2.21.2012

paczki, paczki!

after living in cleveland for 6 years, i just recently discovered (and by recent i mean 2 weeks ago) this yummy little treat: paczki.

what the heck is a paczki?  well, some might say it's a jelly doughnut.  but i say it's MORE than just a jelly doughnut!

paczki (pronounced "punch-key" or "poonch-key" depending on where you find your information or who you talk to) is a traditional polish pastry.  they are pieces of dough, shaped into a flattened sphere, deep fried, filled with some sort of fruit or cream filling then sprinkled with powdered sugar.  traditionally, paczki was made in order to use up all the lard, sugar, dairy, eggs and all that sweet, rich stuff in the house, because they were not allowed to consume those things during lent.  paczki day in cleveland (and other large polish communities in the united states) celebrate paczki day on fat tuesday, since it is the day before lent.

now, if you've seen my picture (or met me in person) you know i am not polish.  at all.  BUT, i married into the culture, thanks to my handsome husband.  last week, i had everything planned out to make homemade paczki.  after all, i can make a pretty mean pierogi so surely, paczki wouldn't be too far out of my league.  well, i woke up this morning feeling very behind on things.  and making paczki would just back log all the other stuff i want to do.  so i sent my polish-ish man (he's kind of a mixed breed...though that's not such a bad thing!) along with the kiddos to pick some up at rudy's strudel and bakery.


and did they get the hook up thanks to the generosity of our sweet neighbor, lydia (who also happens to be the baker there).  a dozen paczki and an amazingly delicious looking lady finger.



oh man, was it good.


happy paczki day!

2.15.2012

wordless wednesday::a gathering

the future UN delegation convene to discuss milk preferences and stinky feet...


(countries represented: ethiopia, indonesia, and india)

more wordless wednesday here and here.

2.13.2012

:: 12/12 ::

my dearest, smallest, sweet boy,

yesterday you turned 1 year old.  wow.  even though i tried to enjoy every little moment and find ways to stretch time longer, the past year flew by.  again.

while in some ways you are still a sweet, little baby, you are definitely turning into a more independent little boy (complete with little fits when you don't get your way).  boohoo for mommy.  fortunately, you still love to snuggle and give baby kisses!  and i love how sometimes you'll rest your head on my shoulder.  i will definitely miss that once you are too cool to snuggle with your mama.
much like your older brother, you are beginning to enjoy discovering things.  and by discovering things i mean getting into everything, pulling stuff out and making a big mess.  we are now to the point where the gate at the bottom of the steps has come back up, because if we don't remember to put it up we can find you taking on those steps on your own.
we shared your birthday celebration with our churches 5 year anniversary. 
talk about the biggest 1st birthday party ever.  you were in the company of many, many friends and family.  it was so fun to be able to share in such a big birthday celebration.
 after some much needed beauty sleep, we enjoyed having some family members over for a small celebration of your 1st year of life. 

 there was lots of chocolate to be had, and you definitely didn't say no to that.
you are much loved, baby cash.  and my prayer for you is that you will grow up to be a man who will love God and serve him with all your heart. 

2.08.2012

wordless wednesday::faces

it's not always about the smiles in front of the camera...




more wordless wednesday here and here.
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