Quilting Away

The first picture shows a block that will soon be the top of a 16 x 16 inch throw pillow. I plan to also make a quilt out of that material. The rest of the pics are of 15 9-square quilt blocks that will be a twin-sized quilt. I'm not quite 1/2 done with the pattern. The pictures don't represent what it will look like when it's done, just showing where I'm at in the project.

Easter Egg Cakes

Easter Pix

Snapshots From Hammie's Kindergarten Program

Their play was about colors and Hammiekins was in the "blue group."

Friends Don't Let Friends Order Take-Out*

Please try this pizza crust recipe. I discovered it in Pioneer Woman's cookbook and it's foolproof & easy. Hammie will eat 1 piece of take-out/restaurant pizza, but he asks for this pizza and eats a couple pieces plus requests more later in the evening.

I have used this crust recipe for taco pizza, hawaiian, pepperoni & olive, thai chicken, etc. It can be made & used 2 hours later, put in the fridge for up to 2 days, or even frozen. If you're interested in freezing it, let me know and I'll get the specs. It is a yeast dough. Do not let that scare you!

4 cups flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 packet (1 tsp.) yeast
1/3 cup olive oil (plus more for the bowl & pans)

Put warm water in a bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it set while you do the following: In a mixer bowl (using the paddle attachment if you have a Kitchenaid)combine the flower & salt on low speed, drizzle in the olive oil until combined. Stir the water/yeast mixture with a spoon and add slowly to the flour mixture. Kick up the speed to medium until the dough forms a ball. Once a ball is formed, I usually let it go for another minute so it's nice and elastic.

If you don't have a mixer with a paddle attachment, this can be mixed by hand until a ball forms. Literally use your hands, though. It's the best way to feel the consistency.

Drizzle a little olive oil in a big bowl, using a paper towel to spread it up the sides of the bowl. Put the dough in the bowl and turn it over so that the oiled side is up. Cover it with a clean dish towel, set it in a non-drafty place, and walk away for 2-3 hours.

Preheat your oven to 450. Lightly grease your pans with olive oil. Grab the dough and divide it into 2 halves. Work it into the shape of your pans. I usually work it with my hands until I have it elongated, then put it on the pan and spread it further with my fingers & palms. You don't want it to be thick. I get it pretty thin. Repeat with the second crust, add your toppings and bake for 10 - 15 minutes until the toppings are bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden brown. Voila!

Fridge route: Prepare as directed, except instead of letting it rise 2-3 hours, just put Saran wrap on it & toss it into the fridge for 24 - 48 hours. It's best to let it sit on the counter for 30 - 60 minutes before you use it, but I've used it straight out of the fridge before.

*Unless their kids have driven them insane and they just can't help but order out. It happens.

Swimming Superstars

Hammie finished his first session about a week ago and Ree has one more private lesson after today. At first I wasn't sure if private lessons would be worth the money, but now I'm a believer. Ree is doing awesome and her instructor his absolutely amazing. Hammie is doing really well with the front crawl and is looking forward to his next session.

G and Girlfriend

Warm House, Snuggly Children

We keep our house at 73 - 74 degrees, yet my children still lounge around wrapped in blankets. Please ignore the box of crackers positioned in between them. I would never allow such uncivilized behavior.

The Worm

This little guy shows up in various vignettes around the house. I was lucky to capture this one.

Teenager In Training

Hayden's 1st Love Letter

Artistic Children

Our little kids are constantly creating. Literally from sun up to sun down one of them is either drawing, painting, making puppets, or sculpting stuff out of Bendaroos. It's pretty cool even though the clean-up process at the end of the day is a bit of a chore.

Winter Squirrel

Something tells me this squirrel is um, eating better in our neighborhood than his cousins up in the hills.

Gingerbread With Dad

The Kindergarten Center where Hailey goes to school has parent days every year. Bill got to go make a gingerbread (graham cracker) house with her right before Christmas break. I think I will be invited to make a birdhouse with her this spring.

Christmas in March?

Good News!

G found my camera cord! I will be posting regularly starting very, very soon. I'm excited! I've even got new recipes to share. Stay tuned just a bit longer.......

Hello?

I hereby promise to start blogging again. I have a question......anyone interested in Christmas pics, or are you over it?