As Time Goes By...Being Three!

Yesterday, The Maine House received a distress call from the Divine Miss M in Atlanta! HELP! I thought three year olds were supposed to be fun? It seems that The Duke is giving Mommie Dearest some stressful moments, even attempting to bargain with her by promising good behavior in exchange for a cup of Mrs. Butterworth's pancake syrup! Apparently, he located a bottle of this delicious sweet syrup in the pantry and decided to take his find into a corner of the kitchen and take a few gulps before he was caught in the act! Both Ohio Grandma and Maine Grandma laughed uproariously at this tale of woe, since we both can look back and see the humor in all of this after raising four toddlers of our own!

Smith Toddlers

The world of toddlers is both enchanting and maddening, no doubt about it. Gaining independence, venturing out to try new things, yet wanting to cling to their babyhood ways is an everyday adventure. Luke will begin preschool in a few weeks and this will most likely prove to be a turning point for all three, Dad, Mom and baby. He has made milestones in the past few weeks having transitioned into his big full sized bed, keeping all of his babies close at hand, and now learning the ways of  "the potty!"

 I applaude Miss M for showing a great deal of patience and love to her "Paluka", even when he brings her his latest find in the backyard! Remember my darling, time passes all too quickly! Enjoy the world of being three!

If you have back- to- schoolers, be sure to make these

 "Best Blondies!" to welcome them home from their first day of school!

Estelle's Best Blondies

1 1/2 sticks of butter or margarine

1 1/2 c. dark brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 c. Ghiradelli milk chocolate chips

1/2 c. walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. I just mix these up in the pan and pour into a 9" x 13" baking dish. Melt butter in a saucepan, let it cool a bit then add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add all dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Bake for 25 -30 minutes. Cool then cut into even squares and sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar! These are heavenly!