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Do you ever have days where you just want your mom? I've had a lot of those lately, but fortunately I spent all last weekend being pampered at my parents. Growing up I never appreciated the rockstars that my parents are. Dad-- I promise at some point you will get a lovey dovey post, but on this one my heart goes out to mom. -- My mother is an amazing woman. She has endured things that I can't imagine but has the most positive attitude of anyone I've ever met. She is giving, graceful, and kind. When I was younger everyone told me how grateful I should be to have such a wonderful mother, but in my mind I would chuckle and think "My mom? She's just my mom." Now as I've had sometime to reflect about my childhood I realize that not all moms are as wonderful as she is. Not all are as selfless and would sacrifice anything for their child, but my mom would...will, DOES! She is an angel to me, and helps me through all the changes that continue on in life. My mother is my best friend. Although she may not think so sometimes, I think she is the coolest. Yep, mom I bet you never thought that would come out of my mouth. I honor you, I respect you and I aspire to be like the woman you are. Never let your light be dimmed, you are an example to all that know you, and I will love you forever. Thank you for raising me right! I'll forever be in your debt for that!

Baked French Toast...Mmmm Good!

Earlier this month was Devin's birthday! Growing up my family always did breakfast in bed on the morning of your birthday and I wanted to carry out that tradition. Devin's favorite breakfast food is french toast...but I knew I couldn't make him regular french toast. After all, it is was his special day. I stalked my pinterest breakfast board and finally I found the one. You can find the original post here.

Ingredient Checklist

*1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)

*1 cup brown sugar

1 loaf Texas toast
4 eggs

1 1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Directions

1. Melt butter in microwave & add brown sugar....stir till mixed.
2. Pour butter/sugar mix into bottom of 9 x 13 pan....spread around
3. Beat eggs, milk, & vanilla
4. Lay single layer of Texas Toast in pan
5. Spoon 1/2 of egg mixture on bread layer
6. Add 2nd layer of Texas Toast
7. Spoon on remaining egg mixture
8. Cover & chill in fridge overnight
9. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes (covered for the first 30 minutes)
10. Sprinkle with powdered sugar

*My tips: I felt like the sugar/butter mix was a bit too much for me. I would recommend halving this portion. Second I added a cream cheese mix in the middle of  the two layers of bread. For this I used and 8 oz. package of cream cheese, and then powdered sugar and vanilla extract to taste. Make sure that the spread is softened before you try to put it on the bread, I promise it will make it MUCH easier.  

To go on top I made a caramel syrup and seriously it was amazing. (I also used it as an ice cream topping a few days later :)) Look for that recipe in my next post!! 

Do you have any birthday traditions or breakfast foods you love? If so please enlighten me. I love traditions! 

xoxo Kinzie

Marriage Advice

Good morning! Today some of my marriage advice is featured over on "Love the Grows." It would make me smile if you went and checked it out. Bethany is the writer of the blog and she is flipping cute. So go say hi!! xoxo Kinzie

150 Days

When Devin and I decided that we were going to get married and had set a date, I started something called "150 Days Until I Do." And I am so happy that I did. Each day I would write him a love letter or recount one of my favorite memories that the two of us had shared. Then on our wedding day I presented him with the collection of letters I had written. These letters have been more powerful than I anticipated. Each time we are feeling discouraged or frustrated we pull our the notebook of letters and read one. Every time it affirms our love, and completely turns things around. It is so valuable to us, and was such a sweet gift to us both. If you aren't married I encourage you to do this when you are engaged! It will mean the world to your spouse!

Crepes for Conference

When Devin and I got married back in March i knew that I wanted to come up with some traditions of our own. When we were dating we went to a bridal show and they served crepes and I knew my life was changed. I registered for a crepe makers that night and at one of my showers a few weeks later I got it!! We moved into our house right before April's General Conference, and it hit me that we could have crepes for conference. This weekend we continued the tradition and stuffed our faces with way too many crepes. If you would like to be a crepe connoisseur here is the recipe...

4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt

Mix the ingredients and then get cooking! I used my crepe maker which was super convenient, but if you do not have one you can make them in a pan. They will come out tasting just as yummy!

I like my breakfast on the sweet side, so we loaded ours up with vanilla pudding, strawberries, homemade hot fudge, caramel syrup, and whipped cream. Truthfully it was more like a dessert, but conference is only twice a year so it can't be that bad!

 

What are some of your traditions?

Autumn Date

One of my favorite dates lately is to go outside and take pictures of nature. It helps me appreciate the beauty that is all around and pushes my creative side. Devin is so artistic and always finds amazing shots. He'll get down in the dirt for that perfect angle...I love that about him! God created beauty in all things and it's a wonderful way to experience it and have quality time with your love. Plus, it's free! Here are a few of the beauties we took this weekend. Enjoy!