New Aprons = Baking

 The girls got new aprons for Christmas, so I let them make "30 Minute Rolls" all by themselves.  

They each made their own batch and all I did was supervise measurements 

and the putting in and taking out of the oven.

Check this out! They are cleaning!!! Booyah!

The rolls were really good. I am so proud of them!

How to make popcorn on the stove top. (for Heidi)

 Pour oil (I use coconut oil, but canola oil would work also) into a pan on medium heat. 

Use just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan and to cover a kernel of popcorn about halfway.

 Once it's hot, put in three kernels of popcorn and wait on them to pop. 

Now you know the oil is hot enough.

 Add the rest of the popcorn, enough to cover the bottom of the pan and then put a lid on the pan.

That is a VERY important step! :D

 Now just wait on the magic to happen. Usually I give the pan a couple of shakes every once in a while.

 You can tell the popcorn is done when there are about three seconds between pops.

 Pour popcorn into a bowl.

 Add salt or whatever spices and flavorings you want.

Enjoy.

By no means is this blog becoming about recipes and food!!!  There are already so many other really good food blogs out there, but I am always surprised by the amount of people who don't know how easy it is to make stove top popcorn and how MUCH BETTER it tastes than microwave popcorn.

The only Christmas post

 I didn't take a lot of pictures at Christmas. I really just wanted to enjoy this year and be part of the holidays with my girls instead of being behind my camera.  This weekend, we had our last two Christmas celebrations.  I brought along my camera and snapped a few shots. (few... hahahaha)

Syli waiting and watching TV

Kali waiting and watching TV

The girls LOVE tape.  And by LOVE tape, I mean they use it constantly.  So getting six rolls of tape each was an amazing thing.

 

Kali and her LaLaLoopsy

Syli and her LaLaLoopsy

I kinda enjoy photographing these dolls... don't be surprised to see them again.

Grandma Jane

Grandpa Jim

Syli

Kali's favorite Littlest Pet Shop

See, told you.

Aunt Ashley playing with, err, opening the toys

Kali

After presents, we all had cheesecake (yum)

Kali sat next to Grandpa, so she had to do a fair amount of protecting.

Syli trying to decide if Grandpa made her strawberry milk correctly.

Not sure anyone can resist the hair on these dolls.

Hershey Family...

 

Just Because

Let's try this...

I LOVE Pinterest and spend way to much time merrily pinning away.  But I do glean tons of good tips and recipes from it. I also find a ton of photography resources just waiting to be discovered.  I happened upon a list of TOP TEN PHOTOS TO TAKE EACH MONTH.  Everyone seems to be pinning it... but I think I am not only going to pin it, I am going to attempt to do this over the next year.  I have also asked a few friends to do this along with me.

So, here is the first list:
January's photo list
Snowman
Indoor play
Sledding
Stacks of Sweaters or Winter Clothing

First of the New Year (ie: First Snow, First Family Dinner, First New Outfit, First Book You Read)
Winter Weather
Bundled Up
Snuggling

Bowls of Soup or Cup of Hot Chocolate/Winter Food
Cleaning

I am giving everyone a free slot each month. If there is one photo you just don't get, It would be fine for you to submit a random photo from that month you like and want to share.

I honestly am just winging this group thing, so I trust my friends will have patience with me as we work together to eek out the bugs. But it's going to be a learning process for all of us!

Shannie

Also, I am completely trying out this linky thing.  So, if you guys want to link you blog up to mine, try it and we'll see how it goes!  Let me know if it doesn't work!