There are two things in this world that I can't make, Cinnamon Rolls and Fudge!
Well, I found this recipe for Cinnamon Rolls and I'm going to have to give it a shot:
Cinnamon Rolls
(adapted from Paula Deen via The Feathered Nest)
(always double this recipe - you'll thank me later.)
Dough:
1/4 oz. pkg yeast
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. scalded milk
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. melted butter (atta girl)
1 t. salt
1 egg
3 1/2 to 4 c. flour (sometimes I'll use a little bit of whole wheat flour...makes a GREAT flavor!)
Filling: (I never measure this part, but if you're not into eyeballing it, here you go)
1/2 c. melted butter
3/4 c. sugar
2 T. ground cinnamon
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
Glaze:
4 T. melted butter (can't get enough)
2 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
pinch of salt
canned milk
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, mix milk, sugar, melted butter, salt and egg. Add 2 c. flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle (not too much flour, though). Knead on lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes (or in your mixer). Place in well-greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
When dough is doubled in size, punch down dough. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out on a well floured surface into a 15 x 9 inch rectangle. Spread melted butter all over dough. Mix cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle over buttered dough. Sprinkle with nuts. Roll up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into slices.
Coat bottom of baking pan with butter. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until doubled - about 30-45 minutes. Bake for about 30 minutes until nicely browned.
Meanwhile, mix butter, powdered sugar, pinch of salt & vanilla. Add canned milk a little at a time until glaze is smooth, a little thick. Spread over slightly cooled rolls.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Christmas 2010
So I have been so terrible with blogging this past year, and I'm going to try to catch-up...that is a really scary thought for me! But my 2011 goal is to blog more, yeah!!
This month we had dance recitals, music programs, birthdays, and Christmas!!
On December 15th and 16th Andie and Avery had their Christmas Music programs, they were so cute. Andie learned how to play the Recorder this year and she practiced a ton. She was so cute and super excited to perform, they did a really great job!
Avery sang along with the other Kindergartner's, first and second graders. She looked so cute, despite her meltdown that morning. She was so upset because she couldn't find her dress shoes and then her coat and was super mad when I made her change out of her black skirt and into jeans. We left the house to her yelling "I look so ugly". It was very stressful, but I was so happy to see her smiling once she was on stage an hour later.
On December 18th, Andie and Avery had their Christmas recitals. Andie has been doing Poms since this past summer and she seems to really enjoy it. I was so proud of her, she smiled and did her movements so sharp! Avery is doing Jazz and Ballet this year and danced to "Hannah's Rockin' Christmas". She looked like she had Mexican jumping beans in her tights. She smiled and looked like she was having such a great time! It is crazy for me to think that this time next year Erynn will be doing her first Recital...oh how time flies!
The girls were spoiled again this year...will I ever learn? Santa brought scooters and guitars. Andie and Erynn both got scooters, although Andie's is a little small, I don't think Santa knew she had grown so much this past year. Avery is our little Taylor Swift in the making and asked for a guitar, she is trying to figure out how to play jingle bells on it, too cute! They also received a very large dollhouse (that took Lucas and I 2hrs to put together), barbies, clothes, dresses, jackets, and a pillow pet!
I was super surprised by my Christmas. I had already bought myself a new watch and jacket and so told Lucas not to worry about getting me anything. I was driving into the garage a few days before Christmas and saw a box from Amazon, I instantly thought that it was this book I had been wanting "Non But You", I began to get excited! Christmas morning, Lucas hands me the present and I realize how light it is and instantly think "this can't be the book, it's not heavy enough". So I begin to open the present and see that sure enough, it's from Amazon, but it's a Kindle! I was shocked, I would never have guessed that. To top it off, Lucas had purchased the book that I wanted along with it's sequel and already had them on my Kindle!
It made me feel so bad, since all I got Lucas was his yearly Nikes and Fossil watch, so I had him open his Birthday present early, "Band Hero" for XBOX. We have already played this a few times and the it is such a fun gift for any family. Even the baby plays, she got 20% correct on the drums, haha!
It has been so great spending all this time with my family and even more special to have my father home again. We will be so sad when he leaves next week, but excited for him to go to Australia! This weekend we are all heading over to Phoenix to visit more family and eat out at the O Garden!
Happy Holidays to everyone and have a safe New Year!
This month we had dance recitals, music programs, birthdays, and Christmas!!
On December 15th and 16th Andie and Avery had their Christmas Music programs, they were so cute. Andie learned how to play the Recorder this year and she practiced a ton. She was so cute and super excited to perform, they did a really great job!
Avery sang along with the other Kindergartner's, first and second graders. She looked so cute, despite her meltdown that morning. She was so upset because she couldn't find her dress shoes and then her coat and was super mad when I made her change out of her black skirt and into jeans. We left the house to her yelling "I look so ugly". It was very stressful, but I was so happy to see her smiling once she was on stage an hour later.
On December 18th, Andie and Avery had their Christmas recitals. Andie has been doing Poms since this past summer and she seems to really enjoy it. I was so proud of her, she smiled and did her movements so sharp! Avery is doing Jazz and Ballet this year and danced to "Hannah's Rockin' Christmas". She looked like she had Mexican jumping beans in her tights. She smiled and looked like she was having such a great time! It is crazy for me to think that this time next year Erynn will be doing her first Recital...oh how time flies!
The girls were spoiled again this year...will I ever learn? Santa brought scooters and guitars. Andie and Erynn both got scooters, although Andie's is a little small, I don't think Santa knew she had grown so much this past year. Avery is our little Taylor Swift in the making and asked for a guitar, she is trying to figure out how to play jingle bells on it, too cute! They also received a very large dollhouse (that took Lucas and I 2hrs to put together), barbies, clothes, dresses, jackets, and a pillow pet!
I was super surprised by my Christmas. I had already bought myself a new watch and jacket and so told Lucas not to worry about getting me anything. I was driving into the garage a few days before Christmas and saw a box from Amazon, I instantly thought that it was this book I had been wanting "Non But You", I began to get excited! Christmas morning, Lucas hands me the present and I realize how light it is and instantly think "this can't be the book, it's not heavy enough". So I begin to open the present and see that sure enough, it's from Amazon, but it's a Kindle! I was shocked, I would never have guessed that. To top it off, Lucas had purchased the book that I wanted along with it's sequel and already had them on my Kindle!
It made me feel so bad, since all I got Lucas was his yearly Nikes and Fossil watch, so I had him open his Birthday present early, "Band Hero" for XBOX. We have already played this a few times and the it is such a fun gift for any family. Even the baby plays, she got 20% correct on the drums, haha!
It has been so great spending all this time with my family and even more special to have my father home again. We will be so sad when he leaves next week, but excited for him to go to Australia! This weekend we are all heading over to Phoenix to visit more family and eat out at the O Garden!
Happy Holidays to everyone and have a safe New Year!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The Greatest Gifts of All
I just wanted to take a few moments and express the joy that my children have brought into my life. On FB, I read about a The Sullenger Family and how they just lost their 18-month-old after a drowning accident. Their story is truly heartbreaking, but made me realize the sweet joys that I have in my life.
Being a mother is the most challenging, giving, and loving job I'll ever have. To be given this responsibility has shown me what life and love are truly about. It makes me so grateful for my wonderful parents, for the love they show me and my family, I would be lost without their example.
My Andie is growing so fast. At times I feel that I am so hard on her, but I know that she has so much potential, I can only push her to be the best that she can be in everything that she does. She is so loving and caring, such a good big sister, it makes me both happy and sad to see how mature she is. She is only 9 and yet I can't wait to see the woman she grows into.
My Avery is full of spirit. She is such a beautiful and lovable child. I worry about her more than the others, because she is such a free spirit. Such a little determined thing, when she sets her mind to something, she will do it. I see this drive in her and know that she is strong and can overcome any challenge that might come her way.
My Erynn is such a little firecracker. Who says she's a baby?? She thinks she is as big as her sisters. I know that she is strong, she has proven to be a fighter already. She loves her family so much and will do anything to make you laugh. We would be lost without her.
We have had our ups and downs and no one knows what the future will hold for them. All I can do is pray that they are strong, happy, safe, and loved.
Being a mother is the most challenging, giving, and loving job I'll ever have. To be given this responsibility has shown me what life and love are truly about. It makes me so grateful for my wonderful parents, for the love they show me and my family, I would be lost without their example.
My Andie is growing so fast. At times I feel that I am so hard on her, but I know that she has so much potential, I can only push her to be the best that she can be in everything that she does. She is so loving and caring, such a good big sister, it makes me both happy and sad to see how mature she is. She is only 9 and yet I can't wait to see the woman she grows into.
My Avery is full of spirit. She is such a beautiful and lovable child. I worry about her more than the others, because she is such a free spirit. Such a little determined thing, when she sets her mind to something, she will do it. I see this drive in her and know that she is strong and can overcome any challenge that might come her way.
My Erynn is such a little firecracker. Who says she's a baby?? She thinks she is as big as her sisters. I know that she is strong, she has proven to be a fighter already. She loves her family so much and will do anything to make you laugh. We would be lost without her.
We have had our ups and downs and no one knows what the future will hold for them. All I can do is pray that they are strong, happy, safe, and loved.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Busy Summer Days!
So today has been one of those busy days. This week started "Dance Camp". I can't tell you how sentimental it makes me to have my daughters dancing at the same dance studio that I danced at. It's crazy to see Avery with the same dance teacher that I had and to have Andie working with a girl that I danced with for years! Great thing about small towns. I LOVE the Safford Dance Academy and think that Jenny Rogers does a great job there!
Andie is trying a Pom Class out for the first time ever. I sort of feel bad for her now, because I can definitely see where she needs to work. This is MY area of expertise, (well at least I think so). She came into the lobby halfway through and says, "Mom, my legs hurt." Julie and I just laughed because we know she is going to be sore tomorrow, ;). Avery is doing a combo class. When I explained to here what the classes would be, she says to me, "but I don't have jazz shoe" I explained that we were just trying jazz out and she didn't have to have jazz shoes, then she realized that I said tumbling. And was like, "oh, I can tumble". It was really cute and I hope that they enjoy their classes.
Andie also started up piano lessons again today. I can't tell you how great it is to have an awesome pianist in the family. Lucas' mother, Julie, is here right now and teaching Andie how to play the piano. I never learned and it is nice to know that my kiddos will learn and from some they love very much! Thanks Grandma Julie! Your the best!
Andie is trying a Pom Class out for the first time ever. I sort of feel bad for her now, because I can definitely see where she needs to work. This is MY area of expertise, (well at least I think so). She came into the lobby halfway through and says, "Mom, my legs hurt." Julie and I just laughed because we know she is going to be sore tomorrow, ;). Avery is doing a combo class. When I explained to here what the classes would be, she says to me, "but I don't have jazz shoe" I explained that we were just trying jazz out and she didn't have to have jazz shoes, then she realized that I said tumbling. And was like, "oh, I can tumble". It was really cute and I hope that they enjoy their classes.
Andie also started up piano lessons again today. I can't tell you how great it is to have an awesome pianist in the family. Lucas' mother, Julie, is here right now and teaching Andie how to play the piano. I never learned and it is nice to know that my kiddos will learn and from some they love very much! Thanks Grandma Julie! Your the best!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Great Hubby!
My hubby proves yet again that he is the awesomest hubby every.
He got a phone call today from his HS buddy and he told Lucas that he wants him to go out to L.A. again to hang out. I was not thrilled, but this is sort of a tradition. Well Lucas researches how much it is going to cost to get over there and it turns out to be like $200.00. I was like, well whatever you want to do, but I didn't think it was fair that we, as a family are not able to go on vacation this year, so why should he get to go? (I know selfish!) I even brought up the fact that some work buddies had talked about going to Vegas and that I could tag along. I reminded him how I decided not to spend the money on myself and how it would be better to go with him anyway.
Well, the next thing I know, he is researching Vegas trips and then tries to talk me into going to Vegas for our Anniversary. He is so sweet! Here I am trying to get him not to leave me and he decides he wants to run away with me!
In the end, I reminded him that we all really want to get back to Indiana/Wisconsin to see our fathers and how great it would be to do that next summer, so why not save our money for that trip. We'll see what he decides to do, but either way, I can't be mad at him anymore. ;)
He got a phone call today from his HS buddy and he told Lucas that he wants him to go out to L.A. again to hang out. I was not thrilled, but this is sort of a tradition. Well Lucas researches how much it is going to cost to get over there and it turns out to be like $200.00. I was like, well whatever you want to do, but I didn't think it was fair that we, as a family are not able to go on vacation this year, so why should he get to go? (I know selfish!) I even brought up the fact that some work buddies had talked about going to Vegas and that I could tag along. I reminded him how I decided not to spend the money on myself and how it would be better to go with him anyway.
Well, the next thing I know, he is researching Vegas trips and then tries to talk me into going to Vegas for our Anniversary. He is so sweet! Here I am trying to get him not to leave me and he decides he wants to run away with me!
In the end, I reminded him that we all really want to get back to Indiana/Wisconsin to see our fathers and how great it would be to do that next summer, so why not save our money for that trip. We'll see what he decides to do, but either way, I can't be mad at him anymore. ;)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE - COSMIC LOVE LYRICS
This song embodies what I LOVE about TWILIGHT!
A falling star fell from your heart
And landed in my eyes
I screamed aloud, as it tore through them
And now it's left me blind
The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this TWILIGHT
In the shadow of your heart
And in the dark, I can hear your heartbeat
I tried to find the sound
But then it stopped and I was in the darkness
So darkness I became
The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this TWILIGHT
In the shadow of your heart
I took the stars from my eyes and then I made a map
And knew that somehow I could find my way back
Then I heard your heart beating, you were in the darkness too
So I stayed in the darkness with you
The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this TWILIGHT
In the shadow of your heart
The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this TWILIGHT
In the shadow of your heart
A falling star fell from your heart
And landed in my eyes
I screamed aloud, as it tore through them
And now it's left me blind
The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this TWILIGHT
In the shadow of your heart
And in the dark, I can hear your heartbeat
I tried to find the sound
But then it stopped and I was in the darkness
So darkness I became
The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this TWILIGHT
In the shadow of your heart
I took the stars from my eyes and then I made a map
And knew that somehow I could find my way back
Then I heard your heart beating, you were in the darkness too
So I stayed in the darkness with you
The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this TWILIGHT
In the shadow of your heart
The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark
No dawn, no day, I'm always in this TWILIGHT
In the shadow of your heart
-Florence a + The Machine
Where has the time gone?
Have decided that it has been way to stinkin' long since I blogged and need to get back to archiving these amazing times with my kiddos! I will need to play catch-up, but for now I'll post what has happened recently.
I took the girls to go see Despicable Me today, it was great and they loved it! Super cute movie and if you get sentimental like me, take Kleenex!
I took the girls to go see Despicable Me today, it was great and they loved it! Super cute movie and if you get sentimental like me, take Kleenex!
Recently watched the 3rd instalment of the TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE! I don't care what anyone says, I love these books and I don't care if I have to sit through a less than perfect movie to get my cravings sated!
Currently reading the House of Night Novels. They are NO TWILIGHT, but if you are looking for a new vampire novel to "sink your teeth into", try this one out. But BEWARE, crude language and some suggestive scenes (very suggestive)!
New with the kiddos:
1. Andie now has reading glasses and had all her hair chopped, she looks super cute, but way tooo grown up!
2. Avery is anxious to start school in the Fall, but she is READY!
3. Erynn is doing great! She is healthy and so much fun!
We have had a few birthdays, a few trials, loved moving far away and loved ones passing on. Most recently my grandmother :(. Still to raw to go there...
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