Learning to be Me

I've been thinking about an amazing bunch of ladies (not all connected) that I have the privilege of calling friends. I really has been blessed with some incredible woman in my life. These are the kind if women who make me want to be a better person. Who make me feel better just sitting between them. I love this.  It gives me a good place to look when I want to improve.

Occasionally, though, I do what you shouldn't do. I compare myself to these girls. The result is exactly what you might imagine. They are put high on a pedestal while all I can see of myself are my weak points.  My flaws. 

I try to stop it when I realize I'm doing it. Today I decide I ought to make a list of the things I admire about these women. Then I wrote one about what I admire in myself. The second list was very different than the first, but no less important. looking forward to using the first list as a guideline as I continually seek to better myself the second one I think will come in handy, assuring me that I am doing OK myself. :)

Adventures in Cookies

Jeff's all-time favorite treat is a good chocolate chip cookie.  They can't have oatmeal, and they have to be soft.  Sadly, he married a girl who a) couldn't care less for those cookies and b) can't make a good one to save her life.  (I promise the two are not related.)  Poor guy.

The other day I was irritated with housework and the Chloe was occupied with Lady and the Tramp.  I decided it was time to give chocolate chip cookies another go.  I turned to my pinterest boards for help. (I know I pin a lot of stuff.  I am happy to say that I do actually use a lot of what I pin)  I found the recipe I was looking for.  Gathered my supplies and set out.

Half way through, I realized it was a Friday and the kids were out.  It was so nice out that I thought I'll just let them walk home.  Which resulted in Lyndsi missing out on an Activity Days field trip. I felt horrible when I realized I'd spaced the time, but she didn't seem to mind.  In the end, the cookies were worth it.

They didn't turn out exactly as I'd imagined, so Saturday I set out to make a 2nd batch.  They turned out even better than the first.  Here is the recipe I used.  I did follow her instructions closely and ended up needing to bump the temperature up to 400 instead of 375.  To quote a neighbor we shared them with "The cookies are money!"

Spring Cleaning

Nothing says "day off" like spending all morning and afternoon cleaning and organizing a bedroom. That's right. Spring cleaning has officially begun. (We'll blame it on the pleasant, sunny days we've been having.)

The little girls decided they would really like to separate their bunk beds. I wasn't too excited because of the work I knew it would involve. Cue grandma and grandpa. Mostly grandma. 

Several trips to the garbage, lots of scrubbing of walls and furniture, and moving pieces around the girls have a finished room that we all love. (To illustrate, Jeff just walked in and commented on how much cuter their room is now. And yes he said cute. :) Hooray! (P.S.  Click on the picture to see the whole thing.  Blogged from my phone and it will only show half the picture on the web)

So far, so good.

I have made my bed every day this year! Feeling so proud of myself. Haha. really though, even the year is barely a week old it feels awesome to say that. It really is my only formal resolution this year. 

Really enjoying the mild winter. Thankful it's not bitter cold outside and that the air isn't horrible yet. I've even noticed the grass greening up and little plants trying to poke through the dirt. I guess even Mother Nature gets spring fever. 

I've spent more time reading in the last couple of weeks than the I have in a long time. My body still threatens to fall asleep when I sit down, but I can plow through now. ;)

Happy New Year!

Unlike my daughter, I can totally grasp 2014.  2013 was a good year.  Not much exciting happened.  Nothing horrible happened.  It was perfectly ordinary with only minor ups and downs.  And that's okay.  I always the the start of new things.  The beginning holds so much promise. So much hope. Could this be the year that I lose the last ___ pounds? My child finds the book that turns them on to reading forever? The year we finally take that vacation?  It's going to be a great year.  :)

Our family always rings in the new year with some of our favorite people.  We meet up with the Stringham clan for food and games.  This year the adults opted to start the party early and catch an a matinee of Catching Fire.  (SO good.) A quick jaunt home to grab the kids and the food and head back to their house.  Turkey sandwiches and yummy finger foods.  (Heard of Cookie Butter? Try it.  You'll thank me.) Lots of games and giggles.  The kids had a good time too.  Wii. Princesses and Fairies.  Mulan.  So happy to have wonderful friends to celebrate with.

We failed to get a "before" picture, but this is the "after." They were still going strong (albeit tired and prone to whininess) at midnight.

Chloe surrounded by two of her favorite people her big Sis, Lyndsi and friend Dane.  Now if we can convince the two big kids it's OK to be friends.  One day they'll believe us.  ;) They did play the Wii together.  That's a start!

So lucky to have these amazing friends!

Treats

Dear tasty Christmas treats,

Please go away. I love you in small doses, but you are not good for me. My taste buds disagree, but I am trying not to listen to them. Sometimes they lead me astray. Maybe we can meet again around Easter? I think that would be best. Thanks for understanding

Love,

Angie 

Twiddle Thumbs

Remember that other blog? For the first time in nearly two years it has a current post.  Check it out!  www.twiddle-thumbs3.blogspot.com  Not sure that this will be a continual thing, but for now it's current. :)