Now you are 3!

You smile and laugh from the start of the day through the end of the night. You love to cuddle with "Mama" still and when you get hurt, you insist I kiss it. After I kiss your hurt, you quickly declare that you are all better and off you go! You have always preferred my hair down. You sleep with a pink bear and a yellow race car. You have the kind of hair that women find irresistible and must run their fingers through it. You are sunny and funny. I'll never forget after a very long day of grouchy children and even grouchier mom, I was tucking you into bed, thinking to myself, "I have got to do better tomorrow." You put your arms around my neck and said, "I forgive you Mama". At the time I thought it was a funny thing to say, but later that evening, and to this day, I remember what a profound thing you said. You are a beautiful child of God. Slow to anger (unless someone has something that you really really really want) and quick to forgive. I love you Tommy Bear!

Happy Easter!

We rose early this morning, to go to 7:30 a.m. mass. This served two purposes: 1. to fight the "masses" at church; 2. to catch our kiddos off-guard and early enough, that they have no energy to act up! :)
I think we were successful on both counts!! We arrived at 7:30 exactly and sat our whole family 3 rows from the front! The children were well-behaved!! And this allowed me and Gino to actually enjoy Easter mass. It was beautiful and joyful and trumpets and Easter lilies. Fr. Tom's sermon was very straight-forward, "Live your faith everyday." Kind of aiming for the Christmas/Easter crowd. But that is OK! Because, the Good Lord knows I need this gentle reminder, too!!!

The children and I have been working on cascarones, (confetti-filled eggs). After much prompting from my sister, we are finally adding this tradition to our Easter celebration. Although her eggs are much more vivid... that's what I get for using the dollar store kit!!!

Wishing you and your families and joyful Easter Season!!

For my nephew, JP

This is such a quick, easy gotta-have chocolate pleaser. And besides, who doesn't keep Semisweet chocolate in the house?!

Molten Mocha Cakes from EVERYDAY FOOD,Jan/Feb 2007, pg.48

serves 2 * prep time: 10 minutes * total time: 35 minutes
If you want to double or triple this recipe, just add 3 minutes or so to baking time.

2 T. unsalted butter, plus more for ramekins
1/3 c. confectioners' sugar, plus more for ramekins and serving
2 oz. semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp. espresso powder (I substituted with cinnamon)
pinch salt
3 T. all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 400. Butter two 6 oz. ramekins, then dust with sugar. Place butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 20 second increments, stirring after each, until melted. Let cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together egg, egg yolk, sugar, espresso powder and salt. Add chocolate mixture; whisk to combine. Add flour, and whisk just until combined (do not overmix). Pour batter into prepared ramekins. (Recipe can be made ahead up to this point, see tip below.)

3. Bake until a toothpick inserted 1/2 inch from edge of ramekins comes out clean, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out wet, 10-12 minutes (do not overbake). Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. Runa a knife around inside of ramekins to loosen. Invert cakes onto serving plates. Dust with sugar; serve immediately.

How to make ahead:
Cover ramekins with plastic wrap after step 2; refrigerate up to 1 day. Bake 14-16 minutes.