Happy 1st Birthday Miss Julia!

How sweet of a creation! Misti at Tennessee Title Loans requested this precious cake for her daughter Julia. I had a ball making this cake! She is absolutely adorable! I hope that Julia enjoys it!

Misti wanted a special little cake for Julia to have all to herself! I made her a precious heart shaped cake, delicately decorated just with Julia in mind. She is going to dive right for this, I just know!

Thank you Misti!

Happy 1st Turkey Birthday Sarah Kate!

I did not realize how hard it was finding Minnie Mouse. She was retired several years ago. I had the divine parting of the clouds (this is something that my friend Robin Bell says) when it came to this cake. This big girl size cake is 14 inches across and is homemade white with homemade vanilla buttercream icing. Minnie is a second layer all it's own. Tanera is such a good mom! I hope that they have a ball at Karen's when they let her blow out that precious Minnie Mouse candle. Happy 1st Birthday Sarah Kate!

Gift Certificates and More!

With Christmas just around the corner, and sometimes it is hard to find that "special" gift for a friend, family member, teacher, or secret pal and this year I am offering my Gift Certificates. Give me a shout and I will just fix you right up! They are good for one year from date of purchase. Last year Diane Stanely was one of my many customers who purchased gift certificates for several friends. Some of my customers from last year used them for The Lunch Lady and some of my customers wanted cakes, pies, and trays delivered to a special person!

Guys remember that all ladies like to have a special little something every once in a while. A tray of chocolate dipped strawberries or my delicious cookies 'n cream truffles on a beautiful serving tray are always a hit! Last year Bruce Carr sure did give Donna a wonderful suprise by doing this! She did not have a clue! When I delivered it, she was speechless! Even Santa has been known to have special little treats for those who have been "nice".

Santa's secret hot line is 212-7303.

2007 Regions Craft Fair

The 2007 Craft Fair has come and gone. I am overwhelmed with comments about my booth and from my blogspot! Thank You to everyone who helped me and all of my customers and future customers!

I hope that everyone enjoyed their samples of the Wedding Cake, Red Velvet Cake, and Coconut Cake. I had a ball making them and was so excited to share them with you! For those of you who missed them, I had a beautiful white wedding cake with white almond butter cream icing. I could not believe that I gave out over 200 sample pieces. On Saturday, I had the Red Velvet cake with vanilla butter cream icing along with some absolutely mouth-watering coconut cake with the most creamy seven minute frosting.

I got so tickled at everyones sounds and facial jestures as they ate. I got so tickled at Pat Grissom and Dewey Gay. Pat got on the phone and called Debbie Dunham and Ms. Debbie came up and told me that Pat told her that she needed to come right then and pay me a visit. Thank you Ms. Pat!! I love you! Dewey is a deacon where we worship. He got me so tickled when he and Ms. Dean came up. He got a sample of cake and then wanted a piece of my Chocolate Chip Pie. He and I talked about how Ms. Johnnie Walker had the best recipes!

Oh my goodness, I got so many orders for Thanksgiving and am still taking more orders. I have room for more orders and am excited about getting everyones orders completed and delivered! I will be taking orders all through the holidays. Just give me a ring or an e-mail and I will take the worry out of the holiday rush just for you!

Happy Thanksgiving! In Him, Joy

What Am I Thankful For?

Well, one year my husband asked what we were thankful for? We went around the room answering this question. Some said for their spouses, some said for their family, some said for their kids, and so on.

I want to share with you what I am thankful for.

First, I am thankful for having such a wonderful Heavenly Father! God has blessed us with more than we could even imagine. He gave his son to die for our sins. I can't imagine giving one of my children for everyone else! What love he has for us!

Second, I am thankful for having such a wonderful set of christian parents! My father has been passed away for over 14 years. I miss him so much! My mother is the backbone of our family. She has been such a wonderful christian example for me and for so many other people. I love my mother very much!

Third, I am thankful for my best friend, my husband John. He is my support system. I am so blessed to have a man to love me as much as he does! Most of all, I am blessed to have a man who loves God like he does!

Fourth, I am thankful for my three precious children. I have been blessed by having them be part of my life. I don't remember what life was before them. Sometimes I get all caught up in running from point A to point B all the way to point Z in a day. One thing I can always count on is my children being my cheerleaders. They are always there cheering me on in whatever I am doing.

Fifth, I am thankful for my Christian family at Westwood. When Dillon broke his hip in May, they were there for us-All the way! Our Elders, Deacons, Coy, Bettye Ann and the entire congregation gave us encouragement and lifted us up when were so unsure of tomorrow. David has been so good for our kids. He has made Dillon feel so alive for Christ!

And I could go on all night with more, but finally I am thankful for my friends. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, you have stuck right beside me and held me up at times. 2007 has been a trying year for our family. When Dillon almost died in January, John Ryan's surgery, Dillon's accident in May and two surgeries and long recovery, & John's two surgeries, you were there for us. The prayers, visits, phone calls, cards, and words of encouragement helped us get through these hard days. Each one has a special place in my heart and I love each one of you very much!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

What A Bunch Of Good Boys!

In a post from Saturday, I talked about John Ryan's team from the University of Tennessee winning the paintball tournament in Chattanooga. My hansom son is on the front row, far right side. The entire write up is on www.utpaintball.com web page. These boys went from fourth to first. What's funny, the black was the "varsity" team and the organge team was the "jv" team. The "jv" team beat out the "varsity" in the semi finals to beat Florida.

We've hosted paintball tournaments at our home for over a year now. It is really a fun sport to watch as well as play. Some of us gals have even played. One thing that was funny last Saturday was when one of our boys shot one of Florida's team mates and he wouldn't declare himself out. So, our fella went over and made sure that he was out. (He shot him about 20 times straight) He made sure that he was out. Ouch!

My how time flies! John Ryan will be 20 on the 24th of this month. I blinked and he's an adult. He went from diapers to a sophomore at UT. Now that's painful! God sure did bless me and John when he gave us John Ryan, Dillon, and Katie!

My Dream On Canvas

I was so excited this morning when I checked my friend Brandi's web page and saw my two signs completed and posted! I am very blessed by knowing Brandi and by calling her my friend. She and her husband Mike are what southerners would consider "Good People". As a child growing up, I had heard my parents say that about someone that they considered a true, honest, genuine, hardworking christian person. I consider this wonderful couple "Good People". What more can you expect when they come from "Good Families". Brandi was so sweet to talk about how she enjoyed my lunch's that I have delivered to her at Bobby Ray Elementary . Mike is the principal at Irving College Elementary. They are regular customers of my other business: The Lunch Lady Catering. My husband was tickled to death over them just as much as I am!

Thank You Brandi for your beautiful art and Thank You for just being you!

Stunning Silver

Over the years when I have attended family or friends weddings, I have always been fascinated with the cake topper. Of course I love the traditional Bride and Groom, but I love this beautiful topper. The silver single initial is absolutely stunning. A single initial or the Bridal Couple's initial with the bride and grooms first names initial on each side. This is a stunning timeless statement. This is one of many toppers to choose from.

Sitting On a Pedistal

This beautiful cake is absolutely a fun, young, and timeless. Roses, Baby Carnations, Orchids, Gerber Daisies are just a few types of flowers that can be used on this cake. Each layer can be a different flavor or for the traditionalist it can be classic white. This fun cake can be the center piece to a beautiful table.

Paintball Time In Tennessee!

Today we went to Chattanooga to see our oldest son John Ryan play in a paintball tournament for the University of Tennessee (Knoxville). There were 17 Universties represented as far west as Kansas to Virginia Tech to Florida State. We were so excited when they announced that John Ryan's team was in the Top 4. As the day went on, the teams were getting thinned out with their losses. I am so happy to share with everyone that they WON!

If you have a child or a teen that you care for, stop today and tell them how proud you are of them and that you love them! We are so proud of all of our children!

"Bunch of Buzzing Bees"

Wow what a week! This week is almost over and I am still buzzing like a bee around the kitchen.

With a big lunch on Tuesday, Ben Lomand Rural Telephone's November Board Meeting Dinner Party on Wednesday, big lunch on Thursday and Basketball and Ballet this afternoon I just had to post a comment that I received from a sweet customer who loves the sweets. Jamye Jaco sent me an e-mail that just made my day! "WOW!!!! That chocolate cake is the best!! I ate it as soon as I got it! Thank You!"

I want to say Thank You to all of my customers! New and the faithful regulars each week! Thank you for all of you wonderful words of encouragement! 2007 has been a most unusual year for our family. Lots of you may know about Dillon's hospital visit in January and his quarantine for 7 weeks with that horrible "Super Virus". Then in May when he broke and dislocated his hip. Two hospital visits and two surgeries in two days. Thank you for standing behind me and my product!

On my route with "The Lunch Lady Catering" I delivered to Stephanie Eden Photography. I took her a piece of John's Grandmother's classic Jam Cake. I just wonder if she shared any of it with Emily?

I will have lots of cakes, pies, cookies, truffles, fruited tea, and samples of my wedding cakes at the Craft Fair on November 16th and 17th at the Civic Center. Come on up and visit me in the balcony. For all of those future brides, I will be having a drawing for some special things for an upcoming bridal party. It is not too early to book your Rehearsal Dinners, Wedding Receptions, or Bridesmaid Luncheons.

Orders will be taken for all of your holiday needs. Teela Mason has a standing order that has been on reserve for weeks now. I have done several things for Teela over the summer. She is a super friend!

Creating a Memory

My friend Mona, who lives in Kaneohe, Hawaii and her mother-in-law (Grandma Fujimoto) grow these beautiful orchids in their gardens. I can almost smell the sweet fragrance from these exquisite orchids. When we visited Grandma Fujimoto's home, she sent beautiful orchids back with us. I truly cherish all of my flowers and plants that we brought back from this magical trip. If tropical flowers is your fancy, these beautiful flowers can be shipped overnight from a florist in Honolulu. If you fancy other types of flowers, they can be used instead. What a beautiful way to celebrate the first day of the rest of your lives together or as an anniversary celebration.

The Craft Fair!

I almost forgot to tell you all about my booth this year at the Craft Fair. This year the Craft Fair will be at the McMinnville Civic Center on Friday, November 16th and Saturday, November 17th.

My booth will be in the balcony. I will have all types of cakes, pies, cookies, fruited tea, and lots of other goodies for sale.

I will also be sharing with everyone samples of my wedding cakes. Come by and visit with me and enjoy a wonderful piece of cake.

I will also be taking orders for all of your holiday needs. From pies and cakes to your family dinners and Christmas Parties. Make your reservations with me asap.

Simply Joy Catering

Every little girl dreams of her wedding day. My goal is to give the Bride her every wish and dream.

From the beautiful Wedding Cake to the Grooms Cake, Ice Sculptures, Mouth Watering Cream Cheese Mints, Chocolate Fountain with Fabulous Fresh Fruit, Beautifully Arranged Vegetable Trays, Finger Foods, Beautifully Lit Fountain for any type of Beverage to a Sit Down Meal.

From Simple to Elegance in One Step.

November's Cake of the Month

I chose this beautiful cake for November's Cake because of it's Simple Elegance. This cake can be created just for that special Bride who wants the traditional classic wedding. I can customize this cake for the Bridal couple.

If you are a true "chocolate lover" you would absolutely love this cake. I made this cake from scratch and it is filled with the sweetest homemade chocolate buttercream icing. Norma King (who I just love dearly) said it was wonderful. I made this cake for the Fall Ladies Brunch at Westwood Church of Christ. This mouthwatering cake is a wonderful addition as a Grooms Cake, Birthday Cake, Anniversary Cake, or a cake to take to that special gathering during the holidays. I can also fill this cake with sweet strawberry or raspberry filling. This cake can be made bigger and used as a wedding cake.

This is my pride and joy!

This is a picture of my three precious angels!

John Ryan is a sophomore at the University of Knoxville. He will be 20 in November! He is on the World Cup Championship Paintball Team there.

Dillon is the Rock Star! Dillon has been recovering from an accident back in May. He fell and dislocated his hip and fractured it in three places. Dillon is truely my inspiration! He never let it get him down, what a trooper! He is in the 8th grade at Centertown Elementary and turned 13 in July.

Katie is my ballet dancing princess/basketball's (jack russell terrier). Coach Phillip calls her "Spunky". She tuned 11 in August and is me made over when I was her age. God bless her! She is in the 5th grade at Centertown Elementary also.

These three precious souls are my inspiration! My drive to be a good christian example for them and for others!

All About Us!

Making Dreams Come True!

Everyone has that "dream", the special day that every little girl looks foward to. I want to every Bride and Groom to be as excited as I was when I got married. Twenty two years ago, I married my best friend John. He was not much into all of the "Wedding Planning" so he let me just run with it. In all of our planning, my mother and I chose a beautiful cake that had a beautiful flowing fountain underneath and fresh flowers between each layer.

I have chosen as October's cake this beautiful creation. It can be done in fondant or in butter cream icing. Your favorite flavor can be added to each layer. When it comes to that special day, I am the "Dream Person"!

October is almost gone!

I can not believe that October is almost gone! I have been overwhelmed with all of the Fall Festival festivities, Hay Rides, Trunk or Treat's, Basketball, Basketball, and more Basketball, and also with my fun cakes.

My daughter Katie plays on the 5th and 6th grade girls basketball team at Centertown Elementary. These girls have the most wonderful coaching staff ever!!!! Felicia Walkup and her brother Phillip Walkup are a wonderful tag-team coaching staff!!! It is a joy to watch them!!! Give these girls a big shout! They're winning streak is to 5 games in a row now! Go Lady Warriors!

Ok, now to the business! I have been doing so much I have forgotten to take pictures of some of my work. I had the opportunity to make a fun cake for a great group of Guys from Westwood Church of Chist for the UT vs. Alabama game. My oldest son is a sophomore at UT. Go Vols!!!

My daughter Katie asked for me to make a beautiful heart shaped cake. I had fun with this one! We ran all of the guys off and had girlfriend time with this cake!

My friend Rosie @ Sun Loan (who has been a wonderful customer!) needed a cake for her husband's birthday and her sister's birthday. She wanted the golf theme along with a flower garden theme. So I fixed Ms. Rosie right up!

Maria another wonderful customer! She needed a baby shower cake for her future grandson. I had a ball with this one. I made out of eatable items two precious baby booties and found those precious passies! She fell in love with them. I also made her some of the sweetest baby bootie cream cheese mints. They were so precious! Maria's baby is due pretty quick!

Trunk or Treat at Westwood was a blast! I made 150 sugar cookies and decorated them with some wonderful buttercream icing. Those little spooks ate every one of them! They were so precious!

Every little girl dreams of her wedding day. I strive to make every Bride's wishes and dreams come true.