A Get-Away AND What People Do When The Tempurature Doesn't Get Above Freezing For The Whole Month

My birthday was a couple of weeks ago. One of the presents my sweet husband gave me was a night at the Saint Paul Hotel.

I, in turn, gave him a night at the hotel for his birthday. (Which is April 8th.)

So we had a two night get-away.

We had a great time loafing around, watching a couple of movies and sleeping in. It's a beautiful hotel.

We had a sweet bonus in our stay. What do you do when it's so cold for so long? You have a winter carnival and you carve ice. The park where all the ice carvings are displayed is right across the street from the hotel. Friday morning we braved the 12 degree weather and spent about 20 minutes checking out the art work. It was pretty neat.

Wednesday Nights

Every Wednesday evening we host a Small Group Bible Study at our house. We so enjoy the people that are in our group. The people have changed a lot over the years, but no matter who is involved, it's an awesome group of people who gather weekly to pray together and to study God's word together and to learn from each other. My husband is a great leader and comes up with thoughtful questions every week.

Before we get to the heavy stuff we always enjoy a dessert and coffee and fellowship together. Okay, I never drink the coffee (yuck) so I make iced tea for myself. (Yes, I make it year round.)

I thought it would be fun to post the recipe and pictures of the desserts that I make. I really enjoy baking and finding new things to make.

So of course the first thing I make after I decide to post about this is the easiest thing ever.

Andes Mints Brownies

1 package of brownies (enough for 9x13 pan)
1 bag of Andes Chocolate Mint Baking Chips

Follow the directions on the box for the brownies and bake accordingly.

When brownies are done, remove from oven and pour the bag of yumminess on the hot brownies in an even layer.

Let sit for 2-3 minutes and the spread the chocolate mint goodness over the brownies.
Ooo, the smell.

Cool completely. Cut, serve and enjoy!

Quilt Projects

I thought I would post pictures of the latest quilt that I made. I made this for my sister & brother-in-law. The fabrics are all from Hawaii and bought when we went there last Christmas.

Close up of the back and the label.

Since I had plenty of leftover fabric (and a few fabrics I didn't use in the quilt), I decided to use the leftovers to make some potholders (or are they called hotpads?) for stocking stuffers for the women on my side of the family. I used two layers insulated batting It was fun to make 12 different quilt blocks. Some ended up bigger than others. Below are pictures of all twelve hot pads followed by close-ups of a couple of my favorite ones.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

I came across this verse from Habakkuk the other day. It really struck me in light of the country's economy. It calls for me to be joyful in God and to praise Him no matter what seems to be failing around me. It causes me to acknowledge the source of my strength.

Read. Contemplate. Enjoy.

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.

# 9 & 10 (or is it #11 & 12?)

I thought of two more things I could have added to my list yesterday.

9. (11?) The other day I was coming home and had to stop to wait for a school bus to drop off several elementary kids. About 7 or 8 kids got off the bus, crossed the street, and immediately went for the snow bank. Not one of them walked down the street, they ALL went in the snow. It made me giggle.

10. (12?) I found a program that can change the background if my blog. I'm so excited! I doubt I'll be able to settle on just one, so expect changes. :)

A List

Just a list of things that have been going on and some thoughts.

1. It's a good idea to make sure you turn off the oven on Sunday morning when you bake something before church for the church potluck. I came home four hours later to discover that the oven had been on the whole time. :( On the other hand... the kitchen was nice and toasty warm!

2. Two week old fettuccine and garbage disposals don't like each other. I tried to stuff some down the disposal and the sink got clogged up. Ugh. I didn't want to pay for a plumber. My "personal" plumber moved away. (Otherwise known as our former pastor...that's a whole other story)

3. Pete came home and flipped the disposal switch a few times and ran the water and it worked! (I had put several doses of baking soda, white vinegar and boiling water down the drain all afternoon...) He's my hero!

4. Why does Bath & Body Works keep changing their fragrances? I find one I like only to have it discontinued.

5. Living with my best friend is cool. Still. After going on almost 25 years. Awesome.

6. Baby boys are active! I watched a 6 month old this morning, and the little guy never stopped moving or "talking". He had quite the conversation with a sweet little baby girl. It was so adorable.

7. We're having turkey for supper tonight. Yep. A 15 pound turkey for the two of us. Yum.

8. Just had a great talk with my daughter over video chat. Fun to see her face. What a cool technology.

9. I wish I could think of ten things to write about so this can be even.

10. But I can't. :)

Historic Day

I sit here with my computer not being able to tear myself away from the TV. This really is an historical day. The Presidential Inauguration. I think every inauguration is historical no matter who the man is who is being sworn in. We are a country who has the privilege to elect our leader. The transition happens without violence. Not so in every country on this planet.

God in His sovereignty has appointed this day.

He changes times and seasons;
He sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and Knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:21

I may not be very interested in politics, or even understand the workings of it all, but it is my responsibility to not take my citizenship in this country for granted and to pray for those in authority over me.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayer, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who want all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4