The hubby turns 33 and cupcakes!

Last month, my husband had a birthday. . . it was a great excuse to whip up some cupcakes.  I made a cake, too. . . but that was a kitchen nightmare (seriously! Major kitchen disaster!).  But, the cupcakes came out so yummy.  My inspiration was these cupcakes that we often get from our local cupcake-ry.  Last year, Jon got all Cake Boss on me and made me make this, so I knew that I wanted to do something special for him and Boston Cream Pies are one of his favorite desserts. 

These were really good.  Plus, I love the ganache and whipping cream frosting combo.  It's my favorite sweet combo ever!

I love this guy!

"It's a Sweater!!!" He joined the rest of the 33rs in the family and got his really ugly sweater.


Now, I hope that this post makes sense. . . because I am incredibly sleep deprived due to the joys of motherhood. . .

Boston Cream Cupcakes

For the cupcakes you can go here to find the recipe. . .

Chocolate Ganache frosting: 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, heated up.  Then add 1 cup chocolate chips to heated cream.  Whisk together until a shiny brown.  Let sit for a couple of minutes and then drizzle over the top.

Filling: 1 box vanilla pudding, 1 cup milk.  Mix together and using a pastry bag, fill each cupcake with filling.

Whipping cream frosting:   1 cup cold heavy whipping cream, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and 1-3 tbsp powdered sugar.  Using whisk attachment on your mixer, mix until soft and fluffy, with stiff peaks.

Grated white chocolate.

A speaking opportunity

Last month, I was given the daunting task of speaking to our MOPS group.  This is something I am finding I enjoy doing, but this was not on something as simple as incorporating literacy and art into your daily routine as a mom.  No, this time it took way more preparation and way more prayer.  I was asked to speak on Proverbs 31.  Now, if you've been visiting this blog for awhile, you may note. . . I am slightly obsessed with the subject.  It's a good obsession.  It's a good goal.

My incredible sense of nervousness stemmed from the many comments (and even websites) that that brought out people's discouragement and insecurities when reading the verse.  I have heard and read many things:
I'm too busy.
P31 is not for the modern woman/mom.
I'm not a 1950's housewife.
I don't have servants.
I can't do all those things.
My name is not Martha Stewart.

The more I dig into the life of this amazing woman, the more I want to strive for the same goals she set for herself.  I think all women should, single or married.  I came to the realization that if we believe that the Bible is God's Word, as in inspired by Him  or God-breathed  then we have to believe that this is something that God wants for us, as women.  I also feel that many women feel like overwhelmed when they read the words of P31, thinking that this woman did the impossible, never slept, always had a clean house, and accomplished everything everyday.  The reality is probably that she accomplished the many things that she did during the course of her life and not in one day, or week, or even one year.
That makes me breath easier. How about you?

I also began to think about the current state of marriage.  It's bad.  Over 50 percent of people who get married end up in divorce. Even worse, many people are opting just to co-habitate and not actually get married.  It's sad.  It effects our children in a horrible way.  The Proverbs 31 woman calls up to serve our husbands, to lift them up in prayer, and honor them.  She also challenges up to be trustworthy and faithful.  I wonder if a woman everywhere were to start following the Proverbs 31 example, if the divorce rate would decrease?  Just a thought.
The goal of my talk was to really encourage the ladies. . . to bring them hope that this was doable.  I have so much more that I can say on the subject, so you will probably hear more from me in the future.  But for now, nap time is almost over and there are still a few other things I need to do. And Ethan has been coloring for almost 3 hours and I am sure he's going to start going crazy soon!

Where did March go?

I can't believe how quickly March came and went.  Seriously.  I sat down several times with the intent on blogging and yet, I was always interrupted with something that most likely too priority.  Oh well. I'm back now, so I will give you a sneak peak of my life over the last few weeks . . . and announce the winner to that contest held what seems like forever ago (sorry it took so long!)

I've been painting some stepping stones.  There are 10 of them. . . can't wait to show you the finished project!  We can thank Pinterest for the inspiration.

March brought my hubbies birthday and so I took him golfing.  It's what he wanted.  So, for his birthday I played my first 9 holes of actual golf.  I'm not sure how that worked out for him, but I had fun (he did, too).  I didn't do absolutely horrible either. . . I only hit in the water a few times, made it onto the green once, and I hit a squirrel.  Not bad, right?

This was a picture of my work area last week.  Yikes!  Don't worry, it's better now.  I've been sewing.  April and May are filled with baby showers and bridal showers. . . that means sewing.  Sorry friends, you probably won't be getting anything off your registries. . . it's just not how I roll.

This is some fabric from a couple of charm packs that I got from my sister.  I love the pinks, blues, and greens.  It's going to be a fun quilt for me. . . as soon as I get the squares cut out.

We've also been spending a lot of time outside.  When I say a lot. . . I mean it.  It's even time to start looking for cheap blow up pools for the kids. . . it's been getting really warm (sorry to all of my friends who don't live in California. . . I am really NOT bragging!, I would really love to just wear sweatshirts all year long. . . I think I am living in the wrong state).

And finally, the winner of that contest I held a few weeks back.  (Remember that one?).  It didn't go so well.  I don't know how to take it.  The cool thing about it is that my blog is an outlet for me and the fact that I have some people out there reading it is awesome!  Every now and then someone even pins something of mine to Pinterest.  It's cool.  I thought about making a coffee cozy for each of my faithful followers, but I really just don't have the time.  I really do appreciate each and every person who reads my blog. 

 So, I drew one name and here it is.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to stop by for a quick visit!