Have you ever felt like there just weren't enough hours in the day?  I feel like lately I haven't had any time  to do the things I enjoy.  I haven't been able to really cook or bake, the outdoors are screaming my name, and I haven't been able to catch up on my blog buds or much less write myself.

I am not complaining though.  I am so thankful that I now have a job I really like, and may even love before long.

Yesterday was the hubs birthday and because I am terrible at holding on to gifts once I get them, I did my shopping after work.  I then threw it in a bag and drove straight home and gave it to him.  He was pretty excited about his gift.  I got him Monopoly and he was pretty excited about it.  We try to get together with our friends every so often for game night and I think this is one that no one else had.  The hubs is a Monopoly freak and sometimes he gets a little excited when he plays.  He always says he never gets to play because right when he starts to win, everyone drops out.  Poor guy... but this Monopoly is pretty cool because it is... VINTAGE!  Thats right my friends, if its vintage, I am probably going to try and get my hands on it.  But if you like things that look old I recommend these vintage esque boardgames.  The look awesome on your bookshelf!

I wanted to take him out for a nice dinner as well, but since hes studying like mad lately he just wanted to stay home.  So I ended up making a recipe that a friend of mine pinned a while ago.  If its potatoes...it goes in my belly...

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Here is what you need...

8-10 good sized red potatoes

1 package of cream cheese

1 cup of sour cream

1 teaspoon of garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (yes...nutmeg)

shredded cheddar cheese

bacon

milk

* please note that I didn't indicate measurements for some of the ingredients.  I don't typically use measurements because I like to wing it.  

1) wash, chop, and boil potatoes until soft

2) while potatoes are boiling fry up your desired amount of bacon (we love bacon so I used a lot)

3) once potatoes are ready, drain them and liquefy them with a hand mixer

4) add the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic salt, nutmeg, and milk as you go until the potatoes are your desired consistency

5) spray a 9x13 pan and pour in potatoes

6) top with cheddar cheese and bacon bits

7) cover with aluminum foil and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes

8) uncover and let cook another 10 minutes, or until cheese melts

* I also added some chili powder and would have added chopped green onion if I would have had any

I even got to read last night!  I don't know if any of you out there have heard of A Prairie Home Companion, but I LOVE it.  It was created by Garrison Keilor and I pretty much love him too.  Right now I am reading the Lake Woebegone collection.  Its a collection of all his little short stories.  If you ever get the chance, tune in, or read one of his books.  He's a dry humor.  LOVE...

And now to our new little friend...

I know I have talked about the wildlife in our yard.  Last week we even had a bunch of deer come out of the tree line and make their way across.  It was so neat to see.  But one of my FAVORITE little friends is the beaver we have.  Yes...a BEAVER!

Mr. Beaver's backside

Mr. Beaver's profile

Sorry he's so hard to see.  He's a little camera shy.  But hes ENORMOUS!  He reminds of the beaver off of Lady and the Tramp.  I call him "Mr. Beaver."  Not too clever I know, but hes so adorable.  I wish he'd come up closer but I guess I will have to be content watching him from afar.  Maybe some day he'll warm up to us.

I hope all my blogging buds are doing well.  I am sorry dear friends I haven't been able to catch up on your lives.  I haven't forgotten about you!

In Gods Love,

Kenz