Reflection of 2011 it did pass... so will these times

2012 Resolutions (a little late) but better late than never

Really I did not want to make any resolutions because I never keep up with them. Typically, I end up giving up before March. So, I normally do not set resolutions. My heart has been heavy lately though and life is taking me through circumstances that have me pondering what would I change if I could. Most of my goals are small but I think if I can tackle these goals I will feel accomplished and encouraged to do more. Short and sweet to the point...

1. Enjoy my kids more and worry less about my house. Okay self explanatory but really I tend to think what do I need to get done today around my house. Instead, I need to take the time and spend it with my kids so I can enjoy them as they grow.

2. Take more pictures!

3. Cook more

4. Laugh more

5. Give more

6. Lose more- Oh about 10 lbs... trying to get down to the before babies weight.

7. Forgive- This is my biggest one. 2011 was a very painful year for me. I cried more than I think I ever had in my life. This song sums up 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZtRHVMcZjI
For me to to truly forward, I know I have to forgive.
8. Have fun- Hopefully, this entails traveling:)

Happy 2012!

Stand Up for Chocolate

Express Yourself - Charles Wright

Totally love!!!

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Chocolate,coffee and cherries now that is divine! This probably would have made the perfect cake but if you plan making cupcakes make sure they fully cool before unwrapping. This is one of my most favorite chocolate cake recipes but warning it is very moist. It is the cake recipe on the back of your Hershey powder container but we substitute the cup of boiling water for coffee.
You will need:

2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons
baking soda 1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup coffee
1 can of cherry pie mixture
Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in coffee (batter will be thin).



We put 1/3 cup of the cake batter and then a spoon of cherry pie mixture. Add another scoop of batter (we did two).


Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes (this depend on how your oven bakes). Our oven bakes pretty quick and hot. We have to rotate the pan otherwise it does not cook evenly.

For the frosting you need (This was all eyeballed so I am guessing the measurements) adjust as needed:
1 1/2 cup of powder sugar
2 oz of cream cheese (soften)
2 TBS of cherry juice
3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream
Mix for a couple minutes
Frost cooled cakes and top with a cherry. Add grated chocolate shavings

Review of the Lion House Cornbread Recipe

This recipe is definitely worth making! We found it to be the perfect compliment with our stew. The bacon and jalapeno was the perfect mixture with cheese.
The ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 tsp. salt
4 tsp. baking powder
4 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can (1 lb.) cream-style corn
2 Tbs. oil
3/4 cup grated cheese
1 can (4-oz.) green chilies (optional)
Cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)


Sift dry ingredients together and set aside. Beat eggs until light. Add sour cream, corn (do NOT drain), and oil. Stir in dry ingredients and beat well. Stir in grated cheese and if desired, green chilies and crumbled bacon just until combined.

Pour into well-greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes. Serves 10-12. Enjoy.
Source: http://recipeshoebox.blogspot.com

It snowed!

Yesterday was our first snow fall of the year. Sadly, it did not stick. The girls wanted to make a snowman and Bella wanted to stay home from school. Here is pictures of the girls in the snow fall and Bella trying to catch flakes on her tongue.