Sunday, October 29, 2017

Beth is Here!

 This Sunday (a week ago) was unlike any other. The kids stayed home and Michael and I headed in to the Anchorage airport.  I have two sister friends from college, Beth and Julie. Beth's sweet mama joined Jesus in heaven earlier this month. I longed to see her and hug her neck. Her sweet daughter works for an airline and encouraged her to use the benefits and come see us. So Beth flew in Sunday and left Tuesday. It was a quick visit - but a great visit. It is always refreshing to touch base with Beth.  As it turned out we got bad news on Monday and it was priceless to have Beth on the ground as we sorted it all out.

But FIRST - we picked Beth up. Jared had texted and suggested we meet up. We met up with him, Larissa and Jamin in Eagle River and grabbed a quick bite and some visiting time.

Beth and I spent the rest of the morning afternoon catching up....and prepping for the family dinner.

Tonight we had a potato bar and an earthquake cake. Sounds simple... except I have a hard time doing simple. I tell myself to keep it simple.....Bre said these were the best potatoes ever. Beth and I rock.
Baby S is joining us soon....
 We had teriyaki chicken, beef and broccoli, fajita steak, pulled bbq pork,  onions, peppers and mushrooms, bacon and all the traditional toppings....and Izaak brought steak and mushrooms! YUM - it was good. It was NOT the easy dinner option I envisioned.

Our little warrior 

Jamin led our devotional tonight as we work our way through Philemon

The joy of having family near was enhanced by the joy having Beth join us too. My cup is full!

Earthquake Cake

While I've seen recipes for Earthquake Cakes all over, I found this one at South Your Mouth. You'll want to visit for photos and a traditional and haters recipe as well.  I made this for dinner tonight using a yellow cake mix and a few chocolate chips on top. I've also done with spice cake and no chips on top. 

Chocolate Works - recipe below
INGREDIENTS
1 cup chopped pecans 
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 box chocolate cake mix
Eggs, oil and water for cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS
Spray a 13x9 pan with cooking spray. 

Scatter pecans and coconut evenly into pan.

 Prepare cake batter per box's directions and pour over pecans and coconut.

Combine melted butter and cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl,  beat until smooth. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat on low until smooth and creamy.

Dollop heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto cake batter. 

Sprinkle cake with chocolate chips. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until set. (Mine take longer)