Happy Good Friday, friends!

I am immensely grateful to my Lord, Jesus, for the painful death he endured to free me from the bondage of sin. As it was on this day that he was beaten and hung to the cross...all for you and me. Thank you Jesus! As I have said before, I will spend each and every day working to repay you! I would like to share this Pinterest inspired painting that my daughter Alex made for me. Have a great Easter weekend y'all!

Banana-Coffee Caramel-Filled Cupcakes

Have I got your attention? Yummmm. One word to describe these scrumptious cupcakes I made. These little bits of Heaven got a thumbs up from everyone who tried them! If you'd like to make some of your own, head on over to:

http://www.goldmedalflour.com/recipedetail.aspx?idrecipe=48970-2&idcat=9&cat=Cupcakes

Happy Wednesday!

Heeelllloooo! I'm back!

Wow. It's been way.too.long! I can't believe I haven't written in over a year. Almost a year and a half. I've been busy, living with teenagers, but that's no excuse! Well, I've been doing a lot of baking lately. And crafting. I used to blog about thoughts and such. But, now I'm going to start blogging about my everyday life. Maybe that will get me on more often. I'm also going to be showcasing some of my daughter Alex's art and photography. So, to quote a famous mouse we love, I'll see ya real soon....

I've been away too long!

I've been letting life get in the way again. You've missed a great trip to Seattle and San Francisco. You missed my awesome (that's for another post!) 40th birthday. You missed a great beach vacation and a cruise to New England and Canada! You missed the start of school and all the books I read this summer! Okay. I've caught you up to speed! Some exciting things are going on these days. I just recently started my Amuse Studio business. . Scott, Tamara and I are having a 70's/80's party in celebration of our 40th birthdays this year...it's going to be a blast, I'm really looking forward to it! Pictures to follow!

As always, thanks for reading!
Michelle

The Life of My Dreams

I'm a dreamer. Always have been. Always will be. I live a really blessed life. But...if I could pick the life of my dreams, it would include some additions to my already blessed life.

1. Family. and more of it. Not more kids for me, but more nieces, nephews and cousins around. In the life of my dreams, there would be family get togethers often. Family would just stop by. I would have real relationships with members of my extended family...we'd know each other better. we would vacation together, regularly, and enjoy it.

2. Life perceived would be life reality. I believe I wear my heart on my sleeve, as the saying goes. But often I feel perceived differently. I would like to be seen for who I truly am and for my true heart.

3. I want to have the feel of the beach (you know when you are at the beach you feel warm, relaxed, no worries, sunny, and carefree?) on Lauren Ct in Ellicott City. I don't mean actually see the beach, I want to feel like I feel when I'm at the beach...everyday.

4. I want my kids to get along most of the time. I realize it's an impossible thought for any type of people (sisters, spouses, friends, coworkers, etc) to get along all the time. But if they have to argue, I want my children to quickly work it out, forgive each other and FORGET ABOUT IT! My children tend to remember every little detail, and use it for the next argument, that will be occurring in less than an hour. If this list was in order of importance, this would be #1.

5. In the life of my dreams, both my mother and my grandmother would still be living on Earth. and all people would only die after a long, long life. and everyone would know Jesus, personally.

and hey, since I'm creating the life of my dreams...can I just be a size 8/10...forever?

Being a mother...

is one of the hardest, most challenging, aspects of my life.

WARNING: this may be a bit of a whine fest, so if that's not up your alley, you may want to skip over this post!

I love each of my children dearly...but they can sure cut me to the core sometimes. In everything I do, I always try to have my family's best interest at heart. Sometimes I think that annoys my children to no end that I would actually care about their health and well being! Sometimes it feels like a bed and breakfast (w/extra meals and laundry service) around here! I know I went to school for hotel management, but I didn't think I'd be using it in my own home!

I know they are kids and I don't think they intentionally try to hurt my feelings, but I sure wish they would use a 'filter' every once and a while.

If you stuck with me, thanks for reading...maybe my next post will be a little more enlightening!

Ten Things I Know For Sure....

1. I am loved by not only my family, but by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
2. Even though I've been in them for only (doesn't feel like only!) 3 years, and I have about 9 more to go, I WILL survive the teenage years, all girly 12 of them!
3. I always have the best intentions.
4. I don't always speak my mind, but I always want to.
5. I am a dreamer.
6. I love to look into my husband's eyes, especially when he's talking to me.
7. Laughter might be bad for wrinkles, but it is great for the soul.
8. Being a mother is like no other job in the world!
9. It's always a good idea to be patient, kind and considerate...you never know when someone might really need you to be.
10. Pray...not when all else fails, but BEFORE all else fails...and all else won't fail!

Thanks for reading! ;-)