Christmas Morning

Somehow I managed to not take any pictures of the girls once they were ready for church in the Christmas dresses. Here are the few pictures I did take. We had a great morning, Hailey didn't wake up until after 8 and she had to wake Aida up. The girls were really excited and loved all their presents. When Aida Saw the bed for her doll, she hopped right in it and surprisingly she fit sitting up. The first couple of nights both girls slept with the dolls and their beds in bed with them. They have been thoroughly entertained with all the fun new toys they have. Thanks to everyone!!!

Hailey can read

Hailey has been able to read for quite a while, but for some reason she thought she couldn't. She'd get frustrated if she didn't immediately know a word. We've been working on it and something suddenly clicked for her. She is doing so great, we're so proud of her and she's pretty proud of herself. She is growing up so fast.

Sweet Aida

I usually do posts about Aida and her mischievous endeavors, but she isn't always in trouble when she's quiet.

The other morning Aida disappeared, she was being so quiet I decided I better find her before there was a huge mess to clean up. But, this time instead of a huge mess she was laying in Hailey's bed with Hailey's pillow pet reading stories. She stayed there for at least half an hour reading books. She loves anything that is her sisters!

Polar Express

Matt and I were in charge of the Ward Christmas party this year and since there was no way we could have kept track of our two wild girls while we were there cute Lani invited them to her ward party which was a polar express party. The girls were so excited, Lani dropped off fun jammies and slippers for them to wear to the party.

They had a such a great time, Aida was especially excited that she got to have a sleep over afterwards.

Thanks Lani for all that you do!!!

French Bread

I've had a few people ask me for this recipe so here it is:

French Bread

2 1/2 C. Very warm water

2Tbsp. Yeast

3Tbsp. Sugar

2Tbsp. White Vinegar

-Add these ingredients together and let sit until bubbly.

1Tbsp. Salt

1/3 C. Oil

6 C. Flour (you can use 1/2 wheat & 1/2 White)

Knead for 2-5 minutes then put in the oven with a small pot of boiling water. The water will keep the dough moist. Watch the dough and punch it down when it gets to the top of the mixing bowl. do this every time it gets to the top of the bowl, as long as you have time to babysit it (2-5 times). Put the dough on a greased countertop and divide into 3 sections. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal on the bottom of the sheet. Roll the dough balls into rectangle/long French bread shapes. slash tops of bread diagonally 3-5 times and cover with a beaten egg. Let rise 30 minutes (or until doubled). Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

Enjoy...this is my favorite way to do french bread.

Rhodes rolls

I heard about rhodesbread.com the other day and decided to check it out. I made my own dough, and used their suggestions, I think it may be one of my new favorite websites.

Family photo preview

We had family pictures taken last week, here are a few, when I get the rest of them back I'll put our favorites up.

I am so grateful for my little family, I couldn't have been more blessed. I'm grateful for Matt, that he is genuinely such a good person always doing his best to make things good for his family.

I am grateful for Hailey, she is such a sweet loving girl. I remember when I was having a hard time getting pregnant before I had Aida, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the wonderful daughter I already had. I remember feeling so lucky and thinking that if we only got to have one child Hailey was the perfect one to have.

I am grateful for Aida, she is so full of energy and love. She's got the cutest personality, she has a way of making you smile even when she's in a load of trouble. I can't imagine our family without her, she was the perfect addition to our family. We are so lucky to have two healthy wonderful children!

So some days when I'm struggling I have to remind myself to count my blessings, I'm so thankful to Heavenly Father for sending these wonderful blessings to our family!

Elder Hurst is home

Matt's youngest brother Eric returned home from his mission yesterday morning. We were so excited to see him again. Hailey brought him a treat and a picture to welcome him home.

Aida is still being a little shy with him, but I'm sure she will warm up soon if he is as fun as her other uncles. On the way home Aida was wishing we brought all her uncles home with us.

The girls were glad to have cousins to play with while we waited. Grace was especially fun and just as wild as they were.

We're glad to have Eric home!

Flour

Aida was my little helper in making sugar cookies for the ward party (don't worry she actually just played with the flour after we were done.) This girl can make a mess faster than anyone I know!