Monday, January 26, 2015

GIVE ME SOME SUGAR!!




So just as I ease back and make up my mind that I have to put on a positive face and support her in all she does, she starts to confide in me that she is worried about money, worried about her apartment-mates, well, all sorts of nagging worries.  Abby is a thinker.  She's disciplined and hard working.  But as the baby, she's been pampered far longer and much more than the rest of my kids.   I want her to be prepared.  I want to buffer her against all the hard knocks.  I want her to have a can opener.  



So, I did good...7 dozen cookies.  I got smart and used a small round cookie cutter in addition to the heart shaped one which was so big!  Ha!  And I decorated a few without the melted white chocolate.  Again, you can find the link to this really great sugar cookie recipe here



Saturday I demanded he take me out to dinner after all of the cooking and baking I had been doing.  He totally agreed and I'm sure it was because we had a Christmas gift card for an Italian restaurant nearby.  As I was getting ready that night, he bounded into the bedroom in his jogging pants, a zip up athletic jacket and his ear buds around his neck.  Jogging in place he said, "I thought I'd run home from the restaurant!"  Oh, dear God.  The man has lost it.  First of all, I informed him, you can't go into a restaurant dressed like Bruce Jenner from the 1980's.  Secondly, he wouldn't be able to walk much less run after eating the portions they serve at this place.  And thirdly, I wasn't going to try to drive his hot shot, recently bought, two year old Mercedes home when I've never driven it before, never will and don't even know how to get the key in the ignition (I never learned to drive the two seater "Spider" either).  He can have his fancy cars.  Well, his face fell a bit and he went to change.  The man is insufferable.  

Me, I'm going to go back to the gym as well, honestly.  I have to bide my time, with his joining and having to pay 3 months at a time...well, I'll work that into the budget later this week! ;-)  I did promise myself that if it was over 30 degrees today, I would take a long walk outside.  I awoke and grabbed my phone to check the temps.  28 degrees.  Saved!! 





  



Joining Tweak It Tuesday with Brenda at Cozy Little House

Jane x



50 comments:

Susie said...

Blondie, Your Emily is a beauty. I hope she does very well with her new place. The cookies turned out well. Blessings to all, xoxo,Susie

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Your daughter is a beauty Jane! Your cookies turned out great... wish I could have reached in to grab one lol! The snow has started the kids already know school is closed tomorrow and possibly Wednesday too:-)

20 North Ora said...

Jane - your daughter is precious. So cute! Your cookies look great.

Stay warm.

Judy

Debby said...

Your so funny. The story about your husband, hah. He must not read your blog. I noticed a new picture of you on your side bar. You look really good. I can see the weight loss.
Your daughter is really adorable. I like her brown eyes.
That's a lot of cookies.
It is hard when they leave. Maybe she will find a place closer or stay at home til she is ready.
We had lots of snow last night and more coming but nothing like the east coast.
Stay warm.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...


Jane. the cookies look wonderful = I sure could eat about 6 of those, but being on my diet, I can't. The Dr was very please with my progress today - she said I was doing great and that she could tell that I am loosing weight. Yea Yea.
I thought I would die when my son got married and moved out. I was so lonely, threw myself into my job. Finally got used to him not being here. But, when they moved up north I really was heart broken. So I know how you feel. Give her time she will probably be back.
It's so funny that your husband is doing all that training to loose weight and be ready for that hike.
Men are so funny.
Enjoyed your post/ Take care of your self and stay warm. I feel so sorry for those people on the East Coast, normally the Mid-west gets the bad weather.
Have a great week Jane.
Mary






Brenda Pruitt said...

Jane, you are SO funny. You manage to make me laugh a lot when I come here. Daughter Emily is adorable, and she does have chocolate chip eyes! My ex had an Audi, and he was always trying to get me to drive it and I wouldn't. The you-know-who couldn't wait to drive it!
Brenda

Betsy Brock said...

So...if you're all being so healthy, who ate all those cookies? :)

Your husband cracks me up....Bruce Jenner. lol....

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh I totally enjoyed this post - and you aren't alone when your baby leaves you! MY baby left me 2000 miles away! I about died, seriously, it was entirely too far away.

But after 7 years of realizing she was never going to get ahead for the cost of living in southern Cali, she finally came back. And boy oh BOY is she doing well.

I hope all the best for your pretty Chocolate Chip Eyes girl. She is precious.

And so are those cookies. Yum.

JoAnne said...

I don't think we ever stop worrying about our kids. My son (my oldest) is a Junior in high school and just starting the college search. It's going to be really hard for me to leave him there when the time comes. Your cookies look so good - I'm going to have to try your recipe sometime.

Wanda said...

Yummy looking cookies. Emily is a darling.

I like to watch movies while I iron...yes...I do still iron. Not a lot..but some.

Jenny S. said...

I want so bad to start walking on my treadmill and have told myself to..but...I have'nt yet because... it's upstairs.. ha ha...Who am I kidding?

bj said...

Emily is sooo pretty.
Love your cookies...
Ya'll snuggle and stay warm.

Sonia said...

Your post made me hungry! Those cookies and the pizza your daughter made. Yum! BTW your daughter is gorgeous..her eyes are like chocolate chips! Love the story of your hubbie...mine too I must confess will start out of the house after he changes from his professional attire into some gawd awful stuff. That's why they have us! LOL! Stay warm!
Miss Bloomers

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I keep watching the weather map to see where the storm is and pray that they are wrong like they have been for here a couple of times. I always enjoy you stopping by my blog. For only warm cookies and a cup of hot tea or chocolate, while I read blogs. Does your hubby's gym have a family plan? Our y has a family plan, only problem is the new one close to me, their sprinkler system went off flooding the place. It hadn't even hardly opened. I know you are anxious for that new little one to spoil. It doesn't have to be your youngest to leave. I think we all feel sad when our kids leave home. I know when my son was in the service. I would cried everytime he got on the plane to go back after being home on leave. It is a mom thing. Take care Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley

Melanie said...

I know how hard it is to have your "baby" move out, but Abby will be just fine. I was worried about Tim when he moved out 1-1/2 years ago - he had never been on his own and was a bit spoiled - but he did, and is still doing, well. It's a great learning and growing up experience for them. He has even said to me a few times when I ask him about how he's going to handle a certain situation - "Don't worry, Mom. I'll figure it out." It's not easy living with roommates, especially a few of them...Tim sure has had some "interesting" experiences with some of his! But again, another learning experience. Living with health nuts...ha ha, I'm a health nut myself and so is Brian. Love the picture of Emily; she has such beautiful eyes.

Maggie said...

As always I've enjoyed my catch up gossip with you this morning, dear friend. The cookies look fab, even though they're not something I usually bake I will check out the recipe for sure. Hoping Abby makes the choice that's best for her by listening to her wise Mama.Love the going out for dinner story, I can just picture the look on your face when DH came out dressed like that!
Stay warm & safe,
Maggie x

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Jane,

Your family is obviously so very close to your heart. Thus comes across so powerfully in this post.

How right you are that a good job done as a parent is to enable your children to fly higher than you ever did. But, we know from our experience as teachers that children in the same family can turn out very differently. They are, in the end, individuals in their own right. So, Abby and Emily are clearly making their own very different ways in life. But, what is so good is that you are prepared to give unconditional love to your children whatever they may decide. That is wonderful.

Meanwhile, we know that with such good home cooking available, your children and their families will always be beating a path to your door! And, so would we!

Unknown said...

Beautiful Emily!! I need to get up off my sofa and walk!! Exercise would help most of my ailments, but I lack the motivation to do it on a regular basis! :(

Have a great day!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Haha, I had to laugh reading the part about your husband. I have been very bad this week. My husband was off and painting, so I didn't go to the gym just to be around to help if/when needed. I should have just gone. It's only for a half hour anyway and the gym is only 5 minutes away. I guess "any excuse"! : )

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I make the same deals with myself about walking in the cold weather. I will walk in the high 20's though, especially if it's sunny. Looks like I'm walking today :-)

primrosesattic said...

My daughter is at Uni 2nd year and I still get texts in the middle of the night, happy sad, disappointed, having a fab time anything. When I drop her off I still have a secret little cry.
Need to get fit here, Lots more dog walking but have flu at the moment. Take care.
Rosezeeta.

Theresa said...

My Daughter moved out on her own and it was very hard, then she moved back and it was very hard, then she moved out and it was very hard... Yes, my heart missed her terribly over and over! That was MANY years ago and I still remember how that felt! Then my Granddaughter moved away to college and I miss her terribly! It isn't easy to let them test their wings! Those cookies look SO yummy! Enjoy your day! HUGS!

Lulu said...

Is there ever a time when we quit worrying about our kids? When they are adults, it's just a little harder not to be involved in their decision making. Love the image of your husband running home after dinner. Were you going to pace him? Cookies....I've been yearning for a good cookie for several days and resisting the temptation to bake because I know I'd overeat.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

With the cold weather and snow flakes in the air, Saturday was perfect for baking and watching movies. I did the same thing, but put away much of the dough for later in the week.

Letting the last child go is not easy, but it is good for them to try their wings. Lessons learned through her accomplishments and failures will stay with her forever, and make her a more responsible person.

Julie Marie said...

This was such a darling post Janie, I don't even know where to begin... first off, Emily is adorable!!!... she looks alot like you, only brunette... I have to laugh at the gadget hubby bought that "counts how many times he looks into the refrigerator"!... mine would break if I had one!... I am all for healthy eating, and we DO eat healthy, but I refuse to give up things I love totally... for us anyway, moderation is our key (yes, I have M&M's and Hershey Kisses out right now on the counter!)... I am sure you will miss Abbey when she moves and vice versa... but she is still there for you... and you for her... your sugar cookies look delish by the way... xoxo... Julie Marie

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, always enjoy my visits with you. What a sweetie she is, darling face...yummy sugar cookies, love them with a coffee. Blessings Francine.

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

dear sweet Blondie,
Oh Jane, I am sooo late but can explain and will in an email.
Since I am so late I'm guessing all those adorable sugar cookies have disappeared and my hopes of sinking my teeth and savoring the taste is now not gonna happen!!! OK fine, less calories that way.

Your Abby will always be your baby... Oh how quick they grow and spread their wings. My Gabby wants to get an apartment with her BFF Erica, like I said how quick they spread their wings. You are so blessed that Abby is a thinker.

Emily is adorable, love her selfie. OMGosh her pizza like a total YUM.

The impending blizzard for Philadelphia yesterday with us being at the tail end of the storm was measured in mere inches .... But Long Island, CT and MA were hit severly. Old man winter can be fierce.

XOXO,
Vera







Marigene said...

Jane, your Emily is a beautiful young lady. She has gorgeous eyes.
We are having a few days of warm, sunny weather this week, but snow flurries for Sunday! I will be so happy when spring arrives.
Have a great week.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Emily is beautiful...such gorgeous dark hair and eyes! Your cookies look tasty too, Jane...the small rounds would be perfect with my tea!...:)JP

Terri Steffes said...

I think your daughter is a beauty. I am the only brown eyed kid in my family. Must have been some recessive brown eyed gene somewhere. I married a blue eye and have a blue eye daughter. When I see a beautiful browned eyed girl, I gasp! I can tell you I gasped loudly! Fun post, my dear!!

Stacey said...

Your description of your husband cracked me up. My son has a Fitbit and it really does motivate him. He loves to get all the statistics from it.

Now what are you doing with all the zillions of cookies? I missed that part. They sure are pretty and delicious, I'm sure.

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Jane,
I was just making sugar cut out heart cookies today myself. Love the smell of the house with the cookies baking. Now if I can just keep my hands off them lol!
Emily is so so cute with her selfie and sweet to bout. I loved meeting her with you last year. Stay warm.
Kris

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

So many things in this post made me glad I remembered to put my light days on. ;). Bruce Jenner from the 80's! I guess it's better than Bruce now, or your hubby would be wearing a bra and sneakers with heels.

Emily does indeed have beautiful eyes. I bet she was a gorgeous baby too. Did you know the eyes are the only part of our bodies that don't grow any bigger after birth?

I was hungry when I started reading this post, now I'm ready to rip off my arm and have at it. Or maybe I'll just make dinner instead...

XXX

susan said...

I chuckled when I read about your husband. My husband goes to the gym 3 times a week and runs every day. I like to walk - more my speed. Your cookies look delicious - who's going to eat them all?

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
Oh yes...those babies are hard to let go. Just thank goodness she is only moving a short distance away. Mine lives across the bay from me and about 25 minutes away and I feel very thankful for that.

Blessings,
Linda

Kathleen said...

Yes, it is difficult to let our babies leave the nest.
When our daughter left home to work at the Pentagon, she asked me if I had any 'words of wisdom" to share.
I just told her
"Spread your wings - not your legs."
She was rather shocked at the time, but apparently
heeded my words, as she was entitled to wear white at her wedding ( at the age of 27).

Kelly said...

I have laughed at so many things you said in this post. You are so funny! I loved the story of your husband wanting to run home from the restaurant and even dressing for the occasion! I wouldn't walk for exercise outside if it was even 30 or 40 degrees! I'm not used to being outside for a long time in those temps. that's probably warm to you though. LOL! the cookies you made look yummy and even pretty. I wish I was a kid again and could eat whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted. Never had to worry about weight back then. Not so anymore! I loved your story about the can opener too. I can relate to your sadness when your daughter left for school when my son went away to boot camp and I cried like a grieving mother after his room was quiet. It was awful! Hopefully, that helped prepare me for when the real day comes that he moves out. He is 21 and in college, but I know that day will come! I dread it really. My youngest is babied a lot too. I forsee him staying with us the longest. He still has a lot of growing up to do.

Poppy said...

'Sugar and spice and everything nice; that's what little girls are made of', like your Emily, who is a pretty sweetheart! Your crunchy cookies are TOO cute; kudos to you for this sweet contribution!

Well, you know my daughter has been living all the way across the pond for two years now, and I miss her SO much, despite the fact that we talk every day and Skype here and there. I don't think I can continue like this for much longer, and thus, some decisions have to be made about relocating, but it's not as simple as that, having the house here, etc.

Wishing you a wonderfully (not TOO) warm, Wednesday, Jane!;))

xo
Poppy

Decor To Adore said...

Chocolate eyes is truly darling! I love that the cookies are half dipped.

Have a beautiful day!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Emily sure is a beauty! Love her cute hair too! Do I spy some Skinny Cow treats in Emily's basket? I buy them all the time. So good! Girl, you're cracking me up with your 28 degree weather and how you were "saved!" So funny! Your sugar cookies sure look good. I'm going to have to make some soon.

Leslie said...

My oldest daughter moved out 2 years ago.. and came home a month later!! : ) she says that she's never leaving ... while my 16 year old says that she can't wait to move out. lol.
Your daughter is gorgeous! Love those eyes.
I cancelled my trainer twice last week.. the weather was iffy. ( that's my excuse) I know he's gonna take it out on me with those stupid lunges on Friday! : )

Have a wonderful thursday

Mary said...

Lovely post Jane, full of sweetness - the girls and the cookies!
I hope A doesn't read this one, haha!
Give him my hug - one for you too.
We think of you guys often.
Love, Mary

Bluebird49 said...

Oh darling Jane! I've missed hearing from you--and the great post you wrote was like a letter to me, and everyone else! I know you've been in a quandary about your baby moving--it's a big step. It seems our kids can't benefit from our own experiences! Must spread their wings..and you know I've been there, too.

Emily's eyes are beautiful and she's a beauty! Seems she's lost weight already. Wow--Jeff really put the pressure on the guys with this hike!
I know MC must be suffering w/K having to "shape up", and while she's ready to deliver any time too!

It's so hard to try to help hubby now that he wants to lose weight and shape up, after retiring 6 years ago--and not doing anything but sitting and eating! Yet--the burden is on me to "figure it out!" I told my dil he was driving me mad, that I may have to move in with them. lol Honestly, just because he's going to eat a turkey sandwich on whole grain, with mustard -- instead of baloney % cheese with mayo, why has he lost the capability to fix it himself? It's a sandwich, for heaven's sake. If he ever bounds into our house in workout clothes--well, I will have to be rushed to the ER!
Oh, this post was so perfect to read today, though belatedly. I needed this smile. We've lost another dear cousin this week, and it has been another blow along with a flurry of calls, visiting, preparing "funeral food", and shopping for a warm coat I might wear without emptying our little savings! (Could not find one in "tiny town"--and got worn out, and aggravate, looking!) I'll..do something, hopefully not freeze! Today we're taking food, visitation Fri. night, funeral Saturday. Please send me some energy, dear--just for the onslaught of the weekend. Of course, you'll need it for your own!
The cookies...the pizza--both beautiful and making me crave sugar---(or "the devil", rather!) Is everyone on a health kick this year?
Write when you can--cannot wait for your birthday post! Wishing you a very Happy Birthday a tad early, dear friend!
xxx Trudy

Low Tide High Style said...

First off, I'm jealous of your hunter boots and boot socks! ;) Sounds like everyone in your life is on the get fit bandwagon for the new year...good deal! Your daughter is so beautiful, and I think she looks just like you but with dark hair! Wishing your baby luck as she ventures out on her own!

xo Kat

Art and Sand said...

Letting go and questioning whether your kids are making the right decisions is so difficult.

I pinned the cookie recipe. I am always looking for the perfect sugar cookie recipe. But, no flour in our house. Our son is getting married in less than 6 months and I do not want to look like the Goodyear Blimp in the photos.

Linda said...

I loved your entire post and chuckled and smiled all the way through. That photo of Emily is heart stopping beautiful!!!! Better keep her close to home to avoid the multitudes mobbing her!!! Those eyes!!!

Stonecropsister said...

Omg Jane, i laughed out loud at least twice during the reading of this post, the description of husband dressed to jog home from restaurant is priceless. It must have been lovely to have your daughter hang around, eat cookies and watch movies. those are my favorite times too when my daughter and I spend time like that. I feel for you with upcoming departure in March. It's so hard to handle, such great sadness, no way to get through it other than to go through it. Not much comfort I know.... xx Nancy

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Jane, Your daughter is just gorgeous!! Her eyes are just beautiful! I think I have to make some cookies for Super Bowl this weekend! Yours look delicious!!
Hugs,
Jody

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Those cookies look mighty fine to me. So perfectly baked.

Kudos to your husband for getting in shape. Best wishes, Tammy

podso said...

I'm trying to picture your husband running home after a big meal at a restaurant. He means well though. Your cookies look good! You are always up to something! Your daughter takes a good selfie. You will have to tell us what Abby ends up doing.