Its fun being me

Beauty is…

2012-02-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye." –Miss Piggy

My week in photos

2012-02-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

My weekend in Corvallis

2012-02-19T18:41:00.001-08:00

I love my friend Dusty. I miss her tons. I was so excited to spend the weekend in Corvallis. We had a wonderful time, eating, talking, shopping and art hunting.

The Vow

2012-02-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

The Vow 

A newlywed couple recovers from a car accident that puts the wife in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, her husband endeavors to win her heart again.

Oh my goodness. This is how I spent my Valentine's day junta a mis amigas. I had a lovely evening with some of my dear, sweet friends from the branch. Thanks again ladies. It was fun.

So on my way home I got to thinkin…I know stop the presses I'ma thinkin!! But here goes…the ramblings of an eternal single lady!
"Life is too short to sit still and let it pass by, and to let those dreams go to waste. I just need to find who I am and follow my dreams. I wonder where my dreams will lead me??"–me quoting me 

all you need is love

2012-02-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

My week in photos

2012-02-13T10:46:00.001-08:00

Love one Another

2012-02-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

How do we face life's challenges? 

1: Service

2: Rescue our brothers & sisters

3:Temple Ordinances

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the Worldwide Leadership training. It was really touching. I sometimes forget how blessed I am to know that Jesus lives and died for me. And to know the truthfulness of His words in His books; the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and all the words spoken by His living Prophets. What a beautiful and blessed day to be able to hear those inspired men and women, leaders in the Church. I am grateful for my calling as the Second Counselor in the Relief Society. I love the sisters I work with. I hope that they understand that. It is a pleasure to serve each of them. 

This video was shown yesterday and it shows how thru His servants, even the youngest of them, can inspire us to be more like Jesus Christ, by serving and loving others.  

Beautiful fake winter morning

2012-02-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Our winter has kinda passed as by. We had a couple days with some fun snow. Then our annual week of rain and flooding, and then the sun has been out most of the time. I was outside the other day with the kids and this is what I saw. 

my midnite ramblings…

2012-02-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

My Week in photos

2012-02-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

My Week in photos

Aunt Jade your so beautiful

2012-02-05T21:40:00.001-08:00

Um yup those are the sweet words that came out of my two year niece's mouth today. I could get compliments all day but hearing her say those few words literally made my day.
Sometimes we all feel down, there are things we each dislike about ourselves. And really we are our worst critics.

When I when I imagine myself, I think I'm skinny and beautiful. Then as I walk by a mirror or a window and see my reflection, I think who in the world i that. I like to just keep imagining that I'm skinny and beautiful and it makes me feel more confident. It gives me an extra bounce in my step, and a sense that I can take on the world.

I love my niece and I left those three little words that brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart.

Homemade Granola

2012-02-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

I love when my family members blog. It makes me feel like I am part of their lives too. We all live so far away, so it helps to bring us closer. Keep bloggin' my family. 

So this homemade granola comes from my sister in law's blog.

I used her basic recipe and added a bunch of different kinds of trail mix.

Mini Puffed Pancakes with homemade berry sauce

2012-02-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Homemade Berry Sauce

Ingredients
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
2-3 tablespoons butter, melted
powdered sugar

Berry Sauce
6 large frozen or fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons berry jam
optional: sugar if needed, to taste

Instructions
Place mini muffin pan (or cast iron skillet) in oven and heat to 400 degrees. While oven is heating, place flour, milk, eggs, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth. Carefully remove the pan from the oven (don’t forget it’s hot!) and quickly spray the wells with non-stick spray, or brush with melted butter. But we’re going for quick and easy here so I just grab the spray. (If using cast iron pan, coat entire pan surface with butter). Fill muffin wells 3/4 full with batter. Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until puffed and slightly golden on top. Remove puffs and place on plate or platter. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Drizzle with berry sauce and top with cool whip or whipped cream, or serve with sauce and/or maple syrup for dipping.

Quick and Easy Berry Sauce
If using frozen berries, place berries and jam in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 1 minute. Use a fork to stir and mash everything together (cut strawberries if necessary), or place everything in a blender and pulse a few times until desired consistency is reached. Add sugar to taste for sweetness and a few teaspoons of water or juice only if needed for consistency.

My princesita !!!!!

2012-02-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

So if you haven't been able to figure it out. I LOVE my kitties!!
They are literally my world. So when they pose for I can't help but photograph them.

keep dreaming

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

This makes me feel better. 

and its never tooooooo late!!!!!!!!!

Red Velvet Cake Pops

2012-01-31T21:48:00.000-08:00

CAKE POPS

I made these beautiful cake pops so easy to do. I will add pictures later of step by step how to make these. It's pretty in  depth. I just wanted to share these yummy pictures.  

Works of Love

2012-01-31T21:19:00.000-08:00

"Works of love are always works of peace. Whenever you share love with others, you'll notice the peace that comes to you and to them. When there is peace, there is God– that is how God touches our lives and shows His love for us by pouring peace and joy into our hearts." – Mother Teresa

I read this quote a few days ago and wrote it down in my journal. As I have read it and reread it over the past few days, I feel like all I am doing for those I love is worth it and God will bless me. I know I am helping others and that makes me feel great and think less about my own problems. I think that is why God has asked us to give ourselves to the service of others.

My week in Photos

2012-01-31T09:20:00.000-08:00

Wow it's Tuesday of a new week and I am just now posting last weeks week in photos. CRAZY life!!

Simple Pleasures

2012-01-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

That Something Special

I walked into this cute store today. I found some of the most yummiest smelling candles. I think I am in love with them. So I bought the room spray. It is so amazing. Its those simple pleasures in life that make everything all better.

It's a birthday Celebration

2012-01-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday mi amigo Jovanni!!!

We hope you had a wonderful day. We love you and wanted to send you some messages and birthday cards. So here you go…

Real Happiness

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Excitement is a great and necessary thing; without it life wouldn't be complete. Happiness– real happiness – is something entirely different, at once 

calmer & rewarding. 

True joy lacks the wild ups and downs of an excitement based life. 

It's a peaceful landscape, filled with peaceful thoughts and emotions. 

You are in the perfect place to begin: 

this very moment."

–Martha Beck–

Me in 6 words

2012-01-25T15:23:00.000-08:00

Sure your life story could fill a thousand pages–but sometimes a few words
are all you need.

I will take care of it!!!!!

Find the 6 words that best describe who you are. I want to try this out. Please comment to this post by writing your 6 words.

Amazing Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

2012-01-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

Amazing Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F

/45 degrees C)

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

1.	In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
2.	Stir the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, then mix in the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour until dough starts to come together. Tip dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining all-purpose flour, and knead until all of the flour has been absorbed, and the ball of dough becomes smooth, about 10 minutes. Place dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover loosely with a towel, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3.	When the dough is doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 2 pieces for 2 thin crust, or leave whole to make one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Let rise for about 45 minutes, until doubled.
4.	Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll a ball of dough with a rolling pin until it will not stretch any further. Then, drape it over both of your fists, and gently pull the edges outward, while rotating the crust. When the circle has reached the desired size, place on a well oiled pizza pan. Top pizza with your favorite toppings, such as sauce, cheese, meats, or vegetables.
5.	Bake for 16 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness) in the preheated oven, until the crust is crisp and golden at the edges, and cheese is melted on the top.

a week in photos

2012-01-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

La Casa del Señor

2012-01-22T21:55:00.000-08:00

a few words that best describe me…

2012-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

My take on the snow

2012-01-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

My Friend: Jovanni

2012-01-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Fluffy wuffeys

2012-01-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

Wild Wintery Weather

2012-01-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

This has been a really fun weather weekend. Sunday morning we woke to a beautiful white blanket of snow.

A Saturday at the Coast

2012-01-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

So my friend Pacer and I set out to the coast, with cameras, chains, blankets and extra water. Never can be too prepared when the weather forecast calls for snow. But off we went anyways. It was rainy, windy and freezing. Not really great weather for photographing. We ended up shopping in Depot Bay. Lunch was outstanding at the Chowder Bowl. Two thumbs up!!!! Then down to Newport to play at the Pirates Cove. We had fun. Just a take a look…

a week in photos

2012-01-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

There is no right or wrong way to play

2012-01-12T16:36:00.000-08:00

There is a group in New York, called Improv Everywhere and they do the most funnest things ever. If I lived in NY I would totally participate in their improv pranks.

"improv Everywhere is a New York City-based prank collective that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Created in August of 2001 by Charlie Todd, Improv Everywhere has executed over 100 missions involving tens of thousands of undercover agents." –from the website.

I could post all my favorites but that would be a long long email. So I posted this TED video, to see the story behind Improv Everywhere. I think you will laugh.
So enjoy and don't forget to play hard, and enjoy life.

Feeling the Holy Ghost: Power of the Holy Spirit

2012-01-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed this video. It really touched me. Explaining the Holy Ghost to someone not of my faith is sometimes hard. I am grateful for these Mormon Messages. They help to say the things I can't. The Spirit has touched me so many times in my life.

Love is…

2012-01-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

"Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new."-Ursula K. Le Guin, The lathe of Heaven

Raspberry Oatmeal

2012-01-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

Raspberry Oatmeal

ingredients

1/2 c. rolled oats

1 c. water, boiling

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp agave nectar

1 c frozen raspberries

sprinkle with brown sugar

directions

boil water add oats and all ingredients, let boil until its done. Can add a splash of milk. I enjoyed it with out.

Delicious Chicken Posole

2012-01-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

Delicious Chicken Posole

ingredients

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 quarts chicken broth
3 cups water
1 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt/ pepper
1 can green chilies
3 cups white hominy, rinsed and drained
4 limes quartered
1 avocado sliced
cilantro chopped
half 1 onion chopped
tortilla chips/corn chips or chips of your choice
sour cream & cheese of choice *if desired*

directions
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir onion, green chilies and garlic until soft and transparent, about 5 minutes. Return shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth, water, oregano, salt, and chili powder. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook about 90 minutes. Stir in the hominy and cook until tender, about 15 minutes more. Taste to adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper, if desired. Serve in soup bowls with chips. Garnish with lime, avocado, cilantro, onion, sour cream & cheese.

My week in pictures

2012-01-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

So I thought I would try this out this year…

my week in photographs!

Run the Extra Mile

2012-01-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

Today was an interesting day for me. It started out with breakfast and reading the class for Relief Society today. It was from the Teachings of the Presidents: George Albert Smith; Living what we Believe. 

It was really, really beautiful.

"Our religion must find expression in our everyday lives." 

"Worship in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a devoted life, a desire to be worthy of him in whose image we have been created and who has given us all … that is worth while—the gospel of Jesus Christ."

The most important thing is that we live our lives so as to be able to be called Saints in His gospel. 

I am grateful for Prophets who have taught us to follow the example of Jesus Christ and who remind us who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. 

I am also really grateful for friends who are there when I need them most. Thanks to Pacer for rescuing me from the side of the road. And thank you Jovanni for being my dear friend. 

A walk to the market

2012-01-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

This morning was really nice. I walked down to Saturday market to do a little shopping. I absolutely love going to Saturday market in McMinnville. It is so warm and friendly. I love chatting with the vendors and getting to know the locals. There is always a lot of new things and amazing talented people. So I braved the drizzly rain on the way there, and was happy to walk back home with no rain. I walked a whole 8296 steps, 5 miles and 2 1/2 hours later. I took my time walking down third st to take a couple of pictures. 

My 5$ find today. So beautiful

Yup this cost me a dollar and some change. super cute.

its vegan and gluten free and did I mention so super delicious

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

New Year's Resolutions

Giving up on New Years' resolutions is common because most people don’t understand the purposes of New Year's resolutions! Many believe resolutions are made once and then lived perfectly thereafter. That is a formula for failure if I’ve ever heard one! A resolution is to resolve to do something then go at it with all our energy, recognizing we are apprentices and not the master.

–Written by Jack S. Marshall

Every year I make resolutions that are realistically never ever accomplished…

So this year I am trying this…

Dear Lord

So far this year I've done well.

I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I'm very thankful for that.  But in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help.        

Amen

Living the Abundant Life

2012-01-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

Living the Abundant Life

–President Thomas S. Monson

At the advent of a new year, I challenge Latter-day Saints everywhere to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life—a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABCs in school, I offer my own ABCs to help us all gain the abundant life. 

A in my ABCs refers to attitude.We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.

B is for believe—in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles. Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities.

C is for courage. Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently.

New Years Eve Party

2012-01-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Party

I spent New Years Eve at the Spanish branch dance party. The food was yummy. I made a delicious chocolate cake (the idea came from Isabel Aguiar. thanks Isabel)

I danced until midnight. I haven't danced in so long it was really fun. I miss it bunches. 

Cul-de-sac Holiday progressive dinner

2011-12-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

kindof a lazy day

2011-12-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

A bridal shower for Abigaille

2011-12-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

A bridal shower for Abigaille

I love weddings so much. I was able to help plan a bridal shower for Abigaille Aguiar. It was so much fun. Everyone had plenty of food, games, & lots of fun. I didn't bring my camera I was in charge so I didn't want to have my camera hanging from my neck the whole night. So it was my iPhone camera at work.

Vanilla & white Chocolate chip cupcakes with caramel frosting & toasted almonds

2011-12-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

Vanilla & White Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting & Toasted Almonds

Okay so the name may be really long. But the cupcakes are worth every bit!!!

Toasted Almonds

1 1/2 cups sliced almonds

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). In shallow pan, toast almonds 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Reserve 1 cup almonds for garnish.

Vanilla & White Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup granulated white sugar

3 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Zest of 1 large lemon

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp almond extract

Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract & almond. In aseparate bowl whisk together the lemon zest, flour, baking powder, and salt.

With the mixer on low speed, alternately addthe flour mixture and milk, in three additions, beginning and ending with theflour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter and bake for about 17 - 20 minutes or just until set and a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Removefrom oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Once the cupcakes havecompletely cooled, frost with icing

Caramel Frosting

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1 c packed brown sugar

1/4 c milk

2 c powdered sugar

In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; boil and stir 2 minutes. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling. Remove from heat. Cool to lukewarm, about 30 minutes. Gradually stir powdered sugar into brown sugar mixture. Place saucepan of frosting in bowl of cold water. Beat with spoon until smooth and spreadable. If frosting becomes too stiff, stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time. Frost a few cupcakes at a time with 1 tablespoon frosting each; press reserved almonds lightly into frosting. Store loosely covered.

Christmas Time

2011-12-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T06:12:00.000-08:00

We have always had the family tradition of eating Christmas eve dinner at Grandma Christensen's house. Last night was no different, after a very productive day we headed out across town. Dinner was super delicious and the entertainment was wonderful as always. The kids had a blast. Its so fun to see them experience Christmas.

The week before Christmas

2011-12-24T22:39:00.000-08:00

The week before Christmas

I have this fun diary app on my phone. So I thought I would share a little something about my week. I think I will be doing this more often. At least once a week. Kinda fun!

Day 12: 12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

#12::: Life :::

The best way to express what life means is to show this video about He who gave His life for all mankind. A sweet little baby born in Bethlehem, the Savior of the world. All glory be His name.

Happy Birthday

2011-12-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

A Joseph Smith Birthday Party

I read this article about a group of seminary students in Portsmouth that recreated that Nauvoo party.

"When the first guests walked up the snowy path to the home of Dell and Laura Fox on December 23, 15 costumed teenagers were still running upstairs and down, checking fireplaces, whipping cream, arranging ringlets, and threading yarn through oversized needles. Our “Joseph Smith Birthday Party” was the culmination of four months of study in our Church history course. Early in the fall we began collecting ideas and materials. We wanted everything—food, costumes, games, program—to be as true to the period 1805–1844 as possible. "

Its a great article I hope you will take the time to give it a read.

Happy Birthday Joseph Smith!

Day 11:: 12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

#11::: Obedience :::

Merry Christmas Cupcakes

2011-12-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

I found these really cute cupcake boxes for Christmas gifts for our neighbors. They each held 6 cupcakes, so I wanted to bake 3 different kinds. I chose a delicious better than sex chocolate cake, lemon cake and a peppermint cake. They all turned out beautifully. I forgot to take pictures of them in the boxes. But I did take some of the cupcakes. I also will be doing a post for each of the cupcakes with the recipe for my cookbook. So keep an eye out…

Peppermint Cupcakes

2011-12-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

Peppermint Cupcakes

ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour , sifted
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. coarse salt
1/2 cup whole milk , room temperature
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. peppermint extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg , room temperature
2 large egg whites , room temperature
1/2 c crushed peppermint candies

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.In a small bowl, mix together milk and extracts; set aside.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended.With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended. Add crushed peppermints and mix in. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer muffin tin to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in tin before icing.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2 (8) ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
2 lbs. confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
juice of one lemon

Using a mixer, blend the butter and cream cheese together until well combined. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated. Finally mix in vanilla and lemon juice. I added a little peppermint extract.

Lemon Cupcakes

2011-12-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

Lemon Cupcakes

ingredients

2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
4 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
lemon zest from two lemons
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure lemon extract

directions

heat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare cupcake tins by using liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray
Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Whisk together the milk and egg whites in a medium bowl.
Put the sugar and lemon zest in a mixer bowl or another large bowl and rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is moist and fragrant. Add the butter and, working with the paddle or whisk attachment, or with a hand mixer, beat at medium speed for a full 3 minutes, until the butter and sugar are very light. Beat in the extracts, then add one third of the flour mixture, still beating on medium speed. Beat in half of the milk-egg mixture, then beat in half of the remaining dry ingredients until incorporated. Add the rest of the milk and eggs, beating until the batter is homogeneous, then add the last of the dry ingredients. Finally, give the batter a good 2-minute beating to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed and well aerated. Place the batter into the cupcake tins.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cupcakes are well risen and springy to the touch.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2 (8) ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
2 lbs. confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
juice of one lemon

Using a mixer, blend the butter and cream cheese together until well combined. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated. Finally mix in vanilla and lemon juice. I added a little extra lemon extract, and yellow food coloring.

Better than S E X cupcakes

2011-12-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

Better than S E X cupcakes

ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1-1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoons vanilla
2/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

directions

Beat butter until softened.
Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating until well combined.
Measure the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder into a small sized bowl and whisk to combine.
Measure out the milk and vanilla and stir to combine.
Add about a third of the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar and beat to combine. Add about a half of the milk/vanilla and beat to combine.
Continue adding, alternating between dry and wet and finishing with the dry.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Scoop batter into cupcake cups about 1/2 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Dark Chocolate Ganache:

3.5 oz of dark chocolate broken into small pieces (I used Lindt chocolate)
1/3 C heavy cream

Place the chocolate in a small glass bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate and stir until all the chocolate is melted and integrated with the cream. While it is still warm, spread a thin layer of it over the cupcakes. It will harden when it cools.

White Chocolate decoration:

2 ounces white chocolate

Melt white chocolate. You can do this on the stove, but I find it easier to do in the microwave. I do it for 20 seconds at a time. Stir after each round. When it is all melted, you are done. It should take about a minute.

Pour the melted chocolate into a plastic sandwich bag or a disposable pastry bag. Cut a very small hole at the tip of the bag and draw whatever kind of funky pattern you want onto your cupcakes!

Freezing December Morning

2011-12-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning to a very icy cold morning. The world was white and frozen. So of course I grabbed the camera and ran out to shoot. These are what I shot this morning, with my iphone. Amazing!!!

Fabulousness!!!

2011-12-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

I love searching the internet for fun new ideas for photography. These are some images that I have found that inspire me.

Day 10: 12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

#10::: Salvation :::

"Thus, in the full, true, and accurate sense of the word, salvation, eternal life, and exaltation are all one—they mean to go where God is and to be like him"– Bruce R. McConkie

Day 9:: 12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

#9::: Joy :::

I feel immense joy at this time of the year. Not only because its an opportunity to spend time with family and loved ones, but we can remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. But no one can show us joy better then little children.

Day 8:: 12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

#8::: Compassion :::

“Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.”–Frederick Buechner

Day 7:: 12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

#7::: Generosity :::

“God’s generosity is associated with divine gladness, such as is evoked when His children keep His commandments. He is quick to bless and is delighted to honor the faithful (see D&C 76:5). God’s generosity is expressed also in His long-suffering, His being always ready to respond when His children are inclined to ‘feel after Him’ (see Acts 17:27; D&C 112:13)”

Day 6:: 12 Christmas prayers

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

#6::: Kindness :::

Kindness

By Lana Krumwiede

Kindness looks for ways to help.
Kindness lets a friend go first.
Kindness tries to keep the peace.
Kindness never thinks the worst.
Kindness plays with everyone.
Kindness gives a loving touch.
Kindness speaks with gentle words.
Kindness never takes too much.
Kindness cares and kindness knows.
Kindness shares and kindness shows.

Day 5 ::12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

#5::: Mercy :::

"I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits “his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men” (D&C 46:15). – David A. Bednar The Tender Mercies of the Lord April 2005 General Conference.

Fun with iphone cameras

2011-12-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

I am bored… I have nothing to do in my sick bed, except play with my new phone. here are some fun pictures I have taken over the past couple of days. So check out the pictures and the apps. Super coolness!!

these below came from this app click here

The ones below here came from this app click here

unfortunately they cannot stop toddlers in motion…

A trip to the ER

2011-12-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

Not really how I wanted to end my Tuesday and start my Wednesday. I love Wednesdays. I have all my little kiddos here. We were going to make our party eggs, make gingerbread cookies and open some Christmas presents. So my Wednesday was ruined.

I woke up around midnight throwing up and continued on until 4am, when I finally decided it was time to go the ER. I never go to the ER. So it was bad enough to send me there. I threw up a few more times there after they gave me more medicine. After blood work, an ultra sound and an IV, they finally determined I had a severe case of Stomach flu. I guess it has been really bad this season. Lots of people have been coming in with the same thing. So I finally made it home around 9ish and slept the rest of the day away. 

What a bummer. I also have to miss my first substitute jobs at the school in Salem. I majorly bummed about that. Majorly!!!!

Day 4 :: 12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

#4::: Forgiveness :::

I thought this video was a powerful example of forgiveness. So beautiful, keep tissue handy cause it will make you cry.

Day 3:: 12 Christmas Prayers

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

#3::: Love :::

This little video should teach us all the reason for the season.

Thai Chicken with Rice

2011-12-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

Thai Chicken with Rice

 ingredients

1lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves

1/4 c rice wine

3 Tbsp reduce sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp water

1 Tbs fish sauce

1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

 1/2 onion minced

1 bag frozen stir fry veggies

1/3 dry roasted peanuts

1 Tbsp Jif chunky peanut butter

2 c hot cooked rice

Directions

Cut chicken into 1" pieces, set aside

For sauce, stir together rice wine, soy sauce, water, fish sauce, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper. Set aside.

Pour oil into a wok or large skillet. Heat over medium high heat; add ginger, garlic, onion to wok; cook and stir for 15 seconds. Add veggies and cook for another 2-3 min or until veggies crisp tender. Remove veggies from wok.

Add chicken to hot wok. Cook and stir for 3-4 min or until chicken is no longer pink. Push chicken to the sides and add sauce to the middle, stirring until thick then add veggies. Stir in peanuts and peanut butter. Cook 1-2 min. Serve over hot rice. 

Lemon Cake Cookies

2011-12-13T15:23:00.000-08:00

I love love love anything with lemons or limes. So this recipe makes me soooo happy. Cause I can have delicious warm cookies in minutes.

Lemon Cake Cookies

Ingredients:
1 (18.25 oz.)box lemon cake mix
1 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
powdered sugar for sprinkling

Directions:
1- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2-In a medium bowl, stir together the cake mix and baking powder. Add eggs and oil, then mix until well blended. (It was a bit crumbly for me so I used my hands to really mix it well- it's not as smooth as typical dough.)
3-Stir in chocolate chips, or your choice of additions. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheets.
4- Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with sugar.