Damask Wedding Cake

This is a cake I did for my cousin Rindy.  I love how elegant it looks.  

The calle lily's on top were so pretty!

Rusty (It's a love/hate thing)

My friends and family know that I love my coonhound, Rusty.  But I also am quick to tell them how much I can't stand him as well.  

For instance....

He constantly raids my recycle bin and frequently litters the back yard!!  

He never picks up after himself - EVER!!

He his sooooo naughty when he thinks no one is looking.  If you aren't careful, he will lick the butter dish dry.

A closer look...

The other morning I kept hearing him bark (actually howl - he's a hound)  but couldn't find him.

Eventually his howling led me to the side of the house where he had gotten himself tangled up in my tomato cages.  Yeah, that was not fun trying to get him out!

But it made me laugh and I guess that's why we keep him around.  

He definitely makes us laugh.

Orange, Fun, Birthday Cake

Here's a fun cake I did for my friend Diane.  

Fall Baby Shower Cake

This was a really fun cake to make.  I love the colors and flowers.  I have a hard time molding people out  of fondant.  She did have a neck at one point, but it collapsed and so she is neck-less.

Electric Guitar Cake

This is the cake I did for my brother-in-law's birthday.  Super fun cake to make!!!  

Circus Birthday Cake

This was a fun cake with a "circus" feel to it.  Chocolate cake with peanut butter buttercream.  

Oh so good!!

Mind over Body - St. George Recap

Eight years ago, I ran the St. George Marathon.  Two weeks later I was at the doctors office being told I had an autoimmune disorder and would need to take medication for the rest of my life.  That really knocked the wind out of my sail.  Not only did I not feel in control of my body, I didn't feel good.  I was tired all the time.

Fast forward 8 years.  My friends signed up for the same race.  I thought why not.  I figured I wouldn't be able to run it, but I would go for the experience and just be happy I was there.  I ran a few long runs with them about half way through training.  My knees were hurting.  I just keep telling myself I would walk, and it would be okay.

Race day.  I am waiting at the start line with thousands of other runners.  The energy is intense.  All the sudden, I decided that I was running this race no matter what!  The race began and so off we went.

Mile 6 I was aware of my knees - darn that tight IT band!  I decided I didn't care and I was running anyway.  It was exhilarating to push myself, force my body to do what it was screaming it didn't want to.

Soon I was at mile 13 and feeling pretty good.  I had this!

By the time I hit mile 23 I couldn't feel my legs.  Really!  I started to get emotional.  Not because of my legs, but because I was in charge of me.  I felt so empowered that I was able to overcome my body.  I felt like I was in control again.  I am in charge and I will say when enough's enough - not my body.

I could hardly contain my tears as I crossed the finish line with my good friend Kaye.  Not only did I finish the race, I ran it 3 minutes faster than I did 8 years ago.  

What a wonderful day!  I still can't walk up the stairs or sit down very gracefully, but I conquered!  I am strong!  It makes me happy!

 Kaye and I in the back seat driving up to St. George.

 Dinner that night before the race with Ruth, who was there to cheer her hubby and the rest of us on!

 Tim, Billy, and I waiting to load the bus to take us to the top.

 Here's the whole gang waiting in anticipation for the race to begin!

 Kaye and I stuck together the whole race.  It was fun to have a friend along the way.

 I was about to fall over in this picture, but I was leaning on Kaye pretty heavy.

So happy to be done!