Busy Sunday

My hubby started today by cooking up a feast. He threw some orange rolls in the oven (don't worry honey, the kids didn't mind the blackened parts--our oven runs hot and if you let it go over a little...), got a turkey breast in a crock pot with carrots and onions, made a chocolate cake (which I made into a semi-black forest cake), and then started on Lion House rolls. He had a little help:

They were yummy and BIG. We love these. My hubby sets butter out and makes honey butter. Here's the roll recipe. It's a lot of work, but way worth it.

2 cups warm water (110-115 degree)

2/3 cup nonfat dry milk (instant or non-instant)

2 TB dry yeast

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter, shortening, or margarine

1 egg

5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

In large bowl of electric mixer, combine water and milk powder; stir until milk dissolves. Add yeast, then sugar, salt, butter, egg, and 2 cups flour. Mix on low speed of mixer until ingredients are wet, then for 2 min. at medium sppd. Add 2 cups flour; mix on low speed until ingredients are wet, then for 2 min at medium speed. (Dough will be getting stiff and remaining flour may need to be mixed in by hand.) Add about 1/2 cup flour and mix again, by hand or mixer. Dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff. (It is not necessary to use the entire amount of flour.)

Scape dough off sides of bowl and pour about one TB vegetable oil all around sides of bowl. Turn dough over in bowl so it is covered with oil. (This helps prevent dough from drying out.) Cover with plastic and allow to rise in warm place until double in size. Sprinkle cutting board or counter with flour and place dough on floured board. Roll out and cut rolls into desired shape and size. *

Place on greased (0r parchment lined) baking pans. Let rise in warm place until rolls are double in size (about 1-1 1/2 hours). Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until browned. Brush with melted butter while hot. Makes 1 to 1 1/2 dozen rolls.

* We roll ours into a large rectangle, cutting in half lengthwise, then cutting strips every 2 inches. Roll strips up and place seam side down on baking pan to rise.

Meanwhile, our boys decided on different options. Chief decided to mess up the house because it was too clean (we were prepped for family visiting today). But as a redeeming factor, he wanted to entertain Punkie too. Red got all ready first thing for the Sabbath.

Missing Newton

I wish I could ask the scientist/philosopher Newton a question. Why did gravity have a particularly potent effect upon our milk supply yesterday? I can't figure out why we would have so much trouble with milk spilling. Red spilled a LOT of milk twice during lunch (I helped while trying to assist him pouring milk into a little cup), Punkie poured milk all over the table in the afternoon, Chief knocked his cup over during dinner, and to top it all off, when my hubby arrived home from the grocery store, Red (while being his helpful self) carried a gallon of milk into the house and dropped it on the floor, spilling over half the contents on the floor as the plastic split. Yep, there was an anomaly yesterday.

The neighbors put on another movie night though. This time we watched 'High School Musical 2'.

Random Thoughts

I have internet back! My hubby has been working on getting our adaptor to work with our modem the last couple of days. Of course like any undertaking, it means things get worse before they get better--like when we didn't have internet for awhile. But just like always, my hubby delivers and gets the job done (or mostly, there's one optional thing we still want to accomplish).

Meant to bring my camara yesterday. My FIL had a company party that he got us tickets to. What's better than seeing Grandma & Grandpa? Add in an aquatic center with good food and good fun and there you have it! Of course, my camara isn't waterproof, which isn't good when I'm the only adult splashing around the kids' area until I'm soaked.

Thought for the day: Are you taking your loved ones for granted? Do you call those you care about (I know I sure don't communicate with David's side as well as I should)? I was reminded of this the other day when I was talking with my mom on the phone. David was leaving and I was satisfied with calling inbetween my conversation, "Have a good day honey, be careful!" He was a little stressed about leaving and getting things together, so I ultimately got off the phone and walked him to the door. When he was extra late getting home (I didn't realize he was going to try to pick up the book I ordered for him last week), I automatically start thinking the worst has happened and I examine my behavior toward him earlier. I realized that I had started taking him for granted. Again. Not good. I'm terrible at doing extra little things that are sweet or romantic. Perhaps I ought to make a little more effort to show I care. And I shouldn't stop with my hubby, I have plenty of others I take for granted too. I guess my to-do list is longer, but maybe more correctly prioritized.

My Children

Okay, here's an update of my children and their behaviors:

Here's Chief demonstrating how to sleep when your nose feels stuffy:

And here's Red demonstrating how to eat every last bite of cereal:

And although you saw Punkie demonstrating how to do two things at the same time, to run and be cute, Daddy feels she deserves to have her other video clip put on. So here is Punkie again:

Another first day of school

This time I was armed appropriately. I grabbed my camera and raced after my hubby calling, "I just need a photo for my blog!" Amidst his stream of saying, "No!" adamantly, he graciously turned and gave me a smile. I guess he knows that I know where he sleeps at night. Thanks honey!

Punkie's new skill

She learned how to run last weekend by practicing; I don't think she's ever going to walk again!

Friday Night Movie

Punkie had a bad evening. She managed a swan dive off the picnic table bench, softening the fall with her forehead. After she was consoled and calm back in the house, her brother tried to stop her from following him outside by slamming the door...unfortunately, her fingers were already there. Several minutes later, scared that a neighbor was going to run over her with a tricycle, she tripped over her bare feet and fell--though there were no lasting bruises for the last two incidents. If I were her, I would have called it a day. She did retire after briefly mingling with the neighborhood kids during a movie night.



We had popcorn and gatorade. The kids set up blankets and pillows.


Believe it or not, there is an adult under this dog pile. One of the dads wrapped himself up in a blanket and let a dozen kids jump on top of him. Wow. Must be a dad thing.





The kids ended up watching 'Return to Neverland,' projected on the side of the building. They seemed to have had a great time staying up late, eating, laying down and watching a movie. Uh oh, I sense summer nostalgia coming on...