Martha and Leslie?

So I was inspired both by the movie "Julie and Julia" and my new Martha Stewart Cupcake book. I thought I'd try to make each recipe within a year, but that would mean like several cupcakes each week- and I still need to loose baby weight! :) However- I do want to try to make each or at least most of the cupcakes, and I will make note of them here!

The Set up for Josh's Birthday Party!

Chocolate- peanut butter filled cupcakes

very tasty - though a bit crumbly- Kind of a brownie texture.

Stout Cupcakes

Kind of a spice cake. I used black butte porter for the stout part. The icing is literally beer and powdered sugar! I kind of made them just to be funny for Josh's party, but they were a hit! Even the girls liked them! They were almost gone by the end of the night!

Tiramisu Cupcakes

Made for Charlie and Bryce's birthday! (To follow an italian dinner) Really yummy. Not made with lady fingers, but a very light and moist almost sponge like cake. Coffee syrup- I left out the marsala, and a VERY yummy frosting made of marscapone and whipping cream! So good!

I've also made the german chocolate cupcake, which although I don't like coconut was a hit! I wish I had a picture because they were so cute, I cut the cupcakes in half and iced them in layers! The coconut icing, wasn't as tricky as I thought to make!

Messy House Ministries

Since I have become a mother, and made many amazing momma friends, and over and over again we have conversations about our messes. How we act ashamed and embarrassed when our houses - or our lives in general- are a big fat mess. There are still a few friends I have that I am not totally positive that their houses ever get as messy as mine, but for most women I know, their houses are a mess much of the time just like mine. However, I have definately been plauged by the momma guilt syndrome and have spent many a early morning or late late night cleaning like there's no tomorrow because a friend is coming over the next day. Now there is nothing wrong with keeping a neat house, I absolutely love it when my house is clean, it is so peaceful and I do try. BUT- somedays it just aint gonna happen- or you are faced with the choice of cleaning or doing something much more important. Some days Gabe barely naps and if I don't spend that little time giving some undivided attention to Grace she may get none at all that day. Yesterday was one of those days. And I am going out on a limb here and am showing pictures to prove it!! And I say prove it because in the past I have done a pretty good job at hiding my mess, I have heard mom's claim that they've never seen my house a mess, when really I bet most of the time mine is way messier then theirs!! (and plus we live in Independence so I usually have a good head start to clean up when someone is coming over :)

Ok so here they are! This is the beggining of what I call "Messy House Ministries"

And as I look at these, I will ASSURE you that even this is not the messiest my house has ever been!

Sweet words

I have so many blog posts in my head right now, but only time for this one.

Grace has had many profound, sweet and funny words lately.

Profound: Grace- Mom, God sure made a beautiful sky today.
me- he sure did honey.
Grace- I'd like to meet him
me- who, grace?
Grace- God, and Jesus, I'd like to visit them.

Funny: "Daddy you need to mow your face" (he needed to shave)
Also, last night, family dance party; Josh says: ok Grace all done, time to go potty and go to bed.
Grace: No daddy! I just need to sashay! (as she sashays around the room- not sure on spelling but its a gymnastics/ballet move/term)

And sweet: Tonight when she prayed she thanked God for many things the last being
"her great parents and her home"