Eight Months Old

I say it every month, but really, I can't believe she is eight months!  Three-fourths of the way to one.  

At 8 months, Norah got her first ear infection (and it was a double- no fun!!).  She is a happy baby that loves her brother... she is starting to wave, and wants to clap so badly but just can't get her hands together.  Her favorite things are to sit and play with toys, and by "play" I mean bang them together, or chew on them.   Still no teeth, and no crawling or even much rolling (she despises being on her tummy!).  She loves taking baths and being outside.  In the car, Charlie makes her laugh and keeps her entertained.  It is so fun to see him love on her!  Still not sleeping through the night all the way, but I have to confess I haven't let her cry much. :)

We are loving our new camera and are taking so many pictures its hard to narrow it down, but here are my favorites from our little backyard photoshoot...

Happy eight months, Norah!

CWP Episode 7 - Pizza in 7d

Well, for this next episode, it's something completely different.  I just got a new camera, a Canon 7d, and I wanted to put not only the food, but the camera on display as well, so I didn't muddy up the video with me talking about a bunch of stuff...just video and music.  The recipe for the dough is below and if you watch the video carefully, I pretty much go through the entire process step by step.  I hope you enjoy not only the pizza, but the video too.

**Disclaimer:  I think this made a little too much dough for me, which you can see the crust really get big in the video.  I normally prefer my pizza crust thinner than that, but it may work out for you depending on the size of your pizza stone.  I think doing a 3/4 recipe would be just about right, but experiment for yourself.**

Pizza Dough

• 12 oz. all purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 package quick rise dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

- Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour out the dough onto an unfloured counter or surface.  Form the dough by using the same method seen here, in my cinnamon roll episode.
- Put in a lightly floured bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, preheat your oven to it's highest temperature. (Mine was 500 F)
- Gently remove the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface and stretch the dough to the desired size.
- Place any and all desired toppings on the dough and cook in the oven for 8 - 12 minutes, depending on the temperature of your oven.  Just keep an eye on it.  Enjoy!

For my Valentines...

It's not the pale moon that excites me...

 that thrills and delights me...

 Oh, no... it's just the nearness of you.

 It isn't your sweet conversation that brings this sensation...

 Oh, no... it's just the nearness of you...

 When you're in my arms and I feel you so close to me...

 All my wildest dreams came true.

 I need no soft lights to enchant me...

If you would only grant me...

the right to hold you ever so tight...

And to feel the nearness of you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

From mine to yours.

 

Sick Days & Snow Days

We've had quite the week around here since my last post.  Both kids picked up some kind of nasty virus back to back that had us sleepless, cleaning up vomit, and sitting in front of the TV most days.  By the end of the week, things were looking up health-wise and Paul got a day off work for the snow/ice that was supposedly headed our way.  Since we couldn't get out much, we did the usual sick day/snow day activities... a few crafts, a little baking, tent making, a lot of reading, and a little snowman building...

With the snow on its way, I attempted one of those cutout snowflakes that we all learned in grade school, you know what I'm talking about?  Yeah, guess I need to go back to grade school.  My first attempt looked more like some kind of weird spider...

 My second attempt was a little better, but still not very snowflake-y

 Third time, not much better.  Seriously, can someone give me a lesson?

 Oh and just keeping it real, here was my attire for most of the week- some form of comfy/sweats or pajamas (picture by Charlie).  Maybe I should have just looked at my pants to know what a snowflake looks like.

Fortunately, I did remember how to fold paper and cut out a heart...

When the snow finally came, we woke up to a slight dusting of our deck.  It was just enough to make this little boy, who was finally feeling better, pretty excited...

 I think his Daddy was a little excited too...

How do you spend snow days & sick days?  I learned something about myself- snow/cold and being stuck in the house all day makes me want to bake and eat.  Its a good thing we live in south Texas or I might weigh 300 pounds! :) Here's to warmer weather and getting back into a routine...