The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


best Rick Riordan yet! so fun!



View all my reviews

Cakes!

I took a cake decorating class a few years back and have been hooked ever since. I am in NO WAY a professional, but I really enjoy it. I do birthday cakes, cupcakes, and have even done a few wedding cakes. Here are a few pics!

Thankful...
Since this is the month that we all reflect on our blessings, I was thinking it would be nice to say write down what I was thankful for:
A wonderful family who loves me for who I am.
A loving husband that works very hard everyday to provide.
Two DARLING kids that keep everyday fresh.
A home of our own.
Yummy food! teehee
The talents that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with and the ability and oportunities to use them.
And SO much more...
If you so feel inclined, leave a comment with what you are thankful for!

Primary Adventures

I am currently serving as the primary president in my ward, a crazy busy but very rewarding position. I just thought that throughout this time I will be posting things I've learned and ideas my presidency and I come up with. I have to say right now that most of our ideas have come from other sources, or at least the beginnings of them. YEAH FOR PRIMARY!
“Every member of the Church is important to us. Indeed, every person-member or not-is important to us, but surely among the most significant of all our responsibilities is the responsibility to protect and nurture the children of the Church… We care so much about you and about the children you are teaching. Prepare well to bless these little ones. Give it your best effort. Your influence will, quite literally, affect these children for eternity. Enjoy the assignment that you have, and discharge it faithfully… However much we love and admire children, I am certain we underestimate who and what a child is a what in the hands of God he or she may become. May God bless you always in your sacred opportunity to help save the children of this Church.”
Jeffrey R. Holland

Awesome and Easy Bread Recipe

With our lives being a bit crazy the last couple of months, I have been very lazy about making bread instead of buying it. I have an awesome recipe that takes about an hour from start to finish. Sooo, now that things have calmed down, I am buckling down and starting to make bread. Yeah for saving money! Anyway, I know that many people have been asking for this recipe so I will post it here and hope you all enjoy!
Just a few notes on the recipe:
I got this recipe from my friend Heather who got it from a lady in the area that teaches bread making classes. Just thought I should make it clear that this is not an original recipe of my own.
You can use wheat or white flour.
I generally use the 2 loaf recipe so my notes pertain to those measurements.

I don’t use a full 1/4 cup of sugar. I like a more savory bread so I just don’t fill up the measuring cup all the way and then I heap one of the tsps of salt. It worked for me, but you can experiment if you like.
I haven’t ever used another kind of yeast, but if you can’t find the SAF brand, definitely try another instant yeast in its place.
OK<>
I use my stand mixer to get things incorporated at first, but I always end up kneading it by hand at the end so I can feel the consistency. It should be still very pliable when you finish kneading it. I don’t usually knead it the full 6 minutes. Just depends on the altitude etc. Using the Pam Cooking Spray is a genius idea because that way you aren’t adding any extra flour which can make the bread dry or tough. If the dough starts to stick, I just spray a little more on the dough and my hands and it works beautifully. Don’t forget to spray your pans. I use glass usually, but I’m sure metal will work fine.
Cut the dough into the different pieces, don’t tare it or pinch. Don’t ask me why it works better but it does.

Cover your bread with plastic wrap and then a towel and place in a warmer area to rise. I usually let it rise a full 30 mins, but you can just watch it and let it get big. It should be ballooning out over the pan. It only needs to rise once as long as the water was hot enough and it is covered with the plastic wrap.
I know this sounds complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it is super easy and way fast. It probably takes me about 10 mins to mix and knead it and then the 1/2 hour to let it rise and then 20 -25 mins to bake. GOOD STUFF!

Anyway, I think that’s it. I learned the recipe off of a DVD so I had step by step instructions so if you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Here is the link for the download: One Hour White Bread
HAPPY BAKING!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

One day I will remember to do this more often. I look at my friends blogs and think..."that is so cool to have this kind of media to keep up with each others lives". Anyway, here is our latest news!

Well, In December we found out that we are expecting our second bundle of joy. And just about a month ago, we found out that Nan will have a baby sister. We are feeling really good about the name Eden Kate for this next one. I have to admit that I was very hesitant about having another kid. But I felt that it was time and that Nan really needed a playmate. Growing up I always thought that I wanted a good size family and that I would be an awesome stay home mom. Then I had my first. Please don't get me wrong. I LOVE Nan, she couldn't be any cuter, better behaved or have a better personality. I love her and am SO grateful to have her in our family. I have however found out that I am a very independent person. I have had a hard time accepting my role as a stay at home mom. But through a lot of prayer and patience, I am finding myself at a more comfortable place. I also have to interject that I have a WONDERFUL family who live close and have been a lifesaver through the rough patches. I have come to understand that the Lord really does know us individually and we just have to let Him into our lives. In this way He can make us into who we need to be. I also realize that because we are individuals we don't have to fit into any mold. As long as we are following the path the Lord has set, the rest is up to us to become the person the Lord expects us to be. I have TOTAL respect for those to whom being a mother comes so naturally (aka, my mother and MANY others). I look to them for inspiration and help. Thank you to ALL those who are such a good example to me.
To sum this all up I wanted to say that I am excited to welcome this new little spirit into our home and pray that the Lord will help me be the mother He wants me to be. I am humbled and know I won't be able to do this without him. I'll keep you all updated with any news on the baby... She is due on Aug 13!