Sunday, April 12, 2009

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter!!!
That's me in dress number two for the day. The first dress I tried on- the one I had planned on wearing today, did not look right this morning when I put it on....which created a mini-meltdown for Kendra.

And then, upon realizing we were going to be late for the early service time of hymns and praise our Church was having this morning, my mini-meltdown went on to become a full scale def-con-five meltdown.

Like Beth Moore says, sometimes when you are feeling overwhelmed in life, you need to schedule in some tantrum time. And this morning I became overly aware that I had neglected to do so.

Satan just swarmed my thoughts with feelings of unworthiness and inadequacies...and isn't that just like him? Trying to steal my joy on Easter Sunday, on the day we celebrate our Risen King.

He's got some nerve.

As I fixed my eye make up and put together outfit number two, I was reminded how often joy is a choice.

Sometimes, joy comes naturally.

Sometimes, it needs to be mustered up.

So, after throwing myself a little pity party (at which I not only hosted but was also the only attendee) I did my best to choose to be joyful.

Luckily I didn't have to work at it too long =). Our Easter service this morning was wonderful!! I just loved singing Praise songs and hearing the message today. It was thought provoking, and worshipful.

After Church we headed to Salem to continue to celebrate Easter with David's family, which involved a lot of this:...which of course always brings me joy!!!

I tried out two new recipes, one of which was SO easy and SOOO tasty, I thought I'd share it here:

Paula Deen's Toffee Brownies

Ingredients:
  • -3 (6oz) candy bars with almonds and toffee chips (I took Paula's recommendation and used Hershey Symphony bars)
  • -Vegetable oil cooking spray
  • -1 (17.6 oz) package brownie mix
  • -Eggs, oil, and any other requirements listed on brownie mix box

Directions:

Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions.

Line a 13 by 9-inch cake pan with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil cooking spray. Spoon in half of the brownie batter and smooth with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Place the candy bars side by side on top of the batter. Cover with the remaining batter.

Bake according to package directions. Let cool completely, then lift from the pan using the edges of the foil. This makes it easy to cut the brownies into squares.


I must say, that whole "line the pan with foil and then spray the foil" thing is GENIUS!! The foil just lifted right out and I was able to cut them into beautiful, perfect squares!!!!!

I did have to bake mine longer than the brownie box had said, as the middle wasn't fully cooked at that time (due to the candy bar I assume), and I also put mine in the fridge for a bit even after they had cooled down just to firm them up a bit. But even with those minor adjustments, they were soooo easy and quite tasty!!!!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter Sunday celebrating our Risen Lord!!!!!!

Oh, and seriously, have you EVER seen anything cuter than this???

16 comments:

Jen S. said...

Kendra--
I'm sorry about your meltdown this morning. I'm glad you made it to church and sang your little heart out after all! Oh, and I like your dress and think you looked so nice :)
For some reason I have a heck of a time making brownies (I've never been able to make brownies OR pancakes quite right!) but the recipe you posted actually seems pretty easy. Plus I like your tip about putting them in the fridge--I've never thought of that! Thank you... can't wait to make them.
Looks like once you got through your morning, the rest of the day went great. I'm glad :)
Love,
Jen

Vanessa's Dad said...

I'm glad you choose Joy, even if ya have to "muster it up." (Why does that make my mouth water with thoughts of Hot Dogs?)

Life isn't always throwing us kisses. I know that very well. But, I also know that I can choose my mood, my reaction to Satan's Attacks of anxiety and despair. I choose Joy... and I enjoy Hot Dogs... especially spicy sausage dogs, with mustard, onions & cheese, and maybe a little relish!

Glad you had a great Easter. I did, starting out with a pancake breakfast with Ann and Vanessa at JBC. And, check out Laura Allen's Facebook page, for some video of the kiddo's who did a bell choir rendition of some simple Easter songs. (Emily told me about it, as I was telling her about how I saw it in church, and she told me she saw it on UTube on Laura's Facebook. What a world we live in!)

LOVE, DAD

Unknown said...

how cute is Cadence? that is one of the sweetest things i have ever seen:) and speaking of sweet, those brownies look delicious. i will most definitely have to try that recipe!

you're not the only one who had some trouble this morning with finding the right wardrobe. but i think i have this problem every Sunday.

Happy Easter!!

Unknown said...

Your dress is so cute! And I now have internet so maybe I can get my blog up to date!

Amanda said...

I love that, schedule in a little time for a temper tantrum....hmm. I had my own little temper tantrum yesterday too so I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one failing to bask in the glory of the special day. Like you though, I rallied and the rest of the day was fabulous. the brownies must be tried. they look yummy and that foil idea does sound genious. glad your niece can still bring you such joy even a few states away. We hope to make it up in June so you can get some hugs and kisses (since she's into that now) and some good conversations in. She's got even more to talk about than when she saw you last August. :)
Oh and you look fantastic in your new dress!!!

The Writer Chic said...

I've got you beat. I finally made it to church in outfit number THREE yesterday. ;)

Faith said...

You look beautiful Kendra! So glad you had a wonderful Easter with your family. And, those brownies look unbelievably good...yummmy!!!

MiMi said...

What a great picture of the two of you! I love it! So glad that you had such a good Easter with your family.

And those brownies -- you had me at "candy bars with toffee chips"! YUM!

That picture with the bunnies is the cutest thing I've seen in a while! Precious!

Heather said...

I have a friend who makes those brownies and they are to DIE FOR! The one time I made them they wouldn't get done...but I am "baking challenged!"
You look darling on Easter with your sweet hubby--I can totally relate to the meltdown--why do they always happen on Sunday mornings? That serpent...sneaky and worthless. Praying for you, friend! Love ya!

Lauren said...

So glad you had a wonderful Easter, girl.... Can't let the devil steal your joy :o)

beckylbranch said...

Kendra you look great! And those brownies...uhm....DELISH!!! I love toffee and chocolate together. That last pic is VERY cute too...great post and I'm so glad you had a blessed Easter <3 Becky

Unknown said...

I LOVE your dress!! You look SOOO pretty! Those brownies look yummy, but as a southerner, you can't beat most Paula Deen recipies. LOL. Cadence looked too cute too!! :)

Heather said...

Looks like you all had a great day! Your dress was very cute!

Family of 5 said...

You look stunning! :) You are so beautiful inside and out!

And great looking goodies too!

BOWquet said...

Such a sweet blog!
And your dress did look great!

Alexis said...

I just posted something I think you'll want to see. Many prayers for you and your husband.