Best Cake Ever

This is my absolute, favorite chocolate cake ever! After watching an episode of The Pioneer Woman on Food Network with my father a few weeks ago, we decided I HAD to make this cake. It was soooo worth it!
To be honest, I have never actually made a cake completely from scratch prior to this one because most I've tasted are a bit to dry for my liking. But this one appeared to be more moist than I've seen, and it did not disappoint! I served it chilled, and it seemed to melt in my mouth! Pretty sure this will become a staple for holidays around my house now. If you would like the recipe, just log onto foodnetwork.com, and it will be under the pioneer woman's recipes. I strongly encourage all to try this one!

Love, Ash

Cabin Fever

Cabin fever should be the last thing I should be dealing with, since we have had weather in the 70's and 80's, and yet due to being incredibly sick this past week, I have it!
Rarely do I ever get sick, other than maybe some sinus troubles due to allergies. I have had to help nurse my family this past fall and winter with various illnesses, avoiding it my self each time. So now I guess it seemed only fitting that it be my turn to join the fun. I started with the flu, then strep throat with double ear infections. Now still struggling with side affects from the penicillin I'm taking. I figure, if I'm gonna get sick, maybe having it all at once, isn't such a bad idea instead of spreading it all out! :)
I'm praying for a better week this week and I hope you all have a blessed one as well!
Thank you God for this gorgeous weather to kick-start Spring!

Spring's Here!

I know it's not officially spring for at least a week or so, but it definitely feels like it. Even now, at 9pm, it is still 70 degrees outside! My kids and I had a great day outside. We actually were outdoors from 8am till 12:30. Then back out in the afternoon. What a day!

 I don't ever remember being so excited to see daffodils! They were not bloomed yet the other day, so this was very exciting for the kids this morning. My favorite are the pink buds from the bush in the back yard.

Thank yiou God for this beautiful weather and these gorgeous flowers!

My Next Great Baker

So out of nowhere, Cohen has decided that he would like to start baking with momma.

We took a trip to the store and he picked out some brownies, which I thought would be a good start for him.

He had a blast! He giggled the whole time, but when it was time to top the brownies with chocolate chips, he completely lost his focus and started stealing them for himself! So darn cute!

He did a great job and it was a lot of fun for me to watch him so excited to be helping me in the kitchen. This had me thinking about what other things he has expressed interest in helping with at home and how many other times I may have said no. How can I expect him or Bri for that matter to learn simple, everyday, tasks if I don't stop and take the time to show them? During my devotions, I came across this scripture:

(Proverbs 22:16) "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it."

This scripture holds true for many things. Definitely regarding teaching them the Lord's teachings, but also the simple things like folding laundry, putting toys away, cleaning, and yes, even how to do a little baking. As a mother, I am the one responsible for making sure that my children learn these things, so it is important that I take time and include them in all that I do, so when they grow up, they will be self-sufficeint adults who will hopefully be serving the Lord.

"Continue On"

Continue On

A woman fretted over the usefulness of her life.

She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother.

She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.

At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.

"Is it worth it?" she often wondered. "Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"

It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still, small voice of her Heavenly Father speak to her heart.

"You are a wife and a mother because that is what I have called you to be.

Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye, but I notice.

Most of what you give is done without renumeration.

But I am your reward.

Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support.

Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know.

I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.

Your children are precious to me.

Even more precious than they are to you.

I have entrusted them in your care to raise for Me.

What you invest in them is an offering to Me.

You may never be in the public spotlight, but your obediance shines as a bright light before Me.

Continue on. Remeber you are my servant.

Do all to please Me."

This was a poem written by Roy Lessin. I came across this in the latest Duggar Family Book called "A Love That Multiplies". I really love everything in this book, but this is by far one of the best things in it. As a stay-at-home mother, this really spoke to me and reminded me that God is always there watching me and guiding me along the way.