Of course there are many versions of the story but the one we just read came with a recipe – now that’s just brilliant!

Here’s a Gingerbread recipe from the Food Network:

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly milled black pepper
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 large egg

For the complete recipe including baking directions visit Gingerbread Cookies 101 on The Food Network.

Her latest quest is to figure out how to make slime. In fact, she asked me to go on my computer and look it up. About.com had a video complete with the ingredients and steps needed to make an opaque or translucent concoction.

You can check it out here.

So, in addition to decorating Halloween cookies, this weekend’s craft is all about ooey gooey slime.

The only draw back is that it is more expensive and to the best of my knowledge there is no generic Walmart brand (although I won’t stop looking).

I’ve even made a power breakfast out of it by adding it as a spread on my homemade healthy banana muffins. Now that’s good eating.

In fact, I play the cd in my car even when she’s not riding with me (shhhh! – that’s our little secret). My favorite track is #6 – She’s so gone. I like that song so much because it’s about releasing insecurities and growing into your own – a great lesson at any age. After that song, my next favorite is Breakthrough. It’s very upbeat and a great work out song.

Don’t worry I am always a few steps away if not right by his side. I usually put him there when he’s had enough of the swing and I need to get dressed. I’ve also done it when I need to work on the computer and cannot hold him. In that case I sit an arm’s length away from his pillow fortress.

Low and behold, one day during a stroll in Babies R Us, I came across the Bumbo Baby Seat. At first glance, I was smitten. It was as if the heavens opened up and the angels started singing. I purchased it and it’s accompanying tray. When I got home, I put CJ in it (on the floor – as directed) and I sat next to him. He loved it! He stayed in it for quite some time as the family walked to and fro.

I’ve noticed that he tends to enjoy it more when there are others on the floor with him – even if it’s the dog. He’s not picky when it comes to companionship. Working on the floor’s no biggy with me….whatever it takes to keep the peace!

When getting him dressed for church recently, the outfit just didn’t seem complete without some baby sized dockers. We’ve received several pairs of really cute baby shoes as gifts but this kid just doesn’t think they are necessary. I even enlisted my 5 year old daughter to help with the cause but my son’s persistence prevailed until both she and I gave up in frustration.

If he’s anything like his sister (who started walking at 7 months) he’s only got about a month left of that “No shoes for me!” mentality before we’ll have to glue them to his feet -socks and all.

Either way, they’re the next best thing to having a real S’more. As I write this, I am wondering what two words form the contraction “S’more”?

Fast forward five minutes later….

S’more appears to be a contraction of the phrase, “some more.”

Thanks Wikipedia.

The Emerald Breakfast on the Go packs are also great to keep in your glove compartment, purse or diaper bag as an emergency snack (for yourself of course). They do contain nuts so they are not recommended for small children.

Truth is … the bigger home may be 5 or more years down the road so why not decorate our cozy townhouse NOW!

I purchased a flag pole this weekend because nothing screams “This house is decorated!” more than a Welcome Fall house flag.

We typically use space heaters instead of bumping up the thermostat that controls the heat throughout the entire house. This way whatever room we congregate in is nice and cozy and it saves money overall.

These would also be great for a fall twist on Smores.

I know. I know. You are probably only used to having Peeps in the Spring as little Easter chicks but give it a chance and try something new. Pumpkin Peeps may end up being your knew thing.