Instead I occupied my day with craft time. This was a very complicated, multi-step project for the person wishing to temporarily store their used coffee grounds in a piece of art. Step 1: Peel label off of peanut butter jar. Step 1.5: Wash out jar (optional). Step 2: Cut three pieces of ribbon, preferably ribbon from the clearance basket at the craft store. Step 3: Glue ribbon onto jar. Step 4: Write something witty on it, neatly spaced between the ribbon. Ta Daa!
I know, I know. I'll stick with baking!
For this evening's small group treat, I decided not to mess around with a new recipe and pulled out a classic that is always a hit - Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. The name is rather underwhelming, but as we have already established - I am not creative in that area. This is a recipe that my mom made years ago, and since then it makes an appearance at most family functions, church picnics, and evenings with friends. Make them. Love them. Just try living the rest of your life without them! 
Okay, so after a pretty bad baking bust yesterday (nope, not even going to talk about it!), I managed to redeem myself this afternoon with some pretty stinkin' tasty brownies. And not just any brownies, but 
The cinnamon, cardamom, and smoked paprika (I didn't have chipotle) give just a hint of something different. I was a little worried that all you would be able to taste was the spice, but it really is just a fraction of a flavor, something to make you go, mmmm.... what is that??? Right before you take another bite... and another... and one more! Add a Packers win to the afternoon and an evening with the Kings - definitely a great day!
Last night I decided I had had enough of this long hair business. Actually, about a month ago I had had enough of this long hair business, but because it had taken so much time to grow out (4 years!) and other people seemed to like it (thank you), I kept it. However, as other people don't have to deal with it, go through massive amounts of shampoo and conditioner to keep it clean, and massive amounts of ibuprofen because of the headaches it causes, I pulled into the hair salon this morning (sans appointment) determined to be rid of it. As Claire cut a substantial eight inches off, I thought I might feel some regret over cutting it off. I didn't. Not an ounce. I was overjoyed when she was done.
Travis did an excellent job of feeding us today. Bright and early he went to the grocery store and picked up doughnuts for breakfast, and then put together a 
As many of you know, I have been knocking the possibility of starting a dessert/cake type business around in my head. As we have started down this path, THE question that keeps getting asked is, "What will it be called?" The immediate answer is, "I have no idea!" I am not very creative in this area. We have been throwing around a couple of names amongst ourselves, but then we thought of all of YOU, many of whom are WAY more creative than us. So here's your chance - PLEASE HELP US! We're hoping to pick a name in the next week or two, so let's say, you have until Sunday, Sept. 21st to send a name idea (or as many as you can think of!) to us. Either just add a comment with your idea, or shoot me an email: juliebgasper(at)yahoo(dot)com. I would be focusing on special occasion cakes, cookies, desserts, etc. initially, but could see myself expanding into breads and such at some point down the road. We'll announce the "winner" on Monday the 22nd. And you better believe the winner is going to get something delicious baked for them! :)
Okay, so after weeks of talking about it, Justin and Travis (and Jim!) went out last night to Target and got