Super Cake

For my brother Karl's birthday, his wife requested a Superman cake-- We drove into Tulsa on Wednesday and started baking that night. We decorated all Thanksgiving morning. Then we went over to their house for Thanksgiving dinner and birthday party, complete with Jupiter Jump (for the "kids"). I forgot my camera-- but luckily Gabrielle took a few pictures on her i-touch of the cake construction. Jared was the real super hero, cutting that superman logo out of the red fondant!

Kate and Wills

I have to say, I am pretty excited about this announcement! Royal engagement fever is abound. I for one will be tuned in to watch, just like I did to watch Charles and Diana. I know, I need to get a life. But I just love this stuff!

Jack-o-lanterns

Madison's spider

Ok, it's so much past Halloween that these should be called Jack-o-laterns. They have since been hauled away in the garbage truck, but finally, I am posting these pictures. These are the pumpkins that the girls carved in a very very busy month of October.

Pumpkins ready to greet Trick or Treaters!

Gabrielle's owl with green glowing eyes!

Cake Pops

    Sorry it has taken so long to get these up on the blog! Here are the cake pops I made on my birthday. I thought they turned out pretty cute, being my first attempt and all. What's amazing to me is that it is just a crumbled up cake made from a mix plus 1 cup of canned frosting (which I usually can't stand) and it is the perfect proportion to make a little cute ball of cake-- on a stick. And guess what? My fabulous sister gave me Bakerells's new book for my birthday! Now I can make all kinds! I want to try some snowmen for sure!

The crumbled cake

Freshly dipped pops

 

 

 

 

 

Some naughty person put one down in my drink!

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's 40

I was born on this day in 1970. Do the math and yes, that means I'm 40 this year. Do you want to know who else is turning 40 this year? Well I did and guess what I found out?
Queen Latifa--(I think her real name is Dana or something)

Seriously, I LOVE HER!

 Next-- my haircut inspiration and MSNBC news gal-- Tamron Hall!

I love her, too. 

 

and Tina Fey! I was ok with this one, too. Loved her Sarah Palin impression!

and how about Jennifer Connely, Julie Chen and Kelly Ripa? All fun!

This is where it starts to get bad though-- Did you know these ladies have also turned 40 this year? Seriously! Look it up!

Mariah Carey!

Claudia Schiffer!

 

Naomi Campbell

and 

Jennifer Lopez!

Well, I do like J-Lo! But really 40?

 Who else?

Well, apparently Gabrielle Reece and Uma Thurman!

AND EVEN Food Network Star Giadi DiLaurentis…

 

Whatever! 

Out of all the names on the list of those turning 40 this year, I liked this one the most:

Oh yeah! Andre Agassi turned 40-- and you know he's actually married to Steffi Graff, age 41!

So I don't really mind being 40 at all. Even when my children do remind me it's halfway to 80!

Elmo's World

Here is the latest cake-- Elmo! It was a classic white cake with white butter cream 6 and 8 inch layers covered with fondant in primary colors. This was for two-year old Jonas' birthday! So fun! Although I did have that song in my head for a while, "la la la la la la la la el-mo's world!"

Good News about Great Girls

Last night we had the privilege to attend an awards assembly with Gabrielle. She was honored for being a cooperative, respectful, and responsible learner. She was chosen by her Honors Block teacher. In the program she wrote this testimonial: "Gabrielle Runnels is a model student. She is thoughtful, inquisitive, and genuinely interested in our class and raises good questions to challenge her thinking and the understanding of her peers. She is thorough and timely with her work, and respectful of herself and her peers. Her diligence and zest are wonderful additions to our block class."

She received a certificate and some candy. Better yet, she received the good feeling you get from doing your best! Yeah Gabrielle! We are proud of you!

I haven't written about this yet, but have been meaning to do so--I should also mention that Madison has been attending early morning seminary. They start at 6:15 and go to 7:05 am every school day. After seminary she goes straight to school where she practices her flute before school begins. She gets herself up everyday and is ready to go on time. She has 100% attendance at seminary so far. Keep it up, Madison! We appreciate the effort you put into this.

It is indeed a privilege to be the mom of these two girls! They teach me everyday and make me smile, laugh, and grateful I am their mom! Keep doing the very best you can girls! You are wonderful!