Jan 31, 2011

Austyn rode his bike from inside the garage to get the papers for me today. He's funny like that =)

Jan 30, 2011

Austyn dressed himself for church this morning. The boots were quite a hit today!

Jan 29, 2011

Austyn decided that after dinner, he would put on a puppet show for my mom and aunt. This is what I came home to when I got off work. I can't wait to be part of the audience!

Jan 28, 2011

I made these cookies on a what if moment.

I got these really awesome mint chips at Sprouts, so my coworker and I wondered if they would be good in cookies. I took them home, and it turns out they are awesome!

Jan 27, 2011

Something that never gets old:

Waiting on the garbage trucks.

Jan 26, 2011

This is why I had to watch tv for awhile tonight. Really....

Jan 25, 2011

He's not so sure about this one!

Jan 24, 2011

It's sad really, but I think sick kiddos are beautiful. When A gets sick (currently he has Strep) his cheeks get all kinds of flushed. I'm kind of sad I didn't get a better picture of it, but this is how we spent most of today: napping.

Jan 23, 2011

Super Austyn!!

Jan 22, 2011

Went to the park. Took small comfort in the knowledge that I was not the last person in the neighborhood to take their tree down:

Jan 21, 2011

Today, I made my first batch of no-knead bread.

It didn't turn out quite like expected, but it's still delicious. The recipe couldn't be easier:

No-Knead Bread (I borrowed this recipe from Three More Big Bites)

• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 ¼ tsp table salt
• ¼ teaspoon instant or active dry yeast
• 1 1/3 cups cool water
• Cornmeal, wheat bran or additional flour for dusting

In a large bowl, stir together flour, salt and yeast. And the water and with a spatula or your hands, or both, combine until it forms a wet sticky dough. If it’s not sticky enough, add another tablespoon or two of water. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 12 to 18 hours.

(I ended up having to use about two cups of water to get the dough to become dough like...not sure if that affected the final product or not, but I'm definitely going to play around with the recipe a little)

After the first rise, flour a work surface and use a spatula to transfer dough to surface. Using flour if the dough is too sticky, mold it into a circular shape, tucking ends under. Wrap in cotton kitchen towel (use more flour to prevent sticking) and allow to rise for 1-2 hours.

Thirty minutes before dough is done rising, preheat oven with a lidded pot inside to 475. Then bake dough for 30 minutes with lid, last 10-15 without.

Jan 20, 2011

Ahhh Sprinkles. How amazing does that look?!

Jan 19, 2011

Our favorite night time activity:

Usually he kicks my butt. Not tonight!! (Yes I'm proud of myself for winning a game against a five year old)

Jan 18, 2011

Today is a twofer! A and I had a crazy busy afternoon. He undecorated the Christmas tree, then we went outside and played. We played some basketball, and then some soccer. Then he blew bubbles for awhile. I love how intense he is when he's blowing bubbles:

After we were done outside, we went in the kitchen and Austyn decided to make a batch of muffins. Like he does at school. Seriously! They are delicious too.

Jan 17, 2011

As A would say, "Today is MY fwiend Dr. King's birthday" It was a city holiday, so our trash wasn't picked up...but that didn't stop him from dressing for the occasion!

Jan 16, 2011

I love home made salsa. My food processor broke last week. That was a bummer. Austyn eats salsa like most kids eat ketchup. I've never really clued him into the fact that it's all veggies...even though he helps me make it. Today I got this new toy for $4.84! The first batch is pretty damn good....but it's very smooth. My old food processor was apparently breaking for awhile. This one is SHARP. I cut my hand in three different places putting it together. I'll have to learn how to use it a little better, but for now I'm super happy! The Ninja Chop reviews online says it can be used for fantastic drink making as well, so I'm going to be experimenting pretty soon!

Jan 15, 2011

Cell phone picture. I call this....Do I really have to go back to work??

Jan 14, 2011

Quick trip to the park this afternoon...."Yo, mom...I hit my head!"

Jan 13, 2011

A got a soccer set for Christmas! We have fun with it =)

Jan 12, 2011

What can I say? We love going to the park!!

Jan 11, 2011

My cat does this a lot. He has no shame. He will lift his head and look at you with an annoyed glance though if you make a loud noise.

Jan 10, 2011

Another park day! Austyn is determined to master the monkey bars. He's not so sure of it here though LOL

Jan 9, 2011

A is turning into quite the swinger!

Jan 8, 2011

Movie night! My boys have it so rough....

Jan 7, 2011

We had a baby shower today for one of mom's friends =)

Jan 6, 2011

Happy Epiphany!

I guess it's time we take this guy down. =)

Jan 5, 2011

Arizona sunsets are the most gorgeous thing. I caught this one leaving work tonight. It's a little blurry, but I'm still working on learning my new camera =)

Jan 4, 2011

My favorite part of coming home:

Also, why I hate working at night. I miss this kid.

Jan 3, 2011

My son loves garbage trucks. Can you tell?

Jan 2, 2011

Today, Austyn made a boat out of a box to help his pirate friends (April and Molly) get across the living room.

Jan 1, 2011

Fiesta Bowl today! OU won 48-20!