It's T-Ball Time

Winston is on the Cubs this year and Brad is his coach. In the pic above, he's with his best buddie Jackson.  They've grown up together and are really like brothers. 

It's going to be a super fun ball season this year.  Because they played last year, they both think they're pros.  It's so fun and entertaining to watch them.  :)

Where Oh Where Did April Go?

April has flown by for me - it's been a crazy busy month at the Shafer household.  My mom had knee replacement surgery on both of her knees in the middle of March and I've been helping her in the evenings after work.  Brad has been out of town several times on work trips and Winston's T-ball games started up.  Plus, I've been getting up in the mornings to train for my upcoming half marathon on June 9 and to top it off, work has picked up dramatically so I've been working a lot more hours this month. 

My mom is doing well - she's actually ahead of schedule in her recovery.  I'm doing pretty good on my training too - not as far along as I hoped I'd be but I'll be ready in time for the race.  Unfortunately, my house is a mess right now and I'm way behind on getting much Spring cleaning done but there's only so many hours in a day, something has to give.

I'm hoping May will be a much less hectic month.  When life runs at such a crazy pace like April has done, it doesn't leave much time to relax and enjoy the journey.  One nice thing about this past April is that the weather has been great so I've been able to get outside for many runs and I've really enjoyed the spectacular Spring flowers.  The world is a beautiful place in the Spring. 

Running Tips

Being registered to run in two half marathons this year, I have running on the brain.  I'm always keeping my eyes open for good running tips.  I saw this chart on good/proper form on Pinterest and thought I'd post it on my blog too.

It's a great reminder to run tall and relaxed with shorter strides and a quick cadence - always landing midfoot to avoid injuries.  With all this good weather we're having it's time to get out there and run!

Snickerdoodle Bread

I'm a sucker for snickerdoodle anything.  I love the cookies, I love the pie I posted last year, I love the blondies and I absloutley LOVE this snickredoodle Bread!

It turned out moist and with just the right amount of flavor.  The little bursts of cinnamon from the cinnamon chips really put this bread over the top - so delicious!  Now I need an excuse to make it again.  :)

Source:  Lil' Luna

SNICKERDOODLE BREAD

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3/4 c. sour cream
•  2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 pkg. Hershey’s cinnamon chips
• TOPPING:
• 3 T. sugar
• 3 t. cinnamon

Instructions 

Cream butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon until fluffy.  Add eggs and mix well.  Add vanilla and sour cream and mix well.   Mix flour, baking powder and cream of tartar in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and mix until all combined. Add cinnamon chips and stir into batter. Set aside.   

Spoon batter into 4 mini loaf pans until about 2/3 full.  Mix 3 T. sugar and 3 t. cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle over the batter in each loaf pan.  Bake at 350 for 35-38 minutes. Let cool before removing from pan.

Happy Spring!

I'm so happy that Spring is officially here!  It's been a mild winter this year - I'm not a big fan of snow and cold weather so to me, it's been a great winter.  I love having more daylight.  I love sunshine and I'm so looking forward to Summertime and all the outdoor activities that go with it.  Happy Spring!!!

Time for a Change

My life is due for some change - I'm not sure how to start or what to do.  I just know that a change is needed.  It's time for some serious thinking and planning...

 I found these quotes on Pinterest.  Aren't they great?

 Change can be a really good thing - a great way to grow.

It's hard to know where to start but I know I need to.

 I'm anxious now but I need to get excited.

 And I need to believe in myself - things will work out.

Yes, it's time for some magic happen in my life.

Happy February 29th!

What do you do with an extra day every four years?  The idea of getting an extra day is great - if only it could be a free day.  A day to hang out with family, have fun or relax, you get the idea.  Unfortunately, on leap year day, life goes on as usual - today I still had to go to work, do housework and all the usual stuff I do each day. 

But wouldn't it be nice to get a day free of your usual responsibilities each leap year?  A day to completely relax and have fun.  I guess I'm just missing some down time right now.  Work has been beyond busy and I've started training to run in a half marathon in June so needless to say, I don't have much free time. 

I'd really love a day off to read or watch some movies - old favorites and some I haven't seen yet, maybe do some shopping and browse online uninterrupted for a little while.  Wouldn't that be nice? Sigh!  I need a vacation.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

In honor of National Pancake Week, here's a recipe I found on Pinterest that I've been planning to make.  I think I'll have to make these this weekend.  The idea of Maple Butter Icing is just too tempting.  My mouth is watering. 

Source:  See Jane in the Kitchen

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

1-½ cup All-purpose Flour
3 Tablespoons Sugar
½ teaspoons Salt
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
2 whole Eggs Beaten
1 cup Milk
2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
¼ cups Butter, Melted
1 Tablespoon Vanilla

In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and cinnamon with a whisk. Whisk well to make sure everything is combined. In separate large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, corn syurp, butter and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium/low heat. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto griddle. Brown on both sides.

Maple Butter Icing

1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
dash salt
1 TBS maple syrup
1/4 cups milk, more if needed

(I recommend doubling the icing also, I added a lot more syrup than the recipe calls for)