Happiness Is...

Birthday Plans!

We're spending a weekend in Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs) for my birthday next month. So excited about some adult time. My plans for the weekend, pool and spa.

Ready for the Park

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Our urban garden is made up of tomato plants (Polish and Roma), Mesclun lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, squash, peppers, green beans, herbs and strawberries. We're super excited about it. Matt has the green thumb!

It's a...

It's another girl for the Whiteleys!

Next Piece

Picture it in a shade of plum! It's made with stain resistent microfiber material and made in the USA. Can't wait! Should have it in the house by the end of August!! Thank you to my Mister!

Slip and Slide

It's Coming!

Mickey's Halloween Party is coming to Disneyland!

But with our addition arriving in early October, what will our family do??

Easter

Sea World

Gettin' Ready

Just booked our hotel room for another California family vacation. Last year in March we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This year, we're heading south to San Diego to visit Shamu and his friends. I hope Shamu doesn't eat anyone this time.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Hhhmmm...Let's See...

This video was taken November 23, 2009. Right before Madi's 2nd birthday.

Dessert of the Week: Rose Lemon Meringue Pie

Madison enjoying freshly made meringue!

Recipe Coming Soon!

Pie Crust

Here's a great tutorial from Food Network about pie crusts!

How to Make Pie Crust

Discomfort sets in...

Here I am only 6 weeks and a few days pregnant, and discomfort has set in. It's tough to be pregnant, while a 2 year old runs my life. My uterus is uncomfortable, and I look like I'm 4 months pregnant. I have some crazy bloating!

Another reason for all the discomfort is that I'm applying for civil services jobs, because for the first time in 2 years, there are openings! Unbelievable. What timing! I'm waiting to hear from the City of Torrance, and I'll be applying for the City of Lawndale this week. It all leaves me stratching my head and wondering what kind of plan does God have for me. For us.

On top of all this, "my" car had an electrical system failure on Saturday, and so we're down one car. Sheesh. What else is going to go wrong??

Dessert of the Week: Rose Apple Pie

Ingredients for Crust:

2 2/3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup pure vegetable oil
5 Tblspn cold water

Ingredients for Filling:

1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
6 large apples
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
dash of salt
2 Tblspn butter/margarine

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425.

Combine flour and salt with a fork. Mix in oil using the fork. Mix until dry ingredients are combined and make small balls. Add the water one tablespoon at a time, and continue mixing with fork. The water will help the dough to unstick from the sides and make a ball. Divide dough into 2 even sized balls. Place one dough ball between 2 sheets of wax paper dusted with flour. Roll into large round circle. Place into round glass pie dish. Roll second dough ball out.

Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Peel apples and slice into thin slices (1/8ths). Coat apples with dry mixture. Place apples in the pie crust. Cut your butter and place on apple mixture. Cover the apples with second rolled dough. To seal the dough, put water between the layers and pinch them together. Poke holes in crust, or cut slits to allow air to escape. Cover with tin foil with hole cut in middle, so that crust does not burn.

Bake at 425 for 40 minutes. Remove tin and bake an additional 10 minutes for crust to brown. Enjoy with the scoop of vanilla ice cream with your loved ones.

Buzz Lightyear

Picture Time!

I'm biased, she's my daughter, but she is the most gorgeous kid!!

You Complete Me!