Lace

I'll never forget the day I found out my mom was pregnant. A little baby basket sat in the middle of our living room, Mom and Dad were all smiles. I instantly hoped for a sister.

9 months later.... I can still hear the phone ring, feel the anticipation......and then the excitement of hearing "it's a girl!".

I couldn't wait to be her big sister, and one day her friend.

She was girly from the start, hardly wearing anything that wasn't pink and frilly (except for that 101 Dalmations outfit that she wore holes in). "Lacey" fit her well........although, today she pulls off camo as well as the boys.

On the surface it may appear that we couldn't be more different, but I have often heard that I remind others of her. It is a true compliment.

It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed, but I love that the 11 year gap between us seems to grow smaller each year. Gone are the days where I dressed her up and carried her on my hip. Now she tells me how to dress, and carries my child on her hip.

I know you are not much for sappy sentiment - that is why it has taken me a while to write this. I've been trying to come up with something funny to say (you're the only girl I know who never wears matching socks.....and still looks good?). But I love that I have the freedom to be me, and you still kinda like me.

Thanks,

Lace.

Happy, happy birthday!!

Valentine

It's never quite as fun to write/read about a holiday after the fact

but

it was such a sweet day..........

my funny valentine

got a valentine from a favorite cousin.

He gasped when he opened it, and played with it the rest of the day.

My grill masters

grilled perfectly

blue cheese burgers and sweet potato fries.

We put the babe to bed, curled up on the couch with molten chocolate cakes (to die for!) and watched our favorite romantic movie......er, well.......our favorite suspense filled show (Lost).

It was the perfect night.

Molten Chocolate Cakes

1/2 cup unsalted butter
5 ounces premium dark chocolate, cut into chunks
3 large eggs
1/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
4 teaspoons flour

4 small ramekins (you can use a muffin pan if you don't have ramekins)

Melt butter and chocolate in a double broiler (or microwave on low, stirring after 30 seconds). Remove from heat. Beat eggs, sugar and salt with a hand mixer in a medium bowl until sugar dissolves. Beat egg mixture into chocolate until smooth. Beat in flour until just combined. (Batter can be made a day ahead and put into fridge!).

Bake at 450 until batter puffs, but center is not set (about 10 min.).

Sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Nine

Crawling, pulling up on anything you can - and occaisionally letting go (only to be suprised to be so quickly looking at the ceiling)

Babbling every waking hour, and understanding more than we know - including "no-no"

Loving music, always banging your head and and hands to the rythm - everything comes to a halt when music is in the air

I am amazed to see my little baby so "big".