Happy birthday to me!

My birthday falls on a Monday this year, and since Josh and I both have to work, we decided to celebrate Sunday instead. Actually, we started celebrating on Saturday, and luckily Taylor made it to town in time to join us!

We enjoyed a fabulous breakfast at our favorite local diner this morning, then headed up to Bogus Basin to enjoy the view. 17 miles up into the foothills, and we were surrounded by snow. :) Hundreds of people were on the slopes today. It was gorgeous!

We had initially planned to enjoy some hot chocolate in the lodge, but weren't craving it once we got there. We enjoyed the fresh air and the scenery anyway. Unfortunately, the camera battery was charging, so we weren't able to take pictures.

My new apron... it says "Domestic Diva". I love it! I didn't want a meal out for dinner - I'd prefer to cook and enjoy a delicious meal that I know I prepared.

My birthday dinner: bacon and cheese stuffed steak, sauteed mushrooms and onions, twice baked potatoes, and an amazing glass of wine. I seriously couldn't wait to dig in!

PS - I am finally learning to do things the way my Grandma does them. I went to the butcher counter and asked for the best cut of steak he could give me. It was thick, tender, and seriously delicious, even without any of my "help". :)

A brief pause after dinner, and then into baking muffins. I have 5-dozen or so chocolate-chip-banana mini-muffins cooling on my counter. I will do my best not to eat them all by myself this evening... I baked them with the intention of sharing. We'll see how that goes...

I love my life, and am so grateful for another year to share with those I love!

Caramel Apples

We love the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. We treat ourselves a couple of times a year. Today was one of those times! My favorite is the Apple Pie, with lots of cinnamon. Josh loves the Butterfinger. Audri chose Oreo today... and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Josh and I had ours cut up so we could eat it without as much of a mess, but Audri wanted hers whole. It seemed more fun to eat that way!

Can you see the Oreo crumbs on her nose?

It's a yummy treat. I can only eat a couple of slices at a time, so mine usually lasts 3-4 days. Unless someone else (ahem) gets into it to "help" me. :)

Strangers are just friends we haven't met yet...

This morning Josh and I went out for breakfast. We headed to a popular local cafe, and as usual, it was packed. We waited for 15-20 minutes, and a large booth finally opened up. It didn't seem like we should take a large booth (really meant to hold 6) for just the two of us, so Josh turned to the couple waiting behind us and invited them to join us for breakfast. :)

We had a great time! They were a wonderful couple, and didn't mind chatting and sharing about their lives as we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and lingered over our coffee. (We only lingered because by that time there wasn't a line - it was kind of an in-between meal time by then).

It was a blessing to share a meal with some unexpected company, and both Josh and I felt grateful; strangers are just friends we haven't met yet, and we met two more today.

Spring Break with Donovan

This week is the kids' spring break. Donovan wanted to spend part of the week with us! We have been doing a lot of fun things... we went mini-golfing (although it was black-light mini-golf, so I didn't get any pictures), bowling, and the boys competed in go-cart racing.

Donovan selecting his bowling ball... I stick with a 9 or 10 pound ball. Initially Donovan picked 11 pounds, and Josh 14 pounds, but they switched half-way through our game. :)

The surprised face when pins actually fall down!

My highest bowling score... EVER!!! 131. I'm so proud. :)

Lunch - Donovan loves crab, and orders it as often as possible when we go out.

Side note: Donovan's hair reminds me of Taylor's through most of high school. :)

Preparing for the race - all participants have to wear the black head piece. He reminds me of a knight, with the headgear on for protection in this picture.

Josh, ready to roll out

Donovan, hoping to beat dad and have some bragging rights

Josh took the race! He completed the most laps, and had the fastest lap time.

Josh and Donovan, post-race... notice that there isn't much height difference anymore. There isn't much shoe-size difference either; when we rented the shoes at the bowling alley, both Josh and Donovan rented the same size.

Donovan, still a little shaky (in a good way) after the race. Hair sticking up, black smudges on his face, and the smirk of a happy teenager. :)

It's been fun so far - and we're glad that Donovan is sticking around a few more days!

Planning a Garden

This year we are going to join a group of friends and plant a garden. I've never had one before, and I'm really excited! A friend's parents has offered a parcel of their land, near town, to the group of us if we want to care for it. At this point, I'm in the list-making process... what do I want to grow? So far, the list includes pretty much everything. The next step will be narrowing it down, and researching what will grow well, what I can plant near other things, and then matching it with others' lists so we can all try to grow different things and share with each other.

I'm pretty excited about this opportunity... and looking forward to digging in the dirt! With gloves, of course... I don't want to actually get dirty. :)

Local Theater

Boise has an active local theater group, putting on 7-8 plays per year. Last year Josh and I went to one, Twelve Angry Men, and loved the experience. It's something that we've talked about doing again, but had not been able to do so. Last night we were able to take in a second show, Leaving Iowa. What a fabulous date night!

Tickets are fairly inexpensive, $12/person, and include the show and a complementary coffee or soda during intermission. We were able to have a "dress-up" date night, and enjoyed the experience of being in the theater.

We also love the Broadway shows that come to Boise, but those are slightly more expensive. For now, we're thrilled to be able to attend shows at the Boise Little Theater, and become "theater people". :)

Macaroni Salad

I love macaroni salad. Not the kind you buy from the store, but real, home-made macaroni salad. Particularly Grandma's. So for years I've been trying to make it, and for years I've been disappointed in the results. It's always okay, but it's not like Grandma's.

Tonight I came very close. Still not quite perfect - but 95% there. It was sooooo yummy! And it reminded me of home. So, after dinner, while thinking of my grandparents, I couldn't help myself but to have a peanut butter milkshake and think about Saturday night dinners at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

I'm so blessed to have grown up knowing and interacting with my grandparents!