{Banana Bread}

BANANA BREAD
(yields: 1 loaf)

Ingredients:

1 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated white sugar

1 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

3 ripe large bananas, mashed well

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the dry ingredients in a medium size bowl. Mix the wet ingredients together in a large bowl. Fold in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Do not over mix or you will end up with rubbery bread.

Spray 9"x5"x3" loaf pan and scrape the mixture into the loaf pan. place on the middle rack and cook for 50 to 60 minuets or until toothpick comes out clean from center of loaf.

Once loaf has finished cooking. Place on wire rack to cool then remove from bread pan. This bread freezes nicely. Serve warm or room temperature.


I made 9 loaves of banana bread today and if you want to use up all those ripe bananas or have found a great deal like I did on over-ripe bananas just double, triple or in my case 9 times the recipe.

{Kittens}

I took the kittens into the vet's this afternoon for their first set of shots. Toby (the orange stripe) is exactly one pound heavier then Sorry (the grey stripe). They did really well at the vets and I was told I can get Toby neutered next month but will have to wait until October or November for Sorry since she is soo much smaller then Toby.

After we got back from the store, I found them on my bed curled up all pretty. I couldn't help but take a few snaps. Enjoy!

{Movie Review}

"City of Ember"

This adventure is set in Ember, a city illuminated only by artificial light. When the city's generator begins to fail, two teens race to solve an ancient mystery and save Ember's citizens from darkness.

This tale is based on Jeanne Duprau's enchanting children's tale.

My Review:

This is a great movie for both adults, teens and families alike. It's full of mystery and action. It was an afterthought added to my netflix queue as I was purusing different family entertainment for my family to watch and I am sure glad I did because not only did I like it but the kids and hubby liked it too. It's Indiana Jones meets Journey to the Center of the Earth. This film is rated PG and is about 2 hours long.

Check it out on your next stop to your video store or in my case local internet movie provider.

{Flower Power}

I had to make a quick run to the store to grab some milk and while I was gone Miss Michelle brought me this beautiful rose in a stunning green vase. They are not your store bought roses with no smell but come from a real live garden and smell so yummy! How did she know I love fresh picked roses!



(I wish they would hurry up with a screen that would let you scratch and sniff, wouldn't that be awesome!)

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful friend.

{Life}

My life has been good, although I should have listened a bit more and relaxed and rested for the week the doctor told me too. I ended up doing too much yesterday. I figured since It was more then 24 hours later and I felt fine I could get everything done on my list, which included:

* picking up my new-to-ME bed frame in Caldwell
* rearrange my bedroom to accommodate our new bed frame
* get the school shopping done in Nampa
* get replacement paint & miniature stuff in Boise.
* get a new AC since ours crapped out this past week
* get AC hooked up and running right
* get all the clean laundry sorted and put away
* clean kitchen, baths and livingroom
* get kids rooms cleaned
* go grocery shopping

Now I did get the bed frame and with help from my Uncle & William I got the bedroom rearranged. I also got the school shopping done and the paint & miniatures done and before we got home we did pick up a new AC and William hooked it up.

Of course, after all the running around I didn't have the energy to get the laundry sorted or put away (but I did it this morning) or the kitchens, baths or livingroom cleaned let along the kids and forget about shopping for food. Sure I got the food this morning but boy am I still beat.

I am going to be taking it easy and just resting after I go get my dad & his wife. Their car broke down and the kids were looking forward to them being here today for the game. My uncle will take them home so I don't have to make two trips into Meridian today.

I am still depressed and wish things had gone differently but I know it's God's hands and when the time comes for us to have our family be complete it will happen. Thank you all for your warm wishes and words of comfort during this time. It really has helped alot.