Happy Day, Grandma!

A couple weeks ago, Miss Ella, Uncle Jake & I cruised down to Moose Lake State Park to celebrate a very special day. Not only was it Mother's Day, but it was also my mama's birthday. Pete was on call, so we had already celebrated my Mother's Day. Therefore, the day was all for grandma.

We started with a picnic of hot dogs over the fire, which Ella clearly loved.


Then we hit the trails with Grandma & puppy Gracie.


Ella was all about the lake and grass and ants. She's an outdoor girlie.


Then it was time for cake and gifts. After sitting in the sun during our hike, the cake was a little melty. Still the same chocolatey-peanut butter goodness! (And don't you just love her shirt?)


Here was the pre-melted cake. Chocolate with chocolate-peanut butter frosting, mini chocolate chips, and little peanut butter cups. Yum!


Happy birthday, Grandma! We love you!

Photo Friday: Mall of America

on our way to the mall

the mama

cool shades at urban outfitters

saying hi to uniqua at nickelodeon universe

watching the log ride

a yummy treat!

my new kitchen gloves make great shoes

Ella & Bella

We made it to Minneapolis! Ella & I are having a great time with our dear friends, Shauna & Bella. Last night we all walked to the park where Josh joined us as well. The weather was perfect. I forget that it gets warm earlier here than in Duluth. I blame it on the lake.
These two girlies are the best of friends! This morning they sat on Shauna's treadmill for breakfast. Have you ever eaten breakfast on a treadmill?

Christmas Every Day

Oh my goodness! How is it that so many days have passed since I last posted? The only way I can properly explain the probable cause is simply in saying this...I'm experiencing Christmas.


Crazy thought, I know. Christmas in May? What? No, we didn't get more snow in Duluth, although it's always a possibility. I finished my first semester of grad school just over a week ago and was scheduled to start another class this past Monday. It was going to be three weeks of intense reading and online discussion and tests, so I hadn't made any plans whatsoever. However, Sunday night I took a look at the class syllabus that had been posted and realized the class was not at all for me. Without question, I have no desire to be a school principal or superintendent. That's pretty much all the class was designed for, so I dropped the class (it was an elective) and realized that left me with three weeks of loveliness. Once the three weeks are over, I'll be jumping into two summer courses for four weeks, which will pull all of my time away. Therefore, I'm enjoying every moment of my unexpected free time for these three weeks. Hence, it feels like Christmas every day!


One week has passed. What have I been doing? A majority of my time has been spent dreaming about and preparing things for Ella's second birthday party. The party will be on her birthday at the end of June, which also means I'll be buried deep in school work. I'm hoping to have everything finished before those classes begin. I've found lots of great inspiration on other blogs and have been putting things together. Ella has accompanied me on treks to Michaels for supplies, although she doesn't realize it's all for her. Invitations are finished, as are the kids' party hats, bunting, and most of the other decorations. Now I'm planning the food table and cupcake bar. Yup, a cupcake bar. Ella loves cupcakes!


Besides planning for the party, we've done a decent amount of house cleaning, grocery shopping, and gardening. I've also been getting my runs in for marathon training. Wednesday was my 20 miler. The weather was perfect. I really enjoy the time to think and listen to podcasts. My current fave for running is listening to past episodes of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me from National Public Radio. It literally makes me laugh out loud while I'm running. Seriously. So funny. I've got one more long run - 23 miles - to do before tapering down for Grandma's Marathon on June 18. I'm already praying for good weather.


Two weeks of break remain. What shall I do? Tomorrow Ella & I are going to Minneapolis for a couple days to stay with friends. Then we'll be back up so Pete & I can teach another night of Fully Engaged at our church. It's a six-week course we've been doing for engaged couples. It's an absolute thrill to spend time with couples who are at such a fun place in their relationship. We teach on things like communication, conflict resolution, commitment, and finances. We have a great time doing it. Other than that, I have no concrete plans. That means I get to sew or plant or take Ella on long walks to the farmers' market. See? With a schedule like this, it really does feel like Christmas! I get absolutely giddy each morning thinking of all the possibilities!

Photo Friday: Planting

I'm cheating slightly and going back a couple days to post these pics. Didn't want to miss out on a Photo Friday! And yes, those are socks on Ella's hands. She's a big fan of that these days.

Cupcakes!

Last Tuesday I had the grand privilege of creating just over 200 cupcakes for a giant celebration here in Duluth. The event was to celebrate our pastors' three kids. Two graduations and a birthday. I'd say that's reason to celebrate!



These beauties were a first for me. I don't feel like the picture adequately captured the color, which could be described as mango. The flavor, however, was almond. So yummy.


These raspberry cakes were the first to go. White cake filled with real raspberries, covered in raspberry frosting and chocolate sprinkles. Topped with a raspberry...of course.



One of my personal faves is this dark chocolate cake with mocha frosting, topped with an espresso bean.


For someone who loves candy, you can't beat vanilla cake with creamy vanilla frosting, topped with gummy bears and Mike n Ikes. Sugar, anyone?


Mint and chocolate are a lovely combination. These babies were finished with a mini Oreo.


This was the first time I've ventured into the world of peanut butter and chocolate on a cupcake. Why did I wait so long? Absolutely delish. Chocolate cake, chocolate-peanut butter frosting, topped with Reese's cups and Reese's pieces. Heavenly for any peanut butter lover.


You can see Sierra's table with the mango-colored and raspberry cupcakes. Congrats on your college graduation, Sierra!


Jackson, excellent choice on the candy-covered and mocha cakes. Way to sacrifice and allow your table to hold the mocha cupcakes, since I know you're not a coffee fan. Your party guests loved them! PS...Happy 23rd birthday!


And Jericho, these are two of my favorite combinations: chocolate mint & chocolate peanut butter. Congratulations, high school grad!


I love baking! I know that's no surprise, but it's different when I get to bake for new people. It's thrilling to watch so many people enjoying something I made. And I must say, Ella was an angel as I worked to frost and decorate all the cakes at the venue before the party. She sat and watched me and enjoyed a movie. She's a wonderful little kitchen assistant!

Photo Friday: A Morning Walk

Photo Friday: Dressing Up

New Baby Cousin Wyatt

The first week of April, we welcomed the first baby boy to the Scott family. My sister Jenny gave birth to Wyatt Gregory on the afternoon of April 2. He's a beautiful, healthy little man with four big girl cousins to watch out for him. I don't think he'll need it though. I can already tell he's going to be the man in charge.


Ella was never this little! It's true! Wyatt weighed 6 lbs 11 oz at birth. Ella was exactly 2 pounds more than that. What a peanut!


Proud Uncle Pete with his first nephew.


Big sister Hailey, who just turned 3, knows exactly what it takes to be a good mama.


Ella loves dolls and babies.


And this one is especially sweet!

Congratulations, Rob, Jenny, and Hailey on your new little Wyatt!