Coming out of hibernation

I have been on my thyroid medication for about a month now and wow, I can feel the difference. It's amazing. I have energy to do more than just survive and it feels so good! This morning I pulled my running shoes out of hibernation and went for a little jog-- something I haven't done since November, 2009. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to jog for more than 2 minutes at a time. It was painful towards the end, but I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and the opportunity to see lots of cardinals, blue-jays, and some gorgeous trees in blossom. I have set the goal to run another half-marathon in October. I will be 35 in November (just a couple days after the race), and I want to enter the second half of my 30th decade as strong and healthy as I can be.

Fabulous Fox

I generally don't have high-end taste. I'm happy shopping at Wal-Mart and Target. I like Subway and Taco Bell. And I don't mind decorating my home with things that are hand-made or hand-me-downs. But there is one luxury I definitely have a taste for-- going to the Fox Theater, especially when gorgeous music is involved. Last night I got to go see Celtic Woman with my good friend, Connie. Her husband gave her tickets for her birthday and then selflessly suggested that maybe she should go with someone who would really love it. I really, really, really loved it and am so thankful Connie invited me. Our seats were amazing, the music was beyond gorgeous, and the whole experience was awesome. Getting to experience it with Connie was such a treat. I feel so, so blessed to have gotten to share that time with her. Now I'm floating  a few inches off the ground. Regular life is so much easier when I have memories like last night to reflect back on.

Fudge Failures

David's grandmother was known for her fudge. I never got to meet her, but for the past 14 years David has raved about "Nana's fudge." It was creamy and soft and the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate. (Or so he says.) I have tried several different fudge recipes over the years, but according to David none of them are even close to Nana's recipe. But a little while ago we got a recipe from his sisters that is supposed to be close. So we have set out on a mission to make fudge like Nana's. So far we've met with big fat fudgey failure. Last week David tried to make a batch-- his first attempt at fudge. And it turned out to be a grainy mess. Then today I tried. I made two different batches. I tried to follow the recipe with exactness. I documented everything I did. (Kind of like a science project.)

The first batch turned into a grainy, goopy, glob. (But my kids did eat some of it.)

The second batch was looking good until I turned around to tell Chloe to not use the dog as a pillow. In that time the fudge completely hardened and I had to scrape it off the bottom of the pan with a knife.

The frustrating thing is I really don't know what I'm doing wrong. I measured carefully, cooked it slowly, didn't stir once it started boiling, cooked it to exactly 232 degrees (what I thought might be under-cooked), and let it cool before beating it. Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!

But even though I really want to-- I am NOT going to give up. Lots of people make fudge. And if they can do it, so can I. (I hope.)

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Flower Hat

This is the third hat of this pattern I have made. The first one was for my sister, Audra. The second one was for my sister-in-law, Jessie. And this one is for a Girls' Camp/Boy Scout Auction. I think that the next one I make needs to be for me. :)

Valentines Day: Part 2

On Monday I planned a special Valentines dinner for my family. Homemade pizza, sparkling cider, and strawberry shortcake. David brought home flowers and chocolate for all of us. We felt loved.



Valentines Day: Part 1

Our Valentines Day celebrations started off with a wonderful evening at Abbi & Chad's house on Saturday. The men cooked us a delicious dinner. Then we watched some fun YouTube videos, played Xbox Kinect, and ate a sampling of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. It was such a beautiful evening. No kids. Great conversation and a reminder of how much love I have for my husband, sisters, and brothers-in-law.

 

Graphic Designer!

David asked me to design a flyer for him to hand out to builders at an upcoming seminar he is hosting. It was my first "professional" graphic design job. And I enjoyed it!

We'll see how successful my flyer is after the seminar. Hopefully builders will all come flocking to David with their business. :)

Valentines Polka-dots

At the beginning of the year I had a grand idea to make all my girls dresses/skirts for Valentines Day. And I might have been able to make it happen. But I don't like stress. So I chose to just make Chloe a dress. I used Easy Stitch 'n Save M5370 as the pattern. It turned out a little long. But Chloe likes it, so I'm happy.

And it snowed....again. But this time it was the perfect snow. A powered sugar dusting over the trees and grass. Beautiful.

Sharing Time Slide Show

For sharing time on Sunday I created a video slideshow to show the kids. The theme for the week is "Jesus Christ created the Earth." It was so much fun searching for beautiful images of the world. I set the slideshow to the song "My Heavenly Father loves Me" because when I look around at all the beauty and abundance the Lord has blessed us with, I can't help but feel His love.

(For those looking at this on Google Reader, I think you have to click to my actual blog for the movie to show up.) :)

'cause she's cute

Every once in a while I have to post pictures just because they are cute. This one makes me smile. I hope it makes you smile, too.

Bring on 2011!

I had my endocrinologist appointment on Monday. I am now taking 50 mcg of Synthroid and I feel like the future is bright. I'm ready to start 2011!! (Better late than never.) For the first time in a while I feel like I can make goals and accomplish them. I haven't actually set the goals yet. But I'm moving in the right direction. :)