We are members of the Quilt Guild

I am an "O"fficial member of the Doha Quilt Guild. I went to my first meeting yesterday. I had to pick up Abbey from her after school activity, so she had to go with me to my meeting. It is basically a bunch of women who love to quilt. They have a business meeting and have drawings for prizes. Everyone gets to show off what they have made. Usually someone does a demonstration, but yesterday was the "Star Challenge". A contest where ladies entered their star themed quilt and we all got to vote for the winner.

Funny thing was.... Abbey loved the quilt guild and said as we were leaving "Can't wait til our next quilt meeting!"

She is already planning what she is going to make for show and tell.

Here is a quilt top that I made recently...........................

Now, I just have to learn how to put it all together.

3 weeks and counting!

The kids have 2 1/2 weeks of school and then we are out of here. Today is their 1/2 day (every Tuesday they get a 1/2 day) and the whole elementary is going to the circus. Will was beyond excited.

We are taking a direct (sort of...stops in Frankfurt, but I don't think we even get off the plane) Qatar Airways flight to New York. We are going to spend a few days in NY. I have wanted to go to NY for a long time, so this is kind of a dream come true for me. We are going to some shows (I want my kids to be surprised, so I can't tell which ones), going to the American Girl Place (always, always wanted to take Abbey there), the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Rockefeller Center (ice skating), the Museum of Natural History and lots of other fun places. There are so many fun things to do there. I am just hoping we don't freeze. It might be really cold and we aren't used to cold. And we will be dealing with jet lag, too.

Then we are on to Spurger, Texas to see my big ol' family. I really think one of the reasons Bill married me is he loved my family so much. He met them for the first time at one of our Christmas gatherings 14 years ago. My family is great....all 34 of us. We cram into my mom's house and eat, laugh and visit. Soooo fun! The kids love playing with all the cousins.

Then on to Dallas to see Bill's family, which is always a fun time, too. Cole, especially loves to play with his cousin Mark, that was born the day before him.

Sometime in there, we hope to see some of our friends in The Woodlands area.

WW

I am starting WW (that's Weight Watchers for all of you who haven't ever joined this elite club). I am just doing it on my own, because as far as I know there are no WW meetings around here. I am not telling you how much I weigh. A girl's gotta have her secrets. But, I have gained weight since I have been living in Doha.

I have been at it a total of 2 whole days and it is going well. I have a friend I walk with every morning. We have been walking 3 laps around the compound, which takes us about 45 minutes. I do not like to exercise. Every morning I secretly hope she will not ring my doorbell.

The secret to a good start on WW is the O point veggie soup. Make a big pot and eat it for lunch everyday, or whenever you get hungry. Guaranteed! Do not eat big bags of buttered popcorn...get the 94% fat free kind. And do not eat nuts. Learned these lessons, yesterday.

I really do love WW. I feel so much better when I am eating right. I'll keep you posted.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Pizza Dough

I searched and searched for a good pizza dough recipe and finally found it.....I thought you might like to try it. It is super easy.

1 1/4 cup water
1 T. honey
3 T. good olive oil
2 pkg. dry yeast
4 c. flour
2 t. kosher salt (if you don't have, just throw in a little regular salt)

Combine water, yeast, honey and olive oil in electric mixer using dough hook. Add 3 cups flour, salt and mix. While mixing add enough of the rest of the flour to make soft dough. Knead dough on low to medium for 10 minutes. (If you don't have a big stand mixer, just knead by hand until smooth and elastic) Dough should be smooth and elastic. Place in well oiled bowl and turn to cover lightly with oil. Cover with kitchen towel. Rest dough 30 minutes. Divide into 6 balls and cover for 10 more minutes. Use or refrigerate. Preheat oven to 500. If chilled take out 30 minutes early. Roll into 8 inch circles. Sprinkle corn meal on parchment paper (or foil). Place crust on top. Brush with oil and top with toppings of your choice. Brush a little olive oil on top of pizza before baking. Bake 15 minutes or til crisp.

I got this recipe from my friend Susan. She lives in Dubai. It is hard to find pre-made pizza crust in the Middle East. I have also learned to make pie crust. No pre-made pie crust in Doha.

Our kids love it when we make these pizzas!

Ciao!

Sweethearts!!

My Bee-yoo-tiful Gardenias

I am just not that into plants, but I thought these gardenias were so pretty. I could never get them to grow in Texas, but they seem to like it here. They smell so good, too!

More Dune Pics

Easy Rider

Will riding a camel when we went on our dune adventure a few weeks ago!!

You know you are in the Middle East when......

Talking 'bout the Weather

For those of you wondering if we are still burning up here in Doha,

We are not!

The weather has been wonderful. Like fall or spring in Texas minus the humidity. We definitely don't need jackets, yet. But, let's just say the weather is fine.

So, how's the weather in your neck of the woods?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Some of the mom's organized a Trick or Treat Kick Off. Will is the star wars guy on the left end. Abbey is a gypsy third from left. Cole is second from right. He is a guy in a black robe with a huge sword. He threatened to boycott trick or treat if I didn't let him dress in something scary.
The kids were really anxious to get going with the candy raid as you can tell by Cole's look of utter despair in this picture.

Dune Pics