Mmmm... Cookies!

Since I have been working from home, I have had more opportunities to bake (and eat)! I have the little kids on the same nap schedule so sometimes I have a little time during the day to make something scrumptious such as these...






These are macaroons that I found in my Taste of Home cookbook. I thought it would be pretty and tasty to add some chocolate too, because who doesn't like a little chocolate?

Here is the recipe for anyone that wants it:

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

*In a small bowl, combine the coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Stir in egg whites and vanilla; mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. (I used parchment paper).

*Bake at 325 for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

*Makes about 1 1/2 dozen cookies.

* I melted some dipping chocolate in the microwave and spooned it into a plastic Ziploc bag. I cut a small piece of the corner off so I could neatly squeeze the chocolate on top of the cookies.


NOTE: IF YOU DON'T LIKE COCONUT, DO NOT MAKE THESE COOKIES!

Bainbridge Island

Katie and Josh came to visit for a few days, and since Saturday was so beautiful we decided to go on a day trip over to Bainbridge Island.




We thought the reflection of Chase's balloon complimented Josh's sunglasses very nicely.


Chase was really enjoying the ferry ride. He especially liked drumming on the table.




I wish my camera could better capture the beauty that is the Seattle skyline. I always forget how pretty it is since we don't come to Seattle often.


There was a cute shopping center on the island, and Chase got to see a real bunny at a children's clothing store. He wasn't too sure what to do with it!


He got a balloon too! He was playing peek-a-boo with grandpa.


Boo!


Awwww!


Here is a recent family photo. Not the best, but it will do!

Over all we had a really nice time. My only complaint would be the hundreds of high school students riding the ferry to attend a dance in Seattle. I was shocked that every single girl (except one) was wearing a VERY short dress. They all looked so uncomfortable!

Chase loves the lake!

We took Chase down to the lake yesterday afternoon to play for a few minutes. Kyle showed him how to throw rocks into the water. (They didn't go very far). He thought this was very fun!




Then we found a stick, and Chase thought it was even more fun to hit the water with it.


I just want to get one thing clear... My son does NOT have a rat tail, even though it may look like it in this picture. He just has thick hair on the back of his head and really needs a hair cut!

Lundeen Park

While it is so nice to be working at home, I haven't gotten out of the house much. So yesterday after Kyle got home, we went to the park near our house to play for a little while. It was fun to see how Chase was climbing all over the toys and sliding down the slides.

Crafting time!

For those of you who know me well, and probably even those of you who don't, know that I LOVE to craft! I was lucky enough to get a Cricut Expression for Christmas this year from my family, but the lack of time and money have kept me from crafting as much as I would like. I did have the opportunity to do a Valentine's Day card making activity with the Young Women at church and it was so much fun! I forgot to bring my camera that day so I could take pictures.

I also made a bunch of these little fairy wands for some little girls that I know! I thought they turned out cute!

New Beginnings

This week was the start of new jobs for both Kyle and I. Kyle is now working for Tri Med Ambulance which is based out of Kent (kind of a drive, but I guess it's not too bad for a 24 hour shift), and I am now watching Sophie (13 months old) full time at my house. It has been a good week so far. I have really enjoyed being at home, and I know Chase really likes it too since he gets to play with his own toys and sleep in his own bed.

I still have an ache in my heart however, because I really miss Maceon and Isabella. I know I will see them again, but I feel like every time I do see them they have grown so much and I have missed a lot. I guess I have a difficult time adjusting to change, especially when I have an emotional attachment to something or someone. Things will get better soon I hope :)

It's been a little while since I posted, so here are a few recent pictures:


Okay... Not the best picture, but I am alone all day with no other adults who can take a picture of me :)

He's so goofy sometimes, and he knows it!

Awww... I love this one, because it is a VERY rare occurrence that Chase will sit still and snuggle for more than 10 seconds.