Bosch, baby, Bosch!!

A few times over the last few months Mike and I have talked about whether or not we should get a Bosch Universal Plus Mixer. I've wavered back and forth. Yes, I want it...no it's too expensive...yes, I need it...no, it's a frivolous purchase. I've went to two bread classes through Holy Living since Mike has been gone. I took Katie with me the first time, Mikayla the second. We've all enjoyed them! Of course, the teachers both have Bosch Mixers. Last Monday was the second bread class I attended. Shortly after I got home, Mike called me on the phone. I was telling him about the class, talking to him about my mixer dilemma, etc. He was very stealthy in asking questions, apparently asking what he needed to know to be sure he didn't order the wrong one!!!!! Within ten minutes of hanging up the phone, he had went on-line and ordered me one. Not only did he order the Mixer, he bought the stainless bowl, the cookie paddles, AND the wire wisks to go with it! I CANNOT believe it!!!!! It came today. Pretty swiftly if I might add AND with free shipping to Alaska!!! Most people won't care to see these pictures, but I wanted Mike to be able to see me open the box.
I should put in a disclaimer in case you look...please don't mind my cluttered house. I've been sick. Plus, this house is a wee bit small for a family of 7, so it always looks cluttered. :-)









I will say, I was sad to take my KitchenAid Professional machine off the counter today. I'm not going to get rid of it yet, just in case you know, but I'm pretty sure I'll love the Beast. Did you know the Bosch Mixer can make 5 loaves of bread at one time? It can mix something like 20 cups of flour!!!! If you have the meat grinding attachment, it can grind 4 lbs. of meat per minute. Amazing. I just mixed up this recipe of hamburger buns. I think I added a bit too much flour, but we will see. I need to remember that the dough gets less sticky as it kneads. Anyway, I'm still totally in awe that my husband bought this for me. He's currently saving for a down payment on a truck, something he has wanted for many years now. He's been driving the same car for almost 15 years. So, his money is precious to him. Yet he still spent a good portion of his money on me. I love that man.

Birdie Anyone?

I promised a sewing post some time ago. I've got an obsession. An obsession with Amy Butler's Birdie Sling. I LOVE this bag, way more than I thought I would. So far, I've made one for myself to use as a knitting bag. One can never have too many knitting bags, right? I've also made 2 for my Mom. One for knitting, and one for everyday use.


The pattern doesn't call for piping, but I really think it adds a lot to the bag. It's not terribly difficult to add, so it's totally worth it.


When Mom got here, I gave her the knitting bag for an early birthday gift. The next day she promptly went to the fabric store and picked out some more fabric for me to make her another one. This is what we ended up with:


I did alter the inside pockets this time. Instead of two smaller pockets, I added 4 pockets. I also used a magnetic button to hold the bag closed.


Here's a close up of the pleating detail, the piping and the button.


I have a particular teenage girl waiting for a neon green and hot pink bag. The fabric may or may not have already been bought. :p I need to make another one for myself as well. I'm thinking I could fit an awful lot of candy to sneak into the movie theater in this bag. Ya think? :p

5K Family Fun Run/Walk

Today, Katie, Benjamin and I ran/walked a 5K. This was both mine and Katie's second race, and Benjamin's first. They did great! Let's just say, Benjamin is not a runner. He's a football player...he plays defense. That says a lot, eh? ;-) He said, "I don't know why they call this a FUN run...it's not very fun." HA! But, by the time it was finished, he was ready to race again. This might have something to do with why....



Katie one first place in her age group, and Benjamin won third!!!! This race had a small turn-out, which was probably why they won. Lord knows we weren't super fast. But, this was a GREAT confidence booster for them! They're already looking forward to the next one, which is an ice-cream skedaddle in July.