I'm still here!!!

Did you miss me? I didn't really go far but Doug had his first time off in oh...over a week...and what a tough week it was but it's over and things for his job are looking up...they think they found the perfect partner for him and that is a relief to us all! In case you didn't know...he has been doing the job of two or more...the other guy that was supposed to be working with him up and quit...then walked out. He was supposed to have last night off too but at the last moment they called him to come in because of some issues at work...and being the kind of man he is...he went to bed to get what sleep he could and left for work at nine. Our time off together was WONDERFUL and so much fun!! I wish every woman on Earth loved spending time with their husbands the way that I do. :) You want to hear the craziest part of his whole job so far...besides the wacky hours? He has lost over 30 pounds since starting!!! Don't you just hate him? I mean seriously...he looks great, always has to me but do you really pick the time that you KNOW your wife is getting fatter by the second to lose 30 lbs (and counting) over night? Sheesh. Regardless I am super proud of him for the man he is, job performance, weight loss and all. :)Today makes me 12 weeks pregnant. :) To date I haven't gained an ounce. Thanks to all the morning sickness I actually lost some weight and just now I have balanced back to my normal numbers. My body has definitely changed shape...it's like this time around my body was like "oh, I got this and know what's up" and went poof! and assumed the shape. This week baby is the size of a lime and is working on his little reflexes. :) I am doing SO much better than I was...still tired at times and sick if I wait too long to eat but I'll take it! :)

Today I am working on some yummy thank you's for some folks in our life who have been good to us lately. Here in the South we speak food for all occasions. Nothing says thanks heaps like some homemade goodies. :)

mmmmm......

Here is the recipe. It's my go-to chocolate chip recipe...I never make them any other way because these are perfect!! I got the recipe from a Martha Stewart magazine...don't let that name throw you...it's a super easy and yummy cookie!

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (about 12 ounces) semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; add the salt, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
2. Drop heaping tablespoon-size balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake until cookies are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on baking sheet 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

And in the shop it's a BDAY SALE!! Go to the shop to check it out! :) It ends on my birthday on Monday and will probably be my last sale for a good long while so stock up while you can!! :)

And P.S. I have the coolest friends...remember Aaron and Jeremy I told you about a few post ago...well they went and got cooler...here they are in an article on PASTE magazine(an awesome music magazine). You can go here to see it. :)

Have a great weekend!! :) XOXO