Cup brownie and little blessings

I've mentioned that things have been a little crazy but this week there seems to be a hint that things are starting to look up.  Now, I am still not getting any sleep.  Oh sleep, I miss you.  If you are able to, please sleep in a couple of extra hours for me this weekend.  Despite being so exhausted that I almost fell asleep standing in line and the grocery store (I kid you not) there has been this hint of joy in the air.  Maybe it is just the holiday but it just seems like some good things are coming my way.  There was an excellent craigslist find, a fabulous Christmas gift and neat opportunity that just kind of fell in my lap.  On top of all that goodness, thanks to a dear friend (hi derece) and pinterest I have found a magical cup brownie recipe.  Behold . . .



Okay, so it doesn't photograph well.  But, trust me it is yummy.  I mean, it isn't as good as my sister Sherry's made from scratch brownies but it does rival boxed brownie mix.  Which honestly is what I know and love.  The only reason I made it was because of a parenting short coming.  Yesterday morning I told Henry that we would make cookies that afternoon.  We are going to meet Santa soon and he informed me that he needed cookies.  After running errands and grocery shopping I was exhausted and had totally forgot about my cookie making promise.  Oh but Henry hadn't. Nope, the moment he walked in the house we immediately started jumping up and down saying "come on mommy, let go make cookies."  As I stand in the doorway of my house balancing a crying baby and grocery bags I wanted to cry but then I remember Derece raving about this recipe.  I settled down the baby put away the food and told Henry we were going to make a cookie in a cup!  I fooled him into letting this pass as cookie making!  I've seen lots of cake in mug recipe floating around but I hadn't tried any.  I really wish I would have tried them earlier.

Why we are on the topic of good things.  Here are some photos for you . . .


Henry and Stella made the Tennessee Farm and Home Magazine, thanks to everyone who voted!


On Cyber Monday (I am the only one who hates using the phrases like "black friday" and "cyber monday"?)  I picked up the Lion King from Walmart for $13.  Which is cheap for a Disney DVD.  It was supposed to be for Christmas but someone (Jason) opened it in front of a certain toddler (henry) who decided that he need to watch it "right now."  So, we skipped cooking dinner and opted for a pizza picnic on the living room floor while watching the Lion King.  It was kind of an awesome night.  Can you see all the Christmas ornaments on the floor?  Thanks Henry.


This is a random doodle which was inspired by Panera's holiday cup.  I did the sketch at Starbucks, which proves I spend to much time at coffee houses.





And last, some Christmas card out takes.  I was trying to recreate Henry's "Naked Baby Under a Christmas Tree" with Alex.  But, my camera isn't as good as my nephews which I was using at the time and Alex is much more wiggly.  We are going to try again this weekend.

Okay, off to make cookies with Henry . . . . for real this time (maybe).