkin growing in my garden. If it ever turns orange, I'll probably put in on our porch so we can ogle proudly.

In honor of our green pumpkin, I bring your attention to these not-too-sweet, nicely spiced cupcakes. The cake is light, which complements the cream-cheese icing. I omitted the black pepper because I hoped O. would like these, but I imagine it would just add a little more spice.

Originally, this recipe was intended as a layer cake, so you could give that a try if cupcakes aren't right for you. I did get 18 and enjoyed taking a few to A.'s teachers today.

Happy Halloween! My grim reaper and penguin are excited for their school parades. Everyone asks if O. is going to be a princess, and then I give a little awkward laugh and tell them she is going to be the grim reaper. Her costume is a really good, creepy one, too.