pete's library

today i watched pete walk back and forth across the livingroom, bringing one book at a time from his book basket to betsy's side. he'd lay it next to here and go for the next book. he lined up a couple of his trucks on her play mat too. then, when he had brought her sufficient entertainment, he laid down next to her and watched her wiggle.  big brothers are awesome!

he also attempted to put those socks on her feet. one is mine. one is his. such a cute boy.

happy trails, happy adventure!

our darling friends stopped by tonight for a little "we'll miss you" bbq and afternoon of play.  pete was overjoyed to have another guy around to do man things with like throw around a football and roll in the dirt with.  he definitely thinks adam is a fun guy. and betsy was happy to cuddle with auntie emily. its funny to think that at this age, emily was pete's nanny on a daily basis. that seems like eons ago, and yet it also seems like "just yesterday".  my how time flies. i always enjoy visits with these two and am so blessed to have called adam a friend for so many years now and excited that he married someone i also call a cherished friend.  we hope your new journey together in monterrey is a time in your life you can look back on with great joy in your hearts.  enjoy the slower pace. cherish the shared moments and happy memories. take advantage of the downtime to explore your world, grow together and try new things.  we wish you the best of luck and will always have a guest bed available for visits! thanks for your friendship and loving our kids like you do! (baxter included)

go padres

thank you to my san diego ladies for filling my night with laughter and love. i am so blessed by the friendships (and amazing downtown rooftop picnics) these ladies share with me!

betsy's four month birth-day

my goodness how time does fly.  she is trying her best to roll over. working on cutting teeth. and melting hearts everywhere she goes. this sweet girl has the sparkly-est eyes i've ever seen. so full of joy and vibrantly alive, taking in everything going on around her.  i can't wait to see what wonderful changes this next months bring, my darling girl!

poor little dear had her vaccinations today...pete was jealous of her donald duck "stickers". she took the shots like a champ, though. bless her little beautiful heart!

homemade bread experiment: recipe 1

thank you to my darling friend emily for sharing with me her weekly used bread recipe. i've had the honor of sampling her handiwork so i know this recipe is great. just needed to try it for myself!

Three Loaf Whole Wheat Bread

1 c milk
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/4 c sugar
2 T salt
1/2 c butter
2 1/4 c warm water (105-115)
3 pkg yeast
3 c whole wheat flour
7-8 c all purpose flour

scald milk, stir in sugars, salt and butter until melted.  cool to lukewarm. pour warm water into mixer bowl and add yeast, stir until dissolved.  add warm milk mixture, whole wheat flour and 1 c all purpose flour and mix until smooth (i used a dough hook for all the mixing).  add additional all purpose flour 1 c at a time until you have a stiff dough (i added 4 1/2 c whole wheat four instead of all purpose flour).  turn outu onto lightly floured board (again i used whole wheat) and knead until smooth and elastic (10-12 minutes).  cover and let rise 15 minutes.  separate into 3 equal parts and roll each into 8 inch by 12 inch rectangles.  roll up and press ends down.  please each in a greased loaf pan. cover and let rise 2 1/2 hours.  bake on lowest racks at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes (i baked mine 30 minutes and they are great - just watch yours, the times may vary based on your oven and whether or not you use all whole wheat flour or use all purpose flour).  Remove from pans and let cool on rack.

enjoy while still warm with butter and honey!!!!!

do you have a favorite bread recipe?  i'm looking for one good staple, make every week or so kind of recipe for sandwiches and serving with meals.  i'd like to try a few so i can actually call it my favorite instead of calling it the only bread recipe i've ever made. :)

noon

bread is rising,
laundry is washing,
diapers are drying on the line,
kids are sleeping,
house is quiet,
kitchen is clean,
time to read a book.

if you ever feel this way, keep it quiet. don't think it. don't write it. they will hear you......they will sense the calm in the ritual chaos and do their best to derail your plan to relax....they will!  sweet betsy woke the instant i hit "publish" and was uncharacteristically upset even after a diaper change and a sweet snuggle/nursing period. i'm TELLING you, she's teething. 

happy birthday