Howdy

It has been a long time. I got to have a little vacation when I went to our family's annual women's retreat so I am taking a while to get back into the swing of life. Thanks, by the way, to Vivian, Siona, and Kathleen who helped out while I was gone. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Life has been strange with Mese working a night shift. We are starting to get used to it, but it is hard on him when he misses out on all the social activities and I am sad that I have missed out on some "girls nights" because my baby-sitter is working. I love you, honey. Our little Gwenny brings so much joy to our home. She is by far my best baby. She is so sweet and quiet and thoughtful. We have been doing a lot of catering and I can take her with me to the events and she just sits in her chair and smiles, for the most part. She only cries when she needs something and she is so smiley right now. I love them at three months old. We finally got a new camera so here are a bunch of new pictures to make up for the lack of pictures these last few months. We are happy and doing well and hope everyone else is the same.

Birthday Surprise

I just wanted to write a little message to my husband and all of my wonderful friends and family who came to the surprise party for me. It was my first surprise birthday party and it was so much fun. I am so proud of Mese for doing such a good job of keeping it secret. We usually cannot keep anything secret from each other. I never suspected a thing. It was almost a week after my actual birthday and I think it was only planned a few days prior, but it was great and I felt so special and so loved and appreciated by my husband. He is so wonderful. He cooked an amazing meal of grilled flatbread sandwiches with yummy salads. Thanks again to everyone and especially to Shawn and Darcy for letting us use their house. I love you all, but especially you, Mese.

Finally, Pictures of the New Baby

Here are some pictures of baby Gwenyth Lynnae Ugapo. Born March 3rd. 7lbs. 5 oz. 20 inches long. Some are from when we were in the hospital, but there are some more recent ones also. We think she is pretty cute. We're gonna keep her.

Molten Chocolate Cake Recipe....Heaven on a Plate

A few of you have asked me to post this recipe so here it is. Good luck trying not to make it once a week. It is soooooo yummy and soooooo easy. Warm gooey chocolate is one of the best things in the world. And please eat it with ice cream. It is way better with ice cream.

Prep: 15 min. / Total: 29 min.

4 squares Baker's semi- sweet baking chocolate ( I just use 4 oz. of good dark chocolate, bittersweet is the best, in my opinion.)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
6 Tbsp. flour
1/2 cup whipped topping (or Ice cream)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter 4 (3/4 cup) souffle dishes. Place on baking sheet.

Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwavable bowl on HIGH for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide batter between prepared souffle cups.
Bake 13-14 minutes or until sides are firm, but centers are soft. Let stand 1 min. Carefully run a small knife around cakes to loosen. Invert cakes onto dessert dishes. Top with 1 tbspn. of whipped topping and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Nothing New

This post is kinda pointless because I really don't have anything new to write about. I just felt like I hadn't posted in a long time. I will hopefully have some fun news of the arrival of our new baby girl in the next couple of weeks. I am so done being pregnant. I just want her to be here already. Oh, I did get my hair done. I am back to blonde. It's pretty fun looking in the mirror and seeing myself as a blonde. I feel younger. Sorry I don't have a picture to put up. We are without a camera, but are looking to get one before the baby comes.

Never Judge a Book By It's Cover.

Look at this man. Yes I said 'MAN'. What do you notice about him? I see sloppy red hair and freckles. Looks like a teen who never quite grew out of the awkward stage. He is the epitome of geekiness. Or maybe that's his allure. He is Brett Dennen.

Having been home taught his whole life by his parents afforded him the opportunity to hone his musical and songwriting skills. The same skills that would one day help him to create such beautiful (and subtly sexy) songs including "Ain't Gonna Lose You", a haunting one - sided tale of a man struggling to hold on to the the ever fraying thread that holds him and his love together. His work has helped him to be considered a musical genius by many including the folks over at Rolling Stone.

Then there's that voice. That voice. It's like the audio equivalent of introducing a new and delicious taste to your tongue that lingers comfortably, well after the meal has ended. There is a soulfulness to it and a confidence in his ability that would make you believe what he's saying. He does dabble in the political realm but manages to get his message across without being overbearing.

One evening a few years back, while playing a local venue, another musical genius happened upon that particular show and after being completely immersed in Brett's music, he invited Brett to join him on tour for a few shows. The new fan's name? John. Last name, Mayer.

I specified the word 'man' earlier because it was difficult for me to believe that this baby faced song wizard is 30 years old. Does he look 30 to you? Honestly he looks like an ugly 16 year old girl, but his music is beautiful which makes him beautiful. He is amazing and pleasantly surprising on many different levels. Anyway I have added a couple of his songs to my music player below (#'s 1 & 2). Enjoy the musical offerings of Brett Dennen.

Potty Training Sucess

I hope I'm not speaking too soon, but we have had three days in a row with very successful potty training with Marlowe. She has had a few accidents, luckily, for me, the one who has to clean up the mess, it's only been #1. Today she actually started telling me that she had to go rather than me taking her every hour or so. She even did #2 on the potty during one of those times when she told me she had to go. This is probably way too much info., but I can't help it. I am so excited. I started training her at 18 months and I so hope she sticks with it this time so I don't have to deal with 3 kids in diapers when baby Gweny comes. I'm sure some of you out there know how I feel.

A special thanks to Daddy, also, who got involved and caused the success we are having.