Cupcake Wars - Family Style

Our family loves the show "Cupcake Wars", so when some of our favorite kiddos stayed with us for a few days while their parents went out of town, we decided to play a little bit.

I just LOVE this adorable apron Lisa, Faith, and Jenn. B. got me one year for my birthday. It's almost too pretty to wear. . . seriously.

Melissa came over to help me.

Since eggs may or may not contain salmonella and I couldn't dare risking any of the kids getting sick. . . Melissa and I had to suffer for everyone and eat the batter.

While you're on a sugar high, you might as well keep it and just go for the icing too.

Plus, there were 9 kids in the house. This picture could almost convince you that I actually can cook. . .hee!hee!

Yummy toppingsLook at the icing. . .

Do you see the real butter? Oh yeah, baby!

The girls decided to get creative and add toppings to their batter.

This batter was so full of stuff it was seriously pretty heavy.

Look at how it turned out!!!!! Like a really bad science experiment. It actually tasted quite yummy.

My sweet niece

The boys took a quick break from the video games to join us.

I love, love, love this sweet girl. She makes my heart smile.

I was so proud of these girls. . . after spending 3 days together, they didn't fight once!

Alec was getting uber creative with the rolling pin I bought in Guyana.

The finished products - Noah's cupcakes.

Joseph-Scott's. .. however, his wasn't up for judging, as he was a judge.

Hanna and KJ

Noelle and MaeMae

Alec's cupcakes.

I have no idea where a picture of Ash and Maddie's cupcakes went. Ash actually won the "theme" prize. I can't believe I didn't get a picture. She had a cupcake with a cross drawn on it. It was very pretty.

I guess he's about to dive into it.

Cupcake Crew

Hanna. . . as always, is a MESS!!!!

What the Kids are In To. . .

Hanna. . . is into ALL things girly, girlier, and girliest. See what I mean? She's gotten into my fingernail polish and remover. She's actually getting pretty good at painting her nails.

Ash is into . .Chick-fil-A. . . well, more than the rest of our family. Want to know why? She is experiencing her first crush. Well, I say first crush. . . Benjamin P. has loved her since they were in the church nursery together. However, the 2 only see one another during basketball season. I think she still makes his heart thump. Also, I think Connor went through a short phase when he had a crush on her, but it was probably because they were better friends than anything. These 2 also never seen one another. However, there's a new kid in town and Ash is beyond giddy. . . probably because she is experiencing hormones and she's 11. This boy's daddy is the owner/operator of the Chick-fil-A here in town. For Ash's b-day he came up to her at church and said, "Happy Birthday, here." He gave her a ton of coupons. I told Jon she knows a way to a person in our family's heart -through food. She was giddy. It is all very sweet. However, there's a run coming up that Jon and I help put on and they are both running it. I'm hoping my girl blows him out the water!!!!

Alec is into knives and guns. I guess that's better than being girl crazy. Even today in Sunday School some of my 9th and 10th graders were talking about how shy he is around girls. I seriously was thinking, "You stay away from my boy." But, I didn't. I just smiled and laughed. This it the knife I referred to in a previous post. See why it makes this mama so nervous?

I wish I'd been home doing laundry

So last night we went to a football game to see my niece and nephew play football/flag twirl at halftime. Being a majorette in high school, I absolutely LOVE football games. I was really excited to go, and I was excited because Gigi had told me earlier in the week that Amy (my sister-in-law) was excited as well.

Very rarely do I meet a stranger. I can talk to anyone about anything. I'm warm and I'm friendly and I really do believe everyone that I meet likes me. That's not to sound arrogant, trust me. . . I have tons of insecurities. . .but the things I do well, I'm aware of. . .and being the people lover that I am, I know that I don't have a difficult time with social situations.

All that being said. . .

My brother-in-law, Lee, whom I love like my very own brother, got married 5 years ago to Amy. I was instantly warm, friendly, etc., etc. to Amy. I felt I was very welcoming. . . blah!blah!blah! However, I've never felt she really liked me.

Now, before you start thinking I'm all paranoid and such and needy of needing everyone I meet to like me. . . I know NOT everyone likes me. . . nor do I need for them to. However, at least pretend for me, k? It's not only me who thinks she doesn't like me, Jon sees it and so do other family members.

So, knowing that she was excited about the football game, I sent her a facebook comment letting her know we were excited as well. She responded very nicely. (I was thankful she didn't ignore it).

At the game, however, we were all standing there, and she walks up to everyone, very excited, and speaks to everyone BUT me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was like I wasn't even there.

Honestly, I was fuming on the inside. I know that is not very Christlike, and I am ashamed of being so feisty. . . but that's how I acted.

I was pretty peeved. I just hate the rejection I feel from her. I've never done anything to her, but be nice. And, if I have done something I want to know what it is, so I can fix it.

Again, its clearly obvious she doesn't care for me.

Jon said he thinks I'm too "sunshiny" for her. That really doesn't matter.

What does matter is my attitude. . .

Which, honestly, was horrible. I was standoffish the rest of the night. The girls and I left at halftime, and I almost didn't say goodbye to her. I did find her and she was very nice when I told her goodbye. But, the whole time I'm fuming about how I've been trying for the last 5 years to be kind to her, to get to know her, etc., etc., and I feel rejected every.single.time. She clearly doesn't like me. The Holy Spirit kept bringing the scripture to my mind found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) . . ."If you only love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?" Ouch! I am commanded to love her and to pray for her, which I failed miserably at last night.

I went home and and sought the Lord's grace and repented over my actions and over my heart attitude. I was very much ashamed of how I let my flesh win this battle. I know though that God's grace is greater than ALL my sin, and for that, I'm thankful.

Just Be Excited

Oh goodness there are days when I feel like an okay mom, days where I feel like a good mom, and days (especially when I've yelled alot) I walk around thinking I'm not cut out for this thing called motherhood. .. that my children deserve someone far better than the mother they've been dealt. I'm so thankful for the grace of God. . . I KNOW I wouldn't make it without it.

Alec is really into knives. . . like big ones and sharp ones. He'd been saving his money for this knife the Navy Seals use. All I know is it was $70 on sale and it was sharp. . . 'nuff said.

The boy was aching and itching and beyond excitement to get this knife in. He was tracking his package as much as I dream of sleeping. So, when he got it in he was busting at the seams with excitement.

Showing me all the tricks and trades of this sharp knife. .. mind you, sharp knife. . . did you hear me? sharp knife. After he is finished giving me "New $70 knife 101". Do you know what came out of my mouth amongst my sweet, RESPONSIBLE, CAREFUL boy's excitement? "Well, just p-l-e-a-s-e be careful."

To which he replied in a very sweet, respectful, and stab at a mama's heart, manner, "Mom, can't you just be excited for me?"

Ouch. Oh, that hurt. Hurt me, because I know what it's like to want someone to be excited about the things I'm excited about. Hurt me because I'm such an idiot. . . such a fearful idiot.
My more excited or less excited enthusiasm about his knife will not determine the outcome if he cuts off a finger or an arm or anything else. I told you . .. the knife is sharp.

Oh, that this will be a lesson I've learned.. . to not be so scared and so fearful I always have to feel like I must give a warning to prevent something from happening. . . to live in grace. . .to walk in trust .. . to live in freedom . . . and . . . to just be excited.

"Sometimes You Want to Go

where everybody knows your name. . . and they're always glad you came". . . Any "Cheers" fans out there? I think the show was sometimes in the late 80s, early 90s. Anyhoo, for those of you who know what I'm talking about. Jon told me the other day, "Remember how they would greet Norm when he would walk in the bar? Well, that's how they greet me when I walk into the cupcake place." Seriously, they know him by his name there. My funny husband has oh such a love for food. . .and I'm so glad he shares his love with us. . . See what I'm talking about? It's almost too pretty to eat!!!

It taste even better than it looks.

12 Things I Discovered/Rediscovered About Myself

1. I rediscovered I really do like the latest fashions. For about 2 plus years now, really since reading "Radical", followed by "Crazy Love", preparing for my first mission trip and going, I was so very convicted about excess. So, when I did need clothes I have shopped only at thrift stores. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I'ver never been a "brand-name" girl. I've always been a Bargain Betty even in my most fashionista of days. However, over the last 2+ years things like fashion haven't been as important to me. All that is good, very good. However, with the change of the seasons I went the other day to a few stores around town. There were lots of clearance sales and the clothing was oh, so, cute . . .and not dated. So, I splurged on my self a little bit. . . spending anywhere between $3 and $11. I got a skirt, a dress, and 5 shirts. I did feel a tinge of guilt.. . but I think that was from myself. . . which there are times when I have tendencies to walk in guilt. Now, if there was someone in my life who was in need and I went shopping rather than helping them out then there is something wrong with that. . . something terribly, terribly wrong with that. However, is there something wrong with me splurging on myself a little with clearance sales? Still trying to figure that one out. However, on a lighter and much less serious note. . I did discover/rediscover how much I really do like cute clothes and putting them on and feeling pretty. Very fun!

2. I discovered just how much I like nachos with cheese. I kept trying to demonstrate to Hanna how NOT to get it all over your face (which hers was covered). It was really just an attempt to get to eat more and more of the nachos.

3. I rediscovered just how much I LOVE watching this girl on the soccer field, how much I love being a soccer mom, how I love the fire Ash has in her. . .her tenacity, her grace, her encouraging her other team mates.

4. I discovered that Ash tilts her head to the side just like her mama when posing for a picture. 'Cept I tilt to the other side.

5. I discovered just I don't mind being apart of the "peanut gallery" and sitting with the opposing team. We got a MUCH BETTER VIEW of the field that way.

6. I discovered that at art and craft fairs that I don't buy anything because everything I see I say to myself (and sometimes out loud) "I can make that."

7. I rediscovered just how much I like chocolate chips. I used to keep a bag in teh pantry and I'd sneak 1, 2, or 30 to get my chocolate "fix" taken care of. I bought some chocolate chips for next week when we will have Faith's kids over for a few nights so the girls could make cookies. Confession - HALF the bag is gone because I rediscovered how yummy these morsels are. Gotta go and buy some more before Wednesday.

8. I rediscovered it's okay to give myself grace. This morning I was so sleepy while working. I worked for about 2 hours, and then at 7:00 a.m. crawled back into bed and slept until 9:15. I can probably count on one hand how many times my kids have gotten out of teh bed and found me still in it. It was absolutely lovely.

9. I discovered that reduced fat cinnamon rolls only have 130 calories WITH the icing. So, I treated myself to one for breakfast this morning.

10. I rediscovered just how much I do love small towns. In a perfect world my dream would be to be a teacher (probably high school 'cause I love teenagers) in a small town, my kids go to school, and us be super-involved in the school and community. . . especially high school football. Seeing the band and majorettes today at the parade took my mind back down memory lane. Oh, I'm actually one of those girls that loved high school. Granted, I made MANY mistakes, some I really wish I could get do-overs with. . . but, for the most part I really loved high school. However, I'm grateful to be at home and homeschooling my babies.

11. I discovered I could learn so much from my dog. He always greets you like he hasn't seen you in decades. He doesn't pout because we don't play with him enough, give him enough attention, or walk him enough. . . but boy when we do he is so giddy. We never get on his nerves and he loves being with us.

12. I rediscovered just how much I love outside, live bands playing oldies. We walked past one today and they were playing "China Grove". . . oh, oh, "China Grove". . . oh, how I just wanted to pull up a chair, hang out, and listen to the live music (nothing distasteful though - if "China Grove" is distasteful I didn't know it and I'm sorry. . . just remembering hearing it on 8-tracks when I was a kiddo).

If You are What You Eat- Then What Does my Fridge Say About Me???

Because I think Edie is a ton of fun and I think I want to be her when I grow up, I decided to just forgo the embarrassment of my refrigerator and join her "what my fridge taught me" post.

Although I wish I had the cutesy writing over the food in the fridge. . . we'll have to settle for my commentary instead.

So, let's just say first things first. . . I'm very embarrassed about how the fridge looks and it is in desperate need of cleaning.

But, we, at this house, eat real butter, which that would explain those dimples in my hiney and the backs of my upper thighs.

Also, we love leftovers because I CAN'T STAND TO WASTE. Seriously. . .. read my last post about what I had for a snack. 'Nuff said. Just with all the hungry people in the world I can't stand to throw food away.

Also the crisper is full of lettuce because I happen to like rabbit food, and when I feed my family salads it makes me feel less guilty about the boxed, processed mac and cheese I give them along side it.

Lactaid. . . you see that. . . that's 'cause the baby has a smiggin' of a lactose allergy. . . so Alec, the big milk drinker in the family has to suffer through the Lactaid milk.

You see all the eggs? Ash and Alec aren't egg people. . . however, but the rest of us love 'em, especially my friend, Jackie's farm fresh eggs. She's spoiled me. I no longer like the taste of the grocery store eggs.

See the mustard with the blue top? I think that is the top to the mayo. What does that say about me? I'm scattered, disorganized, and cluttered, but I once heard that those who had clean houses were boring people. . . well, that quote stuck in my head. . . so in all efforts NOT to be boring I decided to carry that quote over to my fridge too :)

Multiple bottles of ketchup? Because it has high fructose corn syrup and when I'm giving up sugar it makes me feel like I'm having dessert, but the tops are messy. . . sigh. . .

See all the Rubbermaid tupperware that the leftovers are in? Courtesy of my mom. . . because she IS so organized and clean and on top of things. . . .and she gives me a new box of Rubbermaid tupperware every.single.year for Christmas. Oh, but, wait! She's lots of fun too. Does that mean I have to rethink my whole excuse as to why I don't have a clean house/fridge?

Now, in an effort to have bloggy fun and do this post. . . I must go now. . . to clean my fridge. . . because I really am horridly embarrassed. Guess I'll go be boring!

Want to Know?

Well, I really have lots to blog about I'm just too lazy to load pictures. But, I want to stay current on here.

Want to know what I just ate for a snack? Turnips, sweet potatoes, and boiled chicken. . .

Want to know what the kids are doing?

Ash just took her weekly shower. I'm kidding. . . kind of. That girl and getting her to bathe is one of my most difficult tasks during the day. I'm hoping once puberty hits she will WANT to take a bath.

Hanna just finished curling her hair with my hot sticks. . . yes, the ones I've had since 1993. They still work and now my youngest "one who wants to be me" gets to experience burning her little hands and frying her hair all in an attempt to be prissy. Sniff! She makes her mama proud (I kid). She's lookin' all cute with her curled hair, cowboy boots, and denim skirt. . . all dressed up to go and have dinner at Gigi and Granddaddy's. I think she just wants to "feel" pretty. Doesn't it just feel so good to be all smelly good and "feel" pretty?

Alec is outside throwing his throwing knives at a tree. I wonder what the neighbors think? I really don't care. Snicker. I love my boy!!!!!

Want to know what Jon is doing? He's driving home in the van. His car is in the shop. Therefore, the kids and I are housebound . . . for now, which I really like. . . for now.

Want to know how many times I coughed today? Only 50 . . . I think, which is really good considering most days it's 500.

Want to know what my time on my run was yesterday? Pathetic. That's what it was. Over 27 minutes for 3 miles. I was soooo slllloooowwww. My chest hurt like crazy and I literally wanted to quit at least 12 times. I was so frustrated with myself that I had to talk myself through a 3-mile run.

Want to know how clean my house is right now? It's not.

Want to know what's for dinner? Gigi's cooking.

Want to know what we'll do tonight? I think get in the hot tub at Gigi's and hopefully get home in time to watch "Soul Surfer". We got it for Ash for her birthday, and we are all itching to watch it.

Want to know what Cookie is doing? Licking himself like he's a cat. I think he's confused most of the time. . . kinda like his Fo (female owner. . . that's me).

Want to know how many lights are on upstairs since I am constantly telling the children, "Turn off the lights when you're not using them"? Only one. . however, no one is in that room. Yikes!

Want to know how well our school year is going? Really well. . . actually so well it's a little scary. . . I keep thinking I'm leaving something out. My favorite time of the day is when I read outloud to the girls AND when Alec talks to me in Spanish or tells me some interesting history fact.

Want to know an interesting history fact? In the 1600s if women talked too much they put them in this thing that was similar to a muzzle except much heavier. So glad I didn't live in the 1600s.

Want to know what we're reading? "Sign of the Beaver"

Want to know what I should be about to do? Clean the kitchen and unload/load the dishwasher.

Want to know what I'm really going to go and do? Study Mark. I'm teaching this week and I just love teaching and studying the Word.

All While Nursing a Cold

It's been 10 days now . . . of hacking, of my abs being purely sore from all the coughing, of almost crying because everytime I laugh I cough. . . and I just want to laugh. . . and NOT cough.

I've tried Master Tonic, comfrey (2 of Ang's "potions", as I call them), Advil Cold & Sinus, cough drops, peppermints, ibuprofen, Claritin, and now I'm on a Z-PAK, hoping this will kick this cold out of my system.

Meanwhile, cold or no cold life continues. That's the thing about a cold. . . you still work, do school, chores, soccer. It doesn't put you out cold in the bed, but you are miserable all the while living life.. . . trying to have lots of energy and wanting to have fun. . . just coughing your lungs up while doing so. This has made me so grateful for good health. So, here's a little catchy up of what we've been doing.

I swept this pile of trash up in my downstairs. P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C. Don't judge me!

We've been loving watching the "Food Truck Race" on Food Network. On Thursdays Food Trucks come and park near Jon's work. We went up there and chose this one. We were disappointed because normally there are more to chose from. Oh well, just another excuse to go up there again and have lunch with him.

We then just sat ourselves right on the concrete and had us a pic-a-nic.

We were supposed to eat at a food truck that specializes in cupcakes. However, it wasn't there, so we went to this new cupcake bakery. They know Jon on a first-name basis now.

Hanna was pretty much wearing hers. . .like she does a lot of her food.

The red velvet was yum-o

I love the green icing on Ash's nose. The girl had mint chocolate. . . one of her faves.

I then took the kids to Centennial Park. Hanna has been asking forever to go here. The last time she had an upset stomach so we couldn't make it. After all, what's the harm? The park is free, right? NOT!!! I had to pay $10 to park my car!!! I was astounded!!! But the kids had a great time, so it was worth it.

Even the 14-year-old made the most of the park.

The kids loved these swirly things that twirled you around and around and around and around

Hanna was truly giddy with delight. She just loves the park. Poor thing, being the baby she missed out on the park more than the other 2 ever did. . . just like she missed out on library story time, McDonald's play dates. . . oh no, there I go with my list of mother guilt. . . moving on now.

Despite my cold and the heat making me cough all the more I tried to muster it up and play with the kids some. I tried the twirling thing. Seriously, I thought I was going to puke. And, it had NOTHING to do with the mess of hair I have.

Also, while nursing my cold I've started couponing again. Look what I got for $23!!!

Also, we cut this furry pooch. We got a before picture, but haven't snapped an "after" yet. Poor Cooks. He's just a good dog.

We also went to SSI and hung out there. It's so much more fun when you feel good. I had not run in a whole week, then went out for a 4-miler on Monday. I sweated more than ever, and Monday afternoon I was paying for it. I felt awful. My friend and running partner, Becky, sent me a text that said, "I'm thinking you've been sick for so long there might be a 4th little Hendrix." To which I replied, "If there was, I could have coughed the baby up by now." Nope, no other Hendrixes. . . just a cough that has been with me so long I feel like I've been pregnant with it.

I finished "The Help" tonight. It's so good. I can't wait to go and see the movie.

I got letters written to my friends in Guyana. Now, I just have to make sure I mail them and FOLLOW THROUGH!!! Following through is my biggest problem.

I'm really hoping to be back to feeling like myself tomorrow.

The family is at church. I didn't have the energy to muster up to get ready and go and hack up my lungs.

I think I'm going to go and read "Fox Fever". However, as good of a book as it is, and as much as I need to memorize the information it contains, I do so love an easy read. It calls my name much more than a book I've got to use my head with.