Homemade Bread

My father-in-law makes the best homemade wheat bread I have ever tasted. He brought us a loaf after Jim's surgery and I ate half the loaf by myself. Hey, come on, homemade bread and pregnant lady, not a good combination. I finally decided it was time for me to learn how to make this delicious bread for myself. For those of you who know me, you know I don't cook or bake ANYTHING from scratch. So, for me to do this, was a stretch to say the least. Last Friday my sister-in-law and I went to my in-laws and made bread. We did all the work with my father-in-law guiding us each step of the way. I have to say, I was very, very happy at how my bread turned out, even better than my sister-in-law's who has my father-in-law's genes when it comes to baking (in all fairness we decided it was because we used different flour). Look at that picture, doesn't it look beautiful?? And, what's even better, it tastes good too. I brought home four loaves on Friday, here it is Wednesday and that's our last loaf. Okay, so I did give one loaf away, but still, it's too good not to eat. Even Andrew said last night 'it's a good thing grandpa taught you to make this yummy bread so we don't have to buy all our bread anymore.' It made me feel good about myself. We'll see how good I am feeling after I try making this bread all on my own. Probably won't be so pretty.

Ally's Princess Party

Okay, so I should have posted this a while ago, but better late than never, right? For months now, all Ally wanted was a princess party (okay, so she changed for about a week and wanted a pajama party because a neighbor girl said that's what she wanted, but since I wasn't about to have a slumber party with a bunch of 3-4 year old girls and without a sleepover, a pajama party just doesn't make sense she switched back to the princess party). Each little girl showed up dressed as their favorite princess. They got to decorate crowns and bracelets, have some yummy cake, and the best part...presents! Ally was so excited for her first friend party and enjoyed having her closest friends come and celebrate her special day with her. She was spoiled and got many fun new toys and even got a new 'big girl' bike. She rode around on Andrew's old plastic trike all last summer so was very excited for a 'big girl' bike. Now she is better at keeping up with Andrew and the neighbor kids.




Even Dixie got in on the princess theme.

Happy Birthday Ally!

Ally turned four yesterday. I was going to do a post yesterday but between doctor appointments, finalizing the birthday party, having the party, dinner, family, friends, etc, etc. the day was over. So, better late than never.

I can't believe she is already four. I remember a lot of women telling me when I was pregnant to enjoy every minute, because the time goes by so fast. I didn't realize how fast, until it was my own child. It seems like she was just a little baby (okay, not little, but a baby at least). She is such an amazing, caring little girl. She is a drama queen, but she is very sweet too. She loves to sing (will sing her sentences instead of talk) and dance. She loves being with friends and makes new friends everywhere we go. Ally definitely is one of a kind. I can't imagine my life without her in it and I am grateful that I now get to spend each and every day with her, even if she tells Jim that I am 'on the computer lots and lots and never exercise.' Yep, she tattled on me the other night. She loves life and lives it to the fullest and makes sure everyone around her does the same. She is our little princess. Love you Ally!!

Ally Loves Her Trees

How many kids love broccoli so much they will pull the bowl over after dinner and continue eating it??? Luckily, both my kids are that way, they love broccoli and are really good with most fruits and vegetables. Last night after we were all done eating Ally asked me to leave the broccoli on the table because she wanted some more. She had all the broccoli eaten by the time she was done. I am so thankful my kids enjoy healthy food. Now, don't get me wrong, they both love their junk food too. I just hope I can balance the junk food every now and then.

My Kids Were Such Angels on Sunday, Their Halos Were Showing

Okay, so maybe that wasn't quite the truth, but they did have fun with Ally's halo from a couple Halloweens ago. While getting ready for church all we could hear was Ally singing 'I was an angel' over and over. After church Andrew put the halo on and just looked at me smiling. I thought it was so goofy I had to take a picture and then Ally had to have a picture taken too.