Cake Decorating

Since 2009 I've been making my own cakes. I've done them in the past before 2009, but just this past couple years have I really wanted to make them and have truly enjoyed it.

I am in the process of thinking up a cake for my hubby's birthday which is coming up in January. While doing that, I was thinking about my mother. She used to make cakes when I was younger. I remember one in particular that I loved. It was a submarine cake that she made for my dad's work. He was a naval architect while I was growing up. It was awesome!

I saw how much work my Mom put into making these cakes. I guess watching her do this spurred something in me to make cakes too. I always thought she was so talented. I am not sure if my Mom makes cakes anymore. We aren't as close as I'd hope to be these days.

I do know that I miss seeing her making cakes. I remember a doll cake she made me for my 12th birthday. I also remember seeing the cakes with the beautiful roses on them. I don't know how to make roses or flowers yet and wish I could learn that from her. I know I will learn them though. I hope to take a cake decorating class here soon!

I'll have to go through my pictures of when I was younger and see if I can pull up some of the cakes she made.. It would be cool to see them again if I have the pictures of them.

I am very thankful that she made those cakes as I was growing up. I guess that's why I make the cakes for my family. Because of how I felt with her making those for me, I felt special and worth something! I want my family to feel special and worth something too!

Here is some pictures of the cakes I've made this year and last year..



This was a bday cake for my youngest for his 8th birthday in 2009. He wanted an American Flag themed cake



my ladybug cake I designed for my bday in 2010



my daughter's 16th bday.. 2010



My youngest son's snowman cake for his 9th bday in 2010



my husband's carrot cake for his bday in 2011



my son's 12th bday cake 2011



I made the cake for my daughter's Spring Fling Prom 2011



I made a graduation cake for my oldest son for finishing up Elementary School this past June 2011



This is my bday cake for this yr. 2011. Not my best but it turned out cute



My anniversary cake I made back in November 2011 for our 14th anniversary.



My latest cake was for my son's 10th birthday a couple weeks ago!

Weightloss- Plateau is Over

I haven't posted anything on my weightloss in awhile because I haven't lost any weight in a month.. The scale decided to stay the same throughout the entire holiday season. A big plateau.. but I am glad I had it. It gave me a little time to relax through Thanksgiving and Christmas. I didn't gain so that was nice. I enjoyed some sweets that I've taken out since September. Ate in moderation but was able to enjoy them nonetheless! It was nice.

Now back to the grindstone. I still have some weight to lose. The scale says 11 more pounds to where I want to be but I feel thinner than I did when I was this weight years ago.. Since I now workout, weightlift and run I am now more muscle than before! Very little jiggles now! oh ya!

I've lost 2 pounds this week so I am finally going back down. 23 pounds down. I am now officially smaller than I was when I moved to Montana back in 2007. I haven't been this size since 2006.

I am very happy with my progress and will continue to lose weight until I am in a solid size 8 in all my pants... Almost there. I have one pair that are 8's but all the others are a 10.. So close!! Plus I actually want my weight to be correct on my driver's license.. smiles....

This was taken today at 23 pounds lost so far!

Christmas 2011

We had a great Christmas here at our house.. On Christmas Eve we opened a few presents.. had the kids open one an hour for three hours, then saved the rest for the morning time. It was fun watching them wait in anticipation..





The boys opened the gifts they got for each other first...



My first gift I opened was a key chain sock monkey. I've wanted a sock monkey when I was a kid and up until recently you couldn't really find any. I kept saying something about them on occasion when I was with the family and told them I don't really have a purpose for a doll sock monkey but DS12 told me he saw a keychain one awhile ago and I told him that would be cool, I could put it on my purse.. So he got that for me! Isn't he awesome!



Family photo with the Christmas tree.. My DD17 isn't in the photo. She spent Christmas w/ her father in S. Carolina this year.

Yes, the tree is small. I replaced the one we had because it was falling apart. Purchased this after Christmas last yr. I pulled it out of the box this yr and started putting it together and thought, 'Wait, shouldn't there be more?'. The box said 7'.. hmmm.. oh well, can't do anything about it since it's been a yr.



Me, with the presents/tree



Hubby and I in front of the tree



DS12 wanted a guitar. I didn't want to spend a large amount on it if he decided later that he didn't want to play it. I found this beginner one to see if he'll stick with it. If so, then a bigger one will be in his future!





This is an electric Christmas Tree that DS12 bought for his dad so they could put it together as a team!





YEH! A stereo to play my CD's...



Hero Factory is my favorite!



Hubby got me an awesome history book of the county and city we live in. Can't wait to read through this and look at all the old photos of the area!!



DS10 found some jerky seasoning for his dad. Since both of us shot deer we have a lot of meat in the freezer. Now we can make some jerky.. mmmmmm





Stocking fun!







Christmas morning!



I love the new robe that hubby got me. It's SO thick and warm.. It makes me look twice as big but it's so worth it.. I am now warm.. I had a thin sweater I wore around the house and now I have this one. It's long too so my whole body is warm.. YEH!



Each year for the past 11 yrs I've purchased a family dough ornament. Most of them have been a theme that represented that year. This year since we were hunters for the first time ever, we're deer.. Don't you think that's fitting??

While dinner was cooking on Christmas day I decorated a gingerbread house. I asked the family if they'd like to help but they were all too busy playing with their new 'toys'..









All Complete









Here we are getting ready to eat our yummy Christmas dinner. For Thanksgiving we had deer roast since we have three deer in the freezer. For Christmas though we decided to get a turkey... It was yummy since we've eaten nothing but venison since November! (not complaining)

Hope you all had a truly blessed Christmas and that we took time out of our busy day to remember the reason for this special day.. The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.. What a perfect gift to receive!!

Son is Officially 10..

My DS9 is now officially DS10.. On December 22nd...I can't believe it! My little baby is now double digits working towards becoming a grown man. When people tell you that time goes fast with raising children, they are not joking. It feels like yesterday I took this little bundle of joy home from the hospital.. Now he's in 4th grade, independent and well on his way of becoming a wonderful adult..



My little man and me on his birthday. He's still small enough to sit on his momma's lap!



Since his birthday was several days before his actual birthday and his cake was gone, I made him some cupcakes w/ blue sprinkles.. His favorite color.. I made him lasagna that he requested and we went to Dad's work (since he was working) and had dinner with him and cupcakes for dessert..



Can't have a bday without candles and a Happy Birthday song!!



Happy 10th Birthday to the greatest son ever! We love you DS10!!!

52 Books in 52 Weeks Book List 2011

This is my second year participating in the 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge over at Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks. It's been a great year and my 52 books in 52 weeks for 2011 is coming to an end as well. Last yr I read 57 books.. This year I read 57 books.. It looks like that is a number to beat for 2012..

The blog above had some questions to answer to finish up this year's challenge..

1. Did you reach the goal of 52 books or did you manage to beat your own personal best?
I did read more than 52 books. I was really hoping to beat my goal from last year but it seems like it was a tie..

2. What book are you ending the year with?
I am almost complete with a book by Martha Rogers called "Autumn Song" It's really good!

3. Did you discover a new author or genre? Did you love them or hate them?
I review books throughout the year and most of the books I read are directly from the publisher. I have come across some new authors this year and they are all really good writers. I look forward to reading more from them. Some include Kathy Herman, Patricia Hickman, Trish Perry, Cathy Marie Hake, and Amy Clipston

4. Did you challenge yourself to read more non fiction if prefer fiction or more fiction if you prefer non fiction?
My goal for this reading challenge is solely fiction. I do read non fiction but I don't record them.

5. Did you read from a list or wing it?
I read books that I get from the publisher to review. Each month I choose what I want to read. Some are also from my personal collection.

6. How many classics did you read? What did you think of the writing style or author?
I haven't read any classics as of yet. I do love historical fiction but most all of the books I read are new releases.

7. Name one book that you thought you'd never read and was pleasantly surprised you like it. "The Pirate Queen" by Patricia Hickman. I thought the storyline was going to be a bit dry but was very happy when I read it how easy it was and how the characters came to life!

8. What are your top ten favorite books?
In no particular order..
1. 'The Girl in the Gatehouse' by Julie Klassen
2. 'Larkspur Cove' by Lisa Wingate
3. 'The Thorn' by Beverly Lewis
4. 'The Journey' by Wanda E. Brunstetter
5. 'Abigail's New Hope' by Mary Ellis
6. 'A Most Unsuitable Match' by Stephanie Grace Whitson
7. 'Wings of a Dream' by Anne Mateer
8. 'Save the Date' by Jenny B. Jones
9. 'Hidden Affections' by Delia Parr
10. 'Love on the Line' by Deeanne Gist

9. What are your ten least favorite books?
I don't have any. I liked all the books I read this year.

10. Did you start any books that you just simply couldn't finish?
not this year

11. What did you think of the mini challenges and did you join in or complete any?
I didn't know about those. I will look for them in 2012 if they are still going...

12. Did your family join in on the fun?
no, this is just something I do for myself..

13. How many books have you added to your wishlist since the beginning of the year?
way to many now that I know about Paperback Swap.. smiles...

14. What was your favorite thing about the challenge?
It keeps me accountable and keeps me motivated to continue reading..

Here they are below along with my list of books I read this year

Here is my list of books in the order I read them this year.. I look forward to seeing what my book list will be for next year...

1. 'The Girl in the Gatehouse' by Julie Klassen
2. 'Serendipity' by Cathy Marie Hake
3. 'Someone to Blame' by C.S. Lakin
4. 'Larkspur Cove' by Lisa Wingate
5. 'Another Dawn' by Kathryn Cushman
6. 'A Promise of Forever Love' by Vanessa Miller
7. 'Texas Heat' by Debra White Smith
8. 'Texas Pursuit' by Debra White Smith
9. 'A Billion Reasons Why' by Kristen Billerbeck
10. ' When All My Dreams Come True' by Janelle Mowery
11. 'A Bond Never Broken' by Judith Miller
12. 'Hearts a Glow' by Tracie Peterson
13. 'A Heart Most Worthy' by Siri Mitchell
14. 'The Caregiver' by Shelley Shepard Gray
15. 'False Pretenses' by Kathy Herman
16. 'The Thorn' by Beverly Lewis
17. 'The Perfect Blend' by Trish Perry
18. 'Tea for Two' by Trish Perry
19. 'The Journey' by Wanda E. Brunstetter
20. 'Abigail's New Hope' by Mary Ellis
21. 'Cowboy's Touch' by Denise Hunter
22. 'The Judgement' by Beverly Lewis
23. 'Undaunted Faith' by Andrea Boeshaar
24. 'The Fine Art of Insincerity' by Angela Hunt
25. 'Hope Rekindled' by Tracie Peterson
26. 'The Lady of Bolton Hill' by Elizabeth Camden
27. 'When Chicks Hatch' by Heather Randall
28. 'To Win Her Heart' by Karen Witemeyer
29. 'Love's First Bloom' by Delia Parr
30. 'She Makes it Look Easy' by Marybeth Whalen
31. 'Save the Date' by Jenny B. Jones
32. 'Hidden Affections' by Delia Parr
33. 'Forever After' by Deborah Raney
34. 'The Protector' by Shelley Shepard Gray
35. 'Hidden' by Shelley Shepard Gray
36. 'Wanted' by Shelley Shepard Gray
37. 'Forgiven' by Shelley Shepard Gray
38. 'Grace' by Shelley Shepard Gray
39. 'Summer Dream' by Martha Rogers
40. 'Love Finds You in Amana Iowa' by Melanie Dobson
41. 'Out of Control' by Mary Connealy
42. 'A Most Unsuitable Match' by Stephanie Grace Whitson
43. 'Dancing on Glass' by Pamela Binnings Ewen
44. 'The Survivor' by Shelley Shepard Gray
45. 'A River to Cross' by Yvonne Harris
46. 'A Whisper of Peace' by Kim Vogel Sawyer
47. 'Wings of a Dream' by Anne Mateer
48. 'The Mercy' by Beverly Lewis
49. 'Dangerous Mercy' by Kathy Herman
50. 'Love on the Line' by Deeanne Gist
51. 'Maggie's Journey' by Lena Nelson Dooley
52. 'A Lasting Impression' by Tamera Alexander
53. 'Christmas in Sugarcreek' by Shelley Shephard Gray
54. 'Shadows on the Sand' by Gayle Roper
55. 'The Pirate Queen' by Patricia Hickman
56. 'Naomi's Gift' by Amy Clipston
57. 'Autumn Song' by Martha Rogers

How to Have a HEART for Your Kids Book Club

The New Year brings a new book to read. Actually like a bible study but online. I am really excited about starting this Bible Study book called "How to Have a H.E.A.R.T For Your Kids". We will start up with an introduction week on January 2nd and then start reading a chapter a week until the end of February. I was so excited when I found out that I won a copy from her blog so I can participate.. I hope to get my copy here real soon so I can start on time with the group.

I want to post each week on what I've learned and read through each chapter here on my blog. I truly desire to grow deeper in my Christian walk and grow deeper as a mother and wife. I look forward to seeing what this book will do for me..

If you'd like to join in, it's not too late.. Just click on the banner above and it will take you to the website to sign up.. Starts January 2nd.. What a great way to ring in the New Year to grow as a mother and wife..

Stay tuned

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman Book Review

About this Book:

The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. But she’s also married to a successful, yet philandering plastic surgeon. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life. Her planned destination is a neglected family bungalow on the Outer Banks.

Saphora’s departure, though, is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying.

Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender, who instructs her to take him to fight his illness in their coastal home in Oriental—the same house to which she had planned her get-away. When her idyllic escape is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined.

My Thoughts on this Book:

What a heart wrenching story from the beginning. Having a relationship where you feel the only way to find happiness is to leave is hard to comprehend. That is how Saphora felt. What do you do in that situation when you are ready to walk away for good and your spouse tells you, 'I'm dying.' Saphora took her role as mother and wife seriously even to the end. Don't want to give away the wonderful ending but you are sure to need a tissue or two..

While we read about Saphora and her husband Bender we also get a glimpse into a child's life with AIDS. Both of the storylines worked beautifully together and was very happy to see how the stories unfolded at the end! Looking forwarad to reading more by this author in the future..

About the Author:

Patricia Hickman, M.F.A., is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction whose work has been praised by critics and readers alike. Patricia first studied creative writing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and then went on to do graduate studies in creative writing at Queens University. She writes for major publishers and is currently at work on her eighteenth book, a novel set in the North Carolina Piedmont. Her next novel,The Pirate Queen, will release Summer 2010, a story that takes readers journeying from suburban Lake Norman to the sailing villages of the Outer Banks. She has served as a writing professor at UNCC and taught in writing workshops across the country offering her popular “Creating Characters–Giving Story People Life” workshops and courses on fiction. She, along with her hubby, founded a non-profit charity that benefits moms and children with HIV called The Secret Angels Project. Her fiction is known for its depth of understanding of the human condition underscored by redemptive themes.

Son's 10th Birthday Party

My youngest son just had his 10th birthday party yesterday. He will be officially 10 on the 22nd.. His Mustang Race car themed birthday was a huge success. We had everyone he invited come except for one family and the kids had a blast! We played four games. The first game was a left/right game. I was able to personalize it w/ my son's name and age and it was really cool! I gave the kids tickets and I drew numbers for them to pick wrapped gifts from a bag. After all the kids received a gift we played the left/right game. At the end each kid got the one they had left.

The second game was a skit game. I had two bags with five items each in it. We split the kids into two groups and they went into separate rooms to put together a skit that used every item in the bag. It was so neat to watch them perform these.

Here below are the groups putting their skits together.





I videotaped each skit and you can watch it below.





The third game was make a mummy with toilet paper.. This was hilarious to watch them wrap up their friends..





We then had them play one more game. A treasure hunt outside. Yesterday's temp was in the 50's. That's right.. in December! It was awesome. Broke them up into two groups and each group had to follow the clues to the treasure box..



Running around looking for clues!



Before singing Happy Birthday my son wanted to take the cars off the top of the cake.



Picture of the cake with the candles lit



Singing Happy Birthday



Birthday boy's piece of cake on our special birthday plate



All of his wonderful gifts. His birthday balloons are behind him..

If you want to see more pics of his cake and how I made it you can go HERE

I can't believe that my little baby will be 10 in a few short days. Just planning his birthday was hard knowing my youngest was hitting double digits already. I honestly don't know how public school parents handle being away from their children all the time. I am around mine all day, everyday and just can't believe how big they are getting. I know I will miss them something fierce when it's finally time for them to leave the nest.. I am not looking forward to that day!

On Thursday DS9 will officially be DS10.. I know he's excited.. me, not so much.. hee hee!!