Cupcake Fancy!

I was invited to a baby shower this week and asked to bring a salad or dessert. Well, I have been on a dessert streak, especially cake. I don't really want to eat it as much as make it. I am trying to expand my abilities, and this was a great chance to experiment.
Cupcakes are wildly popular right now. Don't ask me why, but they are. I just thought it would be easier for serving in this case. I made these cupcakes and then called to see if they were using special colors or themes for the baby shower. Lucky me, I was in tune! Blue and brown were the colors of the evening. I enjoyed making these little blue baby footprints. I was glad that they turned out well.

Cameron's 5th Birthday Party

Cameron really wanted a snake cake for his birthday. So we naturally had a jungle theme. It began with our guests being greeted with a "Welcome to the Jungle" sign. Little did I know there's a song called "Welcome to the Jungle". What do I know, I have always said that I missed the 80's.
Personally, I am not very happy with the way the snake cake came out. I have been experimenting with frostings and wanted to try fondant. Snake formed cake was a bad choice for fondant. Despite my dislike, my cute little boy thought it spectacular. He was radiant in his lizard shirt.
You can't see it, but I hung crepe paper and stapled leaves to it to make it a festive jungle. Cameron blew out his candles and said, "Now I'm FIVE!!" Never mind the three days until his birthday, he truly felt he was 5 after that ceremonious ritual. Cameron will always be my best birthday present ever. He has blessed this family with his compassion, smiles, and laughter, just some of the reasons I love Cameron.

20 at 30

This is picture is not going to win me any beauty pagents, but it is one that I am very proud of. Last Friday August 8th, the day before my 30th birthday, I ran 20 miles. I started at 4:10 a.m. and finished seconds before 7:10 a.m. I was completely soggy from sweat, with salt encrusting my face, and I was tired, but I was so happy! I did it. I think I can actually run that marathon come October. You may see sweat and matted hair, but I see strength and determination.