Birthdays, Beignets, and Graham's First Haircut

We have been quite busy lately. Last week was my birthday and my sweet husband took me to New Orleans for a little R&R. We had the best time shopping and eating. We ate entirely too much but it sure was good. I had never been to New Orleans so we had to make a trip....okay...three trips by Cafe Du Monde' for these famous beignets....

One good thing about staying in the French Quarter...besides the good food...was having to walk everywhere. That way I didn't feel so bad about eating so much:)

Graham stayed with his PawPaw, GiGi, and Aunt Savannah and had a blast. He watched tractor videos each morning with his PawPaw and on the first morning we were all back home he brought me the remote and said "mama...tractors." Rotten!!!! He didn't understand that we don't have the technology that his PawPaw has:) This was the longest he had been away from me. I missed him so much and couldn't wait to see his sweet face when we got home. His birthday is Friday so I've been busy this week preparing for his big tractor party: ) For those of you that do not know Graham is slightly obsessed with tractors so I thought it was only appropriate to have a John Deere party:)

So in preparation for Graham's birthday I decided it was time for his first haircut:( I wasn't too sure how Graham would act but he did perfect. My friend, Mandi, did a great job......

Before:

After:

I just Love his curls;)

Oh, my sweet boy is growing up!!!!

SSMT # 4!!!!

Time to memorize verse # 4!!!!

Romans 15:13 -

"May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with the hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. " NIV

I claim this verse because as a parent of a young toddler, facing the joys and frustrations of daily life can be exhausting. I am so thankful for my little blessing but at times it can just be HARD. We hit the terrible two's long ago and I feel most days are a battle of the wills. I pray for patience and a calm spirit everyday for me and Graham both. I also pray for Graham that he will desire righteousness. I pray that the Lord put respect and trust in Graham's heart for us and authority and to also give me wisdom about anything that I can do that I'm neglecting.

Lord, grant us joy and peace as we trust in you. I leave everything in your hands.



I know what you're thinking.....how can life be hard with this sweet face? He only smiled because I bribed him with candy:) HA!!

Valentine's Day Cupcakes

I love to cook. I guess that can be a good and a bad thing. I also love to make things for Jeremy that he loves. Not just on Valentine's Day but any time I get the opportunity. So last night I made him cupcakes and tonight I will be making his favorite dinner. :)

Valentine Cupcakes

FOR THE CUPCAKES:
2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1. Make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 28 cups of standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

2. With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add brown sugar, and beat until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until well incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Mix in sour cream. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of buttermilk, and mixing until just combined after each.

3. Divide batter evenly among prepared cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until tops are firm to the touch and a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes. Cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temperature, or frozen up to 2 months, in airtight containers.

Buttercream Frosting:

4 sticks (1 pound) unsalted butter, softened ......yes, 4 STICKS!!!
6 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt

Few drops of red food coloring

Directions:
Put butter in bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium; add sugar 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well, about 5 minutes total. Add food coloring, vanilla, and salt. Raise speed to medium-high; beat until smooth, about 1 minute more.

Happy Valentine's Day Jeremy. I hope you know that you are loved not only today but everyday ;)

SSMT # 3

Time to memorize scripture # 3.......

O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2 NIV

I also had to post a picture of this sweet face;)

SSMT # 2

Time to memorize scripture #2 out of 24......

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

Isn't it true that we all have struggles? I certainly do. DAILY!! However, it is a constant prayer of mine that I continue to walk in the truth and hear the Lord's voice....daily. How do we hear His voice? I believe that through prayer and reading God's Word is a sure way to discern the voice of God.

When I read this scripture I also can't help but think of Graham. I want Graham to see Christ in me. I want him to see me walking with the Lord, reading His word, and doing what He says...even in my times of struggle ;)

Field Trip

Graham has not had MDO in a couple of weeks and it seems lately that he is always wanting to go somewhere. His Aunt Savannah has been staying with us and I also kept my nephew, Jacob, today. So I thought today would be a perfect opportunity for a field trip to sci-port ;) Our days go by a lot more smoothly if I can keep Graham busy. The boys had a blast and completely wore themselves out....and me too.

Getting ready to go......

They loved anything that had a steering wheel....

Graham had lots of fun with his "Aunt Nana" too.....

And the saddest part was......we actually had to leave..........

Someone needed a nap :)

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!! It's hard to believe it's 2011. I'm excited to see what's all in store for us this year. Graham will turn TWO and that is really hard to believe. I'm already thinking of how he will be this time next year. I'm not really making any resolutions this year, however, I have decided to participate in Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team. I'll memorize 2 verses a month. I'm excited about memorizing 24 scriptures this year. What a weapon against satan!!!!You can find out what's it all about here.

So here is verse #1
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 NIV

I read that verse with lots of hope and excitement!!! Whatever this year brings the most important thing I want to remember is that HE is GOOD and FAITHFUL!!!

And as Graham would say "Happy New Ears Everyone!!!"