The Pillowcast Project

Often I wonder if what I'm doing with my life really matters or if it really makes a difference? When I'm out on my bike or running, I have lots of time to think and assess how I spend my time and resources and really start to thinking about what my legacy will be once I'm gone. Will my being here for x number of years make a difference?
Last August a group of people from Cross Timber's Church in Keller went to Kampala, Uganda for 9 days and while there spent time with the founders of God Cares School and the many children and orphans who attend or live at the school. My life was blessed and changed because I was fortunate enough to accompany them on that trip. Those children are in my prayers every day.

One of the women on the trip was Andrea Schmid and the children really touched her. Earlier this year she started something that has taken off like wildfire - the Pillowcase Project. Andrea saw first hand how little the children of Uganda have and she thought, what can I do to make each of these little children feel loved and special? She researched and discovered that a dress could be made with a simple pillowcase and she launched The Pillowcase Project. Several weeks ago she organized a fundraiser and hundreds of dresses from around the country were shipped to her and displayed at the event.
Imagine the love that has gone into making these dresses. The mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunts and friends who have gathered to give of themselves so these children would have something to call their own.

There were stacks and stacks of dresses in every color imaginable. One could 'sponsor' a dress for a small donation, write a note to the child who would receive the dress and know that with that simple act a child would feel loved.

The Cross Timbers Team left this past Thursday for Uganda and to spend another week with the children at a Bible Camp they have every year. At some point during the week Andrea will distribute dresses to the girls and t-shirts to the boys and I can only imagine the tears that will be shed. My heart will be with all of them.

Imagine, if you will, the little girl who will bring home this darling dress.

My friend, Dave Schmille, shows me one of the dresses he 'sponsored.' Dave has such a loving and generous heart.

Andrea, with the dresses. Please think of my friends this week as they travel throughout Uganda and as they bring love to the children. Hearts will be happy, lives will be forever changed.

Birthday Cake for Linda

When I found out that my sister, Linda, was going to throw a party to celebrate her birthday as well as the birthday of her husband, Eric, it never crossed my mind that I wouldn't be there. She was turning 50 and E was going to be 40. So they threw a 90th Birthday Party!

And, because I wanted to help, it made sense for me to bake a cake and drive it to St. Louis. Right? Makes perfect sense to me. Throw the layers in the back of the Tahoe, blast the A/C and get on up there.

So, after a 10 hour drive, I arrived at Mom and Dad's, had dinner with the parents and my sister, Maggie, her husband and 2 kids, then over to Linda's with the cake to hang out. You see, when you live 600+ miles away from your 5 sisters, you want to see as much of them as possible when you are in the same town.
It did not matter to me that Linda was in her sewing room working on a pair of pants Maggie brought along. It's where she is the happiest. It was just so good to see her.

The next day I made the frosting and iced the enormous carrot cake but did not know that Linda's daughter, Jenelle (an aspiring pastry chef), was preparing a surprise for Linda. A beautifully decorated cake.

It was kindof like Beauty and the Beast. Beauty.


For having had no formal training, Jenelle did a magnificent job. Delicious cake with a chocolate hazelnut buttercream.

Suzy was wowed by both cakes!

Yummm...

Dad enjoyed it, too.

Happy Birthday, Linda and Eric!

Happy Birthday, Linda and Eric!

My sister, Linda, has an August 15th birthday and her husband, Eric, was born on August 19th, 10 years later. To celebrate his 40th and her 50th, they planned a 90th Birthday party that was held at their home this past weekend. Linda is a fabulous cook who is not at all intimidated by any recipe. She prepared pulled pork, German potato salad, Texas potatoes, salad and with the assistance of her daughter, Jenelle, prepared appetizers that were out of this world.

My sister is amazing and accomplished, having completed 10 marathons, with many more left in her and so many other things to come in the future. I am very blessed to have her as my sister.

However, when I think of Linda, I always think of our earlier years.

This photo was taken one Easter morning on the front porch of our home at 985 Manresa Lane. From the left it's Linda, me and Beth.

Linda and Beth were great pals and then I came along...note the pout. From the left it's Beth, Linda and me.

This is one of my favorites of Beth (l) and Linda.

As the years went by 3 more sisters arrived. After me it was Cathy (l), then Suzy (front), Linda behind Suzy then me on the right. Maggie is the youngest.

I believe this is one of my favorites. On the banks of the Meramac River, our Uncle Ed had an old cabin complete with a well that was up the hill, before you got to the outhouse. Being the city girls we were, we referred to the cabin as "The Country." Going to The Country was a great adventure for us and, from the photo above, you can see that the city slickers were not prepared. I mean who wears knee-high socks to the Country? Well, we did.

So many memories, so many happy times.

I love you Linda and wish you and Eric many more years together.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Several weeks ago Mr. Man and I drove to South Orange Beach in sunny Florida for a reunion with his parents, siblings, the nieces and nephews, along with our daughter Ashley and grandson, Maddox.

While there we celebrated my father-in-law's 72nd birthday with Aunt Kate, Uncle John and lots of cake and cookies.

We call my father-in-law the "Inspector General" for his precision and desire to have every home improvement project be perfect. And I mean PERFECT.

Isn't he cute? And he always smells really good.

Amelia is too little for cake and ice cream,

but not big sister, Catalina.

or big brother Jackson...

Or oldest brother, Jared.

Our grandson, Maddox, loved the cake and ice cream,

so did his Aunt Missy and Mommy.

YUM!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Birthday Party

Creating memories through baking and Birthday parties is one of my favorite things. On June 12th, our grandson, Jacob, aka Mr. Squishy, celebrated his 2nd Birthday and there was nothing that would have kept me from being there for the celebration. Honey Girl knew exactly what she wanted to do for the party...cake pops in primary colors with coordinating ribbon to match. The day I arrived in Ft. Wayne the cakes were baked and the next day, following a trip to the zoo, Mr. Squishy napped and we started dipping and decorating.

You can't run out..now can you?

We also made a little cake for the birthday boy.

My son-in-law's mother made the most delicious ice cream and we all dove in. Thank you Danita! It was such a treat and went perfectly with the cake pops.

Mr. Squishy's cousins all enjoyed the pops and we had a wonderful day visiting and enjoying the sunshine.

Jackson

Cora

Braelynn

Clark

Mr. Squishy and Honey Girl blowing out the candles

The table was decorated with a photo of Jake that was tken right after he was born and one from our trip to the zoo the day before the party. He's grown so fast.

Where did the past 2 years go?

Happy Birthday, Jacob.

July 4th

I love holidays and clients who trust and believe in me.

Two of my favorite customers placed orders this week and I set aside an entire day to bake and decorate. There was a lot to accomplish so I asked my dear friend, Ms. Vivi, if she would please lend a hand. As always, she said yes.

Ms. Vivi drove up in her new little red sports car and immediately got to work.
3 dozen cake pops is a lot of cake pops, no matter how you dip them.

She caught on very quick and is now an expert dipper and decorator.

Doesn't this frosting look yummy?

Wendy Jo and her darling daughter stopped by to pick up the pops, chocolate cupcakes and some sugar cookies.

We are so fortunate to live in a country where we can be who we want to be, do what we want to do, and live freely.

Thank you to all of our forefathers and mothers who fought for our freedom. I am eternally grateful for your sacrifice.

For a moment today, stop and remember.

Happy 4th of July