Puppy Party

Here are pictures from Allie's birthday party with her pals at daycare.

It looks like she had a great time!

Work Updates

My work life has been quite a whirlwind recently. It all started when I saw a posting for a job that looked really great and submitted an application. Six days later I went for a first interview.

Then a week after the first interview I went for a second interview.

And I was offered the job. I accepted a couple of days later and have been in the midst of a transition ever since. I have three days remaining at my current job and have started spending a little time at my new job to start learning what I need to know. I also moved out of my old office and into my new office.

On top of this, I've been doing a small amount of consulting work with a new start-up company.

So yeah, that's the work update.

In puppy news, Allie continues to be too stinkin' cute.

But that's nothing new.

C & E

Cause:

Effect:

Crock Pot Oatmeal

It's been a while since we've made oatmeal in the crock pot, so we decided to make some tonight.

Here's what you need:
nonstick cooking spray
4 3/4 cups water
1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt

Here's what you do:
Lightly coat the inside of a 3.5 or 4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.  In the prepared slow cooker combine water, oats, syrup, raisins, cranberries, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.  Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 7 hours.  Makes eight 3/4 cup servings.

We've found that this is a great breakfast recipe when we have company staying with us. We also like to add nuts on top of the oatmeal for an added crunch. Toasted slivered almonds are what we like, but any sort of nut will work.

Birthday Girl

Allie is two years old today!

9 weeks old

2 years old

Allie is enjoying her birthday present, a stuffed raccoon. She also got a "pupcake" at daycare.

Happy Birthday!