Christmas Cookies

Christmas used to my favorite holiday but working retail has just made Christmas stressful.  Working retail makes it hard to enjoy the holidays.  I miss the days when Christmas was about celebrating with friends and family and focusing on the birth of Jesus.  At some point, Christmas has become about shopping with retail stores working their employees more and more.


We also had our first loss right after the holidays, almost three years ago.  It's hard not to remember that we are seven days away from the 3rd anniversary of our first BFP.  We are so blessed to have our beautiful rainbow.  I'm more thankful and love her more everyday.  She is our miracle baby and this time of year is a great reminder of that.

I want Anne to remember Christmas as a joyous time with friends and family, but that's hard to do when she goes days without seeing her dad because he is working so many hours.  Steve is such a hard worker and I appreciate all the overtime he is working so we can keep our bills paid but I miss him being home.

Today was probably the first day this Christmas season that I truly enjoyed the festivities.  My great friend, Stacey, came over and we spent the day making Christmas cookies.  It was so much fun and we had some great conversations while baking too.  We may have made a mess in the kitchen, but it was worth it.  We made five different kinds of cookies, plus some homemade white chocolate peppermint hot chocolate.  Yum... I'm so thankful for great friends.

Special thank you to my mom for coming over to play with Anne while we baked.  She is sleeping now, like any good baby should be doing at midnight.  Her mommy should be sleeping too.  She had a busy, fun-filled day today.  Tomorrow, more fun in the works, we are traveling to Toledo to spend Christmas with Steve's extended family.
 

 Anne did get to help decorate her own sugar cookie.  She loved it. 

  

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?” (or in our case a stove)
~ CS Lewis

Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas from Us!

Words can not fully describe how special it was to celebrate Anne's first Christmas.  Thinking back to last Christmas, I can definitely say that this year was filled with so much joy.  Anne won't remember much, if anything, of this year's Christmas but we will.  On Christmas Eve, my family celebrated Christmas at my parent's house.  We had dinner and gave each other the wonderful gifts that we purchased.  I love Christmas.

Christmas Day, we got up early and got ready to travel to Aunt Michelle's house.  Anne was well rested.  She gave her mommy a Christmas present by sleeping for 7 hours straight between Christmas Eve and Christmas.  Anne and I sang some Christmas songs while she ate breakfast and I got her dressed.  Then I read her the Christmas story out of Luke chapter 2.  She was wiggly and doesn't yet understand the amazing gift that was given to us on Christmas, Jesus, but she will as she gets older.

She will just love the presents that she received.  Great Grandma made her a rainbow colored baby blanket.  I love it.

 My mom gave her this wonderful bear.  It talks and will teach her about her body, sing songs, and help her learn language.

 The many faces of Anne's first Christmas.

 ...And now we are ready for start the journey back and go to bed.  The drive was really snowy, but Steve got us home safe.  Christmas wore her out and as a special Christmas present to mommy she slept for 7 hours again last night.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WYCLIFFE

Bob and Dallas 2013 Christmas Greeting from Wycliffe USA on Vimeo.

Thank you so much to the people that have supported our Wycliffe ministry this year. 
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Decorating for Christmas

Anne 'helped" me today decorate for Christmas.  Steve put the tree up this past weekend, but I haven't had a chance to put the ornaments on it yet.  I took advantage of the fact that mom was over to get the Christmas decorations up.

 I love this picture.  The Christmas tree is an ornament that was given to me by my Aunt Honey on my First Christmas in 1981.  The other was given to Anne for her First Christmas,

 Anne has her own little stocking.  I can't wait to put a little toy in it for her to open on Christmas.  She won't remember this Christmas since she is so young but we still want to make it special.

2012 Christmas Cookies

I really love making Christmas cookies.  For the last few years, Steve and I have given Christmas cookies to friends and our bosses.  Buckeyes are a favorite. They are so easy to make.

---

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 cups Peanut Butter
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 6 cups powered sugar
• 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips  

---

First, you mix the first 4 ingredients together in a large bowl. Cover plates with wax paper, roll the dough into one inch balls and place them onto the plates.  Stick a toothpick into each ball and put the plates into the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

Tip: If I am making multiple types of cookies, I make the buckeyes first so they can be in the freezer while I'm working on the other cookies.

After the balls are frozen, you can dip the balls into the melted chocolate.  I melt my chocolate in a small crock pot, because it works really well.

When all the balls have been dipped in chocolate, you put the Buckeyes back into the freezer or refrigerator until they are firm.  Enjoy!

This year, as luck would have it, I had some extra melted chocolate leftover.  So we decided to get creative and just dip whatever we had around the kitchen.  We dipped some granola bars and I made some marshmallow balls with some mini marshmallows and covered them in chocolate.  Oh, the fun things you can do with melted chocolate.

Merry Christmas from the Pitneys

Christmas GTG from Omaha

We had such a great weekend. Kristen and her husband, Devyn braved the rough 80/90 all the way from Nebraska to come visit Steve and I before heading south to Lafayette to her in-law's house.  They arrived Saturday night at around 7:30 and we went to dinner at Indulgence in South Bend.  Yum. I love that place.We sat around and talked about all kinds of stuff until the turned the "Open" sign off.  I guess that was our clue to go home.

After Indulgence, we went back to our house and talked some more and played with their cute little dog, Bruno.

We talked about everything from life to work to Wycliffe.  Devyn seems to especially like Da Jesus Book.

Here is a picture of all of us after church this morning.

I hope that they had a great time too.  I loved getting to meet someone from an online group that has been so important to me, in real life.  Even though we have "known" each other online for about 9 months, we met in person for the first time on Saturday.  It felt so comfortable, like we had known each other our whole lives.  At least to me it did.  This group has been a God-send to me this year.  There are so many spectacular women in this group.  Now, I'm looking forward to Christmas.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) 

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Christmas Elfster Recipe Exchange

For Christmas, my online group is going a Christmas card exchange with a recipe inside.  We use elfster.com to put the exchange together.  I picked out my recipe and the perfect card and sent it out on Friday.  Just for fun, I decided to make the recipe while Steve was at work last night. Yum!

Better Than 'Everything' Cake (We'll keep the title family friendly) 

1 German Chocolate Cake Mix
1 Jar of Caramel Ice Cream Syrup
1 Can of Condensed Milk
1 Container of Cool Whip
Nuts, Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

First, you make the cake according to the box.

I baked my cake in a 9 X 13 casserole dish.  You can make it any cake pan.  Bake the cake according the instructions on the box.  When the cake is done, while it is still hot, poke holes all over it with the wooden spoon handle.  Spread a mixture of the caramel and milk filling up the holes.

Cool the cake, then top the cake with the Cool Whip, nuts, sprinkles, or whatever you choose.

Enjoy!

Christmas 2011

Oh, how I love Christmas.  There is just something special about getting together with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  I love the spirit of giving that comes out this time of year.  If you look hard enough, you can find the joy in the season.  I know I'm slightly biased, but I think I have to best family ever.

Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant
I have traveled
Many moonless night
Cold and Weary
With a babe inside
And I wonder
What I've done
Holy Father
You have come
Chosen me now
To carry your son

I am waiting
in a silent prayer
I am frightened
by the load i bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now
[chorus:]
-----------------------------------
Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me, your holyness
For your holy Breath of Heaven
-----------------------------------
Do you wonder
As you watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer-all I am
For the mercy-of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

YWCA 2011 Winter/Christmas Wish List

This week we been over capacity averaging between 145-155 women and children residing at the YWCA North Central Indiana.  Today, we have a census of 78 women and 78 children for a total of 156.  This proves there is a great need for our services here in the Michiana area.  The YWCA serves women and children that are victim's of domestic violence, chemically dependant, and living in our Transitional and Permanent Housing programs.

Many of our clients are young single moms that enter the shelter with nothing but their kids and the clothes on their backs.  We never turn away a woman and her children in need of shelter due to domestic violence. 

What does this mean?  It means that we have some huge needs currently and I predict bigger needs as it gets colder.

Our Current Immediate Needs:

• Hats/Gloves/Scarves/Winter Coats for both women and children
• Twin sized winter blankets
• Pillows
• Snow boots for both women and children

YWCA Wish List

Due to Indiana Health Laws, we cannot accept used Stuffed Animals

Food Related: Canned & Boxed Foods of all kinds, Non-Perishable items, Food Storage Containers, metal teaspoons, plastic forks/knives, Plastic bowls/cups, Juice, Cereal

Personal Care Products: Deodorant, Conditioner, Lotions, Shower gels, Hand Sanitizer, Combs, Toothbrushes (adult and children), Toothpaste (small and large), Disposal razors, Kleenex, Feminine Care products, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper

Infant Care: Baby bottles, Disposable Diapers (all sizes), Baby Wipes, Baby Shampoo, Baby Lotion, Baby Powder, Baby Food and formula, Sippy Cups, Baby monitors, Strollers, Toddler and Preschool Car Seats

Over the Counter Medicines and First-Aid: Aspirin, Tylenol, Midol, Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Non-Alcohol Cold medicines, First Aid tape

Household Items: Shower curtains, Wash Cloths, Towels, Crib sheets, Twin-Sized Blankets and Sheets, Bed Pillows, Elevated toilet seats, Space Bags for storage, Laundry Detergent, Small Alarm Clocks, Microwave Ovens, Small Kitchen Appliances.

Clothing: Plus Sized Women, Baby Clothes

Miscellaneous Items: Pre-paid Phone Cards, Bus Passes, Wheel Chairs, Office Supplies, Blank Journals, Reading Glasses, Luggage, Heavy Duty Snow Blower, Leaf Blower, Drill Dress, Gas Fryer, Heat Lamp for Kitchen, Commercial Washers and Dryers

Almost anything you use in your household is needed at the YWCA.
Items can be delivered to the front desk between 8-5 Monday through Thursday and 8-2 on Friday.

YWCA North Central Indiana
1102 S. Fellows
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone Number: 574-233-9491
Crisis Line: 574-232-9558

2010 Pitney Family Christmas Weekend



Me with our newest niece, Heiress.

 This weekend was great.  Friday night, Steve went to the YWCA Christmas party and I had to work, so I couldn't go. :o(

Saturday, we both had the day off from Sears because it was the day of Steve's family Christmas.  Steve's family never has Christmas on Christmas and that's nice since my family always have Christmas on Christmas.  It was such a relaxing day of just hanging out with family.  The party was at Steve's brother's house in Bourbon, IN.  He lives out in the country, so he has a lot of space for playing for the kids and the guys had room to shoot guns at targets.  There was only a few minor injuries, so I guess they were successful.  The weather was a little rainy, so we did have to stay inside a lot.  On Steve's side of the family, there are ten kids between all of his brothers, so there were kids playing all over.  The kids range in age from school age to 3 months.  The little cutie in the picture above is our newest niece that was born in August.  It was a great day of family fun and eating really good food.  Steve's brother, Randy and his family stayed the night with us on Saturday night.  When we returned home, it was bedtime for the kiddos.

Sunday, we got up a little early for a normal Sunday.  We woke up and ate some breakfast.  Cheerios with banana was a big hit with the kids.  Steve and I wanted to give his bro and family the gift of Christmas family pictures this year and we were going to have Erin take them.  She had to work on Sunday, so packed up the family and headed to Sears.  Our adorable little nieces and nephew had fun meeting some of our co-workers.  Erin took some great pictures.  Casey kept looking at my funny when I was holding her. I'm not sure she knew what to do with two Aunt Bridget's.  Steve and I even got to get in one with the kids.  They love their Aunt Bridget and Uncle Steve.
They had to leave after we ate lunch in the food court.  It was a great weekend. :o)
We didn't do much else for the rest of the day since mother nature decided to dump tons of tons on us over the weekend.  Steve did rent a movie from Red Box, so we watched G-Force (which is a very cute movie) and ate some popcorn.
Red Box Movies - $1; Kroger Popcorn = $1 for a box; Not having to pay more than $20 for the movie and popcorn at the theater=Priceless. :o)

YWCA Christmas Wish List 2010

Once again the YWCA has had a busy year with a large increase in the amount of women and children we are serving.  We have also recently merged with the YWCA of Elkhart County greatly increasing the number of families we will be serving.
When you are shopping for gifts for your family this year, consider picking up an extra present for a hurting child at the YWCA.
Below is a list of items that would be wonderful gifts for the many women and children that will call the YWCA home this Christmas season.
Note: It will be most appreciated if all gifts are non-violent in nature.
Teenagers:
CD players, MP3 players, watches for male and female, hand held videogames, music CDs, DVDs (G, PG, PG-13 only), young women's toiletry items, young men's toiletry items, hats and scarves, hair accessories, age appropriate art supplies, gift cards, books, footballs/basketballs/soccer balls, make-up
Children (age 4-12)
Legos and other building sets, dolls and accessories, books, trucks, cars, educational games, craft projects, hats, mittens, socks, transformers, zu-zu pets, hand held games, play sets (such as farms, schools, houses for preschool age), nerf balls
Infants and young toddlers
Baby action toys, educational toys, stuffed animals, books, hats, mittens, socks, teething toys, rattles/small hand held toys, baby wipes, baby lotion, baby powder, baby wash/shampoo, and baby monitors
* batteries for toys are always appreciated and needed
Adult Women
Robes, slippers, pajamas, throws, alarm clocks, MP3 players, portable CD players, CDs, cameras, watches, costume jewelry, calendars, organizers/day planners, book bags, perfume, bath/body lotions, hair accessories, hats/gloves and scarves
In order to ensure that all the YWCA have a wonderful Christmas, it would be helpful to have donated gifts by Monday, December 13th.
If you have any questions, plese call Peggy King at 574-233-9491 X 307.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas from the Pitneys!

Perfect Christmas Present for Steve???

Ohio State Buckeyes Big Daddy Recliner from Baseline

Anyone need a Christmas present idea? I know it's a little pricey, but he's worth it, right? Doesn't it look so comfy?

haha...actually I found this while looking for new furniture. Steve and I decided that is the next big purchase we are saving up for. We have one couch that used to be my grandparents and it is falling apart and our other couch is small and I also got it used during college. We don't want expensive furniture, just something comfortable. We may buy "gently used" again instead of new to save money. We will just have to see how much money we get saved up.

There is a matching sofa too --->>>

Christmas 2007

This year Christmas was kinda busy. I didnt get to do Christmas cards this year because of the busyness. I did get all my Christmas shopping done by Christmas Eve though. :)

My best friend and her husband came into town before Christmas from Tulsa. They were visiting Ben's family for Christmas. I spent some time with her Friday afternoon after work. It was a good time. We drove down to the Concord Mall to meet my sister because she was working. We did a little Christmas shopping at the Mall. The Mall really wasn't as crowded as you would think the weekend before Christmas would be.

Saturday, Steve and I did some shopping at the UP Mall and Concord and it was a little busier. Sunday night, we did the gift exchange with my immediate family. My parents got Steve and I a grill for Christmas. Yeah. Once we get it set up...party at our place. :)
I got to spend some time with Tabby and Shere and their families on Monday for our gift exchange. Shere got me and Steve a "First Christmas" Christmas ornament.
On Christmas Eve, Steve and I drove to Wisconsin for the extended family Christmas after work. I didnt have to work but Steve and Erin did. Christmas with the family was pretty traditional. It started with dinner, then singing Happy Birthday to my cousin (his birthday is Christmas Eve) then it was present time. Which is always fun.