Happy 1st Birthday, Katie!

It's hard to believe our Katie is already 1 year old...where does the time go??  *sniff sniff*

I think it's safe to say she has enjoyed her birthday, though.  I baked her some "pupcakes" (recipe below), and she got some presents, as WELL as plenty of love and attention - as if she didn't already get that.

Happy Birthday Katie Ruth!!  :)

She looooved the pupcake...oh my goodness.  She refused to eat if off the plate, so like a civilized doggie, she took it to eat on her pillow.  And made a huge, crumby mess.  But hey, it's her birthday!

She also loved her presents...a new stuffing-less Bobo and a hard pretzel chew that's chicken flavored.  Oh yeah, and the cutest little treats called 'Quacks'!  :)



It was impossible to get a still shot-she was a playing machine!

Yes, some people probably think that we spoil her.  But why not?  Even though we have our first baby on the way, Katie is also our baby and we love her very much.  :)

This is her the first day we got her:

What a cutie!!!!!!!  I miss her being this small!

But if she never grew, would this be as much fun??  :)

We love you Squirrel!  Hope you've had a great 1st birthday!  Don't grow up too fast...and also...learn how to behave.  lol

Cheddar Pupcakes

Source:  Slightly adapted from Brown Eyed Baker, originally from The Dog Ate It

*Note- I halved this recipe to only make 5 pupcakes.  It will make 10 if you do not halve it.

1½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup traditional rolled oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup applesauce
½ cup water
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 eggs
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients together and fill into paper-lined muffin tins.  Bake for about 15 minutes at 400 degrees.  Cool completely before feeding to your pup!

Oatmeal Scotchies

How is it possible that this is only the 2nd cookie recipe I've ever posted??  I don't get it either.

Don't hate on my napkin...I realize it's not winter anymore, but they're all I have!

My hubby is the one who requested these cookies.  Someone brought them in at his work, and when I asked them for the recipe, they said "Just look at the back of the butterscotch chip bag!"  Well, there is 1 change for those of us living in humid climates, but for the most part - go Nestle!

These cookies are sweet and satisfying (I think due to the oats).  But don't go thinking you can eat just one when they're warm from the oven...the night I made them, I definitely ate my fair share.  Of course, some are for me, and some are for the baby.  ;)

If you like butterscotch, definitely try these cookies!  And make sure to eat your fair share warm from the oven like I did (even if you're not pregnant).  :)

Wow...not only can you see the crumby detail of the cookie, but you can also practically see my fingerprint. 

Oatmeal Scotchies
Source: Slightly adapted from Nestle

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (If you live in a humid climate, increase the flour to 2 cups.  This is what I did.)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened (margarine? seriously? get real people. butter all the way)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange (I used vanilla extract)

3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) Nestle Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. (I like using baking sheets lined with parchment paper.)

Bake for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies.  (I baked 7 minutes for chewy cookies and they were perfect).  Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Happy Easter!

I hope that all of my friends and family have had a wonderful Easter Sunday!  Jordan and I had a nice, relaxing day starting with church, then a home-cooked lunch and a walk outside with our Katie.  :) 

I hope in the 'fun' of Easter we all continue to remember and celebrate our Savior who died for our sins while we were so unworthy, and ROSE from the tomb to reign in heaven!  We are so blessed to have such a loving, merciful Savior to call our own if we choose to follow Him!

I love this song and thought it would be perfect to share with you today:

P.S. I will be making a shopping trip to get some Peeps and Cadbury cream eggs on sale tomorrow!  Mom, can you believe I haven't had any as of yet?  I know, it's unheard of!!  :O