My Girl

I love, love pictures! Pictures of my nieces, nephews, puppy, and ones that others send me. Did I mention that I LOVE pictures? (shh..Amanda has ahem like 1000+ photos of herself from over the years). So, the tradition continues. What's a season without Christmas pictures of my little girl, who happens to be not so little anymore. I think I am one of those moms who will keep on having my daughter's picture taken until she moves out of the house (think she will go along with that?). Now, I can indeed take pictures of my own, but never claim to be a pro at it, so when it comes to needing the REALLY good shots, I call on the talents of others. We were so blessed to get on the schedule for Kristen P. to do Amanda's Christmas shots (she did her b-day pictures, too). I think she has a permanent client (can you take pet photos too? j/k). Kristen did an AWESOME job (did I mention I really,really,really,really, REALLY love pictures. So....

HERE'S MY GIRL!

I love you my sweet Amanda Victoria. Thank you for being My Girl!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa! Missing you

December 3, not just an ordinary day in my life, but rather a special day. December 3 is the day my grandpa was born!! Grandpa was a great man! He loved his family with an unconditional love, would do anything for his family, and cherished the moments he became a grandpa and then a great-grandpa. I have such special memories tucked away in my heart of me and my grandpa.

*I can remember him sitting in his chair and my hoping up there with him and he would just "tickle" my back until I fell asleep in grandpa's arms.

*I can remember trips to Wendy's for a frosty with grandpa.

*I remember all his joking ways - funny face masks on Christmas to look like Santa, the can of ahem "peanut brittle" {looked like snakes to me}

*I remember his love of Christmas and decorating, and teaching the art of decorating to my brother (Christmas Vacation, anyone?)

*I remember his artistic talent - making costumes, helping with science projects {and eventually drawing one last picture for my daughter - a clown}

*He and I had a love of butter pecan ice cream and he made sure to always have some stocked in the freezer when I came to visit.

*Grandpa was an encourager. No matter what life threw at me, I knew I could feel safe telling grandpa and never did he say a negative word toward me.

*I can remember May 30, 1997 when my grandpa peered over the little bed in the hospital room while I looked on; he became a great-grandpa for the second time that day!

*I can remember grandpa holding my little girl and giving her her first taste of a lollipop (Grandpa always had candy stocked in the house), and she was just a little one then. I remember my little girl playing with bubbles with grandpa, running outside in the yard. I remember her face lighting up with she saw him and his doing the same when he saw her.

2001, January - I remember my daughter coming into the hospital room with a bag from Dairy Queen with ice cream for her great-grandpa. I thank God for the memory I have of my little girl sitting on her great-grandpa's lap eating ice cream, laughing, smiling ~ flashback to me sitting there on his lap. This was a Friday, two days later, my grandpa went home to be with Jesus.

I have SO many memories of my grandpa that I could just go on and on, and I am forever thankful for those memories. My grandpa was a special man, and will always hold a special place in my heart.

So, as I remember him today, I say Happy Birthday, Grandpa! you are forever in my memories

Singing Praises with a Smile in My Heart!

A long journey, one still with pages being written, but a chapter has been finally closed! and I can now sing praises for one medical hurdle cleared!

God knows what He is doing when He blesses our life with children. He knows what we can handle, and never gives us more! HE is amazing like that! 12 years ago, He blessed me with Amanda, and at that time little did I know of the journey I would be embarking on in just a few short years. Around the time this precious picture was taken on my one and only daughter, our life we preparing to take a drastic turn. Her smile infectious, her love so sweet. A medical journey began with various diagnoses such as irritable bowel syndrome, {severe} acid reflux - which led to surgery to correct this, chronic sinusitis with sinus infections nearly every month, sometimes twice, and the list {does} go on, but the one medical anomaly we faced was growth hormone deficiency. Say WHAT?? You mean to tell me that my little girl will just stop growing right now?! Truth be told, the doctor informed me that at around age 7 Amanda would grow to be perhaps only 4 feet tall. She was growth hormone deficient; two years behind in her growth. I would be wrong to say that I wasn't devastated with this news, but I too would be wrong to say I didn't tell everyone that I knew GOD was in control of this matter and we will work our way through it; and we did. Years of growth hormone injections, watching little, but steady progress, until finally she went from the picture above to this one:
She beat the 50/50 odds. When Amanda turned 12, she informed the endocrinologist that she didn't want to take the growth hormones anymore! she was finished!! (He had told her she was at an age now that she could make that decision). So, we waited two months, had blood work drawn, and waited, waited for the results. 50% chance she would still have a non-functioning pituitary gland; 50% the growth hormones would jump start the gland into working on its own.

Well, before I give the results, I need to take a sidebar and just thank ALL, ALL of Amanda's prayer warriors for loving her, caring for her, and always praying for my little girl. I truly believe in the power of prayer!

So, what are the results? Hmm, I am OVERJOYED to say GOD has cured her of the hormone deficiency! Can I get a PRAISE GOD or an AMEN on that one!?! It has been a loong journey to reach this point, and without God and Amanda's team of doctors, and her prayer warriors, the journey would have felt lonely!

This all to say, in six months the blood work will be repeated as a final "double" check of her levels, and if those show she is all good, I will finally hear the words "you are discharged from my practice" from the endocrinologist! Not that he hasn't taken excellent care of her (he has) but I am ready to be done with some of the doctor visits :)

Thank you, Dr. Holland for caring for Amanda and your continued care for her through this journey. We love you!

And to wrap it up, thanks goes out to ALL Amanda's doctors as they are plenty, but I want to say a VERY SPECIAL thank you to the doctor below. Dr. Saba! He is Amanda's best buddy, and she has goals to be a pediatrician just like him one day! He is truly an example of a great, caring doctor.

To conclude...I am singing praises. Thank you JESUS (and Amanda's might prayer warriors)

Wordless Wednesday

Crazy! Chaotic! Out-of-Control! Stress(filled)! Weight on my shoulders! Emptiness! Why? Anxiety! Emotionally exhausted!

These words describe my life over the past several days, weeks actually. So many uncertainties in this life, yet so many certainties in my life - certain that God will never leave me; certain that His love never fails; certain that HE has overcome the world; certain indeed, that I have a Savior who is helping me shoulder all of this heavy burden I am weighed down with.

I have been listening to this song above for the past few days (yes while working) and though I have heard this song before, the words really washed over me and made me realize, yes my world is shaking right now with all the uncertainties, but having God in my life is a unshakable certainty getting me through each of these trials. If God was not in my life, I would be that house built on the sand, and when the rains came I would be washed away.

As we approach this holiday season, I am learning to be still, know He IS God, He WAS God, and Always WILL BE God! My God is unshaken - may I take refuge in Him :)

The End of an Era...

Life begins at conception and continues into infancy. We embrace the new life with so much love and tenderness. As our child grows, the love in our heart grows more with each day of life. Until, life throws us a curve ball, and it is time to allow our little one to spread their wings. 16 years brings the first set of wheels, and potentially nights spent consoling a broken heart of first love lost. Time moves forward, and we find ourselves with a tear in our eye watching our baby take that walk - the graduation walk. Is it possible to now have our {baby} child heading off to college? The years didn't go by that fast did they? The empty nest syndrome begins, and our child's {adult} life begins. As adulthood begins, military service begins. And, a proposal takes place. Our baby is now married with a beautiful bride; one who swept his heart away. Honeymoon is over, and now a few precious blessings of his own. Military career is put behind him, and a new era of employment begins. For years of dedicated service, he works hard at what he does. Though not always treated in the kindest of manners, he continues to work hard {but focus turns to 'working for God'...He's his real "boss"}. A couple more children bless his life, and he focuses on working just as hard to provide, love and care for all these children {5} God saw fit to bless his life with. And, the world turns. Now it is his turn to watch the car keys handed over, with a little fear in his heart, and to hear that all too familiar song Pomp and Circumstance play for HIS baby. College, marriages, and now something new to him - grandchildren. Blessed with his first granddaughter, he shows her off at his place of employment with such love in his heart; she was only 5 days old! Grandpa is a new title for him, and would be many times over to come. Working hard continues to be his ethic, but an end to that era seems to be coming to a close. After 30+ years of dedicated service to the United States Postal Service, retirement starts a new era; bittersweet, yes.

On October 31, 2009, my daddy officially retired from the work force (USPS). For his children, it brought some tears; for him some uncertainty. But, a new chapter was about to begin. No more early mornings (4:00a.m. work start time), and more time spent with his grandchildren. He is now able to spend more time homeschooling, and helping with homework. His heart swells with love for these grandchildren in his life!

Yes, it is the end of an era. How different it feels for not only him, but his children. You watch your daddy work so hard for years and years, and then it all comes to an end. But, it's as it was intended to be. God rested on the 7th day, and now after 30+ years my daddy gets to "rest" and enjoy doing the things he loves doing -reading the bible, watching TV shows with my mom, homeschooling Amanda, helping Lizzie and Cayden with homework, spending time with all his grandchildren, etc. etc. All of this without the pressures of the workforce.

Daddy, an era has ended in your life. And, it is not easy I am sure. But, as your daughter I can say how proud I am of you for the example you displayed throughout all your years of working. You were a dedicated employee, and an even more dedicated daddy - and you continue to be.

Thank you, Daddy, for your time of employment. Enjoy your days now relaxing and finally taking some time for yourself. You are more than deserving of some rest and relaxation.

I Love You!

October 30, 2009

Today, is a very special day! It is my nephew, Hunter's, 3rd birthday!! But, not only is it his birthday, but it is my daddy's birthday, too (he's 43 again). What a special day! and extra special for my dad to have one of his grandsons sharing his birthday with him.

We went over to my sister, Martha's, house to celebrate. The theme of the party was Elmo, and the dinner was P I Z Z A (yummy). It's always fun to get together with the family as there are SO many little ones (and big ones- Sarah and Amanda) running around! Never a dull moment.

HUNTER - Three years' ago, you came into my life, and I was made an aunt all over again. Such a cute little baby, and loved on by so many. Truly you are a blessing to my life. Watching you grow over these past three years has been so amazing! And now, you are turning into your own little person. It really does not seem like 3 years have already passed! Being your Aunt is such a special thing to me. I love you SO much my Hunter boy. HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY!!

*cousin faith holding hunter in the hospital

the day after he was born

*cousin faith holding hunter


*handsome profile shot of 2-year-old hunter

*hello, where is hunter?


*you've come a long way baby! Enjoying your first birthday cake here!

*brothers forever - cayden and hunter

*oh yeah, B A L L O O N S!

*the table set up...Sesame Street (Elmo)

*cousin evelyn - um, when is the cake going to be served?

*the requested cake

*happy 3rd birthday, sweet hunter boy

*now blow the candle out my dear.
*the loot (part of it)...yellow baby bus (this is

what he calls school buses); gift from Uncle Larry, Aunt Anne, and Amanda

DADDY - As we celebrate another birthday with you, I thank the Lord above for blessing me with a daddy such as you. Yes, your birthday is a special day, but every day with my daddy is a special one! You are a man of such integrity, full of love, and so very special. I know my cake attempt for you did not turn out as planned, but thank you for extending your love once again to me and saying it was okay. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!!!

A Little Bit of Love

My daddy is one of the most important people to me here on this earth. I love him so dearly. He is a man whom I would do anything for, help in any capacity possible. My life was blessed the day I became his daughter.

I am really enjoying making cakes, and so, I thought I would make one for my daddy's birthday. One of his favorites is carrot cake (definitely not a favorite of mine!), so I decided I would try and make him a homemade carrot cake.

The first attempt ended up a disaster :( Both layers stuck to their respective pans, and were ruined. So, I attempted it a second time, different coating on the pan, different pans all together, and what do you know, those cakes stuck too. My heart was crushed. I LOVE to do things for others, and now I wasn't going to have this special cake for my daddy.

I picked up the phone, and in tears explained to my daddy what I was attempting to do and how both sets stuck to the pan. And what do you think my daddy said? it's okay Anne. It's the thought that counts. Just throw whatever you can salvage on a plate, put the frosting on it, and I will gladly eat it. Comforting words, yes, but my heart was still broken. I felt like I failed :( So sad. But, with his ever gentle voice and love in his heart, daddy reassured me it was okay.

A little bit of love (perhaps mercy?) was shown to me on a rather stressful day of cake baking.

I love you, Daddy!!

Hey Ref, what are you, BLIND?!

When Larry and I got married, I knew all too well I was marrying someone with a sense of humor, up to just about anything, and always making me laugh. Fast forward through the 3+ years of our marriage thus far and laughter is definitely a part of it!!

Larry's job has had a costume contest at least the past couple of years, and let me tell you, I was thankful for it being dark outside when I dropped Larry off for carpool (past costumes - blind fashion designer, 70s look). And, yet again, I found myself saying thankfully it is dark out still :)

Starting this past Monday, the search for a costume for Larry started, and FINALLY yesterday we had costume in hand and ready for today.

Larry didn't think much about the possibility of winning; his costume was funny/unique to him and family, but he didn't think it was funny enough to win the contest. Ahem, he won! Yay to my husband.

So, the next time you are watching a football game and you yell at the TV and say "what are you, blind ref?" just know that perhaps they are (literally). You see, Larry told his co-workers this same thing, and he said, "well yes, I am blind"!

Larry as a blind referee

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I am thankful for:

*cooler temperatures
*God's new mercies every morning.
*the gift of a new day.
*coupons! (yep, whoever created them had a marvelous idea)
*Amanda, Larry, and the rest of the family
*Albert, my dog, who knows unconditional love and has complete loyalty.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Thankful for the pitter patter of little feet.
Thankful for phone calls from nieces and nephews
Thankful for loving parents, and in-laws
Thankful for my daughter, even in the hard times.
Thankful for memories
Thankful for the good times, and for the bad times (as teaching moments)
Thankful for my Savior!

Sea of many faces..

I find myself thinking. Yes, to think sometimes can be a dangerous concept, but to think for me is time spent with my Jesus. Time is just a fleeting moment in mortal life, but time in eternal life is never ending; eternity = forever. My mind at times races a mile a minute thinking, and when I try to tell it to slow down, please, it keeps on moving. So many "things" to do, never enough time; enough time? In life, we find ourselves busy like little bumblebees. Taking a break from life's busyness is always a welcome 'reward'. But in terms of busyness in the sea of faces, should a "true" break be taken?

When I am out and about, especially when I am driving and can have some quiet time, I find myself pondering the sea of faces. As a Christian, I have assurance that my eternity will be spent in heaven with Jesus, my Savior; but, then my heart aches. I wonder to myself - the lady in the car next to me, do she know the truth? the smiling couple, laughing and having a good time, do they know the truth, and are they secure about their eternity? the group of teens gathered together just hanging out, do they know where they will spend eternity? Questions, thoughts, a lot of pondering, and I feel a pull at my heart with the "not knowing". Makes me think of "the harvest is many, but the workers are few"

Lord, I pray, help me live a life of example for your Kingdom. Allow the vast sea of faces see a different light in me; one that shines so brightly for everyone I come in contact with. I thank you Lord for your gift of eternal salvation; I am secure in that. Even to touch only one life would be a start in the right direction, (and) the sea of faces shall come to know you one by one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLHE4P-B2FA

From Arf Arf to Anne

My niece, Alannah, can be just so darn cute! I mean, what baby is not cute, come on? Alannah is quite the wordless one {majority of the time}, but she and I have a "secret"...shhh.

One day, she was doing something, and I "Arf-ed" at her (making silly sounds at the nieces/nephews can really get them laughing) and she smiled and "Arf-ed" right back. Ahh, now I have a little puppy on my hands. Sweet!

One day while watching my sister's two youngest, my sister came home and went to get Alannah out of her crib, and Alannah was in her room just "arf-ing" away. How comical!

BUT, nothing melts an aunt's heart more than hearing their niece/nephew say their name {insert your oohs, and ahhs, here} On Monday, I had a crazy sort of day. I was at my parent's house, and I was the "caterer" so I went and picked up lunch for the family. When I returned, I opened my parent's door and Hunter, my nephew, said Aunt Anne, and whatdaya know, Alannah came (baby-style) running to me saying "Anne, Anne".....

eventually the Aunt part will be added. Just takes time.

PIZZA..

Tell me if I am wrong, but I think every kid LOVES pizza, could live on pizza, dreams about pizza, all things pizza. Well, Amanda is no different - second to Mac and Cheese, she loves pizza. YUMMY. (and I have noticed her cousins, Larry and I, too, love pizza)

P I Z Z A

CAYDEN ~ always goofy, but

full of love! He ate 5, yes FIVE slices

of pizza.

AMANDA ~ Finished off 5 (FIVE)

slices (nearly unheard of for her!) of pizza;

now Lizzie is giving her a set of bunny ears :)

LIZZIE ~ Silly, sweet, full of energy;

she too, polished off 5 (FIVE!) slices of pizza!

LARRY ~ Love of my life, bottomless

food pit.....F I V E slices, too?!?

I think it is safe to say that a trend was set this night. Seems to me that the perfect number of pizza slices was F I V E, 5, cinco, 4-1.....WOW! That's lots of pizza

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Precious Memories

Tonight, my niece and nephew had "store" at Awana. They were so excited that it was store night. It's amazing how just a little something can put a smile on a child's face. Well, tonight, Lizzie not only had a smile on her face, but put a smile on my heart.

She showed me the rattle bear and 3-pack of little playdoh she purchased with her Awana bucks. Without hesitation, she told me the bear was for Alannah (baby sister), and the playdoh was for Hunter's (brother) birthday at the end of October. I told her that is wonderful and how nice of her to think of them. I asked if she purchased anything else for herself, and with a smile she told me no, only for Hunter and Alannah.

Now, that brings a smile to my heart to see her behaving in such a Christ-like way! Lizzie, God had a smile on his fact tonight for the selfless act you did. I love you Lizzie the Lizard

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I am thankful for...

1. Sarah
2. Lizzie
3. Evelyn
4. Cayden
5. Faith
6. Jimmy
7. Joey
8. Jeffrey
9. Hunter
10. Dayton
11. Alannah
12. Paige
........................and hearing those precious words "Aunt Anne"

I am so blessed by God with all the wonderful nieces and nephews He has placed in my life. Growing up, I always wanted to be a mom (what girl didn't, honestly?), and actually had my heart set on 8 children (call me crazy). God saw fit to bless me with only one child, my precious Amanda Victoria(she's my little girl, mommy's girl, whom I love unconditionally; my baby, my sidekick, my friend; my blessing), and though my heart yearns for "just one more", I am coming to a place of contentment and understanding that perhaps God intended for me to be a mother to one, and an aunt to many. Whenever I see my nieces and nephews, my heart just fills with joy with each little smile, each "crushing" hug, a sloppy kiss, and all the "I love you's". You see, I wanted to be a mom of many, but God had a better plan for the right here and now and that plan is to raise one to love and fear Him, and love several others and let the Light of The World shine through my heart and my life as I fulfill my title of "AUNT". I am greatly blessed!

September 14, 1978

A BLESSING....

A blessing was brought into this world.

A precious gift to a young mother and father.

A gift that would bring lots of joy, and yes, at times, frustrations.

A blessing brought into this world.

A gift fast-forwarded 19 years

A gift to a young bride walking down the aisle.

A blessing brought into this world

A gift six years after becoming husband.

A gift to a newborn son; a gift to be called daddy

A blessing brought into this world

A gift a couple years later.

A gift to newborn son number two; a gift to be called daddy

A blessing brought into this world

A gift fast-forward another year

A gift to a third newborn son; a gift to be called daddy

A blessing brought into this world

A gift eleven-plus years in the making

A blessing to a family; a blessing called uncle, brother-in-law, and son-in-law

A blessing brought into this world

A gift so special.

A blessing to all who know him; and that blessing would be you.

HAPPY 31ST BIRTHDAY, JAKE!

Having you in our family is a blessing. You are a loving father, and devoted husband, and our lives are truly blessed by having you in it.

We love you!!

*jake's birthday cake - Almond Roca

Thankful Thursday

I'm Thankful For:

1) God who sent His Son who bore the penalty of my sins.
2) Family - my wonderful husband, and precious daughter, and all the extended family too.
3) My puppy, Al. Full of energy, and as cute as can be.
4) My job. Even in the slow times of work, I am thankful I have something.
5) Friends - My life has been blessed by so many wonderful friends.

Wilton Cake Class...2nd REAL cake :)

So, this past Wednesday, I attended my third out of four Wilton cake classes, and we learned how to make the Wilton roses. It took some major practicing - I mean MAJOR practicing - in class. And, finally, the instructor gave me the okay to decorate my cake with flowers. Whoo hoo! Hmm, wonder what color I chose...if you know me, you know my FAVORITE color is purple. Love the color purple - my office is purple, but that's as far as Larry would let it go..no purple house for me (lol..always dreamed of having a purple house as a kid). So, with my yummy frosting in hand, colored a dark shade of purple, I ended up with my cake looking like this (and yep, I made all the roses, except the very center one)..

I'm learning, and enjoying it!

My goofy girl

So goofy, it's true, but Amanda I love you, every little bit of you. I love your laughter, your silly faces, you dedication to karate, your love for your little cousins. I love how you and grandpa have a strong relationship, and how you don't feel like you are too old to sit on his lap. I love your love for Jesus, and love your desire to do your best in waiting for God to tell you HIS plans. I love your servant's heart, and I love how you want to do missions one day. I love you for being you, for the young lady you are becoming. And, yes, I love even the not so good times when I see the true pre-teen coming out, but yet you still call me mom :) You are a blessing, you are my little girl, and I pray that you will continue to follow God's plan for your life each and every day.

A ffectionate

M irroring Jesus' light

A mazes me

N ice

D reaming big dreams

A lways mommy's girl

Little Loving Lausen Lads

THE THREE J'S

The three J's as they are known at times. Three little boys full of energy, full of life, and overflowing with love in their hearts. What can I say, they are ALL boy 100%. But, that's okay, they're supposed to be like that; nothing wrong there. In fact, when they are visiting me, they fill the house with noise and laughter, and just being boys. The three J's are all unique in each their own way - one likes movies, one likes animals, and one likes sports; but, all have loving hearts towards others. Who are the three J's? Let's meet them....




Jimmy - age 6, the eldest of the group. He loves, loves his movies, and is wanting to borrow movies from my house all the time. And, I'm okay with that because at least they are getting some use out of them :). Jimmy is in 1st grade, and thinks recess is really cool (but then again what kid doesn't?). Jimmy is a nurturer, full of compassion, wild and crazy, loves going to church, and meeting new friends. Jimmy has a smile that will melt your heart, and I have a feeling that one day it will be HIS parents sitting at the front door ready to grill the girls. He will definitely attract them...oh the joy :).




Joey - age 4, the middle boy, oh the infamous middle child. (hey his mommy was the middle child, too). This boy L O V E S all things animals. I think if he could, he would live at the zoo, in the monkey exhibit. He amazes me with his knowledge of animals and how he can memorize even the strangest of critters' names! And, if you wanna argue animals with him, unless you have all your facts straight, you better not even try because he will argue that he knows this and that about that animal, and honestly, is more often than not correct! umpf! But, he is so darn cute, too. He loves his animals, yes, but he loves to read, loves to build safaris. Joey loves to play around with you, and loves to give hugs and kisses, too. He is a sponge when it comes to learning, and just started preschool. On the first day of preschool, he didn't even wait for his mommy to take his picture in front of the room - he was off and running!! (she did get a picture just for the record). Joey is a special little fella!





Jeffrey - age 3, the baby of the family. He loves ALL sports. (and where he got this love from no one knows because neither his mommy nor his daddy watch sports) He loves basketball, football, baseball, anything sports! He wants so badly to be like his older brothers, and be big like them, but he still wants to be mommy's little baby, too. He has a sweet smile, a warm embrace, and loves to give kisses, too. He likes to play with cars and trucks, and even makes the sounds the cars make when driving them. He's the baby J, through and through, but that's okay because it can never change; third-born, yet loved SO much.


The 3 J's - Jimmy, Joey, and Jeffrey. Boys will be boys, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to love. They are loved, they are cared for, and they know how special they are. And, I give credit to Becky and Jake.....The J's know how much they are loved!

Wilton Cake Decorating Class

For my birthday, my parents enabled me to take the first class in Wilton Cake Decorating. I have found that I really enjoy making cakes for all my nieces and nephews, and wanted to learn more about making the "fancy stuff". So, last week, I started my first cake decorating class, and it has been really fun, and learning a few tricks of the trade. I found out that our "final" project is going to be making a character cake. I was a little bit bummed since I have been teaching myself how to make these cakes for a while now, but that's the class for ya! I have two more classes to attend (it's a 4-day class), and I am looking forward to learning how to make roses the Wilton way! whoo hoo.

The first cake we made. It was little, but it sure was yummy!

The second cake we made. We made the little clowns out of frosting, and learned how to make frosting multi-colored!

Peek-A-Boo, Who Do You See?

Peek-a-Boo, Alannah. Who do you see in the mirror?

I am watching my niece and nephew, Alannah and Hunter, respectively, during the week for my sister while she is at work. Needless to say, there have been some funny times with this kiddos. Alannah is getting to the age where she will just make the silliest faces and you can't help but laugh. It's a joy to watch these little ones become their own self, making me smile along the path of watching them grow.

I just love this Veggietales song. Cracks me up hearing Mr. Lunt sing about a cheeseburger. So, I thought this song only appropriate when you see the pics below.

Our dog, Al {albert} is not allowed to have any people food, except if he is lucky and gets the occasional dropped morsel and we can't get to it faster than he {he has a mean blitz}. It's hard at times when you see those little puppy dog eyes looking up at you as Al sits patiently hoping, just hoping for one tiny crumb. Can't help but smile. Needless to say, he is my fairly constant companion in the kitchen whenever I am making something.

A couple weeks ago, we were at AZ Mills (no Al did not get to go - he can't be classified as a seeing eye dog for some reason1?!) and decided we were going to go into the pet store. Lo and behold what do my eyes see....puppy treats that look like the REAL thing ~ cookies, pizza, steak, etc. So, what's this mommy to do but to buy her puppy{son} a CHEESEBURGER!!

When we brought home his treat, he had to do the "normal" and sit and shake for his treat, which he did; and, then we gave him his cheeseburger. It was the FUNNIEST thing to see Al with his cheeseburger. He was VERY protective of it. He even went as far as to run up the stairs so no one would steal his cheeseburger (ahem, do you think we really would want to?) He even ran around carrying the silly thing in his mouth and "looking over his shoulder" so no one could take it. It was too funny! The life of a little dog!!

THE CHEESEBURGER (doesn't it look delicious?!)

Cheeseburger - top view

Al checking out his cheeseburger

Al on the run protecting his cheeseburger from anyone who might steal it!

....and this is the CLOSEST he will get to a cheeseburger :)