Memorial Day

Memorial Day is kind of confusing. We barbecue and do yardwork, spend time with friends and family, and also feel the sense of sadness and gratefulness that comes from the sacrifice of others for this great country. I only hope that I do my best to keep the legacy alive of those who have passed on, and to honor those who are serving us today. 

My grandpa's Army photo. He was a looker, alright.

I miss you everyday, Grandpa.

Mum, Gram and me.

Especially thankful for the sacrifice of this young man today.
We love you and you're in our prayers!

xoxo, Emily

Bill Clinton, a wedding and the Ozarks

Two weeks ago, my mom, Steve and I took a few days off work and drove to Little Rock, AR for the wedding of a family friend. We were all looking forward to the trip, even with the almost 14-hour drive, mostly because Arkansas has this:

A few other highlights, in chronological order:

Steve and I went to the MacArthur Museum of Military History, which I'm in no particular hurry to go back to. I'm almost positive we were the only two people in the museum that morning. It was cool to see a few of the things on exhibit, like this WWII jeep.

We visited the Bill Clinton Library on the recommendation of a few people and it was a lot cooler than I expected it to be. There was a replica of both the Cabinet Room and the Oval Office. The museum was also featuring a small St. Louis Cardinals exhibit, and a few things on loan from the Lincoln Library.

That evening, we went to Abby and Trent's wedding. I am a dork for taking absolutely no pictures of or with Abby and Trent. Abby's mom, Trish Monnahan, is one of my mom's best friends from high school. Her husband, Scott, married Steve and I last summer and Abby did my hair and makeup for my wedding. The Monnahans have been "family" to me for as long as I can remember.

On our last day, we drove to Hot Springs to Garvan Woodland Gardens, which is sort of like the setting to a fairy tale. It's in the Ozark mountains and is home to a beautiful glass chapel, which I would seriously consider getting married in if our wedding hadn't already happened. 

Until the next adventure!

Emily

Cinco de Mayo! ...Or banana-chocolate chip muffins

Happy Cinco de Mayo, all! I often crave Mexican food so I started planning an elaborate menu for this evening but got sidetracked by the two spotty, brown bananas on my kitchen counter. I also got a new apron today, which means I am now a legitimate baker, and I had to take it on a test run.

 I like to eat a banana every morning and I like it when they are on the greener side, so we usually end up with quite a few over-ripe bananas which are perfect for baking. These muffins are easy peasy and delicious.

Mashing bananas is not the most appetizing thing you can do.

My BFF in the kitchen

I'm surprised the tins were this full after all the batter I ate (I am a batter eater and
I am not ashamed). See the three boring non-chocolate chip ones on the right for Steve.

I might eat five right away.

Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins

My notes are in italics

Ingredients:

• 2 very ripe bananas
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (As noted in my Cake Batter Pudding Cookies recipe, I almost always use dark brown sugar because I think it adds a richer flavor, but light works, too.)
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2-3 tablespoons milk chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place 12 liners in muffin tin.
3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork.
4. Stir in egg, milk, sugar and brown sugar.
5. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt and baking soda.
6. Slowly add flour mixture to banana mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Fold in chocolate chips.
8. Spoon batter into muffin tin.
9. Bake 25-30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Happy eating!

-Emily