Beer Bread

A sweet friend shared this recipe with us over the course of the last year and it has quickly become a favorite so I wanted to share it so others can enjoy as well.

Beer Bread
3 C sifted flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 C sugar
1 (12 oz) can beer
1/2 C melted butter

Mix dry ingredients and beer
Pour into greased loaf pan
Pour melted butter over the mixture
Bake 1 hour at 375º, remove from pan and cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving
**Omit baking powder and salt if using self rising flour**
We have found we like it best when made with a light beer

If you prefer a softer crust, mix the butter into the batter instead of pouring it over the top (but really who doesn't love a crunchy, buttery crust?)

Number the Stars

Sunday February 10th Gabrielle and I joined our friends Lynelle and Adyson for a fun afternoon downtown at Crown Center. We saw the production of Number the Stars based from the Newberry Medal winning book by Lois Lowry at the Coterie Theatre. It is the story of the rescue of the Danish Jewish population during WWII. The Johansen family faces soldiers, interrogations, fierce dogs and the loss of loved ones to help their neighbors, the Rosens, escape across the sea to Sweden and safety. The production was very well done, was captivating and really held the girls attention. 

After the play we hit up the toy store, the candy shop and Big Mama's Bakery Cafe where we indulged on some delicious cinnamon rolls. I regretted I didn't buy more to bring home! 

We are thankful for the Lankford's move to the KC area and for their new found friendship. We have already made some fun memories together with many more sure to come. 

GG, Gabi loves her messenger purse and carries it often. She loves that is it stocked with all a girls necessities :)

Go Cardinals!

There is nothing, nothing, that makes Gabrielle shine more than when she receives quality time.

A couple weeks back Courtney asked if she could have Gabi overnight for some special girl time and then attend a cheer camp at her college, William Jewell. Gabi had her 8 year well child exam Friday afternoon and then we drove to the Legend's where Courtney met us. 

Saturday a sweet friend took McKenna for the afternoon and Dawson and I headed up to Liberty for the games. 

1/2 time of the boys games

Being silly :)

Gabi LOVES her time with Courtney and always returns home with a new spirit about her. We are so grateful for Courtney and for her feeding into Gabrielle. She is a wonderful example for her! 

Courtney with the William Jewell basketball cheer squad

The girls that attended the cheer clinic cheered on the sideline during the boys basketball game and performed one cheer during a time out and a cute dance during 1/2 time. 

{Courtney's roommate is in the cardinals mascot above} 

Embrace the Camera: February 7, 2013

This is a regular occurrence in our household. If Daddy has the day off of work or a shift that allows him the majority of his morning at home with us, Dawson is quick to inquire if they can build Legos together.

We don't have any fancy Lego storage system in place {yet}, so a plastic shoe box suffices to store all the tiny pieces and instructional guides. 

McKenna sat as good as could be and entertained herself with a little make shift car and 2 Legos guys. She is never too far from where the action is!

Do you build Legos with your kids? I personally find it therapeutic. I'm definitely more of a "build per the instructions" versus free build however :)

Potty Talk

Wednesday night, January 30th, this happened.

This is Little Miss letting y'all know how proud she was she made her 1st shooey (poop) in the potty. As we were watching the Super Bowl last night she asked to sit on the potty again and jumped up proclaiming "All done. I peed" and sure enough, she did! Woot for potty progress!