Friday Thoughts: Holiday Detox and Other “Stuff”
Random as always, I decided to type up a quick Friday Thoughts brain download while we are on a little 6-hour road trip this afternoon. Don’t forget to comment below with any and all of YOUR thoughts (my favorite part!).
Remodel Thoughts: We thought it would be fun (??) to start remodeling significant parts of our house the week before Christmas. And by “we,” I mean, Brian and I are giving lots of advice but leaving the important work to the highly-recommended Eric from Remedy Residential (locals – he’s amazing, but you can’t have him until he’s done with my bathrooms, k, thanks). It started with the kitchen pantry because my cute, little corner pantry was starting to spill out into every corner of the house. Literally. I was stashing food and cooking supplies in the kids’ closets, above the washer, and underneath beds.
We figured out a way to punch through the back wall of the existing pantry and utilize some of our deeper garage space to create a walk-in pantry. And seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about something in my life.
I legit think I heard angels singing when I walked into the renovated space for the first time. Also, I think, maybe, possibly, most definitely Eric was a little caught off guard when I hugged him because of my excitement over pantry shelving. What I really know is that this miraculous, new walk-in pantry brings a whole new meaning to my oft-used coping skill of hiding in the pantry eating chocolate chips.
Brian Recovery Thoughts: Thank you to EVERYONE who has emailed, commented and followed up to ask me how Brian is recovering after this post where I vented a little about it. Brian is doing much, much better. He’s back to 100% capacity in terms of work, home life, and church service. Although he’s dealing with pretty constant congestion from the surgery and his snoring is…well…still very special, we are grateful he’s doing so much better than he was in October and November. Thank you so much for caring!
Go Positive Thoughts: Are you an ambitious new year’s resolution setter? I’m kind of a moderate. I always choose a few things to work on (both personally, spiritually and creatively) but I don’t go crazy. The feeling of failure is hard for my perfectionist personality, and I do better when I set the bar low, or rather, realistically. This year personally, after having some emotional breakdowns in regards to parenting and some issues we are dealing with at home and with the kids, my biggest goal is that I’m not saying anything this year that isn’t positive. While I’m trying this in all aspects of my life, mostly it is in relation to how I mother my kids.
I feel so strongly that if I can stick with this, it will change the trajectory of my kids’ lives. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still correcting behavior and issuing consequence, if need be, but I’m framing all of those conversations positively (i.e. “it would really help if everyone could jump up and help in the kitchen so we can get things cleaned up!” vs. “seriously, you guys, can’t anyone get off the couch and help a little bit around here??”). Not going to lie, I’ve already nearly bitten the side of my tongue off keeping myself from saying something naggy/negative and have ended most nights since the new year with a migraine from the effort of ignoring a lot of “behavioral noise” and focusing on positive, positive, positive, but thankfully I am seeing nearly miraculous improvements in the feeling of our home, and I’m determined to continue, even if the effort earns me some gray hair. I’m also doling out more 8-second hugs to anyone related to me who will take them (and also those who don’t want them!).
Creatively, I’m committing myself to finally finish the Fancy Forest quilt I started a couple years ago. Last year, I finished my first-ever, real, live pieced quilt (this Book Nerd quilt pictured below) and gave it to the kids as their traditional homemade Christmas present (although I didn’t confess to them how many bad words I said while making it – quilting is hard!!). Their reactions were so fun on Christmas morning…here’s to hoping I survive and actually finish a much harder quilt this year.
Cinnamon Roll Thoughts: Would you believe me if I told you over the holidays I discovered the cinnamon roll recipe to end all cinnamon roll recipes? I don’t know how to say this and have you take me seriously (considering I have an abnormal number of “favorite” cinnamon rolls already posted), but I’m not sure I’ll ever make another cinnamon roll recipe. These new cinnamon rolls are amazing – lighter, fluffier, and more delicious than any I’ve ever made, I think. What level of interest do you have in me posting this new recipe (given to me by an amazing home chef/baker friend from church)? Stop already with another cinnamon roll recipe or bring it on??
Holiday Wrap Up Thoughts: Overall, we had a great Christmas and New Year’s despite having some lingering sickie germs. And, you know, general holiday and sugar overload (can only be blamed on poor parenting choices such as committing to a Harry Potter movie marathon among other things). We’ve also completed no less than four pretty substantial puzzles thanks to the fact that we are a family of puzzling nerds. The kids go back to school on Monday, and we are currently on a last-minute family drive to Utah to celebrate the life of Brian’s grandpa who passed away on New Year’s Eve at the age of 91. A bittersweet, but also wonderful, way to end the holiday.
Ok, now gimme all YOUR thoughts! Holiday thoughts, cinnamon roll thoughts, pantry thoughts, goal setting thoughts or any old thought you want to share. I love reading them all!
419 Comments on “Friday Thoughts: Holiday Detox and Other “Stuff””
A couple things…thank you for posting your pantry! I have a corner pantry too and have been contemplating bumping it out into the garage so it was fun to see how you did it. My grandma also passed away this year on New Year’s Eve at 95. and I love your goals, ignoring all the junk behavior is so hard! way to keep at it!
i’m usually not one to comment, but your thoughts about being positive really struck a chord with me… especially when it comes to talking with my own kids. is there a book or something you’ve read that is helping you along or are you just slowing down to find a more positive way to say/ask what needs to be said? i’m thinking this is something i really want to do. any thoughts will be greatly appreciated. enjoy the rest of your week!
I agree. I would like a separate post all about this!
I’ve been using your recipes for years and years now. I’ve never read your thoughts post before. I just sat down to print out a Sunday dinners recipe when I clicked on the above post. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I have stopped making resolutions years ago because I never felt like I had the time or energy for another “thing”. This year I had this impression that changing my heart doesn’t require any time. It just requires me to change. Being soft spoken is not my natural tendency. My natural tendency is to be critical. I have already failed alot this month, but when I read your post it made me start crying. Maybe I started crying because I relate to you, or maybe it was because your post was an answer to my prayers, I know I need to change, and what you wrote about being positive really just nailed it on the head. Thank you so much for your thoughts, and know that what you do makes a difference. The recipes you organize on your site have blessed our family a lot. Family dinner is really the thing that keeps our family feeling like they belong, and feel accepted. What you do is more than just food for the body, it promotes family solidarity, which feeds the soul. The one thing I want my kids to remember is that their family was always there for them, So Thank you for your recipes, and thank you for your post about being positive.
Oh, Lisa, your comment almost made ME cry. Thank you so much for your words. “family solidarity which feeds the soul” really stuck out to me. I think you are right and it makes me feel valued in my efforts to have family dinners with my kids and revolve life around food (which seems to unite us). Being soft spoken isn’t my natural tendency either, hence the need for change. It can feel so hard, but I’m right there with you…let’s do it together. Last week was a bit rough, I found myself sliding into more negativity than I had all month, so I took a step back and figured out what was triggering me to be negative instead of positive and am trying to recenter this week. Thank you for your comment.
Pleeeaaase post the cinnamon rolls! Your other cinnamon rolls are so good, I can’t imagine something better. They must be magical!
I love all things Mel and admire many things about your intentional parenting. Being a mom is the hardest job you’ll ever adore (and no one tells you that ahead of time). I would love to hear if you’ve discovered a way to look ahead a year or two or three and be planful about fun/connecting as a family/memory making ( I.e. family retreats?). I worry that, poof!, graduation day will come too quickly, and I’ll wish we had done more together to enjoy life. BTW, I’m not a very planful gal. I tend to take things one day at a time.
That’s a great question, Jami. Brian and I do plan a year or so ahead in terms of family activities, especially now that we have a teenager who works a bit during the summers. But it’s also a balance because we know how quickly life, jobs, finances can change and so the plans aren’t cemented in. Just ideas and tentative scheduling of dates.
Mel, new pantry looks fab. Can’t wait for the cinnamon roll recipe.
Thanks, Michele!
Your Friday Thoughts post are some of my favorite. I really loved the idea of positive thoughts/words parenting and I think it’s something I’m going to try and implement. I didn’t think I needed to, but I read this post a bit ago and have been thinking about it and listening to what’s coming out of my mouth, and you know what?, I’m not as positive as I think I am! So it’s something I’m going to try and be better at. As Marilyn said below, thanks for inspiring me to be better! Life is Good 🙂
Thanks, Ellen! I’m forging ahead with the positivity. It was much easier the first two weeks of my goal. Haha. But I see such a big difference when I can make it a life change and not just a trial type thing.
Very excited for that cinnamon roll recipe!!!
Hi Mel. My 13 year old daughter has taken to sewing and all she talks about is making a quilt. Her absolute favorite thing in the world is reading. She would LOVE the quilt you made. Can you tell me where to find a pattern for it??
Thanks so much
Actually, I just found it online. Thank you for the inspiration!
Sorry I didn’t respond soon enough! Glad you found it! 🙂
Yes please please post your new cinnamon roll recipe! I WANT it!
I was thinking the other day about how much influence for good you have with your followers. After reading this post about making a very determined effort of being POSITIVE in your home I also wanted to take on the challenge. As women I feel like if we can replace the word compare with INSPIRE our lives would change immensely. You had a great idea that inspired me to want to try to be better and it is blessing our family. Thank you for sharing more than just recipes. Thank you for enriching the lives of so many people by sharing your inspiration to the world.
Marilyn – that was so impactful to me – replacing COMPARE with INSPIRE. I love that so much! Thank you for sharing that!
That idea of replacing compare with inspiring is awesome. I’m going to try and do that more and I’m going to borrow that line next time I hear someone comparing. Thanks for sharing! Life is Good 🙂
Why tease us with hints of a new recipe without giving it? ;). Of course I’m interested and can’t wait for this new one. I think I’ve made all of the ones on your site. 🙂
I wasn’t teasing! Promise! I legitimately was curious if people could handle another cinnamon roll recipe. Haha. I guess so!
Love the pantry!! It’s amazing! What a great idea to add more space, you’ve got me thinking now.
I would love the new cinnamon roll recipe!
Thanks, Anissa!
I love these posts! Thanks for the reminder to be positive with my kids. My oldest is 6 years old and I feel like I’m always expecting too much of him and not being positive enough. My husband is out of town for a month right now so it’s been especially tough the last few days since he’s been gone. Do you follow @simplyonpurpose? She is amazing and has really opened my eyes on parenting in a positive way. I actually feel like there are 2 blogs that have had the most impact on me– hers (except she doesn’t have a blog, just an instagram), and yours! I found your blog soon after having my first baby and you have honestly shaped my cooking style! My kids have severe food allergies so I love that you cook from scratch. I really can’t thank you enough!!!! Your healthy banana oat bars are honestly a LIFESAVER. We call them “special bars” and they’re a huge staple for us. We even have a ton of freeze dried special bars in our food storage for vacations and emergencies. Anyway, I’m babbling. Just wanted to say thank you again and again 🙂
Oh, thank you so much, Christine! I’m so happy those bars have been a hit with you and your kids (and the idea of freeze drying them for food storage is pretty much brilliant!). I hear you on husbands traveling – those are always low-patience weeks for me and I have to dig really deep to stay positive with the kids. Hang in there! A month is a LONG time!!
Bring on another cinnamon roll recipe! I love all of your recipes and am excited when you say you found another one! Thank you!
Years ago you suggested the parenting book, Parenting with Love, by Glenn Latham. This post reminded me of it! I need/have to read it again and again and again! I just ran down stairs at midnight to pull it out and make sure I don’t forget to read it. Hopefully eating some chocolate chips in your new, beautiful, pantry will help with your migraine! I think I’ll have a migraine soon too!
Best wishes!
I agree! I’ve been revisiting that book, too!
Yes, Please for the cinnamon roll recipe!!!! Best news of my new year so far, ha!
Yes Please, more cinnamon rolls. Especially if you think this is the last recipe you will ever use.
When my second child and oldest daughter was about 12, she turned into a very negative and sassy young lady. As her mom, I felt it was my job to discipline her and teach her the right way to treat other people, but all that happened was I began to not like this child very much, even though I would always love her. And all the feedback she was getting from me was negative. It was a very difficult time in our relationship. I decided to start giving her only positive feedback unless it was really necessary to discipline her. I would gently praise her for any little positive comment or action she would make, even if it was small. “Thank you for clearing your dishes. That helps me a lot.” “I appreciate you being kind to your little sister. That helps teach her how to be kind too.” I actively looked for the good in this child and brought it to her attention on a regular basis. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Her attitude improved almost immediately and she became a very loving, sensitive and kind girl. She will turn 33 in a couple of weeks and we couldn’t be closer as mother and daughter. She’s a very empathetic, loving human being and we ended up having a great time together as mother/teenage daughter during those growing up years. This experience also helped me with my next daughter when she turned that age and her hormones were out of control. I didn’t even think about that with my first daughter, but I was aware of the hormonal changes happening in my other children at that age and that helped me be understanding and patient with them. I think your goal of positivity is a very promising one. Don’t get discouraged. 🙂
Maureen – thank you SO much for sharing this. Honestly, I loved every word you shared. And I think it can give all of us moms deep in the trenches hope. It’s amazing what a transformation there was with the shift to positive. Makes me excited to continue on this sometimes-hard path. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for sharing!!
This is great. I’m a ways away from hormonal preteens, but I really liked this perspective. And it’s something I can start implementing now. Life is Good 🙂
Loved this comment so much. I had a very difficult 3-year-old boy and my story is so much like yours. Every day I would wake up as a mom and just see all the negative things he was doing. I felt totally absorbed in negativity because life was really really hard. Then I decided to change. I couldn’t change what he was doing. I had to change my own attitude. I looked for every positive thing he did. Since there were very few of these at the time (he was REALLy hard). At first it started out by noticing every time he didn’t do a negative thing. I would literally stay up late at night writing out a list of positive things I could say to this child the next day. “You slept in your bed all night.” “Thank you for putting on your shirt”. “You didn’t hit your brother when you were upset”. Tons and tons of positive things every day. My whole day revolved around it. At first there was still a lot of negative. But slowly slowly things started shifting as I shifted my focus and today he’s really the best 14-year-old teenager out there. 🙂 I still have to remind myself when I slip back into negativity with him or his brother and sister. But the key for him was not to punish the behavior—that was just enforcing the negativity. The key was for us to focus on the positive and build that up in the child. Then he changed the negative behavior himself. Its different with each child but the lessons I learned with that experience have helped me with my other as well. Focusing on the positive always works better than dwelling in the negative. Thanks for the reminder. I loved this thread.
Yes to more cinnamon rolls!
I made your savory stuffed spiral rolls the other day and I was thinking about how fabulous it would be if there really was a sweet version to that roll— with what’s being rolled up as thick and substantial as the cream cheese filling in that savory roll. Have you don’t anything like that before? I always end up wanting more filling in my cinnamon rolls.
Oh yum, that’s a great idea…
That pantry is da bomb. Hope you are enjoying it to the fullest!
Yes, to cinnamon roll recipe! I have not yet found one that is good with a minimal amount of effort. Maybe your new one will be the one for me!
I am quite envious of your quilt. You are officially super mom if you can complete that AND be a mom!
There’s a puzzle at the end of your post (at least in my view there is). I LOVE puzzles and my fiance and I spend our cold MN winters doing several of them. If that puzzle is yours, who does them in your family?
Happy New Year!
I think it would overflow in that size of pan (which is usually 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch).
What would overflow? 🙂
I think you’ll love this new cinnamon roll recipe then! And yes, that’s a puzzle we did over the holidays. We all love them, but the serious puzzles are me, Brian my 13-year old and almost 7-year old. 🙂
Haha. Simply a case of responding to the wrong comment in the wrong thread! 🙂
I recently read the book “How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk” and I think it would align perfectly with your goal to speak positively to your kids 🙂 Very eye-opening for me and I agree its HARD work!! Good luck!
Yes! I have that book and reading it last year kind of prompted me to tweak how I’m doing things.
Yes- I want to try your new cinnamon roll recipe!! Please!!
Hi Mel, I love this post! Your pantry is amazing. I think that after the kitchen, the pantry is the most important space in the house! You, of anyone, certainly need that space with what you do here and what you cook for your family. Glad to hear Brian is feeling better, what an ordeal for him! I love your honesty on trying to be a more positive parent. We can all relate. Your quilt is so beautiful. I am not creative in the least and think it’s wonderful you can do something like that. Yes, please post the yummy cinnamon roll recipe, too. I am glad you enjoyed the holiday season. We did, too, but right after the new year, we decided to have all of the popcorn on all of our ceilings removed. They just finished the painting yesterday. What a mess, but so worth it. The house looks so much brighter and cleaner. Have a great day!!!
Oh my goodness, Teresa! What a project! We scraped the popcorn ceilings off our house in Minnesota when we lived there and I hear you – SO much work and SO much mess, but it was definitely worth it!
There are never too many cinnamon roll recipes. Everyone I cook/bake for looks for something different in their favourite; I owe it to them all to keep trying until I get one that works for everyone. LOL Kudos on the positive parenting. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth doing. As a happy Nonna now, trust me when I advise choosing your battles. You still have the hormonal teens to get through, times 5. (So glad it’s not me!) They will need your positivity to get through those angst ridden years and come out the other side with self esteem intact. They always come home for the hugs…..and then they marry great partners and you get the great kids to play with…without all the work!
Haha, yes, I hear from my mom all the time that being a grandma is the best. Thanks for the words of wisdom!!
Definitely bring on another cinnamon roll recipe please!!
I have a completely random thought to add to your random thoughts post.
I just watched a show on Netflix called “Seven Days Out” and it. was. FASCINATING. I learned a lot about some RANDOM areas of life. I loved it! I want more than the only 7 episodes it has!
(p.s. I don’t need another cinnamon roll recipe because I have my mom’s and I have never met another recipe that I think tastes as good as hers. But really, in this world of chaos and fear, who am I to say no to something as peaceful and beautiful as a cinnamon roll recipe? Bring it on.)
Thanks for the Netflix recommendation, Sandi! I’m super excited to check that out! And your sentiment at the end is so true – with so much bad in the world, nothing wrong with another cinnamon roll recipe! 🙂
Yes yes yes yes yes please pass on the new cinnamon roll recipe. I am a huge baker, but I am totally intimidated by tackling cinnamon rolls. So I would love to give this recipe a try.
Will post it soon!
Your post really resonated with me, particularly the part about mothering. I have a number of “goals” for this year, and I think the primary one is similar to yours. I’m grateful for your candor because it’s so easy to assume that other mothers (especially on social media) are doing it “right” while I’m driving my children away by being constantly stressed out and nagging them all day! I’m aiming to make sure they feel loved and valued above all else, even when they’re not being the model kids I want them to be. Heaven knows I’m not the model mother they wish I was!
Your pantry looks awesome. It’s amazing how a little extra space can make such a huge difference! It gives me hope for the remodeling vision we have for our house (which is still years down the road, I’m afraid).
Quilting is also one of my ambitions for this year. Working on prioritizing time for that! I just finished a quilt for my baby that I planned before he was born. He’s turning 2 next month! Your book quilt looks complex! I hope you share the “harder” quilt when you finish!
Thanks for sharing your real life along with your fabulous recipes!
Thanks for your thoughts, Vicky! I agree that perceptions can be deceiving. And comparison is too easy. I’m determined to focus on that love and value piece, too! I don’t think a “model” mother exists. And if so, I’m not sure I want to meet her. Haha.
I love your thoughts and recipies. You and I would be best of friends if we lived closer. I can just tell.
I got an Air fryer for christmas. Please take an adventure with me and get one…so I can then use your recipes….
-caren
Which brand/kind did you get??
Definitely want that new cinnamon bun recipe! I have been making cinnamon buns for the last couple years with an adapted recipe from your buttermilk potato bun recipe. I add a little more sugar, and the cinnamon buns are SO yummy, and actually stay fresh tasting for a few days!
I get the whole naggy mom thingy! I also need to work on parenting with grace!
Oh wow, your adapted recipe sounds phenomenal!
Love that quilt! And that puzzle! Can you tell me where you purchased it?
I hoard all of your Cinnamon Roll recipes 😉
I got it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JBJF1XG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
can you have too many cinnamon rolls – oh wait you said recipes – well maybe, but one can always hope to improve. if you want to branch out I have a lovely doughnut recipe that my grandchildren think rivals Kispy Kremes. I chuckle over your parenting woes. My daughter (mother of a lovely 15 year old daughter) called to apologize for having once been 15, You are a great mom and the perfect one for your tribe. Miss you all.
Haha, the answer is NO you can never have too many cinnamon ROLLS. And I’ll be emailing you for that doughnut recipe!
Walking pantries are life! Congratulations.
Cinnamon Rolls are life! Please share! I made a recipe passed down to me recently that I came to adore now. The use of pudding changed the game for me. I am so interested and curious to try yours!
Thank you! I’ll post the cinnamon roll recipe soon!
We’re about to start on a massive kitchen renovation in my home. I’m scared, nervous about picking decor and excited! I’m actually terrified about picking our countertops tomorrow. We’re reconfiguring our kitchen and it’s so so so expensive. (Insert panic attack)
If I don’t give my kids a direct instruction they won’t do anything so I admire anyone who can get their kids to move on positivity alone.
I’d love a cinnamon roll recipe because I’m not in love with any recipe I’ve tried so far. It’ll be a few months before I’m able to make it though…I won’t have an oven for about 6 weeks. Pray for me!
Awkwardly, I want to be your best friend. We’re still in this super “move around phase” where I know we’re not settling and it’s really hard to make friends. And I love your cooking/eating/parenting philosphies…so it’s really hard not to be awkward. So I’m embracing it.
I love the new year because it feels like a fresh start. I feel so giving because of Christmas and it helps me set some selfish, some not so selfish goals that make me a better person. I wanted to thank you for posting awhile back about the positive parenting book. It’s really helped me in the last couple of months (even though I’m STILL trying really hard not to scream at my kids :), and reading this post about how you’re trying with the positivity also helps!
Thank you for the joy and love through food that you spread!!
Thanks, Ashlee! I love that little book – I still use it constantly. And if it makes you feel better, I’m super awkward, too, so we’d make a great pair! 🙂
Mel, I love all your recipes, especially cinnamon rolls! And congrats to your new pantry addition-looks amazing! I’d really appreciate healthy recipes these next few months, as our family is going sugar, gluten (and most other grains), dairy, and any animal-product free. Crazy, I know. We’re following the nutritarian diet plan, which means a lot of fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, legumes and beans. In hopes to de-junk our appetites, cravings, and systems. So-bring on any bean or lentil recipe! Or fun ways to cook veggies. Or how to us a Wok-I got one for Christmas from my mom. Thanks Mel!
Well I am drooling over your pantry! So fabulous. And I feel that if a perfect recipe walks into your life then you are obligated to share it with us.
Haha, how can I argue with that kind of logic?
Yes to cinnamon rolls! I love when you share recipes to end all recipes because they always are THAT GOOD!!
Ok, I’m getting excited about this! I’m going to make the cinnamon rolls a couple more times this week and get some great tutorial shots.
I don’t have a cinnamon roll recipe, so I’m looking forward to getting yours. I don’t know where you get the energy .
PS. I’ve never made cinnamon Rolls before.
I’m excited for you to try this new recipe then!
Mel, bring on ANY recipes. You are my go-to and you have not let me down in the 4+ years I’ve been following you. Please, please! And thank you so much for everything you’ve posted.
Thank you so much!
Is there such a thing as too many cinnamon roll recipes??? Share already, woman! ; )
Jelly of your walk in pantry… we have two pantries that are part of our cabinets. I miss my old walk in one. And, sorry to hear of the passing of Brian’s grandfather. We are headed to Utah this weekend for my great aunt’s funeral. She passed away at 94, and was the last remaining sibling of 11 children. So bitter sweet.
I can always use another cinnamon roll recipe. Please and thank you!
Done and done! Coming soon!
Yes, yes, yes! I am so similar to you with regards to resolutions. This year my word is LOVE, and I really appreciate your idea of positive talk. We had some difficult things to tackle in 2018 with our kiddos, and I’m feeling that what they really need is LOVE! (I’ve tried the nagging/yelling/complaining and it doesn’t seem to be working.) Thank you for the example of how to change a nagging comment into a positive one. Happy New Year! And please, bring on your new favorite cinnamon roll recipe. Not sure how you’ll beat the pudding one, but I’m willing to try it.
Yes, everything you said! Love is the answer as cheesy as it sounds. For me it’s all about finding practical, authentic ways to show that love. And I promise to share the recipe soon!
You deserve a big pantry for all you do for us! Mine is very small but I can only blame myself because I helped design the kitchen. Please share the cinnamon roll recipe and thank you for your sweet newsletters and thoughts on parenting. I didn’t know how you do all you do but I’m grateful you laugh at yourself and share all of you so we can still be friends. (Otherwise I’d be very intimidated by you!) Your family is beautiful and you are a wonderful mother! Oh and I binge watched Fat, salt, acid, heat and I’m so inspired to cook more, worry less and share food with others. Thank you for your recipes that always inspire me! ♥️
I saw that show on Netflix and wondered if I should watch it! I will now with your good review. And oh goodness, I hope I always come across as real and down to earth. If anyone were intimidated by me, it would be a HUGE mistake. Life is chaotic and crazy and messy and wonderful all at the same time and I’m just trying to embrace that (and I hope it’s obvious that I fall short a lot). Thank you, Jaime!
Please tell us the cinnamon roll recipe!! Also, I am super curious to know what kind of cinnamon you use. I almost ordered some Saigon cinnamon, but then got confused between that & Ceylon cinnamon. So, I gave up! Maybe you can enlighten us!!
My favorite cinnamon in all the world is the Penzey’s signature cinnamon blend. I order it in bulk!
https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/penzeys-cinnamon-ground/c-24/p-967/pd-s
Ok I am clearly the one lone wolf here – no more cinnamon roll recipes!!!!!! My pants can’t take it and too many options is already stressing me out! How can something possibly be better than Gloria’s? Such blasphemy! You better do a cook off to prove it. Also – super jealous of that pantry Happy New Year!
Hahahaha, you are probably serious, but it still made me laugh. You ARE in the minority. But I promise when I do share the recipe that I’ll have some solid evidence and side by side comparisons to back up the claim!
Not so much serious as rather a devout lover of Gloria’s rolls! They are the best ever and I refuse to believe something can top it!!!! Can’t wait for the side by side comparison. Love your blog and thanks so much for the Meal Planning App – you are saving my life!
Mel,
Thank you for reminding me that how we present things to our kids is SO important. I too need to work on being positive in my parenting ways. I often find myself yelling, then apologizing for losing it.
As for hiding in the pantry and eating choc chips you are not alone. Your new pantry looks divine. We just recently added more pantry space.
Finally as a bread lover, bring on the cinnamon roll recipe. I would love to try my hand at it.
Happy New Year
Thanks, Andrea – happy new year!
I have yeast I need to use! Bring in the cinnamon rolls, especially if I can tweak things to make them dairy free!!! Please and thank you. And I want your pantry. I would tear up and hug and jump (because I’m a jumper) over such a beautiful space. Your reaction was well within the confines of normal. 🙂 Blessings!!
And I also want to join you in the positivity. If there is anything I feel convicted about when standing before my church to lead them in worship on Sunday mornings, it’s negativity toward my children’s behavior. I can find a different way to guide them. Thanks for sharing about this!
Haha, thanks for making me feel justified in my emotional reaction over the pantry!
Mel – we have 4 teenagers under one roof and many (most) days I have to take a lot of deep breaths and redirect the way I want to say things! It’s day by day, week by week around here, aiming to be present with my family and remembering that words are like actions. Thank you for inspiring me to plan and make better meals for my peeps, something I basically learned how to do from your recipes!
Oh gosh, you are so right. Day by day. Thanks for the input! I love knowing so many of us moms are in this together trying to do our best.
I love cinnamon rolls, so yes please! I made Gloria’s recipe for 2017 Christmas, and for 2018 I used your scaled down version. I don’t know if I technically have a pantry? Ha. We have one tall, narrow cupboard with 5 shelves and then I use another cupboard for baking food supplies like flour and sugar. Your renovation is so fun!
I’ll post the recipe soon!
PLEASE and YES to any and all worthy cinnamon roll recipes. They’re my FAVORITE! Oh, and thank you. 🙂
Coming soon!
Okay I admit I read closely until the cinnamon rolls question and then just immediately jumped down here to comment. YES. YES to the greatest cinnamon roll recipe of all time! Post it!
Haha, ok!
Ummm…. YES to the cinnamon roll recipe! Of course!
I know, I’m realizing I didn’t need to ask! 🙂
Mel, I love your blog and thoughts! We are dealing with similar stuff with kids not listening or lack of motivation to help. We had a family meeting to talk about having a ‘happier home’ and what everyone can do to contribute. I am going to try your positive approach, with as you mentioned still consequences, etc… I would love to hear more about your approach!
Thank you
Good luck, Amy! It’s definitely an ongoing process, isn’t it, with families. We’ve had several “family councils” about it, too.
Happy New Year, Mel!! So happy to hear Brian is feeling better & YES, you’ve gotta share this amazing new cinnamon roll recipe! 🙂 Your parenting goal is SO inspiring – I think it’s just what my family needs as well & I’m going to follow your lead! ❤
Thanks, Molly!
Yes to cinnamon roll recipe!!!!!
Will do!
Go for posting another FAVORITE cinnamon roll recipe. What’s NOT to LIKE!!!
Haha, true!
Hi Mel,
First of all, I love the picture of your too-small pantry! Somehow it makes me feel at home, since I could post a very similar picture right now. 🙂 And your new pantry is in my dreams fortnightly! A perfect Christmas gift!! That is so awesome that you had space to take from your garage to make it work.
Also, I am tagging your remodel man, since I do live locally and we do have dreams of expanding/renovating parts of our house this coming year. Thank you for the reference!
I am all ears for the new cinnamon roll recipe, (yum!!) and I’m also loving all the healthy recipes you’ve posted recently to help with holiday detox! Yay!
And one more thing while I’m here… I didn’t get a chance to comment on your cheese ball parable post. But I loved it, it’s spoke to my heart and reminded me
of the many little miracles that I’ve been a part of, on both the giving and receiving end. Thanks so much for sharing all your goodness!! Happy new year to you!
Thanks, Kamber! I hope if you ever get a chance to work with Eric it’s a great experience! You’ll have to let me know if you remodel even if it’s in the far future. I love hearing things like that. Thank you for your comment. Happy New Year!
What do you do with your puzzles when they are complete? I always find it so hard to take them apart.
We just take them apart and then keep them in our game closet to pull out later. If we’ve done them enough times, we donate them or give them to other puzzle loving friends. My kids would love me to glue each and everyone and hang them up but I’ve shot them down enough times they’ve stopped asking.
My favorite high school class was Spanish with Sra. Dandurand. She was fun and eclectic and had modge-podged whole puzzles (no rhyme or reason to a theme) to completely cover her ceiling, and it was a big classroom. Such a fun flashback memory when you mentioned gluing puzzles. 🙂
I want the cinnamon roll recipe!!!!
Coming soon!
Love your new pantry!! So gorgeous & so much storage! Also, bring on the new cinnamon roll recipe. There can never be too many. (:
🙂
Cinnamon rolls yes! Is that really even a question?
And I love your only positive talk…it sounds SO hard but I am going to try it. With a very strong willed 3.5 year old and a teething 7 month old I am tired and grumpy and not the mom I want to be. I am going to try this! We can do it!
Haha, I doubted you, my faithful, readers – had no idea everyone would want the new recipe! Coming soon! And hang in there, I’m not sure I would have taken on a positivity challenge with a teething baby. 🙂
Mel!
I love your random thoughts. Yay for coming to Utah–i wish we had better weather for you, but hopefully new snow will get here before you do and make it all pretty! 😉
YES on new cinnamon roll recipes, please!
SO glad Brian is doing better and your new pantry looks AMAZING!!!
Also, I bought a couple games off your list for my kiddos and we have LOVED them!! the Scrambled United States, 6 zimmit and Chameleon, all of which got rave reviews and happy teenagers over the break, thank you!! (we even had my brother and sis-in-law addicted to Chameleon, played every night!)
My burning question is: what do you do with your completed puzzles? We have a handful we’ve finished and I modge-podged, and am thinking about mounting them on foam core and hanging them on our playroom wall…but also thinking about putting shelves on said wall for lego creations to remain intact for more than 30 seconds…thoughts?
Thanks, Melanie! I think you guys are due to get a big snowstorm – we got home before it hit, but the inversion was pretty bad through SLC this time. So happy you’ve loved those games. That honestly makes me so happy to hear! That’s a great question on the completed puzzles. My kids BEG me to glue them together and hang them up and I’m like, um no. So we just box them back up and then do them again in a year or so (and we have a few friends that we do puzzle exchanging with to get new puzzles to do and that’s kind of fun).
YES PLEASE on the cinnamon roll recipe. A girl can never have too many recipes for those, I believe. I am a more moderate resolution person too,and I agree that being more positive definitely helps in the mothering stage, but it is very had at time (I am mom of 4 ages 21 to 13). I feel ya! We loved our holidays and played lots and lots and lots of games. I got my husband the Double Ditto because of your recommendations, and we have loved it! Played it at least 6 times since Christmas. We tweaked it and decided we were going to do 4 things for each instead of 2 and just score them one point each. Makes it extra crazy and fun!!! Thanks for you recommendations on games. I always buy a game each Christmas but I always wait until you post your recommendations to buy one, and I REALLY appreciated that you posted those early this year, because I am a girl that likes to be done Christmas shopping before Dec 1, so THANK YOU for posting those gift guides early and I would love it if you did that again for 2019 🙂 You are truly awesome and a rock star Mel! I make something of your almost daily! Thank you! Thank you and bless you and your family so 2019 is wonderful for you all!!! and I LOVE your pantry by the way! I am jealous!!!
We played Double Ditto a ton this holiday, too!! Glad you guys loved it! I love the variation you made, too. Thank you, Jen! Love you right back.
Sounds like u had a fun holiday. Love the panty. I raised 4 kids every 2 yrs I another. They are all raised and I have 2 great granddaughters. I am going to try your sauage soup with sweet potatoes. I also quilt slow an steady.
Happy New Year
Kay. Your moms neighbor.
Thanks, Kay! Happy New Year!
I try every new cinnamon roll you post! Love them! Currently Gloria’s are my favorite but know if you post a new recipe it’s worth trying! I’m excited for it to be posted!! Oh that pantry is amazing!! Mine looks about like your after pictures ha! I’m not much of a New Years goal setter, but do set mothering/health/fitness goals throughout the year as I notice there need. How did you get your kids to like puzzles?! Or maybe at what age did they start liking them? I love them but my kids don’t. They enjoy the little 48 ish sized ones but not any bigger. My 10 year old will “help” when he sees the puzzle is almost done, something about finishing the puzzle, even though he put in maybe 5 pieces ha and my 7 year old will help with the initial finding the edges but that’s about it. And my others are too young to grasp how to do the bigger puzzles. I keep bringing them out and trying to convince them to do them with me, but they just don’t care for them, kinda makes me sad.
Ok, well I expect all of you Gloria fans to try this new roll recipe immediately and give me a detailed analysis! I’m not really sure on the puzzle thing. I mean, some of my kids like them more than others, but they all sit down and puzzle for a while. I think we’ve just had them around for so long that it’s just a part of what we do for holidays and summer stuff. I definitely did have younger, easier puzzles around when they were younger and that was my go-to to pull out when they were bored. Maybe puzzling is part of our DNA?? 🙂
Your new pantry is awesome!!! I would be giddy too and I am so happy for you! Your post made me laugh, especially the part about your husband’s snoring and trying to get your family to help clean the kitchen in a positive way. The latter is a constant struggle and I was trying to convince my husband the other day that this was a normal thing and that we can’t get frustrated about it every single day. The struggle is real! Loved your quilt—-so darling! Also love that you commiteted to a Harry Potter marathon—we have done that before and my kids are always trying to get us to do it again. I am definitely intrigued by and interested in the cinnamon roll recipe. We love cooking together as a family and had fun trying out some traditional Colombian recipes (empanadas and buneuelos) on Christmas Eve in honor of our first Christmas with our children whom we recently adopted from Colombia. Totally a lot of work, but a fun way to spend the day as a family. Love your recipes and your random thoughts! Thanks for sharing Mel!
Oh my goodness, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. Truer words have never been spoken. Your Christmas Eve with new foods sounds awesome (congratulations on your adoptions!!). I agree that cooking together is a great way to spend a day (minus the cleanup)
Heck YES to a new cinnamon roll recipe- tried and true are the best recipes!
Love the new pantry and glad your husband is on the mend.
A Cup of Joe had a post on resolutions that is a game changer for me – it doesn’t demand perfection so instant failure can be avoided! Check out tge system she references https://www.instagram.com/p/BsBx52bleCV/
Thanks for sharing that!!
Share the recipe!!!!!! You can’t taunt us like that!!
I honestly didn’t mean to! I wasn’t sure anyone would want another recipe, but once again, you guys have proven me wrong!
Everything you said about mothering/parenting sounds exactly like Ralphie from Simply on Purpose so I’m assuming you are a fellow follower? She’s amazing, as are you, and I am so grateful for both of your talents and for sharing them with the world!
Also, I NEED that cinnamon roll recipe! If you say it’s better than the ones on your site, which are the only ones I make and LOVE, then it has to be life-changing. Can’t wait!
Hey Danielle – I followed Simply On Purpose a while ago before I did an Instagram detox, but I need to start following her again. Clearly I could use the help!
I am loving te pics of your new pantry and staring at my space trying to find a way to make it happen for me. That is an awesome remodel. I am sure the bathrooms will excite you just as much. We made your small batch cinnamon rolls for Christmas and I am intrigued by another recipe-lighter and fluffier? Bring it!
We are detoxing from too much sugar and device time and ready for the new year and more recipes from you. I need more veggies in my life right now (and 8 second hugs). I haven’t made any resolutions, but I am inspired and will be copying yours. I hate to yell at my boys, and I know that they just get mad about it. They are good boys and asking them nicely is a better way to communicate. Thanks for changing my life with every post.
I need more veggies and 8 second hugs myself, Sheila! 🙂
The new pantry is amazing! I ‘m always up for more cinnamon rolls :). I’m teaching kindergarten for the next 2 weeks (I ‘m a sub), so if I survive that, I will try to make the cinnamon rolls Good luck on the quilt. Prayers for you and your family for your loss.
I hope you come out on the other side of that. Good luck!!
The pantry is amazing! And oh so clever.
Yes, yes, yes, I want the cinnamon roll recipe. I am on the hunt for perfection. I do really like one from King Arthur Flour that uses a tangzhong.
https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/soft-cinnamon-rolls-recipe
I have to thank you for your gift guide this year as I bought so many gifts from your lists that were hits! InstantPot for the son- in-law ( plus I turned him on to your website),
Mini waffle makers for two daughters, that Kaboodle game x 2, the electronics docking station! Seriously big hits.
I admire you for working on your positivity. It is so hard. My kids are grown up, and they have turned out well, but there are times I wish I had used kinder words.( Three teenage girls at once though….I try not to beat myself up too much, and you shouldn’t either.)
Happy New Year to you and your family!
That cinnamon roll recipe looks so interesting! I’ve made a roll recipe like that before but not cinnamon rolls. I’m so happy the gift guides were helpful!! Thanks for your thoughts, Kendra!
Of course you need to provide the new best ever cinnamon rolls recipe. But you should take bets about when you’ll find the next best ever cinnamon roll recipe! That’s the beauty of trying new recipes 🙂
Haha, super good point. Love that. I’m sure there’ll be another “best” in no time.
I love your quilt.
I want your pantry.
I need your cinnamon roll recipe.
Thank you.
The one thing I can do – get you that cinnamon roll recipe! Will do! 🙂
What?! You mean you haven’t already posted the perfect cinnamon roll recipe?! What am I supposed to make RIGHT NOW?! Get to it already and let us have it!
Haha, coming right up!
I just love you and think you’re the best, and that’s a fantastic goal and quilt! You are my biggest fan
Hahahahaha. Love you right back, Ashlee.
Mel,
The pantry! Amazing! Who needs deep dark garage space? I confess, I zoomed in on your photo and was able to breathe a huge sigh of relief that you have things like cold cereal and apple sauce packs.
The cinnamon rolls! I can’t hardly believe it, but if it is the best yet, I would love to give it a go! Post away, my virtual friend.
I also go low-key on the resolutions so I have 10 lbs to lose, an almost finished basement to actually finish, and some parenting goals as well, cheers to the new year!
In other news I have now, as of New Years eve made your top recipes from your anniversary post. It was so fun making all of them knowing they were your favorite and truth be told the quinoa bread is probably my favorite out of all of them! So tasty! The brownie pudding being a close second.
I didn’t post anything on your parable cheeseball because you made me cry when I was just looking for the candied pecan recipe, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the great food, the wisdom, the unwavering stability. In all your interviews, and yes, I have listened to them all, you say you only have a food blog, but Mel, your food blog has changed my life, I eat your food everyday. I fill my families bellies with deliciousness because of you. Thank you for making a huge difference, not many do so with such style and grace.
Haha, yes, we have all kinds of cold cereal in the pantry! And thanks to Brian working for an applesauce company, we have that coming out of our ears, too. 🙂 I love that you made those top recipes from the anniversary post!! Thanks for letting me know; I love hearing what reader favorites are. You are the sweetest. Love having you in this space, Angela, I really mean that.
Happy New Year, Mel! Sending you love and hugs for all your honesty, humor, and glorious food!
Yes, cinnamon rolls, please and absolutely! Preferably with kid photos.
Continued good luck with the positivity approach- I am trying that, too; speaks to my mind and heart. Brings to mind the Liberian (?) proverb:
“A little rain each day will fill the rivers to overflowing”
Thank you so much, Tina! Love, love that proverb. Thank you for sharing!
I LOVE your new pantry! My husband and I have moved into an apartment temporarily, and it has less than half the kitchen space that our house had.
Oh man, that’s tough! Hang in there!
Yes to the cinnamon rolls!
Could you give a tour of your fantastic new pantry? I’d like to see how you organize and what you keep in it.
I’d be interested in how you organize your pantry as well!
Also, I LOVE that book quilt. I’m not craft-y but just looking at it makes me wish I were!
Kathi and Caitlin – sure! Let me get it a bit more organized first and then I will share!
If you say it’s the best ever cinnamon roll recipe then you need to share it!! I would have hugged the pantry builder too!! I currently have no pantry and it’s terrible. Who builds a house in 2003 and doesn’t put in a pantry!? I commend you for your focus on positive parenting. I need a lot of work in that department. Are you familiar with Ralphie @simplyonpurpose on IG? She’s has the tips and methods and all the things for positive parenting! I constantly tell my self to “ignore the junk” and to “stop watering the weeds”. It takes work, but it makes such a big difference!
Oh seriously? that is annoying! No pantry! I’ve followed Simply On Purpose before and I need to again! Lots of people love her messages!
Yes, please to the cinnamon roll recipe love your new pantry!
Thanks, Sarah!
Love your new pantry! We’re moving to Kuna in the fall (already purchased home) and may have to call on your contractor for future improvements! Thank you!
Another great cinnamon roll recipe??!! Bring it on! My husband had a heart attack in 2017 so we limit his intake of cinnamon rolls (his favorite) so it’d be wonderful to have the absolute best when he does have one!
Positivity is always a good thing! My goal this year is to love myself better.
Thanks for everything you do for your readers/followers!
Thanks, Sandy – and that’s exciting you are moving to this area! I’m on the opposite end of the valley, but we love it.
The new pantry is truly divine! I’m wondering if there’s anyway I could do that, too. My pantry currently looks like you’re before photo! Please, please, please post the new cinnamon roll recipe. I love cinnamon rolls, but I haven’t found my favorite recipe yet. I have a feeling this could be it! Happy new year to you and your family! Please except my condolences on the passing of Brian’s grandfather. It sounds like he lived a wonderful life. We recently moved to Utah from Oklahoma. Contact me if you need anything or if I can help in anyway!
I’m excited for you to try this new cinnamon roll recipe then and see what you think!
That pantry is epic, congrats! And I’m not sure I ever commented on the tonsillectomy post, but I had mine out at 25…and it was the worst experience of my life. I am sick less often, but I dunno; I tell everyone not to if they’re over like 12 years old.
Bring on the cinnamon rolls!
So you wouldn’t say the tonsillectomy was worth it?
Bring it on with the new cinnamon roll recipe! I can’t imagine anything better than Gloria’s cinnamon rolls! I’ve made them two and a half times during the break and my family is asking when I’ll make them again.
Oh my goodness, you guys are devoted fans of that recipe!
My resolution was to make my house a more peaceful place, which really includes speaking more positively and calmly. If I wasn’t afraid to make bread, I’m sure I would try your cinnamon rolls
Yes, trying for peace, too!
Bring on the cinnamon rolls!
Coming soon!
While eating our leftover- from- Christmas yukon gold cinnamon rolls, I mentioned to my family that you had discovered an even more amazing cinnamon roll. They were very intrigued! Yes, please share the new recipe. I can’t believe that there is anything better than the yukon gold rolls, but I trust you!
I’m actually super happy to know they love that one because these are similar (but still a little different) in texture and softness!
There can never be too many cinnamon roll recipes!! Bring it on, I say! Happy new year!!
Happy new year!
Challenge accepted. I cannot believe that there could possibly be another cinnamon roll recipe that is better than the vanilla pudding ones. Nope. Can’t be better. But I would love to try them! Please tell me they are smooth and not sticky, just like the vanilla pudding kind. Please.
Your pantry has drool coming off my chin. My pantry is also on a garage wall. I was showing my daughter your renovation and my husband is standing behind me… I can feel his eyes rolling. I don’t even have to look at him. My pantry looks just like your old pantry, even down to the pile on the floor.
The quilt is amazing. What a gift! I have counted cross-stitched stockings for my family and completely retired forever. It takes me years to get one done. 3, to be exact, to get my youngest’s done. Now the kids are getting older and there are two boys that are very serious about my beautiful oldests. Sigh. Currently out of retirement. One of them was over last night and asked what I was doing. When I told him he said “Yep, that’s smart.” At least I like them. 😉
You might have to refresh my memory. I told my husband you lived in Utah. I know you have moved a few times and I think my middle age brain has forgotten where you moved to… South Dakota? That sounds wrong.
Haha, well if your husband was rolling his eyes, I’m taking a little of that eye roll for myself and my messy pantry too! I know my previously messy pantry drove Brian nuts but I honestly didn’t give it a second thought because he wasn’t the one in there cooking all day every day. 🙂 And oh my goodness, cross-stitched stockings?? You.Are.My.Hero And no, we don’t live in Utah. But we do live in Idaho (moved here from Minnesota 4 years ago)
You can never have enough cinnamon roll recipes. YES please share the new cinnamon roll recipe.
Sorry for your loss of your grandpa.
Thank you. 🙂
You have to post that cinnamon roll recipe!
Will do!
Love the book quilt (good luck with the work in progress – you’re right – quilting is hard). And I love the new pantry. Is it possible to have pantry envy, ha-ha? But most of all, I love your resolution for positive thoughts. I agree that that can change the spirit in the home. I have been working on that one for a year now, and haven’t made much progress, but I’m not giving up. I was successful in decreasing the amount of yelling in our home, so I’ll take that as progress and keep working on the positiveness in our home. Best of luck to both of us. Happy New Year. Love your recipes and the cheerfulness of your blog 🙂
Yes, pantry envy is real, trust me! Haha. I’m not going to give up either even though it’s hard – let’s not give up together! And it sounds like you HAVE made progress!!
Mel,
Well, first of all,over the holidays, I tried what I think was the latest cinnamon roll recipe to rave reviews. Believe it or not it was my very first attempt in my entire life. I will not admit how many decades that encompasses just know this grandma’s entire family is thrilled I am a fan yours!
Many times the freezer door opening and microwave hum reached my ears before I was quite awake and sure enough someone was pirating another roll!
Resolutions, parenting, goal setting give us time to reflect and say to ourselves. Hey, maybe I can do a little better. Sometimes we do sometimes we don’t it’s still all a great adventure. One thing I have learned along the way… you never stop loving your children more and more no matter how old they are and those grandchildren, well it just doesn’t get any better!!
Thank you, Mel, for being my go to source and brightening my day!
I’m so happy your first foray into cinnamon rolls was a smashing success! Loved that so much. And loved your thoughts on resolutions and love. You are awesome.
Heck yes on the cinnamon rolls! As for resolutions- meh. Resolutions are overrated. I quit coffee a several months ago. Felt AMAZING! Then got back on it for the last month and have decided that I don’t want daily coffee anymore. Unfortunately, that means unbearable headaches as I wean myself back off, including as I type. So yeah… THAT is my ultimate goal for 2019. Manage my coffee addiction. I just get sucked back in with those creamy smooth lattes (I don’t like the fancy ones- just plain unflavored latte) and I live in the land of coffee (also known as WA state) so it’s not even that there is a Starbuck’s on every corner or in every store and the parking lot, it’s all these independent coffee drive-thrus fills in the gaps where SB doesn’t. I wish I could say I was saving money by quitting coffee. But 99% of the time I make it at home, until I quit- then on a sick coincidence I’m near the best darn coffee place literally in all of Seattle and it’s like velvet cream and coffee and smooth complete with grumpy old man barista who glares at you when you giggle and inhale deeply and sniff your cup and you can see the color nine when you’re done then I’m like oh yeah- that’s the stuff. I buy a bag of beans and it’s all down hill from there. Oh and continue getting my art/craft supplies organized. Maybe stop being so overly verbose. HA! It’s 7am. *sigh* I’m down to my last beans. I have stocked up on crappy instant coffee which I switch out with decaf. *sob* I’m obsessing over coffee. Verbosely so.
Glad your hubs is doing better. Sorry he still snores. I hope you have a safe trip to and fro.
Haha. Good luck with your coffee resolutions!
Pleeeease share the cinnamon roll recipe!! I love baking rolls and have a go to recipe but hey, even softer?!?! I love your blog. Always watch for the emails linked to updates blog posts. So jealous of your new pantry!!!! I’m just stuck with overflowing cupboards:) happy new year!
Yes, softer! I’ll post the recipe soon! Happy new year, Lilly!
Um, I would NEVER say no to another cinnamon roll recipe!!!
Merry Christmas Mel, thanks for all you do!
Thanks, Ashley!
Please post the cinnamon roll recipe, thank you!
Will do!
That pantry is the stuff dreams are made of. Lucky you. And bring on the cinnamon roll recipe. If you think it’s the best then it must be.
I’ll probably make it about 10 more times just to be sure though…
Hey, Mel, have you heard of KJ Dell’Antonia? She used to write the “Motherlode” column in the New York Times, which has recently been rebranded/expanded into an online “Well” column (read more about it here: https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/03/well-family-a-new-name-and-new-home-for-motherlode/) with her and a number of other writers. I’ve followed her for years (but otherwise have no connection) and have always loved her perspective on raising a family (and everything else).
She recently wrote a book called “How To Be a Happier Parent” that I think you would really love. ❤️It’s a parenting book, but unlike most other parenting books it’s more about the parents than the kids. She decided that there had to be a reason that most parents of school-aged children wanted this life, but express high levels of stress and low levels of general life satisfaction—and a way to change it. She’s right in the middle of it all, with 4 kids (one by way of adoption) of various ages, and she’s honest about not having it all figured out, but she’s come a long, long way.
I think it might aid your positivity resolution by helping you feel less like saying things that sound like nagging or negativity, which would make it significantly easier to avoid saying them. I think it’s a great goal, and it seems to have already borne fruit for you and your kids. It would be even better if it was easier to accomplish, and I have a feeling that this book could be useful.
If you’re at all interested, take a look at this Boston Globe article about the book. It definitely gives you the major ideas in the book: https://bit.ly/2PwMPWk
xoxo Nicole
Love, love, love this Nicole! I’ll definitely be looking into her book/work! Thank you!
As a self-proclaimed book nerd, I’m going to dream about that glorious quilt. It’s beautiful. And really-can you ever have enough cinnamon roll recipes? I usually use my grandma’s cinnamon roll recipe but we also love your recipe that uses biscuit dough. I’m sure my family would love to test another one out Happy New Year!
I’ll post it soon!
Mel,
As a mom of 3 young adults, it’s gratifying to now find that my kids tend to remember only the positives. The best part of holidays is being with one or more of my children and listening to them tell stories (most of which I had no idea happened) and realize that my husband and I, while not perfect at all, did a pretty good job 🙂 The kids are happy, following their own dreams, independent, and good people. So, go easy on yourself and don’t bite off your tongue when you keep finding your daughter’s leggings taken off inside out with the underwear and socks all rolled into the ball under her bed in a pile of other similar dirty clothes balls…I mean, we all have limits on our positivity! On another note, there is always room for a new, improved recipe…that’s what makes cooking interesting, so bring on the new cinnamon roll recipe! Finally, love the new pantry – plenty of room to hide when you’re sneaking your dark chocolate! Happy New Year!
Ah, thanks for that reminder, Deb. I hope my kids remember mostly only the positive too! At my grandfather-in-laws funeral today it was so heartwarming to hear his grown kids get emotional over the fun and heartwarming stories they shared of him. They truly did focus only on the good memories. Loved your comment, thanks, friend!
Bring on the new cinnamon roll recipe, please! If your daughter can do it then there’s hope for me.
Haha.
I love this! I love your pantry, so jealous! That quilt is so cute, I dream of having the patience to make a pretty quilt one day. Your positive words have inspired me to say things in a more positive manner… I also feel the nagging and annoyance sounds creeping into my voice sometimes when I talk to my kids and they are much younger than yours, I don’t want years and years more of that voice affecting them! I like to say it’s just because I feel tired so often (why won’t the baby sleep through the night yet?!) but really I just have to remember to be and say things more positively. Also, puzzles! We love them! We’ve been working on a lighthouse puzzle the last few days, even the 3 year old tries to join in… mostly by holding up a random piece and saying, where does this one go? Ha, that’s what we’re all trying to figure out! Happy New Year!
Oh man sleep deprivation tone of voice is a real thing. Hang in there with that babe who isn’t sleeping through the night yet. Your 3-year olds puzzle tactics had me laughing out loud.
Did you know that you are amazing? Thank you for taking the time to respond to mine, and pretty much everyone else’s comments! It sounds silly but it really makes me feel special. Your dedication to your website and guiding all of us followers to making and eating delicious food (in addition to the other random things you post –thoughts, gift guides, products you love, etc), on top of raising your family and fulfilling all your other responsibilities is incredible and very admirable. Thank you again!
That comment meant the world to me – thank you so much, Nancy!
Yes! Share the cinnamon roll recipe! You can never have too many.
Will do!
Come on with the cinnamon rolls! Love the pantry. Thinking of turning an unsed corner into your old one.
Unused corners can always be of some use! That would be fun!
Yes — cinnamon rolls are always the answer! Please post this new recipe. Love your new pantry!
I think that’s my new motto in life: cinnamon rolls are always the answer. 🙂
I chuckled learning you found another cinnamon roll favorite. 🙂 But if it is the best then you HAVE to post it of course. And congrats on the new pantry. If anyone deserves a bigger pantry, you do. I’m loving having a pantry right now (overseas assigned housing) but it will be back to reality (aka our one-flight-down-from-the-kitchen-Harry-Potter-closet pantry) when we return to our townhouse in metropolitan DC next year.
I know, I have issues! Haha. Enjoy that pantry while you can! 🙂
Bring on the cinnamon rolls!!
🙂
YESSSSS to the cinnamon roll recipe!!
Will do!
I would love to see another cinnamon roll recipe especially if it’s as good as you say it is! Will you also try to post the Nutella wreath you posted on Instagram before Christmas? Pretty please?! :). Happy new year to you!!
If I can find that recipe, I definitely will!
My son got the game Doodle Dice for Christmas and we love it! Super fun game for ages 6+. Thought of you bc you always have such great game recommendations. I highly recommend!
Yay!
Bring on all the cinnamon rolls! If you say they’re THAT good, I believe you! I’m so jealous of that pantry. Mine is a constant jumbled mess because it’s too small and I need ALL the ingredients for baking ALL the things all the time. Ha!
I absolutely understand the need to speak more positively to the kids. I realized 4 years ago when I started homeschooling my teenage son that if I yelled and used negative reinforcement he was less likely to do what i asked. It was that simple. I try really hard to speak to him like i would speak to my mother. If I wouldn’t say it in front of or to my mom, it is off limits. When I do mess up, I make sure I apologize and I let him see my emotions. I definitely cry when I say sorry and I think its important that he see that and learn how to deal with the hard stuff, too. One other thing I had to learn is that the kids have bad days too and being accepting and understanding that sometimes things just aren’t right is ok! Adults are allowed those days because of stress, jobs,bills, kids, pantyhose, etc….so kids are, too.
Well geez thanks for the opportunity to write all that nonsense! Ha. But really I love your style and I love your resolutions. The social media is so full of “lose weight and exercise more” and its refreshing to me to hear someone talk about something else, something that really matters in the grand scheme of life!!!
Gah – it really is simple! Ive seen that same connection with my teenager, but man, sometimes in the moment, it’s hard for me to stay positive because I like to teach a lesson when I can (and I also really dislike sassiness and disrespect but that’s why I’m trying to ignore the behavioral noise sometimes even if it involves hiding myself in my room). I love your thoughts on this – thanks for sharing. So true that I can’t expect perfection when we all have off days. And I laughed out loud at pantyhose. Haha. I may or may not need more sleep but it was still funny.
One more cinnamon roll recipe? Oh bring it on! Just do tell us what makes each one different. A table? A virtual cinnamon roll bake-off? My family will adore you even more if I “have” to make a few batches.
I do hope and pray you have a wonderful celebration of life. May the memories and connections with family fill your hearts and souls.
a table is a great idea – I think I’m definitely going to have to come in strong and prove to you guys why they are better! A side by side comparison and bake off is a good place to start. 🙂
Alright I’m going to need to see this cinnamon roll recipe ASAP!! I’m not sure how it can top Gloria’s but I’m always willing to try a new recipe if you say it’s the best:) I can’t wait! (Really…I can’t wait).
Ok, ok, I’ll get on it! And I think I’ll do a side by side comparison with Glorias so we can all really dissect the pros and cons of both.
Bring on the cinnamon bun recipe. There’s always room for more!
I have to agree with that!
You are wonderful and inspiring and I’m so grateful for your thoughts and relate in so many ways!
I also try to phrase things in a positive light. And be happy to see them! When I lose my temper (no one is perfect!), I make amends with the kids as best I can. They know we’re *all* working toward good communication and it’s a long process. I deal with a lot of mom guilt so I am also trying to be encouraging and positive with *myself*.
Enjoy that pantry. I’ve gone to crazy lengths to stuff things into our mini closet. My husband has started putting cereal boxes in our coat closet- easier to get out, haha.
I’m with you on goal setting. I try to look at self improvement as a daily process rather than a yearly thing. But I enjoy the reminder to take a look at where I am and where I want to be.
As for the holidays, it all sounds wonderful and messy and beautiful.
Now, this recipe… spill!!
Ha – I promise I’ll share soon! Clearly I shouldn’t have even asked the question. 🙂 I have a lot of mom guilt too that I’m trying to banish…and I like that idea of becoming more positive with myself. I need to be better at that!
I refuse to believe there is a better Cinnamon roll recipe than Gloria’s. Prove it.
What is this gloria’s recipe you speak of? I’d like the recipe.
Never mind! I found the recipe.
I know, that’s what my Aunt Marilyn said. And then I made this new recipe again on New Year’s eve when she came over and she was floored with how good they are. I’m not saying they can really take the place of Glorias – but they are definitely special
Loved your Friday Thoughts. Your pantry is the envy of lots of us. HA!! How I would love one that size. Good job on the quilt.
Oh how I wish I had been better at parenting. I see so many mistakes that I tried not to do that with my grandkids and our great granddaughters. You learn from your mistakes.
GOD BLESS you all on your trip. Bitter sweet for sure.
One more vote for the cinnamon roll recipe. HA!!
Tallying votes! Unanimously in favor of that recipe! Haha. And I think we’ll all look back at things we could do better, but I have no doubt you showed those kids a lot of love (and your grandkids are lucky to have you and your hindsight).
First of all so jealous of the pantry!! I want a walk-in pantry so bad! Secondly, my brother just got a tonsillectomy in the last few months. Recovery is apparently brutal if you have that surgery as an adult. But he’s seen a dramatic decrease in sinus infections and migraines so it was well worth it. I’m glad Brian is recovering. Also, good luck with the framing things positively. With five children between the ages of 8 months and 11 years I know how hard that is. I’ve been using Dr Laura Markham’s work to try to reframe my own parenting, especially in regards to yelling. It tough. I highly recommend her website’s weekly newsletter. Good quick tips and encouragement in that arena. Ahaparenting.com Lastly…. uh cinnamon recipe is a no brained. OF COURSE you post that sucker! Bread recipe? With cinnamon and frosting? I mean really. Do you actually have to ask? 😉 I love your blog. I love your content. You are the only food blog I keep up with. Well the only blog at all really. And the only blogger I follow on all social media outlets that I use as well. You’re killing it! Thanks for all your hard work just for us!! Happy New Year!
Haha, I know. I’ll post it! I didn’t honestly know if people would want another cinnamon roll recipe! But I’ve been proven wrong in this comment thread. 🙂 And thanks for the parenting recommendations! Thanks, Jennifer!
First off I think you are amazing and I love how honest you are. I am going to take the same challenge of positivity with my kids. I tend to be a bit sarcastic and snarky at times and I see it not being awesome for my kids, or my husband.
I would love a new cinnamon roll recipe, you can never have too many!
Most importantly I would love to hear any tips you have for surviving a tonsillectomy. I have 2 coming up in the next month (my 8 yr old and husband) . I am praying we all survive. I am glad to hear Brian is doing much better. (Please tell me the snoring gets better )
Last, but not least, I love tour book quilt. It makes me want to curl up and read.
Safe travels and love to your family and you during this time.
Yes! I’m too sarcastic sometimes, too. Let’s do this together. Oh my goodness, good luck with those tonsillectomys. My biggest piece of advice is keep up on the pain meds RELIGIOUSLY even if they *think* they are feeling better. We made the mistake of backing off during Brian’s recovery and it was almost impossible to get back on top of the pain.
Positive parenting is hard. I have been trying to be better for a while now and it seems like I do good for a while then fall off the wagon and have to reset to try to get back on. Good luck with your goals!
I love Gloria’s cinnamon rolls and I’m not sure they can be topped but if you say they’re better I’d love to try them!
I love your quilt! I started quilting a few years ago and love it! I’m impressed that you would pick that pattern as your first one, it doesn’t look like a beginner quilt for sure!
Congrats on the new pantry! It looks amazing!
Oh and that quilt looks awesome! I’ve made lots of quilts. There are easier ones out there than that book pattern so give yourself some credit.
Ok, that makes me feel kind of good. Thanks. Haha.
Ok – I have pantry envy! (Mine is under our stairs ) Love your thoughts about parenting in a more positive way! I’m going to try it! And about cinnamon rolls – they are one of my ultimate favorite treats and we have already proclaimed two of your recipes as our favorites (as well as others who I’ve made them for) so I’m really intrigued and skeptical when you say you have a better recipe. How can they get better? Of course I want you to post the recipe! Like yesterday But yes – you have a lot of cinnamon roll recipes already. Maybe that’s why I love your blog?
I know! I couldn’t believe they could be better either. I think maybe before posting the recipe I should do a side by side comparison with all my other favorites. For research!
Please please please share the cinnamon roll recipe! If you say it’s the best, I know it absolutely really is. Can’t wait for it! Happy New Years!
Coming soon!
Your inspiring Mel! Love your thoughts and your recipes, and yes please give us another cinnamon roll recipe!
thanks, Kathy – will do on the recipe!
Yes please to the cinnamon rolls! And your positivity goal is one I need to adopt. I love, love, love your book quilt. And I’m so sorry about Brian’s grandpa.
Thanks, Laurie. 🙂
I feel like your bestie even though i only briefly met you at a BYU Demo class you taught. I love your favorite things and game posts and of course your many amazing recipes. My claim to fame is that I told you about the 2 sided magnetic measuring spoons keep up the good work and I am so happy for you that you got a bigger pantry!
Thanks, Karen! I owe you my firstborn for those measuring spoon recommendations! Love them!
The quilt! Seriously impressed.
Someday I’m going to make a quilt.
That book nerd quilt is great, I love that.
Looking forward to seeing the next one.
Good job!
New cinnamon roll recipe: absolutely!
Your pantry: drool-worthy – so happy for you!
Your parenting resolution: inspired and inspiring!
Your quilt: beautiful and impressive!
Christmas was very different this year for us for a number of reasons. But my faith is intact and my feet are on solid ground, so all is well. 🙂
I love setting goals but I tend to do it randomly rather than associated with January 1st. It works better for me. The words “resolution” plus “new year” rolled into one are just too much pressure!
I love your blog posts, your recipes, and all that you share with us. You bring joy to my inbox and I thank you for that!
Oh Gail, I don’t know what you’ve had to deal with, my friend, but whatever it is, I hope you feel a great deal of peace and comfort. I admire you for your faith and resilience despite apparently hard times.
First, that pantry is a dream pantry! It’s beautiful and definitely worth hugging Eric.
Cinnamon Roll Recipe? YES!!!
Cinnamon Roll Recipe? YES!!!
Did I say YES to posting that Cinnamon Roll recipe?
I want to make them… Tomorrow! ❤ (Or as soon as you post that new bad boy)
Yes to Positive Thoughts! Amazing how the whole Spirit in the home changes when we cut the negative. It’s so easy to bark orders, so much harder to think of creative ways to say what needs to be said. Aaargh!
You can do this!
Love your posts, love your recipes, thanks for taking time out to share!
Oh and Yes to that Cinnamon Roll Recipe!
Haha, I promise to get the recipe up now that I know I’ll have people stalking me if I don’t! Happy New Year, Lori!
In the last few years, I’ve gravitated toward the choose a word instead of a resolution. It’s often cool to see how I think about that word, I see God at work. This year I chose the word grace. I’m also kicking the year off with a Whole30- which I’ve done before. This year I’m particularly desperate need of the carb/sugar detox.
I’d love to see the cinnamon roll recipe though! Although I must confess your only recipe that’s let me down were the potato cinnamon rolls which I made last Christmas (a year ago) instead of my tried and true favorites (which are basically one of your other recipes) and they flopped twice. But I’d still be willing to try something new – especially if it’s lighter because while I love the cinnamon rolls I make most often they can be a little heavy.
Good luck with the Whole30, Anna! I tried that a couple years ago and only made it 4 days. It was brutal and I was seriously lacking some much needed self-control. I also like how you focus on a word for the year. I really like that. Darn, I’m sorry those Yukon cinnamon rolls flopped! That makes me bummed, but I hope you love this new version when I post them. Coming soon now that I know lots of you are excited!
That quilt is crazy beautiful! Good job!
My goals for this year is to go to bed at 10:30 at least 3x a week and work out at least 2X a week. I feel that if I can do that, I can be much happier for my family. I am such a chronic night owl and need to change my ways. After weaning my little one, I’ve gained about 10 pounds in 3 months! Yes, that needs to change too. I would love to work out, change my eating habits and all that but alas, one step at a time or else goals fail. Puzzles are so much fun. I keep thinking that I would do some with my children but I get too lazy and just want to veg out in front of a screen. Maybe this year I just need to not be lazy! Being a young mother of 4 is really hard!
Such great goals – and they seem manageable, Nina! Good luck! I need to improve my night owl habits too because I’m a grump when I don’t get enough sleep. Being a young mom is hard – hang in there! Sounds like you are doing great because you are thinking about some of the ways you can improve YOURSELF.
I love your positive parenting goal…definitely something I’ve been working on too (my mantra is “water the flowers, not the weeds” from Simply on Purpose parenting). I can’t wait to see the new cinnamon rolls recipe!
Also, as a long time reader (10ish years!) I can’t believe how grown up your kids are. Especially that picture of Cam…isn’t she still two?!
I know – why do they grow up so fast?? It hardly seems possible she’ll be 7 in a few months. I feel like I was just posting on here that we actually had a baby girl after all those boys.
Yes, bring on the best cinnamon roll recipe ever!
Soon, soon!
Please, pretty please, give us the cinnamon roll recipe! I’ll try some positivity with my kids who think I love cleaning because I do it all the time.
Haha, that made me laugh.
Cinnamon roll recipe! Do it! 😀
Haha, I will!
I have the same resolution for this year. I have been reading a book called “Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses.” It is helpful and inspiring for me.
I think that if you’ve found a new cinnamon roll recipe that you love, post it! 🙂
Thanks for all your wonderful recipes! I love that the things you post always turn out so well. Your site is so reliable and tasty!
Happy 2019 to you and yours!
Wow, even the title of that book is amazing!
Serious pantry envy going on over here. Your new space is awesome!
Yes to all the cinnamon roll recipes!
Your quilt is so cool! I love it, almost makes me want to quilt…almost.
I’m a resolution girl. But I learned a long time ago to make quarterly goals. It’s more manageable to me.
So sorry for your lost. Glad you had so many years with your husband’s grandpa.
Happy New Year, Mel. Thanks for all the yumminess here.
Quarterly goals is a great idea! Seems much more doable. Happy New Year, Melanie!
Your pantry! LOVE. The ‘before’ pic had me wondering how the heck you could hide yourself in there! Ha! You must share the cinnamon roll recipe. Absolutely no question there. I’m glad Brian is doing better, but so sorry it’s not all fixed! Ugh. I’m really sorry about his grandpa. I hope the family time is wonderful! I love your goal! I’m going to have to copy that exact one. Thank you for sharing so much with all of us. Your recipes are amazing and your honesty and human-ness are inspiring. I love the tidbits you share and that I’ve gleaned from other readers. You really have built an amazing place here. 🙂
Haha. I literally stood on my flour bin and piled chocolate chips in my mouth. Not lying. If there’s a will there’s a way. 🙂
Yes cinnamon roll recipe! I need to make these ASAP, I’m a cinnamon roll nazi
🙂
I don’t know how a cinnamon roll recipe could be better than Gloria’s (really? Are you sure??) but if you say it’s good, I can’t NOT make it! I make her recipe for each of my kids birthdays (at their request) and for Christmas morning.
Love the pantry, I would be just as thrilled!
I know, I’m kind of setting myself up for maybe disappointing all those that already love Gloria’s recipe, but I promise these are amazing. I think I’ll do a separate post with a side-by-side comparison of these ones and Glorias. You know, for research purposes!
My husband and I decided to try doing weekly goals this year instead of new years resolutions. We can either keep the same goal, tweak it, or pick a completely new goal each week. We’ll see how it goes. I love your “positive comments only” goal. Maybe I’ll try that one!
Oooh, love that!
Mel! Thanks for the Friday random thoughts. I am a big fan of your blog. I make at least one (but usually more) of your recipes a week. Your chicken enchilada soup changed my life this week. Seriously it is amazing.
Anyway, I’m going to throw another recommendation out there for the Instagram account Simply on Purpose. Ralphie is changing my life. I didn’t know about positive parenting until I started following her and since I’ve started implementing her ideas, I have so much more peace in my heart. She did this thing a few months ago called the I am this kind of mom campaign. It’s about saying out loud all the things that make you a good mom. I loved it for many reasons (even though it was surprisingly hard to say because I don’t want to come off cocky), but especially because I was practicing positivity on myself. Maybe tell yourself what kind of mom you are, focusing on the good and that will help you see more good.
Anyway, sending lots of love from Arizona. You ‘da best.
Glad you loved that soup, Annie! Love that campaign you referenced. I can see how that would be uncomfortable at the start but so empowering, too. Thank you!
Thanks for your game and gift suggestions! I bought several items for my nephews and everything was a big hit. My sister and I both love your guides. Happy new year!
So happy to hear that!! Thank you!
Ah, teenagers. Love your Book Nerd quilt. It’s really amazing! I thought Gloria’s cinnamon rolls were the best, but if you’ve got something better, by all means bring it on!
I think I need to do a side-by-side serious scientific analysis of this new recipe and Glorias!
Yes to cinnamon rolls.
🙂
Like everyone else, I’m excited about the new cinnamon roll recipe. Your pantry looks great and I’m happy to read Brian is doing well. Your New Years resolution is a great one! Good luck! I wish you and your family a blessed 2019.
Thank you Teresa – same to you!
Hi Mel! This is my first time posting. I do enjoy receiving your emails with different recipes and read about whatever is going on in your part of the world. Christmas was a busy time but always the best when you’re with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to be thankful THAT he came. Lots of baking happened in my kitchen this year with 3 2 layer cakes, 3 pies with fruit we picked this past summer and about 8-10 different squares,cookies,biscotti etc. I love my pantry and wish it was bigger. Your remodeled one looks amazing! I’m not one for New Years resolutions, never have been. Like you, I also quilt. I like the one you pictured. I have many projects on the go and plan to try and complete some of those “ufo”s this year.
Thanks for your comment, Jacquie! That is a TON of baking – makes me happy when I hear that (and kind of tired too, haha!). Good luck with finishing up some of those projects this year!
That pantry is amazing! Can’t wait for the new cinnamon roll recipe!
Coming soon now that I know so many are excited for it!
First off, Mel, thank you. I make so many of your recipes and I am always pleased with them. When my husband asks where I got a recipe and I answer “from Mel” like we are the best of friends, he laughs. Thank you for continuing to bring yummy dishes into our lives. That being said, “bring on the newest best cinnamon rolls”
Love your new pantry, not sure how you got along with the old one.
Thank you so much! Not sure how I lived with the smaller pantry, either, haha, but I also know it’s truly a first world kitchen fix.
You’re right about positive parenting- “catch them being good” in which you comment on cooperative, kind behavior as automatically as you would if you saw naughty behavior. The positive attention and word of praise is the child’s reward, and it’s a powerful esteem builder. It’s certainly possible to discuss bad behavior with positive wording- “I know you are capable of…..” and “when you’re older, you’ll understand why this is a poor choice and to prove it, I’m going to write this whole thing down in the journal and we’ll read it 5 years from now. It will be interesting to see what you say about it then” That’s different, isn’t it? :- )
Love those statement suggestions. Thank you!
I LOVE your New Years resolution!! That’s an amazing idea and shows what a great mom you are that you care so much to make this kind of effort. I am going to adopt it as my New Years resolution as well! Things are always so much better when you use positivity to change the mood in the home. Some of our favorite things to do are to hang the kids upside down when they are grumpy and the dog immediately runs over and “lick attacks” them in the face, and the other is I read in a study sometime ago in college that a 20 second hug improves the mood so even though they roll their eyes I tell them “it’s SCIENCE! You can’t argue with science!”.
Bring on the cinnamon rolls!!
Ok, that lick attack takes the cake as best idea ever. And I’m going to blame the next 20 second hug I give to my prickly teenager on science. Thanks for the excuse! 🙂
Cinnamon roll recipe. Please!!!!
Will do!
Please, please, please share the recipe for the best cinnamon rolls! Also, as usual, I am piggybacking on your new year positive thoughts and words resolution. Congrats on your new pantry! Life changer!!! Woo, woot!
Ok, I’ll post it soon! I should know you guys by now – I didn’t know how many would honestly want another recipe. What was I thinking? Haha.
Can I eat a new recipe cinnamon roll in your new pantry? I’ll leave the chocolate chips for you!
Hahahahahahaha. Yes! Deal.
Love your random thoughts posts! It feels like I am getting to know you better. Your new pantry is fabulous! Looks like it was very needed and seems like a great spot for eating chocolate chips. I like your idea of realistic goals. I am not really a goal setting person so much, because I always feel like I have plenty to do every day already and do t want to set myself up for failure. However, trying to change something I’m doing and make it better is a good idea. I’d love to see the newest amazing cinnamon roll recipe! You are my go to cinnamon roll destination whenever I need a recipe. Our Christmas break was full of lots of sickness, so kind of a bummer. But we did one puzzle together in between sick days. Your book quilt is great! I have made just a few quilts and really enjoy it, but it is hard. Good for you for trying one even harder. I started one but haven’t touched it for few months. Maybe I’ll get that back out again – try to work on it a little each week. You are inspiring me to try!
Oh man, so sorry your break involved sick family! We finally kicked our germs but it took forever, and it’s exhausting. So I’m bummed for you! If you start a quilt, let me know which one you do! I could use all the quilting motivation I can get. Haha.
Yes yes yes to the cinnamon roll recipe! My husband gave me a Bosch mixer for Christmas (can you hear my squeals where you are?) and I’m looking for any excuse to use it. This weekend is whole wheat bread!
I have such a hard time with losing my temper with my kids and becoming monster mom. Maybe positivity would help me banish her for good.
I love reading your posts! Thanks for being such a light! Safe travels!
Oh my gosh, so excited about your new Bosch mixer!! I hear you on the monster mom thing. I’ve realized how my tone (literally the tone of my voice talking to the kids) sets the whole tone of the home. Positive, positive! I’m trying!
There can never be too many amazing cinnamon roll recipes in the world! I have made all of the ones you have posted and we love them all…a new recipe just gives me a good excuse to try it 🙂 Your Friday thoughts always make me smile.
Ok, well if you’ve made all of the, I definitely owe you a new one!
Mel… please please pretty please with the Cinnamon roll recipe! I am so in love with your Aunt Gloria’s cinnamon rolls, but I am willing to test another recipe! I have baked 4 of your cinnamon roll recipes, so I don’t mind baking another one ! I have overcome my fear of bread baking bec of you . I so love your blog and have recommended your recipes to almost all my friends!!! Thanks a million!!!
Ok, I will! I honestly didn’t know how many people would honestly want it since I’ve posted so many recipes for cinnamon rolls over the years. I might email you the recipe beforehand and have you test it out for me!
You can never post enough cinnamon roll recipes. When I was pregnant with my 3rd child, I craved cinnamon rolls and still love them 6 years later. She also loves them!!!!
Haha, I love thinking that maybe she got the love of cinnamon rolls in the womb!
I love the pantry! And I love your goal even more because it’s very close to mine! I’m trying to focus on love this year. I’ve been really really negative as a mom lately and subsequently I’m not enjoying motherhood like I would like to. I feel like I’m always after my kids about every little thing. Like I’ll walk in the door and instead of greeting them I have to make a comment on how messy the house is. Ugh!
Isn’t it interesting how we can get into those negative cycles as parents? That’s where I’m at, too. And I’m taking claim back on my love of motherhood! We can do this – good luck!
Love this post, Mel. We could all benefit from more positivity in our parenting. Thanks for the reminder. I have five children, also, but the opposite of you – four girls and one boy. That makes for a lot of positive comments to be shared around here, haha! I’m sorry for the loss of Brian’s grandpa. On another note, my husband had the same nose surgery several years ago. He still snores, but he can breathe easier. 🙂 Love your new pantry! And bring on the new cinnamon rolls!! Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thanks for the input, Jacqui! I think I might have a cute, snoring husband forever and I’ll be ok with that if he really can breathe easier. Happy new year!
That quilt is so amazing! And yes to all the cinnamon roll recipes (especially if it is the best!) Cinnamon rolls forever!! Also, I love that puzzle. My daughter and I have only done one this break (last year I think we did 5 in December.) And your pantry looks beautiful, I’m sure you needed it with all the cooking you do!
Thanks, Jennifer! I’ll get that cinnamon roll recipe posted soon!
Yes cinnamon rolls!!! All the cinnamon rolls!
Ok, ok!
Oh wow…I absolutely LOVE your book quilt! Also love your new walk-in pantry!! Great job on that!
Your ‘no negativity’ resolution was very inspiring. I love my family, and mean well, but hear myself in negative-mode way too often. Thank you for the kick in the butt I needed!
Happy New Year!
I think we all have to encourage each other! I’ve been in a negative rut; I’m bound and determined to break it! Thanks, Marysue!
We need that cinnamon roll recipe stat!
Will get on it asap!
First, I’m so sorry for your loss! Hoping your trip brings you peace and lots of happy memories. Second, I adore your pantry…SO much! Third, yes, yes, yes to the cinnamon roll recipe! Fourth, I love your parenting goal and wish I could rewind the last four days, but I’m going to start tomorrow. PS I love LOVE your drop sugar cookies. It’s my favorite kind, though I like 3 kinds of sugar cookies. That being said I made your cut out recipe and love them, too. I made the mistake of freezing half the batch. Seemed like a good idea, but after eating 6 of them straight from the freezer today I’m having major second thoughts about my choice.
Haha, I’ve also been known to second guess my decision on freezing cookies only to have me be the only one that eats them. Bad. Very bad. Thanks for your comment! It’ll be a good trip – I only hope I can live as good and long of a life as Brian’s gramps.
Mel you are such a special lady! I just love reading your blog every time you post. I sound lame but you just always seem to say the right thing – I just feel like I’m right there with you <3. Thank you for being you & sharing your honest self & life & kids! Love your quilt! Love your parenting! Love your recipes! Love your blog! My sister & I are always discussing your recipes- you are like a sister to us lol!
OK – so I'm not a huge baker but I did make your potato cinnamon rolls last year for an extended family breakfast & altho it was quite a bit of work (more than I usually do at least) they were soooo yummy! Then… I made your nutella overnight crescent rolls (following your tips on instagram) a few mornings ago for the same family members (woahhh so good! & definitely easier than the cinnamon rolls….but honestly there is just something about cinnamon rolls. They can't be beat imho. So, I would love a somehow easier recipe for those of us not as awesome as you at rising & rolling & slicing lol! So yes please share your new recipe! Thank you Mel!!!
Thanks cute Erika! You are so sweet. I’m glad we’re all in this together. And I love these Friday posts because I just love “chatting” with my favorite readers in the comments. It’s the best. I’m so happy you tried the Nutella crescent ring thingie – way to go without a specific recipe! I’m proud of you. If/when I post this new cinnamon roll recipe, I’ll make sure it has a sturdy tutorial to go along with it!
Oh yes please share new cinnamon roll recipe. Also know you aren’t alone in the staying positive parenting. I follow the Instagram account of “simplyonpurpose” by Ralphie jacobs and she talks about how we avoid so many opportunities we miss to stay positive but once we truly focus on it , our whole household will change. Also the book “ignore it!” Talks about how to ignore the junk and focus on positive. You got this Mel. There is a huge group of parents trying the same thing, including the 8 second hug (thanks Collin kartchner!)
Thanks for the recommendations and vote of confidence!
It’s honestly so hard for me to imagine a cinnamon roll I’d love more that Gloria’s. BUT I’d be willing to test another recipe:) I love Christmas but also love when it’s over. I tend to get serious about organizing in the long winter months, currently going through all my files. It’s so liberating to throw stuff away!!! So excited for you to have a bigger pantry, it looks life changing!!
Maybe I’ll send this new cinnamon roll recipe out to a few “testers” to see what they think before posting! I kind of like that idea (as I’m typing it!). And I agree about organizing! I’m much more of a winter/new year cleaner than a spring cleaner.
Yes! Another cinnamon roll recipe! (Also, if the snoring persists for your hubby have you guys asked your dentist if they do mouth appliances for that? My hub’s dental office in PDX does them and it totally saved my mom’s sanity for my dad to finally stop snoring!)
Thanks, Natalie! He has a dental appliance but unfortunately it’s moving his jaw, so he doesn’t use it much. Maybe he should go back in and see the ortho and talk options!
Yummy, fluffy cinnamon rolls definitely sound like something I need to have in my life! Please post this new recipe! 🙂
Will do!
In love with the book quilt! Did you use a pattern? If yes, which one??
Yes, this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/619109547/book-nerd-quilt-pattern-by-angela-pingel
I love all of your recipes. I’d love a new cinnamon roll recipe bc I have made several of yours that you already have posted and I love them. However, if you say this one is better, then I trust you. Second, I LOVE the post about positive parenting. It seriously is so hard for me to rephrase things in a positive way when it comes to correcting behavior. I taught elementary school for 11 years before staying home full time when I started having children and I was so much better at this as a teacher than as a mom. I LOVE this push! As always, thanks for wonderful recipes. I have always loved to cook and love to meal plan. Your site is well visited by me!!! xoxo
Ok, let’s do the positive thing together, Jen! I need all the motivation I can get. And I agree that it’s so much easier to take the emotion out of it when it isn’t your own kids!
I was just thinking this exact same thing. This is so much easier for me in the classroom than in my own house and that’s not fair to anyone. Thanks for the good goal Mel. I needed that, especially today.
Yes! Give me more cinnamon roll recipes!
Yay! Ok!
I love the pantry, what a great change. It must feel like a new house.
I can’t wIt for the cinnamon roll recipe. Please share
It totally does! My 10-year old last night was laying on his back in the middle of the finally done pantry with his hands behind his head muttering “so satisfying, so, so satisfying” hahahaha
YES on the cinnamon rolls! The ones I made for my family Christmas didn’t turn out as tender as I would have liked, so I’m ready for a new recipe!
Ok, will do as soon as I can!
Your pantry has me swooning, and it’s not really a Christmas break unless you have a Harry Potter marathon.
Amen, amen. And I think I’ll be swooning over this pantry for life. It really is a dream come true. 🙂
I absolutely love reading anything you write- recipe or not. I can 100% relate to the parenting goals and challenges, and I also am drooling over your new, Large pantry! The book quilt is gorgeous and I really don’t know how you quilt, recipe test, make amazing food, write a blog, photograph your food, and still have time to be an amazing mother to children, chickens, bees and a cow! You are superwoman and I seriously wish I lived next door to you and could have some of your awesome-ness rub off on me! I have followed your blog for nearly a decade and was converted to you ever since I made your baked manicotti forever ago. Since then I have made dozens of your recipes that are always fantastic. Thank you for all you do and for being a light in this world!
Oh gosh, Amber, please don’t think that! I am so far from superwoman it isn’t even funny. That’s the first quilt I’ve ever made, and I was a grump whilst making it, trust me. I feel like I’m failing at so many things every day!! There’s no way any of us women can “do it all” but I have finally found confidence in being able to do some things without feeling guilty…and realizing it’s ok if other things fall through the cracks. 🙂 If you lived next door to me, we’d just hide in the pantry eating chocolate chips and hoping our kids turn out well. Haha. I’m so glad you’ve been around all this time – thanks for sticking with me.
Yes please we need the cinnamon roll recipe!
Will do, will do!
Yes to cinnamon rolls! I was going to make them on Christmas but got sick so they’re now overdue- a new recipe would make up for it!
I need to do the same with my kids. I feel like I’m a witch some days, and I hate it. Thank you so much for sharing. It’s interesting that most of us feel more comfortable talking about the important stuff, the “deeper” stuff, on blogs, social media, etc these days. It’s rare to have an actual face to face conversation with a friend or acquaintance that goes past chit chat. It’s made talking to anyone not very enjoyable or satisfying- I’m thinking “I want to talk about the stuff that really matters, like fears and failures and successes and goals.” Conversations in person never seem to last long enough to get to that point- or people are just more guarded in person these days. Maybe it’s just my experience?! There are always a couple close friends to talk about the deep stuff, but they typically live far away and no one has time for phone calls any more when you can just text.
Rant over. Happy 2019 and wishing you on time completion with your remodel!! (I love your pantry!! I would absolutely hide in there!)
Oh, Jennifer, I have so much to say about your middle paragraph! I’ve wondered the same thing…and I feel the same thing a lot of the time. But then I wonder if it is partly me because I’m very careful who I share the “true story” with, you know? Like, I don’t want to air my dirty laundry with everyone. Haha. So maybe I seem more guarded and then people don’t want to tell me their deep feelings either. It’s something I want to work on. Creating authentic, genuine relationships in person. I really don’t have many face-to-face friends and I know that’s my own fault. And don’t worry, hiding has already happened (and it only got finished last night!).
I am going to try your positive parenting goal as well. I had been doing it, then slipped back into old habits. This is a good reminder.
That quilt! So amazing! I adore quilts and have a jelly roll/I don’t know what quilt in a closet that I can’t seem to finish.
That puzzle looks like a good one. I also come from a family of puzzlers. Was doing one on New Year’s day with friends when we accidentally left the three year old unattended with it and it was destroyed. Whoops!
For the cinnamon roll, always post it! Can’t wait to try it.
Ps, I have your Primavera lasagna in the fridge for dinner tomorrow with vegetarian friends. Hoping it’s amazing!
Oh, I hope you love that primavera lasagna! I haven’t made that in a while; thanks for the reminder! And I’m glad I’m not the only one who has inadvertently let an unattended toddler destroy a puzzle. Urgh! I know I’ll probably slip back on my positive parenting goal, but I’m determined to keep it up even if I have to restart day after day. Let’s do it together!
Love your quilt, and all your goals! We do puzzles every Christmas too – that one is beautiful! I would definitely love to see the new cinnamon roll recipe, if only to compare it to the others (and I’d probably try it even though I love Gloria’s because I’m nerdy that way). Your pantry is awesome, too.
I’ll post it for sure! I really didn’t know if people would legitimately want another cinnamon roll recipe. I’ve actually thought of doing a side by side comparison of these rolls with Gloria’s, the vanilla pudding ones, and the Yukon recipe, but honestly, I can’t have that many cinnamon rolls in my house. Ha.
Bring on the cinnamon rolls please! And I am only a little (a lot) envious of your new pantry. My current pantry is like your previous one and I dream of a bigger one daily. I too have food and kitchen tools spread all over my house. Unfortunately, our small laundry room is directly behind our pantry, so no walk-in pantry reno for me unless I want to never do laundry again. On second thought, that’s sounds nice too! Happy New Year and best of luck with your goals!
Haha, hmmm…laundry or bigger pantry? Definitely debatable, but dang it, we both know laundry is going to win out.
No one can have too many cinnamon rolls recipes or too many cookie recipes. Or soups. Or breads. I’m all for variety!!
We are driving home to Seattle from a CA vacation right now (Disneyland hangover!!) and I’m contemplating all the fresh starts of January… like sorting and debunking my whole house. Which I always say I’ll do and don’t. So I hear ya on the goal setting perfectionist issues! I love the goal to speak more positively. I’ll try that, too! While I dejunk my house. Happy Friday!
Yay! Me, too. Variety is everything. Good luck on your drive home (sounds so fun, but I bet EXHAUSTING, too!). I’ll dejunk along with you. Oh my, my house needs it so bad.
I have the same goal of only letting the words I speak be uplifting/positive/edifying etc. The talk entitled “The words we speak” By Rosemary Wixom hit me hard on that one.
Yes of course on the Cinnamon Roll Recipe! We need all the best ever recipes including the “Extra Most Bestest” (if I steal a phrase from a local pizza place.)
Congrats on the pantry. It’s beautiful! You should have a “new pantry” party. Chocolate chips for those invited. Happy New year!
Haha, “extra most bestest” – I might rename those cinnamon rolls to that! Love it. Dude, I think that pantry party is happening. Maybe I’ll do a FB live while I’m in there so all of you lovely readers can join in. BYOCC. 🙂
I’m definitely up for a cinnamon roll recipe. I have been afraid to actually make them even though I think I have pinned every single one of your roll recipes so far.
I always do New Year’s resolutions, but I try not to make them too dramatic. Two of my favorite ones I’ve done in years past are: Wear more dresses and Try eggs every way. ( I had somehow mostly just eaten scrambled eggs until a few years ago. )
Maybe that will be the motivation for me to make a video tutorial of this new cinnamon roll recipe! Then promise me you’ll make them. 🙂 I love those new year’s resolutions of yours! Totally my kind of goal.
Please post the cinnamon roll recipe!!
Will do!
I love that quilt! We did two puzzles over break. Your pantry is beautiful – and we bought a house with a large pantry last May and I love it more than I probably should. And YES on the cinnamon roll recipe. I’m surprised you’re even asking.
I should have just assumed the cinnamon roll recipe would be a no brainer, but you’d be surprised at the outcry I get sometimes when I post “another” of something (like chocolate chip cookies). People feel very strongly about these matters. Haha.
Definitely post that recipe! I’m so bummed it wasn’t actually part of this post- I was all set for a Friday night treat. Not that I need more treats. But, that’s not the point.
Yesterday when I was playing tag with my kids instead of tagging them I said we had to hug for three seconds. It made me happy- and made getting tagged a little more enjoyable. Ha.
I love the Friday posts.
And cinnamon rolls.
I love your version of tag, Teresa – brilliant mom move right there! I promise to get that cinnamon roll up asap. I honestly didn’t know how many people would want another one since I’ve posted so many already!
Yes to the cinnamon roll recipe! My husband would never turn down an opportunity to test a new recipe for them.
Ha, he sounds like my husband. 🙂
Yes!!!!!!! to the cinnamon rolls!! Also, I aspire to have a family of puzzling nerds. My kids are still a little too young, but I have fantasies of us watching movies and putting together puzzles someday.
Haha, those were my fantasies 10 years ago and now we are here! I love it. It’s one of my favorite parts of the Christmas holiday (and we put puzzles up in the summer, too, when they are out of school).
Bring on the cinnamon rolls! My husband is scheduled for a similar surgery as Brian the end of January and we are both a little worried how it will go. We are hoping the pain of months and weeks of recovery will lead to better quality of life, like being able to eat cereal with his mouth closed. 🙂 I always get worried and a little anxious at New Years goal setting time because I love to set goals, but all of my weaknesses seem to flood into my brain at once and I need to fix them all at once! And somehow it will magically happen immediately. There is nothing more important then your wonderful family and beautiful kids, so if you can change one thing and make a lasting positive impact then it is worth every gray hair!! Also what jeans did you end up buying??
Jessica! Good luck to you and your husband with that surgery. I would say if he’s struggling to eat with his mouth closed, you’ll definitely see an improvement! Keep me posted. And I hear you on goal setting. That’s how I feel. All my shortcomings are paramount and it feels like a downer. I just have to focus on one small thing at a time. Oh, and jeans! I ended up finding a pair of Paige jeans at Nordstrom Rack for super cheap and I bought a pair of Silver girlfriend jeans that I LOVE.
I think a lot of mothers want to improve in speaking positively, I know I do! I’m not soft spoken but I know it’ll help if I speak more calmly. That’s one of my goals, keep my cool.
I love your pantry!!! I need a pantry in my kitchen!
Glad your family is enjoying good health now.
That’s a beautiful puzzle, good job on the quilt!
I’m curious about the cinnamon roll recipe, so yes Post it, pretty please.
Happy New Year
Thanks, Jocy! We moms have to stick together and learn from each other, don’t we?
Your quilt is amazing–what a great idea for a quilt. I would love to have your recipe for the best ever cinnamon rolls–lets just get it better and better. And thank you Mel–we love your recipes and we so enjoy looking at the next great thing to make. You are the best!!! Pam
Thank you so much, Pam!
I really love when you post these Friday thoughts.. it always confirms what I’ve known all along, we should be neighbors … and talk daily about parenting teen and pre-teen boys (and first graders )… I have had the same thoughts as you recently about making my comments to my children positive and letting go of some of my ‘need to nag’. I’m impressed with the remodeled pantry ! I know first hand the pains of any kitchen remodel.. I’m still not totally done .. but the pain is worth it. I also give a big resounding YES to the posting of another cinnamon roll recipe .. the sooner the better !! Love you Mel! Enjoy your road trip.. hugs to your family ❤️
I knew you’d understand the remodel woes, Helen! And we didn’t do anywhere near what you have done/are doing! Glad to know there’s other mommas out there who understand the struggles and ups and downs of trying to figure out parenting. We’ve hit this tricky pre-teen and teenage stage with my kids and I love so much about it – but there’s a lot I’m trying to navigate!
Post that cinnamon roll recipe already!!! And your pantry is post that cinnamon roll recipe already!!! And your pantry is amazing!!
Thanks, Becky! Ok, ok. I’ll get on that cinnamon roll post. I legitimately didn’t know if anyone would want “one more cinnamon roll recipe!”
That pantry is a dream! Enjoy! And bring on the new cinnamon rolls recipe. Your recipes are always my favorite!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Pantry looks great! So lucky!
Would love the Very Best cinnamon roll recipe!
Thanks, Jen – the pantry is a dream come true for sure. I feel very grateful!
Duh. Bring on the cinnamon rolls. But if you are going to list several as best, maybe tell why each is best.
Yeah, good point. I try to do that – highlight why I’m waxing poetic about the new recipe, but I’ll try to be more clear!
I’ve been making your vanilla pudding cinnamon rolls every year for Christmas morning for a while now and just this year tried the Yukon Gold recipe and everyone said they were the best ever! I thought I had found my new favorite perfect recipe, but if you say you have one better than hit us with the new recipe!
I know, Janie. I agree. I keep thinking each new cinnamon roll recipe that comes along is The One. But these new ones really are it (I think??). Haha. Who knows. All I know is they are FABULOUS
Mel, Your Friday thoughts make me so happy. So happy to hear that other people have triumphs and struggles just like I do. May the triumphs far outnumber the struggles, and may your postivity become easier. I am likewise focusing on trying to verbalize more positively, and it is very hard. I am hoping it gets easier over time. I think it will also get easier when my infant decides to sleep through the night.
Congrats on the beautiful new pantry and glad to hear Brian has fully recovered.
Also, bring on the new cinnamon roll recipe!!!
Thanks, Julie! And yes, sleep makes ALL the difference. Here’s to hoping that cute infant turns the corner. 🙂 I really do think that positivity begets positivity and I’m waiting to see that change happen.
That pantry! Such a beauty.
Thank you, Danielle – I feel so grateful. It is a dream come true.
I will make every cinnamon roll recipe you ever make, amen. <3 <3
Haha. Ok, you are my people.