Happy Anniversary

Now you know where I've been all day - celebrating!!! Yes - today is our fifteenth wedding anniversary - it feels like just yesterday, right Joe!?!?! :) We have a had a fun day - doing things we really wanted to do - ok, not quite EVERYTHING we WANTED to do - we had to take down Christmas decorations!! But other than that - it's been a fun day - now I'll leave you with a glimpse of 15 short years ago!! (not a great picture, but you get the point!)

Some of my Favorites from Christmas

In no particular order - here is our Christmas at a glance!

My Christmas Gift to You!!

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought all of my blog readers deserved a gift - so, since you all asked for it - I am giving you the coveted "Laisy Daisy Oatmeal Cake" recipe!!!

Cake: 1 1/4 C boiling water
1 C Oatmeal, uncooked
1/2 C. Margarine
1 C White Sugar
1 C Brown Sugar
1 t. Vanilla
2 Eggs
1 1/2 C Sifted Flour
1 t. Soda
1/2 t. Salt
3/4 t. Cinnamon
1/4 t. Nutmeg

Pour boiling water over oats; cover; let stand 20 minutes.
Beat butter until creamy, gradually add sugars; beat until fluffy. Blend in vanilla and eggs. Stir in oats. Sift together flour, soda, salt and spices. Add to creamed mixture; mix well. Pour into well-greased and floured 9"square pan. Bake 350 degrees 50-55 min. COOL.

FROSTING: 1/4 C. Melted Butter
1/2 C Packed Brown Sugar
3 T 1/2 & 1/2 or Evap Milk
1/3 C. Chopped Nuts
3/4 C. Coconut

Combine all frosting ingredients; spread over cake. BROIL until bubbly and brown. Serve warm or cool.

NOW - if you make this - I need to know what you think!!! So leave a comment!!!
Oh, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Favorite Photo Friday

You all know how much I love pictures of myself - NOT!!! But this is one we had done when we had our family pictures taken. I love Chloe's "look"!!!

Birthday Girl

Just a few short (cough, cough) years ago - I entered this world!!! I DO NOT like birthdays - but this year I am going to try to enjoy it!!! So far - I have been pleasantly surprised because, in the midst of a VERY busy season, I have had two wonderful surprises!!!

A man bursts into the library with a balloon bouquet singing, "Happy Birthday." Well - I did what any good librarian should, I responded with, "SHhhhhhhh!!!" Thanks, Mr. Brian!!!

And, I got home from work and my dear husband had one of my favorite cakes waiting for -- a Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake. I know, it's a day early, but tomorrow is just crammed full!!

And all of you crazy bloggers with Birthday Greetings on your blogs - you are TOO much!! I know where you blog!!!

Thanks all - you've made my day special - but don't think I'm in THAT great of a mood, I'm still not revealing my age - it's 30ish and holding!!!

Favorite Photo Friday

We sent this out to all of our friends this year as our Christmas Greetings - don't ever claim we are cheap -we sent out gifts this year to our whole Christmas Card list!!!!- yes, Screensavers!!! Gotta love that!!

Favorite Photo Friday

Yes, Yes, I know it's Saturday - but that's how my life is right now - one day behind - ALWAYS!!! So here it is - Favorite Photo Friday on Saturday (hmm, thinking that sounds like a good new weekly post!!)

A Great Reminder

I just thought this was SO good - I had to share (you may have to turn off the music on the sidebar to hear it though...)

Saturday Before-Christmas Fun

What are we doing in the month of December over here on a Saturday!!??! Well - making cut-out cookies, of course. Yes - we do subject ourselves to torture!!! But it was fun - and I'll come clean - I have better frosters than I could ever be!!
And Chloe's grin is because she was just supposed to be doing "sprinkles" - you see what she snuck into when no one was looking!!!!