Hole in the Ground

Who would have EVER thought that I would be so excited about a big hole in the ground?? I can assure you that I never thought it would be me. Building a home always seemed like something that would be *fun* to do, but I never thought I would be one to do it.

When you learn that a new developing location feels just so "right", how do you not listen? Here we are now in the first stage of actual building and it still just feels so "right". It's a wonderful feeling. I guess I'm posting pictures of this hole because I want you to be a part of this journey with us. I don't think I've ever shared all that has gotten us to this point and maybe I'll have to do that in the next post.

Anyway, here is our hole as it sits now. I know things will change quickly and I will try to continue to show you the progress. ;)

Preschool Graduation!

I have the cutest 5 yr old. He is an easy going, good kid. I'm excited for him to start kindergarten next year. He is too. :) Here are some pictures from his Preschool Graduation. Enjoy!

Cupcakes and Cake Pops

I was wanting to make cupcakes, so I went internet hunting and found some things that I could mix together and make what I want.

So, I took the chocolate cake recipe from the "Red Checked Cookbook" (Better Homes and Gardens) to make the cupcakes. I added an extra 2 Tbls water to compensate for cooking in high altitude.

I then made the filling from here: http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/hostess-inspired/
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I used this method to fill them: http://www.beantownbaker.com/2007/09/cone-method.html

I then used the buttercream frosting recipe from here:
http://iammommy.typepad.com/i_am_baker/2011/01/cake-decorating-ideas-valentines-day-edition.html







When I made the cupcakes I ended up having more batter than liners, so I sprayed the cupcake pan hoping that I might be able to get more out....it didn't work out so well, so I decided to just get the cake out and make cake pops/bites with it. I used the buttercream frosting recipe to mix in with the cooked cake and shaped them into balls. I then dipped/rolled/spooned them into chocolate.



I had never done either of these things before (I've made cupcakes, but never filled them). I also used the cake tips that I have to try different things on top of the cupcakes... I didn't really know what I was doing, but it was fun to pretend like I did. :)

Another Birthday!

My oldest is now 7! Can anyone believe it? I surely can't. It seems like not that long ago that he was born. What a blessing his is in our lives. He is such a big helper to his younger siblings. He enjoys first grade and likes to color. He is also doing really well reading. He is reading books in the Magic Tree House series and it's fun to see him excited about reading and books.

He asked for an ice cream cake with oreo ice cream. So, it's a 9x13 chocolate cake with a layer of oreo ice cream in the middle. It is also topped with cool whip. It was YUMMY!!! Here are some of the pictures from his birthday.










He probably won't be happy with this picture, but the cake was good enough to lick the plate. That says something, right?

Birthday Time!

I realized that I never posted on my Hubby's Birthday. Also, looking at pictures, I realized that I never got a picture of his cake. He asked for a poke cake, so that's what he got. Lemon cake with Cherry jello poke and cool whip for frosting. It tasted really good. :)

Here are some pictures of the event: