Mmmm

If you know me, you know that I have a sweet tooth and I love to bake. Last week I found a link to this recipe for Fudge Revel Bars and decided they would be the perfect treat to make for Father's Day. I thought I would share it with you here as I think they turned out really well. Just be warned, this makes a whole cookie sheet's worth.

Fudge Revel Bars
1 cup butter
2 eggs
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp vanilla
3 cups oats

Fudgey Layer
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 pckg chocolate chips
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt

Cream together the butter, brown sugar and eggs. Add the vanilla, salt, baking soda and flour and mix well. Add the oats and mix well. Press 2/3 of the mixture into a pre-greased cookie sheet.

(My little tip here is to spread it as well as you can, then cut a piece of wax paper lay it on top of the mixture and use your hands to apply a smoothing pressure and continue pressing down the mixture until it fills the pan and reaches all the edges. When you are done, you can carefully lift the wax paper, your hands are not greasy and the mixture should not stick to the wax paper).

To prepare the fudge layer, put the all of the fudge ingredients into a microwave safe bowl, microwave for one minute, then stir. Keep cooking at 30 second increments, stirring, until the mixture has all melted together. Pour over the dough and spread over the complete surface. 'Sprinkle' the rest of the dough over the fudge (I used two spoons to scoop up the dough and place it somewhat randomly on top).

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Let them cool (for as long as you can stand...it might be hard) and enjoy with a glass of milk!

Happy Father's Day!

How does one describe a Father? I know there are many examples all around us and, unfortunately, some of those are far from inspiring. Yet it is such a vitally important role. I see my children and the love they have for their Daddy. He loves them unconditionally, he wants the very best for them, he has sacrificed for them and prayed for them, he encourages them and teaches them, he is present, he is there for them!

Nobody is perfect and I am sure as we reflect on our own childhood, where parents who loved us just as much, still made mistakes, we sometimes wonder what our children will think of the job that we do. When they are parents themselves, then they will of course understand. We love our children, we do what we honestly feel is best and we trust God to take care of the rest.

There are times of exhaustion but also of pride and pure joy. What is better than to see their sweet smiling faces? Sure there are challenges but the rewards far, far outweigh any hardships. To all the fathers out there, do not undervalue the importance of your role in your child's life.To my own father, thank you for the years of friendship.

To my wonderful husband and partner in this parenting journey, thank you for all that you do and all that you are, you continually give above and beyond what most would consider more-than-reasonable and we are eternally grateful. I love you, your children love you, you are amazing!

Happy Father's Day.

52 Week Project - Week 24 {Marin Child Portrait Photographer}

Aaaah summer is in full swing for us. School has been out for three weeks and we have been hiking and playing at parks and going to the beach and meeting with friends. Life is more relaxed and much less structured.

Any time there is water to counteract heat it is a huge bonus, the kids could not be happier. We spent time this week visiting friends and playing in the San Anselmo creek, which my friend's mom's house backs onto. Water, sunshine, shade, friends, snacks...they really make for the best of times.

How is your summer shaping up?

52 Week Project - Week 23

All children should get to experience carefree pleasures that bring simple joy. Blowing dandelions is one of those experiences, that is almost magical. I think I get almost as excited as them, in the same way as blowing bubbles, or the candles on a birthday cake...why is that?

I know that to some they are just an ugly weed, annoying and uncontrollable, but there is something mysterious and alluring about them. The perfect little yellow flower, so bright and happy, which changes into a ball of fluff, strong, yet delicate and irresistible. There is excitement and anticipation as breath is drawn, and then the releasing, of breath and seeds, floating gently away, like parachutes they gently fall, to start a new life. Quite amazing!

Sometimes the simplest things are the most beautiful.

52 Week Project - Week 22

Their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. (Sigh) I love weddings. I always have and always will. Such a day of excitement and the start of a new life as a married couple. I still remember my own wedding day so clearly and the emotions surrounding it, yet somehow now I am a mother, with three small children and fourteen and a half years behind me, as a wife. It still blows my mind and I feel very blessed and happy.

I snapped this one with a five year old on my lap, not the easiest task, I can assure you. Do not be horrified, I was just a guest not an official photographer this time. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Botts and many blessings to the two of you for your life ahead.