Car Troubles

Before Christmas our 2001 Toyota Corolla had a major issue and turned out that the engine needed to be rebuilt. A huge undertaking! So with every spare night and weekend Tony's had he's been working on rebuilding the engine with the help of family, friends, books, and the Internet. All I have to say is that I'm glad that Tony's good at figuring stuff out and isn't intimidated by a challenge. Well I'm happy to report their is light at the end of the tunnel! The engine is pretty much back together and will hopefully be put back into the car on Saturday. I'm just praying that it'll start! Tony's been working so hard on it and to not have all that hard work pay off would be a major let down and set back. So hopefully by next week well have our Toyota back and we'll be able to move on to the next project on the list!

Bread!

So ever since we started our South Beach Diet experience we've switched to whole wheat bread. So I've been making most of bread with our bread machine. Today I made bread the old fashioned way...with my kitchen-aid. I think they turned out pretty good. Tastes pretty good too!

Merry Christmas/Happy Valentine's Day/Happy Birthday to Me!

While making frosting for my last cake project my hand mixer, that we got as a wedding present 7+ years ago, went ka-put. The fact that I needed a new mixer was apparent to Tony. Last night Tony took me to the store to pick out the color of my Valentine's Day present. I will say that I was secretly hoping that it would truly be a Kitchen-Aid mixer but knew what the cost would be and proceeded to convince myself otherwise. But with having the most wonderful and thoughtful husband that I do...he splurged and got one. The fact that we're getting a decent tax return this year may have helped with that, but that fact doesn't make this gift any less exciting. I was so excited to use it that first thing this morning I tried it out! I made waffles for me and the kids...didn't care for the recipe I used, but the mixer works wonderfully! I'm so excited for my next cake project....so I can use my new Kitchen-Aid mixer.

New Year's Resolution

At the beginning of each year I always casually say, "I'd like to loose a few pounds this year." But never do anything about it and thus nothing changes. Well, this year is different. Probably because Tony wants to loose some weight this year too. Before Christmas, Tony's father was told by his doctor to go on the South Beach Diet to help with his weight and health problems. We decided to go on the diet as well. We've been on it for 2 1/2 weeks and we've each lost about 10 pounds! Besides the weight loss we both feel so much better because we aren't putting all that "junk" into our bodies anymore. We no longer feel overfull and bloated after we eat. It's great to feel healthier. Don't get me wrong, it's taken some sacrifice. We really want to use this diet as a life style change, not just another diet. I'll keep everyone posted on our success.

Wedding Cake (Gold and White)

Here is the latest cake.

Alaina's First Hair Cut

Before
After
My mom gave Alaina a little trim yesterday. We didn't take a lot off...just enough to even everything out and get rid of the baby hair. Don't feel bad if you can't tell the difference.

A Happy Annversary in McCall

This last weekend Tony and I went up to McCall for our 7th Anniversary. It was lots of fun and reminiscent of our Honeymoon. We even stayed in the same Hotel.

Here Tony is at the Tubing Hill...it was ok...more for kids that anyone else.Here we are swimming at the Hot Springs by Donnely. Lot's of fun even with the snow/rain mix.

Cross-country skiing
Tony couldn't seem to stay on his feet.
If you can't tell...this is in front of Payette Lake.Sitting around...who cares if the bench is covered with snow.
We had lots of fun!