Going solo

Daniel and I brought Daddy to the airport today. I'm praying that he will really be able to help and encourage family out in CA. Danny and I will miss him, but his absence will help us to appreciate him even more when he returns.

Beautiful clouds on Pena Boulevard today.

Starting to read...

Here's Daniel reading (or rather eating) his first letter from Grandma Linda. 

She decorated it with bright colors which he seemed to really enjoy. 

I also received my first Mother's Day card in the same batch of mail. Thank you Mom Johnson! :-)

 

Daniel enjoying some time out on the porch with Grandma Sue. 

He loves going to Grandma's house as you can see!

Some church friends of ours, Vince and Twila Carlson, came for dinner on Sunday night. "Uncle Vinny," as we affectionately call him, was able to work some magic on our fussy little Daniel.

One of my favorite pictures of Daniel yet.

Cupcake Bouquet

I recently saw a picture on facebook of a cupcake bouquet. As soon as I saw it, the idea grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let me go on with life until I made one myself. I couldn't believe how easy it was and that it actually turned out even with my nonexistent cake decorating skills. It sure would make a wonderful Mother's Day dessert! The creative possibilities are endless. Different pot, different icing colors, different shape of foam, different flowers made with different nibs... So, if anybody out there needs a dessert idea, try this! You won't regret it.

Here's a great tutorial with clear instructions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGboq2b0sek

Things you'll need:

2D piping nib

Piping Bag

6" florist foam ball

Ribbon

Pot, Vase, or Basket, etc.

Weight for the pot (I used glass marbles)

Tissue Paper (I didn't use any this time)

I made 24 gluten free mini lemon muffins (using muffin cups) plus 10 little squares in my "Brownie Bites" pan to use the rest of the batter.

Buttercream recipe I used:

1/2 c. + 1 T. butter at room temperature

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 T. milk

1 tsp. lemon oil (or vanilla)

I used about 1 1/2 times this recipe for the bouquet.

Have fun!!