Jeff's 40th Birthday Cake

I never did post a picture of Jeff's Birthday cake.  It was a 70's themed party (the year he was born).  The cake was... well... GROOVY!!  (And delicious!)

My "not so little anymore" athlete.

This past December Allison and Jeff competed in a triathlon.    I sat this one out this time, but honestly I had just as much fun watching Allison compete.  She is ultra competitive (don't know where that comes from).

 Here she is hanging by the pool with the boys (which she beat by the way).

 She is all fired up coming out of the pool.

 She transitioned well and took off on my bike.  It's a little big for her, but she did pretty good on it.

 Here she comes into the final transition.

She place 3rd overall and 1st in the girls division.  She is still so mad those 2 boys beat her!

I am one proud mama!

Brief Pause

Yes,
I am still here.
My head is spinning a little.
But I am getting the hang of this working, going to school thing.

Give me a little time and I might just figure out how to add blogging back into the picture.

In the meantime, I am going to "the happiest place on earth" very soon.
I can't wait.  I love Disneyland and always will.

See you when I get back!

Working

Well, I officially start working tomorrow (officially meaning some steady, set hours).   Job description:  keep the cupcake counter stocked with pretty and delicious cupcakes, and make decorations for specialty cakes.  Can I do this, be a wife, mother, go to school, train for the next race, and be a great cub scout den leader?  I sure hope so!  Here's to a new year!!!!

PS - If you live in the Gilbert area, drop on by and check us out!  Designer Cakes is located across the street from the San Tan Mall right by Carrabba's restaurant.  You won't be disappointed!

Thoughts of a tired mom after Christmas.

Why is it I can't wait to see this on Monday.  I enjoyed the holidays this year, but I admit, I am ready for them to be over.  Oh how I wish I didn't feel this way.  I remember being so heartbroken as a child when Christmas decorations would be packed away until next year.   Right now I am tired of looking at them.

 I wish all the presents and commercialism and busyness of Christmas would just go away.  Ha!  That sounds great in theory, but I play into it as much as anybody.  I wouldn't mind just a simple Christmas with minimal gifts and a lot more service.  How does one accomplish this?  How do you get away from the mad rush,  endless shopping, and everything else that pulls at your time and detracts from the real meaning of the season? 

Wouldn't it be great to pack up the family and head to a third world country for Christmas.  I would love for my children to fully realize how good they have it.  How blessed they are, and how little they really need, and how much they could do for others.

Oh hum.  I will try harder next year to slow it down, have quiet Christmas moments, teach my children about our Savior and why we are celebrating.  I will try to tone down the gifts and still not disappoint the teenagers (that is quite a feat).  It has to be possible right?

I truly love the Christmas season.  I love the Christmas story.  I am grateful and forever indebted to my Savior, Jesus Christ.  This needs to be my focus, my center, and my strength in the seasons to come.  The Christmas Spirit was here this year, I just forgot to slow down and look for it and take time to let it sink deeper into my heart. 

You know, just recognizing it at this moment, suddenly makes me feel better and know that I will have many bright and special Christmases in my future.  

Merry Christmas, and a happy Christ centered New Year!

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

I would like to think that I would have joined in the fun! I actually started tearing up while watching this! Enjoy!  (It's a lot clearer if you watch it on YouTube)

Beautiful Cake!

Brittany, my hairdresser, just happened to be getting married.  

How convenient - I happened to decorate cakes!

It was meant to be!  Isn't it beautiful! 

(It tasted amazing too - white cake with fresh whipped cream and ripe strawberries - mmmmm)