This may well be the image that greets you when your two lab pups are 8 months old and you try to provide them a warm soft place to lay while you go inside to go potty then come back out ten minutes later.
Aren't they sweet?
BOWL BOUND!!!!
GO VANDALS!
I-D-A-H-O Idaho Idaho GO GO GO!!!!
98% OF PEOPLE SAY 'OH SHIT' BEFORE
GOING IN THE DITCH ON A SLIPPERY ROAD.
THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM IDAHO AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS.'
I have never wanted anything in my entire life like I want these cookies RIGHT NOWWW!!!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
Just the name of these make your mouth water. A graham cracker crust with mini-chocolate chips in it topped with a layer of cheesecake and then loaded with drops of cookie dough. A drizzle of chocolate on top makes it out of this world. You'll have to thank Bake or Break for introducing us to this thigh expanding treat. It has a lot of components and sometimes less is more, but not in this case. Heaven.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
by The Essential Chocolate Chip Cookbook
Crust
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325°. Butter a 9″-square baking pan (*I used an 8x11 pan). Line pan with parchment paper, leaving enough to extend over the sides. Butter the parchment paper.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter until crumbs are moistened. Make sure you mix it well so that the crust isn't too crumbly. Stir in chocolate chips.
Press crust mixture into bottom of pan and 1 inch up sides. Bake for 6 minutes. Set pan on wire rack to cool.
Cookie Dough (you could cheat and use store bought dough here)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Using an electric mixer , mix butter, brown sugar, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract at medium speed until smooth. Decrease mixer speed to low and add flour (Add a little at a time. You might not need all the flour. Just add it until the mixture sticks together). Mix just until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips. Set aside.
Filling
10 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar just until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating just until blended.
Pour batter into baked crust. Drop cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the top of the filling. It will seem like a lot of cookie dough but you want some in every piece.
Bake about 30 minutes at 325 degrees, or until set. Transfer to wire rack.
For chocolate topping, melt 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave. *I think it's easier in the microwave. Put in a ziplock bag in a microwave safe bowl and cook for 30 seconds at a time, mixing within the bag after each interval. Snip off the corner of the bag and drizzle. Add about 1/2 tablespoon of butter if necessary to make chocolate smooth. Drizzle over top of bars.
Cool bars in pan completely, about an hour.
Using the edges of the parchment paper, remove bars from pan. Cut into bars, keep cool in the refrigerator and serve.
The menu...
Spencer's Prime Rib (which is sold as Boneless Ribeye Roast, who knew?) with A Jus that I burned DANGGIT!
Aunt Doris' Candied Yams
Cherrie Stewart's Korn Kiblets (I couldn't find a pretty picture of corn that resembles my creamy corn recipe, so here's some pretty corn)
Aunt Doris' Crescent Rolls
Peas and Carrots
Green Beans
Ned's Vanilla Pudding
I wish I knew how to photo shop all these De-lish pictures and put them on a fancy table with a cute Christmas table cloth. But I digress...
I'm a great thief! I am seriously so un-original but I am a wicked good copy cat!
Here is the recipe for the rub that is TO DIE FOR!!! From The All New All Purpose Joy of Cooking. Which is my MOST used and very favorite cookbook.
Herb Rubbed Rib-Eye Roast (High Temperature Method) on page 650
2 Tb EVOO (extra virgin olive oil for ya'all that live under a rock)
1 Tb minced garlic (it seems like a lot, but it's perfect)
1 Tb dried thyme
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
My favorite part of the meat was the crusty outside. This inside cuts tended to have too much fat for my taste.
Boys kept eating and eating and eating and eating and eating. Will (no joke) had a stomach ache after because he ate so much.
Is he my boy, or is he my boy....sad for him.
Yay for the new eternal family!
This couple was married in the temple (we actually saw our friends from Hollister Ward, I think Gary is the Bishop in that ward now, in the waiting room. This is our friend's niece. Small world in the LDS church isn't it). I didn't see her temple dress but could this ensemble be any more beautiful! Amazing! And so out of the ordinary. Couldn't tear my eyes away.
We saw the Pillings in the waiting room too. Spence and Summer's Meridian neighbors. WEIRD!!
We ate at the Garden Restaurant at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The building was decorated all for Christmas and all the interior detail were beautiful. But this view, undeniably the best part of the building! Salt Lake Temple spires right next to you while you nosh.
The best part of dinner! Not that the food wasn't good, it was, but these were delightful!
We spent time with Ned's family after traveling over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go. Our horse and sleigh DEFINITELY know the way. Did we take any pictures? No, we were having too much fun eating.
Friday morning started so beautifully with gently falling snow.
We were privileged to attend Sweet Super Special Sierra's baptism. We've waited so many years for her to be baptized, it was just AMAZING! Congratulations dear friend. We are so blessed to know you.
Spent some great family time with Nichole's family in Meridian and surely missed our long lost sister. It's just not the same when family members are missing. But sounds like we get to see Jessica at Christmas!
We are so grateful to Spence and Summer for always hosting our crazy family get-togethers. You guys are AMAZING! And so gracious.
Ned and I headed to Salt Lake for our fantastic friends' sealing in the temple. What a great cap to our family weekend. To witness a new eternal family being created. So happy to be included in your wonderful day. The bride was perfectly packaged and I'll share a couple photos this afternoon. WOW! Because you know a wedding is all about the bride.
We are done vacationing and back to our great little quiet hamlet. I get chills (inside and out) when we enter our picturesque valley and I say a prayer of thanks to my Heavenly Father that we are privileged to live here.
A young man was caught going almost double the speed limit through a small town. As the police officer walked up to the car, he said to the young man, "I've been waiting for you all day."
The young man replied, "Don't worry! I got here as fast as I could!"
He got off with a verbal warning.
This is a true story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q: What's the difference between a bad golfer and a bad skydiver?
A: A golfer goes *SMACK* "Dang!" and the skydiver goes "Dang!" *SMACK*
Received from Dalton Green.
I've been told by the landlady "NO PUMICE STONES ON THE TOILETS OR SINKS!!" for more than a year.
I understand her side, tenants who don't know how to use a pumice stone. Point taken.
Today....
I could take it NO LOnGEr! Took the pumice to the toilet and I dare say, if I was paid a hundred dollars, I would drink from my upstairs toilet. The toilet my six year old son and my four year old son use.
I would not LICK the toilet, but I would take a drink of the water.
OK
Make that a thousand dollars!!!
First read the book by Dr Robert Rohm
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Then read this....
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can't you follow directions???
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Read this...pique your curiosity and then read Dr. Rohm's book. It have saved my sanity!
D (Drive)
General Characteristics:
Direct. Decisive. High Ego Strength. Problem Solver. Risk Taker. Self Starter
Value to Team:
Bottom-line organizer. Places value on time. Challenges the status quo. Innovative
Possible Weaknesses:
Oversteps authority. Argumentative attitude. Dislikes routine. Attempts too much at once.
Greatest Fear:
Being taken advantage of.
Motivated By:
New challenges. Power and authority to take risks and make decisions. Freedom from routine and mundane tasks. Changing environments in which to work and play.
Ideal Environment:
Innovative focus on future. Non-routine challenging tasks and activities. Projects that produce tangible results. Freedom from controls, supervision, and details. Personal evaluation based on results, not methods.
Remember a High D May Want:
Authority, varied activities, prestige, freedom, assignments promoting growth, "bottom line" approach, and opportunity for advancement.
DO:
Be brief, direct, and to the point. Ask "what" not "how" questions. Focus on business; remember they desire results. Suggest ways for him/her to achieve results, be in charge, and solve problems. Highlight logical benefits of featured ideas and approaches.
DON'T:
Ramble. Repeat yourself. Focus on problems. Be too sociable. Make generalizations. Make statements without support.
While analyzing information, a High D may:
Ignore potential risks. Not weigh the pros and cons. Not consider others' opinions. Offer innovative and progressive systems and ideas.
D's possess these positive characteristics in teams:
Autocratic managers - great in crisis. Self-reliant. Innovative in getting results. Maintain focus on goals. Specific and direct. Overcome obstacles. Provide direction and leadership. Push group toward decisions. Willing to speak out. Generally optimistic. Welcome challenges without fear. Accept risks. See the big picture. Can handle multiple projects. Function well with heavy work loads.
Personal Growth Areas for D's:
Strive to be an "active" listener. Be attentive to other team members' ideas until everyone reaches a consensus. Be less controlling and domineering. Develop a greater appreciation for the opinions, feelings, and desires of others. Put more energy into personal relationships. Show your support for other team members. Take time to explain the "whys" of your statements and proposals. Be friendlier and more approachable.
Some other "information pools" that I have not fully proofed so proceed with caution
http://www.discinsights.com/cyber/Scripts/default.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DISC_assessment
http://sagastevin.com/TestYourself/DISCPersonality.html
Reed gets treats from his teacher when it's not Fast Sunday. He frequently asks if it's Fast Sunday.
Dad starts to explain as we are eating Lemon Pancakes, bacon and eggs, that Fast Sunday is when we go without two meals to show our willingness to sacrifice and put aside our physical needs to be obedient and draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Members of the Church may fast at any time as they have a need, but the fast contemplated on the day referred to as fast day, as defined by President Joseph F. Smith, “is that food and drink are not to be partaken of for twenty-four hours, ‘from even to even.’ ” From even to even has been given the meaning of going without two meals—from the evening meal on the night before to evening meal on fast day. President Smith went on to say:Howard W Hunter 1985
“In addition, the leading and [principal] object of the institution of the fast among the Latter-day Saints, was that the poor might be provided with food and other necessities. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every Latter-day Saint to give to his bishop, on fast day, the food that he or his family would consume for the day, that it may be given to the poor for their benefit and blessing; or, in lieu of the food, that its equivalent amount, or, if the person be wealthy a liberal donation, in money be so reserved and dedicated to the poor.” (Improvement Era, Dec. 1902, p. 148.)
Are we not wealthy if the Lord has blessed us with something we can share with others?
To discipline ourselves through fasting brings us in tune with God, and fast day provides an occasion to set aside the temporal so that we might enjoy the higher qualities of the spiritual. As we fast on that day we learn and better understand the needs of those who are less fortunate.
Reed asked if he could help roll cookie dough into balls. I asked him if he'd left the shredded magazine a mess in my room.
"I put it in the garbage" he replied.
I asked if he left his church clothes on the floor in his room.
"I hung them up!" he insisted.
Wow, I guess there's nothing you have to do then to earn your cookie making. Yes you may help make cookies.
Will is sitting at the table opening cans of peas for dinner. Dad asks him if his church clothes are hung up.
"Uh...no" he claims. Dad sends him upstairs.
Will comes downstairs screaming at Reed. "Your underwear is on the floor! You have to go put it away! You left it on the floor! You get up there and clean it up!" He is extremely serious and he is giving Reed a stern dressing down. All the while pointing and yelling and telling him to get up there and take care of it. Reed is calmly claiming it's not his because his dirty underwear is still in his pajama pants which are across the room in the dirty clothes pile. Will is INSISTENT! He stomps back upstairs to take care of it.
Ned meanwhile is in the kitchen laughing his head off. He can't control himself he's so hysterical. I turn to look at him and we both say at the same time "Will has turned into his mother!" It was HILARIOUS!
Tortilla de Godzilla from the Abs Diet for Women
½ pound extra lean ground beef or ground turkey breast
½ cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup fresh sliced mushrooms
½ cup canned kidney beans, rinsed and mashed ( I like them whole and buy “low sodium” beans)
2 green chile peppers, seeded and diced (I buy the can of already diced mild green chiles)
2 teaspoons chili powder
4 large whole wheat tortillas
2/3 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 green pepper, diced
½ cup grated low fat Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream
Salsa
1. In a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, cook the beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms until the beef is browned. Drain the fat.
2. Stir in the beans, chile peppers, and chili powder and cook until hot. Remove from the heat.
3. Warm the tortillas in the microwave (in a plastic shopping bag) for 30 seconds, then fill each with half the mixture. Top with the lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Top with salsa and sour cream then roll each tortilla tightly into a tube.
Makes 4 servings
Calories per serving: 270
Protein: 21 grams
Carbs: 32 grams
Total fat: 9 grams
Saturated Fat: 4 grams
Sodium: 341 mg
Fiber: 6 grams
And in only 6 weeks of following this plan you can go from this
TO THIS!!
HAHAHAHA! Once I started, I just couldn't stop. Yes, it got a little out of control, SUE ME! HAHAHAHAHA!!!
I'm kinda going for this look...
This is for Nana...even though I know she doesn't read my blog
Bubbles and Barbie
Bubbles and Barbie, two blonde sisters, had promised their uncle, who had been a seafaring gentleman all his life, to bury him at sea when he died.
In due time, he did pass away, and the two blondes kept their promise. They set off from Clearwater Beach with their uncle all stitched up in a burial bag and loaded him onto their rowboat.
After a while Bubbles said, "Do you think we're out far enough, Barbie?"
Barbie slipped over the side. Finding the water only knee deep, she said, "Nope, not yet, Bubbles." So they rowed a little farther out.
Again Bubbles asked Barbie, "Do you think we're out far enough now?"
Once again Barbie slipped over the side and almost immediately said, "No, this will never do; the water is only up to my chest."
So on they rowed and rowed and rowed, and finally Barbie slipped over the side and disappeared. Quite a bit of time went by, and poor Bubbles was really getting worried when suddenly Barbie broke the surface, gasping for breath.
"Well, is it deep enough yet, sis?"
"Yes, finally. Hand me the shovel."
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