"Bangs are dangerous!"

First of all, one of the best things I have learned from my job is that kids do and say the funniest things!

This past Thursday I was working with one of my kids on sequencing 3 pictures in order to tell a story. One of the sets of pictures was of a girl getting a hair cut. And I asked my kiddo "Who cuts your hair?" And she said "You better not cut my hair!!" (looks like some work on "wh" questions is in order) And I said "No, I mean, who is the person that cuts your hair?" She said "No one!" Well, she has bangs, that are always trimmed the same length so I know that she must get her hair cut. So I said, "Who cuts your bangs?" And she looks straight at me and says "Bangs are dangerous!" I started cracking up. Bangs are dangerous. :)

I made apple pie!

I forgot to take a picture of my finished product before we destroyed it! :)

So, I have never "baked" a pie before. I have made peanut butter pie...but you don't bake it..so I'm not counting it. :) So, I did some researching for recipes and got to work Saturday afternoon. I really want to be a good cook, but I'd settle for being a good baker, because that's what I really like to do.

Here's my recipe:
Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour

I teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

6 tablespoons butter

6 tablespoons shortening

6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Warm the butter in the microwave until it is soft, but not melted.

Mix in a large bowl:

2 cups all-purpose flour

I teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

Then cut in using the dough blender:

6 tablespoons butter

6 tablespoons shortening

6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Refrigerate dough for atleast 20 minutes

For the apple pie filling you need:

5 Tart Peeled Apples

1 Cup Sugar

2 Tablespoons Flour

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

Second Step: Mix Filling

Mix in large mixing bowl:

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vinegar

Third Step: Mix Apples

Now, drain the water off of the apples and mix them with the spices.

To assemble divide pie dough in half. Roll out dough, put one half in bottom of pie plate, pour in apples and add four chunks of butter on top of the apples. Roll out the other part of the dough, lay over the top and seal the edges.

Bake for 50-60 minutes at 400 degrees. Cover the edges of the pie with foil until the last 10 minutes and then remove them to keep the edges from burning.

Ukraine Updates

The gals have made it to Ukraine, completed one presentation and are doing well. If you want updates go to Carmen's Blog or Karen's blog. Keep praying for their trip!

Wedding Planning Update

The wedding planning is coming along. I feel like I've been very on top of everything, but I am just trying to stay ahead so when October gets here, I can relax! I have been gathering things for the reception decor...and my final color scheme is brown, champagne, pear green and berry colors.

Things I have done:
1. Booked the Ceremony
2. Booked the Reception
3. Booked the Caterer
4. Photographer, check. Here's her website.
5. Ordered invitations last week, from this FABULOUS lady!
6. Bought some decorations for the reception
7. gathered about a million branches to complete my "vision." Thank you ice storm.
8. Booked the DJ

Things I need to do:
1. Ceremony programs
2. finish bridesmaid gifts
3. order stickers/labels
4. finish glittering my pears
5. Wedding Cake
6. ring for my groom
7. meet with the lady doing my flowers....and get a plan together
8. work on music list for DJ
9. find Hadleigh's flower girl dress
10. I'm sure there's more....but I'm losing interest in making this list! :)

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

I have made these once before, in college (well, Mariellen and I did) and the bacon didn't get quite done, so they weren't nearly as good as they were on Saturday when I made them. I had forgotten about this recipe, but found it on the internet last week.

2 cans whole green beans
1 lb. of bacon
1 small bottle of catalina salad dressing
pepper to taste

Cut the bacon in half, and wrap green beans in bacon. (Using these proportions, I filled a 9x13 inch glass pan) I seasoned the green bean bundles with black pepper and then drizzled the bottle of catalina dressing over the green beans. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes I turned the broiler on and broiled them for about 5 minutes just to make the bacon a bit more firm. I used tongs to serve them.

Therapy Mission Trip to Ukraine

Several amazing ladies (Carmen, Kym, Karen, Kate and Amanda) I work with will be traveling to Ukraine in March to provide special needs orphans with therapy supplies and to also teach their caregivers how to better help them. They will be able to provide the caregivers with techniques from each of their fields (physical and speech therapy). I had considered going this year, but it just wasn't the right time for me. However, I wanted to let everyone know that you can donate money and/or supplies if you feel led to do so. All donations are tax deductible. They will be leaving on March 7th, so getting donations to them by March 3rd or 4th would be great! Also, prayers for their trip would be appreciated. Specifically for their safety, that the information they presented be well received, and for each of the children and caregivers they meet. I KNOW they are going to do amazing things while there.

A general list of needed supplies:
Exercise Balls
Hard back books with pictures and minimal words
Pacifiers and Teethers
Crib Mirrors
Small toys (such as rattles, crackly toys)
Any money given will go towards the purchasing of supplies to buy other therapy equipment

If you want to donate, please leave a comment or email me at amylu83@aol.com and I will give you more information. Also, I will be glad to give you more information on exactly where they will be going. Thanks!!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

I guess I could be talking about myself.... :) Elizabeth and I went and saw "Confessions of a Shopaholic" this afternoon. I have read all FOUR books and I was looking forward to the movie. Bryan initially said he would take me yesterday afternoon for V-day but we ran out of time. Lucky for him. So, I asked Elizabeth...which saved Bryan from having to sit through it. :)

It of course was no where as good as the book......but the main points were close. And I LOVED who played Rebecca and Luke....very close to what I had imagined. Which is always important. Speaking of Rebecca, I love her hair in the movie. I wish mine would makes those perfect loose waves. To be so lucky!

Hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day. I did!