2010 update

Thoughts so far in my New Year - 2010

Outside the window... it has stopped raining. Not too cold, not be any means warm and without the rain, it is a nice Washington winter morning.

I'm thinking... how blessed I am. I have more than everything I need. Even if the hubby is away, I am still truely blessed.

I'm thankful for... my husband who is away providing for his family. And my family, who is taking care of me while I am manning the fort.

I'm wearing... jeans and a button-up. Even on days off, I still dress like a teacher.

I am remembering... to pick up things for Steve's package. And that I need to mail him a package. A little taste of home.

I'm going... to my in-laws soon. Time for baking, crocheting and some needed family time.

I'm currently reading... Two books by Martha Peace. Damsels in Distress and The Excellent Wife. Both use the Bible to help encourage women in the world we live in today. Damsels in Distress goes with the women's group I am involved with at church. Both are a must read for every Christian woman/wife!

I'm hoping...that May may come a little bit faster. Or that Steve may arrive home earlier than planned.

I'm noticing that... God is busy working on my prayers. Lately I really feel He is here. And for that I am so thankful! I am not alone.

I am pondering these words... " We wait in hope for the Lord: he is our help and our shield In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Psalm 33:20-22 These words have been mine this week, I can't seem to get enough of this passage.

From the kitchen... The kitchen has been pretty dead since I have no hubby to cook/bake for.

One of my favorite things... lately it has been waking up next to my puppies. They used to sleep in the crates, but they sleep with me now, and are always so excited when the alarm goes off. It is hard to wake up in a bad mood when someone is so excited to see me awake.

Goals I am working toward... Oh where do I start! Well three goals (not resolutions!) I have for this year are to lose weight and keep it off, save more and spend less, and make more charitable contributions. So far so good on all three of those. Another goal is to become more involved with our church, that is going great too.

A picture I would like to share...

Last college roomie vacation. I just love this photo. August 2008

I'm just practicing

Miss Reagan - with beautiful pink toes I was busy painting mine, and she wouldnt leave me alone. So, she sat patiently while I painted hers, too.
I think I need a daughter...but Reagan works just fine for now. Im sure she is much more patient than a small child anyway!

Dear Steve, clearly I am bored...please hurry home!

Adventures in Japan

Steve went to Chinatown (in Japan) and came across a museum. The first two pics below are the same portrait, taken from two different angles. He said is startled him when he walked around the corner to it, because it just pops out at you and wasnt flat. But from the head on pic below, you would never know!

Then of course there has to be a little fun with him and his buddies. This would be my man pretending to be eaten. Yeah, hes mine. :) Almost 3 weeks down, 16 more to go!

New Indestructable Toys...

...I don't think so!! Not with my dogs anyway!This large orange ball was designed to put small treats in one of the holes and they shake around inside it, and all the other holes are supposed to make it so the dog cant get a great grip and chew it apart...well it must not be designed for beagles who get mad when they cant get the treat and is able to chew it anyway. Good thing the material is pretty strong, but still I dont see it lasting forever. On a great note, it keeps them occupied for SO LONG, I cant even get the treats out once inside.

So I was excited that this was made from firehose and that little label actually says, "Built Tough." Yeah...10 min in and she has chewed a small section from the corner. Ahh, so much for tough. This is a supervised fetch toy only now.

If you know of any extremely durable dog toys that cant be torn and chewed up rightaway, please let me know! I would like toys to last a little longer and not have to worry about pieces being chewed off and swallowed!

But, for now, they are still having fun. And that makes me happy.

The Laser

I discovered one day that my dogs hates the flashlight on the floor, so when I tested a laser pointer, they went crazy! This was on a day where it was too rainy and gross to get them out for a walk, so they worked out their energy by chasing the little red light.

Last Month I Made - Peppermint Bark

I researched a lot of differnt recipes and kind of created my own, super simple version of peppermint bark. I'm way behind on my blog, but enjoy for next year!

2 bags milk chocolate chips

2 bags white chocolate chips

12 smashed candycanes

peppermint extract

wax paper

1 cookie sheet with edges

1. Place wax paper on cookie sheet, making sure it hangs over the edges of the sheet.

2. Melt milk chocolate chips. (Either lower heat on stove, or microwave in 30 sec. increments) Mix a drop or two peppermint extract.

3. Pour into wax paper cookie sheet and even out over the entire bottem of sheet. Put in fridge while melting white chocolate chips.

4. Pour melted white choc. (w/ 2 drops peppermint) on top of solid milk chocolate. Coat top with smashed candycanes and gently press in to secure chunks into white chocolate.

5. Place cookie sheet in fridge for an hour.

6. Lift solid block out of cookie sheet by wax paper and put on cutting board. Find a big sharp chopping knife and strong husband to cut the Peppermint Bark into squares.