Best Husband Ever! February 14, 2015

I have the best husband ever. Usually we just get each other cards for Valentine's Day but this year Michael made it a little more special - just because.  On February 10th he surprised me with flowers so that I could enjoy them at work.  On February 13th he took me out to eat at Augusta's in Oxford, IA. I had a filet mignon steak. It literally was the best steak I have ever had. It was smoked and then grilled medium-rare. It was tender, juicy and so flavorful. Like Michael said, I would be okay with that being my very last meal.  :-)

Arnold kids playing with Christmas gifts - December 27, 2014

Just some fun videos... Coming soon... 

Clemen Family Pics - December 26, 2014

Once again Mom's family is blessed to get EVERYONE together for a family picture.

St. Francis Xavier Basilica - Dyersville, IA

If you haven't seen the St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, IA At Christmas you have not experienced the beauty, embodiment and true meaning of Christmas. These pictures will not do it justice - go see it. Check out the surrounding towns too. They are your church/bar/post office rural towns that are slowly disappearing. Beautiful churches also. 

Shoefly Pie - December 25, 2014

Since Christmas plans with the families were all messed up this year because of family members being sick, Michael and I spent Christmas Day at our house. Michael made his family's Pennsylvania Dutch pie that they have for the holidays since we weren't going to be with either family.  The pie is kind of like a molasses pie. Although this wasn't the family's original recipe, the one that Michael made still tasted awesome!

Christmas Candy Making - Dec 2014

This is the second year I've made Christmas candy. Last year it was chocolate dipped mints and dipped orange fondant. This year I added chocolate cherries. The first batches I made "disappeared" before Christmas so I had to make another whole batch - of EACH!

It's a Totally "Tuba"ler Christmas - 12/2014

Before Christmas break starts at the University of Iowa, the tuba players come together on the Pentacrest in front of the Old Capitol building to play Christmas carols. 

These are pictures taken from my office!