(frustrations and) good things

I probably shouldn't be writing this post right now because I'm feeling really frustrated--with typepad, which is still giving me issues with responding to your comments, making me feel very disconnected with all of you. And with firefox who insists on reinstalling every time I open it, and then takes me to some different version that isn't the one I was using before.

And while I'm at, the girls and I are all battling colds--nothing horrible, just not functioning at 100% which results in lack of sleep and lots of sisterly bickering. 

But anyway, focusing on the positive......we had friends over this weekend for dinner. It was so much fun. Lots of good food, lots of laughing, while my kids moved from lap to lap and enjoyed being in the mix of it all--that's one of the perks of being host. Even though I have to work a little more (aka clean to get my house presentable), the actual entertaining part is so much more relaxing and enjoyable for me, when I can have people over to my house. I don't have to worry about my kids breaking things, or climbing on things, or getting too tired to hold it together.

My friend Kate, who came Saturday night is getting ready to take her hobby of  baking to the next level and will be starting classes at the Art Institute in Philly very soon. She sent us an email last week with a list of about ten desserts, asking us to vote on which we wanted her to make. That's my kind of election.

Apparently, you get more votes when you're the hostess because my vote for the Toffee Cheesecake won out. And when I got it out on Sunday to nibble on after lunch, it looked so yummy, I had to take that picture.

I've also been meaning to share this sweet clutch of birds that Molly sent to me a few weeks ago. I absolutely love them, as does my husband, and my children. They'll be roosting in our Christmas tree very soon, and then they'll find their permanent perch somewhere prominent in our home. Molly, thank you so much. Your pottery is on its way. (check out Molly's new work with burlap. Oh my.)

Alright. If I don't stop this now, I worry that a toddler's wandering fingers are going to delete my whole post.

Happy Monday.

Comments

[Sarah Jackson]

Those birds are so great. I have one too and it's perched on my windowsill in the studio. I love it.

I'm in housecleaning mode too, but not because of guests. Just because it's that bad.

[Dad]

Mol - Thanks for the sample of your delicious cheesecake. All I could say while scoffing down my piece (I had to share with M and NA) was WOW!

[amanda o]

i must try my hand at mor birds...i love these!
a

[Elaine]

I've made a few of these birds and never even thought to put them on my Christmas tree! Thanks for the idea. And that cheesecake...I'm drooling.

[Kelly Roberson]

your links aren't working ... to the birds and molly? help.

[molly]

+++++++++++
I think I fixed the links! thanks for pointing it out, kelly!
+++++++++++

[Mama Urchin]

The birds are darling. Should we make plans for getting together over the urchins' holiday break?

[Emma]

Those birds would look great on a Christmas tree, you're lucky to have such a lovely collection of them!

[jessica]

Those birds are great! Could I hop over for a slice of that cheesecake?

[erin]

that molly is a sweet one (as are you). xo.

[molly]

it's so strange to see my creations somewhere else! but good too :) they will be adorable on your tree i'm sure. would you mind sending a piece of cheesecake? please?

[Katers]

Ok, seriously, I spoke with Sam last night and we've decided to hire you as my food photographer!! You make my cheesecake look like something out of a magazine. Lori told me last night at the gym that I was "featured big time" (-her words) on your blog. I did a victory fist pump I was sooo excited! :) And of course you know I love the birds. Sam has started calling us girls the guineas after I told him we each had a color! :) Love ya!

[michelle from wa]

Just a helpful hint for the inconvenience of colds...olive leaf. You can get it in a liquid form or in a capsule. Take it in water or with water and it really helps. I use it all the time with my kids and even my hubby and myself. Olive leaf is anti-viral. I buy mine at Super Supplements, but I bet you could find it in any health food market.

[emily]

that cake looks SO good!

[Mellisa]

I'm not sure what looks better to me...the cheesecake (yum!) or those adorable birds!