Caramel French Toast

Our breakfast this morning, which was a huge hit. And since I am not having any sugar, I didn't take one bite. just had eggs. stuck to my decision. sneaked just a tiny taste. Ahhh. Heavenly! I thought I'd share it with you.

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 c butter

2 T light corn syrup

In a small saucepan, bring these 3 ingred. to a boil. Remove from heat and pour half of caramel mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. Place 6 slices of bread on top of caramel.

Mix together 1/2 c. white sugar with 1/2 t. cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the bread, and then pour the remaining caramel over top. Layer 6 more slices of bread over the caramel.

6 eggs

1 1/2 c. milk

1 t. vanilla

1/2 t. cinnamon

Beat together well and pour over the bread. Sprinkle remaining sugar mixture over all. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the moring, uncover and bake for 30-35 min. at 350*. Enjoy!

Pampers Box Remodel

I always thought that disposable diapers come in such fantastic, heavy-duty, strong boxes. So when I saw an idea {on a friend's blog} of how to make them into something useful, I tucked the idea into the back of my brain, and began saving those boxes. That was months ago.

Then the other day I was flipping through my scrapbooking paper stash, and inspiration hit. I grabbed a couple of those boxes, chose some complementing sheets of paper, and started creating.

Now I'm thinking of about a dozen places for more! The bathroom closet shelf that currently holds 128 various tubes and bottles of lotion, toothpaste, baby rash ointment, hair gel, and tylenol. The under-the-sink shelf that has an odd assortment of scrubbies, scrapers, dish soaps, steel wool, and vegetable brushes. Or even the girls' dresser with their dozens of pairs of socks and panties and tights!

What would you put in yours?

February Ramblings ....

~~ It is truly sad how far down the list of priorities this blog has slid. slidden? fallen. I do think of the most delightful ideas to post, but actually getting them typed out, well, that's another story. But I keep reading these other super cool blogs, and love it, so I'm reminded to at least make an effort.


~~ This past week has been a long string of caring for sick little ones. Monday the littlest man wouldn't eat, slept all day, and coughed horribly. I was pretty sure he had RSV. Tuesday the Dr. diagnosed him with RSV and started steroids and breathing treatments. Friday morning at 5 I was laying in bed listening to his gaspy breathing and my heart kinda dropped. I knew he had pneumonia. So off we went to the ER. After lots of tears, blood work, x-rays and more, they confirmed RSV and pneumonia. Added one more med to the mix, and wow, what a difference! Today I have my cheerful, smiley baby back, who is playing with his toes and trying to roll over onto his fat, pudgy little tummy. I am so thankful!!

~~ Tomorrow is one week since we are back from our 2-week trip out east. Lots of fun and good memories, a wedding, and meeting new friends.  But the highlight was the week at a cabin with the Gehman family. Wow. How I do love & cherish my siblings!! I feel sorry for those who have no/very few siblings. There is just nothing like spending time with people who understand all your weird quirks, love you just because you're you, and share the same history and perspective on life. We ate delicious food, changed diapers, played games, fed babies, watched movies, rocked babies, played ping pong, mixed up bottles, sang hymns in 4-part harmony {love that tradition!}, nursed babies, and laughed until the tears rolled down our faces. The only thing missing was : Brothers!

~~ While at the cabin, I was greatly inspired by my sis {namely, the gorgeous Rachel!} to continue my weight loss attempts. She lost 40 lbs in the last few months, and looks sooooo good. I always feel kind of "stuck" while nursing a baby, because to a certain degree I have to eat fairly well or I quickly lose my milk supply. But I am so tired of my own lame excuses, and so together with my mom & another sis, we decided to give up all sugar and flour for 3 weeks and see what happens. At only 3 days into this venture, I am already amazed at how much there still is to choose from, and I barely feel cheated at all. Plus, it inspires me to cook healthier for the whole family. And the sweet side note - 5 lbs down in three days feels pretty good too.

~~ Valentines Day is fast approaching. I suppose I should be a model mother and have a splashy meal all planned for all the kiddoes complete with pink heart-shaped jello molds and red strawberries dipped in chocolate. But alas, I must be honest and report that we planned a pizza party for the young crew with the most excellent baby sitter ever, and Mr. Handsome is scheming for a double date with some good friends at a fancy restaurant. I can't wait.

~~ My time in the evenings between all-the-children-are-asleep and I-really-need-to-go-to-bed is much too short. So I will run along now and get some goal charts ready for Monday morning's back-to-school schedule. Til next time,
~Lou