Let's Go Camping...Nathan is 9

Nathan turns 9 on Saturday and he asked for campout slumber party for his birthday. So on Friday night we will have 7 boys in our backyard in a tent...fun, fun, fun! For his cake I simply went with the whole camping theme. I used fondant for the rocks, logs, tent and sleeping bag. I made a marshmallow fondant this time and it is so much better tasting! Simple cake, but Nathan loves it...what more could I ask for!

Jaron turns 11

In February Jaron turned 11. I know I am a little late posting his birthday cake, but better late than never. Jaron was very intrigued by the winter olympic games this year in Canada so we went with an Olympic theme for his cake. He did not have a party this year, instead we used or D-land passes and went for a day. I think one of the things I like best about this cake is that Jaron has the perfect amount of letters in his name!

And the shot heard round the world.....

Yesterday Nathan turned 8 years old. When he told me he wanted a revolutionary war party at first I was left with no ideas whatsoever. I tried to Google some ideas, but it seems few other 8 year olds have asked for such a party. So I was left to stir my creative juices and come up with a party. Here is the cake...Nathan wanted a battlefield, but the thought of eating bloody soldiers did not sould appetizing....so we settled on a colonial flag (with soldiers surrounding it). For games we played American Revolution Bingo and throw the cannon ball at the battlefield (buckets with names of battles on them). I also had a balloon battle planned, but alas it was too windy and there was not enough room in the house. Overall it was fun and not too difficult, especially since Americana decorations are sold everywhere this time of year. More than anything I am overwhelmed at the thought that my youngest is now 8. I pray he keeps his heart tuned into the God channel and his desire to serve God in China (or anywhere else) just grows stronger.

Caramel the pupper dog

Most people come over to our house, see our dog and say "I did not know you had a dog". Okay so we don't talk and brag about or dog usually. But lately Caramel has been showing her age and after watching to movie "Marley and Me", I have thought more about what a blessing our dog is. So I thought I would take a moment and "blog" a little about her. We got Caramel when Jaron was 10 months old (that is Nathan in the picture). Our neighbor found her with her mother and 3 siblings in a vacant lot. Greg had been wanting a dog for awhile, but I (never having owned a dog before) was wary of the idea. Plus I wanted to wait until I was home full time. Well, just weeks after being home full time Caramel entered our life. She was a beautiful puppy with caramel brown short fur. We used to take her on walks and people would comment on how pretty she was. We are also often asked what kind of dog she is. Having been found in a vacant lot we could only go by what she looked liked and what the vet told us. Our best guess is she is a chocolate lab with doberman in her. But frankly she is a Heinz 57 mut.

Just like in the movie (Marley and Me) when Caramel was a puppy she chewed on everything. We quickly learned not to leave shoes in the backyard. Of course that did not stop her from chewing on the fence! She also did her fair share of knocking the boys down when they were trying to learn to walk. But Caramel always knew her main job was to protect us. We always knew if someone was nearby that she did not know. Our UPS man used to throw packages at our front door and run. Little did he know that her bark was much bigger than her.

Today, she is looking old. No one stops us to tell us how pretty she is. In fact, last summer I took her to a pet parade and a dear friend asked if I was entering her in the old and ugly dog category! She would not win any beauty category and she really does not do many tricks, but she would win in the loyal protector category. She has become the nicest dog. Although kids are a little afraid of her she has NEVER bit or hurt anyone. She obeys us and loves us wholeheartedly.

For never being a dog person or having owned a dog before. I am glad Caramel was my first (okay she really belongs to Greg but I claim her has mine as well).

Jelly Bellys and the Pres

So in February we had an opportunity to join the senior ladies at our church on a trip to the Ronald Reagan museum. Perfect opportunity for me to sneak in another school day. Greg and I went to the museum pre-kids and we were pleasantly pleased that it has become a much better museum. Of course Air Force One was awesome. But I think the thing our boys remember the best is how much Ronny liked to eat Jelly Bellys. They were especially amazed at this portrait made entirely out of Jelly Bellys. The other thing they remember is how Ronny always had to have a chocolate cake onboard Air Force One. A small thing only those with the kids notes learn as they go through the plane. Great Day!

Indiana Jones

Jaron turned 10 in February and Indiana Jones was the choosen theme. Problem for me was I was totally uninspired for an Indiana Jones cake. I looked online for ideas, but all I found was rolling balls and running Indys. So I went to Toys R us and found these cute Indy Legos. Put them on a round cake....perfect!

The Advent Season

I have always enjoyed doing special things for the advent season and this year we have discovered a wonderful book. We were given this book as a present from a dear friend last year, and we tried to start reading it but we already had other advent things we were doing so I saved it for this year. This book is incredible and I highly recommend it. You read a portion of the story each day and there is always some verse or question to ponder at the end. Jotham is a fictional boy who lives at the time Christ was born. He meets incredible people along his journey as well as discovering the Messiah! My boys beg me to read more each night (and we do if we have missed some days). We have two days left to read right now (we should have three, but those boys beg for more each night and we are now ahead).

Advent is a blessed time to remember why Christ came but also to anticipate his coming again....are you ready?