Tears and Monster Cookies

There are only a few people in this world (i.e. my siblings and cousins) who are going to understand the following:

While I was home visiting my family for a few days, I went to Grandma Bev's for a delightful little brunch.  I asked her when we were all going to get her "cookbook".  She proceeded to pull out a book where she had been writing (in her exquisite penmanship, might I add) down all of her signature recipes.  I started flipping through and opened to "Monster Cookies".  I immediately started crying.   Yes, crying.  Could I be more disgustingly sentimental?  Why can't I be like a guy and have nothing phase me?  

Monster cookies have always been one of Grandma's specialties.  You know, tons of chocolate chips, M&M's, raisins, nuts, and anything else she could find in her cupboard.  She used to make them for us all of the time growing up.  I remember them at family reunions and grand-daughters' weekend.   Hence, the reason I got all teary seeing the recipe.  We shared a sweet moment together laughing because I was crying.  Thanks, Grandma, for not only being a great cook, but being so good at creating "moments" in our lives.  

Girls' Basketball Reunion

I went home for a few days and my great friend and old basketball teammate coordinated a little pick-up game.    I felt like I was 17 again, you know, showing Cressida a thing or two (teeheehee).   It was so much fun.   Boy, have I ever lost my shot.  This brought back some great memories, I have spent a LARGE amount of time with the girls you see in this picture.  We have spent lots of time in the gym together, at tournaments, practices, games, camps, etc.  They are great life long friends.  Thanks girls!
From left to right, Heather, me, Cressida and Andrea.

Draper Temple Open House

I volunteered to be and usher at the Draper Temple Open house this week. I felt like I was on my mission again.  They told us to wear "Sunday best", so I squeezed back into a suit from my mission. (keyword is "squeezed").  I even got teary eyed (I know, your thinking, Amanda NEVER gets teary eyed) as I was answering questions and giving directions.  It was delightful.  I am so grateful for the temple.  It made me think a lot of our little David and how grateful I am that we are sealed together as a family forever.

Valentine's Day at The Roof

Kevin ALWAYS, ALWAYS plans Valentine's Day and our Anniversaries. And, he is so much better at it than I am. This time, I decided to take charge and handle Valentine's Day. We went to The Roof Restaurant on the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake. Which, by the way, you have to call for Valentine's reservations at the beginning of January. I never remember anything, so I was pretty proud of myself for remembering that! I probably remembered it because it involved really good food. Seriously, if you have never been there, you really need to go. It was delightful. And, wonderful to be with each other ALONE for the evening. Love you babe!

White Velvet Sugar Cookies

These are bar-none the best sugar cookies I have ever made or tasted!  Hmmm, when doesn't butter and cream cheese make anything taste better?  We have made multiple batches for Valentines Day to give to friends and family.  DE-LIGHT-FUL!

White Velvet Sugar Cookies

2 cups butter, softened
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla
4 ½ cups flour

Cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add sugar, egg yolks and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour. Cover and chill 2 hours or until firm. Roll out on floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch shapes; place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until set (but not browned). Cool 5 minutes. Place on wire racks to cool.

My hubby . . . the cop!

Kevin has decided to completely change professions.  Okay, maybe not, but he is looking pretty svelte these days going through POST (police officer standards training).  He decided that he wanted to be a reserve (volunteer) police officer for the City he works for.  He is loving the training and just passed the physical fitness requirements.   (running as fast as lighting, doing 1000 sit-ups in 30 seconds, and 500 pushups in 15 seconds, or something like that).  Ian and I both get "arrested" all the time.  We are all (especially me) looking forward to graduation in April.

p.s. don't worry, he hasn't quit his day job.

We went to Montana last week to visit my parents.  Meggie worked REALLY hard on the cookies below "specially for Uncle Cody".


Papa Jim and Ian in semi-matching hats.