Apron

I love to bake and spend time in the kitchen.

But I don't have a decent apron.

I know, I can't believe I don't have a decent apron either.

But I have been eyeing some aprons created by Lindsey.

aren't they darling?

what about this ruffle apron? so cute!

But I am fairly messy in the kitchen and wanted a full apron.  

So, last week when we were in Bass Lake, I asked Lindsey if she would be interested in creating a full apron for me.  Of course, because she is so sweet, she said yes!

Guess what?  My apron is finished and should arrive on my doorstep in the near future.

The only problem is that it is so stinkin' cute, I might not want to get it messy!  

So, then I might just have to order another one :o)

Thanks Lindsey! I love it.

*if you haven't checked out Lindsey's creative genius, go to her shop and look at her creations. there is so much cuteness to behold.

Wordless Wednesday: Surprise Inside

The 30 Day Shred

I did it.

Day one of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.

Over the last month I have come across a few blogs that have been talking about this workout. My interest was peaked. I am not usually a workout video type of gal but this one sounded worth it. I like to change things up in my workouts and I wanted the option of something to do at home on days when I can't get to the gym or get out on a run.  

So, for the next 30 days I am going to complete one workout on Jillian's DVD each day.  

I tried some of the workouts sporadically the week before I left on vacation and in that time I was starting to see changes in the definition of my body, especially my abs.  (and after three babies, my abs need some serious help).  

My goal over the next 30 days is to gain strength and definition of the muscles in my body.

Let the shredding begin!

Wordless Wednesday: What Blogger Friends Do When They Get Together

I Am...

* blessed to have friends who opened their home and their hearts to us

* overwhelmed with feelings of love, connection, belonging

* relaxed

* renewed

* tired from many late night visits

* enjoying watching the kids run, laugh, play with no need for a schedule this week

* at a loss of words to describe our time here and how these new friendships have touched my life (Sarah's description is spot on)

Good, But Not As Good As Grandmas

My kids love cinnamon rolls. 

They are a little persnickety when it comes to cinnamon rolls. 

They love their grandma's rolls.  All others fail in comparison.  If they have a cinnamon roll that is not made by their grandma I will hear "It was a good cinnamon roll but not as good as grandma's"

Yesterday was my last day of MOMS group for the year.  We were having a carb fest brunch so I decided to make my moms cinnamon rolls. 

I barely had the ingredients on the counter when I had three willing helpers at my side (it just warms this mamas heart that they love to bake). They have made the rolls numerous times with my mom and know the steps involved in making the rolls.  Each child gets their job and we cruise through the process of getting the rolls ready to bake.

dough rolled out

sprinkled with some brown sugar and cinnamon

the dough rolled and ready to be cut

morgan cutting out the rolls

rolls ready for baking

fresh out of the oven

frosted and ready for eating! yum!

The verdict on the rolls was their usual response "Good but not as good as grandma's"  I am not sure what grandma does differently but there is just something special about grandma's rolls.

** Updated: Here is the recipe:

2 pkgs dry yeast or 2 small squares compressed yeast 

2 c warm water (active dry yeast) or lukewarm water (compressed yeast)

1/2 c sugar

2 eggs beaten

1/2 c non fat dry milk, solid

6 c flour (approximate)

1 tbsp salt

1/2 c soft shortening

Soften yeast in water in a warm bowl.

Add sugar and beaten eggs.

Stir the dry milk into 3 c of flour. Add the flour mixture to the first mixture and beat vigorously until smooth.

Add salt and soft shortening.  

Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough is formed.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough until it is smooth and velvety (5-10 minutes).

Cover it and let it rise until it doubles in bulk (about one hour)

Divide the dough into portions for rolling into rolls

Roll the dough into a rectangle.  Spread with melted butter. Then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.  Leave about a 1/2 inch around the edges for sealing.

Roll the dough up tightly, starting at the wide end. Pinch edges together to seal.

Cut into 1 inch slices (we use a piece of thread)

Place in a well greased 9 x13 pan. Let rise and bake in a 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.

Frost with buttercream frosting.

Enjoy!

Morgan's Piano Recital

This past fall Morgan started taking piano lessons and had her first recital on Saturday.

She was so excited, scared, and a bit nervous.

Morgan did a great job on her pieces and enjoyed being part of the recital especially hearing some of the other students perform.

Here is a little clip of Morgan playing her pieces at the recital:

Morgan's Piano Recital - May 9, 2009 from Kristen Cheney on Vimeo.