At the end of our “vacation”:/news/2008/stay-cation-2008/, we decided to set up a big-girl bed for Lucy. And even today, we still wonder — when will she sleep in it? Continue reading “Lucy’s big-girl bed”
Betty’s blueberry buckle
To celebrate the end of our stay-cation, Jon made a special request for Grammie Boyd’s famous blueberry buckle. So Lucy and I baked it — then we all pitched in and ate the whole thing in 24 hours!
I’ve noted before the irresistible goodness of this delightful coffeecake. It is just about the only thing that is worth turning the oven on for in the heat of the summer — since that is when you get good blueberries! Grammie Boyd says it’s been a favorite for over 35 years, originally found in her very well-worn Betty Crocker cookbook. Enjoy!

Photo: “What? The Blueberry Buckle is all gone?!”
Blueberry Buckle
cake:
2 c flour
2 t baking powder
½ t salt
¾ c sugar
¼ c butter
1 egg
½ c milk
2 c blueberries, well-drained
streusel topping:
1 c sugar
2/3 c flour
1 t cinnamon
½ c cold butter
(Or, for Jon’s preferred triple streusel, increase each item by one half — 1½ c sugar, 1 c flour, 1½ t cinnamon, ¾ c butter.)

Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a 9×9 baking pan.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Mix together sugar, butter, and egg. Stir in milk, and then flour mixture. Carefully blend in the blueberries. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
Mix the streusel dry ingredients together; cut in the cold butter. Distribute evenly on top of the cake. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Muffin option: Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with liners (foil ones work best). Distribute batter evenly between the cups, and top with streusel. Bake at 375° for 35 minutes.
The streusel topping is technically a doubled recipe, as Jon always asks me to make extra streusel on top. This works nicely for a cake, but not so much for the muffins — the streusel starts to fall off. But he doesn’t care! “More streusel!” he cries. But for those of you who are a little more reasonable about your streusel, you could even halve the topping amount listed here for muffins and it is still quite respectable.
Stay-cation 2008
The Boyd Family is proud to present the tentative itinerary for our 2008 stay-cation. Continue reading “Stay-cation 2008”
Our snoozer — or, How to transition from co-sleeper to crib
Despite all of my worries and fears, Rosie has taken to her new sleeping regimen like a champ. A very, very sleepy champ. Continue reading “Our snoozer — or, How to transition from co-sleeper to crib”
Our big dumpling
We knew that Rosie has been growing really well and seems rather big for her age. But it wasn’t until yesterday that we learned just *how* big. Turns out that if there were 100 babies in the world, she’d be the biggest one. Continue reading “Our big dumpling”
Gardening moments
Lately, I’ve been discovering what amazing things can be accomplished when I have two hands free and several hours at home. Continue reading “Gardening moments”
Rosie’s big transition
We have a vision: Rosie sleeping in her crib, with a regular schedule of naps and a 7:00 pm bedtime. We see the destination clearly, but right now we’re still searching for the roadmap. Continue reading “Rosie’s big transition”
Raffi convert
When Lucy stayed at Grammie & Grandpa’s house while Rosie was being born, Grammie introduced her to the magic of Raffi. I had heard of Raffi, but I must admit, I had a bad attitude. Continue reading “Raffi convert”
Solutions
Parenting always includes a few bumps along the road. Nothing you can do about that. But I’m always pleased when (as Jon often puts it) I draw upon the resources of my culture and discover that I am able to smooth these bumps over a bit. Continue reading “Solutions”
The Happiest Toddler on the Block, by Harvey Karp
Kelli’s excellent “question”:/news/2008/rules-at-the-boyds/#comment-5347 about toddler-discipline has got me thinking again about one of my favorite child-rearing experts and the book that has perhaps influenced my parenting the most in the past twelve months. Continue reading “The Happiest Toddler on the Block, by Harvey Karp”
