Rejoicing in my domestic side....

I love to cook and bake.

I also love to share the love with others so, when I cook I usually pack up a container for one of the elderly ladies at our church or I pack some up for some of our friends who stay under the bridge (I dont like to say homeless because our friends have homes. Though my friends homes may not look like yours -> it is home to them) anyways, I love to share love through sweet treats and home cooked meals. I'll share with anyone who will let me.

Last night I made some Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese icing- so yummy! I am watching what I eat and making better choices about my intake etc so, I made sure to plan my day of eating to make room for atleast one cupcake. I do not have much of a sweet tooth so, I usually have no problem passing on sweets but, these particular cupcakes are sooooo good.

(excuse the photos, I took them with my b-berry which has a CRAP camera)

They were BLOOD red..

I bought some black and white polka dot cupcake paper thingys because I thought the black red and white would look cute BUT.... the red batter dyed the white dots pink!!! Oh well. They still looked cute!

I wrapped a special package of them for a friend and

dropped them off at their house.

Since having some time off of work I have really had time to experiment with some new recipes and home cooked meals every night and I love it!!! My whole life I waited to have a husband to cook for. Yes, I embrace my domestic side- I enjoy having dinner ready for him when he comes home and I pride myself on taking care of my hubby (he takes good care of me to). I couldn't wait to have a family to cook for and to sit with at the dinner table each night so, when we get a chance to be home in the evenings together we definitely take advantage of it.

Lately I have tested lots of yummy recipes, cooking and baking is very therapeutic for me. I really really really enjoy my time in the kitchen. I turn on my music, sing and bake!

I have several recipe sites that I frequent, I read food blogs and I am a closet kitchen gadget junkie (someday I hope to be the proud owner of a beautiful Kitchen Aid mixer)... last week I finally bought a new crock pot and replaced my cake plate that broke 2 years ago (thanks to the 20% off coupon to Bed, BAth and Beyond) and I was so excited about it. It really made my day to stroll through the cooking isles and dream....... Seriously, it was like a field trip to me.... :)

Growing up I remember my grandmother was ALWAYS in the kitchen making an amazing meal that we as a family would all come in and help with and then we would all sit and enjoy it together the focus was never the food but always the family and the fun time we would have together.

I hope to always continue the tradition of a close knit family.... through great memories of travel together and amazing meals at the table enjoying and embracing the amazing life God has blessed us with!

Another tune to enjoy! This one always makes me happy!!

Today I want to encourage you to take time to sit at the table as a family... turn off the tv and the phone and make memories that will last long after the dishes are put away!!

-Missa

Blink (Heartbreak)

There are some things I see or hear about in my life that really impact me. Sometimes I have a real hard time shaking them off- I can honestly say that my heart breaks for people when they are in pain and I really have to talk to the Lord about it. Some things that I have seen and heard that others have gone through change me and the way I think and feel about my life. But more importantly changes the way I treat others, it's hard to be a selfish person when you've seen others go through the worst things imaginable. I dont even have to know a person, just hearing that they are going through a hard time and it's enough to break my heart and hurt for what others are facing.

Last week while I was at the hospital waiting to hear the status of my mom's surgery outcome I was reading my twitter page and there was a prayer request that showed up for a girl. And of course I stopped what I was doing and prayed a quick prayer and then for the rest of the day I could not shake the thoughts of this "girl." I noticed it said "girl" and not woman or lady so I knew this person had to be young. I investigated a bit and found out that it was an 8 yr old girl who was in the last stages of cancer and in all honesty the last moments of life. I sat and cried for this family and talk to the Lord about it and prayed for them and checked often for updates on how she was doing... she passed away on Tuesday at 11:38am.

8 yrs old!!! Who knows what she endured physically, emotionally and mentally, I have been so heavy hearted about the whole thing and it truely breaks my heart that a family (a little girl) would have to endure such pain and suffering. I later found out that this little girl has made quit and impact on those around her, she is still making an impact. I also found out that the family were believers and before this little sweetheart passed she asked for a bottle of anointing oil so that she could anoint her mommy's head.

I have been praying for the family all week in the after math of their loss and asking God to bring peace and comfort to the family!

3 things I love:

-> my hubby (duh)

-> Art

-> Music

This sweet girl was an artist and some of her artwork is available in print so, if you love art or would like to show your support you can purchase prints here:

http://www.anneneilsonfineart.com/ellie-potvin-prints

Before I left to my moms I have heard this song over and over again and I loved it... each time it comes on i turn it up and sing along (loudly I might add)... it's a small cry of my heart that the Lord would teach me to number my days.... Life is soooo short and just as the Word tells us, we do not know what tomorrow will bring...... life is like a vapor! I never want to take any of it for granted.... Life is a gift of God!

This song has taken on a new meaning now....

I want to encourage you to make the most of everyday... stop complaining..... do something for someone who needs help...get outside of your comfort zone.... love on those who seem unloveable... don't judge the poor and the needy and don't take your family for granted....make today count in eternity!!!

-luv ya,

Missa