There's No Turning Back Now

March 5th, 2010. That's the date our baby girl will call her birthday. I think it's a fabulous day, don't you? Do you think it's a fabulous time...7:30 am? I'm not so sure; seems a little early to be getting up from the last night of good rest I'll have for quite awhile. Nevertheless, I'll take it since that's what they've given me. We are SO ecstatic to meet this little girl. Her room's all ready, waiting for her to get here. I pray she's as good a baby as Makenna was. She's about a thousand times better gymnast than Makenna ever was while still in my belly. She turns and twists like a true Olympian. I've posted one of the 3-D pictures they gave me of her yesterday. Pretty cute, don't you think? Although, I can't tell if that's a crazy receding hair line, or just a deceiving shadow. Let's pray for the latter.

Cowboy Up (in a strictly baking way)

Usually if I discover a fantastic new recipe, I'll post it here, however, I feel strongly that this cookie recipe deserves its very own special post on The Mannifesto. Are you curious yet? Let me tell you this: I've had this recipe for over 7 years now (part of a fabulous wedding present from Sis. Clark in Oakwood Ward); I've never tried it before because I have always stuck like glue to my never-fail choc. chip cookie recipe; after eating these, I will probably never go back to that recipe (sniff, sniff, farewell old friend). By posting this recipe, I fear someone out there will make them and say, "All that hype for this?" Just know that within 2 1/2 days of making 3 dozen of these bad boys (and not sharing them outside the three of us)- they were completely devoured. So without further ado...

COWBOY COOKIES:

Mix together:
*1 cup shortening
*1 cup sugar
*1 cup brown sugar
*2 eggs
*1 tsp. vanilla

In sep. bowl, combine:
*1 1/2 cups oatmeal (doesn't matter- quick or old-fashioned)
*2 cups flour
*1 tsp. baking soda
*1/2 tsp. salt
*1/2 tsp. baking powder

Gradually stir in dry ingredients to wet ingredients. This will be a thick dough. Add about 2 cups semi-sweet chips and 1 cup chopped walnuts (if you're not a fan of nuts, the recipe says you can sub 3/4 cup coconut, but I haven't tried it). With clean hands, mix everything together (I wasn't strong enough to use a spoon).

Scoop into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen.

Happy munching!

Is it too late for Christmas pics?

It was almost a month ago, I know. I'm now in my 30's, and Christmas took place in my 20's, I know. It was a sunny 70 degrees in AZ and it's a bitter cold 30 degrees here in VA (making Christmas a distant memory), I know. But humor me while I post these few pictures of our fabulously fun Christmas vacation back home in Phoenix.

Favorite part of the holidays: the FOOD. Fudge, caramel corn, gingerbread, old family recipes...need I go on? And is it any wonder I've gained *@# pounds during this pregancy? And get a load of these adorable matching gingerbread aprons. Don't you think the little one is rocking hers?



Christmas morning was a ton more fun than the first two with Makenna. She LOVED her Princess tent/sleeping bag/backpack/water bottle that Santa dropped off. She was the height of coolness all Christmas Day. Also, I believe I had an epiphany after Santa's loot had been completely uncovered: she could have been entirely satisfied with just that, leaving little to no need for all the rest of her Mommy and Daddy presents. Note taken, lesson learned.
Loving the shot of Makenna, Grandma and Great-Grandma ("Nama" and "Gigi").



These last few were taken over the rest of our days spent with family. I felt completely spoiled when I learned that not only Drew, but both Eric and Daniel, would spend almost 2 whole weeks at home. I can't remember the last time we were all together for that long; it was the perfect way to spend Eric's 1st Christmas home from his mission. Mom and I did an unmentionable amount of shopping, while the boys (who graciously looked after Makenna) watched an unmentionable amount of football. Throw in a few movies, the men "getting their gun on" over at Lake Pleasant, and lots and lots of board games, and you've got the perfect holiday at home.

Live Free or Twi Hard

Funniest gift of the year...

 

We can thank H.S. BFF Christy for this masterpiece. Even though she doesn't possess an "extreme enthusiasm" for Twilight, she can embrace the perfect gift for someone who does.



p.s. Christmas pics to come...