Thanks!!

Our living room looks so messy, and we love it. We have been so blessed to have such great friends and family who've sent us a wedding gift. We registered, but we weren't really expecting to get gifts, and we didn't really want them... because it seems like such an odd thing to ask for presents (which again, we're not.) Of course, we're really enjoying them, so we need to tell our peeps thanks!

*I'm about a week behind on thank you cards. I'm still on Hawaii time. (How long can I use that excuse?)

Also, we had a little surprise last night. It is so disgusting. We found a mouse in Jim's suitcase. He scurried off under our fridge. I thought we both were going to barf. I wonder where he came from? I swear we're not dirty; I think he was just a little field mouse or something. :(

Some Lovin' from My Oven

This year I've decided to bake bread for the holidays...it's been an interesting experience since I usually do not like to bake. I had this grand plan to send out bread to all the people I know...but I got lazy. And tired. So, I made some bread for my co-workers instead. Feel free to look at the bread and feel like I made it for you!

But to go along with my JUST TRY IT! recipes, here's how you can make a wonderful loaf of banana or pumpkin bread for yourself.

PUMPKIN:
3 1/4 cup flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 cup packed pumpkin (1 can)

1 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 t salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cup sugar

2/3 water

4 eggs

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40-45 minutes, depending on the size of your loaves. I do mini-loaves, so it doesn't take that long. Also, make sure to grease your pans... I use PAM instead of butter. Add walnuts to your liking...I do about a handful.

BANANA:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas

Same instructions as above.

**If you freeze the bread, I wrapped it in a paper towel to absorb any moisture. Then one layer of saran wrap, then one layer of heavy duty foil...then put it in a freezer bag.**