It started with a flop...or two...

Cookies. I love them! I could eat them every day, and lately I have.

For 3 plus years, however, I've almost always failed at making them...even the frozen ones, straight out of the package. Sad, but true story.

For a couple years we blamed it on a crappy, old oven. Then we moved and blamed it on crappy, old pans. Then my in-laws bought us new pans, and I finally had to come to terms with my personal problem. I don't know how to make cookies.

One Sunday, a friend had invited us for dinner and asked us to bring dessert. I decided to throw together some homemade oreos. TOTAL AND COMPLETE FLOP. So, hurriedly, I made some oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies. Why did I think I should make cookies for friends? Did I not remember the last 3 years of my life??? They were edible, well kind of, well my friends were nice enough to try them.

This was the day I decided I'd had enough. This is why I've been making cookies multiple times a week and eating them diligently.

"Split-Second Cookies": so-so/fair.

(Photo credit for above picture: Chris Young :))

"Lemon Burst Crackles": Pretty good & grew on me over a couple days

Also made, but not photographed:

-"Snickerdoodle": Success! Chris even said they were his "favorite". A friend recommended the Martha Stewart Cookie cookbook. I checked it out at the library. The pictures alone are delicious! Anyway, that's where this recipe came from.

-"Mint Chocolate brownies": Alright, not cookies, but I love brownies, too, and honestly, I thought these were pretty stinking awesome.

I'm obviously just beginning my cookie journey. Most importantly, I need to perfect sugar and chocolate chip cookies. I do feel a little more confident in my treat baking skills.

What I learned: Follow the recipe exactly. Softened butter is not the same as semi-melted butter (Thanks for the tip M. Foulger). Climate/altitude does actually matter in the baking world, so try to adapt accordingly.

Will I ever be as cool as "Billie the Baker" (my mom). Yes! Yes, I can do this! If you're wondering if I'm putting on weight, I think it's likely. Guess I better start working out more because the cookies are gonna keep coming!

Totally different topic: Thomas update!

We attended friend, Calum's, 1st birthday party. This Monster Bash was so fun and so cute! We never captured the 2 buddies together, but here they are in all their party glory. Thomas loved cruising around in his monster truck!

Aimsley & T were quite enjoying their party hats, and each other, and each others' ears. These babes are getting quite comfortable with one another!

Thomas is 8 months today. He continues to be a total ham and a smiley,expressive, wiggly little man. He has no teeth, but that does not slow him down in regards to eating. My friend Michelle and I have been making baby food together and are becoming quite proficient. :) Thomas will eat: carrots, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, squash(multiple kinds), green beans, peas, avocado, peaches, BANANAS, frog-eye-salad, blueberries, meat concoctions, cupcakes(of course) and probably just about anything I put in his mouth. He loves food. He loves being fed. I now am trying to force him to feed himself. I think he discovered it's easier when I do it.

He army crawls/scoots and rolls everywhere and is often stuck under furniture. He's scared of the vacuum and the whipping open of garbage bags, which I keep accidentally forgetting. He jabbers and yells all day long. He also studies, watches, and often mimics his mom and dad. Thomas loves music. We dance and sing every day to his "Math in Motion" CD. He smiles and giggles and stares in wonder at his crazy mom. We have so much fun together. He is my best little buddy, and is starting to get clingy and separation anxiety.

T's yelling volume instantly increases when Chris gets home from work. No joke. The two are so loud! Yelling and singing together! I'm in for it!

Sorry for the over-share of details if you're still reading. I just started thinking I don't want to forget this stuff! I could go on and on and on. Love my boys!

It's time to stop blogging and go to bed. I've got a big surprise in store for this week that I'm very excited about. Check back next week and I'll tell ya all about it. Hayley Potter, I'm not pregnant, so don't ask. Have a good one! :)