Heaven in a glass bowl

So about three weeks ago I stumbled upon this recipe on the almighty Pinterest

http://loulousucre.blogspot.com/2012/04/peanut-butter-brownie-trifle.html

I decided to make it for a church pot luck lunch and let me tell you.. it was a huge hit! So simple and yet so scrumptious! 

And in true Becky Daigle fashion, I had to jazz it up a bit the next time I made it to make it my own... I mean after all.. in all honesty that is what I want to inspire people through this blog to do. Never settle on a recipe just because, you are allowed to make it own.. jazz it up.. leave out a few unwanted ingredients or add something. Make mistakes.. it is all part of cooking.. it is the fun part!

So I decided to add a few things. Since it is obviously candy based, with the reese's, I continued with that theme and added Rolo's and then some caramel and hot fudge layers as well. 

Ingredients

(please note that all pictures are as is.. no edits.. my son is taking a nap and my "good computer" with software is right next to his bedroom wall.. thus no editing)

1 box of your desired brownie mix, the family size it best if you want lots of brownie bits (PLUS all ingredients needed to make desired brownies.. it will vary with each brand)

4 cups of cold 2% milk (not pictured.. duh)

4 tsp vanilla extract (also not pictured.. duh)

2 5.1 oz instant vanilla pudding

1 cup creamy (or if you are living on the wild side, crunchy) peanut butter

1 giant tub (sorry forgot the volume) of cool whip (or two reg size tubs)

candy bar of choice... mine are rolos and reese cups... I cannot remember the size I got so just get plenty and then if you have extra.. then yum

caramel sauce (not pictured)

hot fudge sauce (not pictured)

First of course, make your brownies. cook until well done and then allow to cool. Once cooled cut or crumble them.

Assemble pudding in large (and I mean large) bowl

combine 4 cups cold with pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes. The mixture will thicken into a pudding texture.

beginning of mixing pudding... very runny

desired pudding consistency after your arm feels like it will fall off... I miss my kitchen aid mixer!

Next stir (or whisk) in 1 cup of desired peanut butter (I chose creamy... I figured there was enough texture going on with the candy) as well as the 4 tsp of vanilla extract

Lemme take a second to plug the pampered chef solid, liquid measurer thing picture here.. Ever tried to measure peanut butter in a reg measuring cup? then get it out of that said measuring cup... yes this thing just pushes the "solid" up and out no major mess or headache.. definitely worth the cost.. I think i bought mine for like $12...

Fold in the cool whip

Now there is an art to folding. It is not "stiring" anything because you do not want the ingredients to thoroughly combine and thus breaking down the cool whip itself. instead you are literally folding the pudding over the cool whip to incorporate the cool whip into sort of a swirl with the pudding mixture.... 

Now comes assembly... gather your ingredients and make sort of a work station with all of them...

Now comes the part where I have to sort of stop with pictures. As I was completing this dish my chocolate loving toddler finally noticed I was cooking with candy... thus his interest became overwhelmingly distracting.. so I rushed through assembly in order to get it done and hidden in the fridge before he could get his hand in any of the ingredients and thus ruin his supper!

Layering begins with a smooth layer of the pudding mixture (not alot.. just enough to cover the bottom of the dish)... then add 1/2 of the brownie crumbles, 1/3 of each candy, and a good drizzle of both caramel and fudge...

continue layers with 1/2 of the remaining pudding mixture, 1/2 brownie crumbles 1/3 each candy and a good drizzle of caramel and fudge

end with final half of pudding, a good drizzle of caramel and fudge and finally the reserved cool whip...

you should at this point have a 1/3 of each candy remaining... this is to "garnish" the top of the desert... Create a fun design...

refrigerate and serve chilled!

A few helpful hints with this recipe....

the original recipe called for the minature reese cups all unwrapped and cut in half that would be within the trifle... well that was awful.... I spent 45 minutes unrolling the dang things and it was terrible! Well with this recipe I found the even smaller, already unwrapped ones for INSIDE the trifle so the only one I had to unwrap went on top for the garnish... thus saving lots of time and frustration.. Same goes for the rolos... you can find the bite size... one bag was plenty for inside the trifle.. in this instance though instead of doing 1/3 of the candy mixture per layer.. you would use 1/2 of each candy in the inside and then garnish with some miniature ones you can unwrap

Second useful tip... for those who's children might have a peanut allergy or those who are not fond of that kind of candy etc..

you can EASILY do this to any specific liking. Just omit the peanut butter from the pudding... and then use your desired candy bar... hersey, just plain chocolate kisses.. add caramel to the pudding instead and then use rolos only...

This recipe is SO easily adaptable. And really such a crowd pleaser! This particular recipe makes enough for probably 20 plus people in my opinion. It is SO rich that really a small portion is needed per person. It  cant easily be cut in half to serve less people or a family dessert all week!

Enjoy :)))

A Mother's Opinion

A dear wonderful close friend of mine asked me today, in my opinion what should she bring pack to bring to the hospital for her upcoming delivery of her first child. I sort of giggled because I barely packed anything when I delivered my son, and well it was a mistake! I figured it is only a day and I can live without things... whoa boy was I wrong! Yes the hospital provides the necessities, but it is similar to what you would expect out of a "jail stay".. the BARE necessities. Goopy soap and oily shampoo etc. Scratchy towels and thin blankets etc.

So here is my "experienced" list. Now granted where I delivered my son was a different kind of hospital. The rooms were both the delivery room as well as recovery as well as post par-tum. It was wonderful. One room the entire time with my newborn by my side the entire time. So I am sure this next delivery for me will be different due to it being at a different hospital with different accommodations.

Basics:
To keep with you at all times!

Camera - Charged, with back ups and triple check the memory cards!
Phone- not for you to use, but for you to refer to your hubby. I was SO thankful my husband stood in and took phone calls for me. Here is the deal.. for all you friends/family of those who will be delivering a child anytime soon... DO NOT CALL EVERY TWO SECONDS... I know you will want to, you want to be updated as much as possible. But the most annoying thing to me while attempting to deal with the pain from  childbirth was the phone ringing off the hook... So let your husband keep the phone, on vibrate of course.. and if you are up to date with social media, USE IT.. make sure your family is plugged in somewhere and just update there whenever there are changes. 

Labor:
My requirements basically say, anything that you can think of that will make you the most comfortable.. 

-Pillow ...(and even one for your hubby) bring one from home with a pillowcase you can throw out, or even the pillow itself later if needed. Scratchy, noisy, yucky reused hospital pillows GROSS ME OUT... 
-Socks - Yes socks. They will give you some special socks more than likely but I wanted my own to simply because I am always cold and while the rest of you will be exposed to the entire room, at least your feet will be comfy!
- music - some people are more soothed by certain music, I am not that person but I know those who are.. so bring your ipod and some headphones and get in your happy pain bearing place!
-a book, laptop, etc- something for entertainment- for those people like me who chose the epidural route, it can be a boring lengthy wait. Bring something that will keep you occupied. Yes they have a TV but your idea of entertainment might be something different of your husbands. 
-a cheap robe... Ok so this is one not everyone will care about, and most don't even think about.. but those hospital gowns, well they leave A LOT to be desired... I was freezing, exposed, uncomfortable and just plain miserable in the stupid gown that was about four sizes too big, wouldn't stay up due to all the lines running everywhere on me... So if you are going all natural, not epidural lines etc, bring a robe or a sweater etc that you would be ok with throwing out after the whole experience (this all pending whether the nurses will fight you on wearing it period though but I plan on fighting being able to wear one until I get my epidural)

Post Partum:
This is where I majorly faltered! I just figured I could tough it out until I got home. Yea not so much. I was miserable!

-Clothing - I chose to bring gowns just in case of a c-section. Make sure whatever you bring is comfortable first and foremost. The hospital will provide underwear made for post partum, I would recommend using those versus ruining some you bought with your own money!
-Blankets - I am blanket fanatic. The warmer, fluffier, heavier the better! Those hospital blankets just did not cut it for me! I didn't bring one but man did I wish I had! Be nice and pack one for your hubby too so he has something better to curl up on those awful pull out couches with
-toiletries- I did bring these and man was I happy I did. I made the choice to run and grab those little travel bottles of shampoo, body wash, conditioner, toothpaste, etc. NOTHING feels better than that first shower after delivering a child. I brought my own loofah too (I disposed of it after the hospital stay though.. hospitals gross me out.. they are supposed to be the most sanitary, however they are proven to be other wise.. )
-towel - this time I will bring my OWN TOWEL.. a white one I can bleach or simply throw away.. but the "towel" the hospital provided was like two foot by  one foot hand towel that would have been far more suitable for cleaning truck tires them wiping moisture from my delicate areas.. Trust me.. go to target, grab a white $4.50 bath towel and face cloth and just bill it to your own comfort level. 
-Snacks- Now this is something you will not want anywhere near you for the labor part.. because you aren't allowed to eat it! Miserable I know... but after you will be famished.. yes there is hospital food but I would recommend having a small bag of your favorite munchies in your car you can bring up for after the labor, for both you and your husband. or have a list made up for your family to run and grab for you after. Also maybe a list of meals you would like instead of hospital food. 

*Edit* 
Slippers.. how did I forget slippers. or flip flops.. something to throw on while walking around the room.. something that you don't need to bend over to slide on... Did I mention hospitals GROSS ME OUT... 

-Nursing stuff:::
    -Lanolin gel/cream.. SLATHER this stuff in between feedings. It is best to PREVENT cracking and bleeding and this is the way to do it... take it from someone who didn't even think about this.... just do it! Even start applying it before you even deliver... to prepare those sensitive two body parts that are so important to your newborn
   -Boppy - also important for learning to position your baby! It is a huge help!
   -nursing cover- because well, guests will be coming and unless you are completely ok with everyone seeing you nursing, a cover might come in handy
    - soothers - there are these brilliant inventions that they make to help soothe your boobs during the first bits of nursing, they can be heated or cooled and they are amazing. I didn't necessarily need them until a few days into nursing but they could possibly come in handy
    -know your rights - know how you feel about breast feeding. Make the nurses aware, in any situation, you do NOT want the baby given a bottle first.. Unless 100% necessary for the babies health of course. 
-Bottle fed::
   - most all hospitals offer samples of formula for use while in the hospital. Use these while there. your insurance is paying for them.. might as well save some $$ while you are there!
    pacis - I say this under bottle fed because from experience and studies, using a paci while nursing would prove problems with latching.. however, with bottle fed, it might help soothe the baby. The hospital will provide some, but this is purely your choice if you want a certain kind used. *EDIT* if you do not want your child given a paci.. make sure you state this fact to the nurses as well as your family.. even make a cute small sign to put in the bassinet that states some facts.. such as "breast fed baby.. no formula or pacis"


Of course the "duh stuff" for the baby....

-clothing. (for a couple of days... lots of extras because of the classic newborn blowouts as you learn how to properly apply a diaper) the gowns worked best for us! something you can open easily to do those frequent diaper changes
     - socks
     - mittens (also can use socks on their hands to keep from scratching)
     - hats (newborns lose most of their body heat out of the tops of their heads.. so keep them kozy with cut little hats.. the hospital will provide one usually but it can get grimy after a few days)
     - dont worry about diapers. The hospital will provide (and bill your insurance) as many as you need.. use them while you are there.. even take any that are in your room as you leave.. if they are in your room, you are charged for them already...
      - Wipes will also be provided so unless you are going to be brand specific, use what your insurance is already paying for
-Blankets - Good swaddler blankets. My son HATED being swaddled... but we still kept him warm and comfy regardless just not as bound tight
-Carseat... I know this a duh but seriously.. a PROPERLY installs car seat base in your car and the actual carrier itself. Be prepared and familiar with how the car seat works and feels. Run by the police station or local fire department where they can teach you to properly install a car seat. It is incredibly important for the safety of your child to know how to properly install a car seat, not just your husband but you as well! 


That is my basic list. I am sure I am forgetting things here and there but seriously, the most important thing to think about is what you are comfortable having around you. You will be staying there for a few days and with being as uncomfortable as you are post partum anyway, you will want things around you that comfort you. things you would take when staying at a hotel (and then some)... plus whatever else you think you will need. Seriously.. you would rather have it there then have to send your husband or family member home to find it.. If you are anything like me.. explaining where something is while in pain or sleep deprived, is not my idea of fun!

Mama of a preschooler

Oh the expectations a mama can pour on her child in public situations. I know my son, as his mother I would suspect I know him better than most anyone. I know his highs and his lows. I know how amazing his attitude can be, how hard he can make me laugh with his silly faces and his loving snuggles. I also know how repulsive his attitude can be, how frustrating he can be when he is in "one of his moods." How the poor dogs run and hide because he still has yet to discover the correct way to interact with them without being WAY too rough. I know how he ticks basically. So when I am out and about with him I do expect him to be on his BEST behavior. I want others to adore my child and see him through my eyes. But there are the times when he is anything but that "best behavior child." 

Lately with all these changes he has been acting out a lot more than normal. So you can understand why I would be a bit reluctant to get his daily reports from his preschool. I know his energy level is off the charts, even for a two year old. So today when I picked him up I took a few minutes to speak with his teacher. As I feared, his first two days were rough. His ability to keep his hands to himself out of sheer excitement and probably frustration were seriously lacking. While she promised he is improving and adhering to their rules, today he spent the majority of playtime in the "thinking chair" due to an altercation with another child over a toy. I could feel my face flush. I started spewing any excuse I could muster as to explain this horrid behavior that is NOT tolerated at home either. Attempting to assure the teacher that I was indeed a good mother and that we were raising him to not act that way. 

This wonderful teacher could see the frustration and embarrassment that was plastered all over my face. She took my hands, looked me straight in the eyes and declared that it was "okay." Every child goes through difficulties with major changes in their lives and that despite his behavior they are working through it and learning each other and that the LOVE him regardless. Her comforting words, touch, and look helped to calm my fears and it took everything I had not to just collapse in tears. 

Even with this though I still feel shame. I always declared I would be that mother who's child was just that angel. The one every teacher wanted in their class. That "dream child" you hear everyone describing. But Jaxon, well Jaxon has a strong personality, a quick temper like his mother, a stubborn attitude too. He has his daddy's energy level and LACK of attention span. But you know what else he has.. he has his mother's heart for others and his fathers athletic ability. I have to remind myself that EVERY child has their good days and bad. There is no "dream child." Beating myself up as a mother and feeling inadequate isn't the way to go about it at all.

I often wonder if Mary had this "terrible two" situation with Jesus. Can you imagine? He had to have been that "dream child." The one that never fought over bedtime, or refused to brush his hair.I wonder if she had the same fears as a mother of how he would be when in public or on his own without her personal supervision. Or did she do as God instructed and trust in her training, in her ability to be a parent based on the truth God instilled in her which she portrayed to Jesus. 

God said in His Word : 


"Train up a child in the way he should go;
 even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

And gosh darn it through all the tears and frustrations, I will train my child how he should be trained. That his hands are made for being kind, this mouth for speaking words of encouragement, and that his heart should be focused on loving the Lord first so then he can love others.  And most importantly, I must trust in God's decision to entrust Jaxon in my care. He knows what He is doing and I will continue to pray that He will use me to train my child through these hard times and changes that are happening in our lives. 

Where to even begin

Ever have one of those times when you need to catch someone up on your life but you have no clue where to even begin because everything has been so absolutely insane? Yep well this is absolutely one of those moments. Yes I fell off the face of the blogging world but only temporarily! Our family is going through some seriously stressful changes and priorities take over when I get into this stressed out mommy mode!

First my husband was injured while attempting to complete Officer Candidate School and thus dropped from the class and we returned to GA for him to heal and train for a future class, which we decided would be in October 2012 in order for his shins to heal properly and him to relearn out to run without reinjury. So all was set for us to do a simple move whenever he graduated OCS in December and we would be settled in Houston TX by January in order for him to start classes at the University of Houston and for Jaxon to be enrolled in a local preschool.

While registering for my FINAL semester as an undergraduate student at Liberty University, we discovered I was surprisingly pregnant with our second child! Overjoyed was not my initial reaction considering the confusion this would bring to our "plans." But in true God fashion, our plans are not always parallel to His all powerful plans. I was determined to complete these final few classes over the summer. Throw in a few stressers, we determined the due date, December 31st. With Alan's graduation from OCS falling in december we knew that Jaxon and I would be unable to stay in GA without adequate support in case this little guy decided to come early, not to mention attempting a move to TX with a two week old was just a little bit overwhelming for me! So the decision was made to pack ALL of our belongings into a large storage unit and take the necessities and move to North Carolina with my parents so I would have the support I needed as well as be close enough to Virginia to go see Alan on Libo weekends. 

Over the summer I did complete my classes, we DID pack stuff everything we owned into a small storage unit and we DID move in with my parents. Overtaking their beautiful home with a two year old and a dog and all of our "baby" necessities. Overtaking is probably an understatement. The impact this toddler has had on this normally quiet household has been exciting and challenging all at the same time. Jaxon has taken it in stride, I have had a few I am going to pull my hair out moments but I have accepted the mind set of "one obstacle at a time".. and let me tell you, it is all I can take.

So here we are, Jaxon is enrolled in a preschool two days a week. This is both for his behavior, socialization, education, and probably above all, my sanity. His deep desire to play with other children and his need to get rid of energy via play, made it an easy decision to enroll him a year early to set a firm foundation for when he does attend real preschool next year.

Jaxon's first day at his new school

And here I am, 6 months pregnant with our second child, a boy.. name to be disclosed upon his arrival! 

So where does that leave this blog? Well it leaves it still in the middle on the priority list. With a few hours of freedom each week, I plan to take back my sanity and blog until my heart is content. With a new desire to devote some energy and time into further progressing my hobby of photography (HOBBY.. definitely not profession), and as always COOK. Probably my favorite part of being at my parents house is their openness to new recipes and their ever honest opinions of anything I make. Pinterest has become an obsession of mine with regards to inspiring new creations as well as some pretty terrible failure.

With a new baby on the way, and the world's most adorable niece awaiting her aunts arrival in TX, I can promise there will be crafting involved in quite a few posts. As well as budget friendly posts regarding a new baby and everyday military life. 

Until next time, signing off as a soon to be mother of two