One short year ago

Wow! I was just reading the post I wrote a year ago just before my mom passed away. I had forgotten about that one.

I wrote all about my effort to get into to a better routine. Which, by the way, is never ending! I think I go through this every fall when the seasons change and Jasmine is back in school.

I suppose I just find it interesting to look back, I didn't know how my life would change just over a week later. 

Well, I am in the same place with trying to create to-do lists and schedules that make my life easier. But, I am not the same person I was a year ago.  I am a person who realizes life is too short.

Ice cream on a snowy day

Whenever there is a snow day for Jasmine and school is called off, I always feel the need to bundle up and get out!

Jasmine spent her time following me around taking pictures of herself.

And, taking video...

A little video of one of our boat rides

Keith and I went on a boat a couple weeks ago by ourselves. He wanted me to take some video of the wake. But, when I panned around I couldn't see the front of the boat.

September 19

On September 19, 2011 I went over to Palmer Lake Park to walk around and reflect on the past year without my mom. I sat there for well over an hour just talking to myself. I really needed that! I also tried to find the perfect place to stand to take this picture. I wanted to capture the red house on the hill where my parents lived and the lake where she spent her last happy moments walking around with my dad. I do have to say this picture means a lot to me. 

Scarlett is here

So excited! My niece, Scarlett Rayne Elizabeth Cooks was born on Tues. August 9, 2011 at 8:50 am. She weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz. and was 19 in. long.

I'm a proud Aunt again!

My first crochet project

I have recently learned how to crochet and I am loving it.

This baby blanket I made was a gift to my co-worker JoAnne. She didn't know what she was having so I choose white with aqua trim. She had a girl so it was a perfect color. This was the first time I had given one of my projects as a gift. I was very nervous! But, she loved it! She even teared up a bit, which made me tear up. I'm so happy she liked it!

I ran for the first time in a while...

I did the May 2011 Nielson 2 Mile Challenge with my friend Kelli. My time was 0:25:16.107.

I shouldn't admit this but, I placed #103 of 125. Whatever... I still got out there!

Homemade Enchilada sauce

I made this Enchilada sauce for dinner. I didn't have any canned enchilada sauce so I went looking for a recipe. I found this one on a forum. I really liked it.

(makes 3 cups)
2 T. cooking oil
2 T. all-purpose flour
2 T. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 can (14 oz. chicken broth)99%fat free
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz.)no salt added
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Heat oil in large saucepan; stir in flour & chili powder. Cook for 1 minute then all remaining ingredients. Bring to boil & simmer for 10 min. Refrigerate extra.

Strawberry Cheesecake Shake - FP

Yum! I made this Strawberry Cheesecake Shake this morning.
I did change it slightly...

1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese
1/2 cup almond milk
2 packets of sweetener (I use Stevia)
2 cups of frozen strawberries

Blend until smooth. If you like cottage cheese you will like this shake. Next time I think I will add 1 cup of almond milk (since it's 1 point for up to 1 cup). I had to add some water to loosen it up because I didn't follow the instructions and blend before adding in the strawberries. Really good.

Also, I may add some protein powder or flax seed next time. And, I could experiment with different fruit! I see blueberries or peaches in my future...

What will it bee?

My sister and her husband are having their second baby. She's due in August. They found out what their having in a really fun way...

Earlier in the week they went to the ultrasound and the results were sealed in an envelope and taken to a baker. So, they had a "Gender Reveal Party".

They had a cake made with either a pink or blue layer and only the bakery knew what the results were.
And, It's a.......

Girl!!!