Mandy and Jace

We had a great weekend! After a very stressful week we were more than excited to welcome a relaxing Saturday. We were able to sleep in, which was great, then we got up and made breakfast burritos for lunch. After that we went to Lowes and bought some flowers to plant and also some rosemary and basil to pot and put on the back porch. The weather was so beautiful and it was nice to spend the afternoon in the cool sunshine. We cooked soup for dinner and relaxed the night away.
Sunday, I had the privilege to lead praise and worship at church. I am rarely nervous when I’m just up there to sing back up, but when I lead I definitely get butterflies. I think that is a good thing though because if I feel comfortable that means I need to try harder. I think God can move through our nerves more than our pride.

Here’s this weeks plan.
Tonight: beef fajitas
Tuesday: steak and potato cakes
Wednesday: slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches
Thursday: take out after practice
Friday: date night!

Happy eating!

Is anyone else noticing the trees and flowers are starting to bloom? I am both delighted and scared when I see this. I can’t wait for spring, really. I love the warm temperatures that aren’t scorching hot. Minus the wind that comes with it I am all in favor. The reason I am scared is my little flowers are starting to bloom and I know our west Texas weather. I’m sure another cold front will come through and wreak havoc on my poor babies. Hopefully not!

In honor of Mardi Gras we will be having jambalaya on Tuesday! I love any reason to get dressed up and celebrate so we are going to have our own Fat Tuesday.

Here’s this weeks plan.
Tonight: pork chops and mashed sweet potatoes
Tuesday: jambalaya
Wednesday: baked ziti
Thursday: take out after practice
Friday: date night!

Happy eating!

Any time I think about hot cocoa I think about being in New Mexico at a ranch we used to always go to with our youth group. We would sit around the fire in the most comfortable couches and drink the best hot cocoa ever. I think it was just package hot cocoa but for some reason it tasted so much better by the fire in the mountains.

We came across this recipe one night while we were watching tv. There wasn’t anything on and we had food network on. I don’t think either of us were actucaly paying attention to the tv but as soon as AB started making this he had our attention.

Hot Cocoa
adapted from Alton Brown



2 cups powdered sugar (if you like your’s really sweet you may add a little more)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste (trust me it’s good)
Hot water

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well with a whisk. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.

Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine.

Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps forever in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk.