Happy Halloween.

Alice Lane Giveaway

I want this pillow from Alice Lane Home Collection. Check it out for a chance to win.

Our first snow day.

Winter season has officially begun now that it has snowed today. We woke up to a quiet blanket of beautiful snow. Though I despise cold weather sometimes it doesn't stop me from still having a good time! Plus it's nice for a change, and I love when it's sunny and warm while your playing in the snow. It makes it even better.

As I am waking up this morning Drake yells to Ava," Come here, I have a surprise for you!" They peek out my bedroom window to see their world filled with snow. He continues to say to her, "Look what God did for us today!"

So we made our way out to make our first snowman of the season and wrapped it up with some yummy hot chocolate and marshmallows. Happy winter!

Hidden Treasure Cupcakes

Ingredients:
5 oz. unsalted butter
2 1/2 c. AP flour
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/3 c. granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped and melted
1 3/4 c. whole milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the filling:
8 oz. cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans
2. Mix together cocoa, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Melt chocolate gently and let cool.
4. Put sugar and butter in mixing bowl and paddle on low speed for 1 minute. Then beat on medium for 3 minutes until soft. Scrape down sides of bowl and beat on medium another 2 minutes until very soft.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down between each addition of egg. Mix on medium speed for 10 seconds after adding each egg. Don't worry if batter looks curdled. It will come together.
6. Add melted chocolate and mix on medium speed for 15 seconds.
7. With the mixer running on low, gradually add half the dry ingredients. Mix until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Add vanilla extract to the milk and gradually add 1/2 c. of the milk and mix on low to incorporate, about 15 seconds. With the mixer still on low, gradually add the rest of the dry ingredients an mix for 30 seconds. Gradually add another 1/2 c. of milk and mix on low for 15 seconds.
8. Slowly add the remaining 3/4 c. of milk to the batter and mix on low to combine, about 30 seconds.
9. Remove bowl from mixer and using a rubber spatula, mix by had to make sure ingredients are thoroughly combined.
10. Beat the cream cheese, egg, and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in chocolate chips.
11. Pour cake batter into prepared cupcake pans filling each liner 1/4 full/ Spoon 1 Tbsp. of filling on top of batter. Pour remaining batter to cover filling until liners are 3/4 full. Bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes.
12. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.
13. Top with your choice of frosting!

For my birthday a couple of years ago some friends took me to this cupcake bash class and this was one of the recipes. It's so yummy. It's one of my favorites to make! Enjoy!!

Good days.

We've been enjoying the last beautiful days before winter hits.
Any day is a good day as long as I can tuck my babies in bed at night safe and sound.
For that I am most thankful for each day.
Add in the warm sunshine and it just makes it an extra good day :)






This little dude got his tonsils & adenoids taken out a week ago. Our first real surgery. He was a champ and has been doing really well this last week minus extra whiney. Rightfully so. I've heard it sucks. He wouldn't let me take any pictures of him today, so these two are from a few weeks ago. I could just kiss that face all day long. Oh wait. I do. What am I going to do when your too big for cuddles and kisses?

2 months

5 years. Here's to you.

How is it that I have a 5 year old?!
I love you little man.
You keep me on my toes.
Sometimes it's down right crazy and insane.
But I can't imagine my life without you.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
You are my light and joy.
You make everything better.
You, Drake, stole my heart
the moment I saw you five years ago.
Here's to you.
Happy Birthday.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

It's that time of year again and I usually start breaking out the pumpkin bread. I tried something a little different and if you love pumpkin, you'll love these. I did. I whip up a cream cheese frosting to go on top.




1 c butter softened
1 15 oz can pumpkin purée
4 eggs slightly beaten
2 c flour
1 c sugar
1 c brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 1/2 c choc chips

Bake @ 350 for 20 min-25 min.

Mix butter, pumpkin, & eggs until well combined.
Mix in flour & sugars. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

(recipe courtesy of kukikookbook.blogspot.com)