Hey again, it’s been much too long since I stopped by for a non-recipe post.
So many of you have asked me how Luke has been doing and I really appreciate that because I love talking about him 😂
From the photo above you can tell he’s his mother’s child! I tried to get him to look at the camera but he had eyes for the cupcakes only (he does’t actually get any sweets yet!). And he’s growing so fast. He’s crawling everywhere and I can tell walking isn’t far behind. He loves trucks and anything with a motor, he rolls his favorite truck back and forth on the hardwood floor and makes the motor noise… he makes me laugh so much.
I absolutely adore being his mother. I keep getting emotional over how quickly he’s growing up. Last night he just wouldn’t sleep and I held him and rocked him and even though I was so tired I was just trying to soak it all in. Because it was just a blink ago that my doctor was placing him on my chest for the first time ever and now suddenly here we are and he’s so BIG and SMART and he’s learning so much and look at that I’m getting emotional all over again.
I don’t know if you can tell in this photo because it was dark when I took it, but he’s sitting in Zach’s lap in our backyard looking up at the moon. He just “discovered” it and was so curious about it. He’s discovering so many things for the first time (diesel trucks are his favorite) and it’s so neat to watch him. He makes life so much fun, and he’s been such a bright spot, especially this past month.
Some Sad News
On the sadder of things, a lot of you who follow me on Instagram or on YouTube already know that I had to say a very abrupt, unexpected, and sorrowful goodbye to my sweet friend of 5 ½ years, Leia. It’s still difficult for me to talk about and Zach and I are still grieving the loss and the giant absence that is so strongly felt in our house. She was my constant companion and I wish desperately that we’d had more time together.
Luke loved Leia (and yes, they’re both named for my Star Wars obsession) and was always trying to get her attention by blowing raspberries at her or shrieking, I just wish he could have grown up with her.
It’s hard for me to write about and I’m not going to say much more because I don’t want this to be a sad post, but I felt it would be wrong to not mention it, especially since so many of you recognize her from my Insta stories and other posts.
But let’s change the subject and talk recipes and work for a minute.
There has been so much recipe testing going on here recently. So much. The madeleine recipe that I just shared was probably tested over 50 times (no joke) and it took weeks to get the recipe just right. When I say I’m dedicated to sharing only the best tried and true recipes with you, I mean dedicated.
I mentioned in my last Crumbs post that my sisters were staying with me and helping with the blog. Well one sister went back to her job, but Casey has still been helping me in the kitchen.
She does all of the dishes and helps test all of the recipes (remember she and my mom are the only people I trust with initial testing!) and honestly I don’t even know what I’m going to do when she goes back to work. Between the two of us so much is getting done. We’ve tested, re-tested (and re-, re-, re-, re- re-tested) so many recipes that I’ve had on my list but never had the time or bandwidth to completely perfect, so I’m really excited about the recipes that I have to share with you over the next few months!
And selfishly dreading the day when she leaves me to go back to her job.
Favorite Recipes this Summer
While I may already be baking way ahead of the season (we’re already working on recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas here!) I do have a few favorite recipes that I love making during the summer:
- Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade
- Fruit cobblers! Try my Blueberry Cobbler, Strawberry Cobbler, or Peach Cobbler!
- Homemade Salsa (the only savory option on the list but probably the one I’ve been making most!)
- Fruit Galette
- Strawberry Shortcake or Eton Mess
If you have any other recipes you’d like to see here, let me know (and if they’re complicated ones, really let me know now while I have the extra help in the kitchen for testing! 😂)
As always, thank you so much for reading and for hanging out with me here and on my social media platforms (especially Instagram and my Facebook Baker’s Club, I spend a lot of time there!). It means more to me than you could know 💜
Natalia Rechtorik
Sam I know what it feels like to lose a family pet. We lost a dog that had been in my family before I was born 6 years ago(He was 13). We just got a dog this past year. She is a German Shepard just like leia and when I saw the picture of Leia I said that looks just like our dog.
Natalia Rechtorik
also please post a new crumbs. One thing that i am not sure whether or not you can make or not it is a European recipe but look for povidlove buchty and they have this plum jam in it and when my grandmother made these I ate 10 of them in one day. Thanks.
Sam
Hi Natalia! Losing a pup is one of the hardest things. German shepherds are so smart and so beautiful. I haven’t heard of the povidlove buchty but I will look it up and see what I can do. 🙂
Vicki
I’m sorry about Leia. It’s always heartbreaking, particularly when it’s sudden.
Your son…omg he’s such a BOY. What a charmer. The photo of him and dad looking at the moon is just beautiful.
Sam
Thank you so much, Vicki! That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and I still get sad thinking about it. 🙁 Luke really likes his dad. It’s cute. 🙂
Karen
I am so sorry about your dog. I know how it feels. I had two dogs Golden Retrievers and my heart is still hurting some days and in my dreams it has been 6 years. Unconditional Love is what they give us and such joy to are hearts. we are debating on getting another. Maybe soon and when we do I am going to make your doggie goodies.
Sam
Thank you so much, Karen. They truly are a huge part of the family and she took a piece of my heart with her. 🙁 I hope you can get a new pup soon. You’ll always remember the good times with the others. They will love the treats and be so thankful for them. 🙂
Jill
Luke is adorable. So sorry about your Leia. Thanks for all the great recipes. Have a good week.
Sam
Thank you so much, Jill! Have a great week. Stay safe! 🙂
Marci
I absolutely love all your recipes and videos. This is the first I’ve seen anything of the personal nature on your life and I just LOVED it :). Thanks for sharing so much with us, and keep those tried and true recipes coming. The videos are especially fun to watch!!
Sam
Thank you so much, Marci! I am so glad you have enjoyed everything so much. 🙂
Sharon Schroeter
Hi Sam,
Thanks for sharing pictures of your adorable Luke. He is totally focused on the cupcake 😉
I know you are enjoying the wonder of Luke–this is such a special time!
You should think about having another one to keep him company 😉 My first two were only 18 month apart & have always been close. My husband was 4 years older that his sister, so they didn’t have much in common.
I’m so sorry about Leia–what a beautiful friend! We had all knds of pets when the kids were growing up–parakeet, gerbil, fish, & dogs. We always had a dog. When I was younger I had a boxer & she was my best friend! When the kids left home, I quit having pets because it is too hard for me when something happens to them.
Sam
Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Sharon! I am definitely loving ever minute with our precious little Luke. I grew up with 5 siblings so it’s great to have company. I have always had dogs in the house too, but this was MY first dog. I was her person. This one has crushed me. 🙁 I hope you continue to enjoy the blog and I’ll be sure to pass on more pictures of our sweet little guy that’s growing like a weed! 🙂
Maddie
Please please please make a Buche de noel recipie for christmas! If you dont know what it is, it is a cake that is designed to look like a log. If you search up “Buche de noel” you should be able to find some awesome pictures! I dont think it would be too hard to create a recipe for (Because, you know, its just a rolled up cake) <3
Sam
Oh! I JUST perfected a Swiss roll (it took a LOT of testing) for the holidays and was just thinking about using that with some modifications for a buche de noel! I like how you think! Thanks, Maddie! 😀
Ellie
Aw /hugs!! Your son is so adorable!! Even my daughter (who is 9) saw the picture over my shoulder and said ‘gasp! Who is that cute baby?!’ So sorry for your loss, too. 😢 Thank you for these sweet updates!
I would love to see more pies! Thanksgiving is getting closer and I’m starting to plan way in advance (just for fun). I would love to see your version of a pumpkin pie (I couldn’t find one)! But any pie recipes are awesome! Another fave is pear pie or pear cranberry. Will definitely try your apple and pecan this year either way! 💖
Sam
Thank you so much, Ellie! I definitely think he’s a cutie. 🙂 I will definitely put a pumpkin pie on my list. I’m not sure if I’ll get it out in time for the holidays this year but I will definitely try to have it ready for next year. 🙂
Anna
I am so so sorry about Leia! She was a beautiful dog. I can’t imagine the pain you must have been through. And Luke has gotten so big! He’s gonna be so lucky in the future to be your taste tester 🙂
Sam
Thank you so much, Anna! It’s always very hard to lose a pet. 🙁 Luke is growing like a weed! You blink and suddenly he’s grown! He will definitely be a good taste tester and hopefully helper. I have a lot of dishes to wash! 😂
Mikaru86
I’m sorry to hear about Leia 🙁
Maybe in a few years Luke can get his own puppy. It’s a great way to teach kids responsibility and compassion (if done right).
Sam
Thank you. It is very hard. We will probably always have dogs in the house and try to help teach Luke responsibilities and the value of life. They truly are the sweetest animals and they take a piece of your heart with them. 🙁
JosieR
Hi, Sam– Luke is just darling! I really enjoyed the “personal post” and seeing your photos. I love all of your recipes and enjoy making them.
I am sorry about the loss of your beloved Leia. It is so hard to face when our pets are no longer with us but we need to hang on to the memories of all the joy they’ve brought us in the short time they are in our lives. I love the concept of the “Rainbow Bridge” and I think it brings comfort to those facing the loss of their perfect furry friends.
I look forward to your recipes arriving in my inbox. You do a great service and I hope you know you are appreciated and admired.
Enjoy the time with your family!
Josie
Sam
Thank you so much, Josie! I am always hesitant to share the personal posts but it’s nice to know they are appreciated. Thank you for your support and kind comment. 🙂
Joanne Lyell
So sorry for your loss. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. She was a beautiful doggie!
Luke is precious. I know you are loving every minute with him.
Love all of your recipes. Have never had one not turn out beautifully. I tell all my friends about you because your recipes are simple and delicious. Thank you and your family for making that happen.
Take care and stay safe!
Joanne
Sam
Thank you so much, Joanne! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice comment. 🙂
Sheena
I KNOW how you feel about the loss of beautiful Leia. My 4-year old GSD x husky died in June. I got her at 9 weeks old, in bad shape. 2 vets couldn’t tell me what was wrong with her. So I feel your loss.
Sam
Oh Sheena, I am so sorry for your loss, too. It’s not easy at all and there’s nothing fair about it… and to lose them so young is just devastating. I’m so sorry and thinking of you.