Let them Eat Cake!

Ok, so it may seem a silly thing to be thankful for, but 2 years ago (was it only 2 years??), my sister and sister in law got me what turned out to be the greatest gift for my birthday... or was it Christmas?? Either way, it was a gift certificate to a class of my choosing at Amy Malone's School of Cake Decorating. Little did I know what I was in for. I could choose any class on her list worth a certain amount, and so I chose the basic beginners cake decorating class which seemed to be the best class for the value.

I honestly had never been interested in cake decorating- for me it always seemed a little too... well... girly. And those of you who know my story, know that I was never girly growing up. Quite the opposite. I liked to eat cake, but the thought of decorating and the detail involved seemed too delicate for me. I'm truly thankful to the Lord that He has done such a work in me that I was ok with that girly side coming out in so much so that I truly fell in love with cake decorating and the artistry behind it. I really have very little artistic ability but I love novelty cakes and making them for my family and friends. Here's the donut cake I just finished tonight.

Not much in the way of decorating, but there is a donut glaze on the outside and it is filled with a homemade bavarian cream (yum!).

Who knew I had such a love not only for cake decorating, but for baking in general. If I could go to pastry school, I would. And really, I may. If the Lord provides and way, it's what I'd love to do. We'll see.

But more than just learning how to decorate cakes, for which I'm truly blessed and thankful for, I met and made a wonderful group of friends that went through three sets of classes together with Amy and we've been together since. Amy's Cake Club (as we affectionately call ourselves) have continued to gather together for potlucks and Amy's house every couple of months and these aren't just people who I'm linked to because of Amy anymore, these are my friends, my sisters- women who are dear to me. Each of them has a special place in my heart. Amy, who taught me everything I know (she tries to push blame off on another teacher but really I learned it all from her) and who has one of the best sense's of humor ever. Delys who is so quiet, and humble and such a servant- sweet spirited and willing to help at anytime. Nina- so boisterous and funny, always ready with a story and a hug, wanting to make anyone laugh, and ready to fight for anyone who is oppressed. Cathy with her sweet, innocence and her pure joy no matter what is going on, she always has a smile and a good word to say. She literally lights up the room when she walks in... or is that the cloud of flower and sugar all over her? Julieta, the Mexican momma who makes great food and adores her daughter and would do anything for her, and who is there for her friends. Nicole, the dear sweet girl who is coming into her own and learning how to stand up for herself, and not worry about what others think about her cause she's beautiful as she is. And then Candi, who just wants to be loved and has so much love to give others- constantly giving out and serving and looking out for everyone but herself.

Such precious women who bring joy and laughter into my life. I'm thankful for each and every one of them. They have blessed me beyond belief and I love them tremedously. I pray that each of them know the depths and heighths and width of the Lord's love for them one day and that they would truly know all He has done on their behalf.