So much to do....

As this Friday comes to a close, the next week is going to be filled with cooking, baking, and cleaning, and of course some much anticipated time with family and friends. I'm looking forward to throwing in some christmas movies and just relaxing, but until then...

I've got to get my house in order before the in-laws get here. I need to plan out all my baking adventures. So far I plan on making a caramel apple cake for my work Thanksgiving Luncheon. Then I need to make desserts for both family Thanksgiving dinners. Not sure on the specifics yet, but will definitely post some pictures. Hope everyone is enjoying the anticipation of Thanksgiving around the corner. Let me know what kind of Thanksgiving treats your family is having this year.

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around! -Willie Nelson

This is the time of year that people always begin to look back and remember how blessed they are and how much they have to be thankful for. I'm in that same boat. I know how easy it is to think you've got it bad, but let's take a moment to remember what happened in 2010....

January 12 - 7.0-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Haiti, causing severe damage. 
The Haitian Government estimated the total number of deaths to 230,000. In addition, more than 250,000 people were injured and 2 million were homeless in the nation of 9 million. 

February 27 - Chile Hit By 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake.

Fatalities were relatively low, with some 750 people killed in the devastation. However, as many as 1.5 million people were displaced.

April 14 - Earthquake in China Kills Hundreds, Injures 10,000.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck China, killing at least 400 people and injuring another 10,000.

May 27 - Biggest Oil Spill in History.

An oil rig exploded and gushed for 95 continuous days and spilled nearly 200 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

July 30 - Pakistan Floods. 

After two weeks of massive flooding in Pakistan, the UN estimated at least 1,600 people were killed and 14 million displaced from their homes.

October 13 - 33 Trapped Chilean Miners Rescued.

After spending 68 days trapped in a mine half a mile underground, and a massive, multi-million dollar rescue operation, all 33 Chilean miners are pulled to safety.

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough  -- Oprah Winfrey 

 I am incredibly thankful for so much this year:

1. My wonderful husband
2. My amazing family and friends that are always there for me
3. A nice little apartment to call home
4. A sweet kitty that always is there to greet me at the door
5. Two good jobs with great coworkers
6. My 2 nephews and a 3rd on the way
7. Fall leaves and fall colors.... sweaters and a hot cup of coffee
8. Two running cars that I don't owe money on
9. The joy of baking and making treats
10. Health, wealth, and happiness! (ok, so we're still working on the wealth part :)

What are you thankful for this season?

The best of the best!

It was both of my parents' birthdays this past weekend. Needless to say when I asked my mom and dad what kind of cake they wanted, they didn't agree. My dear mother was quick to tell me that she wanted a lemon cake, while my dad was set on a chocolate pudding cake. So what was I to do but to make both!

Lemon-filled lemon cupcakes with raspberries on top, not only were they pleasing to the eye, but they were quite tasty too (that is if you like lemon). And the chocolate pudding layered cake... there are no words. It was to die for. I guess there are words: simply delicious.

I have several more birthdays coming up in the near future, so stay tuned!

What is it about Mondays?

It's just one of those days. You know the kind I'm talking about. Even though you woke up early and did everything you always do every morning, you still look like crap. Ok, so I cried this morning. But it wasn't like I bawled my eyes out, just a few tears that ran down my cheeks. I had to hold it together. However, when I got to work and finally looked in the mirror, it's as if my soul had been crying all along and it showed on my face. Yep, just one of those days.....

“Some days are for living. Others are for getting through.”

- Malcolm Forbes