February 24, 2011

Thoughts of a Scatter-Brained Mother

I've got a lot of thoughts swirling around in my head today. It happens sometimes. Scratch that. It happens all the time.

First thought- I REALLY hope my child is not getting the nasty cold/flu bug that's been raging through Salem. She started sneezing a bunch last night and has had a few green boogs. That and she's been sleeping a TON. My mantra for the past 24 hours has been "Please let it be teething, please let it be teething!" A girl can hope.

Second thought- Snowing?! Really?? In Salem? Where it NEVER snows?? Where were you in November and December when I actually WANTED you?? I went running at Bush Park with Claire on Monday and there was sunshine and daffodils and crocus's. I want Spring and bunnies and flowers, not snow boots and freezing my hiney off!

This is our Apartment building. Yep. It's in the shape of an octagon. Our apartment doesn't really have any right angles. You think I'm joking, but I'm not. It's just one weird octagon mess. But it's home and we like it. :)

Third thought- I think I have officially entered the "Mom Jean" realm. My cute low rise jeans (all 4 pair of them) just don't fit like they used to. What is up with that? I'm 23! I can't be a Mom Jean wearer yet. I refuse. So, I'll just keep hikin' up my pants like a dork all day long until I finally break down and buy an Invisibelt.

Fourth thought- I made Banana Bread last night at 10:00. I know, I'm crazy. Claire helped. Or, you know, sat in her Bumbo and was excellent company while I baked. I'm including pictures and a recipe at the end of this post. It's delicious. Please make it today.

That's Claire. Helping.

Fifth thought- Why did I make Banana Bread? I'm still about. . . oh. . . 20 lbs heavier than I want to be right now. I weighed myself last night and almost made the decision to starve myself. And then I smelled the Banana Bread and cut myself another piece. I'm all about self control, you know.

Sixth thought- As I am sitting here, Claire is practically rolling over! Yay! Or Boo? I can't decide if I am happy my baby is becoming mobile. Next thing I know she'll be running like a mad child around the house and pulling things off shelves. And then she'll be in a wedding dress marrying the man of her dreams. . . She's growing up too fast!!

Seventh thought- I have about 4 projects in the works right now. I'll be sure to post pictures of all of them when they're completed. First I have to get my new to me sewing machine from my mom! Yay for free sewing machines! And for crazy coupons for Joann's!

Eighth thought- Dallin takes the GMAT on Saturday. That means no more crazy studying! Unless he doesn't get the score he wants, which then means he'll take it again in 30 days. And then when he gets accepted into an MBA program that means the crazy studying will start again. I just have to remember that this is the best time of our lives, right? I have to live each day to the fullest so that I don't look back with any regrets. Easier said than done. But I'll work on it!

So, there are my random thoughts for the day. Here's the banana bread recipe! Enjoy it.

Banana Nut Bread (With Dark Chocolate Chips)

Ingredients


2 & 1/4 cups Flour
1 & 2/3 cups Sugar
1 & 1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
1 & 1/4 tsp. Soda
1 tsp. Salt
2/3 cup Shortening
2/3 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
1 & 1/4 cups ripe bananas; mashed
2/3 cups Nuts; chopped (optional)
2/3 cups chocolate chips (optional)
One 3 oz. pkg Vanilla Instant Pudding

Have you ever tried buttermilk in powder form? It is awesome! I don't use buttermilk often enough to warrant getting it in liquid form. All you do for the powder is add water and voila! You have buttermilk! I highly recommend it.

As you can see from the ingredients picture, I only had pecans on hand. Any nut will do, but I prefer walnuts. Pecans worked just fine though! I also used dark chocolate chips, because that's the kinda gal I am. We love dark chocolate at this house, but like the nuts, any kind of chocolate chip will work!

Because I had so many banana's, I ended up doubling my recipe and got 4 loafs, plus a little mini loaf. I figured out that about two average sized banana's equals a cup. If you use 3 bananas and have a little more than 1 1/4 cups, you'll be fine. Because, who really wants to use just half a brown banana? It's not like you're gonna wanna eat the other half, am I right? Or am I right? :)

The instructions are pretty simple. Just measure all ingredients into a bowl. Mix well and pour into 2 well greased or lined loaf pans. If you end up doubling the recipe, like I did, fill your loaf pans about half way and that will make it so your loaves don't overflow while baking. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. I ended up baking mine for about 45-50 minutes, but I had 3 loaves in at a time.




There ya have it. Delicious banana nut chocolate chip bread! And just tell yourself that because it has banana's in it, it's REALLY healthy. :)

2 comments:

Melyssa Quigg said...

First of all let me just say- THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MOM JEANS!! I got three pairs for Christmas and I love them! Ha ha ha! You CAN find stylish pairs and you would be amazed at how slimming they are! Check out Seven and Levi Strauss jeans. Both make uber cute mommy appropriate jeans! Second- I know exactly what you mean about babies growin too fast. Connor has started pulling himself up on things. It makes me sad but I just keep thinking "I must be a GREAT mommy cause he's learning so fast!" ha ha! Sure miss you!!

Jill said...

ok so where do i find this powdered buttermilk?? i have never heard of such thing but it sounds really smart!! Well you dont look 20 pounds heavier in all your post baby pics you actually make me feel like i need to quit eating!!