This is the dough recipe I used (it was a bigger recipe than I needed so I had to shrink it, if the measurements are weird to you...too bad!) -
2 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup hot tap water
Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Mix for 1 minute and check consistency. If dough is too dry, add more water. If dough is too moist, add more flour. Mix for 5 minutes. (Do not add water or flour to the dough after it has finished mixing.)
For the braid it doesn't need to rise.
roll the dough onto a cookie sheet, cut 1 inch slits all the way down both sides 1/3 of the way in. (so there's a good solid chink in the middle to spread the filling.)
spread 4 oz softened cream cheese on the middle section sprinkle (liberally!) with brown sugar and cinnamon. Criss cross the strips to cover the filling and give it the braided look.
pinch the ends shut and brush a beaten egg white over it.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
And enjoy.
You're welcome!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Swap goodness!
Sis told me about this swap and it sounds so fun!! Who doesn't love a good favorite things swap!?
So I'm trying it out, if you see this before the deadline join in the fun!!! :)
Winter blues swap
Friday, January 30, 2009
I'm in love...
...with this cream cheese braid I just took out of the oven.
So delish. So easy to make.
It's what we're having for lunch! :)
So delish. So easy to make.
It's what we're having for lunch! :)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
pictures
Sometimes I just want to post adorable pictures of my boys. Because, lets face it, they're stinking cute!
I really don't know what this is all about, but he loved it and Jack thought it was hilarious too!
He loves dice. LOVES. He'll carry these bad boys around all day. They get taken away when they start flying across the room.
Avery likes to watch Curious George on PBS. A lot. He's watched one quite a bit (thanks to DVR), so in this picture he's pretending to be "Uncle Tam" in Scotland. That's my scarf wrapped around him like a kilt and he made his hat crooked to more closely resemble Uncle Tam's tam. He makes me laugh. I was supposed to be the Man with the Yellow hat, looking for the deed to the castle.
Jack's getting close to sitting up on his own. He lasts for a few second then litterally folds in half.
Andy playing with the boys. Avery gets a little crazy sometimes.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Avery's special talent
A few weeks ago I discovered that Avery's ear lobes have an unnatural stretchiness. It's pretty fun to play with, but so weird! I've never seen ears quite as stretchy as his!
Playing in the snow
yesterday I bundled the boys up and we went out in the snow. Avery wasn't very interested in actually touching it. At all. But it was a fun 10 minutes or so of snow fun. He did make a couple snow balls after I convinced him it was fun!
This one makes me laugh, he was laying in the snow, but it totally looks like he's floating in nothingness.
Then we came inside and had a snow day picnic. hot chocolate and marshmallows. Avery's dream come true!
This one makes me laugh, he was laying in the snow, but it totally looks like he's floating in nothingness.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Want one?
My sister (forever and a day) is doing a giveaway again, as part of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival, and the hat she's giving away is ADORABLE! I got one for both of my boys, and I love them. So go sing up and get your own!But seriously, how cute are they!? (the boys and the hats!!)
Potter on the brain?
So... I fought the whole Harry Potter thing for years. I had seen all of the movies, but most of them kindof in passing while working with kids/teens in the past. I hadn't ever really sat down and watched one on purpose, and I certainly hadn't read any of the books. At the end of last semester, I decided to jump in on book 6, since I had at least a decent understanding of what had happened previously from the movies. I finished book 6 on my way to Missouri at Christmas time, and then (after an explanation of key events) listened to book 7 the rest of the way, on the way home, and at various and sundry times until we finished it last weekend on the way down to Cedar City. Oh yes... I failed to mention that when we returned home from Missouri, I was in the mood, so we watched all 5 movies in about a day and a half. So... I think it is safe to say that I have succumb to the pressure and would now even describe myself as a fan (though Star Wars will always remain #1 of course).
That said, I believe I now have a problem. Last night, I experienced my first ever (and hopefully only ever) Harry Potter dream. Scary right? In this dream I was with some friend (I don't know who they were) at their family's house awaiting their arrival home to surprise them. I, of course, was Harry Potter in some way. I don't remember if people actually called me that or not... but essentially, that is what was happening.
We heard a noise, which we believed was her family returning home. However, much to my chagrin, it was "He who must not be named" and, evidently, his family which included a few small children (I should note here that "He who must not be named" did not appear to be a very good parent, and was yelling and otherwise being quite mean to the youngsters). I'm not sure if this "friend" of mine was another demon spawn or not sent to draw me in, but Big V soon recognized my presence in some way, so I hid in a closet.
He persued and eventually found me, but I beat him with the signature disarming charm/spell and then stunned him (in case you were wondering... I yelled the appropriate spells in the dream... hopefully not out loud though!). After that, however, I couldn't remember any other things to do to him, and he kept breaking out of that wretched stunning spell. My friend encouraged me to call Hagrid on my cellphone for some help. Unfortunately, Hagrid's number was not in my phone list, and I just couldn't remember his phone number, so I was stumped. Eventually, Lupin showed up, helped me out, and we got out of there. Then I woke up... probably to Avery freaking out again.
I'm not sure what this dream says about me... but it was kindof stressful being stalked by you know who. Hopefully this one won't be repeated soon. For your enjoyment... here are the main characters involved in this dream...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
"A short story" by Kizzie
This is a story about a family who deserved better service from their internet/phone/cable provider.
It started on a chilly December day 2 years ago. They were so excited to finally have a nice fast internet connection, cable so they could watch HGTV to their hearts content and a phone with caller id and unlimited long distance.
Nuvont, through iProvo, seemed to be the perfect fit. So they took the plunge and signed up. They loved how seamless the internet was, never having to worry about long distance charges and dvr'ing their favorite shows.
And then it started. It began with Equipment malfunctions. In 2 years they went through 4 cable boxes, after a while they discovered a quick fix for the inconvenience of not having sound, or a picture. But it was, afterall, a less expensive alternative than going with a big chain provider.
Then one day someone knocked on their door. He was from a competitor of Nuvont, he said Nuvont would be losing their cable contract in less than a month and offered information on their rates and services. So they called Nuvont to ask about it and sure enough it was true. But somehow they didn't think it was important enough to let the customers know. Silly Nuvont.
The small family decided on a less expensive plan through the new company, Broadweave, it wouldn't include such things as free long distance (Thank goodness for cell phones), extended cable channels and the super fast internet. But it would save them money and meet their needs.
So Nuvont was contacted and services were set to be turned off on a certain day, after the family left for vacation. And a new contract was set up with Broadweave.
Then one morning nothing worked. What could have happened. It was 2 days early and they needed their phone. After a phone call it was discovered Nuvont made a mistake and accidentally shut everything off early. Within a few hours it was all back on.
Weeks went by while the family was away on vacation. When they arrived home there was a bill from Nuvont. They called to make sure they would NOT be billed(automatic withdrawl had been set up) and were assured us that we would not.
Broadweave came a few days later and set up their new cable box. Though they missed HGTV and the Disney Chanel (for the kids, of course) they were comforted by the fact they would be saving so much every month!
And then...Nuvont DID bill them. They took the money right out of their checking account. Unfortunately causing it to overdraft. A call was made, they promised that a check would be sent and recieved by the next week. It didn't happen. Another call was made, they promised again that a check had been cut and should arrive soon.
They had to return the cable box, so when they did another inquiry was made about the reimbursment check. It had never been sent. It hadn't even been written yet. It wouldn't be written until the end of the month, and wouldn't be recieved until sometime in the next month. WHAT?!
Needless to say, a number for the manager/owner was aquired and they will be recieving a call on the next business day.
And sadly Broadweave is not off to a great start with this internet/cable/phone provider burned family.
-This is not the end. They've only just seen the begining.
It started on a chilly December day 2 years ago. They were so excited to finally have a nice fast internet connection, cable so they could watch HGTV to their hearts content and a phone with caller id and unlimited long distance.
Nuvont, through iProvo, seemed to be the perfect fit. So they took the plunge and signed up. They loved how seamless the internet was, never having to worry about long distance charges and dvr'ing their favorite shows.
And then it started. It began with Equipment malfunctions. In 2 years they went through 4 cable boxes, after a while they discovered a quick fix for the inconvenience of not having sound, or a picture. But it was, afterall, a less expensive alternative than going with a big chain provider.
Then one day someone knocked on their door. He was from a competitor of Nuvont, he said Nuvont would be losing their cable contract in less than a month and offered information on their rates and services. So they called Nuvont to ask about it and sure enough it was true. But somehow they didn't think it was important enough to let the customers know. Silly Nuvont.
The small family decided on a less expensive plan through the new company, Broadweave, it wouldn't include such things as free long distance (Thank goodness for cell phones), extended cable channels and the super fast internet. But it would save them money and meet their needs.
So Nuvont was contacted and services were set to be turned off on a certain day, after the family left for vacation. And a new contract was set up with Broadweave.
Then one morning nothing worked. What could have happened. It was 2 days early and they needed their phone. After a phone call it was discovered Nuvont made a mistake and accidentally shut everything off early. Within a few hours it was all back on.
Weeks went by while the family was away on vacation. When they arrived home there was a bill from Nuvont. They called to make sure they would NOT be billed(automatic withdrawl had been set up) and were assured us that we would not.
Broadweave came a few days later and set up their new cable box. Though they missed HGTV and the Disney Chanel (for the kids, of course) they were comforted by the fact they would be saving so much every month!
And then...Nuvont DID bill them. They took the money right out of their checking account. Unfortunately causing it to overdraft. A call was made, they promised that a check would be sent and recieved by the next week. It didn't happen. Another call was made, they promised again that a check had been cut and should arrive soon.
They had to return the cable box, so when they did another inquiry was made about the reimbursment check. It had never been sent. It hadn't even been written yet. It wouldn't be written until the end of the month, and wouldn't be recieved until sometime in the next month. WHAT?!
Needless to say, a number for the manager/owner was aquired and they will be recieving a call on the next business day.
And sadly Broadweave is not off to a great start with this internet/cable/phone provider burned family.
-This is not the end. They've only just seen the begining.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Imagination Diet
So today while the boys are napping I'm just vegging on the computer and watching the Bonnie Hunt show (don't judge, I think it's funny sometimes...and it's the only thing on during nap time!!).
Jimmy Kimmel is on it today and at one point he mentioned he is on the "imagination diet".
You can eat anything you want as long as it's imaginary. Apparently he's having great results. He's even so kind as to demonstrate a recipe from his great diet, imaginary meatloaf.
Think "The Emporer's New Clothes"...but food! :)
I pretty much thought it was hilarious!
Jimmy Kimmel is on it today and at one point he mentioned he is on the "imagination diet".
You can eat anything you want as long as it's imaginary. Apparently he's having great results. He's even so kind as to demonstrate a recipe from his great diet, imaginary meatloaf.
Think "The Emporer's New Clothes"...but food! :)
I pretty much thought it was hilarious!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Flat or progressive taxation...
So, it's not generally in our nature, or this blog's nature (if it has one) to be controversial. So... I'll change that really quick with my opinion on taxation. Let me preface this by saying that I'm not an Obama fan, and I will not pretend to understand or support all sides of this issue, or all of Obama's economic stimulus plans. I am also certainly for smaller and less intrusive government.
That said, I hear a lot of people outraged by the idea that people over a certain income level (such as the $250,000) are or will be taxed at a higher rate. They say that this is unfair, that it's redistribution of wealth, or whatever. You are all entitled to your opinions, and I think I am as well. The main point I wanted to make was that fairness depends on the angle you look at it.
My opinion is, I think it makes a lot of sense for people who make more to be taxed at a higher percentage than those who make less. Why? Because higher taxes hurt the poor more than the rich. Essentially, if people make less, paying a higher percentage of taxes means less to spend on food, housing, other needs, etc. Another argument is that the poor don't pay taxes anyway. My argument.... we all pay taxes. Sales tax, gas tax, taxes on phones... and many others. These may not matter to many people... but they are still taxes, and they can still make life difficult for the poorest of poor. The point is, the poor feel the loss of whatever they pay more than the rich. I have a hard time describing this point, so here is an explanation I read online... perhaps it will be enlightening.
When you're drowning in debt, you have 3 options: Cut expenditures, increase revenues, or a combination of the two. If you were drowning in credit card debt, would you take a job that paid less money to get out of debt? Of course not! Neither can the government!
Wealthy individuals have the means to pay higher taxes so they are the target of most tax increases. It's basic math. A 5% increase in the top tax rate generates $500,000 in tax revenue from a person earning $10 million a year. Increasing the base rate by 5% only generates $500 from a person earning $10,000 per year. And someone making $10k per year would be clobbered by an additional $500 in taxes whereas someone making $10 mil can fairly easily pay the additional tax.
A "flat tax" is grossly unfair. To raise the same revenue as the current graduated income tax, you'd need to levy at about 25%. Only the wealthiest of taxpayers pay anywhere near that in net taxes.
A flat 25% levy would crush the typical single mother with 2 children struggling by on $17k per year. Due to the EIC and other credits, she has about $20k in cash flow per year and barely gets by. With a 25% levy (and no more EIC, Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, exemptions or deductions) her cash flow would plummet to less than $13,000 per year and she and her kids would quickly be tossed into the streets. How can anyone call that "fair?"
I'm in a 28% marginal bracket now and frankly it doesn't bother me in the least. My net rate is still around 16% or so. I well remember the days when I paid no income tax at all and struggled from paycheck to paycheck. The relative pittance I received in EIC payments made survival possible and I honestly don't have a problem with paying my "fair share" as my income continues to rise. But a flat 25% levy would clean my clock as well as that single mother's. Basically it would mean that nothing would be saved towards my retirement and I'd have to live on Alpo in my "Golden Years." What the heck is "fair" about that??
I have one other issue that I'll mention really quick... then I'll shut up. Then you can all deride me for my opinions. That is... I enjoy all of those conservative talk show hosts like Hannity, Glenn Beck, etc. I generally agree with them on most things. One thing I disagree with them on frequently is issues regarding the poor. Just yesterday I heard Glenn Beck saying that, essentially, in order to help the poor, we need to motivate them. If we were to cut programs, for example, the poor would be motivated to get off their lazy butts and work, and everything would be better. I am oversimplifying of course, but that is the point I get from him. This, in my opinion, grossly/ridiculously overgeneralizes the poor. Sure, some may be lazy bums. Many others, however, are incapable of doing better for themselves... or are in the process of bettering their situation.
My young family, for example, is poor. We have been poor since we got married. We have steadily improved our income and standard of living, and we will continue to do so, but we are still poor. This is despite our best efforts. I have worked full time (at jobs significantly higher than the minimum wage... which is another issue), been going to school, and all of that stuff. I, and we as a family, have not been lazy. But, you know what, we've enjoyed the assistance of several government agencies and resources.... and I've never once felt bad about it. We've still been poor... but it has certainly helped make things more manageable for us.
So... in conclusion... if you are one of the people I've described above. Open your mind a little bit. You don't have to accept what I say... but at least consider it and understand the other side. Sometimes equal is not always fair. Sorry for the ridiculously long discourse. - Andy
That said, I hear a lot of people outraged by the idea that people over a certain income level (such as the $250,000) are or will be taxed at a higher rate. They say that this is unfair, that it's redistribution of wealth, or whatever. You are all entitled to your opinions, and I think I am as well. The main point I wanted to make was that fairness depends on the angle you look at it.
My opinion is, I think it makes a lot of sense for people who make more to be taxed at a higher percentage than those who make less. Why? Because higher taxes hurt the poor more than the rich. Essentially, if people make less, paying a higher percentage of taxes means less to spend on food, housing, other needs, etc. Another argument is that the poor don't pay taxes anyway. My argument.... we all pay taxes. Sales tax, gas tax, taxes on phones... and many others. These may not matter to many people... but they are still taxes, and they can still make life difficult for the poorest of poor. The point is, the poor feel the loss of whatever they pay more than the rich. I have a hard time describing this point, so here is an explanation I read online... perhaps it will be enlightening.
When you're drowning in debt, you have 3 options: Cut expenditures, increase revenues, or a combination of the two. If you were drowning in credit card debt, would you take a job that paid less money to get out of debt? Of course not! Neither can the government!
Wealthy individuals have the means to pay higher taxes so they are the target of most tax increases. It's basic math. A 5% increase in the top tax rate generates $500,000 in tax revenue from a person earning $10 million a year. Increasing the base rate by 5% only generates $500 from a person earning $10,000 per year. And someone making $10k per year would be clobbered by an additional $500 in taxes whereas someone making $10 mil can fairly easily pay the additional tax.
A "flat tax" is grossly unfair. To raise the same revenue as the current graduated income tax, you'd need to levy at about 25%. Only the wealthiest of taxpayers pay anywhere near that in net taxes.
A flat 25% levy would crush the typical single mother with 2 children struggling by on $17k per year. Due to the EIC and other credits, she has about $20k in cash flow per year and barely gets by. With a 25% levy (and no more EIC, Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, exemptions or deductions) her cash flow would plummet to less than $13,000 per year and she and her kids would quickly be tossed into the streets. How can anyone call that "fair?"
I'm in a 28% marginal bracket now and frankly it doesn't bother me in the least. My net rate is still around 16% or so. I well remember the days when I paid no income tax at all and struggled from paycheck to paycheck. The relative pittance I received in EIC payments made survival possible and I honestly don't have a problem with paying my "fair share" as my income continues to rise. But a flat 25% levy would clean my clock as well as that single mother's. Basically it would mean that nothing would be saved towards my retirement and I'd have to live on Alpo in my "Golden Years." What the heck is "fair" about that??
I have one other issue that I'll mention really quick... then I'll shut up. Then you can all deride me for my opinions. That is... I enjoy all of those conservative talk show hosts like Hannity, Glenn Beck, etc. I generally agree with them on most things. One thing I disagree with them on frequently is issues regarding the poor. Just yesterday I heard Glenn Beck saying that, essentially, in order to help the poor, we need to motivate them. If we were to cut programs, for example, the poor would be motivated to get off their lazy butts and work, and everything would be better. I am oversimplifying of course, but that is the point I get from him. This, in my opinion, grossly/ridiculously overgeneralizes the poor. Sure, some may be lazy bums. Many others, however, are incapable of doing better for themselves... or are in the process of bettering their situation.
My young family, for example, is poor. We have been poor since we got married. We have steadily improved our income and standard of living, and we will continue to do so, but we are still poor. This is despite our best efforts. I have worked full time (at jobs significantly higher than the minimum wage... which is another issue), been going to school, and all of that stuff. I, and we as a family, have not been lazy. But, you know what, we've enjoyed the assistance of several government agencies and resources.... and I've never once felt bad about it. We've still been poor... but it has certainly helped make things more manageable for us.
So... in conclusion... if you are one of the people I've described above. Open your mind a little bit. You don't have to accept what I say... but at least consider it and understand the other side. Sometimes equal is not always fair. Sorry for the ridiculously long discourse. - Andy
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Christmas Craft
I forgot to post pictures of these Memo Boards I made for my sisters Christmas gifts. I couldn't post them before Christmas, because I didn't want the surprise ruined.
I thought they turned out pretty cute. I bought the frames at DI, and used fabric and ribbon scraps I already had.
I thought they turned out pretty cute. I bought the frames at DI, and used fabric and ribbon scraps I already had.
Cheap, easy, and cute. My kind of craft!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Weekend getaway...
...sort of!
We're headed out this afternoon to go visit my brother and has family for a couple days. Avery is excited to see his cousins, hopefully the a little boys together are more tame then they were a few months ago! All the running and shouting gets a little crazy!! :) Avery gets bored for a day or two after we've been down there. I guess I'm not quite as exciting as little boys!
We always have fun going down there, playing games and eating too much!
Last night was the Glass Etching enrichment, which I'm happy to report went REALLY well. We had a great turn out and everyone's dishes turned out adorable!
A lot of sisters brought their casserole dishes, but some of the other things that were brought were vases, a treat jar, a chips/dip bowl (I think!), and a penny jar.
It was so easy and I think everyone enjoyed it. Now to plan next month's activity...!
We're headed out this afternoon to go visit my brother and has family for a couple days. Avery is excited to see his cousins, hopefully the a little boys together are more tame then they were a few months ago! All the running and shouting gets a little crazy!! :) Avery gets bored for a day or two after we've been down there. I guess I'm not quite as exciting as little boys!
We always have fun going down there, playing games and eating too much!
Last night was the Glass Etching enrichment, which I'm happy to report went REALLY well. We had a great turn out and everyone's dishes turned out adorable!
A lot of sisters brought their casserole dishes, but some of the other things that were brought were vases, a treat jar, a chips/dip bowl (I think!), and a penny jar.
It was so easy and I think everyone enjoyed it. Now to plan next month's activity...!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
6 Month Stats
Jack had his 6 month check up today, he's doing really well. He's little but he's right on track developmentally.He's weighing in at 13.8 (<3 percentile) and 27" long (50-75 percentile).
And he was a champ for his shots, he only cried for about 10 seconds and then he switched over to yelling. He's a good yeller. Really good.
We think he's pretty talented, he's a master roller, yeller, smiler, reacher, and sleeper.
He also started solids this week, he's lovin' the rice cereal baby! :)
We sure do think he's cute!
(no, this is not Jack's carseat. He was chilling in Avery's while we were stopped on our road trip.)
(no, this is not Jack's carseat. He was chilling in Avery's while we were stopped on our road trip.)Are your neighbors crazy?
More people should use this site...you can report good neighbors too.
I wish there were more reviews on people in my neighborhood, mostly because I think it's such a funny random website!
http://www.rottenneighbor.com/
I wish there were more reviews on people in my neighborhood, mostly because I think it's such a funny random website!
http://www.rottenneighbor.com/
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Resolution of Sorts...
So, one of our new year's resolutions this year was food storage. We're not really at the point or storage capacity to go really hardcore. So... we decided to stock up with the stuff we typically use, figuring that we can eventually move on to some of the other stuff. So, to make a short story shorter, we checked the ads and spent about $200 at the Walmart last week. Here is, approximately, what we got.
25 cans applesauce
12 cans mandarin oranges
10 cans pineapple
16 cans tropical fruit salad
10 cans corn
10 cans green beans
20 cans cream of chicken
15 cans cream of mushroom
15 cans chunky soup
10 cans ravioli
12 cans chili
20 cans tomato sauce
12 cans spaghetti sauce
15 boxes pastaroni
A bunch of other random items/condiments/etc
Here is a picture of our recently stocked shelves. In case you're worried, our door jam into that closet doesn't really look like that... that is the result of Kizzie doing a panoramic shot on our camera to get as much shelf as possible.
Since this was kindof boring, so here are a few bonus pictures of the boys. Enjoy.
25 cans applesauce
12 cans mandarin oranges
10 cans pineapple
16 cans tropical fruit salad
10 cans corn
10 cans green beans
20 cans cream of chicken
15 cans cream of mushroom
15 cans chunky soup
10 cans ravioli
12 cans chili
20 cans tomato sauce
12 cans spaghetti sauce
15 boxes pastaroni
A bunch of other random items/condiments/etc
Since this was kindof boring, so here are a few bonus pictures of the boys. Enjoy.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
January 17th is a magical day...
Saturday is my Birthday. I love my birthday, it's the one day of the year I don't feel bad about doing whatever I want. All. Day.
(or maybe just sleeping in a little and getting a yummy dinner?)
(Do you think that Andy could make a cake this adorable for me?)
(or maybe just sleeping in a little and getting a yummy dinner?)
(Do you think that Andy could make a cake this adorable for me?)I thought about having a birthday week, but since Andy is gone so much during the week, and Avery often (often!) stuggles with following directions, I thought a whole week trying to get Avery to "pamper Mom" would be more stressful for me than fun.
So, Saturday is going to be rocking awesome...for me! :)
That's all. Happy Birthday to me, almost!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Glass Etching Tutorial
Alright, here's how easy it really is.
You'll need:
Glass dish, vase, etc
Armour Etch, glass etching cream (You can get it at any craft store)
paint brush
Contact paper
x-acto knife
Either a print out of the design/letting you want. You can also freehand a design or use stencils and trace straight onto the contact paper
1. clean the glass with window cleaner
2. tape the printed design on the back side of the glass, cover the side you're etching with contact paper. Or if you've traced your design onto the contact paper just stick it where you want it on your dish.
3. Use an x-acto knife to cut along the edge of the design, peel un-needed contact paper
4. Spread etching cream over the cut out area, make sure it's thick so everything is sure to be covered.
5. Wait 5-10 minutes and rinse it off. you may need to use a paper towel and gently rub off the cream if it doesn't rinse off all the way. Don't get it on your hands though, it's a chemical and that would be bad!
6. Take off the contact paper and voila! You have your etched dish! (again with the water stains...this pan is particularly bad...blech)
You'll need:
Glass dish, vase, etc
Armour Etch, glass etching cream (You can get it at any craft store)
paint brush
Contact paper
x-acto knife
Either a print out of the design/letting you want. You can also freehand a design or use stencils and trace straight onto the contact paper
1. clean the glass with window cleaner2. tape the printed design on the back side of the glass, cover the side you're etching with contact paper. Or if you've traced your design onto the contact paper just stick it where you want it on your dish.
3. Use an x-acto knife to cut along the edge of the design, peel un-needed contact paper
4. Spread etching cream over the cut out area, make sure it's thick so everything is sure to be covered.
5. Wait 5-10 minutes and rinse it off. you may need to use a paper towel and gently rub off the cream if it doesn't rinse off all the way. Don't get it on your hands though, it's a chemical and that would be bad!
6. Take off the contact paper and voila! You have your etched dish! (again with the water stains...this pan is particularly bad...blech)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Glass Etching
For our Enrichment Activity this month we're going to be doing Glass Etching, and since I've never done it before I figured I'd better try it out before I have to try and teach a bunch of other women how to do it too!
It was SO easy, and I love it! If I was cool like Amelia I would have taken step by step pictures and done a clever little tutorial...but I was too into the glass etching to even think about taking step by step pictures! :)
So you just get pictures of the finished product. The Trifle Dish is my favorite!!!
(please ignore the water stains on the casserole dish...our water is hard, or soft...and makes all dishes look gross!)
Friday, January 09, 2009
I forgot...
...to post a picture of what Andy got me
Andy got an old, broken rocking chair that his parents had, asked my dad to fix it and gave it to me for Christmas. I love it. It's perfect, it fits in our house perfectly. It fits me and one, or both, of my boys perfectly. We all love it.
And this is what I made (or finished making) for Andy. I know it's not normal for a 25 year old man to ask for an afghan for Christmas, or any time really. But he likes it. And, it's not perfect, but it turned out better than I hoped.
Andy got an old, broken rocking chair that his parents had, asked my dad to fix it and gave it to me for Christmas. I love it. It's perfect, it fits in our house perfectly. It fits me and one, or both, of my boys perfectly. We all love it.
And this is what I made (or finished making) for Andy. I know it's not normal for a 25 year old man to ask for an afghan for Christmas, or any time really. But he likes it. And, it's not perfect, but it turned out better than I hoped.
Genealogy Your Way
No, I haven't caught the "Genealogy Bug" (really bad, I know!), but my Mom did... 30+ years ago! And now she wants to help other people fill in the missing pieces in their family tree!
So check out here site, ask her questions, and keep her busy!
Genealogy Your Way - http://yourpedigree.blogspot.com/
Good Luck Mom!!
So check out here site, ask her questions, and keep her busy!
Genealogy Your Way - http://yourpedigree.blogspot.
Good Luck Mom!!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Crinkle toys
This morning as I was unloading our tons and tons of canned food we bought to re-stock our pantry, stuffing all the crinkly environment killing bags together, I was inspired and decided to try and recycle the bags in a creative way.
Behold, homemade crinkly toys for Jack. Not that he needs more toys that crinkle. Or more toys, period. But it made it gave me some time to feel creative. (I sewed several layers of plastic between scraps of fabric, turned them right side out and Voila!)
Now if only I had a use for the 20 other plastic shopping bags stuffed under my sink!! :)
Behold, homemade crinkly toys for Jack. Not that he needs more toys that crinkle. Or more toys, period. But it made it gave me some time to feel creative. (I sewed several layers of plastic between scraps of fabric, turned them right side out and Voila!)
Now if only I had a use for the 20 other plastic shopping bags stuffed under my sink!! :)
Monday, January 05, 2009
Word for 2009
I've seen some other bloggers picking a word for the year; simplify, patience, peace, love, experience, etc.
Something to just keep in the back of your mind throughout the year, to think about when you're planning things, or just doing every day tasks.
So I decided to jump on the band wagon and pick a word, instead of making a list of New Years Resolutions, which I'm really never good at anyway!
So, my word is -
Dictionary: Complete, tr.v., -plet·ed, -plet·ing, -pletes.
Completing my short term goals.
Completing tasks.
Completing projects.
This is something I want to keep in mind when I come up with a new idea "will I complete this?"
I also want to more completely enjoy every moment. Especially with my family and friends. Time passes so quickly and through rough times I find myself wishing and hoping for tomorrow, next week or next year. When "everything will be different and better", "School will be done", "Avery will be potty trained", etc. And I find myself glossing over the things happening now.
My hope is that throughout the year I can experience more completely, and complete more so that by the end of the year I can say I completed this year to the best of my ability and enjoyed every moment!
{Check out Tip Junkie's Word of the year 2009 & Giveaway post to do this yourself and get a chance to win an adorable custom pendant necklace with your word on it!}
Something to just keep in the back of your mind throughout the year, to think about when you're planning things, or just doing every day tasks.
So I decided to jump on the band wagon and pick a word, instead of making a list of New Years Resolutions, which I'm really never good at anyway!
So, my word is -
Dictionary: Complete, tr.v., -plet·ed, -plet·ing, -pletes.- To bring to a finish or an end
- To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts
Completing my short term goals.
Completing tasks.
Completing projects.
This is something I want to keep in mind when I come up with a new idea "will I complete this?"
I also want to more completely enjoy every moment. Especially with my family and friends. Time passes so quickly and through rough times I find myself wishing and hoping for tomorrow, next week or next year. When "everything will be different and better", "School will be done", "Avery will be potty trained", etc. And I find myself glossing over the things happening now.
My hope is that throughout the year I can experience more completely, and complete more so that by the end of the year I can say I completed this year to the best of my ability and enjoyed every moment!
{Check out Tip Junkie's Word of the year 2009 & Giveaway post to do this yourself and get a chance to win an adorable custom pendant necklace with your word on it!}
Friday, January 02, 2009
We're home
We had so much fun visiting with family for Christmas, but boy is it good to be home!
We decided to take 2 days coming home instead of driving straight through, and it was so nice! We stopped at dinner time last night, and got a great night sleep, and it's so nice to get home in the afternoon as opposed to 1am or later!
I hadn't planned on posting anything this soon because I had our internet/phone/cable turned off so we can switch providers this month....but it's still on (except for the phone), but not for long, as soon as they realize their mistake it'll be off I'm sure. I should call and tell them....I guess.
Here are a couple pictures, cause we all know that looking at pictures is 100 times better than reading stuff.
Jack lovin' the duck game uncle Keenan got the boys for Christmas
Avery hanging out with Josiah, flipping through pictures on the phone. Avery absolutely loves Josiah! That's pretty much all we heard Avery talking about for 2 weeks!
The boys and me trying to get warm before we left the motel this morning!
We decided to take 2 days coming home instead of driving straight through, and it was so nice! We stopped at dinner time last night, and got a great night sleep, and it's so nice to get home in the afternoon as opposed to 1am or later!
I hadn't planned on posting anything this soon because I had our internet/phone/cable turned off so we can switch providers this month....but it's still on (except for the phone), but not for long, as soon as they realize their mistake it'll be off I'm sure. I should call and tell them....I guess.
Here are a couple pictures, cause we all know that looking at pictures is 100 times better than reading stuff.
The boys tuckered out on New Years Eve...
Jack lovin' the duck game uncle Keenan got the boys for Christmas
Avery hanging out with Josiah, flipping through pictures on the phone. Avery absolutely loves Josiah! That's pretty much all we heard Avery talking about for 2 weeks!
The boys and me trying to get warm before we left the motel this morning!
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