Wedding trip

We got to have a wonderful vacation, Tom and I had planned a road trip to see family in Texas, but things changed and we turned it into a Wedding in Virgina and visit to Texas trip. We logged 6940 miles in 2 weeks (no wonder I am tired.) California to Virginia in 3 1/2 days, stayed there for 6 nights and then headed to Texas for 3 nights, then home. It was fun, but I think I would like to stay home for a while. No place like home!

Cathy and Danielle in one of the B and B bedrooms - getting ready, gotta get pretty!

Best Man, Danielle, Ryan and MOH

Wedding party

Cathy and Tom - waiting on the pictures to be over...

Danielle and Ryan (this is what they really look like)

Christmas 2011

This has been a very busy season in our lives. Dianna, Tom's youngest, graduated with her AA in Digital Photography last week. So proud of her, she is very talented in her chosen field, and we are sure she will go far.  We got to go to southern cal for the grad and got to see all of Tom's kids and grand kids (just one dau in law missing who had to work and could not make the trip) One of the grand kids was sick and when Tom and I got home we also got the bug. It has been a long week on drinking OJ and soup, thank God for tharaflu and other wonderful drugs! Looking forward to Ryan and Danielle's wedding in just a few weeks.

Dianna and Tom (so cute)

 Brad (middle kid), Dianna (baby), Wayne (oldest)

 Madison with a Christmas gift, such a big girl now, Maren is homeschooling and she is in Kindergarden

Collin, (very close up)

 Recent Picture of Shelby, she did most of the making of Deviled eggs for the church Christmas party, big girl, is 7 now and in Second grade in Stevenson. Loves to help in the kitchen when she spends the weekend with Gma and Papa, can play for hours by herself - very self entertained

Dianna with her neices; Geneva and Madison

Susan (Mom), Norma (Grandma), and Dianna

Madison, Maren, Dianna, Wayne, and Collin

as for me, I am pretty sick with the CRUD, first time I ever remember kinda wanting to just go to bed on Christmas eve! Tom and Cathy and Shelby went over to Uncle Rodney & Aunt Shirley's house, hope they have fun, feeling way too puney to care! Have a wonderful Christmas.

Empty Nesters for Thanksgiving

Once a month our church has what is called Empty Nesters, it is for anyone adult who's kids have grown up and left the house, and anyone who wants to come socialize with friends. It is a potluck hosted by a different church member every time. Tom and I hosted the November potluck, had quite a full house, just a few pictures to share. (all views are from the loft) 27 people total, beyond seating capacity, but we had fun.

Christmas Decorations 2011

My sweet friend Hilary Lewis came over to help me decorate my tree, she did a wonderful job. Also spiffed up a couple of old wreaths for me and decorated the fireplace mantel. Check out her handywork.

The piece the tree was patterned after

view from the loft

Happy Thanksgiving

Just wanted to wish all friends and family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tom and I hope that your table is filled with people you love, and you share a wonderful meal together and have gratitude in your heart for all of your wonderful blessings.

We will not be "black Friday" shopping this year (and I NEVER have) We do shop, but at the Sonora Craft fair, we get to listen to music, see entertainers, support craftsmen and women. Hope to see you there, lets not turn Thanksgiving into a pre Christmas celebration.

Hospital Pumpkin Contest

Every year the hospital has a contest for the employees (per department), it is fun and Home Care usually does pretty well. Since the new hospital 1 1/2 years ago we have had a separate contest at the Dominican Campus. Last year the DC had about 10 entries - so for a smaller area we had a lot of participation. This year not so much, since Halloween fell on a Monday it seemed not many departments had time to work on their pumpkins. This year there were only 2 entries, Dietary Dept and Home Care. We place second, not bad - I guess it depends how you look at it....

New nurse in town, Holly Ween - Home Care

Pumpkin Buger - dietary

Easy Peasy Mac and Cheese

Quickest Mac and Cheese ever, made with my electric pressure cooker,

Yields: 6 servings




2½ Cups elbow macaroni

2 Tsp chicken base mixed in 2 cups

water

1 Cup water

2 Tbs butter

1 Tbs greated parmesean cheese

2 Cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 Ounces cream cheese

1 Tsp yellow mustard



1. Add macaroni, chicken base mixed with water, water, butter and parmesean in pressure cooker.

2. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes

3. Perform a quick release and stir in the cheeses and mustard until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.

Another reason to love my pressure cooker!!!!