Winter Treat

This is one of our new favorite treats - Cookie Dough Cocoa

The original recipe came from Betty Crocker and the only difference is that we didn't use Cookie Crisp cereal, I just bought a cup of those mini Chips Ahoy cookies instead. I also didn't add chocolate chips and it was rich enough without more chocolate. Also I think it would serve 5-6 people in a normal sized mug. We used large ones and it was a lot!

Here is the recipe: 

INGREDIENTS

Cocoa

4 Tbls. butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 pint cookie dough ice cream

5 cups water

Toppings

Whipped cream

Mini chocolate chips

1 cup Cookie Crisp cereal

1. In a 3-quart saucepan or large pot, whisk together butter, brown sugar, and ice cream over medium-high head until melted. Add the water; cook and stir mixture until steaming. 

2. Serve in mugs, topped with whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and cookie crisp cereal. 

Home Improvements

Anytime I improve a space in my home I definitely see the good in that! I love the little projects and getting what I envisioned done. I think the Smart One just likes to get them done and I like to believe he is pleased with the outcome as well. Remember my Master Bedroom project from last winter? The Smart One gave me some lamps for Christmas to complete the look. I love them!

And then we have the half bath. I started to re-do this room in the fall and just didn't get it finished until this last weekend. I convinced the Smart One that it was ok to paint a small room purple. And yes, the same purple as our headboard. (Aren't I a lucky girl?) When I first did he told me he felt oppressed every time he went in there. 

Before - July 2010

I didn't paint all the walls, just three and then behind the toilet I wanted wallpaper. There still are a couple of things to finish. I am going to frame the mirror and then figure something to put on the wall. Maybe a couple of floating shelves? We'll see, but so far so good. 

After - January 2013: Paint and wallpaper!
I wanted a wallpaper that added some pattern, not really more color. 

Close up of the wallpaper I love!

I have another project in mind, not quite in the works, to use more of the wallpaper. I am excited! I love getting these types of projects finished. 

Welcome 2013!

Here we are with another new year and another new beginning. I enjoy the holidays and have a hard time letting go, putting decorations away, etc. The Smart One even mentioned to me today that he was embarrassed to open the curtains because our Christmas tree is still up. Back to the point, I have learned that goals and projects help me get through the rest of the winter. I have this amazing sister-in-law who posted that she is making her resolutions a bit different this year by having a word of the year. I loved it and started thinking of what my word could be. As I was searching and wondering I remembered a talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "The Dedication of a Lifetime." I reread the talk and came across this:

"There is great strength in being focused on our goals. We have all seen the good fruits of that focus. Yet an intense focus on goals can cause a person to forget the importance of righteous means. When that happens, a commendable steady dedication can be transformed into a dangerous frenzy of excess."

Phew, it is ok that I don't go overboard on my resolutions and the thought of being crazy about it gives me all sorts of anxiety and eye twitching problems. :) But in all seriousness, the part that nailed it for me was this:

"Some people live the gospel with “short, frenzied outbursts of emotion,” followed by long periods of lapse or by performance that is intermittent or sputtering. What we need in living the gospel is “the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

So because I want to be like my sister-in-law in more ways than one, my word for this year is:

I look at my resolutions from the previous year and I think that being more steady is a good focus for me. So much so that I think I am going to continue some of my past goals. I will post those in a couple of days when I get them nailed down. I did enjoy the bucket list goals we did last year, and in fact we completed all of them! That was a helpful twist on the resolutions for me. 

Have you made your resolutions or goals yet?

Good American People

I know, huge surprise I am posting again after a long time. Not that I haven't found anything good to post about, more that I haven't had much free time. Anyway, I thought I would try to focus on something positive on a day when many may take the alternate route. Yesterday was election day and while many people are happy about the presidential election results there are many that are not. (I happen to be among the later group.) That being said I saw this on facebook and it gave me a different perspective. I still believe in the political system of voting and always striving to make your voice heard and stand up for the values you believe in. But really when all is said and done the Constitution, the document that defines what makes our country special and unique, will be saved by good American people not by Washington. I believe good things can come from Washington but we, the people, have to make sure we do our part and not leave it up to the politicians.  

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to be a dooms-dayer or anything. I just get a little down because I am a very passionate person about almost everything. I believe there is good in all people and hope that God will continue to bless America. So no matter which side you fall on, just remember to stand up for, protect and cherish the freedoms we enjoy each day! 

"My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessing they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" - Thomas Jefferson

Dandelions

I remember as a little girl thinking these were the most beautiful flowers and our yard and field had many of them. It was wonderful especially because I knew my mother loved them too. At least that is what she told me when I would bring them to her. I grew up and learned the reality of this little or in some cases huge weed. I did not like them, until today. 

I was out in the yard pulling some weeds and watering the garden when the Silly One came up to me with a small dandelion in his hand and said, "Mom! I got this flower for you." This is the first flower he has picked and given to me of his own doing. It was so sweet and I told him I loved it. 

How Does Your Garden Grow?

This is what I got out of my garden this morning. So far we have only had a few strawberries and the juliette tomatoes and so I was excited to see the others. 

This is what my garden looks like right now. I think it is going well and just put up the trellis so hopefully it works. Right away the eggplant had more room so that is good. 

The crops I have growing are pumpkins, squash, strawberries, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, corn and cucumbers.

The lady finger eggplants, they are so cute!

The first pumpkin, this makes me actually excited for the fall. 

Just about everyday the Silly One will say, "Mom, our plants are growing." Yes, yes they are. 

America, America!

I have always been a proud American and love celebrating the greatness of this country I am blessed enough to live in. I am especially proud around this time of year, obviously, and love when the Olympics come as well (23 days and counting). One of the things I love the most is seeing an American on the medal podium with their hand on their heart singing the national anthem. Seriously gives me chills every time.

 Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower said,

"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." 

I tend to be one who gets quite emotional and passionate about certain things pertaining to politics, including the recent ruling by the Supreme Court. I won't go into all that but wanted to share that while stewing over things a thought came to my mind. This is a choice land, blessed above all others. This scripture came to my mind in the Book of Mormon (of course I had to look it up to find the exact wording):

"Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promised, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever." (2 Nephi 1:9) 

In short, keep the commandments and God will continue to Bless America. Our daily actions determine our freedoms. I hope that my boys grow up with the same patriotism I was raised to have and enjoy this blessed land of America, land that I love!