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Art Class

Last week Nadia and I started “Mommy and Me” art classes at a local kids art studio. We will go for 12 weeks and this semesters’ theme is “Favorite Books Arts and Crafts.” When we first arrive the kids can do a little craft while waiting on everyone to get there. Then the teacher reads the book of the week and then the kids do the craft.

This week’s book was “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. We have read this book MANY times in our house. For the craft Nadia made this:

Art Class 9.21.09

And I want you to know that she really did make the majority of this with only a little help from me. She cut the leaf and then rolled out the body and the head. I glued the pieces on and then made the eyes. Nadia rolled out the legs and antenna and then I glued them on.

If you know the book you know it ends with the caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly. Then then kids moved over to paint a butter fly. I painted the body and then Nadia painted the wings on one side and then we folded it in half and let it dry.

Art Class 9.21.09

I am totally looking forward to the rest of the semester!

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Pretzel Recipe

Here is the pretzel recipe from Taste of Home’s 5 ingredient cookbook. (I love Taste of Home by the way!)

Giant Pretzels

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

3/4 cup warm water (110 -115 degrees)

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons butter

Coarse Salt (I used Kosher)

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar and salt. Stir in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough.
  • Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes (dough will be sticky). Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • Punch dough down and divide into six portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 14″ rope; twist in pretzel shape. Place on greased baking sheets. Brush with butter, sprinkle with coarse salt.
  • Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Serve warm.
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Making Pretzels

A couple weeks ago I decided to try a recipe for jumbo pretzels made from scratch. I got Nadia to help me with the process from getting the flour out to rolling out the dough. I even let Nadia form some of the pretzels and she did a pretty good twist. This was very fun to do with her, but also the pretzels were REALLY good. Click the photo below to see the whole album.

Making Pretzels
Click to see album

Making Pretzels

Making Pretzels

I think we might have to make some more this weekend. YUM!

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Nadia’s Happy Dance!

Louanne just edited a new video (I helped a little) that she took of Nadia dancing around a few days ago. Nadia’s almost three years old now and seems to have more happiness and energy in her on a daily basis than I think I’ve ever had in my entire life on any single day. I can’t help but laugh and smile every time I watch this one. I believe it is my new favorite. We hope you enjoy it.