Super Gooey Chocolate Drops


From Food Network Kitchens

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup natural cocoa powder, such as Hershey's or Scharffen Berger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 ounces (1 bag) semisweet chocolate chunks
1 cup dried cherries. optional
Directions
Position racks in the lower and upper third of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. (If you don't have 3 pans, simply cool the pan between batches.)

Put the butter and the unsweetened and semisweet chocolates in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 75 percent power in the microwave until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir and heat again until melted, up to 2 minutes more. (Alternatively, put the chocolates and butter in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching the water, and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.)

Stir the light brown and granulated sugars and vanilla into the chocolate mixture with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs and buttermilk and beat vigorously until thick and glossy.

In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, cinnamon and salt together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just mixed. Stir in chocolate chunks and dried cherries, if using.

Drop the batter in heaping tablespoons onto baking sheets--a small ice cream scoop is ideal for this. Space the cookies about 2-inches apart. Bake until the cookies set but are soft and fudgy on the inside, 12 to 15 minutes.

Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Serve.

Store cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to a week.

Our Toy Drive With Santa



Our work put together a toy drive. We had patients bring in presents that were donated to the local fire fighters. The presents were packed tight in the fire truck. With each donation a picture was taken with Santa Claus.

A friend brought in a catolog of jewelry she sales. For those who like a little something extra visit the link here.

Thanksgiving or was it Christmas?


Since Sam and I are unable to travel to Idaho for Christmas we gave the Duke's their presents. Plus we got to play the Nintendo Wii game that we gave my parents. It was Sam's first time to play the Wii, I believe it was a hit.. We played for several hours trying to get more players and beat more levels. Shawn White's Snowboarding game was great for the whole family. My parents, brothers, sister, one niece, Sam, and myself had a great time.

My Mom's Newest QVC Purchase



If you go to QVC's website it will show a
clip of all sorts of things you can build.



We had tons of fun with these Magformers!

Can You Believe It 100 Years



Namie, which is what we called my great grandma, turned 100 years old on the 20th. So today all the kids, grand kids, great grand kids, and great great grand kids (that could make it) celebrated this special occasion. Her memory is not all there but her health is great for being 100 years old. The picture above is five generations. My mom, grandma, great grandma, brother James, and nephew Razor.



Here is proof that I flew in for the special occation. It was great seeing my relatives. Catching up on old times is always special to me. Now all I have to do is see what kind of trouble poor Sam got into while I was gone. Thank goodness for his parents, brother and sister in-law. I know he was left in good care.

The traveling book for this weekend

Our book exchange


Sam's dad sugested that we read "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I have almost finished the book, due to it having only 206 pages. It is a easy read. The author had 10 tumors in his liver and passed away a couple of months ago. He was given the chance to give his last lecture.
This book gives you the wanting to fullfill your childhood dreams. Also to better yourself and love every moment you have.
The Cottam family passes books around. Why buy a new book when you get the chance to pass books around. I purchase books all the time, when I find a good one or any one of the Cottams find one we pass it to anyone willing to read it. So if you're in the need of a good book let one of the Cottams know.

Please Help!!


Anyone able to help my poor lonely husband for one weekend only..November 21st through the 23rd I am begging!!


His partner in crime is the fellow below.. I question their ablity to behave while I'm gone!!

I'm Going Home!


At least you could say where my parents live, not me. I never actually lived in Arco, Idaho. Close to it, but never in it. So I'll be there on the 21st and back to Washington on the 23rd. Short trip but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.. My Great Grandmother will be turning 100 years old and I can't miss it. Most of the relatives will be traveling to Challis, Idaho to see her. It will be good times had by all. The best part is I get to do it all again for Thanksgiving with Sam.. So if anyone gets the chance to keep Sam company next weekend, I'll be thanking you!!

Relaxation!!


Relaxation that's what the doctor orders!!!
I could really use this right now..
Sam can't wait for the warm weather, he is
already asking when summer will return.

Sam's Big Laugh Night

Sam always loves a little "Office Time", I guess he can't get enough..


Jim is very witty..



Dwight who could say more..



Office is a must see!!

Then there is 30 Rock which is one of Sam's shows



Sam's favorite character is Kenneth.. He likes almost all of the characters but this one seems to bring the most laughs..

If you watched tonights episode you might know how funny it was. Sam was laughing through out the whole episode. He really got a kick out of the "Opera" switch.

My first visit to Sam's Cube Ville


So the Wednesday before Halloween I actually saw where Sam's desk is. He walked me around to see all the decorations around the site. I had to help Sam show a little Halloween spirit by drawing a pumkin on his dry erase board.
When you walk into Cube Ville it is exactly as this Dilbert comic strip is.. Each row of cubes had it's own lane, ave, court, or what have you. With office room's with great want to go on vacation names!!

Sam's #1 Show


Sam has currently joined the "Chuck" band of groupies!
It is his must see for the week. Thank goodness for DVR!

Halloween 2008 With The Cottams


Sam, Adam, Audrey, Suzie and I got together to paint our pumkins, a new Halloween tradition!! Adam made a "Evil" kitty, Audrey an Egyptian Ladie, Suzie the Hawaiian beauty, Sam the Crazy Big Ear One Eyed pumkin, and finally my little Smiley pumpkin.


"IGOR"
Sam's Pumpkin


Well all had a great time painting pumpkins!

Jessica's Family

So here is some of my family. Jace is missing in this collage. I will get a picture of him in later. It is amazing how much one's family can show thier love for one another. I could never repay them for all their efforts to make it to our wedding. The closed roads the wreck and everything else that stood in thier way. My Aunt Connie made my cake, it was perfect.
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Fun In Idaho


Sam and I went to Arco to spend time with my family.. It was great! We went riding up Copper Basin to see several Lakes. It is on the list of will do again!
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Gift that keeps on giving

If you love wickless candles these are great. My brother has a friend that got us started. We also have great friends (The Morley's) that just gave us some new amazing scents! So thanks for the great gift!

Oregon Coast

This trip was great, although Sam is wanting to get a dog. He also loves the big skateboard, he does have 3 regular sized boards currently (which he doesn't ride). His brother Chris added to his collection by giving him an exact replica of his childhood skateboard, none other than a classic Powell Peralta - Steve Caballero... Bones Brigade!

Japanese Gardens 2007

Halloween 2007

Having done these pumkins last year, our expectations are much higher! Hope you can out do your self this year Suzie!!

Tulip Festival 2008

Sam, Suzie, And Jess

Dahlia Festival 2008


Sam, Ken, Suzie, and Jess went to the 2008 Dahlia Festival. Those flowers are amazing.

Sam's Candy


Sam has the worst cough right now!
He is practically living off cough drops.
I promise that I feed the boy but man
he love the drops!!

Our Adventure to Hawaii

Hawaii

HAWAII

Helicopter tour of the Napoli Coast
2/2008

The Oregon Coast


The Morley's

So here is the family who Started our Blog!
Yes, it's true. Amy built our page for us.
Sam of course named the Blog! So to the Morley's
Thanks!!



Orange and Blue--BSU!!!

Amy, Addison, Nick, Sam, and Jess at the
Boise State vs. University of Oregon game..