Happy 2011

2011 hasn't started out to be all that great. On new year's day, a friend, and co-worker of mine passed away. John taught 2nd grade with me. He hadn't been teaching this year because he had hurt his foot and his recovery took a good 6 months. When he was strong enough to walk for more than an hour at a time, he'd come to school and visit his students and had every intention of coming back the week before Christmas vacation. And he did. The Monday before Christmas break he was back! Everyone, teachers and students were so excited and happy to have him back. John said despite not being use to walking and standing so much he was so happy to be back. Well John only lasted 2 days that week at school and he got really sick and missed the last 3 days. We wished him well knowing we'd see him in January when school started up again.

This was not the case.

On New Years Day John had a stroke was rushed to the hospital. While there they found to brain aneurysms. They preformed surgery successfully but John did not wake up from surgery. He remained unconscious and now on life support. His family knew he was gone. I found out this info as it was happening and it didn't seem real to me. I had just seen him a few weeks ago and he greeted me with a HUGE hug and an "I've miss you". His death didn't hit me until the day after his passing. I was driving to Target and something clicked. I started crying uncontrollably.

Yesterday was his viewing and memorial, and it was just how I think John would have wanted. There was some sadness, but the church quickly filled with, smiles and laughter when everyone got a chance to go up and share stories.

John was an awesome person, teacher and friend and he will be dearly missed.

Thought of the day

Willow|House Spring/Summer Catalog

The Willow|House Spring/Summer Catalog is here and there are so many cute new things.



Here are just a couple of things you'll find. Check out the rest on my website:












Be sure to check out the Outlet as well! There are all types of cute things at discounted prices.

Creamy Turkey Burritos

Made this for lunch today. It was super easy, super fast, and super yummy. It would make a great quick week night meal.

Here's the recipe and a picture:

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey
1 cup nonfat sour cream
2tablespoons 40% less sodium taco seasoning mix
2oz. (1/2 cup) shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese
4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas

*Note: I used a little less sour cream and added a little cream cheese.*

DIRECTIONS

* In medium bowl, combine turkey, sour cream, (Cream Cheese if desired) taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup of the cheese; mix well.

*Spread 1/4 of turkey mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up.

*Place burrito on each of 4 microwave-safe plates.

*Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the remaining cheese.

*Microwave each burrito on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. If desired, serve with salsa and shredded lettuce etc.

You can also bake in the oven if you wish.

~Enjoy

5 minute Peanut Butter Fudge

My cousin just gave me a great recipe for Peanut butter fudge. It's so fast and easy and so yummy.

Here's the recipe: (sorry no pictures this time)

3 cups peanut butter/milk chocolate swirl chips
1/4 cup butter
1 can condensed milk


*microwave everything together until melted (couple min)
*stir and pour into 8x8 pan lined with foil.
*Cool (I stuck mine in the freezer to make it go faster)
& use pizza cutter to slice into small squares.

That's it. SUPER EASY right?! I also bought Heath Bar Crunch bits. I'm thinking of making those tomorrow. We shall see!

Enjoy!

Happy Scrappy Christmas

Well I've decided to hand make our Christmas cards this year. I've been working on them for a few days! I can't do anymore to them until I get the photos I ordered to go in them.

Here's a little teaser as to what they will look like.













EDIT: Here's the final product!

Birthday Week

Well, it's happened, I've hit the big 3-0. It doesn't feel any different than being in my 20's, and I'm not one of those people who thinking of of their age as a bad thing. I figure when you get older you've gotta stay positive and keep the philosophy of "You are only as young as you feel". Which is playing as HUGE part in my life right now. I've been on the "Path for Health Success" since June and I've lost almost 30 lbs, between Weight Watchers (which I have stopped) and this great website called myfitnesspal.com . I had joined it a while ago, but didn't know anyone on it so I closed my account until a few friends of mine joined.

So back to the Birthday. My birthday was last Monday the 18th. The Hubbie and my friend Amanda, threw together a Surprise Birthday Party for me, on the 16th. It was great to see so many of my friends there. I was a little disapointed with some of my friends, not because they didn't show, but because when they were contacted about the party they didn't even respond back. I know that many of them wouldn't be able to make it because they live no where near me, but that's not even the point. There were only 2 of them that responded. I know I'm not the best friend, but when it's someone's birthday, and I can't be there, I make sure to at least send them a Birthday Card and a Birthday Text... So I was a little bummed to say the least.

Like I said, the hub's and my dear friend Amanda, threw me a surprise party. It was at Bubba Gumps. It was so much fun to just sit and hang out with everyone. I was surprised to say the least. They even went out to this AMAZING bakery and bought me a "Death by Chocolate" cake. It was AMAZING! After that we walked around Cannery Row, in Monterey and had a blast! We tried to go get some after party drinks at this new place that opened up, however... it was SO BUSY!

The party continued into the week. On Monday, my actual birthday, someone had leaked to my students that is was my birthday. They all came in with big hugs and nice manners for the day (along with some gifts). It was really sweet. I made some birthday Cinnamon Rolls for them and they LOVED IT! At the end of the day, I thanked them for making my day so special and now that I know how GOOD they can be I expect it everyday. HA!

So all in all it was a great birthday. The buffet in my dinning room is covered with birthday wishes from my thoughtful friends and family.