Happy Easter!

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:6

Happy Easter Friends!

Today we are laying low and soaking up our last hours together before Tim leaves for India. 

Hope everyone has a nice, peaceful day with their loved ones.

And for the record....I made him an Easter basket....

The Basket.

Strolling up and down the aisles at Target has been a little challenging the last month. Picking up cute plastic eggs or bunny shaped candy only to put them back down and walk away. You see, I'm a holiday fanatic. Growing up my Mom made holidays very special for us and Easter baskets were always one of my favorite surprises. The last couple of Easters I've made Easter baskets for Tim and his response to them was shall we say...lack luster. Don't get me wrong, he appreciated the thought but c'mon, it's kind of a kid thing. I'm just so very eager to pass on traditions that I had growing up and to mold my traditions with his and make our own for our family (and that includes the Lopez Cheeseball that I still need to work on). 

It was tough, but not even Linus got a basket this year!

Oh yeah...

My Husband is leaving for India in 5 days....

He's going for work and will be gone 12 days which is the longest and farthest we've ever been from each other.

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Prayers for a safe, productive, and unforgettable trip are appreciated! 

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Craze Tuesday: Modern Backyard

Over the weekend we found these awesome cafe lights on sale at Target! I've wanted them since we first moved in and I can't believe how lovely our patio looks now. 

I have this modern vision for the backyard...think Palm Springs Resort...

Sweet Treats- Recipes

Whenever there is a party, BBQ, baby shower or any gathering I like to volunteer to bring dessert.

There are so many amazing recipes to try from Pinterest and how many people bake like that just because? Saturday we had a family BBQ and I knew exactly what I had to make! 

OREO STUFFED BROWNIES! from {Sweetly} Serendipity

They turned out amazing and I've had a couple of people ask for the recipe so I thought I'd share it.

Ingredients
1 pound unsalted butter
1 pound plus 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
6 extra-large eggs
3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups chopped walnuts
Oreos (I made 1/3 of the recipe and used 18 for an 8 x 8 pan, but if you are making a full recipe you’ll need a lot more)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Butter and flour a 12 x 18 x 1-inch baking sheet.

1) Melt together the butter, 1 pound of chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate in a medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar. Stir the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.

2) In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of flour, the baking powder, and salt. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and 12 ounces of chocolate chips in a medium bowl with 1/4 cup of flour, then add them to the chocolate batter. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking sheet. Line the Oreos up evenly on top of the batter in the pan. Cover Oreos with remaining batter.

3) Bake for 20 minutes, then rap the baking sheet against the oven shelf to force the air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. (I did not take the brownies out in the middle – I made 1/3 recipe and baked them for 23 minutes exactly and they were PERFECT!) Allow to cool thoroughly, refrigerate, and cut into 20 large squares.

I also had to make some cupcakes so I could use these cute Calla Lillie's as toppers!

My Cup of Tea Sunday: Sunday Best

Growing up we always got a dress for Easter Sunday. On a few occasions the dress came with a hat and I thought it was the greatest thing ever. It's been quite awhile since I sported a Spring-y type frock on Easter Sunday, but if I did....

Flashback Friday: Our First Trip to San Francisco

June 2010: Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, California

I really thought he would propose here but he did it the following month instead.

Spring Fever

Spring has Sprung!

1/2

We had a little taste of warm weather last week but it came and went and left us wanting more.

I think I need a colorful arrangement of flowers to celebrate!

Surrender

Yesterdays sermon really hit home with me. I could feel emotions stirring down in the deepest part of my body and mind. I can't recall a time that's ever happened before. It felt good. I really felt like God was speaking to me and I've always wondered what that would feel like.

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The big question of the day...

What does fearless surrender look like for me?

There is so much I cling to in hopes of controlling it all. My health, my relationships, my wants and desires..

Why is it so difficult to let go when you truly believe that He has your life planned out for you already? He had it planned before I was even born. He put me here for a reason and I have no control over that. I just need to live my life the best way I can.

I suppose it's all baby steps when you realize it's time to surrender.

I believe it's so hard because the outcome is so wonderful and amazing things don't come easy.