Happy 2009 Everyone

Well, today definitely did not turn out as planned. I did take mom to the doctor. We asked about her asthma and COPD, as well as got refills for her prescriptions (including her antidepressant). However, instead of taking down the outdoor Christmas decorations as I had planned, I ended up spending the afternoon in the kitchen making cookies, and then delivered them to several ward leaders. There was a big issue with hurt feelings and well, I just felt that when I'm upset, I enjoy a nice warm chocolate chip cookie, so I decided others might as well. However, I gave all the cookies away, so when I had finished, I came home and after making Chinese food for supper, I made another batch of chocolate chip cookies. Spend the day baking? If I must! Anyway, here is a copy of my favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies. This comes from my sister Kathy. It almost always works out. Gotta love it!

Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
Cream together. Add: 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla. Mix well. Add 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp soda, 3/4 tsp salt. Mix well. Add 1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, oatmeal, or coconut as desired. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.

Just so you know, I like my cookies barely done. So I stick pretty close to the 8 minute mark. Yummy!

Well, now on for the other topic of the evening. 2008 only has a few more minutes left. All in all it has been a challenging year for me. I don't think I would have made it without love and support from family, friends, and neighbors. I wonder what 2009 has in store. I'm not the best at making resolutions and sticking with them. I hope to be able to stay connected with family and friends (because they mean the world to me), do my best at work knowing that I can make a difference, and most importantly, improve my relationship with my Savior by trusting in Him and never giving up hope. Russell M. Nelson said, "Regardless of how desperate things may seem, remember we can always have hope. Always. There is always hope."
A thought on a picture that is hanging in my front room says, " The situations and experiences we face in life reflect what our Heavenly Father really knows about us and what we need to make our weaknesses become strengths. " I honestly believe this. I know I would not fare well to have some of the trials that my siblings face. Some of them have been through some pretty tough times. Some of them are struggling right now. I want them to know that I love them dearly. Lean on me when you need a hand. I will do whatever I can to help out. However, even more important than leaning on me, lean on the Savior. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Memorize it. One last thought:
"May you feel God's comfort in knowing He is there-
to love you and protect you, for He will ALWAYS care.
Don't let your heart be troubled or be afraid,
For the Lord is a beacon that will light your way."
-Anonymous

A Frosty New Year's Eve Morning

Well, an old year is coming to a close. Today is cold and frosty outside. I've already been to the dentist, and in about an hour, I will take mom to her appointment with her doctor. I've made breakfast and taken out the trash. I even made my bed. Now I feel like snuggling down with an adorable puppy and a purple fuzzy blanket for a little while.
Later tonight, while the world is partying...I plan on coming in and posting another blog. But for now, this will have to do. You know, I think I might enjoy blogging after all...when I have the time that is.
Oh, one last thing. On a day like today, nothing seems better than a delicious mug of homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream, a peppermint stick, or even slightly stale marshmallows. Here is mom's recipe:

Hot Chocolate
3 heaping Tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 quart hot water
Bring to a boil, then add 1 quart milk. Heat till steaming, but not boiling.
Enjoy!

mom-n-me

Hi there!
I am so excited to try this new experience of blogging. Thanks to my new computer set-up, I finally feel like I am ready to blog with family and friends. Mom and I thought it would be fun if I shared a recipe with my blogs, so since this is still the holiday season, here is a traditional family recipe that would be an enjoyable addition to any New Year's Eve celebration.

Sister Inkleys Popcorn Balls
1 stick of margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup dark Karo syrup

Stir ingredients together. Let come to a boil. Pour over popped popcorn*. Form into balls with buttered hands. Makes 40 med-small popcorn balls.
*1 1/2 cups unpopped popcorn- about 12 quarts of popped popcorn

Mom and I don't have many plans for New Year's Eve. Hope you all have fun, and we wish you a prosperous 2009! Love ya tons!