Another hectic week for the Brock's, including another bout of sickness for poor little Madeleine. I was called at work this afternoon to come pick up my 102 degree temperature little one. On the bright side, it was an early release day for students so Maddy saved me from having to go to afternoon meetings. Perfect timing!
Since Madeleine went straight down for a nap when we got home I was able to start reading my book club's next pick, "Cry, the Beloved Country" by Alan Paton. I know it's a classic but I have somehow never read it and am thoroughly enjoying it. The novel takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa on the brink of apartheid and follows the story of a pastor and his son. The author paints a beautiful picture of South Africa and I know it's a place I would love to visit someday. Has anyone else read this? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Now, here is where I need some
help! My book club is fantastic because not only do we share a common interest in our love of literature we're also all foodies and love to try new things. We usually match what we eat for dinner to the book we're reading. In the past we've eaten French, Chinese, Indian, Russian and Japanese food but I don't have any South African recipes. I have an Ethiopian cookbook but I know that's not the same thing. I would love to bring something really authentic so if you know anyone from South Africa or have visited yourself and have an idea, please share!
Last weekend we got together with a new Ethiopian adoption group which was so much fun. I don't have any pictures because I thought it would be a little odd to say, "Nice to meet you, mind posing for my blog?" But, I will attest to what we all know to be true: there's a lot of cuteness going on in Ethiopia!
Right Maddy?
"You know it, Mama!"
At Madeleine's 15-month check-up she was a superstar! 70%ile for weight, 50%ile for height and 95%ile for head circumference. She is 2 oz./day away from being weaned off of formula (Goodbye $30/box of Organic Similac!) and is working on her self-help skills. She is learning how to take off her shoes and socks, can get a kleenex and attempt to blow her nose and is even trying to clean her own ears with a Qtip. Yay Madeleine! I'm all about independence as long as she doesn't stop the snuggling.
Finally, there was a request for my sugar cookie recipe so here it is. WARNING: You will need to run an extra mile (or ten) to burn off the calories in this one!
Super Yummy Sugar Cookies
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
32 Tbsp. (4 sticks) unsalted butter
6 oz. cream cheese
2 cups sugar
2 egg yolks
2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
Have all the ingredients at room temperature. Over a sheet of parchment paper, sift together the flour and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat the butter on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the cream cheese and continue beating until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy and pale yellow, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in the vanilla.
Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in 3 additions, beating in each addition before adding more. Beat just until combined, stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using floured hands, form the dough into a smooth mound and divide into 2 equal portions. Shape each into a disk and wrap separately with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 2 days.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove 1 dough disk at a time from the refrigerator and let stand for 10 minutes. Place the dough on a clean, floured work surface and roll out to a thickness of 1/4-inch.
Dip the cookie cutters into flour just before using and cut out the shapes. Using an offset spatula, carefully transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the cookies until lightly golden on the edges, 14-16 minutes. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets, then decorate as desired.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Next time I'll post my French Onion soup recipe!
"Wassup?"
Isabelle loves her baby cousin...
...but has learned that as the oldest child she will always be the one to have her hair pulled by the babies.
Vilia learned that as the youngest child she will always live in a land amongst giants.
I learned that three against one doesn't bode well for me when it comes to picture taking.
Last weekend Jason taught Isabelle how to ride her big girl bike. 
It's her new favorite thing!
Meanwhile, Madeleine watched in amazement as her big sister managed to impress her once again.
Maddy was super excited when it was her turn to walk around the track.
Then Daddy tried to teach Madeleine how to play soccer, which was fairly unsuccessful as Maddy was not interested in putting the ball (or her cheerios) down.
This weekend we pulled out the treasure chest of dress-up clothes and the girls entertained themselves for hours putting on their finery.
Some may say these gowns are tacky but in our house they are considered haute couture. As you can see, accessories are a must.
"Aren't we dazzling?"
