Curse you Cream of Tartar, Curse YOU

I know I've already posted once today, but I thought I'd better get my 2nd cookie up before I begin another busy work week.  

Monday 3/28

The "Snicker-doodle" Cookie

I've had this cookie a time or two, but have never baked the recipe. I was quite pleased with the final turnout, and I only swore a couple of times.

Remember how I don't make mistakes... (or at least take pictures of them)

I just happened to forget the eggs and the Cream of Tartar in the mix the first go around. 

(cue the swearing)

So I dumped the first mix down the garbage disposal and started again.

The second time around, I mixed 2 TBSP instead of 2 TSP of cinnamon with my sugar. 

(cue some more swearing)

Luckily this was an easy fix and luckily I caught it before rolling the balls of dough in it. 

I can only imagine how that would have tasted... Gross!

This cookie has never been one of my favorites, but as I mentioned above. I was quite pleased. 

I've never had a "Snicker-doodle" right out of the oven until tonight.

Oh Mercy, it was WONDERFUL.

"Cookie Madness" and The "Lorraine"

     As of yesterday :) I decided to designate this week as "Cookie Madness", not only in honor of "March Madness" and my love of the time this consumes :) (in all seriousness,  I really don't mind watching the "good" games, and basketball "is" actually my favorite sport to watch on the tele), but to also broaden my horizons with some different cookie recipes.

I tend to stick with making the "family favorites",  so I thought this would be interesting (interesting for me anyway) and who knows? maybe we will be able to add some new favorites when all is said and done.  

(I think I'll still take one or two of the days and make our favorites, just as long as I stick to my goal of a different one for each day)

Okay, so this really doesn't have anything to do with "March Madness", but I thought the title would be fitting just for the mere fact that I really don't have a whole lot of time to spend on baking this week. ( I sometimes wonder why I continue to add unimportant things to my agenda) :)

Sunday 3/27

The "Lorraine" Cookie

I grew up enjoying this cookie thanks to my Grandma Soeldberg, but have not once made it myself. In fact, after many years of telling myself I needed to get the recipe, I finally found it in a family cookbook in my very own cupboard (just yesterday afternoon). :) Go Figure.

  I always wait until the first batch is done (with any recipe) to gauge time, turnout, etc... 

It's a good thing too.... I forgot to put the walnuts in the first batch. 

**Fortunately for those viewing this, I do not take photos of my mistakes. I wouldn't want your perception of me to reflect such non-sense. Hee Hee (I don't like using the phrase "LOL")

and last... The DELIGHTFUL frosting...

There are only 2 left, so I'm hoping that's a good sign. Then again, maybe I better go check the outside trash.

Home Therapy

Where to begin? (this seems to be the question of the day for me lately).  Let's rewind to about 8 months ago... August 2010, when after much deliberation which involved a whole lot of prayer, tears and advice, I decided to let the older boys move down to experience life with their dad.  Many of you already know this and many of you are probably tired of hearing about this, but I sure do love and appreciate those that continue to be of moral support to me.

Alright, I promise I'm going somewhere with this...

When I decided to let the boys move down, I didn't realize or I guess I should say, even fathom the mental/emotional state that I would soon experience.  I had this constant feeling of worry and unhappiness.  I felt like a big part of my life was missing even though I knew I hadn't really lost anything. I had this overwhelming feeling of anger. I hated thinking that  because of the distance, I was going to miss out on some of the most memorable moments such as dances, dating, sporting events etc...   I would start to think about some of my more challenging years with 4 kids under the age of 5, driving here, there and everywhere to get them to all the activities they wanted to be involved with. Always working opposite shifts while they were younger so that they would never have to go to a sitter or daycare. The nurturing given and relationships that were developed as the years went forward and the lessons learned through all our experiences, both good and bad.  In my selfish world, I felt everything was UNFAIR!

I share this with you because I realized this was a problem that I needed to fix and quickly. (I was not very enjoyable to be around)

As I started to think about what I could do to better myself, I decided that
First... I needed to not only continue but put a lot more emphasis on developing a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father.  He is the perfect example of love and forgiveness, two areas that I could really use some improvement in.
Second, I needed to re-develop relationships with the people I love and care about and let them help and support me and even more important express and show my love for them.  In other words, my stubbornness needed to make a quick exit.
And last, I needed to involve myself with those things that I enjoyed doing but would always take a back seat due to one reason or another.

This is the part in my story where I would love to say that I've been  "MIRACULOUSLY"  cured.  But I can't.

What I can tell you...  as I try (and TRY is a pretty big word for Jeanell), I am realizing that I may never be able to  fully relinquish some of those feelings and frustrations that exist, but as I am learning to focus on those things mentioned above,  I've started to not only feel at peace but develop a deeper gratitude for...

My Family

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of everyone, but you get the general idea. 

I never have to look far if I need some words of encouragement or a best friend,

My Interests

(I won't call them Talents just yet)

I am always trying to think of different ways to make my house a home.

 So naturally, I am trying to put my negative energy to good use.

I've developed a great love for photography and have enjoyed taking pictures of my babies. 

(and other people too)  :)

I have re-started working on my goal to play (and play well mind you) all of the hymns and primary songs. I have told myself I was going to do this since my teenage years. (long ago)

I am determined to continue my love of decorating for the seasons and holidays. 

(something I failed terribly at in 2010)

I've worked on mingling the OLD with the NEW

(I've loved having actual pieces of memorabilia in my home)

It's also been fun adding some pink, although probably more purple to a whole lot of masculine. 

(I'm not going to lie, this was my favorite project and not just because she's been sharing a room with Dad and Mom for 2 years)

Because of 2 very important men in my life, I've developed a love for running.

(I've only participated in one official race, but am making it a goal to do my marathon)

My Spirituality

Always a work in progress for me, but I love that I can turn to my Heavenly Father whenever and for whatever I may need.

 

The more I try to develop and work on being closer with him, the more eternal perspective I seem to be gaining. (trust me, I've really needed this)

My Life

I love this kiddos with all of my heart. I want them to make good choices and I want them to be happy. I feel blessed to be their mother and even more blessed because these cute things are mine for eternity.

I love this man with all of my heart and soul.

 He is genuine, kind and loves me unconditionally. 

He has helped me make it through some of my tougher times over the years 

and has become my very best friend.

It is important that you find someone to bring out your better qualities and he continues to do this for me.

I can't imagine my life without him.

*********

So while my therapeutic process might consist of many different people, places and outlets, I am finding that I don't have to look beyond  the comforts of my own home and those things that I have already been greatly blessed with to feel genuinely HAPPY.