Easter!

Young or old, Easter is so fun. Whether you are searching for eggs, or watching others, it announces spring is coming soon and chocolate is great (like we needed and annoucement for that one!). Anyway, this weekend was really busy. We dyed eggs on Saturday. After Nick took the first egg out of the dye, Amelia's eyes opened wide and made a cheezy grin on her face and said, "Mo Daddy Mo! (i.e. Please Dad do it again. That is amazing!)"

On Sunday, Amelia woke up early and found the Easter Bunny had stopped at our house. Only on Easter, does Mom let candy be breakfast.

We got ready for church and all had new Easter clothes to wear. Even Amelia's doll had a dress.

Church went pretty well. The Choir gave a great program about Christ's resurrection and Nick gave a great lesson on the same topic. I also played my violin (shocker I know). It is so amazing how music touches you how no other method can. It is easy to forget the real reason we celebrate Easter but important to remember why Easter is a holiday, not only on some random day in March and April, but give thanks for it every day!

Crazy Good Brownies

As many of you know, I LOVE making sweet treats. I found this one from one of my favorite chefs, Paula Deen. And, yeah baby, taste the butter! I think next time I'll use Reeses Pieces instead of marshmallows just to make it even crazier. Have fun!

Maggie's Decadent Brownies
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Brownie Part
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

Frosting Part

4 ounces (4 squares) unsweetened chocolate
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup pasteurized egg substitute (recommended: Egg Beaters)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar, sifted
4 cups mini marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9-inch baking pan. Melt the chocolate and butter in a 2-quart bowl in the microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every 20 to 30 seconds until the chocolate is completely melted. Add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla and mix well with a spatula. Add the flour and stir to combine. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

While the brownies are baking, make the frosting. Melt the chocolate and butter in a medium bowl in the microwave on high for 3 minutes stirring every 20 to 30 seconds until the chocolate is completely melted. Add the egg substitute, vanilla, and sugar and stir with a spoon until smooth. Stir in the marshmallows; they will soften but not melt completely. Spread the frosting over the warm brownies. Put pan in fridge, so it will set up fast. When cool, cut into 1 1/2-inch squares and store in the refrigerator in a plastic container with a snap-on lid.

Mission Call

My "little," ok younger, brother, received his mission call yesterday! He is going to the Japan, Fukoako Mission and we'll be leaving in June. We are SO excited for him and know he'll do great. Congrats Joe!

Staypuff Marshmellow Baby

Admit it. Easter is one of the best holidays EVER. The candy is great. Candy everywhere. Ahhh. Amelia had her first peep, and thoroughly enjoyed the welcoming into the "Easter Candy Anonymous" club. The car seat may never recover.