Vacation memories

A flyer for Get away today came in the mail the other day and it made me think about our vacation that we took to California a couple of years ago. We had so much fun!!! We went for a week... we did the 3 day park hopper thing to Disneyland and California Adventure than we went to Universal Studios and Sea world. (My friend Marni and her family met us at sea world (they live in CA.) and we hung out with them the whole day. It was awesome!)We were all amusment parked out by the time the week was over but we had a blast and can't wait to do it again someday. I posted some of my favorite pictures from the trip. I had to do it in a couple of different posts cuz I'm too dumb to figure out how to do it all in one :)

Kid update

I took Zander to the doctor Thursday and I can't believe how fast he is growing. He is now 4 months old and weighs 18 lbs 5 oz. and is 26 1/2 in. long. He is such a little tank. He is such a happy little guy and his smiles light up his whole face. He is already sitting up too! He still falls over alot so we have to always have something soft behind him. I don't think my girls started sitting up until they were closer to six months. I really hope he doesn't walk early. A good portion of my main floor is tile and I'm a little worried about the bumps and bruises thats going to cause. We will have to put a helmet and knee pads on him :) Baylie is taking a cheer/tumbling class right now and LOVES it. She gets so excited on the days that it is her turn to "fly". She is a natural at cheering/dancing/gymnastics. She picks up on all of it so quick. She is hoping to try out for the high school cheer team next year. (guess I better go get a full time job, I hear it's expensive:)) Kylie is also taking gymnastics at the same place and really likes it. She passing all of her stuff off really fast. Both girls will be starting soccer in the next month or so and are so excited. Kylie has been wearing her soccer jersey around the house and keeps saying " I wish it was time for soccer already!"

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Kylie strikes again!

This is for you Cara!

I make english toffee every year for my neighbors for christmas. My friend Cara asked me for the recipe last year and I am such a slacker that I am just getting to it now. Sorry it took me so long!


English Toffee

1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted almonds
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 T. light corn syrup
3 T. water
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted almonds

-Line a 13x9x2 inch (cake pan) baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup chopped nuts in pan. Butter sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan. In saucepan melt butter. Add sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook and stir over medium-high heat to boiling.
Clip Candy thermometer to pan. Cook and stir over medium heat to 290, soft-crack stage (about 15 minutes). Watch carefully after 280 to prevent scorching. Remove saucepan from heat; remove thermometer. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Let stand 5 minutes or till firm; sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes. When softened, spread chocolate over mixture. Sprinkle with chopped almonds. chill till firm. Lift candy out of pan; break into pieces. Store tightly covered. Makes about 1 1/2 pounds.

Homeade French Bread

I have had 3 different people ask me for my french bread recipe in the last few weeks so I thought it would be easiest to post it on my blog.


1. Dissolve 2 pkg. (4 t) dry yeast in 1/2 c warm water
2. Allow to stand 10 min.
3. Combine in large bowl:
2 c. hot water
3 T. sugar
5 T. oil
1 T. salt
3 c. flour
4. Stir in yeast
5. Stir in mixing well- 3 c. flour
6. Leaving spoon in batter allow to rest 10 min.
7. Stir vigorously- allow to rest 10 min. Repeat #7 3 more times
8. Turn dough onto floured bread board. Divide it in half
9. Roll into a 9 x 12 rectangle. Start at long edge and roll loosely as for jelly roll. Seal edges. Repeat with other half
10. Place seam side down on one large baking sheet.
11. Use a sharp knife and slash top 3 times.
12. You can either brush the tops with a beaten egg before you cook it or brush them with melted butter after you cook it. (I prefer the butter, it makes the crust softer).
13. Raise for 30 min. Bake for 35 min. at 400


I use the leftover bread for yummy french toast the next day.