Friday Things
1. Big news this week… Dominic started taking little steps!! GAH! I can’t believe it! The first time he did it was one or two little ones from the coffee table to me (I was sitting on the floor), but two days ago he went from the boys’ play table to the windowsill, which was at least three solid steps. He’s also been standing unassisted for longer periods of time. Look out, Joseph! He’s going to be chasing you around the house in a few weeks!
2. Joseph’s big thing in the last week has been pretending to make us food, which is insanely adorable. In his classroom at school, there is a play kitchen, he kept talking about playing in the kitchen with blue plates. Here at home we have a toy workbench (this one, our best friends got it for Joseph last year and it is basically the best toy ever for the boys), and now Joseph has been going over there, using his bucket and tools, and mixing up food. In the last few days he’s made us pasta, chicken, Cheerios, rice cakes, and bread. I love seeing his imagination in overdrive!
(We took this picture before we left for his second day of school; he’s not always a fan of having his picture taken!)
3. I wanted to take a minute and quickly address a comment that I received on the reader feedback survey this week. As I mentioned, it’s totally anonymous and there is no identifying information on the survey, so I don’t have the ability to respond directly, so I’m going to do it here in the event that anyone else might have the same concern. Someone said they felt that it was very irresponsible of me to continue baking with nuts given Joseph’s allergy situation.
I want to completely clear this up… when Joseph had his reaction to peanut butter and was diagnosed with additional nut allergies, we removed ALL nut products from our home. We educated our families about reading labels and what couldn’t be brought into our house or included in meals on Sundays. We don’t even hand out Halloween candy with nuts, even though they’re in wrappers, just in case. If you see a recipe on the site with nuts, it is either (1) an old recipe; or (2) a recent recipe that contains almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts, all of which he was cleared to eat through oral challenges at the allergist this year, and continues to consume without issue. Baking would NEVER take precedence over the safety of my kids.
4. You may remember me asking months ago for body wash recommendations… I’m happy to report that I found one I LOVE and I’ve been using exclusively. I absolutely adore the St. Ive’s Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal and Shea Butter body wash. It’s super light but crazy moisturizing, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. There is also an accompanying body lotion that I used when the weather was still cool since I get really bad dry skin in the winter, but I haven’t needed it at all since late spring. I’m sure I’ll start using it again once the heat kicks on! It’s also very light (I can put clothes on immediately afterward), but keeps my skin totally moisturized. I love that I found these!
5. I absolutely loved this tribute to labor nurses, it all rang so true. That first trip to the bathroom post-birth (post c-sections, in my case) is incredibly humbling, and having nurses who are kind and gentle makes all the difference. We were blessed with fantastic nurses when both Joseph and Dominic were born, all through labor, in the operating room, and during our stay. They are truly worth their weight in gold; if you’re a nurse (any kind of nurse!), THANK YOU for all you do for your patients!
6. I’m totally craving the apple crisp I made last fall. It was seriously the best ever.
7. So, it might just be me, but I really just cannot with the pumpkin spice everything I see as soon as I walk into the grocery store. I mean, I love a pumpkin spice latte cupcake as much as the next person, and I’ll happily indulge in pumpkin and cream cheese muffins and a slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving… but I just don’t need my popcorn or pita chips (or a million other things) to taste like pumpkin spice.
8. Hockey season is so close! The schedule is in my Google calendar and I have a big circle around opening night. My husband went to a preseason game this week; SO looking forward to weeknight evenings curled up on the couch watching hockey again!
9. Okay, we are absolutely, positively, 100% slow to pick up on most popular things, so we just discovered the show Fixer Upper and LOVE.IT. It’s our favorite Sunday morning binge (bonus when we watch while catching whiffs of meat sauce simmering away on the stove!), and are always amazed by what they can do to a house. Plus, I absolutely love how Joanna decorates the homes!
10. TGIF! Doesn’t Duke look so regal?!
so sorry you had to address the “nut “situation.. the only people you should need to address this health issue with is your physician, husband, and family. and at some point anyone involved in the care of your children.
sorry you were made to feel you were not concerned enough for your children.
wishing people could see the good/positive in situations.. if you are posting a recipe with nuts in it..let’s assume your son is better!!! not that you are willing to risk your child!!!
p.s. also love fixer-upper!!
Did you see this story on NPR this week? I thought it was really interesting! Maybe someday soon Joseph will be able to enjoy peanuts? :)
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/09/25/552959006/a-test-confirms-if-you-ve-outgrown-allergies
Thank you so much for sharing, food challenges are exactly what Joseph’s been doing all year!
So I’m a little late getting to last week’s “Friday things”. I completely agree about the pumpkin spice flavored everything. the only thing i like pumpkin flavored is my pumpkin pie. I’ll admit I cave this time every year and pick up and apple-pumpkin candle from Yankee Candle. I absolutely love the smell and can’t get enough of it. It’s so exciting that Dominic is starting to walk. Watching you post about your boys makes it feel like your family is family. They’re so cute and it’s nice watching them grow up. Did that person really think that you would put your recipes ahead of your kids? I only know you through your blog and I know you wouldn’t do that.
I’m sorry someone felt the need to accuse you of not being careful with the allergies! I appreciate you sharing your journey with it, we’ve thankfully never dealt with food allergies, so it intrigues me to hear what all is involved, especially with reintroducing them! I love Fixer Upper too & was so disappointed to read today, that this will be their last season!
People need to stop being such trolls and mind their own business. This blog is your JOB, you’re not going to poison your child just to get a few more people viewing it. What is WRONG with people?!? I’m so over it. You’re awesome, and it’s a shame you felt like you had to defend yourself publicly because of some idiot’s comment.
Michelle, Don’t pay attention to anyone offering such criticism. Not worth any effort whatsoever. It is obvious to us rational people how much you love and are devoted to your children.
Very upset that some reader would feel she/he has the right to question your judgment in regard to your children’s allergies and the recipes you post. Wow! Everybody’s got an opinion!
Totally enjoy your blog, Michelle. Keep doing your thing ……..and raising your adorable lil’ guys!
Duke looks like he could just close his eyes and take a snooze!! Love it! ❤️
Duke never takes a bad photo! He does look regal. I am with you on the pumpkin spice thing. I don’t even like pumpkin pie! Pecan on the other hand…mmmmm! Thank you for the thank you to nurses. I was a pediatric nurse for 43 yrs (retired 3 weeks ago!). I loved the kids and the adolescents with whom I worked for the last 20 years including mental health. It’s a hard job physically and mentally but very rewarding. It is wonderful to be acknowledged. Thanks also for the body wash and lotion recommendations…I am going to try those. Have a great weekend!
I too cannot believe about the comment that was made about Joseph’s peanut allergy. Anybody who reads your blog on a regular basis knows how careful you have been about Joseph’s peanut and egg allergies! Also anybody who has followed your blog for a log time even knows you used to have a peanut allergy. You get so excited when he passes a test at the allergist’s office. You are such a great Mom. Thank you for the tip on the St. Ives body wwash and lotion. I too have very dry skin and it gets worse in the winter. So I plan on giving this a try.
Michelle I’m so sorry people are terrible and stupid, and feel the need to share that stupidity with you. How you managed your sons allegergies is your own damn business. Unless this person lives in your house, they don’t get to have an opinion. Ugh.
I love your blog and I hope the blog trolls will leave you alone!
Hi Michelle, ADORABLE photos– all 3! I’m with you on the pumpkin spice– seems like the retailers have gone overboard this year. Lol.
Thanks for all the recommendations… I’m still waiting to try that Ritter Sport milk chocolate and butter biscuit you mentioned… :-)
Also have to say that I find it cruel that someone would even suggest you would put your child in harm’s way… What an idiot!!! Hang tough, Michelle… And thanks for your awesome blog! ((hugs!))
p.s. I’m sorry for the name-calling. As many others said– unfortunately, that person doesn’t know you very well.
Agree Simona and all others. Michelle, you don’t need to defend your totally awesome actions as a great mom, cook and baker. If your critic had actually read your postings, she would have seen the weekly changes, tests, triumphs and worry you went through to assure a safe environment for your family. My daughter’s 3 boys are totally allergic to all dairy products and artificial colors and flavors, so I know the challenges you face. Keep up the good work! Also agree with the pumpkin, especially pumpkin deodorant !!!! Fixer Upper is so fun because of the family aspect and humor in each episode. Duke is Sir Duke, right?! Go Steelers and Penguins! You have my favorite blog as well. Thanks for keeping me close to my Pittsburgh home.
It makes me sad that women are so harsh with each other. I am 62 and it amazes me how it hasn’t changed! How could anyone believe you wouldn’t be all over an allergy issue? You were seeing an allergist which means you already addressed your son’s allergy problem! Let’s be more supportive of each and less judgemental !
Duke looks Regal and very handsome! Your boys are growing so nicely. They are very sweet children. Thank you for sharing your family with us.
If you enjoy Fixer Upper, I suggest watching HomeTown! It’s another “fixer upper” show but I enjoy the premise of HomeTown and watching this couple a whole lot more. Season 2 will be premiering soon. Fixer Upper has gotten too staged and redundant in my opinion.
Love hearing how your family is doing, good for Dominic! My granddaughter still not walking, but will be soon, we love her so much. I can’t imagine that you would put your boys in harms way with nuts, no way! We have been following you and your family for some time, you are a loving MOM!. I also enjoy making your recipes, I plan to make the apple crisp, have tried many over the years.
Linda
You are so right about the maternity nurses! After having my daughter (also a C section) a nurse helped me into the shower and bathed me while I just stood there – it was all I could manage to do. It was very humbling but she was so sweet.
I just had to respond when you said your favorite show was Fixer Upper. I used to love that show…at first. Then HGTV started playing it EVERYDAY. It has gotten to the point where it is on Saturday and Sunday almost every week and on Tuesday for most of the day and then again at other odd times during the week. I love the Property Brother’s and would love to see them get as much airtime but other then Wednesday’s when they are on, and an occasional very small timeslot on one of the weekend days, they are non existent. I forgot to mention House Hunters! I don’t know who is running HGTV these days but House Hunters and Fixer Upper seem to be HGTV’s favorite shows and they are always on and I am SO tired of them. I don’t know if you ever watched any of Sarah Richardson’s shows but they never play any of her new shoes anymore, she is Canadian and has had many new series since they stopped airing her shows. I follow her on Facebook and many of her fans are as perplexed as me as to why her stuff is just not being shown, she has so many fans here in the U.S. If it weren’t for the Property Brothers I would totally boycott HGTV. As you can see, you touched off a button here for me. :)
I’m so sorry that’s you even have to clarify about the nuts/recipe issue. I never even thought of that and that you completely to do what YOU think is best for YOUR family. Such a bummer that people would jump to conclusions to judge you like that!!!
Sorry for not proof-reading my comment from above before posting it 🤦🏼♀️ What I meant to say was that you should have the freedom to do what you see best for your family without having to justify yourself to anyone. Like everyone else has commented, it’s so obvious how much care you take of your children!!! Sometimes people just need to not say anything and worry about their own business.
And totally agree about the csection nurses and bathroom experience. Totally thought that when I had my 3 c-sections-these nurses are amazing especially because they see us at our worsts!!!!
Let me say no one should have said boo about nuts, your beautiful son and the recipes on the website. As a mom and Registered Dietitian food allergies are front and center everyday as they are for you with Joseph. As a long time fan of BEB you have been amazing sharing the journey and struggles of having a child with a food allergy. So shame on the judgemental person(s) who thought baking was ahead of your child’s safety. You have always been transparent in handling his allergies. And hurray!!! With all the successes recently with his challenges!! You’re an amazing mom and blogger, don’t let the trolls get to you!!
PS I love watching your boys grow. My “little” boys are grown and out of the house so every week you remind me those fun memories of being a two little boys mom!!
Keep up the good work. Don’t people have anything better to do besides being the “nut Police…” Sheesh. If you are not one of the best examples of being a responsible parent, and an awesome doggie Mom, then I don’t know who is. Some people just have to find the bad to pick at—what did that reader think, that you are having your kids roll around in nuts in your home. Lighten up, it’s a food blog–supposed to be fun, and encouraging. You can read a recipe about nuts, even post it–people with nut issues, just leave the nuts out like you already know to do.
You rock, and your site rocks.
Yes! Duke looks so regal sitting all boss like that! I like pumpkin spice too, but goodness I feel there is too much of a good thing when chips and everyday things like cereal has it.
I understand why you addressed the comment, and as so many other faithful followers said, you are a wonderful mom. You’ve been very upfront about allergies and how you handled things before Joseph passed his oral tests. You’re one of the few blogs I still faithfully follow and try recipes from! Thank you for sharing you life, family and food with all of us! <3
I was talking with my gramma as a teenager, about when she had her kids. I remember very clearly saying, “That doctor just walks in and catches the thing [baby] – it’s the NURSES that do all the work.
And boy, was she right. I had a C-section and got nauseous before they could slip a pan by my head and puked into my long hair. After I was returned to my room, my nurse came to give me a bed bath and combed every bit of vomit out of my hair than cleaned me all up like it was nothing. It was such a generous act of service. She was my hero more so than the docs that did my C-section.
You didn’t have to defend yourself on the nut comment. Your loyal readers know you’re a wonderful mom (and baker!) and wouldn’t do something that irresponsible. Plus, it’s really none of anyone’s business. Some people obviously never learned the old saying, “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Apparently, they are very miserable and have nothing better to do than try to tear others down. Ignore them and keep doing what you do. I love reading your blog and making your recipes. One of my favorites for sure!
I was slow to hop on the Fixer Upper bandwagon too, but love them! Even my husband doesn’t mind watching them. And I’m right there with you on the pumpkin spice – as much as I like pumpkin (pie, muffins, scones), I don’t need or want everything to taste like it!
I too am tired already of all the pumpkin this and that. The final straw for me was last week when I was in the check out at Walmart and the person behind me had a box of pumpkin cheerios. Enuf already…
Would love to have a Pumpkin Spice Biscotti recipe for Thanksgiving dessert table. Thank you.
p.s. Duke is Regal and Special. Love seeing his photos.
I agree with Simona! I seriously doubt that you would risk your childs health. You’re a GREAT MOM! … and baker 😊
People are nuts (no pun intended)! Anyone who follows your blog can see that you are an intelligent, loving mother. To imply that you are irresponsible regarding your child’s allergy is ridiculous. It’s sad that you even had to respond but I understand why you did.
I’m with you on the pumpkin thing. Do I really want pumpkin flavored Cheerios? Don’t even care if I get a piece of pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Would however go to the mat over a piece of pecan pie.
I agree for the most part, but you DO want pumpkin flavored Cherrios. They are totally delicious! :)
I totally agree with Simona…you do a amazing job and it’s obvious how well you take care of your boys and Duke…
I’m right there with you on the pumpkin everything. I actually saw on Facebook a picture of pumpkin spice scented toilet paper!! Um…..no. That is just not quite right. Happy Friday to you!
Sounds like the mommy police paid you a visit. You’ve been very upfront about your son’s allergies and have shared when he has passed his oral tests. Not too hard to figure out you aren’t being unsafe.
You’re my favorite blogger and more importantly a wonderful Mom! I would know, I raised three amazing children:)
Although I have been collecting and using your recipes for years, I just got my first ‘alert’ to read the blog and I’m pretty glad I did! Not only are you the source of my amazing salted caramel sauce recipe, but you have cute babies and a dog! Nice! And freaking people on comments just crack me up….
AMEN to the comment about pumpkin! It’s absolutely insane the things they are putting pumpkin spices in! Every time I go in the store I see another item laden with pumpkin spice. Wonder how much of it actually sells? 😳
Kathy, last month while at Walmart, I discovered M&M had created pecan pie and pumpkin pie (limited edition and distribution) candy. I purchased a bag of the pecan pie ones and have to say, they were great! I wasn’t tempted to try the pumpkin pie M&Ms – easy to get burned out on everything pumpkin-spiced when we enter into the summer months before Thanksgiving. Too much of a once good thing.
What’s wrong with that person writing that comment thinking you would risk your kids’ health over some baking…?! I really think you are doing an amazing job here – after all these years yours is still my favorite blog. Keep up the good work! :)
I was thinking the same thing (about both the ignorant comment and this being my favorite blog)! Probably came from someone who either lacks reading comprehension or doesn’t follow the blog regularly. We all know Joseph recently passed those nut allergies because she wrote about it at length.
I so agree with you Simona! When I read that I was thinking there is no way the person who made that comment has been a consistent reader.
It’s sad Michelle felt she had to address this; I get tired of these “mommy wars.” You’re a great mama Michelle! All the blog readers know this from your wonderful Friday posts
I can’t believe someone had the gall to make that kind of comment. Anyone who reads your blog even occasionally can see what a great momma you are to your boys – to think you would risk one’s health for the sake of a blog recipe. Honestly.
Though also, my youngest is allergic to peanuts and eggs, but allergy testing did not show her to be anaphylactic allergic. One of my children was living with peanuts and eggs as his main protein sources before my youngest was born, and I was worried about getting it out of my house. My allergist said that I didn’t need to eliminate it completely as long as I was careful about cross contamination – which I am. Separate silverware, plates and cups exclusively for my youngest. And my older children know to eat ONLY at the table and wash their hands and faces after to avoid getting their sister sick. It’s been 4 years and we’ve done just fine, thankyouverymuch.