Third Annual Academy Awards Party

The past few years, Stacy and I have hosted an Oscar dinner party for our friends. Formal attire is encouraged, which is also a great way to re-use those old bridesmaid gowns! The menu this year was: Spinach salad, rolls, bacon-wrapped green beans, twice-baked potatoes and pot roast. For dessert, we braved our first attempt at cheesecake and I think it was a success. Stacy found this great recipe online so we bought some springform pans and tried it.

The guests filled out a ballot and prizes were awarded to those who got the most right. Shanna was the big winner this year with Erika taking second place. We had a third prize that was given to the "Best Dressed" guest, which was decided by an anonymous vote of those present. And the winner was... Cheris Larson - way to go, Cheris!

Here's a slideshow of pictures taken that night. Enjoy!

My Valentine's Day Date

Valentine's Day... the dreaded holiday for singles is always a challenge for me. Each year, however, I end up making something fun come of it.



2005 - Double date with Ben & Jerry. Erika's idea to eat some ice cream and watch movies with hot men in them.

2006 - Same Ben & Jerry concept, though we added Stacy to our soiree.

2007 - Dinner at Monical's followed by "Music and Lyrics" at the Palace theater with the girls.


2008 - Pizza and Trains with Grant Zimmerman! :) Mark and Rita wanted a night out and I have Thursday nights open, so it was a deal. I had so much fun! Grant is getting so big and more aware of things. He was also very excited to play with Miss Julie. As soon as I walked in the door, he rushed to greet me with a little bag of heart-shaped brownies that he had "helped" Rita make for me. I had barely taken my coat off when he instructed Mom and Dad to leave. We had some serious train tracks to build!