Snow Day

Snow finally came...and stayed awhile.  Lincoln was so excited to finally play in the "noo" (translation: snow).  After Sunday dinner at my parents' house, we all bundled up and ventured outside with little man.  I'm sure we looked ridiculous.  Five adults following around a toddler on a sled.  But it was worth it.  

Introducing our very own Ralphie (if you haven't watched Christmas Story, do it):

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

...Need I say more?

I stumbled upon this recipe and had to give it a try.  They're as rich as they sound, and equally delicious! 

{Grin}

Here is the recipe, courtesy of Bakergirl:

2 (7-ounce) boxes Jiffy raspberry muffin mix

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

2 tablespoons butter-flavored shortening

1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the cream cheese, butter, shortening, and brown sugar until just combined.  Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add the muffin mix and using a wooden spoon, mix until incorporated.  Stir in the white chocolate chips and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.  After chilled, preheat oven to 350.  Lightly grease baking sheets and roll dough into tablespoon-size balls.  Place 2-inches apart on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until they're golden brown around the edges.  Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy :)



Oink Oink

This weekend Lincoln got to take a trip out to the Schafer farm (Troy's uncle & aunt) to meet some baby pigs.  These were much smaller than what we got to see last year- we even got to hold a couple of the pigs this time!  He was hesitant at first, but eventually we had to drag him out of the barn.  I can see this is only the beginning of all things pigs for this boy...

Really checking them out

First time holding a pig

Kisses: only we would think this is precious :)

Rock 'N Roll Elmo

Can't help but laugh every time I watch this video.  Lincoln loves his Elmo!

Christmas

Christmas came and went so fast this year.  Maybe it's because we squeezed 6 (yes, six) parties into 4 short days!?  Lincoln got over the flu just in time for the festivities, and then had to pass it on to Troy.  Luckily, it was short-lived and we got to spend the rest of the weekend with family.  Here's a little peak at our Christmas:

He had to get every piece of paper off.

Lincoln and Simeon took turns with the baseball hat.  They were so fun to watch play!

Some of the Schut cousins, missing 2 plus some spouses.

The women of the family:  My 2 sisters and mom.

My sister-in-law made an awesome Quiet Book for Lincoln.  She's so crafty!

Lincoln and Rock 'N Roll Elmo.  He has been quite the hit!

Trains, trains, and more trains!

Lincoln got a fish from Aunt Courtney...he loves him already!

Helping grandpa get his new truck out.  Another popular item this year.

Christmas is tough on a toddler.  Exhaustion has set in.

But the best present of all...Lincoln is going to be a Big Cousin!

New

Happy New Year!  Like they say: Out with the old, in with the new...and it starts with this blog.  I decided to get back into the blogging world, and give my own blog a much needed update.  So here it goes... 

This past year has brought about many changes and new beginnings in our lives.  Lincoln continues to grow like crazy.  We have loved seeing him grow into a little toddler who has become "so wise", like my grandma always says.  He is full of energy and curiousity, and all that is boy.  If there's something to climb, he will.  If it can be kicked, hit, or thrown (and even if it can't), he will (or at least try).

Last January Troy started his new job for Land O Lakes feeds.  He started split between two locations and has recently become full-time in Remsen, Iowa.  It has kept him busy with all the "1st year" out-of-town training seminars and meetings.  He has also taken up hunting this year and got his first gun for Christmas.

As for me, I too have had a couple big changes this year.  I started working part-time again and enjoy a little "adult" time.  I have also taken the plunge back into school.  This fall I got into the Physical Therapist Assistant program at a local school and just finished up my first semester.  Going to school with a toddler at home can be challenging, but it has been my new motivation to get through the program!  

Looking back, I am blessed with what the past year has brought, and I look forward to seeing what the new year brings.