Happy 2010!!

NEW YEAR WISHES

May peace fill all the empty spaces around you.

And in you, may contentment answer all your wishes.

May comfort be yours, warm and soft like a sigh.

And may the coming year show you that every day is really a first day, a new year.

Let abundance be your constant companion, so that you have much to share.

May mirth be near you always, like a lamp shining brightly on the many paths you travel.

May you be true love.

-- Author Unknown

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Meet Our New Puppy - Molly!!

I have been wanting and looking for a dog for the loooonnngggest time now. Kevin and I have been praying that we would find the right dog and I just had this wonderful peace that we would know when we found "our" dog....so, I didn't mind waiting....very uncharacteristic of me. About a week ago, I saw an adorable little dog on the Nebraska Humane Society's website but, I pretty much dismissed the dog as soon as I found it simply because I thought she'd be long gone by the time we were able to get over there. Nevertheless, yesterday I pulled up the website and was pleasantly surprised when I saw her adorable little picture smiling back at me. The moment Kevin and I met her we knew....we just knew she was mean to be ours. She is so gentle, so kind - honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better temperament. It so amazing what happens when you put things in God's hands. I wish I could properly convey the perfect timing or the "perfect-for-us-ness" that Molly possesses.

Here are a few pictures of here from yesterday....super cute...and this was all pre-groomer.

She isn't much of a poser....in fact, she's pretty camera shy.

And today, we went to my new favorite place!! It's called Dogtopia! It's the neatest place! If you have a dog and live in the Omaha area, I highly recommend it!! Not only is it an adorable little doggie boutique but, it's a groomers AND best of all it's a....doggie day care!!! Yep, that's right! Doggie day care! One of my biggest concerns in having a dog was what I would do with said dog when Kevin is on TTY...doggie day care is the answer!! I had NO idea this amazing little place existed until my sweet friend Katie recently told me - her cute dog Wilson attends doggie daycare sometimes. See what I mean about God's perfect timing!!!

Right after the grooming appointment - I'm not sure why she seems sooo serious :/

Definitely not her personality.

Close-up of the pretty pink bow they put in her hair....I'm sooo excited she's a "she" and that I can dress her up in pink!! Ha!!

Such a cutie!

It was a loooonnnnggg day for Miss Molly - groomer, doggie day care eval, vet wellness check-up....long day for this little girl.

So....the consensus from our vet, the groomer and the doggie day care lady is that she is a Schoondle - half schnauzer and half poodle. Since she is a rescue dog we will never really know for sure BUT I do know for sure that she is just the cutest little puppy I've ever seen and I'm sooo sooo sooo thrilled to be a new puppy Mom!

Christmas Highlights

One of the first things on our Christmas vacation agenda was to see this movie!

It was just as great as everyone said - such an amazing and uplifting story. I'm so glad we were finally able to see it. If you haven't seen it yet, definitely hop on the bandwagon and watch it - you won't be disappointed. I know I can't wait for it to come out on video!!

On December 23rd, I was out and about trying to round up one last gift for Kevin (that Back & Decker Ready Wrench - which, sadly, I never found) but I did come across this adorable little tree. Soooo perfect for my kitchen tree. And....I had an idea to decorate it using cookie cutters....I don't know though, it might be one of those ideas that seemed better in my head....or maybe it just needs a little more attention. Either way, that's a problem for next year - ha ha ha!! :-)

...maybe smaller cookie cutters???? Any suggestions are totally welcome. :)

Kevin and I have a Christmas tradition that each Christmas Eve, we get each other new pj's - Kevin did an exceptionally good job this year - OU PJ's!! Woo Hoo!! Boomer Sooner!! *Sigh* I just love that Victoria's Secret now carries awesome OU apparel! ;)

Here's Kevin trying on one of his new shirts with his cuff links and watch....just a few presents he decided to model for me - lol! Ha ha!

Here I am with a few of my favs!! I can't wait to get in my new kitchen and cook up a storm!!

ps....my Mac did get Photo Shop for Christmas!!! ;)

The day after Christmas, when the rest of the State was shut down, the movie theaters were still open....(good thing too, we would have gone stir crazy without it!!) So, we bundled up and headed out to see this movie

Sooooo good!! Super entertaining!! It's definitely one we will buy when it comes out on video too!

I hope everyone had a safe and cozy holiday. I was just soooo thrilled to have a few days in my apartment all alone with my husband.....being snowed in isn't as bad as it sounds. ;)

Merry Christmas

Kevin & I hope you have a Merry & Blessed Christmas!!

Favorite things: Christmas Edition

Since Christmas is in 2 Days I thought I'd do a favorite things Christmas edition.

I should probably say that I Love LOVE Christmas time!!! And, pretty much love everything about it.......

I wait all year for Yankee Candle's Christmas candles

Presents!! Need I say more - I love finding the perfect one, wrapping them, giving them. Yeah, I love present time!!! ....On a personal note, I think I did a pretty good job with Kevin's gifts this year. Can't wait to see what he thinks though. ;-)

Christmas cookies.....making them, decorating them, and of course - eating them!!

Snowing - playing in the snow, sledding. I *heart* snow days!!


Christmas Tree Lightings - especially Rockerfeller Center's Christmas Tree lighting!

I love live Nativity scenes - it really brings me back to the purpose of the season

Small decorative nativity scenes....especially Willow Tree's nativity. ;)

Christmas lights on houses - looking at different peoples Christmas lights too. ;)



Hot Chocolate - with marshmallows, of course!!




Warm -n- Cozy Scarves & Gloves





Coffeemate's Holiday Flavors - the are the perfect addition to my coffee each morning.




Christmas Music!!!



Apple Cider, especially apple cider with a "little something extra" in it - ha!!



Advent wreaths - love their simplicity.

And, of course, there are sooo soooo many more things that I LOVE about the Christmas season....I'll save those for next year. ;)

I hope you, your family and friends are enjoying this Christmas season!!!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

- Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Card Carousel 2009!!

It's that time again - time for Faith's (at Walk with me by Faith) Christmas Card Carousel 2009! Yay!! This is such a fun blog event - I participated in it last year and just loved it then too! It's super neat to be able to peak into everyone's Christmas card designs. It really gives ya some great ideas for next year!!

Here's our 2009 Christmas card! Since we've just re-located back to Omaha, we thought it was perfect!

In case you are curious, Katie Jo from Destination Photography took the picture and Courtney from Simply Said did the design. We just love how talented these ladies both are and feel very blessed to have had their help with our Christmas card.

The Nester Christmas Home Tour

Ok, so this year I'm not actually participating in the Nester's Tour of Homes....mostly because we are in our little apartment and pretty much just have the tree up. BUT, I have really enjoyed looking at everyone else's Christmas decor and thought I'd pass along the link for others to enjoy!

Gooooo Navy!! Beat Army!!

I must admit that as an Army Brat - cheering for an opposing team was pretty conflicting when I first met my Sailor - ha! But now, I'm super proud to be rooting on the NAVY!! I just love this rivalry and think it's a great tradition! Speaking about the tradition of this game... how cool is this vintage poster??? Love it!!

Show Us Your Life - Christmas Cookies & Treats

Kelly at Kelly's Korner is hosting a cookie recipe exchange! Sooo fun!! And, a great way to get some ideas for some yummy Christmas goodies!! Here are a few holiday favs at the Rooneys!

Peppermint Bark

Ingredients:

• Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
• 2 pounds white chocolate
• Peppermint flavorings, optional

Directions:

Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup margarine or butter softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flower
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions:

Mix powdered sugar, margarine, egg, vanilla and almond extract. Stir in flour, baking soda, and cream of tarter. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Heat over to 375 degrees. Roll dough on lightly floured rolling board. (Also roll on floured covered surface) Cut into desired shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until edges are light brown, 7 to 8 minutes

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour, preferably unbleached

3/4 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces and slightly softened

3/4 cup molasses

2 tablespoons whole milk

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine the molasses and milk and stir together; set aside. In the bowl of the mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Mix at low speed until combined (about 30 seconds). Scatter the butter pieces over the top and mix at medium-low speed until it resembles very fine meal (about 90 seconds). Reduce the speed to low and drizzle in the molasses mixture with the mixer running and mix until the dough is moistened thoroughly (about 20 seconds), then increase the speed to medium and mix for 10 seconds more to combine. Cut out at least 4 parchment rectangles to fit the bottom of your sheet pans. Scrape dough onto a work surface and divide into 2 (I used a scale to be accurate: I divided it into 2-502g masses). Place each dough half onto its own parchment rectangle and cover each with another parchment rectangle. Pat out each with your fingers through the parchment into a rough rectangle, then roll each into an even 1/4-inch thickness sandwiched in between the 2 parchment sheets. Stack the dough sheets (still intact in their "parchment sandwiches") onto a sheet pan and freeze until firm, about 20 minutes, or refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Place a rack in the upper and lower-middle positions of your oven and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper (I just used the ones on my dough sheets, to conserve paper....trying to be green). Remove a dough sheet from the fridge and peel off the top parchment sheet, gently lay it back on the dough and put another sheet pan on top. Flip the whole set-up over and peel off then discard the other parchment sheet. Using a 3- or 5-inch gingerbread person cutter or a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out shapes and transfer to the lined sheet pans, leaving 3/4 inch space in between. Bake the cookies for 8 minutes (for 3-inch people, which is what I used), or 8-11 minutes (for 5-inch people or 3-inch cookies), rotating the pans front to back and top to bottom halfway through. You're looking for set centers and for the dough to barely retain an imprint when touched gently with a fingertip. Don't overbake! They will set some more while cooling. Cool the cookies for 2 minutes on the pans then transfer with a wide metal spatula to a cooling rack.

Christmas at the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion

I had the privilege of working at the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion during college and the year after graduating. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my time there and how much I learned. The atmosphere in the house always so warm and lovely - great place to work. Mostly though, I just loved being around the amazing First Family of Oklahoma. ....Yes, that includes their (sometimes naughty - lol!) little doggies - Jasper, Sophie ("Sophers") and Samson. A few weeks ago an Oklahoma Magazine, Distinctly Oklahoma, did a piece on the house in all it's Christmas glory.....please know that these two pictures below do not do justice to the house and for the full story please click on this link (then go to pages 50 & 51) to see the "real" pictures.

New Favorite Nail Polish

I'm usually a baby pink nail polish color BUT I recently purchased "Dear Santa" by OPI and oh my goodness, I just LOVE it!! It's such a pretty red color and....the best part....it has sparkles!!!! I'm a HUGE sucker for sparkles! Ha!!

Isn't it soooo perfect for the Holidays?!? I just love it!

Don't worry "I pink I love you," "Privacy Please," and "Sweetheart" I'll be back after Christmas! ;)



What are some of your holiday favorite polishes?

Let's get wrapping!

Ok...maybe the title should be "I need to get wrapping!" Haha! ;)

Since Kevin and I are living in an itty bitty apartment, it's super hard to hind presents - I've already hidden a few in the garage but with the subzero temps we're having I've had to rethink that idea - ha! So, I have several of his present but haven't really wrapped any. In fact, the only ones that have been wrapped are the one's Von Maur wrapped for me! Ha! Don't you just *love* stores that wrap for free?!? Cause I sure do!! :) I usually love wrapping and actually look forward to it but for some reason I just can't seem to get inspired this year. So, who did I turn to for inspiration? Martha Stewart, of course!! :)

This one is my absolute favorite!!! I adore black and white patterns so this print is right up my alley!! I particularly like the bottom one, but instead of a message I would probably turn that into some sort of monogram name card. Just love it!!

Love these colorful monogrammed presents - I heart monograms!!

A bottle of yummy wine is such a great hostess gift and I'm always thinking of new ways to wrap it (instead of the wine gift bag I usually end up using - ha!)...anyways, I thought these were all pretty cute and fun!

Fun and Fabulous! I love Chinese to-go boxes!!

I am so using this idea next year for our family's gifts! What a neat idea!!

Lump of coal - Soooo cute!! What a great jewelry box!

I'm definitely using this idea when I have little ones!! I know my parents would love something like this!! Just precious!

My little brother is at that age where he LOVES gift cards - won't this be a fun way to give gift cards?!? ....this is why I love Martha Stewart's website, I'd never think of doing something like this!!

So pretty - very classical Christmas.

When I saw these, I actually sang the line from Sound of Music song "My Favorite Things." You know the song "....brown paper packages tied up with strings - these are a few of my favorite things"

Ha! Yup, that's right - I'm a dork!

Pretty "woodsy" - it would be perfect for my husband and brother! I'm totally gonna have to track it down for next year!

I'd love to hear about/see any gift wrapping inspirations you all have!

***All images were borrowed from Martha Stewart's website***