Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

MMmmmmMmmmm!  I had an extra special helper in the kitchen!  Reagan is really enjoying being a helper in the kitchen these days and I am cherishing these moments.  

Here she is putting the pumpkin puree in the mixer.

And here is what she does best.

 Batter in the cupcake liners.

All baked.

And ready to eat....nom, nom, nom.

These were YUMMY and even better with a nice fresh pot of Gumbo, you Louisianians know what I'm talking about.

Here is a link to the recipe if you want to give it a try.  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pumpkin-spice-cupcakes/  I took the recommendations to tweak the batter, which included mounding the spices, using 1 1/4c of puree and use oil not butter.  It really helped.

I hope you all are enjoying your holidays as much as I am enjoying mine.  My desire would be that we all focus on the TRUE reason for the season, Jesus, our families and friends.

On my heart....(The battles of the adoption process)

About 10 years ago I meant a very special and precious person.  Her name is Jenny and we met at Gulf States Bible College (Which, unfortunately has shut down.).  She truly is one of the sweetest, kindest, most generous person you would ever meet.  I've just learned recently that she and her husband, Matt, have been going through the process of adopting a baby.  If you would like to read about their journey, you can do so here, http://theelianaproject.blogspot.com/.  They have already been through two failed adoptions and are pushing forward to the goal of being parents.  Jenny wrote a blog titled "Love is a Risk" on October 4, 2011 and through the quote that blog is based off God laid it on my heart to make something for her.  It's not perfect, it's not even professional looking, but I wanted to bring a bit more attention to Jenny and her journey by sharing it with you.

Here it is...a decorative plate for her to display, hide or trash.  lol

I truly am inspired by Jenny and Matt and I really believe that God has called them to love big and in some ways bigger than any of us have ever loved.  The risk that comes with this big love for them has been heartbreaking at times, but join me in believing that God would deliver that precious child right into their arms.