A little more Easter (sweets edition)

My neighbor told me that I should enter one of those TLC cupcake shows because of all of the cupcake baking I've done recently.  I would think about pursuing this except for the simple fact that this gourmet cupcake kick will end promptly in 11 weeks when this baby arrives.  Part of my problem is that I get daily updates from the Baking Addiction blog, which has some really great baking ideas.  I believe that a symptom of pregnancy-brain is that ideas become obsessions.  This is true for baking, decorating, creating, and basically everything connected with preparing for this baby.

Here is the link to the recipe for Cadbury Creme Egg Cupcakes - one look and you couldn't pass it up.  So, check out your Target candy clearance aisle for Cadbury Creme Eggs and get baking.

The best part of baking is making your own adaptations.  I didn't add another Cadbury egg on top - there is already one inside and I didn't have enough eggs anyway. 

I think there is plenty of sweetness without it! 

And what good is a great recipe without a wonderful baking assistant?

I will have to give the most credit to my mom for bearing with me as we attempted to perfect the frosting, but Julia wins the cutest sidekick award.  It's all in the apron, which was a gift from a friend who was just recently moved from this area to the West coast.  Devon shares my love of handmade things - I was able to make a few things for her daughter's second birthday and she sent me this as a Thank You.  The best part of this gift is that it is (a) from Etsy (b) involves cupcakes and (c) is made by one of her friends who just started selling her creations.  Here is the link for your very own apron.  

Julia now refuses to enter the kitchen without putting on her "apon".

And to top off the randomness of this post, here is our pirate who is not quite sure how to pose with her egg creations. 

Easter

What a wonderful Easter!  It is always a beautiful time of rebirth.  Everything is in bloom.  New beginnings are right around the corner.  All of those components are alive and true, especially this year.  Spring has finally arrived, another child on the way, Julia discovering new things around every corner. 

The sermon on Sunday morning was a wonderful reminder of the hope that God promised and continues to promise us at Easter and beyond - the message that nothing is set in stone.  Christ died and was placed in the tomb, though just when it seemed as though the story was over, the stone was rolled away to display the power of a greater God.  There are many stones in our lives, but God is bigger than all of it.  Our future is in His hands.  There is no cashing in the chips when things seem overwhelming, this is when God's Glory is revealed.  What a promise! 

Here are some of our great family moments from the day:
Just a small note, these pictures were captured within a short timeframe.  Most other moments involved a barefooted child, an Easter dress adorned with a strawberry and chocolate mish mosh, 2 broken eggs, a delayed Easter brunch, and a love/hate relationship with her bonnet. 
All of the makings of a great holiday!

 

22 months

Happy 22 months Julia Claire! 

This about sums up your vibrant personality and your wonderful style of letting us know what you need at all times!

We love the heck out of you, even when you pretend like you're a fish and refuse to leave the tub!  We love that you now say big words like "pirate" and "elephant" and are pretty animated when describing these favorite things of yours.  We love that as you learn to share, you feed your stuffed animals to make sure that they get the good stuff too.  We love that when we ask about your favorite word you say "sorry" (a well used statement for you).  We love taking you to the park and swinging higher and higher on the swings and love that you are fearless as you raise your hands in the air yelling, "Gia, hiya" ("Julia higher").  We love that you are becoming shy when you meet people that you don't know, but quickly come out of your shell once they win you over.  We love that you are so concerned for the people you love, and even more concerned for their animals.  We love that you attribute all things involving airplanes, beach and swimming back to your Aunt Kirstan.  It would make her very proud to hear you say "Cookie" as much as you do! 

You are the sweetest ball of fire all wrapped into 22 months of life. 

We so are excited to see you grow as you enter the role of big sister, but for now we will relish the next 13 weeks of having you all to ourselves!