Speedy's Not - anymore...

Yesterday we noticed that our favorite chicken Speedy was not feeling well.  She is the lone survivor from our original batch of chicks that we got in May of 2010.  She is the most tame and friendly of the four chickens that we own.  This morning we awoke to discover that our little Speedy has passed.  Here are some of our sweet memories of our fine feathered friend.

Better than Hostess

Tonight we got to go to our church picnic. It was a beautiful night and we had a great time. I was very proud of my delicious creation...homemade Hostess cupcakes.

Here's how I did it in case you're wondering:
I made a Betty Crocker Triple Fudge cake mix into cupcakes.  Then I used a very sharp paring knife and cut out a cone-shaped chunkfrom the top of each cooled cupcake.  Then I filled the void with vanilla cream filling from Martha Stewart's Cream-Filled Chocolate Sandwiches Recipe.  Then I trimmed the cone-shaped chunk and plunked it down on top of the filling.  Next I placed all the filled cupcakes in the freezer while I made chocolate ganache (1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips).  I allowed the ganache to cool slightly before spooning and spreading it onto the chilled cupcakes.  Finally, I used leftover vanilla cream filling to make the swirlies on top of the cupcakes. 

Family Fun, aka 2011 Christmas Picture?

Summer Lovin'

Here are some sweet pictures of Steve and I from various adventures over the summer. I sure do love my guy!

Tree Trimming Fun

We had a great evening decorating our Christmas tree. We always give the kids a new pair of jammies and a new ornament on the night we decorate the tree. Tonight they had a great time squishing Steve. Aren't they cute?