Flashback Friday

A Texas Christmas. 2003 was the 1st Christmas not at home. We decided to go to my Grandma's house in Texas.

My Grandma and her sister. Baking popcorn balls. YuM!

Tara and me playing some Christmas tunes, I'm sure.

Daddy getting into the Christmas spirit

Notice my outfit. I must have been reading something good!

Refreshment

I made cookies to bring to Aminis' house last night. Ryan was disgusted when I told him they have carrots in them, but they are really good. They taste like banana bread, or carrot cake. They're even pretty healthy, plus I used whole wheat flour, so that helps balance out the 1 C. shortening. (Or so I pretend) Don't take my word for it. Try them! They're from the Lion House Classics, so you know they're delish!

Iced Carrot Cookies
1 cup shortening
3⁄4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup cooked, mashed carrots
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
3⁄4 cup coconut

In large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs; beat until fluffy. Add mashed carrots. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture. Stir in coconut. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool, then ice with
Orange Frosting. Makes 4 dozen small cookies.

Orange Frosting
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons soft margarine

In small bowl, combine all ingredients; stir until well mixed.

Eventful Weekend

Typically I do not have plans on weekends, but this weekend I had a double dose. My work gave out free tickets to the What a Woman Wants Show at the South Towne Expo center. I went with my sister Saturday evening, and we had a good time. Saturday night Ryan got off work early and we went to Iron Man with his brother and his girlfriend. It is very good! The sequel is set for the Summer of 2010. Go see it! We went to the 10:30 showing and didn't get home until almost 1:00. Yikes! Combine that with 9:00 church and it's not a good combination. I took advantage of the day of rest and slept most the day.

The graduate

My oldest sister Toni graduated last night from SLCC's dental hygiene program. I went straight from work and got there just in time to hear her name called and receive her certificate. I had my camera, but the batteries needed to be changed so I don't have any to post. Here's to all your hard work! I love you Toni!

This is the only picture I could find of her at the moment

{Toni is on the far right}

A night out

 I work 2 jobs, so I usually don't have time to relax between them and getting everything else done. I've been really busy working overtime at work and just feel overwhelmed. I came home Tuesday night to find my bathrobe, a bubble bath with candles and music all awaiting me. The hubs, he's good. I took a long needed bath then sat down to a nice candle lit 3 course meal, all done by Ryan. {notice the blanket tablecloth!} I guess my stress was noticeable because he did all this for me. It was a very nice evening. Thanks babe.