Dear Journal,

So we have a new computer that I love, but I can't seem to post my pictures from my library...
You wouldn't think that it would be so hard to post about life without pictures, but to me, it is.

I have been without my sweetie for 3 days now, and it really seems like 3 weeks! I think that it certainly didn't help that he left on a long weekend, and time just seemed to lumber along. Now that school is back in, the day went quicker, but still a little bit sad.

It is weird to me that it can feel so different when someone is 'out of town' vs. 'at work.' How is that? I have always noted it and can't quite decide why that would be.

I had some pleasant surprises from friends and family on my 'alone anniversary.' I had cookies dropped of from my dear friend, Kristy; a cake and roses from my sweet neighbor; and my kids and nephews tricked me into letting them go to the park, at which point a few of them went to the store and bought roses and chocolates! Ferrero Rocher, even. ;)

I had great dreams of taking on many projects and other things to keep me busy, but so far I have just been a tad bit overwhelmed. The little kids are a bit out-of-sorts, and even the doggie is acting out! (yes, I know that I haven't posted her picture yet... I just can't seem to figure it out!!)

I have taken up my crochet hook again lately, and I can't wait to post some pictures of some of my little creations! It has been a lot of fun. I forgot how much I enjoy it. It is somewhat a lost art, and I am even contemplating setting up and Etsy shop if I can perfect some of the patterns.

So, I am off to an evening of crocheting, reading and watching the news. Actually, it sounds quite lovely to me.

Things I Never Thought I'd Hear Myself Say - Volume 2

And now for today's installment of
Things I Never Thought I'd Hear Myself Say...

"Don't lick your feet."

Mr.Monk Goes to China

So my sweet hubby is off to China on business for two weeks. BooHoo!

Our Anniversary is tomorrow. Sniff, sniff.

Comic Relief Moment--

Items found in his car:

2 boxes of wipes
Pre-packaged food bars

So, we love watching Monk, and we have all noticed Monk-isms around our house. This totally cracked me up when I needed a chuckle.
I guess he won't be picking up any funky bugs while he is over there. :)

Powerful

I was so moved by this beautiful video that has been making its way around the nation. 

It is so easy to get caught up in all of the money that we are losing in our 401Ks and everyone just wants the money loss to stop... so much so, that we are distracted and are only thinking about the economy. 

There is much more at stake. The freedoms that we often take for granted (which may become more limited in the near future) and the freedoms of those americans yet unborn.

Thank you to the catholic dioceses who have distributed this wonderful reminder.

God Bless America. Please.

Pioneer Bread

This is a great recipe! It is dense and yeasty. Mmmm....

In our ward, the Young Women have made this recipe twice. Then the leaders baked it and it was the Sacrament bread for the coming Sunday. It is a really fun activity and it is meaningful for the girls to help by providing the bread for this special ordinance.

The greatest thing about this recipe?? You dump it all in; let is rise; knead and bake! No 3 - 4 hour bread-baking here. :)

My family adores it, so I have made it many times. Give it a try!

This recipe was found on Cooks.com

MORMON BREAD RECIPE

4 eggs
1/2 c. shortening
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. sugar
3 tbsp. yeast
1 qt. warm water
10-12 c. flour

Mix all ingredients well. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Place on floured surface and knead well for 7 minutes.
Shape into rolls or loaves and bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Yield: 3 large loaves