Celebrate!

I got a call a couple of weeks ago from Tanya Locke all the way from California. She ordered 4 beautiful cakes for a suprise birthday party for Mr. Underwood. Mr. Underwood turns 80. This is one of the beautiful cakes I made. Chocolate Butter Cream on Chocolate trimmed with white swirls and poka dots.

Who would have ever dreamed that I would get a call from California? I was speechless. Tanya and her brother are flying in today from Arizona and California just for the party.

I will try to post the other pictures later on.

Happy Birthday Mr. Underwood!

Chocolate Dream Cake

Paula Morris ordered this delicious cake for her husband David's birthday. David spec's were "My homemade white cake with my homemade chocolate butter cream icing". Of course, I can't just let it be a plain cake...I had to do spice it up a little bit for them. Paula and David and their entire family are such "Good People".

Happy Birthday David!

Monogram Cake

A beautiful creation!
Two brides have chosen this stunning cake for their wedding day!
Let me help you create your stunning cake!

Andy Dunn Prayer Request

I borrowed this precious picture of Andy from my friend Stephanie Edens webpage a few weeks back.

I need for everyone who reads this to please stop for a moment and on bended knee say a special prayer for Andy, his family, and his caregivers at Vanderbilt.

Andy is back in the hospital today. His parents took him back to the ER at Vanderbilt about 1 a.m. this morning. He started running a fever and his wbc is below 100. (normal ranges are 4,500 to 10,000) The wbc dropping is a sign that the chemo is doing it's job. I talked to Dot on Friday and Andy was feeling very good. She said that she knew that his wbc would drop, but didn't realize it would be that quick. Andy is already getting the sores in his mouth and throat again. (that's the sign that his wbc is down) Dot called me this morning during Sunday School and wanted everyone to continue to pray for her "Angel Boy".

Andy is a very special little boy and is very special to all of us. I've talked before about how my parents characterized people as being "Good People"...well the Dunn family are "Good People".

God hears our prayers and if it is his will....only his will, will be done.

Andy has a special web page on www.caringbridge.org Type in his name without a space between the first and last name and please leave them a comment. (andydunn)

And The Winner Is....Susan Grandey

A great big Contrat's goes to Susan Grandey! She is the winner of February's give away!

I will deliver them to you at Eastside Elementary on Monday!

Thanks to everyone who entered and the first of March I will be giving away March's goodies!

Give Away Deadline is Friday, Feb. 22nd

The deadline is coming up quick for February's give away. You do not have to live in the McMinnville area to register for this giveaway. The truffles can be packaged and mailed priority. Don't miss out! I will draw them out just after 5 p.m. on Friday! Good Luck!

The qualifications are listed below in my original post!

Weddings and Bridal Showers

Jeanine Bain from Smithville is a wonderful customer of mine. I met her at the Craft Fair back in November. She ordered this beautiful Bridal Shower cake along with some delicious Cream Cheese Mints in the shape of wedding bells.
When we were discussing what type of design she wanted...I had the idea about adding beautiful silver wedding bands. For an extra suprise for such a sweet customer, I added the silver Love symbols.
I hope you enjoy this!

Robinson & Potter Wedding-February 15, 2008

Brandon and Trista tied the knot tonight and had a beautiful ceremony.

They finished the night with an absolutely fabulous reception!

Her wedding cake was absolutely to die for! White on white with a beautiful sparkling fountain on Grecian columns.

The delicate work on this cake is breath taking.

Brandon chose this beautiful Grooms cake.
Strawberries and chocolate....need I say more?

Chocolate anyone? Regina Woodlee found herself camped out here!

We were serving 300 guests for the reception. It was made complete with finger foods and the most wonderful punch.

I helped Trista and Brandon with an absolutely cool idea for their reception. We created a candy table. This set the mood before and after the ceremony. The nervous party was nibbling on it just before and the crowd afterwards...well...loved it as well.

Congrat's go to the new Dr. and Mrs. Brandon Potter!

Celebrating 100 Posts!

I thought it to be only fit for me to celebrate my 100th post by sharing something very special to me and to my family. My little buddy Andy Dunn needs for you to give just a few minutes of your time Monday, February 18th, noon - 6 p.m. We are going to celebrate his life by having an Honorary Blood Drive for him. Andy is the precious Angel Boy of Daryl and Dot Dunn. He has a wonderful big brother Ray. Andy has been receiving many units of blood and plattlets since he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. He will be receiving his second chemotherapy treatment this Friday. But Andy needs your blood donations!

Please give Andy the gift of life with your blood donations and please, please...on bended knees keep him in your prayers. Only through our Heavenly Father we can ask for his health to be restored. With a special "I Wuv You" my heart absolutely melts. So please, come Monday and give the gift of life!

I would also like to add the following precious little children to your prayer list: Morgan Mingle, Jackson Dunlap, & Joseph Martin. Please pray for them to be healthy soon!

Conversation Hearts For Valentines

I had several orders this year for Valentine's Cookies. Julie LaForte ordered these darling Conversation Hearts for her daughter Halle.

There are several people who will be receiving them as "Special Valentine's Gifts". I hope you all enjoy them!

Ok, now I can tell who is getting all of those suprise cookies. Glenda Taylor's sister sent her a special tray of those cookies for her birthday. Valentine's is her birthdate. She also sent a special tray to a resident at Fannie B's Boarding Home. Mary Sanders at the Central Office wanted some for her daughter and mother-in-law. Lajuana Baker ordered two trays for Paula Morris and Beth Deason. Ms. Paula cracked her's open at church and shared them with Tammy Womack. Pat at Dr. Davis' office send a special tray to Dr. Bewick's office staff. Lee Williamson and I got all caught up today when she picked up her cookie orders. I would like to say a very special "Thank You" to all of my customers and especially to all of my friends. I have made tons of new friends in the last few months and each one of you are very dear to me! (Yes, Ms. Paula that means you! I don't know what I would do without knowing you!)

I hope that everyone has a very special Valentine's Day! My Valentines is only complete with everyone being at home. John Ryan is going to school at MIT this semester. So I have all my chicks under one roof. (Only until fall)

I can't wait to post my pictures of Trista and Brandon's wedding. It's Friday Night (15th) at Central Church of Christ. The cake is in the oven right now as I speak. Looking for 300 guests. My son John Ryan got a kick at trying to count 30 gallons of punch as we carried them out to the jimmy tonight so they could be taken to the church freezer.

February Give Away

Ok, my blogger friends....it's time for February's give away!
This month I will be giving away a beautifully decorated tray of my
Mouth Watering Truffles.
Here's how to enter....Tell me how you met your beloved...You know that Valentine's Day is tomorrow and what a better way of kicking this off by sharing your stories. If you add a link to my blog and have your name mentioned your name will be added again to the pot. Good Luck!
I will draw out a winner on Friday, Feb. 22nd at 5 p.m.

ANDY IS COMING HOME TODAY! :)

ALL I NEED TO SAY IS: ANDY IS COMING HOME FOR A FEW DAYS!

HIS BLOOD COUNT IS UP!

PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!

HE IS SCHEDULED TO BE GETTING HIS NEXT CHEMO FRIDAY!

Lady Vols Are #1

Last night, John and I were treated to one of the most fun things I could have ever imagined! Patty and Terry Boyd had asked us a few weeks ago to go to the Lady Vols vs. Rudger game at Knoxville. Man, last night was a nail bitter! Especially when Candace Parker got fouled and went straight up in the air and back down on her knee and belly. I held my breath! I was so excited all day yesterday just thinking about going to such an amazingly crazy game! I had always said that I wanted to see a game with Candace before she left UT.

The fouls were flying every which of way and even in the first few plays of the game one of the Rudgers players flipped over the commentators sitting on the side line. Pat Summit was her classy self!

Susan Grandey called me and asked me where we were sitting. I told her that we were on the second row wearing pink. heehee! Everyone had pink on because it was Breast Cancer Awareness Night. I know for one thing...I sure am impressed with the talent that these ladies have! What a class act!

There's one thing for sure....I need tooth picks for my eye lids today!

Andy Dunn Updates-Tuesday Feb. 12th

Got GREAT news today from Dot about Andy! His blood count has gone up to 0.2! Yeah!!!!!!!! He was sitting up in the bed eating Frito's and wanting his mom to order breakfast for him! I am so excited! You have made my day today! He has already gotten plattlets this morning before he woke up!

*****Today is Tuesday and Andy is up bouncing around his room. I talked to Dot before 8 a.m. and he was hungry. He talked to me on the phone and told me he was eating Or-we-o's. (Oreo's) He is too funny! His blood work is 0.9 this morning! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!

Junior Auxilary Snow Princess Pagent

Tonight are the Snow Princess Pagents! There will be the most beautiful little girls Warren County has to offer....showing their grace and beauty. The Junior Auxilary does a fabulous job putting them on! It is one of the few cultural events we have in town. If it wasn't for the beauty pagents and the ballet recital, what would we do? Good Luck Girls! Susan Burks is just the sweetest thing! She is so soft spoken and kind! She called me and asked me to fix up some trays for the Judges and Accountants for this year's festivities. I am so excited, this is the second year I have done this for them! Of course, who can't resist my Chicken Salad on Croissants....

Or a Fresh Fruit Tray....

And she requested some of my darling sugar cookies. Of course, I had put my special touch on them! These ladies do an EXCELLENT job when it comes to putting on such a wonderful production! Thank you JA for giving back to our community! I know that I really do appreciate each one of you!

February's Cake Of The Month

This beautiful cake is the beautiful way to start off February!

With all of the weddings centered around Valentines, I thought that this cake was right on the money!

Andy Update-Sunday, Feb. 10th

I talked to Dot tonight before church. My little buddy Andy is not wanting to eat because of those old nasty sores in his mouth and down his throat. He is not feeling well at all today. He was wanting to eat some vanilla ice cream but, he was afraid it would hurt. We need to pray that his fever is gone and he doesn't have any problems with his blood work. They sure do need to come home for a few days before his next treatment.

*****PLEASE REMEMBER THE BLOOD DRIVE*****

Please do not forget the Blood Drive scheduled for Feb. 18th in Andy's Honor!

Where: Westwood Church of Christ Fellowship Center

Time: Noon - 6 p.m.

Please, Give The Gift Of Life!

*****.....*****THURSDAY, FEB. 7TH UPDATES*****.....*****

Andy slept good last night with the help of some morphene. My little buddy has eaten a milk shake Dot made for him earlier. Blood count is still really low (0.1), we need that to jump up to 4.5-10.0. One thing we know is that the chemo is doing it's job. (that's why his count is soooooo low) And of course, it wipes his energy out.

..........SUNDAY, FEB. 10TH UPDATES..........

I am sorry that I haven't posted anything since Thursday, but there hasn't been much change until now. Andy has eaten a cheese pizza today, talked to me on the phone today, and eaten Mac and Cheese yesterday! Yeah!!!!! The sores in his mouth are much, much better! We still have a very low wbc of 0.1, but we are hoping that it will come up soon! He has to have a 1.0 before Friday so he can get his 2nd round of chemo. He told me on the phone that "my dair is all dawn." That was so precious. Keep praying for him, the doctors, and his family. PLEASE REMEMBER THE BLOOD DRIVE-FEB. 18TH NOON - 6 P.M.!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Lane!

Jackie Reed e-mailed me a few days ago and asked me to make a birthday cake for her son Lane. Lane loves soccer and is a Barcelona fan. I hope you enjoy this and Happy Birthday Lane!

A Weekend Of Cakes

Katie is showing off the cutest gift ever for a guy. North Blvd. Church of Christ ordered this darling Cup Cake Bouquet for the new Youth Minister at Westwood Church of Christ. Shelby was their intern while he was in college at DL University. We are excited about Shelby and his future bride Jessie, as they begin work at Westwood tomorrow. It is not cool sending flowers to a guy and they really wanted something that he could enjoy. What man doesn't like to eat sweets. Different colors of pots are available. This pot is a chocolate terra cotta with yellow grass and the most delightful gourmet cup cakes. Yum Yum!

Teela Mason asked me to make her this darling baby shower cake "Awaiting the Arrival of Brittley Macall". It is a patch work baby quilt. Pink, Yellow, Purple, and White...Everything about a little girl. Good Lunch Emily and John!

With the cake being almost all black, it is hard to see the outside image very well. Ray Dunn asked me over a month ago to make him an IPod Docking Station cake. He wanted it in all black with 7:39 a.m. (which is his time of birth) on the screen. I hope you like it!
Crystal Melton ordered this darling cake for her daughter Matti's 8th birthday. Matti is having a swim party and this just fits the occassion. Purple and pink are her favorite colors. Enjoy!

Meme and an Award

Shelia Boyd at Gim 'Me Memories is absolutely the sweetest person ever! She tagged me to play. The rules are to list 5 weird or random things about yourself.

1. I have OCD's about certain things around my house. I want my towels folded a certain way and put in the closet. I will go behind John and redo them after he has gone to work and also, I don't sleep much...maybe 3 or 4 hours and I'm good.

2. I am obsessed with everything being ironed. Even t-shirts. They have to have a crease in the sleeves.

3. I have a sister that is 24 years older then me and a brother who is 22 years older than me, along with two nephews who are 16 and 18 months older than me.

4. I LOVE to travel! I don't get to do much anymore, but if you told me you were going somewhere and wanted me to go, I will say "Road Trip"! I enjoy flying!!!!!!

5. I want my kitchen table in the den. This drives John NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want my big white resin table in my kitchen so I can work and he can't stand our beautiful oak kitchen table in our den! He needs to get over it, because I can't function unless I have my big white table.

Ok, now you know a little more about me, I am tagging Donna Spangler and Brandie Mansfield. Ok, my friend Jenny McDowell and Bridgett Powers get a hoot when I say...."Slap a bow on it and call it pretty!" Now, the bow is on and let's call it pretty!

I am absolutely thrilled being tagged by Shelia. Thank You Shelia! You are a wonderful christian friend and an inspiration to everyone! Please pass on to everyone at Hebron Church of Christ a big Thank You for helping with Andy and the Dunn family! They truely are wonderful people struggling with the "King of Cancer".

Blood Drive Honoring Andy Dunn

The Blood Drive honoring Andy Dunn is set in stone!!!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Westwood Church of Christ Fellowship Center

12 noon - 6 p.m.

All blood types are needed!

For On Line Registration:

Go to www.givelife.org

Click "My Profile" to register. You only have to register one time.

Click "create a profile" (you can actually click the link to the left and go straight to the profile page from within this message)

After submitting your profile informtion, you can enter the Sponsor Code-Andy19 to be taken to this blood drive Select your appointment time. Once you set up your appointment time, you'll see a page with specifics about the blood drive. You will also receive an e-mail verifying your appointment time. An e-mail reminder will also be sent the day before the drive.

Please tell your friends and family about this wonderful cause!

If you would like to help with the Blood Drive, please leave me a comment or call me at 931-212-7303.

Updates of Andy Dunn-As of Monday, Feb. 4th

Today Lori Patterson, Susan Barrett, and Tammy Love went to visit Andy at the hospital. This an up-to-date picture of this sweet angel boy. Thank You Lori for sending this so I was able to post it!

..........SUNDAY EVENING, JAN. 27TH UPDATES..........

Just talked to Dot at 7:30 p.m. today and again at 8:30 p.m. Andy was vomiting this morning at 4 a.m. and then did pretty well today until this afternoon and tonight. He has thrown up a couple more times. She said he was restless and I could hear him in the back ground. In my prayers to our loving God, I ask for him to put his comforting hand upon Andy. Dot told me how he doesn't like to throw up. He is taking the Zofran and Phenegran around the clock. Dot did say he ate pretty good today before he got sick. Please pray for him and for Dot and Daryl. We love you guys very much!

**..........MONDAY LUNCH, JAN. 28TH UPDATES..........**

I have talked with Dot and with Daryl today and Andy had a ruff night last night. They are hoping that the staff has his medicine for his stomach regulated. When I talked to Daryl at 8:30 a.m. this morning they were putting a puzzle together and I could hear his precious voice in the background telling his Daddy to LOOK! I talked with Dot a little bit ago and she said he was doing better today than yesterday. He had actually walked around in the hallways some. At once point I could hear him giggle about something. I hope that they do get his med's regulated so he doesn't have to be sick with his stomach anymore! They are very excited that we got the Blood Drive set!

.....*****TUESDAY AFTERNOON, JAN. 29TH UPDATES*****.....

Just talked to Dot and she said that Andy has a bacterial infection and will not be able to come home for several days. They started a drip with some new meds in it so he can start fighting this infection. The doctor said he would be on this drip for 7 to 10 days. His white count is down pretty low. Gotta keep those nasty germs away. Oh, by the way, Dot had to have a root canal today. Bless their hearts!

PRAY!

:(..........WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, JAN. 30TH UPDATES..........:(

I talked to Dot at 3:10 p.m. today and Andy's not had as good of day today. He was napping and getting a blood transfusion all at the same time. She said that his blood counts were very low. His white blood count was 1.2 (it should be 4.5-10.0), his hemoglobin and red blood count were very low as well. His white blood count is his immune system. We need to keep those old nasty germs away from him. If he was to catch a bug, it could be very bad for him due to his immune system being so weak. This is his second blood transfusion and it is very important for us to donate blood for him. Please remember the blood drive on Feb. 18th at Westwood Church of Christ 12 noon till 6 p.m. Dot sounded so weak. I am very worried about her and Daryl. They are so very worried about their angel baby boy and need as much support as we all possibly can give. Also, please remember Ray, he is suffering with this as well. Please pray for all of them!

:)..........:)THURSDAY MORNING, JAN. 31ST UPDATE:)...............:)

Wow, I talked to Dot this morning about 9:30 and Andy was bouncing off the walls. What a unit of blood will do for someone who was as sick as he was yesterday. She told me that they have figured out that it's his "tubbie" (port-a-cath). If this antibiotic in his drip doesn't help, he will have to have it removed and a new one put in. That would mean another surgery. Dot sounded much, much better today. She had some pep in her voice. I will have the posters for the blood drive Monday morning. If you are interested in picking some up and would like to help post them through the community, please post a message or call me at 212-7303. 18 more days until the blood drive.

*****.....FRIDAY EVENING, FEB. 1ST UPDATE.....*****

I talked to Dot today a couple of times. Just talked to her tonight about 9:30 p.m. Andy is broke out from head to toe. He has been having a reaction to the antibiotic. They are going to change his antibiotic so the rash will quit. Poor little fella. He had a bad night last night and a ruff day today itching. It makes him feel so irritable and restless. Today Andy had a "Hair Cutting Party". Dot said he is so cute! His hair is shorter than his mommie's. Dot and Daryl are going to let Myrtice and Teresa stay with Andy tomorrow and come home for a few hours. Ray celebrates his 15th birthday tomorrow. They are also planning to go to the Benefit Squirrel Hunt in Andy's name tomorrow as well. It is an awsome thing....how our community has pulled together for Andy. From the hundreds of cards Andy has received to a Benefit Squirrel Hunt...The Possitive Support is UPLIFTING! Keep praying for Andy and the entire family! The posters for the blood drive will be delivered to my house Monday. If you are interested in posting some of them for us, please leave me a comment or call me...212-7303. We are going to post 150.

%..........SATURDAY EVENING, FEB. 2ND UPDATES..........%

Just talked to Dot (9:30 p.m.) Andy's white blood count was 0.3. Boy the chemo is really doing it's job whipping his blood counts down to nothing. While Daryl and Dot came home for Ray's birthday party and the Benefit Squirrel Hunt....Momma D and Teresa Priestly fed Andy Coke and Reeces Cups. Dot said he was on a major sugar high. Dot said that they were very humbled by the outpour of support and how many people, that they didn't know, were involved in the Squirrel Hunt. Susan is going to get started with the Bone Marrow Drive just after our Blood Drive is complete. Remember.....Feb. 18th @ Westwood Church of Christ.....Blood Drive!!!!!

Please continue to pray for Andy and the staff who is helping him.

******SUNDAY EVENING, FEB. 3RD UPDATES*******

Andy's white blood count is 0.1 today. He is cranky and restless. They are praying that they get to come home on the 8th (just as long as he doesn't spike a fever) Just keep praying!

***...MONDAY NIGHT, FEB. 4TH UPDATES...***

I talked to Dot just before bed and she said Andy hadn't eaten much that day. He wasn't drinking at all either. He is withering. His blood count is still 0.1 and he got some more blood as well. Today will probably be another bad day. We are hoping that the blood will make him feel better. Please keep sending him cards and note of support. They cherish each one! PRAY!

Place Your Orders For The Super Bowl

Wow, I can't believe that it is Super Bowl time again! For those who don't know my family very well, we're sports fan-atics!

I will be taking orders for the Super Bowl until Friday at 5 p.m.

From finger foods to a full meal, just sit back and enjoy the ball game and let me take care of the food!

Give me a call at 212-7303!

Valentine's Is Just Around The Corner

A "special person" did something special for me, so I had to fix a little "something" for her!

Thank You Tabetha!

With Valentine's just around the corner, I had to share this vintage Valentine I found.

Enjoy!

Time To Warm Up Part II

Ok, I promised a couple of weeks ago that I would post more pictures to help warm us up. This first picture is Mona, John, and me after lunch at the JW Marriott. Of course, John let everyone know he was a Tennessee Volunteer. By the way, Mona is on manovers with the Hawaii Air Guard until Feb. 6th in Thialand. I pray she has a safe trip!
This is a picture from Pali Highway at Kaneohe where Mona lives. The clouds hug up to the top of the mountains every day. It is absolutely breath taking!

This is Turtle Bay on the North Shore. The waves in the winter time are huge, this is of course was taken in the month of May. The beautiful waters are absolutely breath taking! The light house in the distance is a huge attraction. I will put in a picture of Sunset Beach, North Shore soon. That's where the Pipe Line Surfing is hosted each January.

You can not go to the North Shore without stopping at the famous Matsumoto's General Store at Haleiwa. The shaved ice is absolutely the best I have ever eaten! This business has been open for almost 100 years. The locals started going there while they were up there for the waves. I think that there were as many locals in line as tourist. When we stopped, there was a line about 90+ people wrapped outside the building, around the corner, and down the street. I know why, it was that good!

I hope I have warmed you up some, since it's so cold and no snow in sight.

The Sweet Treat For The Week!

What a beautiful cake! This Strawberry Shortcake is a wonderful addition for any occassion. A single layer or multiple layers. Any size would be great for any occassion! This mouth watering cake is homemade with the most delicious icing with the most delicious strawberries gently placed on top!

Happy 5th Birthday Kasen Loh

Jennifer Loh e-mailed me about a month ago and asked me to make cakes for all of the members of her family. Kasen's birthday came first. Kasen loves Thomas The Tank Engine and his wish is my command. This darling cake has a yellow cake center (homemade) with Vanilla Butter Cream icing. I stuck with the colors of Thomas' train set. The train really moves around on the track. I know when my boys were little how they loved trains! Enjoy!

The Pioneerettes Are Off To Orlando & Nationals

Someone once said that "Presentation is Everything". These were a complete joy to do

I've watched these girls go from 4 yr. old toddlers at the Ballet Recital to beautiful young ladies. I hope that you girls "Dance Till You Drop!"

My "Non-Biological Sister" Susan Grandey called me about 2 weeks ago ordering these absolutely cool cookies for the Pioneerettes. She requrested them to be in the school colors of Red, White and Blue. They will be representing Warren County and in the past have been the Nation Champions. The "Ettes" will be leaving in just a few days for Orlando and competing for the National Championship at UDA.
Good Luck Girls! I hope that you girls knock their socks off!

Go Leah Rae!

The girls are doing an absolutely cool dance routine this year. They are doing a "Super Bowl" theme. The girls are wearing the Giants and Patriots jerseys.

The Dreaded Question Has Been Asked

I was asked by a friend once, "Do you really enjoy your job?" My answer was YES!

Each job that I have weather it is a Birthday Cake, an Anniversary Cake, Trays, Homemade Pies or Homemade Cakes, Dinner Party/Luncheon, or a Wedding Reception.....I always get excited because it allows me to get creative. Sometimes I lay awake at night thinking about how I want to design something or I really will wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. and it hits me like a ton of bricks. And yes, it is all in the presentation. This same friend asked me, "You make your plates so colorful." Of course, it's got to look great and taste great as well.

The cake that I have above is a wonderful example of how you can "change up things". For the non-traditional bride, this cake is great for you!

Let me take the worry out of your memorial event!