We both were not sure what to expect in how things would go, with the kids, the driving, schedules, all that, but by God's grace, it has gone smoothly thus far. The kids have been very well behaved for the most part, and that is a tremendous help for me, since i am with them alone each evening, in charge of bed time when that normally was an area Nathan really took ownership in and blessed me by covering. Also, with us being a part most evenings, I wondered if I would be lonely and bored, and what should I do with my time. That also has been a rich and peaceful time.
Would you believe, so many of my sweet women friends have taken the time to not only set aside their own schedules and busy lives, but come to me and visit and fellowship with me! It fills my heart so much, and Jesus has used these women to bless me in abundance. I love the quality time, the laughter, and close camaraderie in visiting in one on one, or even in a small group. I know this is time that I normally would not get with these friends, because most of us are wives or moms or managers of households that need tending to, but just for this small season, I am truly thankful for the gift they have given me. Women, you know who you are. I recognize the gift you are giving me by coming to my house and giving me so much love, time, and attention. Thank you.
The reason i share this, is I sometimes like to have something to offer as well, even though it be small, such as a hot cup of tea or hot cocoa, or a fun treat or snack to accompany our conversation. We usually end up on the couch, toes curled beneath our legs, blankets cover us, and we nibble and talk and laugh, and enjoy the quality time.
This past evening in particular, L came to visit, and i wanted to bless her for blessing me. She has been such a faithful and loyal friend to me, she has loved me so unconditionally, and has been such a safe place of refuge for me. She is an amazing mom and supportive wife, I am learning a lot from her. She isn't the most wide open gal, but as I am learning her, she opens more and more, and I am so thankful whenever she gives me the chance to know her intimately and get a taste of her heart.
These evenings on my couch have lended well to that, and I wanted to make something sweet and decadent, just a little extra special, and so I put together these brownies. They are oh, so chocolaty and gooey, and adding cream cheese and chocolate chips only adds to the richness, and a generous square would be divine with a cold glass of milk.
Naughty me, L was actually on a cleanse at the time, but she graciously tried one anyway, [more for my sake- i think she didn't want to hurt my feelings] but she encouraged me they were indeed, very tasty, and between my kiddos and my hubby, the entire pan was gone by the following evening..
I encourage you to try them, so simple with the boxed brownie mix doing a majority of the work, and it is very simple whipping up the cream cheese mixture, and it looks so pretty when you are all finished.
Want to give them a try?
here is what you will need:
1 brownie mix, boxed
ingredients to prepare it:
[vegetable oil
eggs
water]
cream cheese mixture:
1 8oz rectangle cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp Spanish vanilla [regular is fine also]
1/2 cup chocolate chips [semi sweet are my favorite and go to choice]
I used an 8x8 glass dish. [i love my brownies thick.] preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and spray or grease up the dish. set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mix up brownie mix and follow box directions. Pour into glass dish.
In a kitchen aide, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth.
spoon plops of cream cheese mixture over brownie mixture and use a knife to swirl like the inside of a marble.
Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Bake for about 35-40 minutes and let cool before serving.
serve with a tall glass of milk, or maybe even a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some fresh berries! yum!
enjoy..
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