Top 10 of 2010

2010 has been a BANNER year for the Doug and Marsha Branch of the Mezger Family Tree.  It brought me great joy to look back on the things I was looking forward to in 2010 and reflect on how beautiful and fulfilling each experience has been.  I am blessed beyond measure!  2010 memories include, but are not limited to...

Financial Peace University:  

We drank the Kool Aid.  We're addicted.

Yoga Teacher Training:  

Checked off my bucket list.  I have every intention of putting that certificate to good use one day.

KOSAMA: 

10 week series of grueling, sweat soaked exertion that has made for fantastic bonding with one of my favorite teacher peeps.  I'm committed for a year. 

Droids:  

I fought the move to a mini computer in my hand.  Now that I've crossed over I'm afraid that I will never again be able to go without immediate access to my friend's Facebook status updates.

Screen Doors: 

We updated the look of our cozy little cottage with the installation of new exterior storm doors.  WAY MORE EXPENSIVE THAN I ANTICIPATED.  Wow!  Doug likes to sit in the living room with the interior door open staring at his work.  He doesn't care how cold it is outside and it's okay.  Why?  Because this little home improvement project was WORTH IT!

Marsha's Job: 

Annie Jr., two girls in OPUS, a trip to the PLC workshop in St. Louis.  It's been a great year!

Doug's Job: 

Record sales for the Ankeny Hy-Vee, Executive Interview with rave reviews, patiently waiting for the big move...

Lucy Mae: 

FABULOUS.  Still the cutest, smartest, best puppy daughter in the universe.  We remind her every day that she is Mommy and Daddy's first born.  She's getting better at sharing our laps with others.

Licensed Foster Parents: 

WOW!  God saw this in our plan and worked His magic to get us involved.  What a ride it's been!  Information meeting in December 2009, began licensing classes and home study in February, licensing requirements completed in April, license received in May, first placement in July, second in August, and our current friends arrived in November.  It has been an experience comparable to none.

Grandma Margie goes to Heaven:  

The only grandma I ever knew.  The most amazing grandma anyone could ever have.  One of the hardest days of my life.  One of the most special days of my life.  I was beside her when she went.  I'll never forget our last conversation...

So there it is, 2010: A Year to Remember.  We saw the beauty in new life.  We saw the beauty in passing.  What will 2011 bring?!?!

Recipe Round Up and Out!

This post concludes my adventure in recipe trying for 2010.  I had some definite successes!  It was fun to become more acquainted with my kitchen and try new foods.  I look forward to more new yummies in 2011!

Gingersnaps (#27)

These cookies are the most delicious cookies I have ever made.  The recipe came from a Minneapolis grocery store that Doug and his co-workers visited on a field trip to the Twin Cities.  I will not post the recipe though.  I am holding it hostage as "my secret" for what I hope to become one of my specialties.  

White Chocolate Macadamia Cranberry Dreams (#28)

These treats are dreamy, indeed!  LOVE them!  Delightfully vanilla and perfect when the rare but ugly chocolate lurks.

Pecan Turtle Bars (#29)

Successful, but not show-stopping.  I will use extra chocolate on top if I make these again.  

Egg and Sausage Casserole (#30)

I made this breakfast dish for my in-laws during our Christmas visit.  It was AMAZING!  I followed the suggestion to add 3/4 c milk and use 10 eggs.  One thing I love about recipes like this is that you could add nearly anything to it and it would still be a huge success.  Mmm!  I hope to make this a Christmas tradition!

Sweet and Salty Walnuts (#31)

This snack recipe came from another magazine Doug brought home to me from his Minneapolis Grocery Store Tour 2010.  It used oil, sugar, salt, and cayenne to coat the walnuts before roasting them in the oven.  The fragrance while these were in the oven was heavenly.  They tasted good too! 

Roasted Artichoke Dip (#32)

Again, a product of Minneapolis Grocery Store Tour 2010.  Made pretty similarly to hummus, but with artichokes instead.  Tasty!

Quick Hoppin' John Soup (#33)

Hearty, easy, and lucky for the New Year with black eyed peas.  Good stuff!