last few weeks...

Here's what we've been up to:

1. Buying a new truck. A Nissan Frontier. It's black. We really needed another vehicle so that Andy doesn't have to ride the bus. He was spending almost 4 hours a day on the bus, making his part time job a full time job. Now, I can come straight home after work so I get home way earlier too!

2. Thanksgiving in Houston. We spent Thanksgiving with Andy's aunt and uncle and their two girls. We had a great time relaxing with family, doing puzzles with the girls and playing with the sweetest little dog!

3. Listening to Christmas music on Pandora. We made a compromise this year. No Christmas music until after Thanksgiving (Andy's rule), but LOTS of it between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We also set up our little tree. It was so fun to begin our own family traditions.

4. Baking lemon cheese bars to take to all Christmas events that include food. My aunt gave me the recipe and they are so easy. They also make a nice change from all the chocolate-y rich deserts that usually accompany Christmas parties. Here's the recipe if you want to try it!

• 1 yellow pudding cake mix (the Betty Crocker kind says "pudding in the mix")
• 1/3 C oil
•1 egg

Mix together (will be very crumbly). Reserve 1 cup. Pat remaining mix into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 10-15 min, until slightly browned.

• 1 8 oz. package cream cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/3 C sugar
• 1 tsp. lemon juice

Blend all ingredients until light and smooth. Pour on top of the bottom layer. Sprinkle with reserved cup. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Cool and cut. Refrigerate.

Mmm. Don't eat too many, they do make you sick. I know that from experience. :)