3 Years Old

I can hardly believe it has been 3 years since I laid eyes on him...

...this tiny sweet bundle...

...turned curious, fun-loving toddler...

...turned loving, protective big-brother...

...turned funny, smart BIG BOY!

(who promptly after blowing out his candles declared  

"it's MY birthday" to everyone around.  Yes, I guess he really is three)

I could not be more proud of this precious son of mine.  His sincerity and wit surprise me every day and I am cherishing every detail of who he is and who he is becoming.  I cannot believe how blessed I am to get to be his mommy!  We love you Charlie, Happy Birthday!

Sprucing up for Spring (& 9 months old!)

We've been spending a lot more time outside recently and decided it was time to clean up the yard (ie get rid of the weeds!) and plant some flowers for spring.  

Charlie had a blast "helping" his Daddy and riding back and forth on the wheelbarrow.

Norah just sat looking cute like she always does.  She's 9 months old now!  Still no crawling, but I'm convinced it's not because she can't, but that she doesn't want to get her hands and knees dirty.  She'll wait until she can walk thankyouverymuch.

After I took these pictures, I thought I'd help a little with the planting.  Not a good idea- soon after this photo shoot, Norah decided to see what grass tastes like and I frantically tried to get it out of her mouth while getting my dirt covered hands all over her face and pretty white shirt.  No choking occurred, but bath time came early that day!

Its been so great to get outside and have some new plants to care for.  Hoping they make it through our hot hot summer.  Happy Spring!

an exercise in relaxation...

drop off the kids, surprise!, 5th floor suite, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, beautiful dinner, great {& uninterrupted} conversation, ice cream by the fire, sleeping in, long hot bath, coffee on the balcony, more eating out, beautiful drive, all with the one I love...

{... in celebration of our 7th anniversary} 

I love you, Paul... and that was exactly what your tired, often un-showered, overwhelmed with two kids wife needed... how ever did you know?

Bethany, Artist Extraordinaire

I have never considered myself in the least bit artistic... creative, maybe; but artist?  No way.  I just have never been able to translate something from my brain into a piece of art using my hands.  Paul lovingly calls me "the gorilla" when it comes to things like painting details or using a steady hand for anything.  The whole hand-eye coordination just doesn't come naturally for me.  So when I heard that our MOPs group was having a painting party, I thought I would go along, have a good time, hang out kid-free with some girls... little did I know I would come home with a piece of art... created by ME!  

Here is our little group at Painting with a Twist

Our group painted the picture "Looking Up."  We were walked through each step by an instructor.

And here is my finished product!  

I have to say, when I was painting it, I didn't think I'd actually want to hang it in my house, but now that its here, I LOVE it!  There's just something about knowing that I painted that myself!  

So, where to hang it?  I really don't have any "art" like this in my house.  I'm usually not attracted to paintings, and everything we have on our walls are photographs, a few prints, mirrors, and old windows.

 Right now I just have it hung over the mirror in the dining room.

Maybe it will inspire me to paint something else... or to at least try something new every once in a while!

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.