The Christmas Trout

I was just posting a bulletin over at the Baking GALS site and I realized I must be due to post something here too. I was saying that Randy and I baked this weekend and got our boxes in the mail. We put in a bunch of dollar store goodies and some DVDs and my niece was over and wanted to draw the soldiers a thank you picture. I wish I would have scanned the one...it was a Christmas Trout! To be four again...what creativity! I think my New Year's Resolution for next year will be to open myself up creatively. Probably better than my annual resolution to quit smoking (I always succeed since I don't smoke...hey, who doesn't need a sense of accomplishment? lol).
I picked up boxes of Christmas cards and camouflage stockings at the dollar store and some wall decorations and DVDs (still left from my dad's stash he gave us to send over) along with the goodies made up beautiful boxes for both Dustin and Alex. We also sent a box of just cookies, a camouflage stocking and one picture from Katie to Randy's friend Dan.
We took a bunch of pictures and I'll get Randy to post one or two of them soon. I realize I owe you guys some pictures...some from Cookie day, some from the painting I did at Randy's and now some from this round of Baking GALS....it is looking like I need to learn how to put pictures on here myself since it takes me forever to remember to ask Randy to do it and then it takes him a while to actually do it!
This is the recipe I sent to Dustin. It was one of the last minute add-ons for cookie day (thanks Mom!) and when I saw that Dustin's favorite baked goods were banana nut bread and chocolate chip cookies I knew we had to go with these!

Chunky Monkey Bites
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed ripe banana
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts
Cream the margarine and sugar. Add the eggs and beat until light and fluffy.
Add the banana and vanilla, mix well. Add the baking powder, salt and baking soda, mix well.
Add the flour and mix well.
Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (we may have added a few extra! lol)
Drop from spoons onto greased cookie sheets, you pick the size cookie you want.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
Cool and eat! or send :)

So, that's the latest news...still trying to get the Christmas shopping accomplished...four nieces and so much other family...I like buying things for people but I'm not that fond of shopping! Randy and I went out to Great Lakes Crossing, a mall about 45 mins from my house today before I went to work. It was a nice mall but we didn't even cover half of it. We did well on his shopping though...we're getting there!
My girlfriend stopped by yesterday and she went to Home Depot with me. I got some paint for my own kitchen, so I'll be painting that soon, hopefully very soon! I am just about done with all the homework for two of my current classes. I'm hoping to have them all finished by the end of this week and turned in...then I get a couple weeks before the next ones start, so hopefully I can get the painting done during that time.
We have a party to go to on Saturday and I want to go somewhere and look at ice sculptures...I know a lot of cities have displays and I have never gone to see one but I've been wanting to. Seems like my bf who doesn't have a job would jump on the chance to give me a free gift...hint, hint.... :D
Okay, that's all I've got for tonight...back to work!