Memorial Day

We had a much more fun and relaxing Memorial Day than last year. Last year, our basement flooded on Sunday night and we spent the entire next day and several more cleaning/sucking water out, and working with restoration companies. But a year later, all is still well and DRY in the basement!!

What an incredible sacrifice made by so many men and women who paid the highest price for our freedom. I am proud that Miss M understands that Memorial Day is much more than just a fun day for celebrations. She is proud of her Uncle Cupcake (Nathan) who served his country well in Iraq. We are so thankful for his safe return and that our family was not called to lose him.

Lest you think we didn't have a little fun on this somber holiday, here you go! We invited a family from church over for dinner. There was lots of eating (kabobs, grilled corn, homemade bread, & a cup"cake" for dessert), laughs (as Miss M and her friend provided an after-dinner show), and just plain old fellowship and time spent chatting with friends. Mr C also enjoyed that his sissy was occupied by her buddy the entire evening so he was left to his own devices.

I didn't think to get my camera out except to take a picture of the cake - not my best, but I am sure I will get better with the particular pan. If you have the giant cupcake pan, I would suggest putting about 3.5-4 C batter in the top and 4.5 C in the bottom. I did a little less than that and wasn't entirely pleased with the results. This would require two cake mixes, but you can always use the extra for regular cupcakes. We didn't find the little flag toothpicks at Wal-Mart or the grocery store and didn't have time for a hobby lobby run, so Miss M made the little star picks. I think it worked out even better that way, don't you?


As previously mentioned, Miss M LOVES riding with Popa on the Harley. We haven't been to their house since Christmas and she has had the itch to ride for months. Our associate pastor heard about this, felt pity on her, and took her on a ride today. The girl waited at the front window, boots and jeans on, helmet and shades by the door until she heard the bike! Thanks Keith! They plan to ride another day when they have more time.