SURPRISE!

Carlie didn't have class or work on Friday and it was my mom's birthday so we decided to go home for the weekend. We left Thursday after work and drove until an early hour of the morning but it was worth every minute. I believe it was a successful surprise. Only my dad knew we was coming and he did a good job keeping quiet.

It was a lazy relaxing weekend and it was nice to get away from the cold Rexburg. I loved how it was warm even though the wind was blowing. Making a birthday cake with my sister was an interesting experience. Playing games with the family (even though I lost) was fun. Seeing my little cousins was a blast, they are just so cute and say the darnedest things. Meeting my new aunt was also on the agenda, she seems very nice and fits into the family great. Can't forget about grandma and grandpa, they told their stories and fed us pizza. Over all it was a great weekend and it makes me want spring break to come even faster. I'm glad I was able to make a trip home and surprise my mom. I hope it made her day :)

Boys

Last night was a little meltdownish in Apt. 4. Boys, school, work and a roommate were among the issues that just had built up over time. Finding out that we have to speak next week was the last straw. Thats when the walls burst and the flood came pouring down. Someone had the BRIGHT idea to call our home teachers and come give the one a blessing. After getting over being embarrassed and realizing that it would help, she agreed.
It is great to know that these boys are ready and worthy to be called at anytime no matter how late it is. They are so willing to be there to help and want to do all they can. It was a good experience and I am grateful for the priesthood and that it is there for when we need it.

Happy

Today has been a great day and its not even 1 yet. Why? Because its just the mood I'm in. I'm just doing things I enjoy and love it.
1. I painted my toes yellow :) it was a happy color and the sun is shining so now they match!
2. I did yoga for an hour. It was so relaxing and I feel refreshed.
3. I did my homework and got it done by 9:30 this morning. Now I can have fun for the rest of the week. It feels so great to be ahead and not have to stress.
4. I'm making German Chocolate Cake... Why would that not make anyone happy?
5. I'm jammin to my tunes and no one else is home so I can dance and be crazy and no one else can laugh at me.

Betty Crocker

I'm sure you are bored about reading about the weather so I guess I could tell you a little about me. Since I'm off track, working 8 hours a week and only taking 3 credits, I often have a lot of free time. With my free time I decided I would become the next Betty Crocker. OK, maybe not but I have been cooking and baking quite a bit. I make dinner every night, and its not mac and cheese. Its the good stuff. I've made some pretty good food if I do say so myself. My favorite so far has been lemon basil chicken pasta. Here is the recipe courtesy of thepioneerwoman.com

Marinade for Chicken
Olive oil
juice of 4 lemons
Dijon mustard
honey
dash of salt

Ingredients
4 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
1 lb penne pasta
1/2 stick of butter
3 lemons, juiced
3/4 heavy cream
1/4 half and half (I used milk)
1-1/2 grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
20 basil leaves (I used a little bit more)

Preparation
Cook pasta, keep 1 cup of pasta water.
Melt butter over medium heat, add lemon juice. Wisk. add cream and half and half (milk). Wisk until hot. Dump in cheese, wisk until melted. Add some hot pasta water if needed.
Mix pasta, sauce, chicken and basil together.

Never again

Never again will I complain about -2 weather because this past week was even worse. Monday morning I woke up and with the wind chill it was -34. Now that is cold. I didn't know that when you walk outside in that temperature that your nose instantly has icicles in it. Sounds gross I know but that's what happens. Today, a week later, it is snowing so that means it is warm and I couldn't be happier :)

Corrupted

I have officially been corrupted by the Idahoan weather. I didn't realize this until the other day when I was happy because it was snowing. There is something wrong when you are happy because it is warm enough to snow. The wind is the worst part about the weather because although it may only be 10 degrees then with the wind chill it can be -2. Not fun. Sledding is still on the agenda, we just bundle up and hot chocolate is always a must afterwards.

Is There Room?