NYE - THE ZELLMERS, THE MURDOCKS AND THE CLASSIC CAFE

Today is New Year's Eve....  Gone are the days of going out, drinking myself into a stupor and passing out before the ball dropped.  Oh wait - who am I kidding that happened last weekend, and I was sick for 3 days. Technically from the stomach flu - But really,  hangovers in your 30's just seem to hate you a little bit more then a hangover in your 20's did.

So tonight, let me be the DD...  Two years ago, that was my resolution - the year I turned 30 - I drove my friends around town, bar after bar, just me, my friends and my glass of water.  It was wonderful... I was able to celebrate on New Year's Day, while my friends looked a little green.  Last year, we were on our way home from our Christmas in Mexico...who needed to party - we had just celebrated 10 days on the beach in Peurta Vallarta, Mexico.  And this year, well we didn't make plans because we believed we would be home with a newborn.  Since Carter is not in our arms but forever in our hearts... what should we do?  We have to do something.... right?

APPLE WOOD SMOKED PRIME RIB

Absolutely YES - We should travel to Malvern, Iowa to the Classic Cafe.  Let me begin by saying that this is absolutely my favorite restaurant.  Is it worth the hour drive to get there?  Absolutely YES!  It has Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Written All Over It - Can someone call Guy Fieri and direct him to this place!  I can almost taste the apple wood smoked prime rib as I write this post.

We always try to take a road trip to Malvern with our friends, Larry and Summer Murdock, the ones who introduced us to the Classic Cafe.  Every year, we celebrate our anniversaries in April with a trip to Malvern, a glass of wine and for me PRIME RIB - This year, we decided what better way to end 2012... but to celebrate with good food and good friends!  It was a great time :)  I am never disappointed!  So the next time you are in Malvern, Iowa - The Classic Cafe is a must!  Tell Brad and Alicia we said HI!

Brennon and Melissa Zellmer, Larry, Summer and Evan Murdock

Happy New Year's Eve 2012 - From the Zellmers and the Murdocks - at the Classic Cafe :)

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- A New Year's Toast - 

So here's to 2012 - a year of happiness and sadness, hope and faith, love and friendship - moments of joy and moments of hardship, both providing me with strength I didn't know that I possessed.  Thank you for the family that held me, the friends that stood beside me, and the love of God that sustained me.

And here's to 2013 - May the New Year bring much love, happiness, many prayers and blessings.  Because I believe that God has more wonderful things planned for me than I can even imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)  I am blessed with God's purpose and perfect plan for my life.  May I use 2013 to be of assistance to God, to my family, my friends, my job, and to strangers I have yet to meet.  To help others instead of hurt... to love instead of hate and to welcome the New Year with faith that God will never forget me nor leave me.  To cherish the memory of my Carter Baby, and to continue to accept the THINGS I CAN NOT CHANGE, nurture and love my husband, Brennon,  and to live my life to fullest, that life and those in it be about quality not quantity.  And, most importantly to let go of the THINGS I THINK I SHOULD CONTROL and remember to TRUST in God.  FOR I AM BLESSED!

My Wish For You -  Many Blessings in 2013 - and that you may live each day to the fullest!  

Happy New Year - Melissa

Ice Cream Cake and Emalie's Birthday

So December 28th was my cousin Emalie's birthday!  And Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake is her favorite... Or so I am told.  Well in Creston, our DQ closes from Christmas until Spring - So how was I going to get her the perfect Ice Cream Cake?  Well at noon on Saturday the 29th, I decided I should make one.  Well, after a quick run to the store to buy the items needed... it was 2 pm and I needed to get started!

Here are the ingredients that I needed -  Please be patient with me - I did make this recipe up!

2 packages of Oreos

1 stick of butter (1/2 Cup)

1.75 quart of Vanilla Ice Cream Softened

1.75 quart of Chocolate Ice Cream Softened

2 jars of Hot Fudge Topping

1 container of Cool Whip

Sprinkles, Whipped Cream or Any Item to Decorate Cake :)

1.  First Gather all Ingredients - In my case, that is a last minute trip to the store!

2.  Melt Stick of Butter in Microwave.

3.  Crush one package of Oreos - Approximately 36 -  I put all cookies into a large ziplock bag and used a rolling pin.  You want smaller crumbs.. not just broken cookies!

4.  Mix Oreo crumbs and butter together and press into the bottom of a 9X13 pan.  Put in freezer for 30 minutes.

5.  After 30 minutes - Bring crust out. Time for the Chocolate Ice Cream -  My ice cream wasn't softened enough, so I defrosted in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes.  Some was runny and some was soft, so I used a mixer to blend the soft and runny together making a smooth consistency like soft serve ice cream.  I poured the ice cream over the crust.  Back in the freezer for at least one hour.

6.  Now is a great time to begin the second layer - Back to the Oreos and the ziplock bag.  Crush the 2nd bag of Oreos with rolling pin. Set aside and continue to wait for the chocolate ice cream to freeze.

7.  Once the ice cream is frozen (don't forget to check the middle) spread the crushed Oreos over the first layer.  Put back in the freezer for 15 minutes.  You may not need all of the Oreos in this step.  That is okay - set them aside you may want them later.

8.  Next is the hot fudge.  Warm the fudge in the microwave according to the directions on the jar.  Mine stated 30 seconds.  While it was warming, I pulled the cake from the freezer and spread the hot fudge over the cookie crumbles.  You must be quick with this step or the hot fudge will start to melt the ice cream creating a mess.  Quickly return to the freezer for 30 minutes.

9.  After the 30 minutes check your fudge.  If you can see ice cream sneaking though your cookie/fudge layer, just add some more of the Oreo crumbs over the ice cream... If you can't see ice cream sneaking though - you were fast, the hot fudge didn't melt the ice cream!  Back in the freezer for 30 minutes.

10.  Soften the Vanilla Ice Cream.  Again I had to use the microwave and the mixer for the right consistency.  It should be soft and easy to pour over the cookie crumbs.  With the mixer, I mixed in a container of Cool Whip.  Once mixed completely, I poured the third layer over the hot fudge/cookie layer.  Back to the freezer for at least an hour!

11.  After an hour, check it.  I added sprinkles and covered it.  You can also add leftover crushed Oreos or whatever you would like to do for decorations.  For the best results,  I would recommend letting it freeze at least overnight! So plan ahead!

Now like I said, this was a last minute idea... We had to travel to Emalie's house for dinner (5:30pm) so after an hour, we covered it and into the trunk we went.  Thankfully it is winter and 28 degrees out so it didn't melt on the 30 minutes there!!  Once there it was softer - so back into the freezer it went.  We let it freeze for 3 more hours.  It was still soft when we went to serve but it was GREAT.  My family stated it was better then the DQ Ice Cream Cake and for 1/2 the price!  

I will definitely be making this for our final Christmas on New Year's Day - So I have to start preparing now to ensure it is absolutely excellent!

Happy 20th Birthday Emalie!  I love you - 

Emalie and Melissa With Homemade Ice Cream Cake!

12 Days of Christmas -

I know that this post is a little late, as we are now heading into the New Year.  I meant to post each day as we opened the gifts... but I had a little trouble coming up with the perfect name for my blog - so I wasn't able to launch the blog as soon as I wanted.  This 12 Days of Christmas was just to great not to share - so here it is...THE ZELLMER FAMILY 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - 

On the 12th Day of Christmas - Santa's Helper showed up at my office, with a package, and directions for Brennon and I to follow the instructions completely.  Included in Santa's bag was 12 presents for the 12 days of Christmas.  I was so shocked, I had tears.  I am sharing this story with you.

 12/13/12 - To Brennon and Melissa: You Better Be Good, Like Never Before - Secret Santa will be visiting 12 nights at your door.  Your Secret Santa has left all 12 gifts at once.  You better be good and open as the dates tell you. 

 Have Fun and Merry Christmas - Your Secret Santa

All 12 Presents - With the final one to be opened on Christmas Eve... It says no peeking! But what if we peek?

All 12 Presents Under the Tree!


12/13/12 - Day #1 - 12 Days of Christmas

1st Thought of Christmas - Giving
A Gift From Santa - When I was young and Santa Claus beguiled my thoughts each year -- and I awaited breathlessly as Christmas drew near.  I thought that every spark of joy life held in store for me depended on the many toys beneath our Christmas tree.  I thought that life was tinsel wrapped just for my joy and pleasure -- that each new year would surely bring more gifts for me to treasure. It never once occured to me that I should be the one to give fine things to others so I could have all the fun.  But now I know that I was wrong -- 'Twas Santa reaped the joy.  Because he gave unselfishly to every girl and boy.  Let me be Santa Claus this year and bring into your life a gift of love for every day of the coming year.  Love, Santa

Mugs and Hot Cocoa! LOVE!

12/14/12 - Day #2 - 12 Days of Christmas

2nd Thought of Christmas - Thankfulness
Sometimes - Sometimes, not often enough, we reflect upon the good things, and those thoughts always center around those we love, and we think about these people who mean so much to us, and for the many times that they have made us so very happy.  There are so many times that we have forgotten to say, "Thank you", and I love you".  I to want to say to you"Thank you so much and have a beautiful day." Love, Santa

Our Secret Santa brought us BLISTEX - My Favorite Kind!  Thank you Secret Santa!

12/15/12 - Day #3 - 12 Days of Christmas

3rd Thought of Christmas - Service

A Yuletide Dream -  The Yuletide season is drawing near with it's gifts and cards so gay.  But how nice it would be to face the New Year, if Christmas came every day. Not a year filled with days to exchange gifts galore such as toys, perfume, hankies and shoes.  But to give our goodwill to the neighbor next door, and help him dispel his blues.  We could give of our strength to a weaker man, and help him to carry his load.  No more wonderful gift could we offer, than a strong hand along life's road.  Why not give of ourselves to someone in need, lend our legs to the man with the crutch, if we help someone else, we'll be happy indeed, and the effort won't cost very much.  If we'd read for the ma who's unable to see, life beauties for him would unfold -- Give some of our sight, for to us, that is free, but for him 'twould be worth more then gold.  If we'd free the yule with a gift of to mankind, nor let cost determine it's worth, if we'd give from the heart, the head and the mind. Truly, goodwill would encircle the earth.  Love, Santa

Secret Santa gave us HUGS! I LOVE HUGS!  Surely, if we knew who our Secret Santa was, we would give them lots of Hugs!  Thank you Santa for this gift!

Still 9 Presents Under the Christmas Tree.  Kitty is very impatient, but we are keeping our promise and not peeking!  This is great fun! Must remember to pay it forward next year.

12/16/12 - Day #4 - 12 Days of Christmas 

4th Thought of Christmas - Happiness 

Recipe for Happiness -  A song will lift your spirits a smile will cheer the day a little act of kindness helps another along his way.  This old world is hungry for kindness, peace and love and these the Master brought to us when he came from Heaven above.  But we have failed to use these gifts as often as we should and failed to cheer a lonesome soul when so easily we could.  So give this plan a trial and see what it will do, I'm sure you'll find that you have had a blessed week all through.  Happiness is as a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you!  Love, Santa

12/17/12 - Day #5 - 12 Days of Christmas

5th Thought of Christmas - Hope

I Have Found Today - I've shut the door on yesterday, it's sorrows and mistakes;  i've locked within it's gloomy walls past failures and heartaches.  And now I throw the key away to seek another room -and furnish it with hope and smiles and every springtime bloom.  No thought shall enter this abode that is a hint of pain, the worry, malice, and distrust shall never therein reign.  I'll shut the door on yesterday and throw away the key -- tomorrow holds no doubts for me since I have found today!  Love Santa.

Books for you and for me.  Hugs for Friends and The Guide to Home Repair.  This just makes me smile!

And this book is for Brennon!! LOL - Our Secret Santa must know us well.  For the only time Brennon and I have every argued, was the drywall incident in Carter's room.  Thank you Santa for this handy book!  Melissa, Carter and our future children thank you! 

12/18/12 - Day #6 - 12 Days of Christmas

6th Thought of Christmas - Peace

Repose - When hands join around the world to form the friendship chain of peace, the flag of love will unfurled and aching hearts will find release!  Love, Santa

Carmex Healing Lotion - This gift will heal dry hands, and the love from our Secret Santa helps to heal our hearts! Thank you Secret Santa!

Look - Still Not Peeking - 6 Presents Still Under the Tree!

12/19/12 - Day #7 - 12 Days of Christmas

7th Thought of Christmas - Friendship 

Friendship - You can't be poor if you have a friend, you can't be down and out. You can't be wondering what this world is really all about -- You can't be sad if you have a friend at least not every day, your bound to feel some happiness has just been sent your way -- You can't be cross if you have a friend, you can't be all alone.  You can't have troubles, cares and woes and feel they're all your own -- You can't be bored if you have a friend you can't just fail to see that life holds lots of happiness for folks like you and me.  Love, Santa

HO HO HO - What Will We Open Today?

Thank you Secret Santa for the scented candles - Caramel and Cherry Cordial... As we light these candles tonight, we are reminded of the flickering light of a candle and the light in each of us.  Thank you for reminding us to
"Let Our Light Shine".

12/20/12 - Day #8 - 12 Days of Christmas

8th Thought of Christmas - Kindness 
I shall pass through this world but once.  Any good, therefore, that I can do -- or kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now.  Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.  Love, Santa

Santa brought us a Kitty Calendar.  May the New Year 2013 bring many blessings for us, and  may we show kindness to those that we know, as well as those that we meet.

4 MORE PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE!

12/21/12 - Day #9 - 12 Days of Christmas

9th Thought of Christmas - Shopping

On My Shopping List - One of these days I want to go shopping.  I am completely out of self respect.  I want to exchange the self-rightousness I picked up the other day for some humility, which everyone says is less expensive and wears much better.  I want to look at some tolerance which is being used for wraps this season.  Someone showed me some pretty samples of peace.  We are a little low on that, and one can never have to much of it.  I must try to match some patience that my neighbor wears.  It is very becoming on her and I think it might look equally well on me.  I might try on that little garment of long suffering that they are displaying.  I never thought I wanted to wear it, but I feel myself coming into it.  Also, I mustn't forget to have my sense of humor mended, and look for some inexpensive every-day goodness. It's surprising how quickly one's stock of goodness is depleted.  Yes, I must go shopping soon!  Love, Santa

Our Secret Santa reminds us that we have an Angel Amongst Us! This angel is to give us strength.

During times of sorrow, tragedy and woe.  He will grant you strength,  and bear your heavy load.  He will send you His angels, whose power will never waiver, to shower you with love and faith, and Heaven's divine favor.  There they will remain, until your trouble's through, when you can walk again with a lighter heart, and your spirit is renewed.

"I can do all things through Him, who gives me strength"  Philippians 4:13 - A great reminder that He will provide for us, all we have to do is believe and follow Him.  Because nothing that happens in God's world is a mistake.

The Angel Looks Great on Carter's Tree... Absolutely Wonderful! Thank You Secret Santa!

12/22/12 - Day #10 - 12 Days of Christmas

10th Thought of Christmas - Love
The Little Drummer Boy - When the Christ Child was born, many beautiful gifts were brought to the manger, gifts of great beauty and splendor.  But there is a story about one small boy who was very poor and had nothing to offer the Lord, so he was very sad.  then he thought, "I can play by drum for  Him" and so he did. PA-RUM-PA-PUM-PUM, PA-RUM-PA-PUM-PUM! He played his drum with love in his heart.  And as he played, the Baby Jesus smiled, showing that at Christmas time the gift of love is the greatest gift of all. Love, Santa

Friends are there in sunshine and in shade!

Love is the GREATEST Gift of All!

Only 2 Presents Left Under the Tree!

12/23/12 - Day #11 - 12 Days of Christmas

11th Thought of Christmas - Faith

Christmas Faith - I do not try to understand the star, why it appeared at just that time alone to light the path of those who traveled far.  I only know -- It shone.  My humble mind can't grasp the wonderous birth or why this Child should bear the Holy Name.  Whence came those choral voices "Peace on Earth" I only know -- He Came.  I can but strive His Love to understand and seek the peace of mind His presence gives.  And day by day walk with Him hand in hand.  Because I know -- He Lives! Love Santa

Thank you Secret Santa for the hand soap... (It is funny that we have been to the store 3 times with this on our list - and yet we have forgotten).  Unlike the soap - we will never forget that He Lives and He Loves!  Thank you God for the gifts in our life - even the smallest gifts bring joy!  Thank you Secret Santa for the small joy this gift brings to our lives!

AND ONLY ONE GIFT UNDER THE TREE - FOR TOMORROW IS CHRISTMAS EVE!

12/24/12 - Day #12 - 12 Days of Christmas

12 Thought of Christmas - On this Christmas Eve, I bring the thought of the birth of Christ.  Of the twelve thoughts I've brought, may they all remain though out the New Year - 

Little Lord Jesus - No little cradle, that first Christmas night, rocked the Child Jesus 'neath the Heaven's light. But in a stable, 'mid the lowing of kine, Mary kept watch o're the Infant Divine.  The world was in slumber, the night of His birth, with no one to welcome the Savior to Earth; but out from the heavens bright angels came down to tell the glad tidings o're Bethlehem town.  Up in the heavens a wonderful star faithfully guided the Wise Men afar; when they found Him, the Baby Divine gladly in worship they knelt at His shrine. O Little Lord Jesus, like sagas of yore, thy name we will worship and praise evermore; O come once again at this glad Christmas tide, come enter each heart, and forever abide.  Have a Merry Christmas, and may that joy continue thoughout the New Year.  May God be with you always.  Love, Santa's Helper

Before we open this last gift, I want to express our gratitude to our Secret Santa and share how much fun this has been.  We thought our first Christmas with Carter would be so different.  He had big plans for our precious little boy! God chose to have Carter with Him.  Your acts of kindness has been a true blessing and has give us joy and something to look forward to each new day!  Thank you so much!

Opening the last gift - Brennon wanted to open the card first - But I will make him wait a little longer!

And Now Brennon Can Open the Card!

Are you ready to find out who are Secret Santa is? We Are!!

THNANK YOU SO MUCH WENDY!  You have done so much for us!  I can't wait to tell you how much this has meant to us.  From sewing Carter's name on his giraffe, the thinking of you cards, and all of the promises of thoughts and prayers - to these wonderful gifts of kindness.  We are very blessed and very thankful to have such good friends and good family!  Merry Christmas to you - and may 2013 bring blessings to you and your family!

All 12 days of gifts!  Thank you for allowing me to share my 12 Days of Christmas with you.  I hope you have enjoyed the fun as much as Brennon and I have.  It has been so much FUN!  But.... THAT'S ALL FOLKS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!