Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Twenty One

Once upon a time twenty one felt old. Not in an elderly way, but in a (somewhat obligatory) maturity kind of way. No longer a child, all the rights and responsibilities of adulthood are hereby bestowed. Your parents do not have access to your police record personal information. Nor your academic, nor your medical information. Even if they're taking financial responsibility for them. Mistakes, consequences, they are your own. And, at long last, confidentiality is your right.


Twenty One, a reminiscent blog post | Picture the property of www.BakingInATornado.com

Twenty one feels like freedom. But when your youngest child turns 21, it once again feels old. And this time yes, in the elderly way.

I know, I know, I digress. It's not always all about me. This time it's undeniably about you.

Dear Son:
They say that when our children are born, parents shouldn't project their hopes and dreams for them onto them, but we do, we can't help it. We've had nine months of wishing and worrying, of expecting and anticipating, and yes of hoping and dreaming (to name just a few). We've developed those hopes and dreams because even when you were the size of a pea we already loved you, wanted the best for you, wanted everything for you.

Over the years we do not waver from those very first goals and desires. They are basic, and were born of love and of instinct. We add to them, adjust our expectations based on who you are intrinsically showing yourself to be, but what we wanted for you then we will want always for you. 

Every year as you blow out the candles, we reflect on how much you have grown and changed. And we reaffirm those dreams anew. 


Twenty One, a reminiscent blog post | Picture the property of www.BakingInATornado.com



Another thing they say is that age is just a number. 

Not this time, 21 is not just a number, it's TWENTY ONE!

Be happy. Have fun. Be safe (this last one means do not break another leg).

Twenty One, a reminiscent blog post | Picture the property of www.BakingInATornado.com

Happy birthday to the person with whom I most like to watch the Red Sox and the Patriots.


Twenty One, a reminiscent blog post | Picture the property of www.BakingInATornado.com

Happy birthday to a very intelligent student with a great work ethic. 

Twenty One, a reminiscent blog post | Picture the property of www.BakingInATornado.com


Happy birthday to someone who is brave. Brave enough to not make his bed or even unpack his suitcase in my home. 

Happy birthday to someone who's developed his very own, very unique sense of style.

Happy birthday to the best muse for any and all chocolate/peanut butter recipes.


Crunchy Peanut Butter Suprise Cookies, a crunchy peanut butter cookie with mini chocolate chips and a few surprises inside | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #cookies #chocolate

Crunchy Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
Crunchy Peanut Butter Suprise Cookies, a crunchy peanut butter cookie with mini chocolate chips and a few surprises inside | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #cookies #chocolate



Happy birthday to someone who is a loyal friend.

Happy birthday to someone who understands the value of, and always keeps, a confidence.

Happy birthday to someone who could call his mom more often.

Happy birthday to someone who can be quite stubborn in his convictions (you may have gotten this one from me).

Happy birthday to someone who is the best napper I know. And I knew your great grandfather.


Twenty One, a reminiscent blog post | Picture the property of www.BakingInATornado.com

Happy birthday to the best you that you could be. 

The best you that I ever could have hoped for.

The best you that I ever could have dreamed of.


~ Mom ~


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Crunchy Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
                                                              ©www.BakingInATornado.com

Printable Recipe
 
Ingredients (makes about 3 dz):
1 stick butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 egg, room temperature
1 cup flour
1/3 cup quick oats
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butterfingers baking chips
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:
*Cream together the butter, brown sugar, sugar and peanut butter. Beat in the egg.
*Mix together the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Carefully beat into the butter mixture.
*Mix in the butterfingers baking chips and mini chocolate chips.
*Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour or up to a day.
*Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.
*Roll cookie dough into about 3/4 inch balls. Place on baking sheets and press down gently with the heel of your hand.
*Bake for about 10 minutes or until they start to brown. Allow to cool on baking sheets, then remove to cool completely.

15 comments:

  1. Those cookies look delicious! Happy birthday to your son!

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    Replies
    1. Hope you try the cookies. And thank you for the birthday wishes!

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  2. I cannot even handle this post. I'm not crying, you are!!! He was just in high school yesterday. How did twenty-one happen?! I hope he has a blessed birthday, and all his wishes come true.

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  3. So, so sweet. The cookies and the birthday wishes. My husband, by the way, turned 65 today. Speaking of feeling old...Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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  4. They grow up so bloody fast my special girl (youngest daughter) will be 28 this year how the hell did that happen my little sister will be 40 what the hell

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  5. Happy Birthday PurDude. And CALL YOU MOM. She loves you and she worries all the time about you. It's what Mom's do. So just call. Please.

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  6. Why am I sniffling, I don't even know the guy??!!
    Well, but I feel I do. First because he's PurDude, and I've been around this blog long enough to have witnessed a story or fifteen.
    Secondly, I realized in 12.5 years I might be writing a post like this. Well, 21 isn't a big thing in Switzerland. You're allowed to drink beer when you're 16 and stronger alcoholic beverages at 18, same goes for driving a car and voting. The only reason to be happy about turning 21 is that you'll be allowed to the casinos in Las Vegas should you plan a trip to the U.S.

    Anyway. Have a wonderful birthday, PurDude 🎂🎁🎉🍀 (and Mom 🥂🍾), enjoy your cookies, and I love your 💖 pink shirt!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think in a way you do know him. And I think part of you realizes that no matter what the age, Colin will get to this very point, sooner than you're ready for it.

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  7. So very sweet. Loved those lines- such a beautiful representation of a Mom's love and care. How we (moms) love to remember each and every small/big things that happens in our kids' life. I agree; they grow up so very fast!
    I totally loved this post, Karen
    A Very Happy Birthday to your son.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the birthday wishes, Epsita. It's a very bittersweet time.

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    2. I understand Karen, and so much agree.

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