Happy 1st Birthday Haakon!

One year ago today, I was holding a sweet, kissable little bundle of joy in my arms after 12+ hours of the most trying and at the same time empowering experience of my life.

You changed me, my child.  Working with you, at our own pace finding your way into this world... something powerful and formerly hidden was written on my heart.

I found strength I never knew I had.  Faith I never knew could be so deep.  And peace that I never even believed possible.

All because of you.  All because God gave me you and our journey to mold me into who I am today.

Thank you for being such a great partner in that process...  as unaware of your role as you may have been!

Happy 1st Birthday, my sweet boy!

(Please excuse the runny nose...  You are getting 3 molars right now, 

and there's just no stopping the drip that accompanies that process!)

You are such an incredibly light in our lives...  sometimes I can hardly believe we have been so blessed to have you in our lives.

You smile.  Always.  Even when you're miserably teething or sick, you peak out a smile now and then because you just can't help it.

You already love to make people laugh and you are such a charmer.

I just can't wait to see who you grow up to be!  (But don't grow up too fast, okay?  This year went by way too quickly for me!)

We love you so much.  In fact, everyone seems to love you so much.  You definitely have the gift of bringing joy to people's hearts!

I pray often that God will use that joy-bringing gift for His glory in you.  That you will find a way to minister through that gift you have been blessed with.

You are amazing, sweet child of mine.

We love you forever!

- Mommy & Daddy

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fudgy york peppermint patty brownies

This is another version of my favorite fudgy dark chocolate brownies recipe.  Fudgy, rich dark chocolate brownies with creamy peppermint patties hiding under a layer of pure chocolate.

Drooling yet?

I know I am!

{Please excuse me while I go steal another brownie out of the freezer where I hid them.  Maybe I'll even put a scoop of coffee ice cream on top of it...  hmmm...}

Fudgy York Peppermint Patty Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:
3/4 cup dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup butter, melted & divided (1/3 cup + 1/3 cup)
1/2 cup boiling water
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cup flour
40 miniature-sized York peppermint patties
2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.  Grease a 9x13" pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and baking soda.  Whisk in 1/3 cup of the melted butter until smooth.  Whisk in the boiling water until thick.

Whisk in the sugar, eggs, remaining 1/3 cup melted butter and the peppermint extract until blended and smooth.

Stir in the flour and salt until just thoroughly mixed.  Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Lay the unwrapped peppermint patties evenly all over the top (you should be able to fit 8 rows by 5 rows).  Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the brownies are just set and starting to pull away from the edges a tiny bit.

Immediately sprinkle the 2 cups chocolate chips evenly all over the top of the hot brownies.  Let them sit for about 5 minutes, until they are all shiny, and then spread evenly with the back of a spoon.

Cool completely for prettiest results, although I must admit I rarely have the patience for that!  :o)



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