I'm Back!!

We'll,  I was only away 3 months this winter instead of 4 so I guess that's progress.  So why so long?  We'll I've been a single lady for the last three months (not really single, just home alone).  My love has been in Texas, which leaves me a little busier than normal, and spending a lot of time talking on the phone to him or Skype!  He will be returning just in time for Valentine's Day.  I am so excited to be off work that day and able to create a special and relaxing day for my Love.

Well since I left off.  I was able to spend time with my Mom she was here for a month and a half.  It was nice to have her company.  She really enjoyed being here and attending my church with me.  She helped out with a lot of the Christmas giving the church did.  Thanks Mom!

I also got to hang out with Marie.  We went to see former President George W. Bush on Veteran's day.  We went shopping together for something... can't remember what.  We had tea several times, made christmas ornaments, and I got to help her out by caring for little Zane while she was in labor with Ezra.  It was so much fun.  He is such a joyful little guy, I love him so much, and his little brother Ezra too!

For Thanksgiving I went to Texas to be with my Love.  He came home for Christmas and after a little "adjusting" :) we had great Christmas together.  He got me new dishes; out with the bachelor dishes!  sewing tools, and new perfume.  I gave him some money to go towards an IPOD he's saving up to buy.

In early January I went down to Texas with him again and left him there until he comes on Valentine's Day.  After that he'll be staying for a while until he heads off for Chaplain Officer training for the summer.

On MLK Jr. Day my oldest sister and her family came down and we went to the AF Museum together, ate Pizza and also ice cream.  We had a very nice time and my 4 year old nephew said it was "really awesome"!  Too cute.

Here are some pictures from the last few months, enjoy!

Darling Marie and an Airman she found along the way. Hehe.

Pammy was here two times this fall/winter.  I love her being here!

President George W. Bush

My battery died after this pic. : ( At least I got one!

My Love!  So handsome.

Have I mentioned, I love him!! Being apart allows us to be newly weds longer. ; )

These last three were from the Bird Conservatory on South Padre Island.

 My Love was able to baptize his sister Clari in January.  

What a blessing.

 "This is really awesome!"

 "Hi Aunt Jodi"

 The girls' favorite part of the Museum

I also tried out Pam's(Where Your Treasure Is) potato soup recipe.  

It was so delicious!  I left out the ham and fixed my toppings like a loaded baked potato. 

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients

8 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 large onion peeled and diced

2 cups diced turkey ham or ham

  3-4 cups chicken broth or potato water or both

1 4 oz stick of butter

1/2 cup of flour

2 cups cream, half and half,  or milk ( I usually use mostly milk with a little cream)

1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt

2 or 3 Green Onions Chopped

Croutons (homemade are easy and taste the best)

Instructions

Place potatoes in a pot of water and boil until tender. Drain desired amount of water and add broth to potatoes.  Add chopped ham and onion. In a skillet, melt butter, stir in flour and then add milk to make a roux.  Gradually add the rest of the milk over medium heat until you have a thickened sauce.  Slowly pour into potatoe soup.  Simmer gently for a few minutes.  Spoon into bowls and top with croutons and chives.  If you like a thicker soup, increase your flour in your roux, if you like a thinner soup, increase your broth.  Mmm Mmm good. 

Note: you can add cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream to this recipe and it would be delicious.

God Bless and Take Care!

Love,

Jodi