Wanted: A More Domestic Wife

We are going to have another moment of truth (.. we've been having alot of these lately.) I will be the first to admit that I am not the most domestic of wives. I do pretty well at keeping up on the laundry (.. mostly because we only have so many clothes), I keep the house pretty clean (.. it can only get so dirty with 2 people living in it), but the area where I struggle the most is making dinner. So, I decided to set a goal for myself. (.. drum roll please..) I am going to make dinner Tue-Fri this next week. (Sun/Mon are excluded due to family dinners both nights.) Now, to all you domesticated wives.. I know this hardly sounds like anything special (.. 4 whole meals.. big whoop), but in this McDowell household.. when this particular goal has been met.. there will be cause for celebration! So, to make acomplishing this goal easier for myself (.. the resident chef) I took a trip to the grocery store today, and bought all the ingredients I will need for our 4 meals. To be honest, this isn't the first time, I've tried this before. I've even made it 2-3 days, and then (for some reason or other) I just stopped. This time is going to be different though. Why you ask? Because of you! I am posting my goal on our blog so there is no backing out, I will post pictures of every meal every day.. so you will know that I'm not cheating, or giving up. By the end of next week.. we will have our more domestic wife! Wish me luck.

- The Resident Chef

Thinking of Others

We have had a few accidents happen to friends and family within the last month. A few weeks ago Cory's cousin's 20 month old baby got hit by a car. She is still in the hospital, but seems to be recovering well. Her family has made a blog for anyone who is interested in donating or just keeping up on her progress. The blog is www.kissesforcallie.blogspot.com. (I have a link to it on the right side of the page.)

Last month my boss's wife's cousin and his wife (I know that's a confusing connection) were in a plane accident. It was a small plane, and they were both seriously burned. They are still in the hospital trying to recover. She has an amazing blog that will cheer anyone up when they're having a bad day. Her blog is www.nieniedialogs.blogspot.com, if you ever need a pick-me-up this is the place to go! Her sister has a blog as well, and puts updates on the Nielson's recovery if anyone is interested keeping up with them. Her blog is blog.cjanerun.com. (I have links to these blogs on the right side of the page as well.) I know this is kind of a depressing post, but these circumstances have made me stop thinking about myself and start thinking about what I can do for others, especially for those in need.

Missionaries, Baptisms, and New Additions

A few weeks ago Justin, my younger brother, reported to the MTC. Now.. we're going to have a moment of truth here. All growing up I could hardly wait for the day when I wouldn't have to deal with my pesky little brother for 2 whole years. I mean.. he couldn't chase me around the house, or do other things that little brothers are so good at doing, if he was 1/2 way around the world. Right? Well, as that day started creeping closer I noticed that I was intentionally trying not to think about it, almost as if I might miss him! I found myself thinking things like.. who will put on a dress and dance around the house with me when Justin's gone? Who will finger paint with me? Who's gonna put me in a headlock and make me eat snow? (No.. I didn't accidentally slip that last question in there.. I'm actually going to miss the teasing.) So, Monday night, before their long drive to Provo, I put on a stiff upper lip (or tried) and went over to my parent's house to say goodbye for 2 years. On the way home Cory decided I needed some french fries, ranch to dip them in, and some pop to wash it all down. (what a wonderful husband.. he knows there's nothing better than drowning your sorows in grease, fat, and sugar!) I am very proud and excited for Justin, and I know that he is going to love the time he spends in the Dominican Republic, even if it means he can't tease me for awhile. :) Good luck Justin.. we love you!

We had another very exciting family event the week before Justin left. Cassidy (my niece) was baptized. It's hard for me to believe she's already 8 years old, it seems like she was just a little baby. It was very special to see her make this big decision in her life. She is growing into a beautiful girl, and is setting a wonderful example for her siblings and cousins. We love you Cas!

We also have a new addition to our family to announce. A beautiful baby girl! Her name is Annie. She is very sweet, full of smiles, and loves to play. She is a little more hairy than we had hoped our little girl would be, and has 2 extra legs, but we still love her.

Harry and Laurie (Timothy and Kristy's neighbors) have had Annie since she was a little puppy. The Chiuaua and the Golden Retriever they had as well didn't allow Annie to get as much attention as they wanted her to have. They were kind enough to give her to us, along with anything you could ever need for a puppy. They knew that she wouldn't have to compete for attention in our family. :) We are very grateful for their kindness. Thanks Harry and Laurie.. we love our newest addition!