A Lesson on Love....or something

Yesterday in Sacrament Meeting the talks were on How we can show love to our spouse and our children. Both of the speakers did a phenomenal job. I would like to give my own thoughts and maybe sum up some of what they had to share.

The first speaker had previously asked her husband in what ways did he think she showed her love toward him. His reply surprised her when he said that he thought it was when she made his lunch and cooked his dinner. This answer surprised me as well, but there is also a lesson learned here too. The little things are what matter. It is the little daily things we do for our spouses that count. That they remember.

Another thought she shared was to find something that our spouses DON'T like to do.... and then do it for them. A caveat she added was if you DON'T like to do it either, then just do it once in awhile :) LOL. Like for me, I STRONGLY DISLIKE emptying the dishwasher. In fact, nothing else even compared to how much I dislike doing it. I don't know why. I would rather load the DIRTY dishes!!! SOOOO, my sweet husband has taken on the one chore I LOATHE. Every once in awhile, I will unload the dishwasher (ode to the day the girls can do it by themselves).

Another such chore would be taking out the trash. I like nothing more than FILLING it, because that means a clean house, BUT I really LOATHE taking out the gargage, especially the one in the garage with the dirty diapers. Once again, my husband has taken upon himself this chore, and every once in a LONG while I will do it for him. I am not sure if he shares in my LOATHING of these chores, but he continually does them for me.

We should also put our spouses first. Before our children. I have a hard time with this one because for the last 3 years I have had a baby or a toddler and truth be told, they scream louder than my husband and after caring for them all day and clinging to me, all I want is a little peace, time to myself, and then I CRASH on my pillow.... only to begin another day of neediness (which I really do LOVE by the way. Really). But sometimes my poor husband doesn't get all the attention he deserves.

It is important to remember that we were once madly, deeply, head over heels in love, can't see anything else but you kinda thing. (not that we aren't anymore, we just have 3 other people to look over now:)) And we need to continually nurture that love; spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

And that my friends is my soap box for the day. :)

***If you find yourself repeating this phrase... "If my spouse loved me, they would (do this, know this, see this) etc." You will FOREVER be dissappointed!!!! They don't know what you are thinking. They don't have mind reading skills. You MUST COMMUNICATE :)

***I also have listened to a great CD, it is by John Lund For all Eternity. SUPER good!!!

Activity Days

In our church there are different age groups that meet together to do different activities for service or development or fun. One particular group is the activity day girls. They age from 8 to 11. Today one of these groups, led by a great friend of mine, performed the greatest act of service.

About a month ago and old friend called me up and asked me if her group could make Daxton boxes for their activity. I was speechless, greatful, and excited to see what they would do. Over the last few weeks we have met together, talked on the phone, and emailed to hash out the details.

I met with the girls today and it was such a great experience. As I watched all of them come in, I felt their spirits. Each eager to learn, eager to serve, eager to do what had been asked of them. Their smiles brightened my day.

As I was introduced by my friend I had so much to say. I wanted to say just the right thing. I wanted to convey to the girls just how special the Daxton boxes were to me..... I stood up and introduced myself and then proceeded to tell the girls about the Daxton box, the eagle project, and the ongoing donations we have been able to receive in order to help other families just a little bit.

I really didn't want to stand up there a blubbering mess and have them only remember the lady with the squeaky voice that they could barely understand, so I choked down my tears and told them my story. A hum of "ahs" was heard when I told them my little angel had passed away. It was actually really sweet. I told them about each of the items they were going to make and why they were in the Daxton box.

I hope that it was what my friend wanted. I wanted to convey how grateful I was that they were doing this for me and what it meant for other mommies and daddies who had lost their babies and that they were helping them in a small way that no one else could. I hope it was everything she wanted because I know that she has put a lot of effort into this project..... as I know the work that goes into it.

THANK YOU SO MUCH DONNA. YOU ARE TRULY AN ANGEL. And a big thank you to all the many hands that made this activity day a great success.

As Requested

...... I didn't say it was easy ! ENJOY and GOOD LUCK

Samoas Cupcakes

Brown Sugar Butter Cupcakes

24 regular cupcakes / 350 degree oven

3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cup light brown sugar

4 large eggs, room temperature

2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

2 teaspoon vanilla

1. Beat butter on high until soft, about 30 seconds.
2. Add sugar. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beat for 30 seconds after each.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
5. Measure out milk and vanilla together.
6. Add about a fourth of the flour to the butter/sugar mixture and beat to combine.
7. Add about one third the milk/vanilla mixture and beat until combined.
8. Repeat above, alternating flour and milk and ending with the flour mixture.
9. Scoop into cupcake papers about half to three-quarters full.
10. Bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Toasted Coconut Topping

2 eggs

10 ounces evaporated milk

1-1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

3 cups shredded, sweet coconut

1. Spread the coconut onto a sheet pan. Toast in a 350 degree oven, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the coconut is an even brown color, about 10 minutes.
2. Crack the eggs into a small saucepan and beat lightly to break up.
3. Add milk, sugar, and butter. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until thick, bubbly, and golden, about 15 minutes.
4. Press mixture through a metal sieve and into a bowl to remove any lumps.
5. Add 2 cups of the coconut, reserving the remainder for assembly, stir to combine.
6. Let the mixture cool.

Caramel

1/2 cup water

2 cup sugar

4 tablespoons light corn syrup

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoon butter

1. Combine the water, sugar, and the corn syrup in a deep saucepan and cook over medium heat.
2. Stir together with a wooden spoon until the sugar is incorporated.
3. Cover the saucepan and let it cook over medium heat for 3 minutes.
4. After 3 minutes, remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil.
5. Do not stir from this point on, but it is important to carefully shake the pan so that one area of the caramel doesn’t burn.
6. Continue to cook until the caramel turns an even amber color then remove from the heat and let stand for about 30 seconds.
7. *** This is the dangerous part *** Pour the heavy cream into the mixture. Wear oven mitts, stand away from the pan, and be careful. The mixture will bubble up significantly.
8. Stir the mixture, again being careful. Add the butter and stir until combined.
9. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside to cool.

Note: You will have leftover caramel, it stores well refrigerated in an airtight container for about a month.

Chocolate Ganache

16 ounces bittersweet chocolate like Valrhona 61% cocao

2 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoon vanilla

1. Chop chocolate and transfer into a heat proof bowl.
2. Heat cream until bubbles form around the edge of the pan, pour cream over the chocolate.
3. Let sit for 1 minute then stir until combined.
4. Add vanilla and stir until combined.
5. Let cool to room temperature.

Assemble

1. Using a small pairing knife, cut off the top of the cupcake in the shape of a cone. Flip the top over and cut off the cone.
2. Fill the cavity with a teaspoon of caramel.
3. Replace the top of the cone.
4. Smooth on a light coating of chocolate ganache.
5. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to harden the ganache.
6. With your hands, press out a disk of the coconut topping and place on top of the cupcake. Press to shape the mixture into a dome.
7. Press in some more plain toasted coconut on top of that.
8. Drizzle the top with lines of ganache. Note that you may have to warm the ganache over a water bath to get it to drizzling consistency.