Weight Loss progress

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Monday, February 28, 2011

Day 57

We welcomed Jared's brother, Matt, home last night. He just finished his third deployment with the United States marine Corps. He was in Afghanistan this time around. It has been a long 6 1/2 months. He missed his birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years... We plan on having a big party sometime in March to celebrate his safe return. If you'd like to read more about his homecoming you can read my baking gals blog here. There are a lot more pictures there and some of his homecoming story. Welcome Home Matt!!!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Anaheim

Last year Jared and I went to Disneyland and an Anaheim Ducks game for his birthday. This year his mom got him tickets to another Ducks game so we took off midday Friday and headed up to Anaheim. There was a "big storm" coming in on Friday so we went prepared with umbrellas, warm jackets, gloves and extra clothes.

There were definitely more people at Disneyland than we expected but we didn't really care. It sprinkled for about 5 minutes before we went on the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. When we got off of Pirates, everything was soaked. Apparently we missed a major down pour. It started to rain a bit just as we were heading to the car for the hockey game but even that wasn't bad.

During the game the skies opened up but just as we were done inside, it slowed way down. Yay for a nearly rain-free trip!

Disneyland was a blast, minus the car load of BYU cheerleaders we were stuck with on Space Mountain. 1) they were BYU so they were our rivals for the Aztec game that happened on Saturday and 2) they are cheerleaders... meaning they are louder than most people at Disneyland and scream at a pitch that could shatter your ear drum.

The hockey game was a blast. Some of those Ducks fans are hard-core and they were cracking me up. We were down a little lower this time and right at the railing so I was able to get some great pictures.



FIIIGGGHHHHTTT!!!
  The game was 2-1, with the Minnesota Wild in the lead. With only 3:30 left in the game we figured it was over and decided to leave with 2 minutes left.We were hoping to avoid most of the traffic. With exactly 2 minutes left on the clock, the Ducks scored and tied the game.

 It went into overtime and with 6.3 second left on the clock, Minnesota scored the winning goal. It was a great game but if the Ducks would've scored with 6.3 seconds left of overtime, it would have been incredible.


We knew we wouldn't get out of the game until late so we stayed the night in Anaheim and went to breakfast before heading home Saturday morning. I've heard a lot of people talking about having fried chicken and waffles for breakfast. I thought this was the strangest thing but Jared told me about a restaurant that specializes in it. Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles. Sure enough, I found it online and they have a Long Beach location.

I'm not going to lie, the surrounding area was a little ghetto and just a bit scary. I mean, what restaurant has a security guard at the door.. at 10:30am? Regardless, the food was amazing. I don't know why the combination of fried chicken and waffles (served together on one plate) works, but it does. Oh yes it does indeed.


Saturday, February 26, 2011

Day 57

I am sure just about everyone that lives in Ramona will post a blog about today's snow. If they blog, that is. I am sure to some it may sound silly because it snows lots of places. In my 30 years of life I can remember it snowing only 4 times in Ramona (where I live anyway). Once was 3rd grade. The second was Senior year of High School. It didn't stick either time. Valentine's Day 2008 (I think) and today are the only times I have seen it really come down and stick. It was freezing cold outside but I still had fun taking a few pictures. It is the little things in life that make it so fun.

Day 56

At the Anaheim Ducks Game Friday night, the mascott stopped, turned around and pointed at me, posing for my picture. I sorta felt special. It is a little blurry because I was trying not to be in the way of others watching the game but still, cool picture.

Day 55

I am making a wedding cake for a friend of mine. He is getting married in May and is in charge of picking the flavor of wedding cake. I made a couple taste testing cakes for him. He works at one of the Ramona Fire Stations so the whole station benefitted from my baking experiments. This one was a dark chocolate cake with a peanut butter filling. Just a regular butter cream frosting. As you can see, I didn't frost it in any fancy way. The guys got cake, that's all they care about. I also made a Red Velvet Cake with a White Chocolate Mousse filling. They all went gaga over the chocolate and peanut butter cake. So, I know for sure I will be making that one for the wedding. Let's see what else I can come up with for Cory and Heather!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Day 54

On Wednesday I got to spend a little bit of time with two of my favorite little munchkins. I can't believe how big TJ is getting! He is already 10months old. How is that possible?!? He's crawling everywhere and loving it. He's such a happy little man! Recently, someone learned how to clap. He is quite proud of it!

I know it is kind of blurry but I had to snap it quickly while he was actually clapping. The first few shots, he stopped just as the camera took the picture. I think he was distracted by the flash. Silly kid.

Day 53

Have you ever made a protein shake, breakfast shake or any kind of drink with a powder and encountered a chunk of powder that didn't get mixed up? Kind of gross.

A friend of mine from work mentioned this thing called a "Blender Bottle". He uses it for his post workout protein shakes. Jared and I went into GNC to check it out and I must say, it is pretty neat.

It is a simple shaker cup but there's a little stainless steel whisk ball inside. When you add in the drink mix powder and liquid, the whisk ball whisks the mixture around so there are no chunks of powder in your drink.

There was no price on the bottles so I just grabbed a couple and went up to the register.

Cashier: Did you find everything you needed?
Me: yes, I did , Thank You.
Cashier: OK that will be $100.
Me: (silence.. cew crickets)
Cashier: hahaha I am just kidding.

Funny funny little man. Are you trying to make my heart stop? Like I would spend $50 on one cup?!?.
Turns out they were only $9.99. Whew. So, if you are in the market for a shaker cup, check it out. It is air tight, spill proof and gets things blended quite well.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Day 52


It's Back!!! Ramona's Biggest Winner Competition at Ramona Fitness Center. I didn't think I would get to do it this round because I was having a hard time finding a team. Thankfully, a spot opened up with a couple of my friends so I am in. I have done pretty good maintaining their weight I have lost. I have gained some back but not too much. I am looking forward to getting rid of the weight I have gained back plus another 15lbs on top of that. Weight is just a number, really. I just love how I feel after I work out and when I am eating well. I did so good on my own for a long time but I find it hard to stay motivated these days.

I like having a goal. I like having others around me that will push me hard. So now I have 4 people that are relying on me to work 110% to get the job done. Afterall, there's $2500 at stake. That's $500 each if we win. I don't know a single person that couldn't use or wouldn't want $500. I know I would love to add that to my savings. The money would be nice but I know the real reward will be the feeling of losing weight and toning my muscles. The trainers at Ramona Fitness are great and they take the time to answer any questions you may have. So, here goes! Wish us luck!

Day 51

Only 4 days in and I am really loving this. I highly recommend it to any couple. They are short but powerful devotions.

Day 50

I had about a week off of running thanks to my little encouter with food poisoning. I got back into it on Saturday but didn't have the stamina to run as far as I normally do. I decided to go a longer route so I could get closer to running the 3.1 miles I will be running in about 10 days (yikes!). After about 1.25 miles I lost steam. Unfortunately I was about a third of the way done with this course and from that point on there's no short cut home.

I turned around and saw these rain clouds rolling in.

Nothing gets you moving like some seriously dark clouds behind you and the threat of a down pour.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Love Dare

For Valentine's Day I picked up a couple copies of "The Love Dare Day to Day Coules Devotional" for Jared and I. We both started reading them on Thursday. Right away I was thankful I got these. Only 4 days in and I've already been challenged, blessed and reminded of how to love someone deeper.

I thought I would share a little something from the book. It really struck something deep inside me. I hope it does the same for you. I hope it opens your eyes to a new perspective and a deeper understanding of what love is and how to apply it in your own life.

Step 1: Read the following passage from scripture:

1 Corinthians 13


1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

*4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.*

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love

Step 2: Re-read the passage but when you get to verses 4-7 ( I put a little * at the start and end for you) insert your first name in place of the words "love" and "it".
 
Did that change your perspective at all? It certainly did for me.

Day 49

My friends/co-workers, Ali and Clay have birthdays a week apart. They decided to celebrate together and have a Masquerade Dinner. Clay frequents a restaurant in Redlands called The Farm. They serve gourmet quality food. There was a four course meal arranged for the event and we had a room all to ourselves.

I drove up to Temecula and met Ali at her house then we continued north to Redlands. The rain made the drive about twice as long. It was was a dressy event so both Ali and I wore dresses. It was a cold two block walk from my car to the restaurant!!

The food was pretty wonderful. I chose the salad with balsamic dressing and artisan cheese, risotto, wine braised chicken and flourless chocolate cake. I must say, I am very glad I chose those things off of the menu. My mouth is watering just thinking about that food!

We had a lot of fun and it was definitely worth the drive.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Day 48

I threw this together for breakfast. It turned out pretty darn good.

1 Egg
3 Egg Whites
1.5 Tbsp Milk
1 oz chopped Red Bell Pepper
1 oz chopped Zuchinni
1 oz chopped Onion
4 Cherry Tomatoes, chopped
1.5 oz shredded mozarella cheese
Ground Pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp Taco Seasoning
dash salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Beat egg/egg whites and milk in a medium bowl.
Add in pepper, taco seasoning and salt. Beat again.
Add vegetables.
Pour into a small ramekin
Bake 20 minutes
Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese
Bake an additional 10-15 minutes until eggs are firm and cheese is golden

Our Date

Jared and I finally got to go on our "Valentine's Date". A simple lunch at the Corvette Diner. It was delicious. I am thankful that my first real meal was the Rory Hamburger.

Has anyone out there ever had one? It is amazing. Life changing. Now, before I explain what it is,open your mind and be willing to consider this concoction.

The Rory Hamburger:
Hamburger Patty
Shredded Lettuce
Mayo
Crunchy Peanut Butter
Bacon
Bun

An unusual combination, yes. I thought Jared was crazy when he ordered it the first time we went there. I tried it and fell in love. The Corvette Diner believes in it so much that they offer a money-back guarantee and to make you something new if you don't like it. I don't know why the combo works, but it does. It was accompanied by ginormous onion rings and enough ranch dipping sauce to bathe in.

After lunch I figured we would catch a movie or cruise around Sea World for a little bit. Then Jared's sunglasses broke. It was a bright and sunny day so there was no way he could drive very far without some. We went on a hunt for new sunglasses and ended up in a shady area across from the Sports Arena. We barely made it into the parking lot before Jared turned around and got us the heck out of dodge. We ended up at Target, a nice safe shopping place. After walking around Petco for a few minutes, it was time for us to part ways. Jared needed to get home and get things ready for work the next day and be in bed by 6pm. Time is limited these days. At the end of it all, the day was perfect. Simple. I like simple.

Day 47

Jared and I had planned on going to the Corvette Diner to celebrate our Valentine's Day. Nothing fancy. Just fun, inexpensive (for the most part) and something we love. We went there last year as well. I thought it might be kind of fun to make it our tradition.

Unfortunately I wasn't feeling very good. Food still sounded disguisting and my energy level was maybe a 3 out of 10. Tearfully I told Jared I didn't think dinner would be happening. Being the amazing and understanding guy he is, he offered to come up to my house so I could just rest. I did my best to pick up the little mess that there was in my house. I even mustered up the energy to set up his Valentine's Day gift in a special way.

After that little bit off effort I was back on the couch ready for a nap. He arrived with hands full of stuff ready to make dinner. He set about making spaghetti, garlic bread, and roasted potatoes. It smelled heavenly at times and nauseating at times. I ate about 5-6 bites of dinner but it was so good. He gave me a neck rub, kissed my forhead and held me close. He's a good man.

Day 46

This was my lifeline yesterday.

Thank you to my sister in law, Jessica, for bringing this to me yesterday.

And Thank you to the makers of Vitamin Water for making such a delicious drink.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Day 45

Valentine's Day. I never cared about this holiday when I was single. I am not sure why I care about it now. I honestly wish I didn't. I love making little heart shaped cookies and giving heart adorned treats to my nieces and nephews though.

Jared and I didn't have plans because we both had to work. I started feeling a really yucky in the tummy around 2:30am, while I was at work. About 4:30am I told my partner I needed to go home because I had been getting sick for 2 hours.

I got home and prayed and prayed to get better. About 10:00am my prayers were answered and I was finally able to hold down some water. I sipped slowly eventhough I wanted to drink a gallon right then and there. My tummy still wasn't feeling great so sleep didn't come easily. It was not a fun day.

Clearly I survived. I even had a chance to snap a picture. My kittens stayed by my side all day long. For whatever reason, Hunny likes to sleep under the covers when I am on the couch.

Day 44

Sometimes you see things while you're out and about and you wish you had a camera. Most phones have cameras now but some don't. I have both my phone camera and my digital camera on me at all times. On this particular Sunday, walking into Hallmark, I was so very thankful I did.


Yeah... that's a dog. On a motorcyle.

Day 43

My good friends, Megan and Shaun, invited Jared and I to their little girls' 2nd birthday party. On Saturday we drove up to Temecula to join in the festivities and had a great time.

All of the kids were in love with the car rides outside of the restaurant. Peyton asked over and over if any of us had quarters. They shared rides with eachother and had a really great time playing together.

Gwen, the birthday girl, wasn't so sure about the car ride:

Poor baby started to have the typical 2 yr old melt down towards the end of the party. So many people, LOTS of attention and just so much going on. She loved her gifts though. Well, except the clothes. But what 2 year old actually gets super excited about a new skirt and top?

We had a great time at Gwen's birthday party. Lots of friends, great food (it was at Pat & Oscars), a little annoucement from a dear friend and many many laughs.

Day 42

I thought I would surprise Jared with a little trip to Old Town Temecula on Friday. Sort of a pre-Valentine's Day surprise. He knew we were going up there but didn't know what I had planned. I wanted to take him to lunch, walk around in the shops, taste test at the Olive Oil Company maybe some beer tasting (for him) at one of the beer companies and finish the afternoon with ice cream and maybe some coffee. Nothing big and spectacular but fun and different.

Things don't always go as planned so not much of that happened. We did eat though. We had a great dinner at Texas Lil's Mesquite Grill. By the time we got there we were starving so we ordered an appetizer. We went back and forth on whether we should order the Garlic Cheese Toast or the texas Spring Rolls. We finally decided on the Texas Spring Rolls. That is, until this happened:

Waitress: "Can I start you off with an appetizer"
Me: "Yes we would"
Waitress: "Ok great what would you like?"
Me: "Garlic Cheese Toast"
Waitress: "OK I will go put that order in right away (she walks away)"
Jared: (laughing)"I thought we were going to get the Texas Spring Rolls?"
Me: "We...oh.... oops. "

Atleast we got a good laugh out of it. The rest of the night was sort of a bust. Most of the shops were closed, including the Olive Oil Company and the Beef Jerky Shop. We did have a good time in the sweet shop taste testing the homemade fudge and seeing some old time candy favorites.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Fellow Bloggers... HELP!

Fellow bloggers, I was attempting to upload a couple pictures today but got an error message saying I have used up the 1GB of free space alloted to me through google/gmail/blogger. Has anyone else ever gotten this message? Apparently I can purchase more space but is there any way to avoid that? I have 3 different blogs and they are all linked.  My cake blog is entirely pictures and I try to post a lot of pictures to this blog. There are only a few on my baking GALS blog. Its not like it would be expensive to buy extra storage but I am just wondering if there's a way around it. Maybe change the email address that my cake blog is linked to? Any ideas?

Day 41

It's a boy!!!! Jared's friend, Kelly, gave birth to a precious baby boy on February 7th. She was in labor for over 26 hours and it finally ended in a C-Section. He weighed in at 7lbs 13 oz and was 21.5 inches. Kelly and baby are home now resting. I wish they lived closer so I could smell that new baby smell.

Since I have yet to finish the blankie for him (I'm working on it!!) I thought I would send a little treat in the package as well. I have a few cute baby-like cookie cutters. I decided to use a bear and a baby bottle. I used a few different sayings like "It's A Boy!" or His birth stats.I think they turned out kind of cute! Now I just need to finish up that blanket and get the package shipped off to Colorado.

Day 40

I was a baking fool on wednesday. I thought it would be fun to put together a little treat for my co-workers. Valentine's Day is coming up so what better way to show your friendship, love, and appreciation than by hand making some cookies. Plus, I've really been trying to perfect the "flooding" technique. I think I am starting to get the hang of it.

The only problem I had was spilling the sprinkles everywhere. Man, they really get into every nook and cranny in the kitchen. I will probably be sweeping up lille red sprinkle for the next 6months. I wish they would give a sprinkle tutorial. I couldn't imagine doing this professionally. I would probably waste more sprinkles than I used.

Here'shoping the co-workers enjoy their sweet treat.

Day 39


This little pond is about 150 yards from my apartments. I love passing it on my runs. I know spring is coming and that means baby ducks! Honestly, I could watch them every day. I love their little baby duck waddle. Their baby duck "quack" and how they trail in a line behind their mama. Come on spring! I want to see baby ducks!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Day 38

Monday was not a great day. At 5:30 AM my mom told me our Uncle Fred passed away the night before. It was heartbreaking news. He was a good man. Sweet to the core. I am thankful he didn't suffer. It was a very long and lonely drive home from work. Even lonlier walking into an empty apartment. Jared was at home and that felt like he was on another planet. I needed to sleep and he had a committment to take his Nana to the eye doctor.

About 5pm he showed up on my doorstep with these:

I cried, alot. he's a great guy. Of course I didn't need flowers but the gesture turned me into a pile of mush. Plus, I love me some fresh flowers. The way they smell, the way they look. More importantly Jared was here, with me. Arms wide open and beyond willing to wipe away my tears. I am blessed. He brought some happiness and joy to a very very sad day.

Day 37

I wasn't too into the Superbowl this year. I didn't particularly care about the two teams playing. Although I did want the packers to win(yay!) simple because they were my defense for my fantasy football team and probably the only reason my team got any points at all. Plus, I like rooting for the underdog. Oh and the Steelers sorts seem like the Raiders of the East. Something about them rubs me the wrong way.

We gathered at Brian and Katie's this year. I was half watching the game and fully paying attention to the delicious snacks everyone brought. Our dear friends, Preston and Michelle, along with their son Asher joined us for the event. Peyton was so excited to see her little friend Asher. or as is sounds from her mouth, Assher...

Girls Night Out!

As kids we are surrounded by our friends on a daily basis. You get used to talking to them, hanging out and relying on their company. As adults, time with friends is few and far between. Sure you talk but it is weekly or maybe once every two weeks. Life gets busy. Work, family, kids, holidays, school. It really adds up.

I sometimes forget how important it is to have time with friends. To have a group of women, however big or small, to hang out with and just talk.

Friday night a few of us ladies got together to check out the Tavern and Bowl at North County Fair. It was a nice, trendy place. Great food, cheap drinks (it was happy hour) and the best company a girl could ask for. It was a small group that night and we missed those that couldn't make it. The bowling alley was booked that night due to a party so we simply sat at our table and talked. For 4 hours.

I walked away from that night thinking "wow, what an amazing time". It really was. I am hoping all of us (including those that were missing) can get together again really soon.
The Ladies: Mindi, Katie, Ali, Michelle, Me

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Day 36

It's that time again! Baking GALS round 27 just kicked off the 2011 baking season. We usually take a break just after Christmas then start back up in February. Saturday I spend te whole day baking.
Monster Cookies, Oreos, Snickerdoodles and Peanut Butter M & M bars. Delicious.

Day 35

My little munchkin isn't so little anymore. I had the privilege of watching Little Miss Peyton on Friday while mommy and daddy were shampooing carpets. We danced, fed ducks, took a walk,watched Mickey Mouse, played with her baby doll and took a nap. I love playing with her. She cracks up laughing at just about everything. She sings to Katy Perry songs and throws almost full pieces of bread to the ducks. Towards the end of our time together she asked if she could take a nap. Who am I to deny anyone the joy of taking a nap? I laid down with her and she was out in 5 minutes.

Peyton is a chatterbox. The thing that gets me is her very grown up sentences. She's 3. She needs to stop growing up so fast! It is hard enough digesting the fact that my oldest niece, Alissa will be 13 this year. 13 ?!?! Lord help me.

Day 34


I am pretty sure that everyone knows I am an animal lover. Those little furballs really melt my heart. Jared's cat, Meho, likes to sneak into Jared's room and take a little cat nap on Jared's bed. The boy and I were hanging out and Meho wanted to join us. I snuggled up to the little guy and he was purring like crazy. Don't be fooled by the "I am just putting up with this attention but I really hate you laying on me and snuggling" look. He loved it. Really.

And yes, Jared and I were watching "Gilmore Girls" Dvds. Don't judge.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Meet Grace...

Hi, my name is (now) Grace. I decided yesterday that a name change was in order. I've been training for a 5k for the last 5 weeks. I've alternated between running on the treadmill at the gym and running outside.
I've often feared running outside because there is so much potential for...mishaps, injury, embarrassment.

Yesterday my fear came true. There I was, minding my own business, pushing hard to keep a steady pace and complete my 3/4 mile run when it happened. The sidewalk tripped me. It saw me coming, waited, planned it out and just at the right moment, it stuck its little foot out and tripped me.

Right there in front of someone's house. Right when a car was driving by (I am pretty sure it was an old co-worker of mine... even better). Right when I was trying to change the song on my iPod.

It was in slow motion. I felt my foot get caught then  felt nothing but well ,nothing. Air. Then cement. Lots of cement: Knees vs cement. Hands vs cement. Shoulder vs cement. The cement won.

I wasn't sure if the person in the car had seen me fall or if they stopped. I didn't want to turn around to find out. I simply picked myself up and ran as fast as I could. I completed my run for the day regardless of the stinging I felt on my hands and knee. I looked at the damage when I got home and noticed a scrape on my knee so I doctored it up. Overall I am fine but my knee is a little sore.

Seriously... what 30 year old scrapes her knee? Oh yeah, me. Grace.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Day 33

This is what I come home to every morning. I love my kitten, Hunny, and the fact she is waiting for me when I get home. Like clockwork, she sees me get out of my car and she jumps down to meet me at the front door. She's precious.

Day 32

My co-workers, Patti and Denise, are very fun ladies. They are always in good moods and ready to face the day that is before them. I work with Denise for about an hour in the morning and Patti comes in at 0700 to relieve me.

On this particular morning they were especially goofy and decided to start their day with a little dance. The "dougy" dance? I'm not exactly sure what it is but we got a good laugh out of it. I love them!

Day 31

I've been working on my sugar cookie decorating skills. There's this technique called "flooding" that I love. They look so cute and professional. It was actually a lot easier than I though it would be but it is a bit time consuming. This isn't your run of the mill "slap some icing on a cookie" type thing. It is a tad more complicated than that. Fun and cute. Oh and here's the sugar cookie recipe that I love. I have decided this is the best sugar cookie recipe I've ever found.

Sugar Cookies:

3 Cups Flour
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Cup (white) Sugar
2 Sticks butter, cold (not room temp!!)
1 Egg
3/4 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 Tsp Almond Extract (or other flavored extract)
(I omitted the Almond Extract and used Zest from one Lemon to add a little citrusy zing to it )

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Combine Flour and Baking Powder in a small bowl
3. Ina large Mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until creamy
4. Add the Egg and extracts (or zest), beat until combined
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom atleast once
6. Dough will be crumbly so knead it together with your hands for about 1 minute. Turn onto a floured surface and knead again for 1 minute
7. Roll out on a floured surface and cut into shapes. I usually roll then to approx 1/8-1/4in thickness
8. Freeze cut out shapes for 5-10 minutes (helps them keep their perfect freshly cut shape and not get puffy)
9. Bake 10-12 minutes. Let sit for approx 2 minutes on cookie sheet then remove to cooling rack. I remove mine from the oven before I see any golden brown along the edges. Approx 10min 30sec. I don't like crunchy sugar cookies

Day 30

I had a total of 35 hours off of work over the weekend. I know that may seem like alot to some people. Especially because most people have about 48 hours off every weekend. Maybe a few more hours. I worked the last 10 of 11 days. Feel sorry for me yet? Kidding. I don't need the sympathy. It is my job and I roll with it.

The only problem I have with working so much is not being able to see people. Especially Jared.Our work schedules are rough as it is and only seeing each other for a few hours a week isn't exactly ideal.

After his birthday dinner he came back to my house and crashed on the couch for the night. Our intention was to get up and go to church the next day but I think exhaustion kicked in on my end. I didn't wake up until just before 8am. That is basically unheard of for me.

He every so sweetly offered to make me breakfast.being the smart woman I am, I accepted his offer.
I knew I had done the right thing when he brought this back from the store.

Perfection. Best bacon ever!

Day 29

The whole fam... and I mean the WHOLE fam(19 people) went to BJ's Pizza to celebrate Jared's birthday. I had my camera with me the whole time but I was a bit sandwiched in and I sorta forgot to take pictures. I am actually pretty disappointed in myself for only taking 2 pictures. It was a great group of people and we had so much fun.

I saw a bus pull up so I jokingly told Jared his party bus had arrived. About 60 seconds later we see about 25 high schoolers file off the bus and right into the room where we were having his dinner. We all kind of winced. 25 teenagers in one small room, all dressed up and ready for some kind of winter formal? It was going to get very loud, very quickly.

Much to his dismay, the loudest part of the evening was when the entire room sang him Happy Birthday. To be honest, my heart kind of broke for him. He is a quiet guy, on the shy side. He doesn't like a lot of attention and it was a struggle just to get him to agree to the dinner. He's not big on all of the focus being on him. I don't blame him. I was mortified for him. I know people think it is hilarious when the whole retaurant busts out in song on your behalf but it is truly embarassing. Poor guy. He was a good sport about it though.

At anny rate, the only picture I grabbed that evening was of this cutie pie. She's growing up too fast. That night she was all excited because she got to ride home with Uncle Jimmy and Auntie J. "Mom Uncle Jimmy said it is ok if I go to his house" (Insert a slight lisp on the s letter). Too cute and entirely too grown up of a moment for her mere 3 years.

Day 28

Have you seen these on TV? Or maybe there's brothers in bag form?



I seem to have a problem eating produce fast enough. Especially favorites like blackberries and strawberries. They just get moldy and mushy after a couple of days. These say they are supposed to keep everything fresh for a longer period of time. I am hoping it is true. Has anyone else out there tried these?