Aunt jenn Creates

Monday Meal Planning

2011-01-24T08:31:00.005-05:00

As I mentioned yesterday I try to plan our meals at least two weeks at a time. Before I go grocery shopping a I make a list of our dinners that we would like to have for the next two weeks and plan my grocery list accordingly. In between our big shopping trips we have one smaller (sometimes two) trips to pick up fresh fruit and veggies.

Here is our list of dinners for the next two weeks. I write out this list and post in on the refrigerator. Due to my work schedule there are many evenings when hubby either has to make dinner or at least get it started. Having this list posted has eliminated the guess work in choosing a meal. I try to pick a few super fast and easy meals and a few more "comfort food" types of meals.

Shrimp and Scallop Risotto

Wedding Soup
Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo

Turkey Tacos

Turkey Burgers

BBQ chicken Sandwiches

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Red Curry Snapper with Bok choy and mushrooms

Breaded Chicken Sandwiches

I thought today I'd share the recipe I use for Alfredo. (This is NOT a low cal and super healthy meal but it comes together quickly and is very good) This is a great basic sauce and I just add whatever I feel like to it. This week it's shrimp and broccoli for us.

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
1/2 cup butter (use the real stuff)

1 pint heavy whipping cream

2/3 cup Parmesan cheese

1teaspoon garlic powder

salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

dash cayenne pepper

1 lb. fettuccine

Fresh parsley, chopped
Prepare fettuccine, drain

Stir in a few drops of olive oil to keep pasta from sticking.

In a saucepan over low to medium heat, melt the butter.

Add cream, garlic and cayenne.
Simmer 20-30 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove saucepan from stove and stir in cheese.
Serve over hot pasta. Garnish with parsley.

I hope you enjoy!

Sweetness

2011-01-23T20:17:00.004-05:00

Well here we are again, Monday is almost here and it is time to start the work week once again.

This weekend I some how managed not to take a single picture of our coming and goings.

Friday for date night we went to a little Italian restaurant called Figlio for the first time. It had great food and wine, the atmosphere was fun and upbeat. I had a rough day at work and hubby thought that called for a bottle of wine rather than a glass. And that sweet act led to him be able to catch this photo of me.

Saturday I was bit under the weather so we just hung around the house most of the day. In the evening we went out to conquer the task of grocery shopping. I don't mind the grocery shopping so much but the putting all of it way is a bummer.

I try to plan our menu two weeks at a time. We do a large shopping trip every two weeks, sometimes three and then only stop into the store to refreash our produce on the off weeks. I think I will start sharing my menu planning on here and some of the super simple recipes that we use.

We got up and moving this morning to see our nephew play hockey and then meet up with his mom and brother for lunch. It was great to spend sometime with our nephews and love on them a bit. Those sweet little boys are growing up quick and might be too cool for us soon.

For dinner we got such a wonderful surprise. My friend Kim and her husband made and brought over for us the most amazing clam chowder! It was so sweet that they thought of us and it was nice to have hot, home cooked meal and not a have to lift a finger!

We have now just settled on the couch to watch some mindless T.V. and eat a sweet treat.

For dessert I made these. They are SO simple and SO good! If you want an easy, yummy, hot out of the oven dessert, you must give them a try!

Hope your weekend was sweet!

Hilton Head 2011

2011-01-18T13:01:00.038-05:00

Friday Kevin and I were on the road before 6:30 am on our way to Hilton Head, SC.

He had the opportunity to play in a golf tournament and we decided to change our 3 day weekend due to MLK day, into a four day weekend and make a mini vaca out of it!

On our way down we stoped at this little place called Cabo Fish Taco. It was SO good!

I got the BBQ Mahi tacos

Kevin had Blackend Mahi tacos

Both were amazing and I highly recommend this place!

After about 12 hours we arrived at our resort. We actually enjoyed the road trip and Q.T. we got to spend together.

We stayed at the Hilton Ocean Front and we would stay there again in a heart beat! It was steps away from the ocean, the staff was amazing, it had good restaurant options and the golf courses were just minutes away and part of the complex.

Saturday while Kevin golfed I enjoyed a few movies in the room, took a glorious nap, went for a run on the beach and found a lounge chair in the sun where I could see the ocean. I curled up with a good book and cup of coffee, I thought I had died and gone to heaven!

For dinner Saturday night we met up with my Dad, Step-Mom and little sister. I haven't seen them since the moved to South Carolina about 4 years ago. We had a great meal and it was such a blessing to see them!
I also spent the day with them Sunday while Kevin had day two of his tournament.

We just hung out together and my dad treated us to some of his yummy cooking. We had decided to stay at their house Sunday night and hit the road Monday morning from there.

There are 20 years and 1 month separating my sister Olivia and I in age but I think we look alike. What do you think?

To make Monday's trip home a little less painful we decided to stop for breakfast at a place I had never been before and seemed like a must do when you are on a road trip in the south.

Waffle House! It was an interesting experience, I had no idea there were still place you could smoke in side...we accidentally sat in the smoking section.

It was overall a wonderful trip. Kevin played well in his tournament, we got to enjoy some warmer weather, quality time together and see some family.

Now the question is...where to next?!

What's on my 2011 reading list.

2011-01-11T13:52:00.023-05:00

I have 9 books on my 2011 reading list so far, I'd like to add at least 3 more. This is the most random list of books to read I have ever created. The books by Elizabeth Noble I picked up from "half priced books" on whim. I have started reading The reading group and so far I've enjoyed it. If you have any suggestions on books I should add to my list for the year, please share!

(All images courtesy of AMAZON)

What is on your 2011 reading list?

Good for the soul

2011-01-09T21:33:00.005-05:00

This weekend was one of those weekends that are good for the soul.

Kevin and I try to have a date night once a week. Typically it's on Friday night. It is a great time out from our busy schedules to reconnect and it's a fun way to kick off our weekend. We have been trying new restaurants around the Columbus area as often as possible. This Friday we went to Cap City Diner. It's a referred to as a "Fine Diner". Essentially they serve all of your typical diner type food but with an upscale twist.

Kevin got this massive meatloaf. It was so good and the serving size was so big he ate if for lunch the next day.

I had scoped out the desserts menu prior to going and this yummy chocolate peanut butter dish was the highlight of my dining experiance!

Over all the food and atmosphere were unique and it made for a wonderful date night.

Saturday after I recovered from my early morning dentist appointment (Nothing major I just really freak out over going to the dentist.) we headed off to Home Depot to pick out the majority of items for our bathroom remodel. Then it was off to Target to pick up a few necessities for our up coming trip to Hilton Head. More on that later.

Today has been one of those glorious days were you never get out of you p.js! We have spent the entire day watching movies, doing laundry, taking naps and just having some Q.T. In fact I just got out of a warm bath in which I have now traded one set of p.js for another.

A successful date night, planning an upgrade to our home and then a lazy Sunday was exactly what we needed to recharge for the week ahead, it was good for the soul!

Hope you all had a chance to take a time out with those you love! Now to get ready for the work week.....Mondays just come too soon!

15 months?!

2011-01-06T14:33:00.001-05:00

Time must fly when you are having fun because it sure does not seem like it has been 15 months since my last post! Seriously?! So it’s a new year and I am ready to start fresh!

I have a feeling 2011 is going to have some pretty darn wonderful and exciting things in store and I hope to share them all with you!

A few bullet points of the major things that have changed since my last post in no particular order:
I left my job, took a few months off during the summer and then started with a new company.
I got a new nephew
Went on vacation to Washington, DC and realized you don’t appreciate it as a kid.
Redecorated 3 rooms in our house.
Ran an ½ marathon
Passed the series 6 exam
Lost my Grandmother

There was a lot that went on in between but it would take another year to update it all!

I promise to be much better at updating my blog in 2011!

Thursday Edition of Weight Watchers Wednesday

2009-10-08T06:36:00.003-04:00

Good morning glories! I was a bit on the busy side last night so I did not get a chance to post.
This weeks meeting went well. I was down .8 lbs. Not even a whole pound this week. But (warning, warning possible T.M.I.) with having major P.M.S. I am happy with any form of a loss. Oh how my body loves to hold on to that water each month at this time. I have to say that it is so fun so see all of those "little" numbers add up. 1 lb. here 2 lbs there are adding up quickly to a nice total and getting me closer and closer to my goal. I can officially say I have lost over 6 lbs! I am working this program people, and in return it is working right back!

Well need to get ready for work. I hope you all have a wonderful day! Putting out a little challenge for you today. Secretly do something nice for someone today. And if you work and there is the special someone who drives you absolutely crazy, pick them to do the secret nice thing for. Let me know how it goes!
Hugs!

Weight Watcher's Wednesday

2009-09-30T20:28:00.003-04:00

Once again I have found that another week has gone by and I have not posted. Truly there are no excuses for my actions.

Now moving on to what Weight Watcher's Wednesday's are all about. I am down 1.2 pounds this week! Now I know that is not a large amount by its self but I have officially lost over 5 pounds! 5 pounds that I hope to never find again. I am proud of my progress so far.

Challenges for me this week have been moving on after I make a decision. If I eat something that isn't on plan or part of my plan for the day I need to work on moving on and not dwelling on that decision

I have been setting a goal each week to help keep me focused. After my initial week my goal was to just get going if that makes any sense. My second week was for "new #'s " meaning I wanted two of my three #'s to be different, and I achieved that one. This past week was to get in a minimum of 28 activity points. And I am very happy to say that I achieved that one as well. My goal for this week will be to track every day not just Monday - Friday afternoon. I have a hard time on Friday night - Sunday. My other goal is to let my self enjoy this success so far and to not look to far in advance. Be happy for this moment because it is the only one we know we have for sure.

What is your goal this week?

God Bless.

Weight Watchers Wednesday and a sprinkle of other thigs.

2009-09-23T20:18:00.009-04:00

Happy Wednesday ya'll! I didn't intend to go entire week with out posting, life just got away from me. 1st thing 1st the results from today's weigh in.........down another 1.6 pounds! Yippee yahoo! Was that a bit too much excitement???? This week has been a good one with out too many struggles. One hurdle I have had is very unexpected. Eating all of my points each day during the work week has been difficult. Friday, Saturday and Sunday I can use them all if not dip into the weekly allowance. But Monday - Thursday I have points left over most nights. Sometimes it's only 2 but I have had up to 5 left over on occasion. This may not seem like an issue but if you do not eat enough calories you will not loose. That aside and with a successful loss I am feeling very good. So how did it go for you this week?

Just thought I'd throw a few picture on here from the weekend. Saturday we went to The Ohio State game in the Cleveland stadium. As a big fan of both it was a wonderful experience. We had amazing seats!

The Hubster and I

Our Sister in law Megan.

Kevin and his brother Tom

Sunday I spent the day with this little cutie his brother and their mom (my sister in law Amy).

We did some shopping, napping and then made a yummy dinner for the husbands when the got home from golf. I'll have to share the recipe next time I make it. ( I have to include pictures haha)

Hope your week has been wonderful thus far!

Weight Watchers Wednesday

2009-09-16T20:36:00.002-04:00

Happy Weight Watchers Wednesday to you all! I went to my first weigh in tonight and the verdict is.........
I lost 2.8 lbs! Woo hooo! I am happy with that! I must say after watching Biggest Loser last night 2.8 lbs does not seem like much, but it is to me.
I was very nervous about tonight's weigh in because it hasn't been hard this time. I mentioned before that I did W.W. once before and it seemed much more difficult then. We have significantly changed our eating habits over the last two years. And because of that my biggest change has been my portion size. I am NOT saying it has been easy I am just saying it has not been hard. Well because of that I was so scared I was missing something and the scale was not going to move. Or move in the wrong direction.
I know not every week will be like this. I will face challenges and road blocks. But tonight confirmed something for me. If you work this program....really work it....it really works! I have seen that exact thing mentioned on a few other sites and it is so true.
Well enough with the celebrating.....that weigh in is now in the past time to focus on the here and now.
So how did you all do? I know that you're out there reading this....come on lets support each other!
P.S.
I had planned on posting my before pic tonight but I didn't remember to take it until I was already in my comfy clothes with no make up. I'll try to take it an post it soon.

To Yoga or not to Yoga. I have questions.

2009-09-15T09:54:00.003-04:00

Pic found here

Looking over my work out schedule I find that I need to add at least one more strength building type class. I take Urban Iron, which is just like body pump but my gym calls it something different, 1-2 times a week. I'd like to take it more but the times it is offered do not work for me. And the other classes that are similar such as triple fit are also offered at times that I can not get to, or they are back to back days of the same class. It doesn't make much sense to me to take the same class two days in a row and then have no strength building throughout the rest of the week. Make sense?

So here is my dilemma. Yoga is offered on Thursdays after my Zumba class. Perfect time, perfect source of strength building. I have only taken one or two actual yoga classes. I have done it at home some but that is all. I have wanted to get more involved for a long time but for some reason it is the one class that totally intimidates me!

The people in there seem to be pros and and very fit! I am terrified of making a complete fool of myself and or the instructor becoming annoyed with me. Forgive me but my limited exposure to yoga has not given me the warm and fuzzies about it welcoming to new comers.

So here is where you come in. If you are into yoga please pass on your encouraging words, tips and advise my way. I am open to anything I should know. Stories of how you got started and you experiences. I also need a recommendation on a good mat to use. The one I currently have gets all slippery when my hands get sweaty and it does not help me feel in control or balanced.

Thanks my friends!

Weekend living.

2009-09-13T12:46:00.004-04:00

Happy Sunday my friends! I hope this weekend has treated you well. So far so good in our land. Well, I should say so far so good except for the heart breaking loss our Buckeye's suffered last night. Oh it hurt SO bad!! But I am proud of what the put forth.

Friday the hubster and I had a date night. I love date nights! We went to Champs for dinner and then went to see Inglorious Bastards. Great dinner not so great movie.

Saturday I went to the gym for the first time in a week since I have been sick. I was feeling a bit rough so I only made it to one class. Of course it was Zumba! Oh how I love that class! I then came home and did a bit more "fall decorating". It was time to replace the summer potted plants with fall mums! I would post pics but since I bought plants with a lot of little buds but not too many blooms just yet, they aren't much to look at. After that It was time to attack my closet. I was able to come up with four bags of clothes to donate! Ahhhh a good over haul feels SO good! Then it was Game Time. It was awesome to watch...well until the last 8 mins or so!

So far today I have managed to eat breakfast, drink coffee and cuddle in bed with my pups and hubbster while watching The Devil Wears Prada. It's a hard life I tell ya. Well I will be off soon to the gym and 4 grocery stores. I really despise grocery shopping on Sundays but it the only day we have available this week. We do two weeks of menu planning and shopping at a time. Helps with staying on budget and eating healthier for us.

Side note: I was a bit worried about eating out and the game day food with this being my first officially week of W.W. But I have managed to enjoy and not really sacrifice buy using my 35 weekly allowance and my daily points. I still have some of my weekly allowance left! I am not sure how often I will use the 35 extra points a week but I do not plan to use my activity points. OK enough of that horrible ramble!

Well I am off. Sorry for no pictures in this post...I know it doesn't make for the most intriguing posts. Need to work on that!

Enjoy the rest of you day my dears!

God Bless!

Weight Watchers Wednesday

2009-09-09T20:23:00.003-04:00

I have borrowed the above title from this nice lady and a few of her friends. I hope they don't mind.
Although I stayed home from work today because I was feeling horrible I made it out of the house for my first Weight Watchers meeting. We have a male leader and that was different from past experiences but he was very nice and knowledgeable. The group as a whole seems encouraging but how much can I tell from the first meeting. I didn't know they were running a special so registration fee was waved ,that was an awesome surprise! I am looking forward to this journey. I know what I need to do to succeed. It is just nice to have the additional support and accountability to push me along. One of the ladies in our group had lost 119lbs over the past 14 months! God bless her! It doesn't get much more encouraging than that.

I will let you know next week what I have lost and any new insight I have picked up. Good luck ladies have a wonderful week!

Honey Lemon = Life Saver

2009-09-08T19:15:00.005-04:00

Hope you all had an amazing long weekend!

We enjoyed cheering our Buckeyes to their first of many victories this season on Saturday. We celebrated our Nephew Keegan's 3rd birthday on Sunday. Some how I forgot to take a single picture on my camera! I took plenty for other people with their cameras so maybe they will share a few with me.

I had very high hopes for Monday the possibilities were endless. Unfortunately I started to come down with something, so I spent the morning in bed and the rest of the day sitting around and taking care of very small projects from my couch. I was hoping all of that relaxing would payoff in a miracle recovery for work today. Well.....that did not happen. I made it through work, although it was the longest day ever. Thank God for Honey Lemon cough drops those with hot tea have been my life saver! Unfortunately I will not be making it to the gym for my work out. Bummer! I have managed to make lasagna for dinner (for the husband, I think I will be having more tea and cough drops) and I am now sitting on the couch with my "supplies" in the picture above, watching food network and hoping for a very speedy recovery. At least it is a short work week!

In my fog I am not sure how coherent this post was. If you made it to the end....congratulations!

Fall is in the air...

2009-09-04T20:43:00.010-04:00

So maybe it was 80 out side today....it is September 4th and MY Buckeyes kick of their season tomorrow so it is fall to me! This is my favorite time of year and I had to add a little autumn wonder around the house today. Just a small taste of things to come. .

Started things off with one of these.

A Pumpkin Spice Latte. I know some of you will cry "too soon, too soon" I say oooohhhh ssssshhhh!

Then the summer front door wreath got replaced wit this beauty.

I promise it is not glow in the dark orange. The photo just came out that way.

And finally I added a little fall cheer to my kitchen table.

I change out my place mats with the season or occasion.

Well happy almost Fall Y'all! Go Bucks! OH-!

What I did in 5 hours....

2009-09-03T22:03:00.008-04:00

Have you ever had one of those nights when you get so much done in a short amount of time that you surprise yourself? That is exactly what I did tonight. It is now 10 at night and so far I have...gone to the grocery store, went for a run, baked a cake, made home made soup for dinner and have done my pre cleaning crew prep. Wow!

So the cake I made is at test run for something new to take to the tail gate on Saturday (Go BUCKS!!!) I have seen this recipe in multiple places so I thought I'd give a try.

Here is what you will need.

It is a box of devils food cake baked to the direction on the back in a 13x9 pan.

Right out of the oven poke holes in the cake.

Heat a jar of caramel sauce (the kind you put on ice cream)in the microwave for 30 seconds and poor over the cake.

Let cool in the refrigerator for 2 hours then icing the cake with a container of Whipped topping and sprinkle with Heath bar pieces that you can find next to the chocolate chips at the grocery store.

Please do not mind the piece that is missing.....hubster and I had to give it a try. The left overs are going to work tomorrow. So far I think we have a definite G.O. for the tail gate Saturday!

I made tortellini soup for dinner. You can find the recipe here.

And just to clarify what the pre cleaning crew prep is, every other week we have some one come clean our house......totally indulgent but with our schedules it is a life saver. There is just a certain amount of prep that I have to do before they come.

Well off to bed for me! T.G.I.F!

What a great evening!

Back in action

2009-09-02T22:02:00.002-04:00

I know I have been gone for a very long time. But I am now back in action. I have had some amazing things go on over the last few months and maybe I will revisit a few over the coming days.

As for today's post....I am borrowing a term from Legally Fabulous. I have decided to rejoin Weight Watchers. I became a member a few years ago but work got in the way of the meetings and my motivation. A year and a half ago I quit smoking (I have mentioned this on here before) well with that came a 20+ pound weight gain. Every pound was worth the freedom I have now. I have been working out (a lot) and watching what I eat. I have had some success in this but I need and want more. I am looking forward to the support and accountability that Weight Watchers has to offer. I tried to go to my first meeting tonight but for some reason it had been cancelled. I will not be discouraged by this. I plan on starting it off this week the best I can and "officially" kick things off next week. The site I mentioned above calls it weigh-in Wednesday. And I am going to see if it is OK with her that I do as well. Another amazing woman is getting on the Weight Watchers train head over and see what she has to say as well.

I hope some of you will join me. Please share your tips, recipes and stories.

Hugs to you all and I am sorry for being gone for so long. I have been reading even if I have not been posting comments.

Kayleigh

2009-05-12T09:06:00.002-04:00

Please read this. I ask that you take a moment to pray for this amazing family. May you find a few extra moments today to spend with those you love.

Attitude adjustment

2009-05-07T12:25:00.006-04:00

Pic from here

I am in need of an adjustment to my attitude!! I am lacking some much needed patience and compassion. This is not like me, not like me at all. I am quick tempered, jaded, and stuck in my own little world. Oh how I dislike this feeling greatly.

Nothing major is going on...just life. Sometimes life is great and sometimes well...it just isn't that great. I am a go with it kind of girl....I enjoy being joyful. But as of late the joy is not as easily found.

Game plan to turn it around:

Pick up my pretty flowers for the flower beds that I ordered through a fund raise (there are a TON of them)

Zumba

Home made shrimp fried rice for dinner

Hot Bath

Bed (early I hope)

Sorry for not being around and then coming back and being a big ole' baby.

Any suggestions to turn my mood around? What are some of your favorite pick me ups?

**Note: please no hate mail I completely understand that there are horrible things going on in this world and I have many blessings. I just needed to be a bit of a baby.**

How to help?

2009-04-24T09:15:00.003-04:00

I have a favor to ask of you all. My heart was very heavy this morning and I needed a plan to help in some small way. I have my answer and I am hoping you all might join in and help in some small way.
Here's the story:

I was in the drive through this morning picking up a coffee treat. At the exit of the drive through there was a man with his dog and a sign saying" Any spare change?" Well things like this hit me straight in the guy EVERY time. But I did nothing but tell my Mom (who I was on the phone with) and say a quick prayer.
Well God wasn't gonna let me off that easy. As I go off my exit this morning there was another guy with a sign (minus the Dog) asking for "Change".
I truly struggle when I see things like this. Part of me feels horrible and I want to do what ever I can to help. How humbling to have to stand there and ask strangers for help. Then there is the part that wonders if they really need help. I know there are people who honestly just do it to make some cash. ( I know because one of those persons has told me so themselves). Or they choose to not make their situation better.
A few times I have bought a person in this state a cup of coffee a sandwich things like that but I don't give cash for two reasons. 1. I honestly don't carry cash and 2. My family works with drug affected families (long story) and the thoughts of what could be done with the cash make me nervous.
This morning I payed "Lord how can I help?" I don't want to give cash, I can't stop every time and take them to buy some food. I don't think that is safe not does time always alow. But, I can't keep ignoring this either.
The answer to my prayer: I am going to make up "goody" bags to carry in my car. The will have a bottle or two of water, protein bars, dried fruit, wet naps, mints and so on. Not sure what all will go into them. I also know they won't have the same thing every time. What I find on sale will have to do. I will keep these bags in my car and when I see someone in need I will give them one. I'd love to get my hands on those small pocket Bible's too.
What do you all think?
This is where you all come in....if you can, please join in! Make up just a few and have them on hand. I must also say PLEASE be safe about it!!! Don't get out of your car or if you feel unsafe just listen to you instincts! Pull up and hand it out or drive by if you feel too uncomfortable.
I don't see stranger displaying their needs on cardboard often. But two in 30mins got my attention God! I am listening! I'll let you use me to do good!

Almost Friday

2009-04-23T20:57:00.013-04:00

Are you as ready for the weekend as I am? It is supposed to be gorgeous here..80's!!!

Which is good because this little girl was sick off and on Starting on Sunday and ending with me taking her the vet on Tuesday morning. I will just say Saturday afternoon I will be bonding with my Hoover steam cleaner, giving my carpets a much needed scrubbing. Stella is back to her old self now. They gave her two shots, two prescriptions and special food for a week.

My boss bought me these sweet flower for administrative assistants day. My job is a jumble of a lot of things, the easiest way to describe it is.....I am the assistant to the VPO. It is so nice sometimes to receive validation and just get a simple Thank you.

This post is a crazy mix but I have to tell you about the CRAZY Zumba instructor I just experienced. I love Zumba it is something I look forward to every Monday and Saturday. They also offer this Thursday class. I have only gone one other time on a Thursday and there was a substitute teacher. Well, the normal Thursday instructor was here today and oh my word was she a piece of work. She did an awesome job getting the class motivated. But I had a VERY hard time looking at her with her royal blue head band with sequence. Oh and it was helping to hold her very high pony tails that were not even out of her face! She just kept Screaming and bouncing around the room with her crazy Zumba get up. It was too much to handle..but guess who will be back next Thursday? I just can't pass up that type of entertainment especially if it burns calories.

Well enough of this mess for one night. I am setting a goal to blog at a min of 3 times next week. I love to do it I just don't allow the time like it should.

Have an amazing Friday!!

A cookie without a fortune.

2009-04-15T09:31:00.007-04:00

Sorry friends for being gone for so long. Looks like a great Easter was had by all! Ours was very low key. No traveling home for us since we will be on the road a lot in the coming weeks. Our Easter Sunday consisted of Cinnamon rolls, Grocery shopping, out to dinner and a stop at my favorite coffee shop, Stauf's. Very non traditional but still enjoyable.
I am SO happy to have my lovely cup of Joe back. aahhhhh so good! I currently have that song "Reunited and it feels so good" running through my head.

Okay,okay enough of the dramatics.

This is just a quick one to let you know I am still around. But, I have to explain the title of my blog today. We went to dinner at PF Changs last night and my Fortune cookie came without a fortune!!! Not that I put any stock into any "predictions" but it still did not sit well with me. So my question, what do you think the prediction is when you get no fortune from the cookie?

Have a great day all!

Ahhhhh spring!

2009-04-05T19:42:00.005-04:00

Happy Sunday! I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend. We spent yesterday celebrating our niece Emma's eighth birthday and an early Easter with my husbands family. It was a fun and relaxing time.

Here is my Emma with her birthday loot. I can't believe how big she is!

I just love these little people. These are the nieces and nephews from my husbands side of the family.Today was just what the Doctor ordered. I made a yummy Sunday breakfast of our traditional blue berry pancakes and some for the best breakfast sausage made from chicken ever. After, the hubbster was ultra manly and got our yard spring ready while I worked on laundry. After a quick trip to The Home Depot and a lunch at our favorite sandwich shop we just hung out around the house. It has been ultra refreshing.

Here is finally a pic of the spring wreath I made for our front door. I know I promised this a long time ago.

Time to go suck up the last bit of my weekend freedom. Has spring finally sprung?

PINK AND GREEN MONOGRAMMED PICNIC BASKET

2009-04-02T09:33:00.003-04:00

A very cute blogger who is a soon to be new Mama is having a give away. Head on over to Dave and Brit Plus One to check out this very cute blog and her give away of this adorable Pink and Green monogrammed picnic basket.

PS. Is this work week over yet???

One Year!!

2009-04-01T21:15:00.013-04:00

Tuesday marked an amazing anniversary for my husband and me. It was not our one year wedding anniversary, it was our 1 year of being nicotine free anniversary. We both smoked our last cigarette on 3/30/08 @ 10:30 at night. I am so proud of both of us. It was not an easy year, but it was very worth it. To celebrate we went to eat at one of our favorite sushi restaurants Blue Ginger. We had an awesome time together and am amazing dinner.

Congrats Baby I Love you!

And I had to include pics of our food.

Yummy Chicken & Tofu Curry

Christmas roll, Blue Ginger roll and Spicy tuna

I don't wann a be a grown up today!

2009-03-26T15:33:00.004-04:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you just DO NOT want to be a grown up? I am sure some of you are going to say YES!! EVERYDAY!!
Well, that's not me. Normally I love being the responsible adult that I am. I have no problem going to work, being a wife and taking care of the hubbster and fur babies. And running around doing a million things at once.
Today, not so much! I made it to work, and was surprisingly productive. The problem now resides with the mile long TO-DO list I have waiting for me when I get home. I kept trying to figure out what I could put off just to have some down time. Then it dawned on me! Only grown ups worry about what they can get away with not doing. Non-grown ups worry about what they can get away with doing. (Does that make sense????)
So here is my plan Stan, and all of you peeps out there not named Stan:
I am going to do the absolute bare minimum tonight. I will be making two very quick stops on the way home, feeding and walking my fur babies and then sitting my tush on the couch with left over Bucca Di Peppo form last night (yum) and watching some mindless T.V.
I had my morning session with the trainer this morning at 6 and he worked me hard enough that I don't even feel bad for eating pasta two nights in a row.
Just a question: Who would see a set of stair and a medicine ball and say "hey I think I'll make Jenn run up and down those with this over her head!" He is not right in the dome!! But I love him any ways!
Hope you all find a small way to be a non-grown up tonight!

Sister Update.

2009-03-23T15:32:00.002-04:00

Thanks for being there everyone! The verdict is she has a REALLY bad case of strep and that is what caused the whole ordeal. She is now on her way home with a hefty antibiotic. My guess is when she had strep a while back she didn't finish her antibiotic like a good little girl...I bet she does this time!!

Also, I finished my spring wreath yesterday and darn it all I don't have access to my camera until Friday!

Hope you all had a good Monday! Thanks again!

Please pray...again.

2009-03-23T12:07:00.002-04:00

I feel like I have been a bad little blogger but I come to you all once again asking that you pray. This time for my little sister. (yes she is taller than me and a mother of 3 but she will always be my "little" sister).
My Mom is on her way to my sister house. She was complaining of a head ache yesterday. Since then she has started to run a fever (currently at 103) and is unable to get off of her couch due to sever body pain. She said it hurt every place. Once my mom gets there she is going to attempt to get her to the hospital. (They may be calling an ambulance). He children are with their father and safe.
I am just worried by how fast this came on. And the "tone" of my mothers voice tells me she is shaken to her core...you are always your mom's baby. I ask that you please say a quick one for my sister and my mother. Lord knows she doesn't need any more stress! Thank you all !!!

Heavenly Father, I come to you for comfort during this anxious time. I ask that you be with and heal my sister Laura. Please be with the medical staff and help them to aid in her quick healing. I also pray Lord that you be with my Mom. Please remind her to "breath" and take it easy. Also thank you for these amazing people I have been able to call on to pray with me. God is good!"
Amen

Look at my pick me up!

2009-03-17T20:54:00.006-04:00

Look what my awesome mom sent me to brighten my day!

I don't know if you can see what the card says.....

Well, they weren't Just Because she loves me. She knew today was going to a difficult one. One year ago today we had to put our dog Mugsy down. I use the word dog but I mean our son because that is what he was to us.

Thanks Mom for understanding and being there you made today brighter.

I'll close with a photo of our little guy Mugsy Malone.

We Miss you SO much!

One last thing: I promise I'll get that wreath done and post pics soon.

Update on Mom

2009-03-12T11:55:00.002-04:00

Thanks for praying. Just heard from my mom. Her blood pressure was way up and potassium way low. Don't know what that was from but they gave her meds for both and are sending her home. They also mentioned that it could have been mussel related. Thanks to you all for praying! And Mom, when you read this: thank you for going to get looked at! So many times people brush things like that off and end up in bad shape. I am proud of you...let me know when I can lecture you on other items! :) Love you lady!
Thank you God for hearing our prayers you are good!

Please Pray!

2009-03-12T09:09:00.003-04:00

My Mom is currently at the hospital with chest pains and other symptoms. Please pray that she is okay. I need her to be okay. I will update once I have more. Thanks
"Dear Lord please watch over my Mom. I do not ask for anything that is not your will. I just ask that you be with her and the medical staff that are treating her. May she get the care that she needs. You are the only one who know how much I need her. Please Lord bless her."

Crazy but good.

2009-03-08T21:58:00.004-04:00

Hi all and happy Sunday! This weekend has been crazy! I don't think I even took pictures of the craziness. Friday my in laws came in town for my nephews birthday party that was going on Saturday. We met them for dinner at Genji (YUM!). Kevin and I planed our meal to be sure we would have leftovers for lunch today. Unfortunately we forgot them ( Boo). Saturday the in laws were out the door bright an early to go watch my nephew Austin at his ice skating lesson. (We may just make him a hockey player yet) . Kevin in I got in a GREAT work out and then off to the party we went. We had amazing weather and just spent the whole day out side enjoying friends and family. Today consisted on another work out, although a solo one it was still good. Lunch and shopping with the in laws before they headed home. I scored two pics for our master bed room make over that we'll be starting soon. And we just got back from dinner with friends of ours. I am ready for bed! I like my weekends to be a little slow. This one was action packed but absolutely wonderful!

On a side note: I know that this blog is called Aunt jenn creates and I haven't been doing much creating lately. Look this week for some creations of mine. I know for sure I need to complete a spring wreath for my front door.

Hugs to you all!

Happy 60th!!

2009-03-01T19:17:00.020-05:00

We went home for a quick visit this weekend to surprise my Mother in-law for her 60th Birthday. We surprised her at church this morning with yellow roses from each of the grand kids. (That included two on her chair one for each of our dogs who couldn't make it to church) The look on her face when she saw all of her kids (minus my sister in-law who couldn't make it) and grand kids at church waiting for her was priceless. We all live about 3 hours away from home so it is normally only on holidays that we all gather there.

After church we took her to brunch. Service was slow, food was okay but the company was perfect!

While we were waiting on our food we gave her the Tiffany's bracelet that we all got for her and had engraved with her initials. Lucky for us she was thrilled with it.

Next it was on to the parents house for cake. It was great to celebrate her special day with her.

My mother in-law is an amazing woman. If I can be half the mother that she has been to her children then motherhood will have been a success for me. Happy 60th Birthday Mom in-law!!

I have to give a shout out to my mom for puppy sitting our kids while we were enjoying the festivities. We normally use a pet sitting service but decided to try taking them home with us. It went SO well. Thanks Mom for puppy sitting , Rocco and Stella really appreciate it (and so do we)!

What did you all do fun this weekend? Have a great Monday!

Delayed B-day details.

2009-02-27T06:45:00.016-05:00

So first I must say that the hubbster did a smashing job with my b-day!! Second, do you see what the pic above says the temperature was?! A February b-day with a temp in the high 50's in Central Ohio!!! That was a gift by it's self!

Kev made me a yummy Paula Deen recipe for French Toast Casserole for breakfast.

After breakfast it was time to open my gift. It had been wrapped and sitting in our guest bedroom all week. It kills me to wait for presents!!! But Kevin was not going to budge...I was waiting until the day. I was SO excited when I saw this beauty!

He got to be the first one to use it that day.....he made me my favorite cake in the whole world!!

Yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Nothing better people, NOTHING!

Since it was absolutely a gorgeous day we decided to take our fur kids to the park. Nothing could have made me happier than spending some Q.T with these three. They make my life SO happy!

It looks like Rocco and I are in such a serious conversation in this pic.

Once we had our fill of running and playing we dropped the kids off at home and went to get some of my favorite Mexican food.

Shrimp Fajitas with all the sides to make them not good for you! I was in heaven!

Full from our lunch what else do you do on a Wednesday afternoon???? Nap of course. I love naps!

Kevin had a game that evening, while he was gone I took the opportunity to go to the gym for a workout. With all the crap I had ingested so far and knowing cake was on its' way...I had to do something!

**This is when the not so cool part of my b-day happened**

Enter voice mail from Father I have not heard from in a year and a half to the date!!! This was not a welcomed call I won't go into details now....I still don't know how to process the whole thing. It lead to my hubby carrying me up the steps.

Okay on to the happier festivities!!

Once home, calmed down and changed into P.J's we had our selves a big slice of this...

While watching Biggest Loser!!

This may not sound like the perfect Birthday to some of you. But it was an amazing day for me! Thank you for all the well wishes.

Happy Friday to you all!

Will update soon.

2009-02-26T11:11:00.004-05:00

Had a moment and just wanted to say yesterday was amazing (for the most part) I have some pics to share of the day and plan to get them up here tonight. Hope you all are having a wonderful day! Thank God for TAZO Awake!!!

Getting prepared.

2009-02-24T20:51:00.008-05:00

So I have decided to give up coffee for Lent. NOT caffeine but coffee, java, joe, you get the idea. I am slightly nervous about this undertaking. So to get prepared for my 40 days without that lovely beverage that beckons me out of my out slumber every morning I made a run to Target.

I purchased some more green tea, a box of TAZO that was called AWAKE (that sounds promising) a pretty new "tea" mug and an electric tea pot (so I don't burn my house down while in the shower but can still have hot water, NOW) . I love tea, but it is not the same as my coffee. So as I sit watching Biggest Loser I am taking part in one last cup.

This adorable mug my niece Emma made for me. She painted it with flowers and "Aunt Jenn". It is one of my favorite items on this earth. This will be a interesting experience but I know it will be worth it!

On a different note: My co-workers got me these adorable cupcakes today. They were very good.

The hubster and I have the day off tomorrow. He is making me a VERY yummy B-day breakfast that I plan to share pics of. Beyond that our plans are that we have no plans. We are just excited to have a day off in the middle of the week to celebrate and do what ever we want (or as Kev keeps saying, whatever I want).

Anyone have suggestions?

Have a great evening enjoy your coffee for me!

A Celebration with family and friends.

2009-02-22T20:22:00.015-05:00

Hi my friends! What a nice weekend this has been. My mom and God mom came down for a visit and to celebrate my birthday (which is Wednesday) we like to stretch out the b-day celebrations in my family. We started off Saturday with some shopping for new bedroom linens. I have decided I want to redo our bedroom in Chocolate brown and robins eggs blue (well a little darker than robins egg blue but you get the idea). And Mom and Carolyn were awesome and decided to purchase the bed linens for my birthday to get me started. I got an amazing blue comforter (for lack of a better word) chocolate brown and mocha colored pillows. The fabric is AWESOME and I can't wait to get the project started! I'll share pics when it done.

My mom is on the left and God mom on the right.

We met up with two of our favorite people for dinner Jody and Jason at Gordan Biersh. It was a wonderful time. I had made the request that there not be any birthday singing at the restaurant. Well I learned that if you make that request of my mom you don't get sang to once.....you get sang to twice! At least one time they brought me cake!

These two little love birds are getting married in May.

Today was pretty low key. I made some blueberry pancakes for breakfast and then it was off to my favorite grocery store, Whole Foods. After a yummy lunch at whole foods the "moms" had to take off. I was sad to see them go. I love when they come to visit and it seems like it always goes too fast.

I am happy to report that since my last post "Ouch" I have not missed a single day at the gym and surpassed my goal of a 3 lb weight loss this week. I lost 4.5lbs!! WWWOOOHHOOO!! I know that is a bit more than the recommended "safe" amount but it was the boost that I needed.

Well I am off to indulge in some mindless television and relaxation before the big bad Monday. Hugs to you all and have a great start to your work week!

Ouch!

2009-02-18T21:35:00.003-05:00

Hello all! Hope all is well in your worlds. Not much going on in mine. I am VERY proud to say I have worked out every day for the past 5 days....and I think Friday was the only day I missed last week. That being said I hurt, hence the ouch as my title. Mussel ache alone would be fine but I am experiencing joint ache, head ache and I think even my teeth ache! I normally come home from a work out ready to take on the world but not tonight. I feel a bit like a train wreak at the moment.

I am VERY VERY excited that my mom is coming down for a visit this weekend. I LOVE that crazy little woman! And there is never a dull moment with her.

Okay, well it's off to bed for me we have the trainer at 6 am!!! WWWOOOHHHOOO lets see what we can make hurt next!

I'd say hugs but I can't lift my arms so.....light shoulder bump.

Hope it was a good one.

2009-02-15T21:17:00.009-05:00

Happy Sunday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's day! We aren't big into the holiday around here. We go more with the show each other love every day way of life. But, we still like to do a little something. We decided to try a new hibachi restaurant, Kobe'. Good food, great table mates but our heats still belong to Genji. Oh for the love of yum yum sauce. I am sure most of you have no idea what yum yum sauce is...well it is like heaven on earth! Pour a little (or a lot like us) of that liquid heaven on some fried rice, veggies and seafood and my word I just can't describe it. Come on over to C-bus and I'll take you out to try some! Any ways.....the day was great it is nice to have an excuse to be extra lovey dovey. I really do have an amazing husband!

Sunday has been of day of grocery shopping, clothes washing and working out. All in all it was a great weekend. Hope it was a good one for you!

I have had a few requests to see the hair cut I posted about previously so here are a couple pics. I have been sporting the flippy style for a while but got about 4 inches off make it shorter and "funkier" it didn't turn out exactly they way I wanted but I am still pretty happy with it.

Night Night and have a great start to the week!

Cold wet hair...cut.

2009-02-11T20:30:00.005-05:00

I was VERY excited for my hair appointment today. My hair turned out great (or so I think, I'll know better tomorrow). But it was a "damp" event.
As I was getting out my car there was an absolute down poor. I could not see 2 inches in front of my face. By the time I got into the salon my umbrella was inside out, my back end was SOAKED and I had so much water on my glasses that I couldn't see the receptionist who was trying to check me in. The poor thing used every ounce of her self control to not laugh out loud at the site I made in front of her. My grey pants did nothing to hide the "dampness" I was experiencing. The nice lady got me a hot cup of hazelnut coffee to "warm me up!" Tasted great but "warm me up!" it did not. I took my seat in one of the over sized comfy chairs and waited for my hair miracle worker to arrive. When she did I stood up to greet her and became MORTIFIED!!!! My "dampness" left a life size impression of my entire back end on the very comfy chair. My word I wanted to run out the door! But I waited 8 weeks to see my miracle worker and I was not about to miss out on her wondrous talents. In stead I sat there and got colored and cut, teeth chattering the whole time. My poor miracle worker offered to get me a robe from one of the spa rooms but no matter how chilly I was I just couldn't accept.
I am now warm, and cozy and thinking I need to go back to hitting the gym twice a day. Nothing like an impression of your wet back end in a comfy chair to cause a wake up call!

Take Luck!

2009-02-08T20:38:00.008-05:00

We had a weekend full of just what we needed. Saturday I got up and did my typical breakfast of fresh blue berry muffins (yumm) and then it was off to the gym for the hubbster and me. Which is NOT typical for us on a Saturday. Monday - Friday we workout just fine. The weekend comes around and the thought of causing our selves pain is not quite as appealing. We met up with his sister Amy and her family for dinner. I made a big pot of chili, Amy made the corn bread and all the fixins. We all hung out and played with these cute little devils.

Well, Kevin and Jeff played with the boys. Amy and I chatted, which we are VERY good at but, we will always take the opportunity to fine tune the craft of chat. Once the little men headed to bed we watch a hilarious Brian Regan DVD. All I have to say is.........."Take Luck"! If you are a Brian Regan fan then you get it, if not watch one of his DVDs and you'll get it, love it and become a fan.

Today, after a few misadventures ( I will not get into details but I now go to a new pharmacy due to a very rude pharmacist and still have not made it to the clinique counter to get my "fix") I went to the gym (that's right people two days in a row on a WEEKEND!!) and got ready to meet these lovely people for dinner.

Kevin's brother Tom celebrated his birthday earlier this month and mine is at the end so we met in the middle of our birthdays, our towns and had dinner and exchanged gifts. I got some awesome goods and will share in a later post. It is always nice to meet up with your family for Sunday dinner, this was no exception.

This weekend was exactly what we needed. And I think it will help Monday not to hurt so bad. Hope you all had a great one! "Take Luck"!! I am now off to bed! Night, Night.

Carrot cake and family

2009-02-06T06:35:00.005-05:00

It's Friday! WWOOHHOO! I am ready for the weekend. We had an early kick off to our weekend last night. Kevin and I along with his sister Amy met up with their Uncle Jim and his very sweet girl friend Diane for dinner.

We ate at Hyde Park, and oh my word I must tell you it was SO yummy. I was the odd girl out and did not get a steak (which HP is know for) I don't eat cow (and laundry list of other animals) but that is not for this post. What I did get was some fantastic shrimp and scallops. Every thing was perfect especially the company. We all laughed the entire time. It was truly one the most pleasant dinners out I have had in a long time.

Now for dessert (s) the above picture is of all of us and the MAMMOTH "slice" of carrot cake Amy and I got to share. Look at this thing.

It was huge, they gave us a steak knife to cut it. Amy and I ended up sharing with everyone at the table and then she took the leftovers home. There was a piece of cheesecake around there someplace too but I think it just blended in with the frosting of the cake. SO funny.

What are your fun plans for the weekend? Ours involve family and food. I think I am seeing a trend.....Happy Friday!!! Hugs!

Did you hear?

2009-02-05T06:45:00.003-05:00

Just read a very exciting post on Kelly's blog Harper is going home! I am so happy for this family. Look how sweet that baby girl is.

One other quick thought. I watched Tuesdays Biggest Looser last night. I won't say who left in case you still have it on your DVR....but I was pleased with the out come. What I was extremely pleased with is Bob and Jillian cut the crap in that episode. Since I should be getting ready for work I will not go into details. Basically they took out the fall back comments of "not loosing weight and gaining muscle " and "I haven't lost pounds I've lost inches". I have never been a fan of those two fall backs in particular. I believe the scale reflects the work I put in at the gym and the food I put in my body. Most of you don't know me that well. And I am not trying to offend anyone. The weight loss "debate" is not a new one and every one, like a belly button, has a opinion. They also said the being at the Ranch was like the Olympics of weight loss. That people at home can NOT expect to have the same results in the same amount of time. But if some one on the ranch can loos 12 pounds in one week at the Ranch, maybe someone at home will see that they could loos 12 pounds in 6 weeks. THANK YOU for finally saying that Bob and Jillian!! We all have thought it...but it was SO nice to hear you say it! I LOVE this show and think it has done amazing things for people. Some other time when I am procrastinating on getting ready for work maybe I'll get into how I got over weight and why I am now working so hard to get if off. It has to something to do with quiting smoking with my hubby 10 moths ago....and starting to eat dairy queen blizzards almost daily. Hey....I'm honest I enjoyed eating my way to being 20+ pounds more that I was last year. But I am also enjoying getting healthy! Okay okay time to got work! Have a happy one!

2009-02-02T14:27:00.002-05:00

*I am not currently wishing I could take a quick 3hour nap.

*I am not happy that the hubbster is in charge of dinner tonight and I just get to help where needed. I love cooking EVERY night.

*I am not one of the people who are NOT happy that it’s tax time. I am just so DARN excited.

*I did not just do one of my least favorite aspects of my job. I love EVERY part of my job.

*I am not going to eat a frozen yogurt sunday tonight with EXTRA hot fudge. And I will not feel less guilty about it since it is frozen yogurt.

*I am not going to lie in bed with my book, laptop, hubbster and pups as soon as I can just because I have a case of the Mondays. I am not the lazy.

*I am not putting on a “happy” face for one of my favorite people and co-workers who put in their notice today and secretly wanting to grab hold of her leg and say “don’t go don’t go, how will I do this without you?!!” No, I am just happy for her.

Bye bye weekend.

2009-02-01T19:20:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful weekend we have had! Unfortunately the only picture I managed to take was of my YUMMY drink from dinner on Friday night. Speaking of Friday night we had dinner with two of our favorite people in the world, Jody and Jason. Great food, with great friends on a Friday night is just the kind of weekend kick off I love. I didn't leave the comforts of my home at all on Saturday. Seriously, I didn't even go out to take the dogs potty, the hubbster took care of it. I did however get my cook on. Breakfast was blueberry lemon bread, lunch a quick batch fajitas and dinner was shrimp and scallops in a wine sauce. Our day today has consisted of grocery shopping, a quick trip to the mall and we took the fur kids on a walk around our sub-division. It was nice to get out side, for Ohio in February it was a VERY mild day. Now it is time for some “junk” food and a little football game that’s on. I must admit that I am really interested in the commercials. And, if I had to pick a team to win….GO CARDINALS!!! I have been raised a Browns fan, need I say more. Hope you had a wonderful, relaxing weekend. Ready or not….here comes Monday!

Cold day dinner.

2009-01-28T19:18:00.012-05:00

Tortellini Soup:
1-2 Large carrots
2 Stalks of celery
1 Medium onion
1 Bag cheese tortellini
2 32 oz Containers of chicken stock
1 Clove of garlic
1-2 bay leaves
2-3 red pepper flakes
Salt and Pepper
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Boneless skinless chicken breast Coat bottom of pan with olive oil. Add chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Heat to infuse the oil.

Add carrots, celery, onion and chicken. All should be chopped into small pieces. This will allow a quick cook time. Saute until chicken is cooked through. Onion will become translucent.

Pour chicken broth into pot.
Bring to a boil, cover and continue until veggies are tender. Salt and pepper to taste.

Add tortellini and cook until done. Aprox 7-8 mins.

We like to serve ours with some fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top.

And some of these on the side.

Enjoy!

Snow day?

2009-01-28T09:33:00.004-05:00

Source of photo
We woke up this morning to snow, ice and more snow. My poor pups looked at me like I was a mad woman while trying to get them to go out side. So we are waiting to see if we will be traveling into the work place today. So far we are on delay until noon. Most of the city and surrounding areas are shut down or moving at a snails pace. So while answering a few sporadic emails I am watching the Sopranos (I could watch rerun after rerun of the show and NEVER get sick of it) and trying to decide what type of cookie to bake to go with our "White hot chocolate". I'll have to check with my mom (how much do I sound like a 6 yr old) to see if I can share our family recipe for the VERY best warm you from the inside on a cold day drink EVER! And the best part is...it only takes about 3 ingredients. Or maybe The Mama could post it on her site, then she would have a post on her site. (No pressure mom ) Any who back to the cookies...Should we have M&M, Chocolate chip, Oatmeal raisin, Peanut butter or White Chocolate macadamia nut?! Oh how I love when these are the hard decisions of the day!

Now to my lovely bosses.....I think we should not go in at all today, and if we don't I promise to bring in a batch or two of cookies for you!! Enjoy your day all. Cuddle up with the ones you love, stay warm and fix up some good food. I am hoping for a complete snow day!

2009-01-26T12:37:00.002-05:00

I thought I would participate in ....

*I did not skip they gym this morning to sleep and extra hour. That would not get me closer to my goal at all.

*I did not eat a muffin for breakfast while watching TLC shows that I had DVR'd that would have been a waste of time.

*I have not wanted to choke the crap out of almost every human I have had contact with today. That would not be very nice of me.

*I am not counting down the hours until I get to go home. That would be wishing my life away.

*I am not going to go call my husband and wine like a little girl, that would be SO immature of me.

TGIF and Cupcakes

2009-01-23T18:58:00.013-05:00

I need to start by giving a quick update......thank God the word on Harper keeps getting better and better. Last I read on Kelly's blog Harper was at 43% oxygen!!! God is good!

I love Fridays! I don't know that they are my favorite day of the week. I don't know if I really have a favorite day, but I enjoy Fridays A LOT!!! The whole weekend is ahead of you. I think this is going to be a low key weekend. Hubby is S.I.C.K. it's just a cold but it is still enough to make the pep in his step a little lacking. We have plans to meet some friends and their Kiddos for dinner tomorrow night, beyond that......the days will be spent doing whatever I want. That is my favorite part of Fridays. It is the kick off to days of doing whatever I want.

And now for a little creating.
I can't claim these completely. I got the idea off of a Betty Crocker web site and changed it up a bit. There is a low cal and a bit "healthier" version of these as well, but with it being Friday I thought the "classic" recipe was called for. These are one of my most requested desserts. Enjoy!

Raspberry Cream Cheese Cupcakes

1 box yellow cake mix.

1 8 oz container of sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup water

2 eggs

3 tablespoons (aprox) Smuckers Raspberry Simply Fruit

1 3 oz package of cream cheese cut into 24 pieces

1 container of cream cheese frosting

Fresh raspberries

-Heat oven to 350

-Place paper baking cups into 24 regular size muffin cups

-Mix

Cake mix

Sour cram

Oil

Water

Eggs

with a spoon until blended. It will be thick.

-Divide batter among cups evenly.

-Stir the Simply fruit in a small bowl until smooth.

-Place 1 piece of cream cheese on top of each cupcake. Push down slightly.

-Spoon 1/4 teaspoon of simply fruit on top of each piece of cream cheese.

- Bake 18 t0 24 minutes or until tops are golden and spring back when touched lightly. Some of the simply fruit may show, but you will cover it with frosting.

-Frost cupcakes and garnish with a fresh raspberry.

Have a happy Friday!

Hugs,

Jenn

Praying for Strangers.

2009-01-18T11:08:00.002-05:00

I was introduced to the blogging world because I began to pray for a "stranger". A "stranger" that I met via the Today show. Nie,Nie and her sister cjane changed my life and my view of the world forever. What has also changed is my daily prayer list, it now includes more "strangers" than I would have ever been able to conceive of. These “strangers" who I have come to know by name, and I think of often through out the day have all touched and impacted my life in an outstanding way. Today I am consumed with constant prayer for Kelly her husband Scott and their precious gift from God Harper. I ask that if you have a moment or two today that you spend them praying for these “strangers”. And maybe, while we are untied in prayer, we aren’t “strangers” after all.

Aunt jenn Creates

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