Spotlight Week!

( Sorry it's another sideways picture!  I need to figure out how to rotate them - it shows upright on my computer but pulls up sideways on the blog.) 

It was Winston's spotlight week and as part of it, we made a poster for him to take to school showing his family, friends and things he likes.  He went through our photos and picked out these pictures to make his poster.  I helped him tape them on and added the words.  I think it turned out great (although I am just a little bit prejudice)!   :)

Chocolate Almond Pretzel Toffee

I love a good peanut brittle and when I saw this recipe on Pinterest I couldn't help but stop and say, "Oh my!"  This looks divine and I can't wait to give it a try.  Easter is coming up next month so this one is going on my list to make.  :)

Found here. 

Chocolate Almond Pretzel Toffee

From the kitchen of SteakNPotatoesKindaGurl

• 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp water
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 35 mini pretzels
• 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup roasted almonds, chopped
• a pinch or two of sea salt, for topping

Place butter, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and heat on medium-high heat until melted. Bring to a boil and let cook until mixture reaches a soft crack stage (approximately 285 degrees), when it reaches a light caramel color. Remove toffee from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Line pretzels close together in a single layer on top of a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour the toffee over the pretzels and spread evenly. Let the toffee sit for at least 20 minutes or until hardened.

In a small microwaveable bowl, heat the chocolate chips in the microwave for a minute, stirring occasionally. Spread onto the hardened toffee. Top with chopped almonds and sprinkle with sea salt. Leave at room temp or refrigerate until chocolate has set. Break into pieces and store in an air-tight container at room temp.

Valentine Flowers

Sorry, this is sideways - I couldn't figure out how to rotate it so it would post upright.  Brad had the most gorgeous Orchids sent to me at work for Valentines Day this year.  I had to post a pic - just ignore all the files on my desk and focus on the lovely flowers.  Aren't they spectacular?

Fairy Tale Friday

Winston's kindergarten teacher has been doing an activity each week on Friday called Fairy Tale Friday.  She had us parents each sign up for a few time slots and then gave us a fairy tale to present to the class.  We have 30 minutes to read the fairy tale and do an activity of our choosing.  I signed up for three of them. 

The first one I was given was The Three Billy Goats Gruff; second was The Gingerbread Man; and the last one - that I did today - was Henny Penny.  It's been fun to spend time in his class and get to know the kids a little better. 

My favorite one was The Gingerbread Man which we did right before Christmas so it was fun for the kids to talk about making cookies.  I had them make a gingerbread boy ornament with cardstock paper and stickers - they turned out so cute!

This is a picture of our Henny Penny activity - we made chickens with a small paper plate with foam rubber beaks and legs, googley eyes and feathers that they glued on.  My sample is on the right and Winston's chicken is on the left.  I'm kind of sad that it's my last one and wish I had signed up for one more.