Grant is Here

Born July 8. 2009.  2:46 a.m., 6 lbs. 11 oz., 19 1/4"  

Birth Story and more pics to come.....

Mason James

Mason just LOVES his little red Converse High Tops....so much that he will search the house over for them and then bring them to me to put on his cute little feet. He giggles as I put them on and it just cracks me up! Today of course, right after his bath, he took off half naked in search of his beloved shoes....so here he is in all his glory! I just had to take some pictures of my sweet little boy....

Pretzels!

My kids LOVE making these pretzels...just like the ones you get in the mall. Today we got a bit carried away with spelling their names, but it was great fun! I am a huge fan of Aunt Annie's Pretzels....these are just as good, YUM!

MALL PRETZELS courtesy of Allrecipes.com

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/8 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread flour
• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour.
2. Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan.
3. After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner. Twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution. Place on parchment covered cookie sheets, and let rise 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt, garlic salt or cinnamon sugar.