February Home Depot Project: Race Car Shelf

Owen promptly put his favorite cars on this shelf that he made.

"Ruff Readers"

Owen was invited to come read to some therapy dogs at the Gaines Township Library on Monday nights in February. We had so much fun. There were 4 dogs, but Owen chose "Sage" to read to. He read, "Mr Putter and Tabby Feed the Fish," by Cynthia Rylant. This is one of his favorite books! Owen thought it was a hoot, and is excited to come back next Monday night. They will offer this again in June, I think the librarian said. We look forward to that.
Here is Miss Sue, the dog's owner....and Sage and Owen.

Sometimes, Sage seemed interested...

And sometimes not...

But, they had a great connection.

Beautiful Breads!

This past Sunday, Country Life Natural Foods offered a Bread making class at their location in Pullman, MI, by Patty LaVanture. A friend of mine and I attended. It was for two hours. But, it was really interesting. I got some great pictures of what she did.
She used her Bosch, and also did another batch by hand to show the difference. All her dough was of Whole Wheat.

An overhead screen to help the 50+ people see what she was doing.

An example of some breads she was making that night, plus a few others.

Apple Strudel Bread

Ways to cut and use the bread. I learned that if you spritz the loaves/dough with water, that the seeds, nuts, etc. you put on top will stick and stay put.

Partial Tea Ring (She cut some off to show how to get the sprial roll look in previous photo.)

Artisan Bread (This has a very different texture and flavor, similar to what Panara put out on your plate along side your sandwiches or soups. Crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, but very soft at the same time. VERY YUMMY.)

Braided Loaf

Sample plate that each person got at the end. I was shocked at how much they gave us.
Basic Soft Whole Wheat Bread, Artisan Bread, Oatmeal Raisin Buns, Czech Batter Bread, Date-Nut Tea Ring, Apple Strudel Bread....with Earth Balance Margarine, Earth Balance Peanut Butter with agave creamy, Sorrell Ridge Apricot unsweetened conserve, Swan Garden Hummus with roasted garlic, and Tofutti French Onion Cream Cheese

Visitors

The Carriers came to visit a few weeks ago. I didn't really take many pictures, and only one really turned out not blury. This is Nick sneaking under the train table. He and Owen were using it as a hiding place with blankets for a tent.

Valentine Cards

This last Saturday, I went to my scrapbooking/card making event. I came up with these Valentines by myself, with scrap paper and embellishments I had laying around. If you're family, you might be getting one in the mail. lol Try and act surprised, okay? lol

January Home Depot Project: Calendar

Owen wanted to paint his calendar he made from Home Depot. He had tons of fun, using all the colors. And he wasn't really too messy, either.

My 1st Sewing Project of The Year: Apron

I was really proud of making this apron. I really like it. Thanks to my sister, Lisa, I had some wonderful floral print. And I had a little blue to accent it. The only thing is that it is slightly too big and needs to be taken up over the shoulder somewhere. Not sure where the best place is to do this, as the seam is not directly over the shoulder. Lisa, when you see this, give me a call. lol