Justin's Cuppies

The ingredients .

The batter (so far, so good).

Things got way to intense to take pictures during the next several steps. By this time, I had already made several mistakes. For instance, I didn't pay close attention to the title, obviously, because I didn't realize it said mini cupcakes until I had already been to the store where I did NOT by mini cupcake pans. Mistake numero dos occurred shortly after when I realized I didn't have a candy thermometer (I mean really, do normal people have these?) I tried to use the meat thermometer but soon realized it only went up to 180 degrees and I needed to know when my syrup was 360 degrees. Results: Runny caramel sauce. It tasted good but didn't fill up the holes I'd made in the cuppies!
Fast forward to what seemed like five hours later, several more mistakes and a chocolate covered kitchen and you get these.

Not as pretty as Martha's but they did taste pretty good. That's sea salt you see on top of the dark chocolate frosting (that I made). Martha uses NOTHING from a box people! Anyway, I don't know if I'll ever make these again, I'm just not patient enough for baking. I was so tired of these silly things that I didn't even get a picture of the birthday boy with them! Sorry Justin. I hope you had a wonderful birthday despite the disasterous afternoon that I spent in the kitchen. Love you.

Selfish

This post will not be interesting. It won't contain a humorous story or any kind of fun pictures. It's just a post that I felt compelled to write for my own benefit. Writing has always been therapeutic for me and this is just one of those times that I need to lift some things from my shoulders in order to feel a little relief.

The past couple of months have been a roller coaster ride of emotions for me. I have been in a constant struggle with myself during this most difficult time. I seem to bounce around from feelings of grief, anger, blame and hopelessness to feelings of acceptance and wishful thinking. I've been on this cycle for what seems like forever to me. I've spent many hours praying for strength and giving myself pep talks. Every day is a little better and with the help of my God, who never gives up on me, my bad days are getting to be fewer and fewer. I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel.

My husband has been my rock and our friends and family have been my saving grace. I cannot tell you how much the prayers and encouraging words have meant to me. People who only know me through this blog have sent their love and prayers and guys, they have been felt! I really feel so fortunate to have so many loving, caring people in my life. Justin and I are excited to see what the next chapter in our lives will hold and we look forward to the day that we can bring a child into this world. We know God will continue to bless us and we praise him daily for his love. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue on the path that was laid out for us.

In the meantime, I am going to continue to keep up with all of you. You're happiness makes me happy and reading about your families gives me hope for the day when I can share with you stories and pictures of my own family. It WILL happen. I have faith.

You know it's been a long week when the hour you spent with the dentist is the most relaxed you've felt in five days.

I've waited a whole year!

Indian tacos.Funnel cake. Pork sandwiches. Corn dogs. Fried cheese.........ooooh, I can already smell it! If I can stop stuffing my face long enough to take a picture or two, I may have some blogging material by Monday.

BFF's

This little guy is my new best friend.

I'm still adjusting to being back to school and having to get up early. By the time J gets home, I'm just about ready to go to bed. The last thing I want to do is think about what to cook for dinner. My new best friend makes it soooo much easier! This is what I made last evening.

This is my version

It was quite tasty! We've also had crock-pot chili and crock-pot chicken and wild rice. What I like best is all the recipes are organized with neatly color coded tabs (insert high pitched squeal here). My first college roommate had one of these dandy little boxes years ago and I loved it then but could never find one of my own. I found one at TJ Maxx this summer and I couldn't get to the register fast enough. It was the best $7 I've ever spent!

Stay tuned. In the next few weeks I'll be attempting to make these

from this

I'm pretty sure these are not going to be as simple but that's what I get for asking my husband to pick out a cupcake for his birthday. He better be glad he's so cute! Should be interesting.