Easter Goodness

This year for Easter it was rather low key, I got up and went to the first service at church which was at 8am. This way I still had the whole day ahead of me. A friend from work and her little family came over for lunch that afternoon. I love love cooking and having people over but I really haven't done much of that since the hubbs has been gone so I was more than willing to make lunch for today. Everything came out perfect and tasted to yummy. A little non-traditional meal for our Easter Feast. Although besides Deviled Eggs, I'm not really sure what Easter traditional foods are. On our Menu was: Oven Baked Fried Chicken, Crock Pot Candied Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole (I like my marshmallows really toasted, (they were out of mini ones but the big ones tasted just perfect)), Rolls, Spinach Dip & Chips and Green Bean Casserole (made by B.). I took this opportunity to make a delicious Loaded Chocolate Chip Cheese Cake and let me just say it was Heavenly. It took all I had not to eat the entire thing. Along with a batch of No Bake Cookies. I've been itching to try a couple different recipes out but never bit the bullet till today. And I'm so glad I did, I remember growing up on something similar to these that my step mom made and I always wished I had the recipe. I'm pretty sure these are going to be my newest easy go to dessert for outings. Everything came out perfect and the table looked great with all of my beautiful Fiestaware incorporated in. I was a bit down that the hubbs wasn't able to be here with us (thank you army) but I know next year he will be for sure!! I remember my last Easter at my Mamaw's house. We always had the best time's celebrating Holiday's with her. She's enjoying them now from up above in heaven, and I'm so grateful to have a little bit  of Heaven in our home.
After B and her fam. left I had the daunting task of tackling the yard for the first time this year. I was not at all looking forward to it but it had to be done and I refused to pay someone to do something I know I can do but would just rather not. (back story, last August with the hubbs was away for a month I mowed the yard right before he came home, it took me over 3 hours to do and I killed the grass completely because I cut it so low.) I was determined to have a better experience this time around and that I did. I put on my iTunes and went to work. It took me just less than 2 hours to mow and edge. We've got a BIG back yard so it was a little time consuming. Thankfully the grass hadn't majorly gotten out of hand yet so it wasn't to bad. I laid seed in hopes to help the grass grow so we have a pretty green yard. Fingers crossed I can keep up with it over the next several months with the hubbs away. I just keep telling myself that I'm getting a good work out in while doing it, so I mean that's motivation in its self. Two birds with one stone.
All in all it was a great day that ended with a nice little stroll around the neighborhood with the pups.