I Heart Faces: REFLECTION

It's been quite a while since I've entered photos in the I Heart Faces contest but I decided to go ahead and enter again. Not because I think I can win the contest but because it's fun and it's a great way to post memories we have of JJ. This week's theme is Reflection. If you have a chance, stop by the I Heart Faces website and take a look at the other great Reflection pictures.

Kids Entry: Reflection - this is a picture I took of JJ as he was crawling on our dresser. He was having fun looking at the reflection of himself in the mirror.



Adult Entry: Reflection - this is a picture taken of JJ and me one morning after church.

Chai Latte Cupcakes

I know, I know. It's been almost 3 weeks since I've posted anything (hangs head in shame) but, I'm back and have I got a post for you. It's delicious and decadent and oh-so-yummy! If you love Chai Tea Lattes you'll love these cupcakes! And for those that aren't fans of the Chai Tea Latte (gasp!) I believe you'll also love these cupcakes. Just take a look...


Amazing, right?? Believe me, they taste as good as they look. They are the perfect blend of spices, cake, and cream. So, here it is. The recipe:

Chai Latte Cupcakes

Cake
1 box SuperMoist French Vanilla Cake mix
1 1/2 c. water
1/3 c. vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 pkg. (1.1 oz) instant chai tea latte mix (or 3 Tbl. from lg. container)

Frosting
1 c. white vanilla baking chips
1 container Rich and Creamy vanilla frosting
Ground cinnamon

Heat oven to 350 for shiny metal pans (325 for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cups in each of 24 muffin cups.

In a lg. bowl, beat cake ingred. with electric mixer on low speed for 30 sec. Beat on med. speed for 2 mins. scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

Bake 18-23 mins. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 mins; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely.

In med. microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips on high 30 seconds; stir until melted. If necessary, microwave 15 sec. longer. Stir until smooth; cool 5 mins. Stir in frosting until well blended.

Immediately spread or pipe frosting mixture on cupcakes. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Store loosely covered at room temperature.


So give these babies a try. I have a feeling you'll be glad you did!

Happy Birthday, Sweet JJ!

One year ago today, our lives changed forever. Little did we know exactly how much it would change. Our family of 2 became a family of 3.

I will never forget the moment JJ was born and they laid him on my chest. It was instant, overwhelming love. I had no idea how different my life would be starting right then. The sleeplessness, the nursing, the constant worry - it all started immediately. And every single moment was worth it. I would do it all over again in a heart beat. I never knew I could love someone so much!

We watched our son grow from a tiny newborn to an active, happy baby. Before we knew it, he was sitting up by himself, eating finger foods, crawling, and talking! It was all happening way too quickly!

Today, our beautiful, sweet, baby boy turned 1. It is a very bittersweet moment for this Mommy. I love the fact that he is growing and becoming a strong little boy yet, my heart aches when I think that he has already reached toddler-hood. Where has the time gone?

I thank God for giving me the precious gift of being JJ's Mommy. I cherish my little boy and am so blessed to get to love him, nurture him, care for him, and (Lord willing) watch him grow from a little boy to a young man.

I love you, Sweet JJ, I love you, I do.
I love you, Sweet JJ, my love is so true.
I love you, Sweet JJ, I love you my boy.
I love you, Sweet JJ, you are Momma's joy!