happenings

 This weekend was supposed to be a big weekend of home projects, but my dear husband broke is big toe and part of his foot. No heavy lifting going to happen here for a few weeks. On top of that I got a bout of mastitis. So not fun. Hopefully we can hit the ground running (well hobbling for the hubby) next week.

 I got a new rug for the living room off of craigslist. I really like the rug, (its so soft) however its very dark. With the bright wall color, and dark furniture, it feels so..dark.. I'm really on the fence on whether I like how it anchors the room. I'm going to keep it in place for a little bit, see if it grows on me. My husband likes it, but he likes dark, warm contemporary traditional decor, and the rug changes the tone of the room to that styling. Maybe with some curtains and throw pillows (the pillows I made don't match the rug) it will pull together in a way we both like. If not the rug was a total steal for $20 (seriously lucked out), so its not like I spent a bunch of money, and I could easily resell it.. and it would go fast as it is a beautiful rug.

 We started pre-k last week. Its been really fun. Both Amelia and I have enjoyed the time together. We do school during the little ones nap so we get a full 2 to sometimes 3 hours (if I'm really lucky) just us two. We both look forward to school. I'm using confessions of a homeschooler's pre k curriculum mixed with my own bible lessons and whatever else.. Its scheduled enough for Amelia to know whats coming next and open enough I can customize it to fit whatever the topic, schedule, or amelia whim of the day. So far so good.I'm so glad I decided to homeschool her.
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good way to start the day

 My last blog was about my mother in laws recipes. Since then I have made a handfull and all have turned out so good. I made a curried chicken, both my husband and daughter asked for 2nds and 3rds. Another recipe that was a giant hit was her zucchini bread. Oh my gosh its yummy. Its not your typical zucchini bread as it has some orange peel in it, giving it a light citrusy flavor. If you want a nice summery bread that is good with iced tea or coffee, this is it. It freezes well too. Both my kids go nuts for it. I'm going to try to keep a loaf in the freezer at all times. My family is that nuts about it. I'll post a few more winning recipes in later posts.

 My MIL's zucchini bread
3 eggs
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 cup zucchini (ground or grated)
2 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 cup oil (or sub applesauce)
3 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
Beat eggs till light; add sugar and beat well. Stir in the next 4 ingredients. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into wet. Add nuts of raisins if using. Pour in 9x4 greased and floured pan. Bake at 325 for 50-60