A Baby Shower

Last evening was my baby shower. My sisters, and mom along with my mother-in-law, Shelia were the hosts.  They sure made me feel loved with all the work they put into my shower.

It was overwhelming to accept all gifts but it was also a reminder of the beauty of community and helping each other out.

Here are some photos from the evening. 

 

The cradle to the left of me was the cradle Joshua's mom used for him.

We are planning to use that same cradle for our little one.

 The guest.

The delicious food.

Pretty details.

Me and my sister, Charity.

I wish I had a photo of Faith and Lynette, too.

Feeling Grateful,

Hope

Winter Centerpiece

Today I decided I needed a centerpiece for my dining room table. I found some eucalyptus and preserved princess pine in my closet. I grabbed a wood bowl, candle, floral foam and scissors and went to work.

Starting components.

 Finished product. It should get me through the winter months.

I purchased the preserved princess pine through Save on Crafts.

They have great craft supplies at a resonable price.

Happy day!

Hope

Pizza Crust

I am so very happy right now. I found the perfect pizza dough recipe this evening. It still makes me smile to think about it.

You must understand that pizza is at the top of my husband's favorite food list. He has always loved Domino's pizza crust. I have meticulously followed many "chewy" pizza dough recipes only to be miserably disappointed.

I tried googling "chewy pizza dough recipe" once again this evening and found a blog with a very detailed recipe. Sally explained each ingredient and why it worked for her. I tried it just like she said and waaa laaaa... a pizza dough recipe for keeps.

 BBQ chicken pizza was the crave of the evening.

Just look at it- all chewy and such.

You must use cornmeal to dust the pizza pan like she says.

The results are amazing.

For the recipe go here.

Happy day!

Hope

Waffles

Waffles are my new love. Well, since a little one dwells inside me. I have tried several waffle recipes in the last month and none were worth making again. Until... I made this recipe from Joshua's Aunt Ruth. No need to bother with whipping egg whites for these- they are fluffy with just baking powder.

Waffles

1 cup white flour

1 cup white/wheat flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 cups of milk

2 eggs, beaten

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

Mix together dry ingredients. In another bowl whisk together

milk and eggs. Pour milk mixture into dry ingredients.

Add melted butter and mix just until combined.

Fry on hot waffle iron.

Serves 4-6 depending on the size of your waffle iron.

I usually double this recipe for Josh and I and keep 

the batter in the refrigerator for the next morning or two.

Enjoy,

Hope

Chicken Marsala

This evening chicken breast were on sale for $1.79 a lb. at our local grocery store- so chicken is what we had for dinner. I recreated my original Chicken Marsala recipe and lightened it up a bit by removing the cream.

The end result was quite loved by the husband. He claimed it was better than Olive Garden's. Love is blind- but the comment was welcomed regardless.

 Slice chicken breast in half | Dredge in flour

Fry in butter | Make a sauce

Serve on a bed of pasta.

Add something green and you have a meal.

Chicken Marsala

2 large chicken breast, sliced in half

3 Tbsp. butter

flour, salt and pepper

6 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced thick

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup Marsala wine

1 tsp. lemon juice

2 Tbsp. cold butter, cubed

Slice chicken breast in half to make thin so they fry faster.

Sprinkle well with salt and pepper on both sides.

Melt butter in large skillet.

Dredge chicken breast in flour and add to skillet.

Fry on medium heat uncovered until 2/3 done.

Flip and fry until done.

Remove from skillet and place in an oven safe dish.

Add garlic and mushrooms to pan drippings and saute on high until

slightly soft. Add Marsala wine and cook on high until wine reduces

and sauce starts to slightly thicken. This will take awhile.

When your sauce is close to done turn on your oven to broil

and heat chicken for 3-5 minutes until sizzling hot. 

This crispens it up a bit but doesn't dry out the meat.

Once sauce is slightly thickened, remove from heat.

Add cold butter cubes and whisk until melted.

Stir in lemon juice. Taste for salt and pepper.

Place hot chicken on a bed of pasta tossed with fresh Parmesan and parsley.

Pour mushroom sauce over all.

Sprinkle with a little fresh Parmesan cheese and serve. 

I am 30 weeks pregnant today!

Praising the Lord for this miracle.

Have a happy day,

Hope

 

Christmas

We moved out of our home the day after Christmas to do some remodeling. Joshua's parents were gracious enough to take us in for a week. We are back home tonight and slowly working through the mess. I am just getting over an awful flu bug. I couldn't keep any liquids down until today. Why is it were are only thankful for good health when we feel bad? I guess God gives us those friendly reminders through flu bugs and such.

I am just now cleaning off my memory card from Christmas and had to share a few photos from Christmas at Mom and Dad's.

 A Christmas table prepared by Mom.

 The joy of gift giving.

 Austy finally got a remote controlled truck.

Notice paper flying through the air. He opened it with such gusto.

All the grands together. Caleb is sporting his trademark face.

 The mantel, one part of the house that is clean.

One thing at a time. Hopefully everything will be clean by March.

Happy day to you,

Hope

Merrymaking

Happy new year to all. I am excited to see what 2014 will bring.

I thought I would share some photos from the workshop we did in December.

We are currently living at Joshua's parents while we finish our living room and kitchen. We are trying to get everything done before the wee one arrives in March. So if there is a post drought- I am busy cleaning up dust.

I designed the photos in spreads for a book so they view small. Just click on the image and it will show up larger.

Happy New Year,

Hope