7 Quick Takes Friday, #78

1.  Just after I'd gotten the girls buckled into their carseats Wednesday morning, tossed their backpacks and lunchboxes in the car, and chided myself for being a few minutes late on our way to school, I turned the key in the ignition only to hear a grating noise coming from my non-starting engine.  It was loud and angry, and it was not a welcome sound. 

One more reason not to run at the absolute latest limits of time when we have to be somewhere: you never know when you'll have to unload the car and wait for your husband and dad to come rescue you. 

(Thanks Dad, for the battery!)



2.  After he got the carseats switched to his (trusty) car, Justin stayed home to wait for my dad, while I drove off with the girls.  They were excited to be in a different vehicle, chattering and giggling at the novelty.  I turned the radio on, and Justin had been listening to classical piano music; in the back seat, Mia and Lauren were completely silent, listening.  After a few minutes, Mia said, "I love daddy's car, mom.  It's just so....peaceful in here." 

I had to agree.  The Disney CD that plays on endless loop in my car is definitely not as peaceful as Chopin, but I never knew I had that option....

Being stranded from your own vehicle can be an enlightening, freeing process.



3.  Last night at dinner, this was the scene:

Mia laid with her head on her daddy's arm, protesting the meal with complaints of a headache and unstoppable yawns.  Lauren shoveled her food in around her constant narration, finishing quickly -- the better to speak MORE.  Justin and I looked at each other longingly, trying for snippets of conversation around the hubbub, and failing.

To finish it off, Lauren stuck her fork in between her first two toes, and plopped her tiny foot beside her empty plate as if that foot could scoop up imaginary food with that fork. 

But really, this was a completely normal night, reminding me that life is fun.  What are your dinnertimes like?



4.  I've been flipping slowly through my favorite Ina Garten cookbook this week, daydreaming about what I'd cook if I could just choose the recipe I desire above all others.  My indecision cripples me sometimes, but the cookbook had been taking up much needed counter top space, so I finally decided:

Brownie Pudding.  I made it last night, and...oh.  It was a good choice.  (I don't feel like writing up the recipe right now, but it's very similar to PW's Baked Fudge recipe, I think.)



5. This summer has been a bad cooking run for me.  I've slacked off with menus and recipes and actual planned meals, but I think I've finally figured out why.

I'm a cool-weather cook.  I like to make stewy, thick, hearty food.  Warm, smooth, and comforting.  Summer food -- grilled, crisp, fresh -- while delicious, doesn't make me want to get in the kitchen.  I like to eat summer food, but I'm bored by its preparation. 

I know this information is riveting, right?  But tell me: are you a comfort food cook, or a fresh-and-light food cook?  And how does this compare with your favorite foods to eat?  (I promise to compile your fascinating data into a final report for your viewing pleasure.)  (No I don't.)  (But still, I'm curious -- tell me about yourself!)



6.  My friend Melissa announced her pregnancy on her blog this week!  I'm so excited for her, and full of hope for nothing but good things to come.  Especially after reading her hopeful Bigger Picture Moment this week, I feel like this blogging community has the power to uplift people and give them an outlet and a way to feel connected when they're worried or afraid (or resolving to not be afraid any longer). 

Blog love, all the way.



7. Tonight, there will be some serious brow-furrowing and confused consternation going on in my neck of the woods.  That's right, it's scrapbooking night.  Wish me luck as I debate the merits of original creativity versus stolen creativity from my neighbor at the long table.  Hold my hand as I consider how best to capture the memories from my second child's first year, while also not butchering her sweet photos.  Stroke my brow as I worry that I'll never be a good mother since I can't seem to keep up with scrapbooking as a truly good mother should. 

And then try to cover your laughter as I linger over the snacks instead of tackling any actual project.  Scrapbooking will wait, but a night of snacks and gossip....I can't pass it up. 


What are you up to this weekend?  I hope it's fabulously enjoyable, and that it includes a visit to Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!