Well,
Another Valentine's Day has come and almost gone. Tonight I want to share a recipe from my dear friend Amy, celebrating her first Valentine's day with her husband. This recipe is one I tried over the summer when I was spending some time with Amy. It is a veggie dip...very healthy and yummy.

Amy's Veggie Dip
1 red onion
1 zucchini
1 Tbsp. olive oil

Slice veggies. Coat with olive oil. Lightly salt veggies. Spread on cookie sheet lined with tin foil. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. Let cool completely. Chop veggies in food processor. Mix with 8 oz. cream cheese. Can add tomatoes or parsley.
Good on veggies, crackers, wraps, crescent rolls, or even sandwiches.

I really need to try this again. See how it turns out when I make it.

SO, this week has been crazy. Not only was it Valentines, which in elementary school is insane enough (although I did get lots of valentines and candy), but we had parent teacher conferences as well. Because of PTC, the class parties were on Wednesday afternoon, then the students came on Thursday (all full of sugar & hyper), just for the morning. At noon, school let out. At 1pm the parents started coming. I didn't get home until 8:30pm, in the middle of a snowstorm. Then, on Friday, parents started coming at 8:30. I still have four to meet with next week because they couldn't come for their scheduled time. Thank goodness they only come twice a year!

Today it snowed again, but by afternoon it had stopped. We are supposed to be getting more on Monday/Tuesday. I am a little blue, because I wanted to go to Idaho to see Addison and be there for her blessing tomorrow. With storms on both of my travel days, I decided maybe it would be best to stay home. Sorry Tyler and Lydia! Wish I could be there. Post some pictures, okay?

Well, I'd better call this good for tonight. Love to you all.

Cheesecake is cause to celebrate

Here is a simple recipe that anyone can make...a no-bake cheesecake. I got in the mood while attending my friend Amy's wedding this weekend. The wedding reception was beautiful. The refreshments were incredibly delicious (including the mini cheesecakes). It was very Amy...from the photo booth in the foyer, to the wedding cake she made out of rice crispy treats. The reception was like a family reunion for me. I got to see many friends since Amy and I both worked at the same school, and faculty is like family. Amy and I were also in the same ward, not to mention that we were roommates! I loved catching up with everyone, but especially my dear friend Shari. I miss her tons! We were teammates, both teaching 3rd grade. Shari was always there for me. She still is and I really appreciate knowing that. Love you Shari!

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake
1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese (I used the lowfat version)
1/3 c. sugar
1 12 oz carton of Cool Whip, thawed (I used lite)
1 graham cracker crust

Bring the cream cheese to room temperature. Mix in the 1/3 c. sugar. When thoroughly mixed, add the whipped topping and fold in just until combined. Spoon filling into pie crust and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Top with your favorite fruit filling and a dollop of whip cream.