My grandma is one of my heroes. She was one of the kindest, most loving and accepting people I ever knew. Talk about spreading the love. She was a wonderful cook, and was always offering her delicious food and a warm smile to everyone: her neighbors, friends, the mailman, the grocery story clerk... this was a woman who embodied Christ-like love. Although we saw her every year at Christmastime, I didn't really get to know Grandma until I went to college.
She hosted weekly Sunday-night dinners at her house and all of the cousins who attended BYU came. These were elaborate affairs, with fancy tablecloths and crystal goblets, not to mention the delicious food. We sometimes brought roommates, friends, and, when applicable, significant others. It was great to hang out with my cousins, see Grandma, Grand Dad, and Aunt Marilyn, and partake of their love and warmth. Grandma always made us "sing for our dinner." We'd sing "The more we get together, the happier we'll be." This song embodied Grandma's philosophy on life. She also loved to play matchmaker. She would move my cousin Travis's roommates so they were sitting next to me, explaining "Cynthia's lonely."Another song we always sang was "Have I Done Any Good?" Whenever I sing it, I think of her and am reminded to look outside myself and try to help others.
Grandma died a year after I got married, when she was 93 years old. I still miss her and appreciate her example. I gave Ben the middle name of Calder, which was Grandma's maiden name. I figured that was one way to keep her legacy alive.
Hip hip hooray, Graaaaaaaaaandma.
I figure, a mom only gets a certain number of opportunities to embarrass her children by dressing them up in themed clothing. Thus, I should take my chance now. And besides, I think he's pretty dang cute in this outfit.
Wouldn't you agree? Even though I could barely squeeze the hat onto his big ol' head... one size fits all, I don't think so.
The recipe is quite simple and doesn't take long, which already makes it a winner in my book.
When the balls are hard, dip into chocolate using a toothpick or spoon. Set on wax paper to cool.
My dear husband was helping me do the dipping this time. His tray is in the front. I love the man, but speed is not his forte. But his heart is willing, and I appreciate that. When you are done, they should loook like this:
Put them in the freezer until hard, then you can store them in a ziploc bag and eat them one by one... or save them to give away. Or intend to save them, but sneak a few each day and then finally realize you need to make another batch so you have enough to give away. Not that anyone would do that. Anyway, there you have it, Peanut Butter Balls. Yummmm!
Nine months and one day ago, I was in here: 
Since then, I've grown a lot.
When I was brand-new...
I only weighed 8 1/2 lbs. Now I weigh 22 1/2 lbs. Hmmm, let me think about that for a minute. 
That's an increase of 264.7%. Or something like that. My mom did the math longhand because my big brother broke our calculator and my mom doesn't know how to use the one on the computer. She doesn't know how to check the messages on her cell phone either. Don't worry, I'll teach her how once I learn to talk.
Now I've finally been out of my Mom's tummy for as long as I was in her tummy. I like it on the outside better. 
Or maybe that's my Mom talking.
Either way, I'm sure glad to be here. Happy Nine Month Birthday to me!!
