David turned ONE on Jan 22nd! I can hardly believe that he's already a year old. This year has truly gone by faster than any before it for me. I was looking at some pictures of David from when he was first born and was reminded of something my friend Miska said once about parenting, that it's the continual process of letting go. I can already sense that the changes ahead will be hard, but so beautiful nonetheless. I know that as David is able to eat all by himself and then able to put on his own clothes, it's important to remind myself that he will always need his mommy; it just changes in the ways that he needs me. My prayer is that he will come to know how deeply we love him and how deeply God loves him.

Kermit cake heads (sort of)...



Mocha cupcakes with espresso buttercream frosting and Chocolate covered pretzels (I forgot to put the fleur de sel on as they were drying so disregard the tag:))





We gave out some of the handmade marshmallows for favors...



Next up is Grandma with her hot cocoa moustache. To choose from was the Chevron, the Magician, the Texan and the Rich Uncle ..... she chose the Rich Uncle. Go Grandma!
















And here's David with his daddy at the end of his party...

















We love you, David!



Handmade Marshmallows ............ recipe from Alton Brown
Cranberry Curd Cups .......... recipe for cranberry curd from Not Without Salt
Hot Cocoa .......... recipe from Alton Brown
Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream... recipe from Brown Eyed Baker
David's Chocolate Birthday Cake ...... All Recipes (this cake was so darn good)
Happy Birthday Banner ......... directions by Adventuroo
Moustaches ............ inspired by Pizzazzerie

It's been awhile since I blogged, but I did have a baby. Isn't David the cutest thing?

It's hard to pick what to post because I have a lot of pictures of food that I've made (mostly pre-David). Here's a recipe for peanut butter balls that my mom used to make every year at Christmas. I think I may be continuing this tradition because they are so good. I actually made these to give away as gifts, but I ended up keeping quite a few and eating way too many:) These are really easy to make and worth all the calories.

Peanut Butter Balls

2 sticks melted margarine
1 1/3 c. graham cracker crumbs (1 pkg is usually 1 1/3 c.)
1/4" shaved paraffin wax (this makes them shiny)
1 box powdered sugar
1 c. peanut butter
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Mix graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. Add peanut butter and then melted margarine. Mix well and form into small balls. Melt paraffin wax and chocolate in double boiler. Dip balls and cover completely with chocolate. I usually use 2 spoons to do this. Let dry on wax paper. Try not to eat all of them.

Yields: 59-60 balls