Happy Labor Day!!

I just LOVE a good holiday. Especially one that revolves around good food, friends, and family. That's what I think about, when I think about Labor Day. I know that's not the true meaning. But that's how I like to look at it. :)

Today we're going to a BBQ. At my SIL and BIL's home. Ranch really. And we're all pretty excited!! The girls have been talking non-stop about it. Because they get to ride their uncle's ponies.

And me? Well, I've had a smile on my face all morning long. Why? I finally have an excuse to make these yummy "pie cookies." And gosh! I think I might have gotten the sweetest berries of the season. :) Yes, they are pretty wonderful!



I'm off to bake. The girls are taking an early nap. And Mark, well he's napping too! I'm glad that my hard working hubby got the day off. The rest of our day, is going to be of the lazy variety. Something we all desperately need! A

Our Home Smells Like Heaven!!

I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned our weekly "Family Dinners" before. Mark's family has always had "Family Dinners." Always! I'm pretty sure it was his abuelita that started them. The entire family meets on Friday nights. Everyone pitches in, and we enjoy a meal together.

When Mark's abuelita was alive, they were always at her house. Well, almost always. It didn't matter that you had to drive an hour out of town. That's where we went. And even when we were teens, it was a fun place to be.

The guys would practice baseball or their roping. Yes, it was a family activity. They'd also help out with the Ranch. Cleaning, and feeding the animals. Whatever needed to be done. Us gals, we'd cook. And we'd help clean the house. Anything we could do.

These days, the dinners are usually at my in-laws' house. Which is another fun place to be. Again, everyone goes over. Aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands, and tons of kids! From time to time, we also have friends like Lola and her parents there. :)

And every week, we all have a different responsibility. Some to bring the meat for the main dish, some for desserts, maybe a side dish. My MIL likes to do lots of cooking. She usually handles the main dish. And we all help with everything else.

This week, I'm supposed to be taking a dessert. First of all, until an hour ago, I forgot it was Friday. Can we say "Mommy Brain?" Mark sent me a text, "Do we need to take some dessert plates too?" Good thing he remembered!

So I headed to one of my new favorite food blogs. And the first thing I saw, was this Banana Nut Cake. Um, ya! This is what I'm baking.



Beyond the comment, "That cake is just stupid good," I was sold at Banana Nut. Banana Nut Bread was the food I craved the most while pregnant. All 3 times! Heck, who am I fooling, Banana Nut Bread is just a favorite of mine.

A total bonus, I had everything on hand. Being that our family of 5, eats 2+ bundles of bananas a week, I knew I could make this right away. As I type, this cake is baking away. And our home smells amazing! I just hope I don't eat it, before we get to our dinner tonight! :) A

Our School Girl

Today, Miss Elena started Pre-K. Wow! My baby is in school. She wasn't nervous at all. I think I had enough nerves for the both of us! She was so excited when we dropped her off. "Mommy and Daddy I'm going to big girl school. Where grammy works."

Yes, she was over the moon! Weeks ago, we started buying her school supplies. And her little uniforms. But I do say, Elena was most excited over her new backpack and lunchbox. Last night, we packed up her supplies. Making sure her name was on everything. School rules. And we talked about lunch.

My sweet girl asked me to pack a lunch for her, and grammy. Oh, and a little snack for her teacher. Yes, it was quite cute. And this morning, before the girls woke up, and Mark was showering, I started those lunches. I couldn't help myself, I cried. Just a little. Because my baby is not a baby anymore! She's a big girl.

This mommy, might have also packed a little card and some stickers. Elena might have gotten fruit, and a pudding. And I might still have this ache in my heart. But this is a big step for all of us. A big deal!

To celebrate tonight, Mark is grilling up some ribs. And we're having a special "School Dinner." I can't wait, to hear all about my little girl's first day of school! And mommy just might be baking up some sweet treats, for our new school girl.



I'd probably be at the school. Right this minute. If my MIL didn't work there. Along with Mark's aunt. I know that our girl is in good hands. And that we have family members there, if she needs them. I'd probably just make the whole thing, a lot harder. I know that Elena is having a great time. And making lots of good friends. But it still doesn't make this day any easier.

I know this is a necessary step. But this is also the first real big step, to our daughter really growing her "own wings." And that, makes me a little nervous. Because I want to be there, to always protect her. I know, she's only in Pre-K. And is just 4 years old. But I feel like she's grown up too fast for my tastes. A