Pieces of My Puzzle 2-15-15

Happy Sunday Friends!

Did you have a nice Valentine's Day?  We spent a quiet night at home as a family.  I fixed my boy's favorite meal, fried chicken, baked potatoes, corn, salad and biscuits, and we finished it off with chocolate pie.  Not the healthiest meal, but it was a special occasion, so I fixed what makes my boy's happy.

Last night also marked the three month anniversary of us being in our new house.  My how time has flied.  We are all settled in, enjoying the fruits of our hard labor.  I will try to get more posts written about the finished process soon.

We have been trying to spend more time together as a family, watching Shark Tank has been something we do almost every night.  CNBC has been showing several episodes a week, so I have been DVRing them to enjoy together.  Do you watch Shark Tank?  We have fun trying to guess if the inventors will get a deal, who they will get a deal with, and talking about if we would purchase the product.

I have purchased one product seen on Shark Tank, the Scrub Daddy.  I have the original Scrub Daddy, and I LOVE it.  It is the best sponge I have ever owned.  I love that it does not get "icky" like other sponges, and that is lasts a long time.  I got one for Mr. Cookie Puzzle for a stocking stuffer, and it looks brand new!  It is not discolored at all, has no order to it, and preforms like it does with I first got it. If you have not tried it, I strongly recommend trying it out.

Another Shark Tank product that I am really interested in is FunBites.  It is cutter that will cut food into fun shapes, squares, hearts and triangles. What I think is cool, it that it also has an "extractor" that pushes the food out of the cutter once you cut the food, almost like a plunger type cookie cutter.  Yeah, you guessed it, I want it for cookies.  Have any of you tried this product?  Is it as cool and handy as it looks?

Other then Shark Tank, I am totally addicted to TGIT...you know, Thursday nights on ABC.  The boys leave me alone on Thursday nights, and I enjoy Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder.  I love them all...and can not wait to see what happens each week. Do you watch these shows?  Are you hoping that Amelia and Owen end up together?  Team Jake or Team Fitz?  Who REALLY killed Lila?

So...there you so...my exciting life...in all it's glory.  I cook, work, and watch TV.  Right now I am trying to figure out what cookies I will be offering for Easter.  Ideas?

Have a blessed week!

Pieces of My Puzzle 11-9-14

Happy Sunday Blog Friend!  The weather is turning colder, leaves are turning beautiful colors, Thanksgiving will be here soon...and Christmas is now knocking on our door (at least that is what retailers want us to believe), and I am finally moving into my new home.

We started this project just over a year ago, and Friday will be our first night in our new house!  I am exhausted and overwhelmed.  I am excited and nervous.  I am happy and sad at the same time.  We have lived in our current house for 17 years, this is the only home that Collin knows.  But soon, it will belong to someone else, they will call it home, and we will start our life in our new home.  If you have followed me here, you know this has been a true adventure for us.  Mr. Cookie Puzzle and I did most of the work ourselves, so when I say WE built a new house, I mean WE BUILT A NEW HOUSE.  Every nail, we nailed, every tile, we laid.  We did this, and we are proud....tired, exhausted and ready for it to be over, but proud.

I wish I could tell you that I have been reading some wonderful novel, but I have not had time to read.  I have not had time to bake in months, so no wonderful recipes to share either.  I have been doing many DIY and Craft projects, but have not managed to take step by step pictures of many of them...and if I have taken pictures, I don't have the time or energy to edit pictures...so...that is that!

I have tried my best to keep up with TV watching, because it helps me unwind after a hard days work...just keeping it real!

American Horror Story! WOW...just WOW!  I started watching this show in the third season, and I am totally hooked.  I will confess, I was a little worried about Freak Show, but, I am totally hooked.  I love the "dark history" this season brings.  This is probably, my favorite show right now.  I can not wait to see how this season unfolds.

Scandal.  What the heck?  I hate to spoil it, but this weeks was crazy.  Looks like Olivia is finally getting Jake and Fitz to work together to take down Command.   Now, call me cynical, but something tells me this will not end well.  I started watching Scandal during season two, so I missed the back story of the Gladiators past.  This week I heard Abby's story for the first time, and my heart broke for her.  I know this is just a fictional show, but sadly, Abby's story is one that many live, everyday, for years.

I hate to cut this post short...but...well...life...it is kinda busy round here...catch ya later peeps!

Pieces of My Puzzle 10-19-14

Happy Sunday Friends!

Here it is, a month since my last Pieces of My Puzzle Post...sorry about that...you know..life and stuff.

So..what have I been up to...well...STILL working on our new house...they say it takes it least 30% longer then you expected...and we have found that to be true.  I feel like we have been "almost" done FOREVER...but there always seems to be something to do. We are working long hours, and we seem to be making progress...but when we go back, we find more to do.  So...we are still in our current house...and still working on our new house...busy time for sure!

Since the last time I posted this, my beloved Kansas City Royals, won the Wild Card game in a real nail biter.  Then they swept the Angles in the ALDS. THEN...we swept the Orioles in the ALCS...SOOO Royals are going to face the Giants in the World Series!!!!

We are so excited.  The Royals have not been in the World Series since 1985!!!! So we are way over due!

I have not watched a lot of TV, due to non stop baseball here...but I have managed to watch American Horror Story:Freak Show.  WOW...just wow!  Twisty the Clown....talk about creepy.  I will not spoil it for those of you that have not watched it yet..but I am loving this one so far.  So many turns and twists.  I am so surprised that I actually enjoy this show so much, am not a fan of scary horror shows at all.  But this show has me hooked, the story line just pulls you in, and you have no choice but to watch.

I wish I could tell you that I have been reading a lot, but sadly, I have not read a book in months.  I am looking forward to getting settled in our new house and reading the winter cold away!

Cooler weather has moved in, leaves are changing colors and falling, pumpkin anything has taken over Pinterest, yes friends, fall is upon us.  I love this time of year..the colors, the flavors, the cool crisp air, what is not to love!

So...that is that...what I have been up to..working on the house, collecting new and hold things to put it in and watching baseball.  What have you been up to?  Are you ready for the busy holiday season?

Don't forget, you still have time to link up at Party in Your PJs.  The party starts on Tuesday evenings at 7pm Central time, and it is an anything goes party!  Come join the fun and see all the wonderful creations all over blogland!

Join the fun HERE!

Pieces of My Puzzle 9-28-14

Happy Sunday!  I can not believe it has been so long since I have written a post like this...sorry, ya know life can get crazy sometimes.

Right now, I am in full Baseball mode.  My team, the Kansas City Royals clinched post season play for the first time in 29 years!  Yes, that is right, 29 years, the last time the Royals played in post season play, it was 1985!  In 1985, I was in 7th grade!  Please don't take the time to do the math to see how old I am!

Pieces of My Puzzle 8-24-14

Happy Sunday Friends.  Another week has come and gone, and I find myself scratching my heading, wondering how I made it through another week, did a lot, yet still have so much to do.

Reality sunk in this week, when Mr. Cookie Puzzle called me at work to tell me that the kitchen sink, faucet and garbage disposal, the dishwasher and the microwave were all installed.  It was like a total smack in the face...OMG...our house is almost done...and we will be moving soon.  I know that I should be really excited, but when I walk into my house, there is still lots to pack. I have not moved very much into the new house, as the floors still need to be sealed, and I don't want to move stuff from room to room to seal them. I should have spent the weekend sealing the floors, but instead I spent it packing.  Oh well...there is always next weekend, right?

I finally got my farmhouse table stained this week.  My dad and his cousin helped me, and I love how it turned out.  It was built over a year ago, and has taken up residency in my parents garage.  Now, it is finally in our new house, waiting for polyurethane.  Yep...something else I need to get done.  Does the list ever end?  I don't think so.

I have been packing a little bit each night when I get home from work, so I have not watched much TV this week.  What I have been watching is baseball.  We are HUGE Kansas City Royals fans, and as I type this they are leading the AL central by 3.5 games.  Ya'll, the Royals have not been to the World Series since 1985, so we are totally stoked! 

 Other then baseball, I was able to catch Under the Dome. So, as it stands now, Barbie is "out" of the dome, while is love, Julia is stuck "in" the dome...and she was going to follow him, but he was able to make it to the dome wall, and tell her to stay in the dome.  Looks like the original "hands" of Sam, Pauline and Lyle find the red door next week, and I am excited to see where it leads.

OHHHHHH...and have you been keeping up with all the news of American Horror Story:Freak Show? WOW...it looks soooo good.

Here is what I was up to, blog wise last week.

Painting Metal Chairs with Chalk Paint

Party in Your PJs Link Party

Have a great week Friends!

Pieces of my Puzzle 8-10-14

Hello Friends!  I have missed you all so much.  I miss blogging....I feel like it has been forever since I have gotten to write a blog post.  It probably has not been that long...but, I kinda feel like it has been.

I have been crazy busy lately, trying to finish up our new house.  Mr. Cookie Puzzle and I put up the last of the wooden walls up, it was his office, and he lined it with pecan boards.  I was able to get one coat of polyurethane on it too...WOOT WOOT!  I need to give it another coat and do the trim also.  But...at least all the walls are done.  Mr. Cookie Puzzle has been working hard getting all the trim up, it seems like a never ending job.  The counter tops in the kitchen are being installed today, and the siding on the front of the house should be finished this week too.

I am pleased to say that one room in the house is completely DONE....funny that it is the half bath, but, hey, I will take what I can get, right?  I am tempted to go there today, and clean it and then lock the door, so that it does not get dirty again!

Last weekend, I moved all my cookie decorating supplies into my cookie/craft room.  All those cookie cutters, sanding sugar, tips and doo dads now have a new home.  Yesterday, I moved my Kitchen Aid mixer to it's new home, I will admit, when I left the new house today, I was a little sad.  Not having my mixer at our current house, means I officially will be doing no baking.  I really don't have time now, but I kept dreaming a a few hour or two to whip up some cookies...but that dream is gone now.  No baking until we are in the new house!  I guess that will be my motivation to get it done.

Not being able to bake, also means my blog posts will be all crafts, roundups and new house stuff until I get into our new house.  Mr. Cookie Puzzle seems to think it will be 5-6 weeks.  So..sorry for the lack of cookies and goodies..but I gotta do what I gotta do!

I have been watching very little TV lately.  Under the Dome, is one show that I will not miss each week.  I am in LOVE with that show.  The season is half over, and I am on the edge of my seat each week.  Just how are Barbie and Melanie related?  I mean, HE came from Zenith and SHE came from Zenith....she seems to think he looks familiar to her, but he does not know her at all. But...she has been dead for 25 years...so...who the heck knows!  Next weeks preview looks amazing...I can not wait to see what happens tomorrow night?  Fingers crossed that the spoilers are deceiving, cause if they a foreshadowing of what happens...OMG!

Are you watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey?  Wow....just wow...not sure who is worse, Amber, or her husband Jim......those two are a piece of work!

Can you believe Fall is right around the corner?  My Pinterest feed is overloaded with fall crafts, decorating and baking already!  I have to say, Fall is probably my favorite season, I love the cool crisp air, the colors, the food and the lack of snow.  I am not a fan of snow!

This would be the part that I would share what I blogged about this week, but the only post I had was the Party in Your PJs Link Party..you still have time to link up this week!

Join the Party HERE

Make sure you come back on Thursday for the next party...we have a wonderful change coming to the party!

Today is my sisters birthday...so HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!  You are pretty much the best sister/friend ever!  Love you to the moon and back!

So...that is what I have been up to...what has been keeping you busy this week?

Pieces of my Puzzle 7-27-14

Happy Sunday Blog Friends!  Can you believe it is already July 27?  What happened to the summer?  It seems like just a few weeks ago it was spring, and now summer is almost over!  I really think the older you get, the fast time goes.  Remember when you were a kid, and summer vacation lasted forever?  WOW...to have those fun-filled, carefree days back.

I feel like I am really struggling to keep up with the blog lately.  I have finally come to terms with the fact that life comes first..and I will blog when I can and feel like it.  So...if I am missing for a week or so, and the only thing on my blog is my Party in Your PJs link party, well....sorry, I am out living my life.

Things are moving right along with the new house.  We poured the front and back porches yesterday.  Mr. Cookie Puzzle uncle came and helped us.  He did an amazing job.  We did a 46 x 10 foot porch on the front of the house, and he stamped it with a brick patterned.  It was hard for me to imagine what it would look like, but once it was done, I am totally in love!

My cookie/craft room is like 98% done, it just needs one piece of trim put up, so I have started moving stuff into it.  Yesterday, I moved all my cookie cutters and all my sprinkles and sanding sugar.  I was totally shocked at the amount I have.  Mr. Cookie Puzzle was stunned also, he did not know I had so many, cookie cutters are easy to sneak into the house and had, but seeing them all together, well, it kinda makes it real.

I am also trying to figure out what to do for a table.  Mr. Cookie Puzzle wants to build a built in table, but I think I want to wait, to see what would work best for me and my needs.  I feel like if he builds a table, attached to the wall, I will limited on what I can do, and not be able to move it around to meet my needs.

So, house building has pretty much taken up all my time lately, but I have been able to watch a little TV.  I loved 24:Live Another Day that recently ended, and I am hoping they will do more of them. I just need more Jack in my life!

Have you seen the sneak peaks of American Horror Story: Freak Show?  WOW...just WOW.  I can not wait for it to start.  I fell in love with AHS in season 3, but have not seen seasons 1&2...I need to do that soon, you know, in all my free time?

I am really itching to bake something!  I have not baked anything in WEEKS...and have not done decorated cookies since MAY...OMG...that is just not right!  I just don't have the time right now, as I spend all my time with either working on the new house, or packing up the house we are living in.  BUT...I think I will try to find the time today....surely, I can find something quick and easy to satisfy my baking itch.  Stay tune...see if I can get it done.


So...that is it...pretty boring...my life is all new house...and packing....What have you been up to?

Need something to kill a little time?  Why not join us at Party in Your PJs?  There is still time to link up this week, and we have some amazing posts to look out, such creative bloggers and creative posts!  Come check it out!

Join us HERE!

Pieces of My Puzzle 6-22-14

Happy Sunday blogging friends!  It has been more then a month and I thought I should do a Pieces of my Puzzle post.  I write these post to let you know what has been going on in my life, other then blogging.  It has been so long since I did one of these posts because life is all kinds of crazy for me right now.

We are in the home stretch of building our new home.  The furnace and A/C are in.  The hot water heater and water softener are installed.  All the tubs/showers, stools and vanities are in.  We finally got all the flooring installed.  All the walls have finishes on them, as do the ceilings.  All the electrical and plumbing is done.  Two rooms are completely done, the half bath and my cookie/craft room.

When we were planning the layout of our new home.  A cookie room for me was a must.  I wanted it to be close to the kitchen, have a sink and lots of storage.  At that time, I was selling cookies regularly, decorating and baking cookies every week.  Well, things have changed a bit, with being so busy on the new house, I have not been decorating cookies, and have been doing quick dessert recipes and simple crafts.  This leaves me with a bit confused as to how to furnish and layout the room.  One wall has a counter top with a sink in it, with upper cabinets above that.  One wall has just upper cabinets.  I have no idea what to do with the rest of the room.  I am not sure what furniture to buy and place in there.  Should I go with what I envisioned it to be, a cookie room, or go with my current passion, simple desserts and simple crafts?  I think maybe I just get all my supplies in there, get moved in with what I have now, and see what happens when we get moved in and settled.  Tell me about your hobby rooms.  What a MUST HAVES. What do you dream of having and what is not needed.  Help a girl out!

Mr. Cookie Puzzle took the day off yesterday to go to a Kansas City Royals ball game, so we did not work at the new house yesterday.  I used yesterday to officially start packing up our current house.  Collin and I moved 50 plus boxes and several small pieces of furniture to storage.  Most of what I moved were fragile items, so everything needed to packed carefully.  We packed up Collin's Nutcracker collection and my Snow Buddie Collection.  We also moved my Depression Glass, Milk Glass and my antique canning jars.  I am not sure WHY I have most of these things, well, actually, I am not sure why I have SO MANY of these things.  Does anyone NEED 12 Two-Quart Blue Canning Jars?  I think a lot of things will not be making a showing in the new house.  Dusting is way overrated and I have decided to keep things simple and minimal in the new house.

So...the building of the new house is starting come to a finish, although there is still much to do before we can finally move in, all those little things take time.  We are starting the process of packing up our current house, which we have been in for 16+ years.  I work full time, Mr. Cookie Puzzle runs a business.  I am blogging when I can, which is getting less and less.  So I think I might start doing a few post about the new house.  There are some "problems" with decor that I need help with, decorating is NOT MY THING.  So, I might ask ya'll for some input.

TV....well...I have not had much time for that lately.  When I do have a spare minute to watch anything, it has been 24-Live Another Day, and re-runs of The Big Bang Theory, because, well, Jack and Sheldon make me happy.

I did get these made last week, they are simple and 

yummy and have been a part of my daily diet!

You can read all about them HERE!

Party in Your PJs Weekly Link Party, is slowly gaining a following.

Melissa of Simply Sweets by Honeybee and I are having fun

running this party.  We have both found some wonderful blogs

to follow.  I have to confess though, I get a little depressed that it

has not gained a big following.  I join a LOT of link parties each week, 

so of them have hundreds of followers each week.  How do you 

achieve that?  What makes you want to join a link party?

There are many parties out there, what makes you join some

and pass on others.  Do you like BIG ones or Small ones?

Is Pinning important to you?  What about sharing on FB and G+?

Do you like seeing lots of features or just a few.

Could you help a sister out?  What I am asking is what can we

do to grow our party?

On that note, you still have time to join this weeks party, it is open until 

7 PM on Wednesday.  Just click HERE to join!

We would love to have you, and if you could, would you

tell your friends?  Would you consider putting us on your

Link Party List?  

Thanks so much!

So...there you go...Pieces of my Puzzle....what I have been up to....what has been keeping me busy...what life if like behind the scenes.

Until next time

HUGS!

Pieces of My Puzzle 5-18-14

Happy Sunday!

Today is a very special day here 

at The Cookie Puzzle.

I am going to keep this post pretty short.  

We kinda have lot going on today.

Collin is graduating from High School today.

Here is a picture of him at graduation practice on Friday.

I could go on an on, and I might to that

later this week, but for now, I will 

just get to what I have been up to this week.

I made these!

Quick and Easy Coconut Macaroons for Spring

I hosted Tasty Tuesdays.

Tasty Tuesdays #60

And I hosted Party in Your PJs.

Party in Your PJs is still open.

Melissa and I have set a goal of 

reaching 100 links, and we need your help,

so link up and spread the word.

I would love to stick around and chat with you all,

but I have 230 cookies that I need to

package for graduation and a son to get ready too.

Catch you all later!

Pieces of My Puzzle 5-11-14

Happy Mother's Day!

Do you have big plans today?

We are heading church this morning, then maybe lunch, but to be

honest...I would love to just be able to take a nap.

I have not been sleeping well lately, I just can not seem to get my 

brain to turn off.  Between working full time, building a new house, 

trying to maintain this blog, and preparing for Collin's graduation, 

my brain is in total overload.

Hopefully things will calm down soon, but between you and me, I 

doubt that they will.

Collin graduates one week from today, like in 7 days!

I am so very proud of him, and I am excited to see what

his future looks like.  This is going to be a crazy busy week 

for us, and I pray that his Autism does not prevent him 

from enjoying this exciting time in his life.

He/we have something graduation related every day this week, and

not being on his normal routine, could send him into a total 

break down.  So...fingers cross and prayers said for a 

peace to come over him and guide him this week.

I am baking cookies for the Senior Reception that takes

place before the graduation ceremony.  200 cookies to be

exact!  Thankfully we chose to do all white cookies, so that no one

has colored mouths for graduation pictures, so that will 

make it easy for me.  It has been a long time since I have made that many 

cookies, so let's home I still have my cookie mojo.

So..what has been happening here at The Cookie Puzzle this week?

Well...I made so Neapolitan Bark.

You can read all about that HERE

I hosted Tasty Tuesdays!

The Tasty Tuesdays link party is closed for this week, but you

can see all the awesome recipes HERE, and come 

back on Tuesday to link your food related posts.

I hosted Party in Your PJs!

You still have time to link up this week,

hop over and see all the wonderful posts too!

Come Party in Your PJs.

I am going to keep this post short and end it here.

Have a blessed week my friends....

And if I am MIA...well...sorry

my baby is graduating from high school this week!

SQUEEEEEEELLLLL!

Pieces of My Puzzle 4-27-14

Happy Sunday Friends!

Sorry I have not done a Sunday post in like, well, awhile...but you know how it is...life happens, stuff happens...so..yeah..ok...sorry...I am back now.

So...what happened this week.  Well...it looks like Spring is finally here in Missouri, which makes me happy, I like spring...spring weather is nice...not too hot...I am not a hot weather type of girl...sweating is way over rated!

Collin now has 13 days left of school....like 13 days EVER!  Yep...my baby, is graduating from High School.  I am not sure how I feel about it, I am trying NOT to think about it.  I am so proud of him.  He is the best son I parent could ever ask for, I don't know what I did to deserve him, I am truly blessed.

So...if I am MIA for a bit on the blog, well...I am busy doing stuff...graduation stuff..because there are like 8 gazillion "events" tied to graduation, spread out over a two week period.  Remember when you graduated on like ONE day?  Oh...the good ole days!


I am still reading and loving the Cedar Cove Series by Debbie Macomber...still LOVING them!

Scandal ended last week...BOO!  My friend is all happy that Liv ran away with Jake, I like the idea, but I had to brake it to her that is is called SCANDAL....LIV is the SCANDAL....THE SCANDAL is that LIV is having an affair with the the President.....so...in the end, Live will leave Jake and end up with Fitz again. Any one want to place a wager on that?

Grey's is ending this week. If you have not heard, Christina is leaving.  BOOOO!  Without Cristina and Meredith, there is not Grey's Anatomy.  They are the Twisted Sisters!  Burke will be back.  As much as I love Christina and Owen, seeing the previews of Burke...well...I am team Burke.  Sorry Team Owen, I gotta call it as I see it...and Christina is leaving and Owen is not, and Burke is not coming back...so...the logical conclusion is that Christina is leaving with Burke.  Wagers?


Oh...in case you missed it...I am a new host of Tasty Tuesdays!

While the party is closed, you can still see all the wonderful links HERE.  The party goes live at 2 AM Central time, so come back and link up then for Party Number 58!

Oh...and if you want to support Cookies for iPads, the Thirty One Fundraiser will be open until May 15th

You can read the post about it HERE,  If you want to place an order, you can find information about that on that post also!



Don't forget to come back Tuesday to link up to Tasty Tuesday....every link gets pinned!

AND!

Make sure you come back on THURSDAY...something new, fun and exciting is coming to

The Cookie Puzzle.

Any guesses?

Pieces of My Puzzle 3-30-14

Happy Sunday Internet Friends!  Time for another Sunday Catch up post.

I am going to keep this pretty short and sweet. 

I am struggling trying to juggle work, family, blogging and building our new house.  For the last two Saturdays, I have been at the new house, laying tile and grouting tile.  While I am sure I will love the final product, dudes, it is HARD WORK.  I hurt in places of my body that I did not even know I had.  Last Monday, I could hardly walk, by tush hurt so much, not my thighs, not my leg, my tush! What is up with that?  I am sure I was moving in ways my body is not used to, but I did not like it.  By the end of the week, I was feeling better, but I am sure I will be hurting again tomorrow.  Not looking forward to that at all, but my husband and I decided to build this house together, so build it we must.  We have 1,500 square feet of tile to lay, so I guess I better get used to it.  He promised I could have next weekend off, and I am soooo looking forward to it.

I did get a little TV time in this week.  Scandal was well SCANDALOUS!  OMG....so much went on, I watched it is total shock.  I have to say, it is my favorite show on TV right now.  I have not seen the first season, but I am in love.  Grey's Anatomy was odd this week, not sure if I liked this episode, it was just, well, odd.  That was about all I watched this week, that I can think of that is worth talking about.

I am now on the six book of the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber.   To say I am totally hooked is an understatement,  I have no idea how many books are in the series, but I could read about this small town in Washington forever.  Why did I not know about these books before.  They are well written, captivating, and clean, no sex, no foul language, I love that.

So...what happened on the blog this week?

 I made this yummy Orange Creamsicle Fudge!  

Easy, quick and easy adaptable.  Must try for sure.

I had a special guest poster this week too, Melissa from My Recent Favorite Books.

She talked about a Autism Walk she does every year, and is doing a Thirty One Fundraiser

to raise money for the Walk.

You can read her post Here.

You can read about the Walk Here

If you would like to place an order for a great cause, please click Here

Saturday, I had the great honor of being a guest co-host at

Show Stopper Saturday!

This was my first time ever hosting a link party, even if I was just a guest, and I 

LOVED it.  Thank you so my ladies for having me.

Please hop over and look and all of the wonderful links, I am still in shock at 

all of the amazing post people do!

So....there you go, what I have been up to!

What did you do this week?

What are you doing next week?

Is it finally Spring where you are at?

One day it is Spring, the next day it is Fall, Missouri weather is so weird!

Until next time

Hugs

Pieces of My Puzzle 3-9-14

So...last night, I we lost an hour of sleep.  We are now on Day Light Savings time.  How do I feel about that?  Well, it sucks.  Yesterday, I left the house at 8 am, and other then a few quick moments, I was gone from the house all day yesterday.  When I finally got home at 9 pm last night, I was tired, then I remembered that I was loosing an hour of sleep. I was not a happy camper.  I am posting this a little later today, sorry about that..a girl has gotta have some sort of life, right?

I have not watched much TV this week, so not much to say on the TV front.  Loving Grey's Anatomy still, and Scandal is REALLY bringing the scandal...lol.  The new cast of Dancing with the Stars was announced this week.  My girl Nene Leaks is on the cast this year....let the drama begin.  Ok...Charlie White and Meryl Davis are on the cast, you know the Olympic Gold medal winning Ice Dancing Couple, dude...why even do the show?  They are ice DANCERS!  I see them both going far.  I will be rooting for Candace Cameron and Dancia McKellar, love me some DJ Tanner and Winnie Cooper!  Then there are some other people that I am not even sure who they are, and DREW CAREY, who I can not see with out shouting "CLEVELAND ROCKS", I can not help it, I love the Drew Carey Show, is that on in rerun anywhere?

 I did not watch much TV this week because I did a lot of reading, I started and finished 204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber, and have started 311 Pelican Court.  I am LOVING these books so much!  Romance, mystery, family, community, these books have them all.  They are quick reads, that have me staying up way to late at night to see what happens next.  If you are looking for a good book series to wind you down at the end of the day and relax, I can not recommend these books enough.

Another slow week on the blog...just one post...and to tell you the truth, I think this "slow week" formula is going to be my new normal here.  Working full time, managing a home and family, building a new house, life and stuff...I think one post a week is what I am capable of.  I know there are blogs that post daily, but I just can not do that, sorry peeps...I got to keep it real.  I am toying with the idea of another post on Wednesdays, quick and simple filler post, but we will see how that goes.  

So, yeah...there it is, what I did to occupy my time this week....what I kinda sorta want to do next week and in the future...and all that jazz.

In case you missed it...I got my craft on.

Pony Bead Rainbow Suncatcher

One thing that I have been really loving is Link Parties.  You can see the ones that I follow and join Here.

Do you host or join Link Parties?  What are your favorite ones?  What makes a good party?  How do you decide which ones to join?  And...my number one question is...If a Link party is a Wednesday party, why does it go live on Tuesday night?  What is up with that?  If it goes live on Tuesday night, shouldn't it be a Tuesday link party?  Should I put it under Tuesday or Wednesday?  Help a girl out please.

Until next time...Hugs!

Pieces of My Puzzle 3-2-14

Happy Sunday blog friends.  Another week has come and gone...not much as happened here, and I am OK with that.  It is early on a Sunday morning, and as I look out the window, I see snow...yep..SNOW...in March, and under that pretty snow, is a thick layer of ICE.  Our pastor just called and church had to be cancelled.  The department of transportation as issued  "No Travel" warning, so it looks like a lazy Sunday for us.  I have some cookies I need to bake for my mom's Historical Society Meeting, simple flowers, and maybe a recipe or two that I would like to try today, if I can move from the couch.

I was able to get a craft project done yesterday before the ice and yuck came, and even some good photos taken, hopefully I can share it with you tomorrow.

My two favorite shows started again this week.  Grey's Anatomy was back, I will not spoil it for you, in case you have not watched it yet...but I was very happy with how it came out.  Scandal was amazing as ever. I started watching it in the middle of last season, and I keep meaning to go back and watch the first seasons, but never have the time.

What really has me excited this week is the book that I started last Sunday and only have 50 more pages to read before it is done.  Last week on the blog, I asked for suggestions on what I should read.  Melissa of My Recent Favorite Books, suggested that I try the Cedar Cove Series by Debbie Macomber. I downloaded the first book 16 Lighthouse Road, and was HOOKED!  It is set in a little town in Washington, and is simply AMAZING.  Melissa described it as a "clean" romance with a little mystery.  OH WOW was she right!  It follows the lives of the people in this small town, it bounces from person to person, from house to house, from couple to couple, BUT, it is so easy to follow.  I am hooked.  With me being stuck at home today, I am sure I will finish this one, and start on the second one.  It has been nice reading along with Collin the last few years, but I think I have read enough young adult books for a bit.time to read for ME.  Thank you so much Melissa, your suggestion really was spot on.

Just one post this week here.

Pina Colada Muffins

Until next time...stay warm and stay safe.

Pieces of My Puzzle 2-23-14

Another week has come and gone.  I am so happy to have sunlight for longer and warmer temperatures.  I have put away my Columbia Omni Heat coat, and moved to a lighter weight jacket. This makes me happy.
While I am sure we will have more cold days,  I think the snow is done for the year.  WOOT WOOT!

This has been another rough week for me, crazy busy at work, which causes me to want to do nothing when I get home.  Thankfully my husband is ok with frozen pizza for dinner, for a night or two #wifefail #supportivehusband!

So...Friday it happened!  I had a Senior Parent Meeting!  WOW...talk about a slap of reality!  Collin will be graduating on May 18th!  This done got real!  We got all the details for the 8 gazillion activites the Seniors have to participate in.  In the span of two weeks they have Senior Activity Day, Senior Awards Night, Baccalaureate, Graduation Practice, Senior Brunch, Graduation and Project Graduation. We are also planning a small celebration for Collin in the middle of all of this.  I was thinking I was going to get to purchase a cake for it, but Collin was not having that...I have to make cookies.  Ugghh!  I am praying that Autism goes to bed, and Collin can make it through all of this!  The Senior Parents are in charge of the Project Graduation, and some how I ended up on the Price Committee.  Not sure that how...but I am so, for the next few months, I will be out and about begging for prizes.  Thankfully, they have letter for me to hand out, and a list of companies who have donated in the past.  So..bottom line is...if I am MIA..you know why.

The Olympics have come and are just about gone.  While I had it on most nights....I can not say I was glued to all of it.  I am ready for my regular shows to start up again.

Grey's Anatomy starts on Thursday!  So many questions!  Who does April choose, Matthew or Jackson?  Why is the President calling Derick?  What happened to Alex's Dad?  Will Bailey get treatment for her OCD?  What will happen to Callie and Arizona?  AND...what about the Twisted Sisters, Meredith and Cristina?  Can they find their way back to one another?

Scandal is back too!  This has to be my favorite show on television. When will Fitz find out about Olivia's mom?  Olivia's mom, who she thought was dead, but found out was alive, thought she was a "good guy", helped her excape her evil dad, only to find out her mom is the evil one, and her dad is the good guy.  What the heck is going on with Quinn?  Has she gone to the dark side?  I hope not, because I want to see her and Huck together.  Cyrus....oh Cyrus, he is just crazy...I think Mellie did it to him.  Mellie is all kinds of WACKADOODLE!!  Now Sally has done gone and killed her husband....talk about crazy in Washington DC!  WOW!


I need a book to read.  I finished my last book, and have been with out my nightly reading for about a week.  Collin has started reading "The Hobbit", he wants me to read it too, but honestly, I am not sure I will like it.  Not sure why, I just never thought it was "my thing"  Have you read it?  Would I like it?  Should I give it a try?  Do you have a book you can recommend.  I really like reading book series, I like following characters over several books.

So...that is about that...this week on the blog I was pretty quiet...one post...#bloggerfail #sorryihavealifeoutsidemyblog

Eggless Cookie Dough (3 ways)

Until next time...tomorrow I hope!

Pieces of My Puzzle 2-16-14

Happy Sunday!  Did you have a good week?  I had a crazy busy week, for some reason, I feel like I was busy but was not able to get anything done.  Is that weird?  Does that ever happen to you.

I was very busy at my full time job,and when I got home, I just had no energy to do anything.  So have spent this weekend, trying to catch up on all my housework, trying to figure out what to post on the blog next week, editing pictures, working on projects.  There just does not seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done.  Why is it that the older you get, the faster time moves?

One thing I did get to do this week is watch some mindless TV.  Well, if I am being honest, lots of mindless TV.

I am loving American Idol this year!  After taking several years away from it, it has become new and exciting for me again.  I am trying NOT pick a favorite until they get to the final 10-12, but a few have caught my eye.

Did you watch "The Curse of Oak Island' on The History Channel?  It is over now, but I had recorded the entire series, and I really enjoyed it.  It was about a pair of brothers, who were searching for treasure on a small island off the coast of Canada.  A little mystery, a little "reality TV", a little history...good stuff.  I am sure you can watch it online..check it out, if you are into that type of stuff.

I used to watch "Dance Moms" years ago on TLC.  I caught a few this weekend.  WOW...that Abby Lee is crazy!  That women should be removed from TV!  And those mom's....horrible.  Need to feel good about yourself...watch this show...you will fee normal as Apple Pie.

So...that is about it...that is what my life looked like this week...nothing exciting....and that is ok..simple is good, peaceful is fine.  Mindless TV does the body good sometimes.  Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.  Sometimes you just need it.  Next week...time to hit the ground running...some crochet...some crafts...and a yummy quick recipe to share.

In case you missed it...this was what I was up to this week on the blog.

Chocolate Cherry Crackle Cookies

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies For Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Marshmallow Pops

Pieces of my Puzzle 2-9-14

Happy Sunday!

I am so ready for spring!

Or summer!

Or anything other then winter.

We have had ice, followed by snow, and 

sub-zero temperatures and

"ouch it is too cold to leave the house" wind chills.

My normal real job was cancelled this week for

two days, Collin was out of school for four days.

I was able to get some baking done, and a craft,

and the thing that is most exciting is, I was able to

actually take decent pictures being home during normal sunlight hours.

Do ya'll have any idea how hard it is to be a blogger, and 

not be home when the sun is out?

It is HARD!

So..summer...please come....pretty please...I will make you a cake, 

or cookies...or fudge...whatever...just come!

So...the Olympics?

Are you watching?

Well...about the only thing that interests me, is figure skating, other

then that, not a big fan, but...I am sure I will have it on

the TV, and will check out what I can.

I watched the opening ceremony on Friday, 

so...I was not all that impressed, but that is not unusual, they usually don't impress me.

Are you a fan of The Big Bang Theory?

I am HUGE fan, 

I might have like 137 episodes recorded on my DVR, but

that is not weird or anything is it?

Well...this week was HUGE, so if you have not seen this

weeks episode, sorry...spoiler ahead.

Sheldon and Amy KISSED!

I mean like KISSED!

WOW!

AND....I then Raj might have met a woman!

I am so excited for him...he needs a real love interest besides

his cute little dog, Cinnamon.

Other then that...not much in TV this week.

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?

I am ...sorta...I have a few more things

to share on the blog next week before the big day.

As always..they will be simple and quick ideas, 

so if you are a "oh crap, Valentine's Day is THIS week"

type of person, don't worry....I got your back.

This week I posted my first printable...so happy with how 

they came out.

I love you to Pieces Cookies with free printable

Big I love you to Pieces Cookies

So, that is that..until next time