Faith, Love & Frosting

The 50/50 Plan Update: Week 4

2012-02-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

This week was much better. I did ok with the no sweets policy. The one thing I am not giving up is my coffee creamer. I don't like the sugar free stuff... yuck!

I did "oops" one night with the no sweets. I sat down on the couch with an It's It and enjoyed every bite. Literally the minute I finished the ice cream it hit me.. duh Shannon! no sugars. Woopsie Daisy! Oh well.

Overall I had a great week. Logged some miles at the gym and on the road, drank more water and looked to God for strength in getting fit.

Starting weight: 191.3
Final weight: 188.8
Total Loss: 2.5 lbs (cue happy dance!)

Total lost so far: 7.2lbs!!

Focused in February

2012-01-31T03:31:00.000-08:00

I am happy in my life. So happy, in fact, that sometimes I can't believe this is my life. God is so good! That's not to say that there aren't daily struggles or trials etc. but I am remembering more and more that we have a Lord and Savior that holds us in his hands every single day. He knows what He is doing, even if we can't figure out what is going on.

In February I want to focus on a few particular things. Things that are important to me and that I feel need a little more attention than I have been giving them. It's like I know I should be giving it more attention but I am waiting for it to happen on its own. It is said that after 3 weeks (or 21 days), something becomes habit. I want better habits in my life.

*God: reading daily devotions and spending more time in prayer
*Jared: praying for him daily and encouraging him as much as I can
*Nutrition: Saying goodbye to processed sugars. i.e. cookies, candy, cakes etc.
*Cross Training: working out 6 days a week. Whether it is push ups and sit ups at home, a long run or hitting the weights at the gym

What are some things in your life that need more of your attention than you've previously been willing to give? I challenge you to focus on those things during the month of February.

To remin myself of what I need to focus on in the coming month, I've written myself little notes. One to put by my bedside , one in my wallet, one on my fridge and one in my bathroom on the mirror.

The 50/50 Plan Update: Week 3

2012-01-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

This week didn't shape up exactly how I wanted it but I am ok with that. The important thing is consistency. Whether the numbers go down or not, I feel great and I know I am working hard. I still struggle with sugar cravings. Especially this week. PMS can really put a wrench in your healthy eating plan.

I am happy to say the sugar cravings are waaaaayyyy less than they used to be. I simply feel healthier and strong. I am loving it. So, the number isn't what I wanted but that's ok. I'm onto a new week and it is all about looking forward, not back.

Thank you , dear friends, for your constant encouragement and support!

Week 3 :
Starting weight: 191.5
Ending weight: 191.3
Total weekly loss: 0.20

Total weight lost: 4.7 lbs

The 50/50 Plan Update: Week 2

2012-01-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

Week 2 wasn't stellar for me. I slacked quite a bit, wasn't diligent in watching what I ate and definitely didn't work out as much as usual.

Honestly, I didn't feel guilty about indulging at Bucca Di Beppo. It was my guy's birthday celebration and I wasn't going to eat celery and brown rice while he chowed on Eggplant Parmesan. We ate and enjoyed.

Wednesday was the worst food day by far. The other days were ok but not great.

Mentally I feel clear and ready to keep going on this journey. I am happy and proud of myself. I still have confidence in myself that I will reach my goal of 50 pounds.

I decided that I need a reward system for myself. At first I thought maybe pedicures and a massage. Maybe a new shirt or new pair of pants. What I finally decided on was a new wardrobe. After I lose 50 pounds I want to toss out all of the clothes I have (donate, not throw away) and start a new wardrobe. By that time none of my current clothes will fit me.

I've opened a second savings account and I am putting $10 in for every pound lost. So for week 1 I put $50 in there. During the weeks that I gain or lose 0, no extra money will go into the account.

So here it is... the numbers:
Starting weight : 191.00
Ending weight: 191.5

Gain: 0.5lbs
Total Lossed: 4.5lb in 2 weeks

I am not stoked about that half pound gain BUT that just keeps me going. I can't change anything from week 2.What's done is done. Now I move on and keep pressing towards the goal.

Iron Mountain

2012-01-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

A few friends/co-workers and I decided we wanted to hike Iron Mountain. Most of us had never done the hike so we were excited (and a little nervous) to give it a try.

Suzy brought her dogs, KME and Layla. The pups were so excited to be out and about. We figured they would pull us up the mountain if we got too tired. Much to our delight the guys in the group, Clay and neil, took the dogs and set off on their fast pace up the trail.

Suzy, Ali and I took our time and really enjoyed the conversation and the view along the way. We were relieved to know that if things went bad, there was a designated helipad on the side of the mountain...

About 3/4 of the way up, we noticed a bunch of guys running down the mountain. We figure they were Marines or Army. Something along those lines.

The trail is very rocky and the type of dirt can be somewhat slick. I don't know how anyone could run the trail without tripping and bashing their head open! I tripped plenty of times but never came close to falling. Thank goodness!

The trail is 6 miles round trip, 3 in and 3 out. We were about to the 2.5mi marker when Clay, Neil and the pups came back down the mountain to meet us. In the fire service (namely wildland fire) they do hikes most days. Whoever gets to the top first turns around and meets the person that is last in line, whether they are 1/2 a mile behind or 2. They encourage them to keep going and remind them they aren't alone. It was pretty cool that the guys came down to where we were and went to the top again.

The view from the top of Iron Mountain was beautiful! We could easily see Poway and Ramona.
Here's a view of Mt. Woodson from the top of Iron Mountain

This is Lake Jennings:

The control burn on Cuyamaca Peak that day:

And the boys being... well... boys:

We had so much fun! It took us about 3 hours, including the time we took at the top to rest and refuel with water and snacks. We can't wait to do it again!

Happy Birthday, Love

2012-01-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

For Jared's birthday I surprised him with a trip to the Discovery Center in Santa Ana to check out the Star Wars exhibit and get our nerd on. We didn't have a ton of time there but we were able to look around at all of the displays and read many of the placards.

Afterwards we went to Bucca Di Beppo for dinner and ended up sitting at the exact same table we did two years ago when we were in Anaheim. our waiter had a very thick hispanic accent and he was somewhat difficult to understand. His name? Billy.
We got all fancy and ordered dessert and everything. Neither one of us had tried Cannoli so we ordered their Chocolate Chip Cannoli... so.freaking.good! If you've never tried it, you should.

Dinner was enough to put un in a food coma until I took Jared's final gift out of my car. Wrapped in a small box he found an Anaheim Ducks authentic practive jersey and tickets to not one but THREE Anaheim Ducks hockey games! The Ducks had a great holiday bundle pack that I just couldn't pass up! We loved every minute of the game that night. Normally hockey is a low scoring game. Each team will usually bring home 1-3 points per game, max. The Ducks won that night 6-2. It seemed like we were jumping up and cheering more than we were sitting in our seats. The game was a blast. In fact, the whole day was!

Jared,

Three days ago you turned 29. Almost one week ago I took you on a surprise date to celebrate your birthday. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. From the smiles at the discovery center and the cheers at the Ducks game, I think you did. You make my life complete and you love me so fully. Happy 29th birthday my sweet sweet love. You deserve all you have and so much more!

Peyton turned 4!

2012-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

On January 8th, 2012 my youngest niece , Peyton, turn 4 years old. I am just wondering how she went from this tiny little bundle on the day of her birth:

To this hip one year old :

To this angelic 2 year old:

And this cheesy 3 yr old (who was so sick on the day of her birthday party but kept smiling anyway!):

And has ended up this 4 yr old little lady:

How is this possible????

Peyton, Auntie Shannon loves you so much! You crack me up every time I am with you. You come up with the most random and funny things to say, you still like to dance around my living room to music and take naps on my "big bed". You love your brother the way I love my brothers and that makes my heart so so happy. I love your hugs and giggles more than anything. You really really love your uncle Jared and often ask where he is if he isn't with me when I visit. happy 4th birthday sweet girl! Quit getting so big! :)
Love,
You ~~favorite~~ Auntie Shannon

The 50/50 Plan Week1

2012-01-16T03:01:00.000-08:00

Week #1 January thru January 14, 2012

I always think week 1 is the hardest. This is also the week I feel I have to be the most diligent. Z-E-R-O sweets!. I know this is a weakness of mine so I try to stay clear. I actually did really well this week.

I started off my first week on Medifast. I needed an extra little push to get my body back into weight loss mode. To be honest, the food isn't great. Actually... it kind of sucks. That is my own personal opion of it. I know other that have done it or are currently doing it and they think it is just fine. By the end of the week I desperately needed real food.

I didn't eat all that great over the weekend but you know what? That's ok. I am learning it is ok to cheat once in a while. Not go overboard and eat a whole pizza or get super sized anything but something is ok. I had a couple slices of pizza on Saturday after helping Jared move all day and I had a cupcake at Peyton's birthday party Saturday night. That's the worst it got. I don't plan on doing that a lot but it will take me a few weeks to really get into the groove of it all. Back to the place where I can say "no thank you" when things are offered.

I felt great this week! The ffirst few days I struggled with being hungry but I know that is nornal. I supplemented with water best I could. I was diligent and it paid off. I took my first Turbo Kick Boxing class on Friday and I loved it! The instructor moved fast and it was hard to follow her but overall I loved the class. I am going to try another one with a different instructor.

So here are the results:
Starting Weight on Jan 7, 2012: 196.0 Lbs
New Weight on Jan 14, 2012: 191.0 Lbs.
Total weight lost in week #1: 5 Lbs!
Current size: 14

You know what seems crazy but exciting to me? I am looking forward to blogging my journey and logging my weight and size every week. So here we go... onto week2 !

The 50/50 Plan

2012-01-05T01:59:00.000-08:00

On my Christmas "wish list" was the book "Reshaping It All" by Candice Cameron Bure. Yep, DJ Tanner! I don't know about you but I loved the tv show Full House. I still do.

Confession: If I see Full House is on a channel, I will watch that before any other program offered.

I am 4 chapters in and I love the book. She talks about balancing out your Physical and Spiritual Fitness. In Chapter 4 she talked about having a plan. Her dad taught her five important steps in reaching her goals:
1) Envision Your Goal
2) Formulate a Plan
3)Consider the gain
4) Count the cost
5) Do the necessary work to achieve it.

I've come to realize I have an addiction to food. I love it. Too much. I eat when I'm not hungry, I have very little self control when it comes to breads/crackers/sweets. This needs to change. Now. I need a healthier outlook on food and have control.

Candice states in her book " Setting a goal to lose slowly is not something most of us want to do, but it's a good way to go, and the truth is that time does go by fast. Imagine being fifty two pounds lighter next year at this time. That's only one pound a week. Likely one frustrating, hair-pulling pound at a time, which calls for plenty of patience, but imagine the difference it would make."

That got me to thinking. I'd love to lose 50 pounds. I need to lose at least 45. So, I am going to do a 50/50 plan. 50 pounds in 50 weeks. I will focus on one week at a time. It is not just a matter of I can do this but I will do this.

1) Envision your goal: I want to be thin. I want to find clothes at the store and feel good about wearing them. I want to continue to be healthy and I want to struggle less with running. I want to lose 50 pounds in 50 weeks.
2) Formulate a plan: 50 pounds in 50 weeks. The first two weeks I will be doing the Medifast program. I seemed to have hit a plateau and I am determined to break it. I will diligently follow my half marathon training plan. I will weigh my food again and eat 3-4 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Turn to friends and family for accountability.
3) Consider the gain: More energy, better stamina when running, healthier body, thinner.
4) Count the cost: Less food that I really enjoy ( not gone all together just less of it), cravings that will want to pushing me to the breaking point. I may even get cranky.
5) Do the necessary work to achieve it: I will diligently stick to my training plan. Including cross training, weight training etc. This means doing it even on the days I really don't want to!

Oh and here's a kicker... My friend, Brooke, willingly posted her weight and current size on facebook. It is keeping her on track and accountable. So my dear blog readers, I will be doing the same. On here (the link always gets posted to facebook anyway). I will post my new weight every Sunday. I'm not going to lie, I am embarrassed by my weight and it is humbling to share it with everyone. This will give me that final push to make a big change.

Current Weight: 196 lbs (as of 1/4/12)
Current Size: 14
So who out there is going to do the 50/50 challenge with me?

Goodbye, Hello

2011-12-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

Goodbye:
*Frustrations
*Deaths
*Sadness
*Arguments
*Disappointments
*Extra pounds
*Bad runs
Goodbye 2011

Hello:
*Unconditional Love
*Love conquering all
*Hope for a future
*Fitness Goals
*5Ks and Half Marathon
*Quality vs Quantity
*Comprimises
*Fresh Start
*Joy
*Patience
*Making a Difference
Hello 2012!!!

Out with the good, the bad and the ugly that 2011 had to offer. On to the anticipation of a great 2012!! I changed a lot in 2011. Some good, some bad. I became obssessed with getting married and became angry when rings and engagement didn't happen. I was frustrated with lack of time with friends. Jared and I argued more than I'd like to admit. I allowed black clouds of hurt, sadness and fear wash over me. I didn't fully enjoy all that God had placed in front of me.

Things will be different in 2012. I will be thankful for a man that loves me even when I am a monster. And yes babe, I was a monster at times. I will be thankful for the kind of love that only God can ordain in His perfect plan. A kind of love many hope for but never receive. I will look forward to the day I get to marry Jared, not count the days until it happens.

I will be thankful for the times I get to spend with my friends, not how much time. I will lose these extra pounds and I will keep them off. I will complete a half marathon. I may not run the whole thing but I will finish!

I will walk closer with God and dive deeper into His word. I will learn to be more like Jesus. To love like Him and react like Him.

These are not resolutions,they are lifestyle changes. Changes I want to see in myself. I want to be a better example for Christ and live my life to the fullest. I don't want to get caught up in the negative. I want to press on and achieve the positive. Not perfection, as I so often strive to do.

Here's to a better 2012. For all of us.

Bumble Bee 5K

2011-12-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

My race bib

A few months ago my friend, Katie Hotze, told me about this race. She was going to be in town from New York.So Katie, our friend Abby and I all signed up.

I knew there would be a lot of people at this event.

1) It was downtown
2) There was a parade afterwards
3) LOTS of people were still on break/vacation

I left my house at 745am. i figured that would give me plenty of time to get down there, find parking and warm up before the 945am start time.

I was really nervous about finding my way around downtown but not really about the race itself. I bugged Abby and my friend Nick about directions. God bless those two!

The traffic was insane. I went up and down the streets then looped around and did it again. ALL of the parking lots were full. At one point I was on the phone with Katie asking where I could go when I looked in my rear view mirror and saw a motorcycle cop. Then heard the blurp of a siren. Dang it...
I basically hung up on Katie and tossed my phone on the front seat next to me. I "Pulled over" (as best you can on a street jammed with vehicles). I rolled down my window and he muttered something about running a red light. (I'm pretty sure it was still yellow but whatever). At that moment I burst into tears and blurted out "I'm SO LOST!". Honestly I'm not to sure what he said after that. Something about how running a light wasn't the answer. Then he drove away. I took a deep breath and happened to look to my right. A parking attendant who was witness to the whole thing gave me a double thumbs up and mouthed "yay" to me. I just smiled. I finally found parking and paid $20 for the worlds smallest parking spot. It took me an hour to find that spot!

It was 15minutes before start time when I found Abby and Katie. I had to pee. Bad. We looked for porta potties but saw none so we made out way into the Holiday Inn hotel. Of course the Women's restroom had a line out the door. It was getting closer to the start time so I decided I was probably going to have to run 3.1 miles with a very full bladder. Sounds like fun, right? Someone suggested we check the men's room to see if anyone was in there. There was one person. Shoot. But he came out a minute later. Abby, 2 other ladies and myself ran into the men's room while Katie stood guard at the door. All of the ladies in the restroom were laughing that we all set a world record for peeing fast.

The gun sounded and we were off. The three of us agreed to meet up at the finish line. I started out pretty good and felt I was keeping my pace. At every race I've been to, they have big numbers marking what mile you're on. I never saw the 1 mile mark. I kept going but my stamina was shot. I kept up a walk/run through out but I definitely wasn't running how I had been in my training. By the time I saw the giant #2, I felt like this was taking forever. For whatever reason my right ankle was hurting really bad. I thought I was just starting the second mile. If that was true, I was in trouble. Then I hit the giant #3 and realized the numbers were marking the end of that mile. So I picked up my pace and ran through the finish line. Katie had already finished so she was already there cheering Abby and I on. It was awesome seeing someone I knew cheering me on at the finish!

Katie, Me, Abby

I saw the clock at the finish and I was disappointed. I wanted to beat the time from my first 5K run back in March. I didn't do it. In fact, I was 1min 13 seconds slower. That is almost more frustrating. If only I had pushed a little harder, I would have beat it. I struggled the whole afternoon/evening with being disappointed with my time. I finally decided I will only compare races. I am feeling better about it now. In March I will run the "Finish Chelsea's Run" for the second time. I am determined to beat my 35min 58sec time.Next December I will run the Bumble Bee 5K again and I will beat my 37min 11sec from this year's Bumble Bee 5K.

I am accepting that I can train, hydrate, fuel my body etc and still have a bad run day. Sometimes those will fall on race days. I am also trying to remember back to the very first run about a year ago.I felt like i was going to die when I was done. Running for 60 second and walking for 90 seconds was so hard. A year later, I've completed 3 races!

Thank You to everyone that has supported me! I know there were a few of you that wanted to be there but couldn't. Others were going to go but I ended up telling them not to because traffic was so crazy. I am pressing forward toward my next 5K race in March.I am excited about it!

Thank you to Abby and Katie for doind the race and being encouraging even after the race. You both inspire me so much!

Birthday #31

2011-12-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

In a word, yesterday was... perfect!

I started the day with a 90 minute massage at Massage Envy. Definitely wasn't regretting that membership yesterday! When the 90 minutes is up and all you want to do is roll over and go to sleep, you know it was a great massage.

I went to Kohls and bought a new purse, a pair of running capris and a running shirt... all for myself! That's a rare thing. I'm way better at buying stuff for other people.

I answered over 100 (!!!) Facebook "Happy Birthday" wishes.

I answered probably 25 (!!!) "Happy Birthday " text messages.

My best bud wrote a heart felt, touching blog about me and gave my blog page a face lift (check it out! so perty!) I read this one in the parking lot of Massage Envy. I cried like a baby and laughed hard in many places.

Another good friend wrote this very sweet blog about me too! I was smart enough to read this post after I got home. I figured one cry-fest in my car is enough for one day. I cried as i read her sweet words and laughed too!

I am really lucky to have those ladies in my life! Thank You Jessica and Melissa! I love you both!

My love gave me some of these:

He also made me a delicious meal of Tilapia, Asparagus and Roasted Red Potatoes

And he got us some gooood treats for dessert!

He also informed me that he got me a Garmin Forerunner GPS watch as a gift! The post office sent it back for whatever reason so he has to re-order. Im excited!

We watched Big Bang Theory and cuddled. I answered more facebook posts and texts, we laughed at my cats... It was an incredible day!

Thank You for the sweet memories and wonderful/touching birthday wishes! I am so blessed and very thankful.

to you, from me

2011-12-27T00:44:00.000-08:00

[image source]

Hello there, friends! My name is Jessica and in honor of our sweet Shannon's 31st birthday, I asked if I could borrow her blog for a little birthday surprise! I hope you like the new layout, friend. And if not, you know where to find me ; )

When I was a freshman in high school, I came from a private school that was pretty much my entire world and didn't know but a few souls at the new, giant, scary high school before me. And to top it off, I was assigned second period P.E. Lucky! I love smelling like teen angst and gym socks before 8:30 in the morning! There's something terrifying about being the new girl when your gym teacher tells you to split up into teams for street hockey and every teenage girl rallies around her main group of friends, leaving you on the sidelines alone for dead. I'm not really sure how everything happened, but one group of girls must have sensed my awkward desperation and kindly asked me if I would like to join their team. Oh! Yes, please! That was the day I met a few of my favorite people that would make high school some of the most wonderfully happy and silly and innocent and boy-awkward kind of years you'll always remember when you make a "when I was a kid" reference. And one of the girls in our hearts knitted together group was my Shannon.

Friend. September 1995 was 16 years ago. 16! And in honor of you today, I will attempt to summarize and/or remember my favorite memories of us from each year since then...

1995: Bulldogs on our gym uniform. Sometimes Looney Tunes on our sweatshirts. AOL, LOL, and all that jazz.
1996: Orange tic tacs. A spiral bound notebook to exchange between classes filled to the brim with notes, notes, notes!
1997: Romy and Michele, prank phone calls, butcher paper choir sign painting, and synchronized swimming poses.
1998: Jobs at Pizza Hut and making "mess-up" pizzas. Choir and plays and work and choir and plays and work! Intentionally wearing rollers in our hair at school.
1999: We graduated! We survived! Whatever shall we do? Celebratory picnic at the park with an insanely angry duck.
2000: The start of a new century and the big move you made to far, far away! We always said we'd never be those kind of friends that say they'll stay BFF's but aren't after high school is over, but I was worried still what the distance would mean for our friendship.
2001: E-mail and phone calls! What's new with you? Can you imagine the quantity of texts there would be if that had even been a thing in 2001? Or maybe I just wasn't hip to it yet? I am kind of slow. P.S. I met a boy and he's "the" one.
2002: Do you remember this year? Maybe I was too busy making out with the soon to be Mr. ( I apologize.) Even more phone calls and e-mails and "What's the latest with you, friend?" conversations.
2003: So I got married this year. And you kind of helped with everything. Addressing invitations in your pretty cursive, flower arrangements, retrieving wedding favors on wedding eve from the angry UPS, making a ginormous wedding cheesecake. By the way, what was I thinking requesting something so crazy from you? And how you didn't slap me is a testament to your loyal friendship.
2004: You're home! You're home, you're home, you're home! And baby Noah is here! Now this is getting all kinds of good.
2005: You work. And you work. And you work some more. I don't know how you do it. Catching up over chips + salsa, water with lemon, and sharing a chicken ceasar salad.
2006: A baby Jack to join the family and you are so sweet to sneak me away for a pampering pedicure. Heaven! You made me feel like I had this whole mom thing down. And even if I didn't keep it together, you never let me feel discouraged.
2007: This will go down in history as our collective party planning year. Bridal showers, birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, oh my! I think most of our "dates" were at the scrapbook store or talking over coffee about our latest party planning ideas. And it was so. much. fun.
2008: This was the year I got to traumatize you with an up close and personal view of childbirth! Thanks, Lucy! And thank you, friend, for being at the hospital before we were, for bringing Christmas cookie magazines to inspire us for the holiday season before us, to be there to laugh, and cry, and encourage, and walk, walk, walk, and all of what it took to get my first little girl here. I will forever remember it.
2009: Oh, 2009! The year of love! It has brought me great joy to see such a kind + wonderful man guard and protect your heart! (Sorry for The Bachelor reference, but it's just so true and that Kasey knows a thing or two about love!) To see the smiles on your face and Jared's face when you're together is like every morning is Christmas! I love it. Alot.
2010: Our lives are nuts, friend. They're just bananas. You're busy. I'm busy. There's a new baby Claire! The world doesn't seem to stop spinning but we've always had the kind of friendship that just picks up where we left our last conversation and that I really, really love.
2011: And here we are! This year one of my favorites was our unexpected movie date to see Breaking Dawn! I love how sometimes plans just happen. Popcorn for lunch, talking loudly through previews, laughing at our own jokes at people that forgot to silence their phones. It's like we're still a couple of 14 year olds. Well. Minus major soda spillage. ; )

And so, dear friend, as the clock is nearing midnight on this your birthday eve, I set aside my late night snacks of Sweet Tarts + Cheetos (wishing they were Pringles) and want to wish you the happiest of days as we are, officially, grown ups. And my heart is full to overflowing with the blessing of having a friend that I have very much so grown up with. And I have a funny feeling that there is still more growing up for us in the years to be. Thank you for being there through it all.

Love, Jessica

P.S. And to you, reader friends, I'd love to hear your favorite memories with our birthday girl! Happy, happy birthday wishes are the best!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T21:53:00.000-08:00

Once again, Christmas has come and gone. I had my "Holiday to do list" and I got almost all of the items checked off. I didn't actually attend a toy drive but I did raise money for a bicycle drive we had at work. So I think that one can be crossed off the list. I didn't get the chance to watch any of the holiday movies with my nieces and nephews but that's ok.

Christmas started on Friday December 23rd for my family. I can't remember the last time we celebrated a holiday on the actual day. Sometimes I prefer having it on a different day. Stores are still open, we don't have to rush off to someone else's house and no one has to leave early/come late because of work. The siblings, Jared and I decided to surprise my parents this year with a gift. The adults had "agreed" to not draw names and exchange gifts but we schemed behind their backs. My parents are not prideful people and they would be honest if you asked how things were this past year. Money has been tight and it has been a struggle for them but they have held their heads high, worked hard and have accepted help when it has been offered. They'd be the first to help someone else out. We ordered a food package from Omaha Steaks for them. They were sooooo excited! It felt good to give back to them. They've always done so much for all of us kids!

The youngin's had a great time tearing into gifts. Peyton decided to tear off the wrapping paper one square at a time. It was cute and maybe just a tiny bit annoying. Tyler still wasn't 100% sure what to do but he had fun. Alissa and Justen are old pros at it so they tore into their gifts like champs.

The adults, alissa and Justen did a chinese gift exchange. We all bought 5/$1 gifts, wrapped them and put them under the tree.

We drew numbers then began choose and/or stealing gifts from each other. We laughed so hard and had a great time switching the gifts around between everyone.

Christmas Eve morning Jared and I spent some time at brian and Katie's house. We had breakfast and visited with a couple friends. I finished up some cinnamon rolls then we headed to jared's best friend's house to hang out. I had to leave for work but Jared was able to stay and hang out. His other friend, Brandon, was in town so the three of them had a guys night.

Christmas Day I slept for a whole 2 hours then went to carlsbad to celebrate with Jared's family. We had a great time hanging out and talking. Jared's cousin, Kortney, flew in from New York. It was great to see her. All of the kids played and played, opened gifts then played a little more. It was nice getting caught up with everyone. We also found out Jared's cousin, Kasey, just got the lead in Wizard of Oz. She was sporting darker hair for her role as dorothy. I almost didn't recognize her. We always draw names with Jared's family. Jared drew Nana's name and he got her some DVD sets of a few of her favorite TV shows like Castle and NCIS. When she opened the "Castle" DVDs, she squealed like a little girl. She was SO excited! It was cute.

Nana, Kasey, Kortney

The I was off to work. The day shift crew made dinner for everyone and it was goooood! My partner, Ali, and I brought some stuff in Saturday night for them to make on Sunday. Early Christmas morning I put fresh cinnamon rolls in the oven and baked them for those working day shift. My partner had laryngitis so I answered the phones and the radios. Poor thing, she sounded aweful. She was a trooper though and made it through the night.

It was a great holiday weekend! I am blessed to have 2 incredible families and a work family. I feel like I really soaked in the Christmas feeling this year. I tried to tone it down on the gifts (I failed) but I had so much joy buying and wrapping every single gift. I know Christmas is not about gifts but I do think part of the holiday is the giving spirit. Whether it is gifts, your time, opening your home, donating, being courteous to people etc; it all follows the Lord's command of "Love one another". After all, it is love that caused God to bless Joseph and Mary with a tiny baby that would eventually give the ultimate gift so we would have eternal life.

Merry Christmas, friends. Here's to a wonderful 2012!!

**And stay tuned tomorrow! There will be a special guest post from my best friend!***

Annual King Family Christmas Cookie Day!

2011-12-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

Every year the ladies of my family put together a cookie day around Christmastime. Usually we spend the day baking with some of our dearest friends and family members. The only problem was that we'd be so busy baking we'd barely have time to talk and hang out with everyone. We also kick the guys out during the baking and let them come back for taste testing later in the day.

This year we changed things. We turned the baking day into a cookie exchange and let the guys stay. I think I liked it better this way. Everyone brought cookies that were already baked, we had a ton of snack and everyone had a chance to visit. The kids played until they were exhausted then played a little more. Just about everyone that brought little ones said they slept in until about 8am the next day!

We had sugar cookies for the kids to decorate. Most of them weren't too interested.

Peyton wouldv'e stayed there all day if we had let her. She was ready to decorate cookies the moment I walked in the door that day. Most of the kids decorated 3 or 4 cookies then went back to played. Not Peyton though. She must have decorated a dozen cookies.

TJ had fun decorating too. Uncle Jared helped him out. He pretty much just decorated one cookie. He put frosting on it then a mound of spinkles. Then he would eat most of the sprinkles and some of the frosting then start the decorating process again. he must have consumed a full bottle of sprinkles by the end. It was fun to watch him.

I love having this get together every year. It is such a nice time for everyone to get together and visit. It made things easier to have everything already baked this year. I am thinking we should do a springtime cookie exchange also. Why not? It would be fun!

Marshmallow Snowmen

2011-12-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

These are such a fun addition to any holiday party. The original picture I saw used striped paper straws as the stick but I used lollipop sticks instead.

What you will need:

1 bag Large Marshmallows
1 Bag Twizzlers Pull n Peel
1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips
Round orange sprinkles
18-20 Long Lollipop Sticks
1 tooth pick

1) take 3 marshmallows and put them in a row on each lollipop stick

2) pull off 3 strings of twizzlers and wrap it around the marshmallows and lightly tie it in a knot

3) melt the chocolate in the microwave

4) dip the toothpick in the melted chocolate and poke it into the top marshmallow, creating eyes and a mouth

5) sip the tooth pick again and make "buttons" on the second marshmallow

6) use a small dab of chocolate to get the sprinkle to stick as the nose.

They really take no time at all. I used these to add the finishing touches to the Christmas gifts I made for Jared's co-workers. I made dozens of cookies and put them in cute boxes:

I got some cute (and inexpensive!) coffee mugs, coffee and hot chocolate and wrapped them all up. It was an easy, thoughtful and inexpensive way to say Merry Christmas to jared's co-workers.

Proud Auntie!

2011-12-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

I remember back to my childhood when December was filled with Choir and Musical Theater performances. It was a busy month but oh so much fun.

Now I have the pleasure of watching my growing nieces and nephews as they share in the love of the arts.

A few weeks ago big Tyler had a dance performance in downtown Lakeside. There was a huge crowd of people and we could barely see him. I was unable to get any pictures and the video his mom, Amanda, took wouldn't load for me :( . Anyone know a trick? I'd love to post it. anyway... the kid has rhythm! BIG TIME! He looked so smooth and in his element up on the stage. He was the best dancer up there. Flawless.

Justen is in beginning band and plays the Sax. He's learning and seems to really love it. He was in the very back of the band with the rest of the Sax players but I was able to get a picture of him. The Saxophone section had their own little group solo and they sounded great! I am excited to see Justen's improvement over the year.

Alissa is in her third year of Orchestra and is now First Chair playing the Viola. For those of you not familiar w/ Orchestra, first chair is considered the "premier" sitting spot. Basically you're one of the most advanced players and usually you have most of the solos. Alissa did have a small solo in one of the songs and she sounded wonderful! I remember the first time she played Viola for all of us. We were at my parents house and she played some random song. It was... clear she was new. The difference between now and then... wow!

I am seriously so incredibly proud of these kids! I can't believe how big they are all getting.

Braving Black Friday

2011-11-27T00:49:00.000-08:00

I've come to realize that people have very strong opinions about shopping on Black Friday. Me? I don't really care about it either way. Sure, there are things on sale and a few killer deals out there but chances are, I am not looking for any of that stuff. Plus, most of the items will continue to be on sale until the end of the Christmas holiday.

On the way home from Nana's house I thought I'd cruise by a few stores, just to see what it was like. Jared is a sweetheart and offered to go to Toys R Us with me Thursday night. He was worried about me being out late by myself. The line was insane! I mean, wrapped around the building and the whole nine yards. Lines longer that those at Disneyland. No thanks! Plus it was cold and I am a wimp when it comes to cold. I didn't need or want anything that bad.

I slept toasty warm in my bed then heading to KMart Friday morning about 6am. Unfortunately I have aquired the "early riser" trait form my mom. So I wandered the store and found a few things that I had been looking at. The store wasn't busy at all. I had zero waiting in line to check out.

My oldest brother, Jimmy, called to let me know a particular item I had been looking for was at the Target in Escondido. They grabbed one for me and I went down there. I was shocked at how empty the store was. I thought it would be crazy. I walked around for a bit and checked off more items from my list. It felt like a normal shopping day at Target. The shopping center also had a Toys R Us. I was a little more nervous to go in there. People can be down right nasty when it comes to toys.

Much to my surprise, the store wasn't busy. Similar to the crowd at Target. I walked around and found everything I wanted. People helped me get things down that were too high for me, I helped someone pick up a display they knocked over. A few of us joked around about this and that. It was actually... fun. I know I won't get this lucky every year but I am happy with how this year turned out. It is really the first Black Friday I've ever tackled. I may or may not do it again next year.

I think a big part of it was my attitude. I didn't have to get anything or everything. I didn't have to spend hours upon hours looked for the one special item. I had a "well, let's see what happens" attitude. I have a lot of fun Christmas shopping. I know Christmas is not about the gifts but it is one small , fun, part of it. What really made my day great was being extra nice to those working at the stores and thanking them for their help and working on such a crazy day. I can only imagine the mean things people said to them at the wee hours of the morning.

With all that said, shopping is fun but I definitely don't want to miss out on the true meaning of the holiday: The Birth of our Savior, time with family, time to give, time with our friends, cherishing sweet moments. Every moment.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T17:36:00.000-08:00

I had hoped to snap picture after picture at our Thanksgiving get togethers but I was too wrapped up in the happenings. And you know what? I am perfectly ok with that!

My family celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day because of other holiday plans. I made my Grandma's stuffing and my fabulous Caramel Apple Pie. We had more food than we knew what do do with but it was oh so good!

As I sat on the smaller couch next to my oldest niece, Alissa, I took in everything around me. Things like:
*The fact Alissa is 13,sitting next to me having an adult conversation
*TJ running all around and being his normal fun loving 18 month old self.
*Justen teaching Peyton how to play Texas Hold'em.
* Peyton clinging to Justen because he is one of her best friends
* My siblings, parents and Jared all joking around and talking
* Playing games and laughing so hard you almost pee yourself
* Having the love of my life sitting next to me
* Alissa now playing the games with the adults because she's no longer a little kid (how'd that happen?)
* Endless hugs and kisses from TJ
* Justen telling me I'm beautiful
* Jessica's first turkey (it was awesome!!)

Thanksgiving Day was spent at Nana's house (Jared's Grandma). My parents joined us for the evening and again... so.much.food. I made the turkey. Scary. I made one turkey about 7 years ago and that's the extend of my holiday turkey making. To brine or not to brine... that was the question. So i kind of tweaked the brine recipe from the Pioneer Woman. I basically made the exact brine but reduced the salt to about 1/4 C instead of a cup and a half.

I'm glad I did. The turkey was incredible! Can I say that about my own cooking? oh well. It really was fantastic! :) I used a brining bag and put Mr. Thomas Turkey in there on Wednesday morning. I was cooking it at Nana's house so I just left it in the brine all the way to Nana's. Any idea how a brining bag fairs in a car? Not so great. Especially if you don't secure the twist tied opening so it doesn't hang over the pan. Know why? It drips. It drips for the entire 40 minutes you're driving and for the full 10 minutes you're in the grocery store. It makes your car smell of oranges, apple juice, garlic and rosemary. It drenches your seat (because you weren't smart enough to put it on the floor). yeah... secure the brining bag if you plan to travel with it.

Besides that, it was a wonderful holiday. Some of my favorite parts:
*Having my parents join us
*Nana and Grandma Loretta. They are such sweet women and have filled the void in my heart. I miss both of my grandma's. I love having both of Jared's in my life.
*My parents getting along so great with Jared's family
*Jared
*Jared's cousin Nicole, Step-sister Britt and nephew Trace being present. We don't see them enough.
*The fact that even if we tell Grandma Loretta to just bring one pie; she brings 5 pies, stuffing, sausage and a ham.
*Endless laughs

I love both of my families. I feel like this year I was finally able to take in everything and realize how blessed I am. I've always known I am blessed but it really sank in deep this year. I couldn't have asked for a better holiday. I think of my friends, family, co-workers and I can't help but just say "Thank You Lord". Sometimes I wish I could say more than that because a simple thank you just doesn't seem to be enough.

Being Thankful

2011-11-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

The rush of the holidays, the buzz of shopping, the constant traveling and endless cooking can sometimes over shadow the true meaning and joy of the holidays. If fact, life can over shadow daily blessings.

I'd like to be the first to admit I am "Guilty as Charged". Many times I think about all that I want and things I don't have instead of remember all of the things I do have and that so any things that I have wanted in life, have happened.

Last week I had a fantastic visit with my ~~old~~ oldest brother followed by a stop at my parents house. I had lunch with a good friend yesterday (aka Drill Sgt ...remember him?) and we had a great talk. Another friend stopped by work today. I am realizing more and more that quality time with my family and friends is really what I want. I have so many wonderful people in my life and so many good things, how can I be down about anything?

I look at what I have with my love, Jared. Man, he really loves me. Sometimes we argue and get annoyed with each other but it just makes us stronger. He sees the beauty in me that I have never been able to see in myself. He makes me laugh , a lot. We have fun doing anything and everything together. He's a good sport when one of my recipes doesn't go exactly as planned. He stifles a laugh when I trip but would be the first to help me up if I fall. He opens doors for me, picks up the check, wipes my tears away and holds me close. Since I started running, Jared has been my biggest supporter and never holds back telling me how proud he is of me. I couldn't have asked God for a better man in my life.

I have my older brothers that have always been there for me. No matter how old ~~they~~ we get, I will always be their baby sister and they will always protect me. They are my voice of reason when I need it and they have always always believed in me. My sisters in law are just as wonderful and I love spending time with them. They allow me to vent and cry and I return the favor when needed.

My parents are some of the most caring people I know. Especially when it comes to their kids. To this day, they will drop everything to help one of us. Not many people can say that. Especially once they are adults.

I have some pretty incredible friends. At any given moment, they are ready with words of encouragement, hugs, laughter, good food, etc. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my friends. Even if we don't get to spend loads of time together, our hearts remain close.

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by love. Incredible love. Unconditional love. There is so much negative in world these days like stress over money, job worries, divorces, death of a family member... it really makes me stop and think about all that I have.

Thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for bringing a richness and a joy to my life that no one else can. What are some of the things you are thankful for?

Cookies for a Cure: Update

2011-11-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

This is a little late in coming, oh well.

I thought I made a lot of cookies last year. I was wrong. This year I made a lot of cookies. I am still in shock over how the orders just poured in. The first weekend I worked on cookies, I thought I was maybe starting to lose my mind by doing these cookies. By the following weekend I was sure I had lost my mind for doing this.

If you remember, I was making and selling cookies to raise money for Autism, Breast Cancer and Leukemia/Lymphoma

For Autism $60 was raised
For Leukemia/Lymphoma $25 was raised

I knew the Breast Cancer awareness cookies would be the big fundraiser. It always is. The grand total raised this year was:
$700!!!!!!! That is just amazing! A few people donated but did not order cookies with their donations. This year I made 62 dozen cookies.

SIXTY-TWO dozen cookies. I did the math for you... that is 744 cookies! All hand decorated and personalized. It was a lot of work but when I think about my friend Tanya's best friend that just passed away last month from breast cancer, Nancy who is like a second mom to me, my good friend Cory's mom, Katie's Aunt, my former Captain Chris, those that have found lumps that have turned out to be nothing and those who are waiting to hear what those lumps are... it is all worth it.
Here are some pictures of the cookie madness. Want to know whats even crazier? Not a single one of these pictures is a duplicate. There's one picture from each batch of cookies I made.

Look closely and you will notice cookies are stacked by 6 on the tables

A Special Gift

2011-11-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

I have this friend. She's pretty darn amazing. I met her back in high school (maybe even Jr high?). We were choir nerds together. That's a bond that can stand the test of time.

Her name is Katie.

We are both grown ups now and live on opposite ends of the country. Thanks to a healthy addiction to social networking, we got back in touch. She is a runner but at one point in her life, she wasn't. She set out on a journey to lose some weight, which she did. She started running about 2 years ago and she has been unstoppable ever since.

On Sunday November 6, 2011 Katie finished the New York City Marathon. She ran and completed TWENTY-SIX miles!!! How many of us can say that? Not many! I tracked her run through out the day on the ING website. It was pretty fun to check up on her progress and cheer her on from Southern California. I "watched" closely at the end as she crossed the finish line. I even cheered a little.

I am extremely proud of Katie. Running a marathon is no easy feat and she inspires me to keep running. Katie has been a huge motivator and resource with my running. She's passed along a training plan for a half marathon, which I intend to follow in order to complete the Rock & Roll Half Marathon in June 2012. She asks me how my training is going, gives me pointers, reassures me when I feel like giving up or I can't do it. I am blessed to have Katie and a few others that run to help me along the way.

Because I am proud of Katie and think completing a marathon is a pretty big deal, I wanted to do something special for her.

I happily follow this blog and came across a recipe for "Marathon Cookies". Follow the link I attached and it will take you to the original recipe. I swapped out a few items ( I just couldn't find Chair seeds and the through ofbuying dates makes me gag...sorry Liz!). The recipe has 26 ingredients: 1 ingredient for every mile ran.

I watched Peyton and Tyler the other day so I had Peyton help me out with the cookies while Tyler was napping.

She's 3, almost for so she's a "big girl" now and can help pour stuff into the mixing bowl. I plopped her onto the step ladder and we started working.

As I chopped some of the items, she informed me that I could put them in the measuring cup and she would dump them into the bowl.

She tried to scoop the flour and oatmeal, all by herself, out of the containers. It took about for scoops from each container to reach the amount we actually needed to add. She did great scooping the dough onto the cookie sheet.

I explained to her that these were special cookies for my friend Katie. "That's my mommy's name!", was her reply. I told her they were called Marathon Cookies and she repeated the name a few times. After the cookies were out of the oven I asked Peyton what kind of cookies we made. "Chocolate Chip". Oh the brain of a 3 year old!

I couldn't let her make cookies and not let have one...What king of auntie would that make me?

Shortly after they munchkins went home, I packaged the cookies up and shipped them off to New York for the marathoner to enjoy.

Congratulations Katie! I am SO proud of you!!

Here's my version of the Recipe:

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup quick oats
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter chips
1/4 cup chopped peanut butter cups
1/4 cup chopped pretzels
1/4 cup chopped banana chips
1/4 cup chopped apple chips
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup dried blueberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Beat the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla; mix until creamy.

In separate bowl, stir the flour, graham cracker crumbs, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Fold the remaining ingredients into the cookie dough.

For large cookies, use a 2 1/2-inch cookie scoop to drop the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 12 to 14 minutes, until deep golden brown.

Holiday To-Do

2011-11-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays. Mostly Christmas but I enjoy Thanksgiving also. I feel that the Thanksgiving holiday gets the shaft every year. We amp up for Halloween then speed race past Thanksgiving and dive right into Christmas. I want to savor every moment I am able to spend with the people I love.

So I thought of some things I would like to do between now and the end of the holiday season. In no particular order:

* Host a "Crafts and Cocktails" night
* Buy a cup of coffee for a stranger
* Give to someone in need. i.e. "angel tree" or the like
* Linger in the mall while Christmas shopping, enjoying the decorations and music
* Spend an afternoon listening to Christmas music and wraping gifts
* Watch "Elf", "The Holiday", "A Christmas Story" and "The Family Stone"
* Watch classics like Grinch, Rudolph and Frosty with my nieces and nephews
* Bake cookies
* Attend December Lights
* Drive around neighborhoods, checking out Christmas lights/displays
* Make a special dinner for Jared and spend an evening decorating the Christmas tree
* Volunteer for a toy drive or charity
* Drive up to Julian and nibble on Apple Cider Donuts and sip hot coffee with my dear friend
* Mail Christmas Cards
* Attend Alissa and Justen's Choir/Orchestra/Band winter concerts
* Roast a turkey

It is a tall order but I am excited about it! What are some things YOU would like to do this holiday season?

Fall Fun!

2011-11-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Oh dear. I am so behind in my blogging!

Every year my family goes to the Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm. The place is crazy on the weekends but the fun we have more than makes up for that fact. Alissa is a teenager now so she's a little "too cool" to hang out with the family and look for pumpkins. She still goes along with it though (because she doesn't have a choice). Justen is still really into it even though he is getting older as well.

Peyton is almost 4. She is ALL about the Pumpkin Patch! This year she was anxiously awaiting the trip and once she got there she was ready to dive feet first into pumpkin hunting. Unfortunately Jared and I were running a little late so every time she asked " When can we go look for our pumpkins?" The reply from the other adults was "As soon and Tee Tee and Jared get here". We were only about 10minutes late (darn bicyclists on Lake Wohlford Rd!!) and when we walked up, she grabbed my mom's hand and headed for the pumpkins. She was clearly upset with us for being late. No hugs, no smiles... nothing. Who knew a 3 year old could hold such a grudge. especially when it came to pumpkins? She finally eased up on us and we received hugs,smiles and giggles from her.

Tyler was still a little unsure what to do but he had a great time "pushing" the wheel barrow.

There's always tons of fun with face painting (apparently she's not too cool to do that every year).

The Petting Zoo

Horse Carriage ride

And the annual King Family photos.

The following day we did our annual Baking and Pumpkin Carving. Peyton and Alissa joined us in the kitchen this year while the men folk wrestled the pumpkins into carving submission.

Alissa manned the cupcake making. The batter was a little thicker than normal and none of us older ladies are sure why, exactly, that happened. But hey, they tasted good!

Peyton helped Tee Tee make turtles. She placed the pecans on the cookie sheet for me. She was quite proud of herself. She learned what a Pecan was and that they didn't taste very good by themselves. Once I told her they taste better with caramal and chocolate, she was excited about this news and quickly shared with her daddy.

At the end of the day we celebrated my dad's ~~85th~~ 58th birthday.
It was a super fun-filled weekend. I love my family!

Turkey Meatballs

2011-10-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Some people wrinkle their nose at the thought of using ground turkey instead of ground beef. If you cook it right, it is delicious! Have you tried my turkey burger recipe? Even my best friend's husband like them!

I am still trying to lose weight but more importantly I am simply trying to eat better. I have a weakness for all types of junk food and if I am not careful, I will end up on The Biggest Loser. I'd rather make changes now and avoid crying, screaming and sweating on national television!

Tonight I wanted spaghetti and meatballs. That's a rare thing for me but tonight it was my dinner of choice. Here's what I threw together: (amounts are approximate because I didn't measure as I went, sorry)

20oz Lean or Extra Lean Ground Turkey
1 1/2 C bread crumbs
2 Eggs (or you can use just egg whites)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp Ground Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt - Just a dash or two
2 tbsp italian Seasoning (or a mixture of dry basil and oregano)

1) Preheat oven to 375
2) Line a baking pan with foil and lightly spray with non stick spray
3) In a medium size mixing bowl, mix eggs and ground turkey until well comined
4) Add the bread crumbs to the mixture until well combined
5) Add in all of the seasonings and mix well
6) Scoop up about 1/4c of the mixture and form it into a ball. Add more for larger meat balls or less for smaller
7) Place meatballs on baking sheet, evenly spaced apart
8) Bake 20-25 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle.

Next time I might add a little bit of onion, shredded zucchini and shredded carrots to bump up the nutrition value.

I ate mine with whole wheat pasta and tomato basil pasta sauce. Happy Tummy!

Running Truths, As I Know It

2011-10-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I am a "runner" now? I don't even know if I can be put in that category quite yet. I am working on it though. You know what I have learned so far?

1) It's hard. Really hard.
2) I sweat a lot and its gross
3) Sometimes I have to mentally push myself
4) Sometimes I have to push myself physically
5) I'm a heavy breather. Atleast for now. Hopefully that will change
6) I don't know if I can do this, most days
7) I feel good when I am done with a run
8) I am going to stick to this and not give up
9) The shoes are the most expensive shoes I've ever owned and ever will
10) It requires a whole new wardrobe
11) My recovery after a run is WAY better than it was when I first started running. I am thankful for that.
12) When I finish the 15K, Half Marathons and multiple 5K runs, I will have accomplished many things that I never EVER thought I could do.
13) A support system of friends and fellow runners is absolutely essential
14) Properly hydrating and fueling my body is necessity
15) It's hard. but I am doing it!

I'm learning and pushing myself and growing. It is a conscious decision to get out and pound the pavement every day.

More Change

2011-09-20T02:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I changed the design (again). I wasn't sold on the last design. The green was a little much for me. It was cute but didn't seem quite right. So here I am, playing around with things. I am a simple girl. So... what do you thing about THIS design comapred to the bright greenw/ polka dots and a bow?

The Farmer's Market

2011-09-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to find a good Farmers Market for some time now. Produce in the grocery stores can be expensive and it just doesn't last very long. When Jared and I went to the Strawberry Fields last year, we were amazed at how long they lasted. The ones I get from the grocery store last only a couple of days.

I also like the thought of more organic produce. I am not going to go crazy and buy organic everything but it definitely can't hurt to buy more than less.

My friend, Heather, and I went to the Rancho Bernardo Farmers Market a couple weeks ago. I was on the hunt for some white flowers for Michelle's Baby Shower.

I first heard about the Rancho Bernardo Farmers market from my friend, Morgan. She goes frequently and always raves about it on Facebook. So I asked her if they sell flowers at that one. She said they do and told me exactly where to go.

I was in flower heaven!!

They smelled amazing and I found exactly what I was looking for!

Heather even found some gorgeous gerber Daisies for her mom.

We explored the produces and it all looked so incredible. I didn't have enough cash on me so I didn't buy any but I definitely plan on going back! I mean, look at this... how can you resist?

Pardon me... I must go. I'm drooling...

The Longhorns

2011-09-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

Jared's nephew, Tyler, plays Pee Wee football. This year he is on the prestigious Lakeside Longhorns. He isn't very buff but they put him on the offensive line. He's a tackle or something. Don't ask me, I am not up on my football terminology. Regardless, the boys that usually play that position are usually bigger than Tyler is.

Jared and I have had the opportunity to go to some of the games this season. So far they've had a great season. I think they have only lost one or two games. Ty is #50 so we are constantly scanning the sidelines for a glimpse of our favorite player.

His little sister, Kailyn, is a cheerleader for the younger division but she has a great time cheering on her big brother.

I love being part of Jared's family. They remind me so much of my own amazing family. I have prayed for years for the family I would marry into and God has certainly blessed me in that area. I love having more nieces and nephews to spoil and dote on! The only hard part is having two nephews named Tyler.

Have You Seen My Marbles?

2011-09-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

I think I may have lost them! I have been toying with the idea of running another 5K race. It was a goal I set for myself this year and I've done two!

My friend, Crystal, let me know about a 15K race coming up at the end of March. A 15K is 9.3 miles for all of you non-runners. It is hosted by Ghiradelli Chocolate and the after party has chocolate fondue etc. How could you go wrong?

A couple of my runner friends told me that if I can run a 15K, I might as well go big and run a half marathon. HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAhA !

ME?!

13.1 miles. Dear God help me.

I have been given a 16 week training plan to follow. Thankfully I have about 6 months until the 15K and 8 months until the Half Marathon.

So here's my race schedule for the next 9 months or so:

Wed December 28th, Bumble Bee 5K (a Holiday Bowl Event)
Sat March 3, Finish Chelsea's Run 5K
Sat March 25, The Hot Chocolate 15K
Sun June 3, Rock N Roll half Marathon

Yep... I've lost my marbles. Please, someone, help me find them.

A New Name, A New Look

2011-09-12T02:38:00.000-07:00

Well the votes have been tallied and the winner has been decided.

New Blog Title: " Faith, Love and Frosting"
Winner: My sweet friend, Krys De Scribner

I really loved this title when she suggested it. So much so that I almost called off the whole voting thing. Then there were a few other suggestions like "Sweetest Days" that I also really liked. There's no way I could have decided for myself. So Thank You, dear readers, for your votes and many suggestions. I had a lot of fun with this.

I have been editing and changing and tweaking the new design for the blog. What you're looking at it what I have come up with so far. What do you think? I am not 100% sold on it so next time you visit, it may look different. We shall see.

10 Years Ago...

2011-09-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

9.11.01 Never Forget.

Ten years ago I was a Resident Assistant and Sophomore at Vanguard University. I was up early getting ready for class. It was a normal morning. Until the knock on my dorm room door. Pounding is more like it. Pounding and yelling. A lot of yelling. "Shannon we are under attack! The United States is under attack". The girls from my floor gathered around a tiny television set and watched the footage. Shortly after my mom called to check on me. We only talked for a few minutes and I remember regretting that later in the day. Everything was so uncertain and I had only spent maybe 5 minutes on the phone with my mom.

I proceeded to class where everyone sat in silence. Tears flowing , eyes big with fear and uncertainty. Our professor could barely speak. We joined in prayer as a class then proceeded to Chapel where the entire school gathered and prayed. And prayed. And prayed some more.

Ten years later the emotions are just as raw. The memories just as alive.

This morning I stood in my shower and cried. Grieving, like it just happened today, for the thousands of lives lost. Civilians, Fire Fighters, Port Authority, Police Officers, and Military. Not only on that day but since.

What was meant to cause chaos, fear and uncertainty drew a Nation together. We've stood strong, fought back and overcome.

I will never forget 9.11.01. I will remember every day for the rest of my life. To those that gave their lives that day and who continue to fight for our freedom and serve our cities/states/country... Thank You.

Project Pay It Forward

2011-09-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

I am starting something today. I loaded a starbucks card and I am going to mail it to a friend. Along with the card will be a note with instructions. This is what it will say:

"Dear Friend,

You came into mymind today and I thought how nice it would be to sit down, have a cup of coffee and catch up on life. Although we live far apart, you are never far from my mind. I have chosen you to be part of "Project Pay It Forward". Here's how it works:

1) Take this Starbucks card and buy yourself (or someone else) a cup of coffee, on me
2) Add $5 (more if you want) to the card
3) Write your name, city and state on the back of this letter, in one of the slots
4) Mail the card and letter to a friend that lives in a different city than you

The idea is to bless as many people as possible and reach all the way across the United States with one card.. In the end, the card and letter will return to the person that started it. "

This may or may not work but I thought it might be fun to try. When the card gets back to me, I will post all of the cities and states that the card traveled to.

Michelle's Baby Shower

2011-09-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

Some lovely ladies and I had the distinct honor of throwing our friend, Michelle, a baby shower. Michelle is pregnant with her second little boy and we are all so so excited. Michelle is probably one of the funniest people I know. Every time we get together, her stories leave me in stitches. She is also one of the sweetest people I know. If anything is going on in your life, she is the first one to step up and help with food, prayers, encouragement, support etc. She's also the one that encouraged me to run my first 5K race. She was my running buddy and encouraged me the whole way through the race. We are hoping to do the same race together in March, depending how she is feeling after the baby is born.

It was a small affrair with close friends and family but I love how everything turned out. I had been dying to make these tissue pom poms and the moment I finished the first one, I was 100 % sold on them. I love them. They are pretty and so easy to make. I wish I has gotten a better picture of them.

I've been on the sugar cookie kick (clearly) so of course I made cookies as the party favors

We had a dessert table instead of just a cake.

I tried to capture as many details as possible. We made it boy themed but put girlie touches like flowers and candles to make sure Michelle knew the day was about her. I hope you enjoy all of the little details like I did.

Cookies for a Cure

2011-09-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

Last year I started baking my little heart out in efforts to raise money for Breast Cancer awareness. They were sent as far away as Redding , California. 22 dozen cookies were made and about $130 was raised.

This year I am participating in a few different walks. Organizations that touch my heart. Organizations that support some people I love in some of their life's trials.

This year I will be making cookies for :

Autism Speaks

A Puzzle Piece (sorry no picture) They will be either red, blue or yellow and say "speak now" or personalized w/ a name.

Or Austism Ribbon Cookies:

(This is not a picture of the cookies I made, I forgot to take some. but they are similar)

Breast Cancer:

Pink Ribbons that say "Love" "Strength" "Hope" or personalized w/ a name. :

Bra "Save the Tatas" Cookies similar to this:

Leukemia Lymphoma Society "Light the Night" Walk.

Cookies are Purple Ribbons

Balloons on a stick(sorry no picture) that are White "In Memory" or Purple "In Honor of" personalized cookies.

Cost: $10/Dozen

To Order:

1)Make your donation online using one of the links about (names of organizations are hyperlinked for your convenience)

2) Notify me via email (jcskiddo@hotmail.com), comment on this blog or call/text me. I need how many dozen you want and if personalized, what you want them to say.

3) Let me know when you want them so I can arrange a time to meet you.

Let's Vote!

2011-09-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

OK Folks, the choices for my new blog title are up! You can find the poll on the top left of this blog page. Can you see it? I will leave the poll up for one week and the one with the most votes will win. The person that came up with the winning name will recieve a homemade gift from me.

I'd like to say Thank You to all of you that posted ideas. I chose my top 4 favorites. I liked all of the suggestions but I want something that represents all aspects of my life, not just my ridiculous addiction to baking.

I am excited to start re-vamping my little corned of the world wide web. Let the voting commence!!!

Thrift Storing

2011-08-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

I can't say I have ventured into many thrift stores in my life. I think there were a couple scattered trips during High School to look for Halloween Costumes or something of the like but beyond that they have been out of sight, out of mind.

I have a dear friend that find the best deals on clothes for her kiddos and super duper inexpensive stuff to satisfy her craving for crafts and creating. Every time she blogs about a good deal, it gives me tingles. Don't Judge me. You see, coupons and sales and % off and double coupons and clearance and free things make me happy. I'm getting all worked up over it this very minute!

OK... breathe...

So yesterday I met up with Jessica and 4 of my favorite little ones for some delicious Alaskan Mochas and soaking up some Vitamin D at the park. Between gulps and slurps of amazing frozen coffee, we got caught up on life and talked about crafts etc. She makes the most adorable fabric flowers! She was planning a trip to the Thrift Store after our park adventure and invited me to tag along.

I had no intention of purchasing anything but I knew I still needed to get a couple items for a baby shower this coming weekend. Lucky for me I found the things I needed at the Thrift Store. A basket($0.59) to hold party favors and a tea cup and saucer set ($1.99) that will be used as a serving platter. Apparently Wednesdays are 50% off days so I spent a whopping $1.43 on my items. I'm pretty excited about it. Maybe too much.

The Name Game and a Giveaway

2011-08-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ok soo here's what I want... a new name for my blog. I am working on a full blog makeover. It will take time though.

What I am hoping for:
1) Legit name options. Things that represent me, my faith, my job, my hobbies ... things along those lines.
2) LOTS of options

After the ideas are given, I will post a poll on my blog for you, the faithful few, to vote on. I know this doesn't sound super exciting (yet) but the person that comes up with the winning name, will also win a prize: A homemade gift, from me to you. A Big ole THANKS! How does that sound?

So make sure you put your name and email address when you add the comment with your name idea.
*** Please make comments on blogger only, not facebook. It is too hard to go back on facebook and see who left comments.*****

A Little Bit of Change

2011-08-21T03:50:00.000-07:00

You may or may not have noticed that I changed the look of my blog. It is still a work in progress. Truth be told, I don't really know what I am doing. I can peruse the basic layouts that blogger offers and click " add to blog" no problem. The thing is, I don't really love any of the backgrounds offered. Oh well. I will keep looking.

Something I've wanted to do for a while is change the name of my blog from "Adventures in Shannon". I want something that expresses who I am. Not just the baker in me or the dispatcher or my faith but something that encompasses all that I am.

Sadly, I am drawing a blank. So I come to you, my faithful few, to help me rename my blog. Leave a comment with your suggestions. After a little bit of time, I will choose my top 5 choices and have all of you vote on it.

And if anyone out there knows how I can venture from the very limited selection of blogger templates/backgrounds, please please puhhleeease let me know!

Sometimes in Life...

2011-08-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life things happen that kind of rock you. They make take a look at all you have in your life and remember that a bad day is simply that, a day.

I recently stumbled upon a blog and her husband passed away suddenly. She encourage everyone to make a Peanut Butter Pie in his honor and the blogging community stepped up and honored Mikey. (Please take a moment to follow that last link to see everyone that paid tribute. I hope it touches your heart like it did mine)
She has touched my life. I am so sad for her. It made me realize, even more, how precious life is. I cannot imagine losing Jared. The very thought makes my heart pound and tears fill my eyes.

Last month my fire family lost a dear friend. I can't believe it has been just a little over a month. It feels like yesterday but also a lifetime ago. So many people are still hurting and they are walking around in a fog.

A yound married couple I know is really struggling. One willing to throw in the towel while the partner fights with every bit of strength they have. They aren't communicating well and it is putting a huge strain on the relationship.

A friend is having to make a very difficult decision about a relationship in their life. Walk away or stay? Both options are very painful but which one is the best choice?

Three friends have just announced their pregnancies. They are all nervous, excited and occasionally puking. It is an exciting and joyful time. I am so happy for each of them!

Through all of these things, all of them have remained hopeful and positive. They remember all they have and all that is yet to come. Although I am sad for some of them, I find each of them so encouraging. They've reminded me how much I have and how blessed I am by the many wonderful people in my life.

I may not get to see my friends every day (or even talk to them) but they are still there. They always will be. I have a best friend that is beautiful, talented and has the most precious kids but we get very few days together. Regardless of time, we are in eachother's hearts and minds always. I love her and my life wouldn't be the same without her. I have a friend that emails me weekly to talk about life, God, the future etc. Even if we talk about the same things every week, I look forward to the emails. Some friends only contact me via facebook and thats how we keep up on eachother's lives. There are friends from high school and college that are always on my heart. Sweet people that I care about and know my life is better just by having them in it.

My family lives no more than 10 minutes from me but we don't get much time together. It stinks sometimes but that just makes our time together that much sweeter. No matter the time, day, place or specifications of the need, they will always be there for me and they will always drop what they are doing to help me or someone else. They bring a richness and a fullness to my life.

I have an incredible man in my life that would do anything for me and I for him. We've been learning alot from our Love Dare Devotional. We are communicating better, learning to be more patient and take everything one day at a time. He has a family that is wonderful and I love them. I couldn't ask for better (future) in laws.

I am blessed beyond measure. I am so very thankful. I love my life and I cannot thank God enough for all of you that are part of it.

Summertime Smoothie Series: Sunrise Smoothie

2011-07-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

I found this particular smotthie quite refreshing.

Sunrise Smoothie:

8oz Orange Juice

1 C Strawberries

1/2 C Raspberries

1/4 C Peaches

1/2 C Pineapple

I used frozen fruit and it got to be a bit thick so I added a few tablespoons of water. For added nutrients and to get in a serving of vegetables, I added 1 C fresh Spinach and 1 heaping tablespoon of grated carrots. I also added 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder since this was my post workout treat. Enjoy!

Summertime Smoothie Series: Pumpkin Pie

2011-07-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

I've noticed my recipes have been a bit ordinary so I thought I would experiment a little. This one may need some tweaking to suit your taste but I thought it turned out pretty good.

Who says Pumpkin Pie should only be around during the holidays? It is my favorite pie so why not give it a whirl?

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie:
8 Tbsp Canned Pumpkin*
1 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice**
2 Tsp Sugar
8oz Milk
Ice
* If you use "Canned Pumpkin Pie Filling" you can omit the Pumpkin Pie Spice
** If you don't have "Pumpkin Pie Spice" you can mix a combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, all spice for a similar taste.

This recipe isn't perfected yet but it is definitely a good start.

Summertime Smoothie Series: Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana

2011-07-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Oh YES!

I kind of feel like this recipe is an oldie but a goodie. I've never had a Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich and I don't know if I ever will but the combination works within the smoothie realm.

If the three ingredients together make you cringe a little, adjust it to your liking. Do Chocolate /Peanut Butter or Chocolate /Banana or Peanut Butter/Banana.

Chocolate/Peanut Butter/Banana:

1 Tbsp Peanut Butter

1 Ripe Banana

8oz Dark Chocolate Almond Milk (or us regular milk)

**or you can use chocolate syrup or chocolate protein powder to achieve the chocolate flavor**

Ice

Drink up!

Summertime Smoothie Series: Strawberry Banana

2011-07-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes keeping it simple is the best thing to do. This one is a tried and true recipe. Easy. Delicious.

Strawberry Banana:

3/4C Strawberries

1 Ripe Banana

1/2 tsp sugar (if the strawberries aren't quite ripe)
8oz Fat Free Milk (or water)
Ice

Next time I may add 4 oz of yogurt or some protein powder to make it just a little thicker.

Loss

2011-07-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

I don't understand death. I know it is a real part of life but the "why" is never fully explained. It is a question that only God can answer. It is an answer only God can fully understand.

Yesterday our Unit, City, State and Country lost a true hero. Colby was a fire fighter for Cal Fire and a Marine in the US Marine Corps. I can't say I knew him all that well but I am thankful I knew him. He was part of a family. Not just his wife and kids but the Fire Service family. A family that stretches across the state and across the country. A family structure that isn't always understood by people outside of the fire service.

I've had to shroud my badge many times in my (almost) 5 year career with Cal Fire. Too many times, in fact. But this time is different. This time I know the person, even if it isn't all that well. His will be the first department funeral I will attend, when the time comes.

My heart is so sad for his family and our Cal Fire family. It is a reminder that life is precious and we shouldn't take anything for granted.

New Cookie Cutters!

2011-07-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

One person probably shouldn't be this excited about something as simple as Cookie Cutters. But.. I am!
I follow the blog of Sweet Sugarbelle. She is so inspiring and has great tutorials.I'm starting to get the hang of "flooding" cookies.It is time consuming so I can't do it as often as I'd like plus it has been so blasted HOT! Even an avid baker like me can't stand turning on the oven for an hour to make cookies.

Last week I was reading another blog I follow and it linked up to a website that sells cookie cutters. I decided to check them out and I fell in love. Big Time.

Depending on where you go, cookie cutters can range from $2-$4 or higher. A couple years ago I got a set of 101 cutters and it has every letter/number possible and a few shapes for each holiday. Sweet baking Supply has a few (ok, a lot) of different ones. And they are cheap!! I made a list of all of the ones I want. I will order some here and there until I have all of the ones I want.

I got the box in the mail yesterday and I was so excited. I opened it and found this:

They were wrapped neatly in tissue paper and sealed with their logo sticker. So cute. It felt like an extra special personal touch. The cutters themselves were tied in a simple bag with red and white stripe string.

Adorable.

I can't wait to start making cookies with them. This round I got a Puzzle Piece, Elephant, Lab Dog, Potted Flower, Cherries, Strawberry, Bee, and Ice Cream Cone. The site also has every color of sprinkle you could ever want so I ordered a bottle just to see how much you actually get. It is a little bigger than the bottle of sprinkles you can purchase in the grocery store but a lot less expensive. I think they were around $1.35- $1.50.

Now, if the weather would only cooperate, I could actually use these things.

Celebrating Two Years: Part 2

2011-07-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

For dinner Jared decided we would go to Troy's. A Greek restaurant in the Allied Gardens area. We had our favorite appetizer of "Soggy Nachos" (the real name is Saganaki)

Fresh Pita bread and sizzling hot cheese...oh so good

We enjoyed Gyros, Rice Pilaf, Chicken and Beef too. I love that place.

Since Jared and I each planned half the day, he was in charge of planning something after dinner.
Jared hasn't had the greatest track record when it comes to planning stuff. He's not a planner by nature so it really means a lot when he plans something. Unfortunately things just happen when he does. He planned an outing to Balboa Park for Valentine's Day, it rained. He planned a trip to the zoo, he got a flat tire. This time... he planned a bon fire and smore's on the beach after dinner.

He may or may not have forgotten a blanket to sit on and skewers to roast the marshmallows on. Oops. We stopped by the store to get the ingredients for dessert and we were certain we would find a couple beach towel and metal skewers.It is summer after all and those are staples for just about anyone , right? We struck out at Vons but we just knew Rite Aid would have what we needed. We did one lap and found nothing. We split up and searched every aisle. Nothing. We finally settled on wooden skewers and Jared promised to hold mine so I wouldn't catch on fire. There were no beach towels or blankets anywhere in site so we settle on a couple of $10 beach chairs. If I hadn't been wearing a dress, we would've just plopped down on the sand.
45 minutes later we were on our way to the beach. When we got there we found there were no fire pits available. We saw one from a distance so we high tailed it over there only to be beat out by a couple of guys that were about 50 yards ahead of us. Darn it.

Dessert plans set aside, we walked along the boardwalk for a while and stood by the jetty. It was the same place we went after our first dinner date. I was still in the mood for dessert so we walked through Belmont Park and found an ice cream shop. The lady scooping ice cream was quite generous with the servings. I kid you not, we each got about 4 large scoops. We could have shared one. regardless, it was delicious.

We couldn't help but laugh about the fact that when Jared plans, something goes wrong.
On Saturday we did a bit of a do-over date at my place. We made dinner, watched a movie and made ghetto smore's.. aka roasting marshmallows over a candle.

They weren't fancy and they weren't on the beach over a bon fire but boy did they taste good! We decided next year we are just going to stay home and chill.
Happy Anniversary Jared. Thank You for everything you have brought to my life. I love you!

Celebrating Two Years: Part 1

2011-07-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

On July 1st Jared and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. Two years... wow. Where has the time gone? We decided to split up the planning responsibility so I planned the first half of the day and did the last half.
I wanted to plan something I knew he would really like.

Much to my ~~dismay~~ elation, there have been an abundance of comic book movie that have come out this summer. Thor, The Green Lantern, X-Men First Class, and soon Captain America. We've seen the first two and I knew Jared wanted to see X-Men so I looked up show times and we went. I will be honest, I didn't love it as much as I did the first ones. I was confused on who was who. What is it with doing the prequel after the other movies? For those of us that don't follow comic books, it is a little frustrating. Oh well. I am sure I will watch it again some day... 20 years from now.

After the movie we headed to the Birch Aquarium. Jared has always enjoyed the aquariums at Sea World so I knew he would like this. I thought the place would be bigger but we enjoyed ourselves. We saw a lot of strange things like:

Rock Fish

Entirely too many types of jelly fish...

An Octopus:

It is in the top Left corner

Leopard Sharks and a Giant Sea Bass:

And some really beautiful aquariums and tide pools:

We also had a great view of the ocean:

We were only there a couple of hours but we definitely had a good time!

The Reptile Show

2011-07-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

You know you really love someone when you go to a place that hold your worst nightmare withing its four walls. I don't like reptiles. Especially snakes. They scare me and creep me out. Unfortunately I have a boyfriend that really likes reptiles. Joy.

A couple weeks ago the "Reptile Super Show" was in town.. exciting, right?...

I knew Jared would want to go so in an attempt to be a good girlfriend, I told him about it. Surprise of all surprises... he wanted to go.

So, we went.

I did find this ginormous Iguana kind of facinating. Simply because of its size. I couldn't tell it was real at first. Then it moved.

Rest assure I did not get as close as this picture seems. Thank you Lord for zoom.

I stood well back while Jared investigated the many many many MANY (too many!!!) species of snakes they had on hand.

I didn't even bother going down this aisle. Talk about my worst nightmare...

Yeah, those are all snakes. That's not ok.

I didn't want Jared to rush through the show on my account so I hung back near these guys so Jared could take his time looking around.

If you can't tell, that's a tortoise of some kind.

It wasn't all bad. Aside from the hundreds of snakes and huge spiders, There were a few things that were sorts of cool to see.

Like this:

And these little guys (so cute!)

Jared had a great time to it was well worth the couple hours of ~~torture~~ reptiles. If I had the chance, I would do it all over again simply because I love him.

Tuscan Garlic Chicken

2011-07-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

I made this last week for Jared and I. He's not a fan of bell peppers (weirdo) but he just picked them out and went on about the business of eating. I cheated a little bit with the one I made so I will post my version for you.

Original Recipe can be found here.

Here's my re-vamped recipe:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (about 4-5 cloves)
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips or chopped
6 ounces fresh spinach
1 Jar pre-made Alfredo Sauce (I used Classico Foiur Cheese Alfredo)
3 TBsp Milk
1 pound fettuccine

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a shallow pie plate or similar dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, basil and oregano. Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture until both sides are well coated.

In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat until the oil is hot and shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden and browned but not cooked all the way through.
Place chicken on a foil-lined, lightly greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. I let it sit for about 5minutes then cute the chicken into pieces. It was easier to eat that way.

While the chicken is cooking, heat a large pot of water to a boil and add the noodles, cooking until al dente. Also, wipe out the skillet with a couple paper towels and return it to medium heat, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and bell pepper, sauteing for 2-3 minutes.

Add Jar of Alfredo sauce to the garlic/peppers skillet and stir. Slowly add the milk. Add more milk if you want the sauce to be slightly thinner. Add the Spinach and let it simmer about 5 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't curdle.

Drain the past and return it to the pot. Drizzle with olive oil so it doesn't stick together
Top with breaded chicken the douse with sauce. Enjoy!

Summertime Smoothie Series: Strawberry Lemonade

2011-07-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

The word "Lemonade" exudes Summer. An even better version? Strawberry Lemonade.
My mouth is watering already.

1/2 Tsp lemon Zest
1 Tsp Lemon Juice
8 oz Lemon Yogurt (Fat Free)
3/4 C Strawberries
6 oz Water (or fat free milk)
Ice

Garnish with a whole strawberry and bendy straw and enjoy out on the front porch while watching the kiddles swim.

Summer Smoothie Series: Berry Bliss!

2011-06-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Antioxidants anyone? This smoothie full of them! And delicious to boot.

Berry Bliss Smoothie:

1/3 C Blueberries
1/4 C Raspberries
1/3 C Blackberries
1/2 C Strawberries
1/3 C Cooked Oatmeal
1/4 C Fat Free Milk
1/4 C Water
Ice, If needed.

Blend until smoothie and enjoy! Add a scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder for an added boost of protein or a handful of fresh spinach to get in a serving of vegetable. You won't be able to taste the spinach. (psssstttt neither will the kids!).

Summer Smoothie Series: Breakfast Tropical Fruit Smoothie

2011-06-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

To get this series kicked off, i thought I would go ahead and post a recipe today.

I think the following one of my favorite fruit combinations. Very summery and tropical. Calgon take me away...

1/2 C Frozen or Fresh Peaches
1/2 of a large Banana (or a full small one)
1/3 C Pineapple Chunks
1/3 C Fresh or Frozen Mango
4 oz Orange Juice
4oz Water (or fat free milk)
Ice (if you're not using frozen fruit)

Possible additions: 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder, Peeled/Sliced Cucumber, Shredded Carrots, 1/2 C Yogurt

Toss all of the ingredients into the blender and blend for approx 35-45 seconds, longer if needed.

New! Summer Smoothie Series

2011-06-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

It's hot. Not just warm. Hot. Like step out of the shower and instantly start sweating hot. I'm not a fan.
With the heat climbing every so far, it has given me even less motivation to work out or cook or do... well, anything.

I have been trying to think of meals/snacks that are quick, easy,cool and budget friendly. What is more refreshing that a nice cold smoothie? So this summer I will be posting a new smoothie recipe every Sunday. They will be healthy smoothies, not full of ice cream or frozen yogurt and added sugars.

I took some time at the grocery store to compare fresh vs. frozen fruits. Of course, you want to buy fresh when you can but I think we all want to find the balance so you don't break the bank. At my local grocery store I compared the following prices:
Blueberries: 6oz fresh- $2.99, 16oz Frozen- $3.99
Raspberries: 6oz Fresh- $3.99, 12oz Frosen- $2.99
Blackberries: 12oz Freh- $5, 16oz Frozen- $2.99
Strawberries: 4lbs Fresh- $5, $16oz Frozen- $3.99
Mango: 1 Piece fruit- $1, 12oz Frozen- $2.99
Peaches: 8oz Can -$1.99, 16oz Frozen- $2.99
Pineapple: 8oz Can- $1.49, 12 oz Frozen-$2.99

One of these days I want to get out to our local Farmer's Market. Maybe I can find even better deals there. There are a lot of items I didn't list like apples, orange juice, vanilla protein powder, carrots etc because I already have those on hand.

Smoothies are great for the kiddles too! They are fruity, filling and cold. It also gets them those added servings of fruits and vegetables that can be a struggle for some parents. What kid wouldn't want a milkshake looking drink with a bendy straw when it is 100+ degrees outside? Plus, the combinations are virtually endless and each recipe usually makes a decent quantity. I am hoping to experiment a little by adding some vegetables, cooked oatmeal, protein powder and flaxseed meal etc to some of the smoothies for added nutrients. I am pretty stoked about this series. I hope you are too!!

Sweet Summertime

2011-06-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

It is officially Summer. Although I am not a lover of the 100+ heat, I enjoy the longer days and cool breeze of the evenings. I don't generally do too much during the summer months (other than work) but this year I want it to be different. I want to do stuff like :

* Drink more lemonade and iced tea
* Lay on the couch with my love, a lot.
* Visit the Birch Aquarium
* Go to Sea World and see the new Sea Turtles Exhibit
* An evening on the beach cooking smore's
* BBQs with friends
* Quality time with my best friend
* Take my nieces and nephews to the Zoo/Wild Animal Park
* Picnic
* Do a 30 day photo project
* Do the P90X program ( I know... not exactly fun but definitely a goal)
* Color with some kiddos
* Read
* Try a new restaurant or two
* Walk on the beach
* More Ladies Nights Out

I've Been "Biebered"

2011-06-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

OK don't hate me for selling out to this "teen sensation". Not all of his music is annoying. In fact, he really does have a great voice and is quite talented. I can't bash the 12 year old girls that burst into tears at the sound of him clearing his throat. Fact is, in High School my friends and I ~~were obsessed~~ enjoyed some boy band music. We may or may not have spent countless hours making signs for the concert or driving around San Diego like lunatics trying to win the Channel 93.3 scavenger hunt. There were front row tickets and back stage passes at stake, after all. We may or may not have shed a tear (or two) during "God Must Have Spent".

So when I heard this Justin Bieber song and watch the video, I sort of found a small place in my heart for the kid. It is a beautiful song and, in my opinion, a thought provoking video. It shows things we don't want to think about. We know they exist but as long as we don't see them, all is good.

Take a few minutes and watch.

Cookies for Kayla

2011-06-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last week I ventured out on a labor of love. Katie's sister is halfway through her chemo treatments for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The medical bills are already stacking up so her friends and family in Northern California put together a huge benefit concert to help raise money for medical expenses.

I was unable to attend due to my work schedule but I wanted to do something. Sticking with what I know (and know well), I decided to put together cookie bags for them to sell. Little did I know they were expecting somewhere between 300-500 people at the event. That is a lot of cookies!

I knew I couldn't make that many bags but I was going to do as many as possible. So Tuesday afternoon I began baking.

Wednesday I frosted and baked some more.

I used the 'flooding" technique where you outline the cookie then fill it in with a slightly thinner icing and let dry 8hrs.

Thursday evening I baked even more. This time Chocolate Chip cookies with purple M&Ms.

350 cookies later I was ready to start stuffing bags. I had to have them all tied up and perty by Friday morning. I was done stuffing bags by 1:15am so I called it a night...er uh morning.

Friday Morning, Mindi, came over to help me tie ribbons and attach tags.

Then off they went to Brian & Katie's for their trip up north.

175 bags of cookies made with nothing but love. Sounds like they were a big hit at the event. It was a lot of work but absolutely worth it.

A Tasty Giveaway: The Winner!

2011-06-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

It is that time! Time to annouce the winner of 2 dozen personalized cookies and 2 additional dozen cookies for a friend of choice. Drum roll please............................:

And the winner is:
Entry #1* CRYSTAL!!!

She wrote:
" Yay! I love this idea! My good deed for the day was: bandaging up a stranger's child at the Wild Animal Park today. I always carry my lil first aid kit and the little girl fell HARD, so we stopped and took some time to clean her up and put a (transformers) band-aid on her. :) "

What a wonderful and sweet thing she did for that little girl. I am sure her and her mama really appreciated it.

I loved hearing about your random acts of kindness. I will definitely be doing this again so don't get too bummed if you didn't win this time around. Keep your eyes peeled for more giveaways!

* I used random.org to generate a random number between the numbers of 1 and 6*

Congratulations Crystal!

Sticks and Stones

2011-06-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

Who ever came up with the phrase "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" was sadly mistaken.

Words are sharper than any knife, faster than any bullet, more dense and destructive than any bat or frying pan. Words reach into your heart and pierce the very center; leaving a gaping hole that takes a long time to heal. Days, weeks, months... sometime years. Words don't just have the power to hurt but to destroy. They have the power to take all sense of self worth, hope, trust, joy and peace right out from under you.

Usually I choose my words carefully but I do have a temper and I don't always control what I say. Whether I meant what I said or not doesn't matter. I still said it and I shouldn't have.

I've tried to live my life with no regrets. All of that has changed with one sentence. One sentence has made me regret the decision to speaks the words I didn't mean. In the process of my poor decision making, someone was hurt. Badly. I can't take the words back. I can't take the hurt away. I can't help but be so disappointed in myself for uttering words, that I didn't mean, while I was frustrated.

This has been the most aweful 24 hours of my life. I've hurt someone so precious and dear to me. I've tore a whole in the heart of a beautiful person that loves unconditionally and would do anything for their friends or family. I know how much I am hurting over this so I can only imagine how much worse it is for that person.

So friends, be careful with your words. Stop for a moment and think before you speak. Don't say things you don't mean. Learn from my mistake. The stakes are high and it is not worth the gamble.

A Tasty Giveaway!

2011-05-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do some type of give away for a while. I've had a hard time thinking of something fun to do so after thinking on it for a while I simply decided to stick with what I know: Baking.

Some lucky winner (chosen at random by random.org) will win two dozen personalized and decorated sugar cookies(or a different treat if you prefer) from yours truly. How does that sound? To make things even more fun, the winner can pick one friend to give/send a second set of cookies to. Who wouldn't like a random surprise package of cookies in the mail, right?

Here's how it is going to work:

1) Leave a comment below** telling me one random act of kindness you do this week
2) Leave a comment telling me when you have completed said task
3) If you do more than one thing for more than one person, let me know!
** Sorry folks, only comments made on the blog will count, no facebook comments.**
Each comment is a chance to win! Please include your email address in atleast one of the comments so I can notify the winner!

You have until Saturday June 4 at 11pm (Pacific) to enter.The winner will announced on Monday June 6th

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Last night I was asked what Memorial Day is. The technical definition is this:

me·mo·ri·al dayNoun

1. A day, the last Monday in May, on which those who died in active military service are remembered

What it really stands for is something so much more. So much deeper. It is a day to stop and remember, to be thankful and to be proud. Every military family sacrifices time with their loved one so that person may serve our great country and keep us safe.

For many (too many!) families, that hug or kiss before deployment will be the last one they will share for eternity. It is the last time they will utter the words "I Love You" to eachother in person. Our service men and women walk into battle with their heads held high and they game faces on knowing full well this could be the last battle they fight. Memorial day is a day to honor all of those that have the willingness to fight and possibly die for our country.

So on this Memorial Day will you stop for a moment and honor those that have served and are currently serving? Are you willing give thanks to God for those that defend our freedom and the families that sacrifice right alone with them?

Right here in this sacred moment, bow your head and give thanks with me.

P.S. I read this post the other day and it moved me to tears. If you have a few minutes, read it. It is a great tribute to our military and an eye opening glimpse into the lives of some military wives.

Strawberry Lemonade Scones

2011-05-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

When I saw this recipe for Strawberry Lemonde Scones, I had to give it a try. A few weeks ago I froze some fresh strawberries and I have been dying to use them. So I thawed and used those instead of fresh and freeze-dried strawberries. I also didn't have any Lemon Curd on hand so I used this recipe. It was so easy and didn't take much time!

Scones:
2 1/2 Cups Flour
2 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 Cup butter (chilled, not softened), cut into cubes
1 Cup diced Fresh Strawberries
1/2 Cup Freeze Dried Strawberries
1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 C Heavy Cream

Topping:
Lemon Curd
Sugar/Sanding Sugar
Cream

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. With a pastry blender, cut in butter cubes until mix is coarse crumbs. Gently add both kinds of strawberries and the lemon zest. Make a well in the center of mixture and set bowl aside.
2) In a medium bowl mix eggs and cream. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Gently stir until well mixed.
3) Place dough onto a well floured surface. Gently knead the dough by folding and fressing about 7 times, turning a quarter turn after each fold. Move dough onto a lightly floured parchment paper lined baking sheet. Pat dough into a 3/4in thick circle. Cut circle into wedges and separate slightly.
4) Brush each scone with cream and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 16-20 minutes.
5) Drizzle with lemon curd and sprinkle with sugar again or coarse sanding sugar. Makes 8-12 scones.

The Last Wedding Cake

2011-05-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday marked a bittersweet moment as far as cakes are concerned. I baked, decorated and built my very last wedding cake. Forever? Maybe, maybe not. For a while? Absolutely.

I know what you are going to say... "but you do such a great job!", " you can't stop making them, you're so good at it".

What a lot of people don't understand is how much work they are. It takes about 5 dozen eggs, 10 lbs of flour, 8-10lbs of sugar, 6 cups of oil, 10 table spoons of vanilla, 4 cups cocoa powder,1-2 cartons of pastry pride, 6 cups of crisco, 8 pounds of powdered sugar, various spices and flavor extracts, 8 hours of baking, 6 hours of mixing, 4 hours of decorating (depending on the details involved), an hour of leveling and an hour of filling and crumb coating and the entire space of my refrigerator. I can't go grocery shopping for 2 weeks leading up to making the cake because there won't be room for groceries and cake in my refrigerator. Plus hours of cleaning and dish washing.

This last cake for Cory & Heather pushed my stress level over the edge. The cakes weren't setting up like they normally do and the crumbs seemed excessive. On the day of the wedding the fondant stuck to the boxes so large chunks of findant were coming off while I was trying to set it up at the wedding venue. Thankfully I had some pure while buttercream frosting with me and I was able to patch everything make it look nearly flawless.

All that said, it has been an absolute honor and pleasure to have made so many wedding cakes. It is a special thing to be asked and be part of such an important day. I am proud of my work. There has , literally, been blood, sweat and tears involved with each and every cake.

So here it is:

Cory & Heather

2011-05-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

There's a new Mr. & Mrs. in town. My good friend, Cory and Heather, finally tied the knot on Saturday. They've been together around 6 years or so. This day was much anticipated by a lot of people. It was a beautiful warm day in Temecula.

Cory was the picture of calm before the ceremony. Honestly, I have never seen him so happy. He was even giving me a pep talk when the cake was trying to ruin my day.

Heather was a stunning bride and I could see the joy and excitement all over her face as she walked down the aisle towards her awaiting groom.

Jared had the chance to meet some of my Cal Fire family and I saw some old friends.

Some of the Cal Fire family in attendance: me, Kris, Cory, Heather, Merrick, Jason, Sean

Us and Mr & Mrs Buckley. One of my favorite couples!

There was good food, great company, dancing, music and toasty warm fire pits when the evening turned cool.

I even got to dance with my love :) He's not much of a dancer but the Groom requested all couples come out to the dance floor. How do you say no to the Groom when it is his special day? All in all it was a great time!

Congratulations Cory & Heather Costa!

Shopping!

2011-05-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

I don't think it comes as much of a shock to anyone that Jared and I are planning on spending our lives together. A few weeks ago he mentioned that we should go ring shopping sometime soon. This news was via text message so he didn't hear the squeal of excitement or see the happy jump I did in my kitchen. He did experience my pestering (I'm sorry again babe) and my not so subtle hints of "sooooooo what do you want to do today??"

On Friday he finally said we were going to go look at rings. This particular trip was not to purchase a ring but for me to try on different ones and decide what I like. Being a woman, I may have thought once or twice about what kind of ring I would want (Three stone round cut white gold band) but I actually found a few that were different form that, who knew!

We started out at the mall and cruised stores like Zales, Kay, Daniels, Levi & Sons and Helzberg. First of all, both Jared and I are aware that the mark up on the rings in these particular stores are pretty high so our rings probably won't be purchased at one of them. Secondly, every single sales person was exactly that, a sales person. Only one lady introduced herself to us before starting to show us rings. Only one of them asked what I like and what I had in mind. Even if I wasn't asked, I would tell them what I liked yet they still didn't show me those rings. They still went for the biggest stone possible and the most bling. I am a simple girl. I don't want anything too big or too flashy. So yeah, the almost 2ct giant Celebration Solitaire ring that the Zales lady showed me first thing, not so much. No joke, that was the first ring she showed me... without even asking my name or what I had in mind. See ya!
I had absolutely no problem walking out of every single store at the mall. We thanked them for their time and moved on. We went to probably 5 or 6 stores and it took less than an hour. I saw nothing that I liked. Some even asked if we had set a date. UMMM we aren't engaged yet... that's why we said " we are just looking today to see what I like". Guess that confused them?

I figured we were done ring shopping for the day so we headed to the Corvette Diner for some delicious lunch then to the Zoo in hopes of spotting the new baby Hippo. For the record, we did see the Baby Hippo. Like its legs and butt. He was being a little shy, the little booger.

The Zoo closed early and once we were in the car we tried to figure out what to do next. Jared said we could go look at more jewelry stores. Like I would say no to that?!? I think it took about 2.5 seconds for me to reach my phone and google San Diego jewelry stores. We were soon on our way to Robbins Brothers.

We were greeted immediately and soon after Judy , the sales associate, introduced herself and offered us water or a soda. She was very sweet and not pushy at all. She opened her folder and immediately asked what I would like and what my tastes are. She explained the process and eventually lead us over to start looking at rings. She stood back while I looked in the case and showed me the ones I asked about. After I started choosing rings, she made suggestions and showed me similar ones. Funny as it was, every ring fit my finger. Apparently I have an average size finger of size 6. WooHOO! Atleast something on my body is a size 6! Moving on...

Judy was very helpful. She took her time and explained everything along the way. She didn't get caught up in the designer mumbo jumbo that Jared and I wouldn't understand or care about. At the end there were 4 rings that I really liked. She had me place them in order 1-4. #1 was probably the first ring I tried on. I l-o-v-e-d it. So I ranked them and right away she said "ok let's be honest, the decision isn't between number 3 and 4 so let's put those away. Let's look at number 1 and 2". I was pretty impressed with that. When it came time to leave we explained that it was our first day looking and we weren't ready to settle on something. She was so understanding and gave Jared her card that had the product number of the ring I love.

In a total girl move, I started crying when Jared and I were alone and saying good bye for the night. I was overwhelmed with how wonderful the day was. In a matter of hours, reality set in that all of my dreams really are coming true. It is one thing to talk and talk and talk about it but it is a whole other ball game when the process actually starts happening.

Oh, and I may or may not have looked at that particular ring every day since I saw it.

Pineapple 5K

2011-05-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today I completed my second 5K run. This one was a little different from Chelsea's Run in March.
This one had a couple of these:

One of these:

These guys:

And so much much.

The Hawaiian theme run was hosted here:

Also known as Spanish Landing Park.

It was a fun and festive event help by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I ran for Katie's sister, Kayla. She is currently battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma and kicking its A** :). Kayla isn't the only one I was running for though. A friend of a friend's husband is a Lymphoma survivor, a classmate from high school is a Leukemia survivor and my teammate knows someone as well. I thought about every single one of those people while I was huffing and puffing it around the obstacle course.

I haven't gone running in many weeks. Too many, in fact. Today was a challenge but I did run most of it. I also completed most of the obstacles. The rope climb was kind of scary so I went up one side and down the same side instead of swinging my leg over and going down the other side. Visions of falling 10+ feel kept floating around in my head. There were two wooden walls that I just couldn't get over. They were too tall and my legs just aren't long enough. Staci was a champ and did all of them. The one thing I did that she didn't do (because only one person per team needed to do it) was take off our shoes and socks and wade into the frigid water of San Diego Bay. I had to put our Pineapple on a boogie board and pull the boogie board down the bay a little. Maybe 50 feet or so. Maybe not even that far. The water went to just above my knees. Good thing I wore Capri workout bottoms and brought a change of clothes! brrrr.

Yes, I wrote "Our Pineapple" a minute ago. The MC, Captain Jack Sparrow (or his really good double), announced just before the race started that each team had to carry a Pineapple with them through out the whole course. Why? Because it is the Pineapple run and it would just make the day that much more entertaining.

There were quite a few obstacles along the 3.1 miles.

Monkey Bars

Parallel Bars over pools of water (Miracle, I didn't fall in!)

Tunnels to crawl through

Rings to crawl through

Tires to climb over and more tires to run through

Pineapple Melon bowling

Pineapple ring toss

Hula Hooping

Tarzan Swing and so much more.

Staci and I had a great time! We are hoping to get a larger group together next year. Be ready to dress the part though:

Just because it is fun and everyone was decked out. One guy was even dressed as a Pineapple.

Here's one more of us and our Pineapple, Gary (named after a sponge bob character).

Thank You to everyone that donated for this run! Those generous donations raised $210 for my individual run. Overall our team raised $305 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Today, lives were touched and funds were raised to help beat these cancers.

Day 115 Thru Day 120

2011-05-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

Day 115:

Captain Dan is retiring from Cal Fire. I made a cake for his party.

Day 116:

Apparently there's this "Man Rule" that states you must have a beer while BBQing. So Jared enjoyed a cold one while he made is some steaks.

Day 117:
April 27, 2011 was a bittersweet dsay for those of us that work in the ECC. Captain Dan has been my Captain for the last 4 and a half years. Today was his last day with Cal Fire. Though all of us are excited for him and his new adventures, we are so very sad to see him go. We had a huge party to send him off.

Day 118:

Uncle Jared and I took Tyler to Sea World while Mommy and Peyton went shopping for his "Little Slugger" Birthday party. He was squealing and laughing at the Walrus. Adorable!

Day 119:

I always have a great time putting together cake for my precious nieces and nephews.

Day 120:
Easter Baskets w/ removable liners on clearance for $2/ each? Yes please. 2 pretty white baskets are now resting comfortably in my hope chest waiting for that very special day.

Tyler is ONE!

2011-05-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

My littlest nephew, Tyler, turned 1 on April 22nd. I can't believe how quick this past year has gone. It is still pretty easy to remember the day he was born but it feels like yesterday.

He is honestly one of the happiest kids I know, except when he is hungry. He has the most precious little grin that shows off his two bottom teeth.

Tyler is quickly becoming a charmer when it comes to the ladies. Those dimples and big eyes will get you every time. He's walking all over the place but is still finding he gets places faster if he crawls. One of these days he's going to get up and go and there will be no stopping him!

This past weekend we celebrated his first birthday with family and friends. It was a GREAT time!

He was a little unsure about the cake until daddy stuck his hand in it. I thought I was being nice by frosting it with white frosting. I figured it would stain less.

Even Big Sister was willing to help.

He liked it but when he was given a cupcake with blue frosting, he was all about it. What a stinker!

He wasn't so much into opening his mound of presents but all of the other kids were. This kid made out like a bandit. Where they will put all of those new toys is anyone's guess.

I think little man had a great time playing baseball and hanging out with all of his little friends.

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet boy! Auntie loves you so much!

Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-05-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

I made this and I fell in love. Hope you do too!

Ingredients:

2 Stick Butter, softened

1 C white Sugar

3/4 C Brown Sugar

2 Large Eggs

1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

3 1/2 C Flour

1 Tsp Baking Soda

1/2 Tsp Salt

3/4 C Chocolate Chips

1 Bag Reeses PB Cup Miniatues, the "big bag"

1) Preheat Oven to 350

2) Cream together Butter and Sugars until well combined

3) Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each additon

4) Add Vanilla

5) In a separate bowl blend together flour, salt, baking soda

6) Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined

7) Gently mix in the chocolate chips

8) Using a cookie scoop or large table spoon, take one scoop of dough, split it in half then place the peanut butter cup on one half of the dough. Place the other half of the dough on the top and form dough around the peanut butter cup. Place the ball of dough on the the cookie sheet.

9) repeat until you run out of dough or PB cups.

10) Bake 9-13 minutes. Let cool a full 5 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

** I have also used Rolos (2 candies per cookie) and I plan on trying with snickers minis as well**

Day 111 Thru Day 114

2011-04-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Day 111:
I started a walking group on Thursday Mornings. The first week was a good turn out. 5 ladies (including myself) and 5 kids. We walked a little over 2 miles around Oak Tree Ranch. It was a good time of chatting and laughing. I am really looking forward to the weekly meetings. Oak Tree is the perfect place to walk. No traffic, fully paved. The kids can run up ahead or stay right with us and they are safe.

Day 112:
This is Collin. He is the son of Ben. Ben is a fire fighter with Cal Fire. Collin took to me immediately and was quite sad when I left. He had some pretty funny facial expressions.

Day 113:
We had a family breakfast at Brian and Katie's the day before easter. I think little Mister really loves his Uncle Jared.

Day 114:
Jared made me dinner on Easter Sunday. Yuuuuuummmyyyy!

Whew! All caught up ;)

Day 106 Thru Day 110

2011-04-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Day 106:
Someone really loves the swings at the park.

Day 107:
This is my friend's dog, Mouse, she's a sweetheart.

Day 108:
I love putting stuff together for my nieces and nephews. It was especially exciting to put together Tyler's very first easter Basket

Day 109:
My neoghbor, heather, came down to my apartment to help me decorate Easter Cookies. We spent a few hours decorating (and breaking) cookies and chatting. When the Bunny ears keep breaking off, you just go with it.

Day 110:
I made these Minnie Mouse Cupcakes for my co-worker's 30th birthday. She was so excited. They were Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes.

Day 98 Thru Day 105

2011-04-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Day 98:
Sometimes the yarn decides not to work with you. Sometimes it decides that every 2 feet it will get all knotted up. Sometimes I just want to take scissors and cut it to pieces.

Day 99:
The new Karen Kingsbury book is out. I finished it in a day and a half. it only took me so long because I had to sleep.

Day 100:
Cinnamon Rolls for Jared and his co-workers. I am thinking it was a good day at work for them.

Day 101:
April 10-16th Marked "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week". aka Dispatcher Appreciation Week. Our Chiefs bought each shift a dozen Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries from Shari's Berries. Oh Yum!

Day 102:
My lovely friend, Emily, sent me a "happy Spring" box full of goodies. She's awesome!

Day 103:
Best. Jellybeans. Ever.

Day 104:
Me neighbors dog, Balou, napping in my apartment. He's so darn cute.

Day 105:
Someone has a big appetite

Inked

2011-04-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

Jared has wanted a cross tattoo for as long as I have known him. Longer really. So, when I found out a Cal Fire employee used to be a tattoo artist, I contacted him and asked what we would charge etc.

I really wanted to gift this to Jared for our 2 year anniversary in July but if you know me at all, I have the hardest time keeping secrets about surprises and things I am excited about. I held it in for maybe 24 hours, at most. He was so excited when I told him about it. We called Ben that night and made the appointment for the next day.

We got to Ben's house and they got to work right away.

I decided to watch the process and I have decided it is pretty cool. Ben made it looks so easy. At times it seemed like he was just coloring with a colored pencil.

I was afraid there would be a lot of blood or some gigantic needle that would put others to shame. Wrong. You couldn't tell if there was blood and the needle was unseen. Jared was a trooper. If it hurt, he didn't show it. He sat there and watched Ben but not once did he flinch. An hour and a half later, Ben was finished with the master piece

I know tattoos are a bit of a sensitive subject. Some people like them, others completely dislike them. Some people don't see the point. Regardless of how everyone else feels, Jared really likes it and I think it looks great. Maybe this will open the door for Jared to talk to his co-workers about God. Who knows.

Ben did a great job. It turned out better than we had both hoped.

13 Candles

2011-04-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

Day 97:

My oldest Niece, Alissa, turned 13 on April 6th. THIRTEEN.

Lock the door, draw the blinds, dig the mote, release the guardian dragon, load the shot gun, install the additional 52 locks and throw away all of the corresponding keys... my niece is a Teenager. A TEENAGER!! How is this possible?!!? Wasn't she just born like 5 days ago? What happened to that blonde hair, blue eyed fearless little girl that used to ride in my shopping cart?.

She is now a horse riding, nail painting, giggling about boys,

Day 91 Thru Day 96

2011-04-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

Day 91:
Another baby blanket under my belt and given to a mama to be.

Day 92:

Had a wonderful time celebrating the mommy to be, Amanda, her friends and family. So much pink at this baby shower!

Day 93:

My friend, Cory, is getting married in May. When I saw this shirt I immediately thought of him. Him and the guys at the station got a good laugh out of it. I know it is a ginormous pictute but I wanted you to see the "groom"s face on the shirt.

Day 94:

This is Jared's moms' cat, Taz. Don't let the face fool you. he is well fed and very loved.

Day 95:

"Oh, life is so rough..."

Day 96:

April 6th was the annual Burn Institute "Give Burns the Boot" boot drive. I hung out with my brother and his crew at the intersection of Lyons Valley Road and Skyline Truck Trail. Our Intersection alone raised about $2500

Dear Grandma

2011-04-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

My sweet, precious Grandma Covey,

How has it been 4 years since you left this earth and went to be with Jesus? How is it possible that I miss you just as much today as I did 4 years ago?

So many memories have been coming back to me lately. Visiting you at your house on Walnut St as a kid and walking around the property with you and Grandpa. The horse named "Dino" that I always assumed was named after the Flinstones character, though I don't even know if that is true. Your deep love for animals showed in every aspect of your life. Including the time you snuck back to Colorado to find the cat that had been left behind. Nevermind nearly dying on the way to California due to a severe allergy attack. You just had to go back to get that cat. (You're still grounded, by the way). You were so excited when I taught Molly how to give High-Fives. In typical Winnie Covey fashion, you spoiled her rotten by giving her treats every.single.time she did it.

You taught me how to sew crocheted granny squares together. A task that has enabled me to bless many people with blankets for their new babes. Thank you for that. Had it not been for you, I would have hundreds of granny squares laying around my apartment. Some maybe even doubling as coasters. I still have some of the yarn you left. I haven't brought myself to use it yet. Some of it still smells like you.

You tried to introduce me to every single Paramedic, male nurse or doctor you came in contact with. "Have I told you about my Granddaughter" was your catch phrase. You always wanted me to meet the right man and fall madly in love. I know you prayed for me every day. Your prayers have been answered Grandma. How I wish you could meet Jared and see how happy he makes me. I hope the Lord will give you just a tiny window to look down and see us together. Just a small glimpse of how faithful prayer will be answered in God's timing. I still have the hope chest you gave me. I treasure it. I will never get rid of it.

Sometimes I stop by your picture on my wall and just stare at it. You were so beautiful. I'm sorry if I never told you that. You were the best Grandma in the whole world. I helped my mom pack up some of your stuff this year. Man, you were a pack-rat. But that was just one more thing we all loved about you. Mom and I had some good laughs going through your stuff. Many times I got choked up and had to stop what I was doing. It was so final.

I am thankful you are in Heaven with Grandpa George, Ernie, and Fred. I will see you again someday. I miss you being here on earth but I don't miss seeing you in the pain. You are pain free and that makes me so happy. I hope you know you are not forgotten, ever. I love you so much.

Love,
Me

Bigger Winner-Final

2011-04-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well my results were less than stellar. I am disappointed, to say the least. During the 6 week competition I only lost a grand total of 4.4lbs. Hardly anything to write home about. I did, however, lose 2 inches on my hips and about 4-5 inches on my waist.

When it comes down to it, weight is just a number. An evil, green eyed monster that pesters you day in and day out. A number that changes daily and varies depending on what scale you are on. It is frustrating and aggravating.

I guess in the long run what we all really strive for is losing inches, fat and getting healthier. I know for sure I gained muscle during this last 6 weeks and I absolutely lost some inches. As disappointed as I am about the lack of LBS I lost, I know I worked hard during the whole 6 weeks. I met my 2400 calorie burn almost daily. That's something to be proud of.

So, as much as I wanted to cry at 5am this morning when I stepped on that ~~blasted~~ scale, I didn't. I refuse to get down about this. I know I worked hard, I know it is making a difference and I know if I keep going, it will continue to make a difference.

I think my body got complacent after the first few weeks. I started doing the same exercises weekly. Occasionally I did something different and pushed a little harder but overall I stayed about the same. I thought I was good to go because I was burning calories and meeting my calorie burn goal. By the end I was basically just maintaining my weight.

Now I have my game face on, a new plan that includes intervals and more strength training. I can do this. I will do this.

Running Pineapples

2011-04-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

My friend Staci approached me about participating in the Pineapple 5K Fun Run. The "fun" part is actually an obstacle course. What are the obstacle you ask? Beats me! We won't find out until the day of.... as in when we run up to it, then we will know what the obstacle is. How in the world am I supposed to train for that? Regardless, I am pretty excited about it.

I've been working out a lot and I finally feel like I am back into the groove of things. On occasion my choices of food haven't been great but no one is perfect, right? I pray a lot about this whole getting into shape thing. I heard Joyce Meyer once say " tell God you will do the work but He's got to do the rest". So, I have been working hard and eating well (most of the time) and I am slowly seeing changes. I know God is with me, even in this. Sometimes I put God in a box and forget He is in these little things. I forget that I am His daughter and He cares about every aspect of my life, not just the "big" things.

For a while I lacked motivation to get back into working out and ditching the last 20 or so pounds. My motivation was revived when my sweet friend, Michelle, asked me if I wanted to do The "Finish Chelsea's Run" 5K in March. Shortly after I started training, the announcement was made that my gym would be holding another Biggest Winner Contest. This happens to be the last week of the contest. I was praying about what to do next. I needed another goal, something else to work towards and accomplish. A day later Staci e-mailed me about the Pineapple Run. I was hesitant when I heard there would be mud and obstacles but when I found out the run benefits the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, I couldn't resist. You see; my sister in law's younger sister, Kayla, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in March. This cause touches close to home.

I set a goal to raise $300. In these times and in this economy, that may be a little on the high side but I think about this... I have 300+ friends on facebook so if everyone gives $1, that goal can be reached.
If you can spare $1, here's the link. If you can't, no biggie!
Donate Here.

Oh and if anyone wants to come out and support me, I would LOVE that. It will be a FUN event with a Luau afterwards. Staci and I would love to have a cheering section. You can purchase tickets for the Luau at the event. There will be food, drinks and traditional hawaiian food. The event takes place near San Diego Bay.

Blogging Madness

2011-04-12T01:59:00.000-07:00

Over the last year or so I have started following more and more blogs. Most of them have something to do with baking or cooking. These women are all amazing and I wonder, how in the world, they have time to raise a family, bake some incredible desserts and blog just about every day. How??

My blogging is sporadic, at best. There's nothing consistent about it. In fact, I do a lot of blogging while I am at work. It is currently 1:21am and I am sitting in the dark at my work station typing away. My days off are so full of stuff... although it is hard to ramble off a list of things I did when someone asks. My brain is mush these days. Maybe it has something to do with the fact I work an average of 200+ hours a month? Noooo. It couldn't be. **whoops... tangent, back to the topic at hand**

Every.Single.Blog. I follow is inspiring to me in some way. I have flound some pretty amazing recipes and ideas on these blogs. I thought I would share some of them with you. I don't know any of these women personally but they feel like friends. They share their joys, frustrations and lots of laughs. I hope some of them can inspire you like they did me.

Tidy Mom
Bake at 350
Sweet Sugar Belle
I am Baker
I am Mommy
Food For my Family
Bluebonnets and Brownies
Little Bitty Bakes
Eat Live Run
Bakerella

Day 84 Thru Day 90

2011-04-12T00:39:00.000-07:00

Day 84:
Katie, the kids, and Jessica came over one morning for coffee. Tyler decided his toy of choice would be these plastic breast cancer walk bracelets. Silly boy.

Day 85:
Over the weekend we celebrated the birthdays of Jimmy and Alissa. I made special cupcakes for both of them. Cupcakes for Jimmy:

Day 86: Cupcakes for Alissa. She was pretty specific with what she wanted for the flavor. Chocolate with chocolate chips in it. So I made them with her favorite color, purple, and put a chocolate cookie music note on the top.

Day 87:

Jared never ceases to amaze me. He came over to my place for a typical evening of dinner and TV but when I opened the door he had these in his hand. He got them "just because". 100 % sweet, 100% a surprise 100% Jared. I don't think I will ever get sick of fresh flowers.

Day 88:
One of my cats decided they liked the flowers too, as a snack...

They only got 2 of the 12 though ;)

Day 89:

I love that she always looks like she is smiling.

Day 90:
I went shopping for a baby shower gift on April Fools day. Jokes on me. I spent almost double what I had budgeted. When shopping for a new baby girl and being faced with hundreds of choices at Babies R Us, how can you possibly say "no" to something this cute?

Day 77 Thru Day 83

2011-04-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

OK time to start getting caught up on my photo a day. heaven's to Betsy, how did I get so far behind? Oh that's right.. life. Well, Here goes:

Day 77:
I've been trying to eat really healthy but I was hurtin for some pizza. So I made my own healthy version at home with Flat bread, chicken, spinach, onion, feta and tomato sauce. It was delicious.

Day 78:
One of my computer montitors at work died. So, in professional fashion, my Captain put a note on it saying it was no longer working...

Day 79:

*sigh* I hate when that happens

Day 80:
Heaven in a bowl:

Day 81:
This is what the PB cups were for. I will share the recipe later.

Day 82:
Today my oldest brother turned ~~older~~ 36. Wow. When did we grow up? I am so thankful for Jimmy. He's the oldest and the protector of Brian and I. He's quirky and a dork. Annoying and loving. Fun and goofy. he's my Big Brother and I love him.

Day 83:

This is Jared's perfect cupcake. He's counting the days until I make this recipe.

Falling Behind/Biggest Winner Halfway!

2011-04-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

Oh dear... I am so behind on my blog. I haven't posted a picture since March 21st?!? I have a whole 10 days work of "Photo a Day" pictures to post, Oye. Where did my days off go?

In other news, last week marked the half way point in the "Biggest Winner Challenge" through Ramona Fitness Center. My goal was to lose 6 pounds in the first 3 weeks. That's 2 pound per week.. a healthy rate. Of course I would love to shed the 10 at a time like they do on "The Biggest Loser" TV show but that just isn't healthy for me.

As of the half way weigh in, I have lost 5.8 pounds. A mere .02 pounds from my goal. Someone told me I should just round that to an even 6. I might do that for my personal records but that is the official number for the competition. At the half way mark I have lost about 2 inches on my waist and about an inch on my hips. I am pretty happy with my numbers so far. It has been a lot of hard work but definitely worth it.

A lot of people have been asking me how I am staying motivated or how I got motivated in the first place. Well, one day I decided that I wasn't happy with how I looked and the only person that couldchange it was me. I didn't want to do some crash diet. No slim fast, no Atkins or South Beach, no Trim Spa or Hydroxy-cut. I simply wanted to eat the things I like and get moving. You know what? It has worked. I cut down the portions and I changed the way I cook things. I set small goals for myself like eat 2 additional servings of vegetable a week or walk for 10 minutes one time this week. The more I achieved those goals, the more excited I became and the motivation continued. Of course there are always those days where you don't want to do anything. On those days I made myself go anyway. Even if I did an easy walk for 5 minutes, I was there and doing something.

You know that saying "Mind over Matter"? It is so true. The biggest battle is getting yourself off the couch or out of the chair and doing something. Don't have money for a gym membership? Go walking. It's raining? Find an indoor workout online from Bob Harper or Jillian Michaels. The thing is, you will always find an excuse not to do something. I'm sore, I'm tired, I don't have time, I don't know what to do. Well, if you're sore drink a lot of water and get moving. Best way to ease the soreness is to get those muscles warm. If you're tired it is partially because you're not up and moving so you're losing energy. If you don't have time, wake up just 5 minutes earlier and start the day with a few jumping jacks or sit ups. And if you don't know what to do, use your resources online or the people you know that work out.

If I can do it, you can do it. It isn't easy. There are days when you want to quit. It is, however, rewarding. So like Nike says "Just Do It".

It's that Time Again!

2011-03-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

Yep, That's right! It is time for another round of Operation Baking GALS! So, if you'd like to bake then please sign up on the website. It will take a couple of days to get your account approved but after that you are ready to go.

It seems as thought the last few rounds have been pretty thin when it comes to filling the teams. For a while every team had atleast 10-15-20 people. Now the numbers have dwindled to 5-9-15. A lot of teams end up with less than 10 people.

I really want to find a women's biblke study group or something that would host a baking day or baking donation event so we can bombard our deployed military with some home baked love. Anyone out there belong to such a group? Let me know!

Day 76

2011-03-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is what I did Friday afternoon. After a trip the the supply store I started baking baking baking! Friday night I braved both the Zumba class and the Biggest Winner Bootcamp at the gym. When I got home I got down to business. Here's the final product:

Day 75

2011-03-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting new couches forever. I've had the same little and old love seat for the last 8 years (it was old when I got it!) and a black leather couch for probably 4 years or so. Both have served their purpose but it was time for them to retire. Jared hated the black couch. He's naturally warm so sitting on a leather couch, even during the winter, made him feel like it was the middle of summer. Poor guy.

My friend, Kristina, kept posting on facebook that they were selling their two couches. I thought about it and thought about it and thought about it. Then talked to Jared. And thought about it some more. I finally decided that the price was too good to be true and I know they are in great condition. So I dove in and bought them.

Jared and Josh loaded them into the van , while I snuggled up to baby Ben, then Jared and I unloaded them and brought them into my apartment. They fit perfectly, match my decor and are so incredibly comfortable!

Kristina warned me that if I lay down on them, there is a 99% chance I would fall asleep. Sure enough Thursday night I fell asleep on the couch until about 1 am. Guess she was right. Thank You Josh and Kristina for my lovely new couches. I love them.

Day 74

2011-03-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

She hates him... can't you tell? ;)

Day 73

2011-03-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I love this stuff. My hands get sooooooo dry during the winter and lotion just doesn't cut it. A co-worker of mine gave this to me for my birthday and it has been a godsend. It definitelt takes some time to work into your hands so they aren't greasy or what-not but once it is all rubbed in, relief. Give it a try.

Tips and Tricks

2011-03-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

With as many cake/baking questions I get, you would think I am a professional. I guess I might know more than the average bear when it comes to baking but I am certainly no expert. Basically it is all trial and error along with many many google searches. I've also talked with a lot of people that bake and I follow a ridiculous amount of baking blogs.

Here are a couple of things I've learned along the way...

Brownies/Bars:

Ever had a tough time getting brownies and bar type desserts out of the pan? Here's a tip: Parchment paper.

1) Take a piece of parchment paper and cut it to about 4 inches wider than the 13x9in pan.
2) Trim the edges on the 9in sides so it fits right into the pan, leaving the extra hanging over on the 13in side.
3) Lightly spray with cooking spray and pour in the batter. bake as directed.
4) Allow the dish to cool completely. Run a spatula or butter knife along the 9in sides and corners.
5) Grip the parchment paper on the 13in sides and gently lift the whole thing out of the pan, placing it onto a cutting board.
6) Cut into bars.

(I'm not very good at explaining this so here's a picture to help)

Cakes:

To keep it from sticking:

1) Take a piece of parchment paper and lay it out on the counter
2) Place your cake pan (any shape!) face up on the parchment paper.
3) Trace the bottom of the pan using a pen or pencil
4) Cut out the shape
5) Lightly spray the inside of the cake pan
6) Place parchment paper shape into the bottom of the pan (it should lay flat) and lightly spray with cooking spray
7) Pour batter into pan. Bake and cool as directed.

Make it more dense:
Ever have a problem with the cake crumbling when you don't want it to?
1) Add the following to the mix:
    1 Cup Flour
    1 Cup Sugar
    1 Cup Sour Cream

This will also add to the volume of batter so you will have a little more than normal. Bake it as directed.

Crumbs Crumbs Crumbs! Too many Crumbs!
Before slapping on the frosting and hoping for a perfectly iced cake, slap a "crumb coat" on.
1) Take a small amount of frosting and frost the cake with a very thin layer.
2) Refrigerate for about 20 minutes (should be slightly crusty/hard)
3) Frost as you normally would
This is especially helpful when you have a chocolate or dark colored cake and using light colored frosting.

Perfect Frosting recipe:
I know the stuff in the can is quick and easy but lets face it, it melts (quickly!) when it is hot outside, it doesn't harden up and it is super duper sweet! This here is a perfect frosting recipe. I don't use any others.
2 lbs confectioners sugar

1 1/2 cups Crisco
1/2 Cup Water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons extract of choice (lemon, orange, almond, rum, etc.)
1 teaspoon butter flavoring (optional)

Beat Crisco at high speed for 3 minutes. On low speed, add water (or other liquid), and salt. Slowly add sugar and flavorings. Beat on high for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Adjust flavorings and liquid if necessary. The end result should be a smooth and light frosting that is easy to spread.

This recipe may be cut in half or doubled.

Smooth Finish:
1) Use the above frosting recipe.
2) Frost the cake as you normally would, smoothing out the best you can
3) Let the cake sit on the counter for approx 30min. It should feel crusty/slightly hardened to the touch.
4) Cut a piece of parchment paper (about 6in) and lightly place the paper against the cake. Using small circular motions, rub your hand lightly against the paper.
5) Flip the paper over or cut a new piece if it starts to stick

Cookies:

Butter vs Margarine
1) There is no substitute for real butter.
2) You're making a cookie or a cake or some type of dessert, just use real butter. You won't regret it!
3) yes, it does taste different

Flat Cookies:
1) Your butter/crisco is too soft.
2) DO NOT microwave the butter! Set it out for an hour or two before you need to use it.
3) You should be able (easily) to leave a finger print in the butter without the whole stick squishing

Hard Cookies:
1) You used too much flour
2) Add about 2 TBSP of milk, that should help

Melting Chocolate:
The microwave method has never worked for me. My go-to method is the double boiler
1) Fill a medium sauce pan with water and place it over med-low heat
2) Find a glass or stainless steel bowl that can sit on top of the pan but does not fall inside
3) Place the chocolate chips in the glass/steel bowl
4) Stir constantly with a spoon or spatula.
5) Hold the bowl with a pot holder (lots of steam will start coming out)
6) Don't let any water get in the bowl with the chocolate

Hope this helps someone out there.

Day 72

2011-03-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend, Sarah, did a give away on her blog. With her own money, she was going to buy the winner(s) CamBands. Sarah is a runner and like most of us that work out, had a hard time getting headbands to stay on during her workout. She came across CamBands on ETSY. I entered the give away for fun. I rarely win anything so I planned on ordering my own. Being the sweetheart that she is, Sarah gave away the bands to everyone that entered.

I got mine in the mail on Monday. I have been a little off on my workouts this week so I didn't get to try them out until Thursday. Sure enough, It stayed in place the whole time!! Vigorous Eliptical workout, weights, kettlebells... it didn't budge. Finally something that keeps my hair out of my sweaty face. And they are cute to boot!

These are the two styles I picked out. There are LOTS of different styles to choose from. Follow the link I listed above and check out all of the cambands offered. Maybe orderone or two... or 12.. These are great for every day use also.

Day 71

2011-03-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

I always forget to take pictures of the baby blankets I make. So, before I ship this off to Bakersfield, here is Baby Joel's blankie.

Back in July I mentioned my sweet friend, Desiree, was 21 weeks pregnant. This was a huge triumph because she had already endured atleast 3 heartbreaking miscarriages. You can refresh your memory with this post and that post.

I am happy to say that on December 3, 2010 Des gave birth to an adorable 7lbs 1oz, 20.5 in baby boy: Joel Allen Vigo. I am just dying to meet him! Thank You Lord for this precious miracle! Just for fun.. here's a picture of Joel.

Day 70

2011-03-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Jared and I met up with a couple friends of mine last Saturday. I met Melissa and Eric while I was attending Vanguard University. Melissa lived down the hall from me during my friend year on campus. Eric was the roommate of my good friend, Tom. We've all kept in touch,one way or another, over the last 10 years. Wow.. has it been that long?? Eric lives here in San Diego and Melissa just moved back to Orange County.

I am so thankful these two are still in my life. We met up at Fashion Valley and munch on delicious Cheesecake Factory lunch specials. After lunch we walked around the mall and wandered into Brookstone. Basically it is a store full of random (but very cool) gadgets and such. I am pretty sure Melissa would've stayed there all day had we let her.

Apparently she frequents this store when she is in town. You see, there's this pretty amazing massage chair. You get to sit in it and give it a try. It closes in around you and massages your aching body from head to toe. This can be yours for a measley $3000.

It was such a fun afternoon with dear friends. I am sure they had a good time but I am pretty sure this was Melissa's favorite part:

Biggest Winner

2011-03-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Just about 2 weeks have passed since I did my inital weigh in for the Biggest Winner Challenge at my gym. I feel so good about my progress. As of last Thursday I've already lost 5lbs. My goal for the 6 week competition is to lose 2 lbs/week. That would put me about halfway to my goal of 30 lbs.

This Challenge is a bit different. We are required to go to 6 Bootcamps and atleast 2 team huddles/seminars/team challenges. It is just one more way to keep people moving and motivated. I love the bootcamps. They push you hard and hurt like crazy but feel oh so good.

I've done pretty good staying on track. The hardest part for me is logging my food/calorie intake on the body bugg website. I still wear my body bugg and I finally got a battery for the digital display. I didn't realize how handy that display was until the battery died. It is basically instant gratification. You can look down and see how many calories you've burned so far. It is nice to know when I need to step it up and get my burn on or if I am on track for the day.

I have been thinking about what I really want to get out of this 6 week program so I thought I would share.

Goals:
1) Stay consistent: meal planning, logging food/calories, meeting my 2400 calories burned daily
2) Lose 2lbs/week
3) Build up my edurance so I can run faster and longer
4) Push myself beyond what I am used to
5) Tone those pesky trouble areas
6) Enjoy every minute of it
7) Lose 10-15 lbs by my first weigh-in on March 24th
8) Keep the water flowing

I weigh myself once a week to monitor my progress. It is always nice to be rewarded for hard work so I think I am going to treat myself to some fun stuff when I meet my goals

Rewards:
10lbs lost: Hair Cut (yeah kind of a big prize but I haven't had one since December)
15lbs lost: Pedicure
20lbs lost: New Outfit
25lbs lost: Massage

I am pretty excited about these rewards. All the more reason to work really hard. Oh, and there's this really cute dress I bought to wear for mine and Jared's 2nd Anniversary in July. I've had it for almost a year. I was hoping to wear it for our 1 yr anniversary but it just didn't look the way I wanted it to. I am dying to show it off for him!

Do It Yourself

2011-03-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

I've been needing a small dresser for my bedroom. I have acquired quite a few pairs of workout pants, t-shirts etc. I didn't want to spend a fortune on something that would just be holding folded t-shirts so i went to K-Mart to check out their selections. I rarely shop there but I didn't feel like driving all the way to Poway. Lucky me, I found a decent 4- drawer dresser for $40. Not too bad.

I didn't think it would be too difficult to put together. The box was pretty big so I expected bigger pieces and a few screws. I knew it would take me about an hour,tops.

Then I opened the box...

27 Pieces... not including screws/nails.

I thought it would be easier to separate the different types of screws.

Really? That's a bit excessive, don't you think? 150 screws/nails total. Ridiculous.

So after an hour and a half of looking at the directions and attempting to decode the pictures(zero written directions!), I had the frame put together.

It didn't fall over when I sttod it upright so I guess I did something right. I moved onto the drawers. I didn't think that would take very long. A couple of knobs, sides and a back... easy right? Not so much. It is pretty difficult to tighten a screw into a knob when the knob keeps turning. I had to grip it with one hand and tighten the screw with another hand. I felt like layers upon layers of skin was getting ripped off of the hand holding the knob because it kept moving. it took forever.

So 27 pieces, 150 screws/nails, multiple scratches, a smashed toe, missing skin and 3 hours later... I finished the dresser.

Day 69

2011-03-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

I got a lot of cleaning and organizing done on Friday. All of my storage/tupperware containers were mis matched and I have very few complete sets. I went to the store and explored my options. The Rubbermaid containers were on sale and they have the "easy find lid system". All of them stack neatly together.

Anyone ever have a bunch of plastic containers and lids that don't stack neatly? It drives me crazy. Especially the lids!!! They just go everywhere and you can't find the one that you need. I must say, I am really enjoying my new Rubbermaid containers. They are so neat, tidy and easy to organize. It makes me happy.

After all of my cleaning and organizing on Friday, I made a fantastic dinner for Jared and I. Yes, I just called my own cooking fantastic. It was.
I made a roasted tri tip and twice baked potatoes. truth be told, I have always been hesitant to cook any type of beef other than ground beef. It just doesn't turn out the way I want. I went out on a limb and did it. I used recipes out of the Pioneer Woman Cookbook. It actually wasn't difficult and the tri tip turned out a perfect medium. I wish I would've taken a picture of it but I was blinded by my hunger. Sorry you are stuck with the picture of my Rubbermaid containers. :)

Friday was a great day; cleaning, organizing, tri tip, twice baked potatoes, and my love... it doesn't get much better than that.

Day 68

2011-03-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening I decided to look through some of my cupboards to see what needed cleaning out and organizing. I knew I would have lots of time to clean on Friday and I wanted a game plan to accomplish as much as possible.

There's always that one cupboard or drawer in your home that drives you absolutely batty. Mine happens to be the one where I keep serving trays/pitchers/storage containers. So much mis-matched and just not neat.

I opened the cupboard then walked out the the room for a few minutes. My cat, Hunny, decided that was a good time to practice her monkey skills.

Day 67

2011-03-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

Homemade Mint Milano Cookies... yes please! When I saw this recipe I had to give it a try! I l.o.v.e. Pepperidge Farms Mint Milano Cookies. A little bit of shortbread, chocolate and the a touch of mint. So tasty! I've never made shortbread cookies. i honestly never realized how incredibly easy they are!

Mint Milano Cookies:

2 Stick Butter, softened
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
1 3/4 C Flour
1/4 tsp Salt
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 C Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 tsp Peppermint Extract

1)Preheat Oven to 350
2) Cream together Butter and Sugar
3) Add the Flour, Salt, Vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms
4) Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes
5) After chilling, roll dough into a log (approx 8 in long) and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
6) Bake 20 minutes or until edges start to brown
7) Remove from oven and let cool completely
After cookies are completely cool:
8) Melt chocolate chips in a glass bowl in a microwave (heat 30 sec at a time, stirring in between) or using a double boiler. Do not add oil/butter/shortening to the chocolate chips!! It won't dry properly
9) Add mint extract to melted chocolate
10) Spread a small amount of chocolate on one cookie and place a second cookie on top, forming a sandwich. Allow the chocolate to cool completely.

Day 66

2011-03-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

I picked these up at the run on Saturday. I never realized how pretty and cheerful sun flowers are. Don't you think so?

Day 65

2011-03-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

When I got home from work this morning I noticed this in my bedroom:

That box of pictures had been in the top of my closet. There were only 2 things that could have gotten it down from there. One is white and she was at my heels the whole time I was cleaning it up. The other is a tan-orange color and she sat silently watching from the living room. When I looked back at her she would divert her eyes, look at the wall, the ceiling, the floor. Any guesses on which cat was the culprit?

Day 64

2011-03-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

We finally had our Fantasy Football League awards "ceremony". The top 3 places get a trophy as does last place. The last place trophy is... special. Different. Last year my team, Ghostriders, came in last. I took the trophy and have displayed it proudly over the last year.

I was hopeful this year. I had some good players on my team. I knew this was going to be my year. Then the season started. One by one my best players got hurt. I did my best to trade people, pick up new players, change things up every week. Sadly, it did no good. My trophy from 2009 now has a brother. The last place trophy for 2010...

Atleast they match.