My Boys

6:30 am on a weekend. I'm still in bed. H says from the door "Mom, B is awake, can I play with him?" Ummmmm lemme think about that... YES!!! And he did for an hour or so. What a joy to have a tot with big kids around... 😍😍

Baby Book - Fourth Time Around

One of my happy places.

Too Much Cuteness

These two are the cutest. #ikea

Tried and True Recipe: Focaccia

I’ve been making this recipe for years. Fresh bread is always popular at meals, and this one is so easy. The recipe calls for rosemary on top, but we usually use zataar, which is a Middle Eastern spice blend.

Ingredients for Easy Focaccia

• 1 1/2 cups bread flour (or use all regular flour if you want)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast
• 1 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large bowl, stir together the flours and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Sprinkle the sugar and yeast into that well. Carefully pour the water into the well. Let stand until the yeast begins to act, about 5 minutes. Pour 2 tablespoons of the oil into the well. With a wooden spoon stir the mixture in the center of the bowl. Gradually widen the circle of stirring to take in all of the flour at the sides of the well.
2. Turn out on a floured surface, and knead just until smooth. Keep the dough soft. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of the oil into a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to oil the top. Cover. Let rise until doubled, 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Punch the dough down. Use 1 teaspoon of the oil to coat a baking sheet, and place the dough on the baking sheet. Gently press the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Pour the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over the top of the dough. Make dimples in the top with your fingertips. Sprinkle with the rosemary and the cheese. Place in a cold oven on the center shelf. Place a flat pan of hot water on the shelf below the bread. (or don’t). Let rise until doubled, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Turn on the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes, or until browned on top. Remove from the pan, and cool or serve.

Gifts from Turkey

My man was right on with this gift he brought me from Turkey. He sure knows what I like!

Another Bookworm

We have another tiny bookworm in our family.

I only hope it sticks! I find Mr. B like this at least once a day. I’ve included ten pictures over the past several months to prove it. Becuase that’s just what I do. And because five obviously isn't sufficient.

A New Love

Some dear friends took THREE of our kids for 24 hours!!! AND they took them horse-back riding this morning (even after they woke at 6, ack!) What a gift it's been for Mike and I. And I'm pretty sure the kids have had a blast. This one especially adores animals.