Insta-Friday

A little peek into our past week!

Happy Friday everyone. 

Jason's college friend Caleb stayed with us last weekend while he was in town furthering his music career ... played a little guitar for a fussy baby.

Blaykleigh is sooooo excited for Christmas already, hehe. Although when it comes time to open presents, I have a feeling she will be more interested in the wrapping paper than the actual gifts. 

We went to go check out Marina Market days last weekend and almost got empaled by a fly away tent because it was so dang windy out and sad to say but that was about all the excitement going on at Marina Market days.

Taking a little stroll down the boardwalk. 

The closest thing we have to a zoo here in the 'Sparkling City by the Sea' ... Furniture Row's overly large stuffed animals. 

B loves the kitties, gets the biggest smile on her face when they are within reaching distance and then pulls out chunks of fur, especially when it comes to the white kitty because her hair is longer and therefore creating the perfect handful. I have a feeling she will soon be their archenemy when she becomes more mobile. 

Such a big girl ... she walked all the way over here on her own! (okay so that last part was a lie, Jason placed her there but she did stay "standing" for quite awhile)

I did a pinterest paint job! Added some spaaarkles to each of my ring fingers and surprisingly enough those are the two that have yet to chip.  

Ahhhhh World Market bath soaps. I've never really been a body wash kind of girl. Anyways, I totally bought myself a bar last weekend; it smells just the way I think heaven probably smells. And aren't the way they are packaged just adorable, if you bought several of them they would make super cute bathroom decoration in a pretty jar (I think my mom actual has something similar sitting on the edge of her tub).

Blaykleigh supervising Jase as he washes the Jeep; man she is a tough critic. 

Went on a thrift store hunt for these gems (sixty seven cents a piece, can't beat that). I plan on doing "black and white" themed Thanksgiving dinner decor and these three ladies are going to create a lovely center piece with some white mums or something of the sort in them. 

Practicing her "I can sit up all by myself" skills. 

November 30 days of thanks

Day ten.

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving ... Psalm 28:7 

she gets a wake up song sang to her each morning by yours truly ... I know what you are all thinking "I can't believe she doesn't have a record label out yet!" ... All joking aside, I am well aware of my mediocre singing voice. But best of all, her smiles 

melt.my.heart.

21. I am thankful for mornings, sunrises and smiles from my little bird. 

Glazed Doughnut Muffins

Ooooo. Pinterest, ya did it again. Don't these just look delightful? ... I am a sucker for anything sweet and when I saw this pin on pinterest this morning, I knew at some point today I would be in the kitchen whipping up a batch for myself (and the husband if I must share).  

I've already 'tested' one out just to make sure they were okay to eat - scrumptious, no doubt about it! The recipe is below if you yourself are just as lured into the thought of the deliciousness of a doughnut within a muffin. 

Enjoy.

Glazed Doughnut Muffins 

Yields: 12 muffins 

For the Muffins:

1. 1/4 cup butter
2. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
4. 1/3 cup brown sugar
5. 2 large eggs
6. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
7. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
8. 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
9. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
10. 3/4 teaspoon salt
11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12. 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
13. 1 cup milk

For the Glaze:

1. 3 tablespoons butter; melted
2. 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; sifted
3. 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
4. 2 tablespoons hot water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with muffin liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, vegetable oil, and sugars till smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time. With the mixer on low speed, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and vanilla until just combined. Stir the flour into the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour and making sure everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Spoon batter into cups, filling the cups, and smooth tops. Divide batter equally among prepared muffin cups. Bake until muffin tops are a pale golden and springy to the touch, 15 to 17 minutes, rotating halfway through baking time. Cool muffins in muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack and cool 10 minutes before glazing.
4. To make the glaze, In a medium bowl mix together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and water. Whisk until smooth.
5. When muffins have cooled slightly, dip the muffin crown into the glaze and allow the glaze to harden. Once hardened, dip a second time  and allow to harden then serve.

November 30 days of thanks

Day nine. 

How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him ... Psalm 147:1

found here

22. I am thankful for my creative side, it must come from a family rich in artists (said with a french accent). But being a full-time mom, school, working from home and everything else 'in-between' it is hard sometimes to find the time to be creative. Nevertheless I must continue to schedule it in because it keeps me in my right mind when certain things in life seem to be spiraling into a hundred different directions. ... It's my "time out". 

November 30 days of thanks

Day eight. 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God ... Philippians 4:6

(isn't this a great photo? not just the two beauties in it (wink, wink) but the photography itself - if you are in the Denver area and in need of a photographer you should check out Vanessa Kruse, she is a good friend from high school and her work is amazing.)

23. I am thankful for the strong bond I have with my mother. Not all mothers and daughters have such a great relationship, but we do and for that, I will forever be thankful! I know that I am a better person because of our closeness ... I can tell her anything and everything that might be on my mind without the fear of judgement, if she were my only friend I would not fret because I would never be lonely; she certainly is wonderful and our relationship is a gift no doubt. I pray that when Blaykleigh is older, that we will have our own mother-daughter closeness similar to that of mine and my mother's. 

November 30 days of thanks

Day seven.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful ... Colossians 3:15

beautiful things by gungor 

24. Today I am thankful for His mercy. This is a precious song to me, every word sang rings true in so many ways. He makes beautiful things out of the dust. Our God is so undoubtably good. 

November 30 days of thanks

Day  Six.

For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord", plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future ... Jeremiah 29:11 (this is a favorite of mine, hence why it's in the blog title) 

25. I am thankful for my daughter! She has brought so much joy to my life in the 5 months that she has been here. I can't imagine my life any different than how it is now that she is in it. What a wonderful gift to be given. So, so, so thankful for her.