“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal

into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our

past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

~Melody Beattie

In the name of gratitude and truthfulness I’ve decided to post a little piece of reality here once a week. Likely just a single picture. See my original post here.

For his first 2.75 years, he was mama’s boy. This week for the first time he pushed me away when he was hurt; he asked for daddy when I tried to help; he announced, “Not you! Daddy do it!” over and over. I know I didn’t do anything wrong, I know I’m not the centre of his world, I know that it’s healthy and part of growing up. I’d like to think I am a bigger person knowing what I do. I’m not. It stings. I feel a little shattered.

But I’m getting over it because that’s growing up. And we’re all doing it (even me).

(Really, I am fine. He let me read his story AND tuck him into bed tonight. I am grateful.)

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If you’d like to join in with a reality check of your own, please add a link or note in the comments!

Hearts are beginning to abound once again in this jay house. Valentine’s Day approaches.

I love this holiday. Not for the romance, the chocolate, or the overpriced greeting cards. I love it because, for me, it comes with no strings attached. Dan and I are very low key when it comes to this holiday. There may be a card (if I request it), occasionally a gift. The only requirement is chocolate fondue – because chocolate fondue needs a date. Other than that, we’re free.

At Christmastime when I’m stressed about last-minute gifts and unsent Christmas cards I actually find myself looking forward to Valentine’s Day. Looking forward to its fun, easy-going nature. We can celebrate however we like – the only rule is that we spread a little love while we’re at it.

Tomorrow we’re putting off our lessons to make some valentines and decorating with hearts.

We’re remembering the love that is always here and celebrating it.

And while we do that, here’s some of the ways we celebrated a year ago:

shiny happy hearts

calendar page envelopes

watercolour hearts and mobile

raspberry swirl lemon loaves

sweet little hair clips

lemon meringue cupcakes

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How about you? Do you get a thrill from the bouquets and chocolate boxes? Or would you rather hide until it’s over?

Despite my very best intentions, these weeks seem to be passing by in a blur with the needles not seeing as much action as I’d like. I carry my knitting around with me, I take it out, I knit in the late evenings when the little people are settled but I don’t feel like anything is flying off my needles.

I did finish the secret hat for Jen. I’ll share a peek after it’s safely in her hands. Other than that I’ve just been knitting a loop now and then for the ring toy(s) – I decided I couldn’t stop at one so I’m doing a couple. The loops are definitely fun and addictive. I’m knitting them in Paton’s Classic Wool – a great yarn to work with, and such a great felter. Beyond that I’m dreaming up an owlie cowl for my little guy; thinking I could come up with a simple enough pattern in his favourite colour, yellow.

As far as reading goes, I’ve been inspired by A Homemade Life. It’s a memoir cookbook by Molly Wizenberg, the author behind Orangette. She writes so well. I love her stories; they are so personable and heartfelt. And the recipes: they beg testing. The problem is I want to try them all – I can’t decide where to begin.

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joining with Ginny for yarn along

Shortly after Mira was born some lovely friends threw us a baby shower. It was such a thoughtful idea (by number six some of the baby items are looking very tired) and very much fun. I felt so honoured by the friendship these beautiful women have shown me. I was awed by the blessings they showered over us.

But before I get too soggy eyed, all this is to say that along with the great conversation, good food, and generous gifts there was a token game. And it was pretty hilarious. It involved melted chocolate bars and diapers. We had to guess which name brand chocolate bar was melted into each diaper, and it managed to turn a room full of woman into five year olds.

It came down to a tie breaker between myself and a friend who also has a houseful; I thought this was suiting as we had changed the most diapers out of the bunch. I don’t eat many name brand chocolate bars these days but I didn’t have any trouble guessing the last one. One peek at the mess of coconut flecked chocolate clumped in the bottom of that diaper and I knew. One whiff and I was tempted to nab a taste. But, no, I resisted and named the bar. The game ended in a tie as the other mama also guessed correctly but I received the extra special prize of bringing the unmelted half of the bar home for later. My special treat.

These macaroons are reminiscent of that bar. Reminiscent but so much better. With or without chocolate – I still haven’t decided which I prefer – they are a perfect sweet bite (or, too often in my case, bites). Chock full of coconut; chewy but not too dry; moist but not soggy. They were the perfect answer for the egg whites I’d frozen after my pudding affair. They were quick enough to throw together after dinner in the mad crazy time before bed. My only complaint is how quickly they disappear – we’d nearly polished off this last batch before I snagged a photo of them.

Oh and the hubby who is iffy about chocolate pudding is also iffy on coconut…But these babies were tossed back with nary a hint of disapproval. That’s a big win in my book.

‘Better than the Real Thing’ Coconut Macaroons

These are the perfect accompaniment to my chocolate pudding recipe – 4 egg whites here and 4 yolks there. I find egg whites freeze very well. If you have leftover egg whites after making ice cream or custard but don’t have the time to whip up some macaroons they can be frozen in a mason jar or zip-top bag until needed. Just thaw in the fridge when you are ready to use them.

4 egg whites

1/4 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp honey

1/4 tsp salt

2 1/2 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut

high quality chocolate, melted, if desired

Add all ingredients to a skillet and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula. Heat over medium heat for 10 minutes or so – until the mixture begins to brown in certain spots (do not wait for the entire mixture to brown*). Remove the mixture to a bowl to cool.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Once the mixture is cool to the touch roll into 1 inch balls, and place on a parchment covered baking sheet. I find rubbing a little coconut oil over the palms of my hands makes this step less messy. Pop the macaroons into the oven for 15-20 minutes until the are evenly browned.

For added decadence drizzle or dip into melted chocolate. Or don’t. They’re amazing either way.

*I’ve gone too far waiting for browning and ended up with macaroons that were, while still delicious, a little hard on the tooth.

Such a quick and delicious treat!