New York Crumb Cake...

I love Cake. I also really like crumbs. So eating the two together just seemed natural to me :) This crumb cake is a Martha Stewart recipe and happens to be the first Martha recipe I have ever made. This seems really odd to me that up until now I hadn't even looked at one of her recipes. You would think, being the domestic diva that she is, I would have at least rummaged through her extensive recipe box! Do you think I could find a way to squeeze one more "recipe" into this paragraph?

Anyways back to the Crumb Cake. I am not a native New Yorker nor have I ever been to New York. So I am in no way an expert on judging a real New York Crumb Cake. However I figured Martha had to know what she was talking about. Right? Well I was not disappointed! It wasn't too sweet and had the perfect amount of Crumb on top for me. The only thing I will do different next time is add a little more cinnamon. I like my crumbs to be extra cinnamony :) This would pair nicely with a cup of black coffee and would also be a nice a.m. treat for overnight guests.

New York Crumb Cake

2 Tablespoons canola oil

4 cups flour ; divided

1/2 cup sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 sticks butter, melted and cooled

confectioners’ sugar

Whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and set aside. In a large bowl wish together the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and mix until it just comes together. Grease a 9x13 pan. Spread battler evenly and set aside. Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups of flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a bowl and whisk. Add the melted butter and mix until it forms large crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the batter. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 20 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. When the cake has cooled all the way sprinkle with confectioners sugar. YUM

To My Father's....

I have a Dad. A pretty great Dad! A Dad who took me to Handy Andy's on the way home every weekend he had me, and let me pick out a squeeze-it and a toy off the rack. A Dad who ALWAYS wanted to take me along with him on hunting and fishing trips. A Dad who was crazy enough to let me shoot his guns and drive his truck on the mountain roads. A Dad who gave me 2 amazing and gentle Brothers whom I love and love me dearly. A Dad who always made me feel like I was the most special little girl in the world!

I have another Dad. One I was blessed with when I married T. He's only been in my life for 8 years but has gone above and beyond to help out our family in any way he can. He is a true Man's man with a kind heart. I can't say enough kind words about him.

I also have a "Friend Dad". I think that's a good way to describe him. He's not so much in my life in the physical anymore but he does a heck of a job being there for me in voice. Someone I can ALWAYS count on to be there to listen to me. When I need to cry, or vent, or just want to talk to someone. He gives the best " makes most sense for me" advice and he always makes me smile. In fact just seeing his name on my phone makes me happy!

Last but certainly not least. I have a Husband. One I am incredibly proud of. He works so hard for our family and doesn't get nearly as much thanks as he deserves. He gets up with the kids in morning 99% of the time. Not because he wants to but because he knows that I am s l o w going in the A.M. . I don't know too many Dad's that do that! ( The 1% that I get up with them is on "his" holidays and when he has to work overnight at the beach. Pathetic I know! )He is the perfect Father to our 3 babes. He always takes time to just be in the moment with them. Whether its playing outside, or laying on the floor picking teams with K. That is something I admire about him and need to do some work on :) I don't think I could put into words all the great things about him but I thank God for him every day!

These are just a few of the Great "Father's" in my life. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing men. I hope you all had the best day ever!

An Apple A Day....

....Keeps the Doctor away. If only it were true for these "Apples"! Thursday was the last day of preschool this year for K and also his "Under the Sea" party. We spent most of the day on Wednesday making "Apple" Cupcakes for his Awesome Teachers. I was really surprised at how well they turned out. They were also really easy. I got the idea from this book> http://www.hellocupcakebook.com/. The one I have is actually the second book, "Whats New Cupcake". I absolutely adore every single page in this book. For anyone who loves cupcakes, it's a must have!

We went with the apples because, well, they just seemed appropriate. J the bus driver also got a box of them.

We went to Michael's and bought cupcake boxes and some red ribbon with white polka dots to finish them off.

I have to say...I think when all was said and done they turned out purty darn cute. In a homemade amateur sorta way ;)

The Theme for the preschool party was "Under the Sea". We watched a slide show. Then the kids sang "water inspired" songs in there cap and gowns that they made themselves. Oh so very cute!

After that they gave out awards and farewells to the little ones moving on to kindergarten. K got the "Bravo" award for his new found Independence and improved motor skills.

Even though he still has one more year of preschool, before moving on to the real deal, it was bittersweet. He is growing up so quickly and it makes me sad and happy at the same time. I remember when he was a baby and I would wonder what he would be like at 5 years old. It seemed so far away at the time. Well were there now and I love the little almost 5 year old that he's become! He amazes me everyday and I am proud to be able to call myself his Mom :)