Goodbye Tree...

Today my next door neighbor is having her lovely tree cut down. It is already kinda rainy and trees being cut down makes me feel some sense of loss. I seem to feel some devotion to growing things and I feel sad when they are destroyed. Duncan seems fascinated with the whole production. He is just standing at the front door watching the process of taking down the beautiful tree. I really don't know the purpose of getting rid of it... it is not dying or anything.... oh well. So sad... Well, this has been the focus of our day. I think I am being a little too dramatic about the ordeal... but what is new, right? :o) Duncan is now ready for his nap, and I think they are about finished outside.

Many faces of Duncan....

I have accumulated some pictures of some events over the past few weeks, so I am cramming them all onto one post. Enjoy!

Spaghetti Face . . .
We visited Civil War Days a couple of weekends ago at the Chesapeake Central Library. We got there a little late and they were closing down early because a hurricane was supposed to move in that night. Oh well! Duncan got to ride on the hayride and he loved it. He got upset when we got off. He also got to see a mule. He kept calling it a "dog". :o)
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Banana Cake Recipe

Here is the cake recipe that we used for Duncan's birthday cake. I think it is similar to banana bread ( not too sweet ). I don't even like bananas, but I did enjoy this cake. It's great... no sugar added.

BANANA CAKE

2/3 c. banana, mashed
1/2 c. butter, softened
3 lg. eggs
3/4 c. water
2 c. unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
Optional: 1 c. chopped walnuts OR 1/2 c. chopped walnuts & 1/2 c. raisins

Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch pan. Beat together mashed banana and soft butter until creamy. Beat in water. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until very foamy. Beat into mixture. Blend in flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Beat until smooth. Stir in walnuts or walnuts and raisins, if desired. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool. Serves 8-10.


Also this is the website I found it on. They have some other health conscious cakes as well. Happy baking!

www.grizzlybird.net/2007/01/babys-1st-birthday-cake-recipes.html

Pleasant Memories....

This evening was absolutely beautiful. Brian was working late and Duncan was getting to the time of day when he is a little cranky. So we stepped out onto our deck. It is amazing what effect the outdoors has on children, isn't it? We have a lovely little porch swing on our deck. We sat on the swing swaying back and forth gently, Duncan lounging on my lap, the cool breeze with hints of fall sweeping over us... so wonderful. The sun dipped behind our roof, and provided a glorious backlight to the maple tree in our yard. A squirrel sat on a branch and gnawed on a pinecone. Duncan kept pointing to the squirrel. He is fascinated by creatures. He loves our dog, and is eager to be near any animals. Except for an occasional finger point towards the squirrel, he lay completely relaxed with his little hands crossed. Small moments like these are treasures. This time of year is my favorite. I am so looking forward to the cool autumn days ahead. Cozy evenings around our fireplace.... woohoo! I am so overwhelmed by how much God has blessed me. My husband is so devoted and selfless, my son is an exquisit gift, our wonderful home just two minutes from my parents, and my parents are so supportive and graciously care for Duncan while I make lattes. I am surrouded by GOOD things. When situations present themselves that leave me feeling discourged and out of hope I have to remind myself of how many good things I have. My savior will always be faithful!

First Birthday Party!

Duncan's party was a great success! We sure did have a house full... I think 27 people showed up. Crazy! Duncan had a great time, and he really enjoyed his cake. We made him a banana cake. (it has no sugar added and it is still pretty tasty. Let me know if you want the recipe). By the end, he was a tired mess. Too much excitement for one day. It was extremely hot that day... like 98 degrees give or take a little. Steamy! Poor Brian, out over the grill and all. A great day of fun for Duncan!

Oh how time flies...

Happy 1st Bithday Duncan!!! My baby is growing up. This past year has gone by so quickly. I just want to hit pause so I can enjoy him a little longer at this wonderful stage of his life. I know everyone says it only gets better.... only he won't be my little baby any more. My little Duncan. He is such a character. He loves to laugh and make us laugh. He has just started walking this week. Still pretty unsteady but he seems determined. He loves our dog, Winnie. His first word was "gog" . She will be stretched out on the floor and he will go lay his head on her, spread his arms out, and pat her with his hand. Luckily, Winnie, although still a little unsure, will just lay still. He is a very loving little boy. He loves giving hugs. He does it all the time and with whoever is around. We had one of his little friends over the other day to play. Her name is Savanna, and she is about a month older than the Boy. He was just staring at her, touching her hair, and hugging her head. Poor Savanna! Her mom, Christy, and I were dying laughing. He loves playing with his soccer ball. And he is always finding an opportunity to play peekaboo. Everyday is a joy and I feel a privilege to have this little guy as my son. I know you hear this, but until I actually had Duncan, I never thought I could love anything as much. When I think about this it makes me cry everytime. If I had to pick one character trait for Duncan to be strongest in, it would have to be wisdom. I pray everyday that the Lord would make him a wise man in every area of his life. I can't believe that I am a mom, and he is my son. It is better than I could have ever imagined. I am truly blessed.


click on image to make it larger :o)