Little Pumpkin

So I went to my really good friend Gina's baby shower today, and I just had to blog about it. It was one of the cutest baby showers I've been to! For starters the invites were so cute, brown and orange color scheme and read:

Baby smiles, giggles galore
Gina and Larry are having one more!
Big Brothers Dylan, Jake and Owen
have plenty to share.
This is just a "sprinkle" to show we care.

Trains & Trucks or Ribbon & Bows... Boy or Girl nobody knows!

So cute, right? The theme was Gina's favorite, Fall decor! Who would've thought 'Fall' for a baby shower? There was a cute sign that said "Gina's Little Pumpkin" that was hung across the patio. The tables were decorated with fall leaves, flowers and had super cute table favors:

If you can't see, there's a caramel apple with a cute 'Thank You from Gina's Little Pumpkin' tag on it. There was a candy bar table with different fall colored candies in glass containers, along with orange, yellow and brown chinese take-out boxes to take some home in.

Well most of you know how much I love to decorate and party plan- this was right up my alley! Gina told me that when she first saw it she thought of me... that was so sweet. :) So who's gonna have a baby next fall so we can do it? Ha Ha!! (Seriously, let me know...)

Thanks for inviting me, Gina! Can't wait to meet your new little pumpkin!!!

Movin' On Up

Ty had another karate belt graduation last week. He is officially now a white belt with orange stripe. It is so fun to see his improvement. Although this particular time he was having a tough time because he was almost asleep in the car on the way there. That just ruins any moment! So after he woke up a bit, and warmed up a little, we convinced him to go join his friend Jake on the mat. He did, and we got some cute pics afterall. He is running with the "Jedi" karate training lately. That just means that anything I want him to do I just add the word "Jedi" to and he thinks it's the coolest in the world! Works for me! :) He has definitely turned into my 'shy guy' lately. He is such a sweet and sensitive little one... (I guess he takes after me- when I was little anyway!)

Reading Rainbow

It's images like these that I can't help but think what a wonderful life I have. Cam has been so excited to write and read and lately these have been her favorites. Just melts my heart...

Burnin' Up

Here are a few shots of the fires that were close to our house here in So Cal. This was from our local Target store's parking lot. Very eery and creepy! So glad they are contained now. Matt went out to the fires in Sylmar for a couple of days putting out some fires on that side. He said it was amazing. Very hard work though! The kids got a little bit of cabin fever staying inside most of the time. They couldn't go outside to play at school either! Thanks to those who put these monsters to rest...

Last Hoorah

Camrym had her last soccer game last weekend and it was a blast! I have to say, we had such a great season this year... so much better than last year! The parents ans coaches were great, not to mention the weather! Cam really seemed like she actually enjoyed it. It's fun to see her improvement, not only physically but mentally. I love seeing the joy in her face when she realizes she can do something. Nothing warms my heart more.
At one of her recent games she scored her first goal. We had kind of a running bet that if she scored a goal she could get Dippin Dots (an overly priced novelty ice cream). Every time she got out on that field she would say, "Mom, I'm gonna get Dippin Dots today!" And every time I would tell her, "OK babe!" So she would try and try and try. It was the perfect shot and the perfect kick into the net that got her first victory, and the second she did, she just looked over at me, shocked, and ran over to me for a HUGE hug. The look of shock and bewilderment on her face was priceless. I swear I almost cried! Later that week she told me "Mom, remember when I scored my goal at soccer? Well when I did, I almost cried." Needless to say, we trecked over to Dippin Dots that day. I think that was the only time I've ever told her to get a BIG one! (Secretly I wanted some too :) And of course it was the day Daddy wasn't there. Next time, I told him.
So here's to a great season, my big girl, and to whatever she decides to do next. (Hopefully I can talk her into dance again!) Don't worry, you will be updated!!

That's Cam in action on the far right!

Camryn playing Goalie

No, I didn't make this one...

These were the gifts we gave all the girls. Blankets with each of their names embroidered on them (Thank you Linda!! I'm so lucky to have such a talented MIL!!)

All the girls at their pizza party. The coach said really nice things about each of them.
Good job Ladybugs!!

My Teeth Hurt

Here are a couple more cakes from my beginning cake decorating class. I mean it when I say my teeth hurt just smelling the frosting anymore! I had a lot of fun in the beginner class, but now I must move on... Bring on the Advanced class baby! I am definitely ready for more than clown heads and rose buds! Who uses those anyways? So I am looking forward to the next few weeks when I can do something more with my new found love. BTW... who's my next volunteer for a practice cake?


This idea was actually inspired from my 'Hello Cupcake' book, I just decided to do it on a cake! The centers of those sunflowers are Oreos... mmmm...

My First Meme

Only Type One Word .. first word that comes to mind (Not as easy as you might think!).

1. Where is your cell phone? Counter
2. Your significant other? Matt
3. Your Hair? Brown
4. Your Skin? Tan
5. Your mother? Linda
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? Forgot
8. Your favorite drink? Tea
9. Your dream/goal? Happy
10. The room you're in? Living
11. Your ex? Huh?
12. Your fear? Pain
13.Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy
14.Where were you last night? Bed
15.What you're not? Mellow
16.Muffins? Sure!
17.One of your wish list items? Bedroom
18.Where you grew up? Here
19.The last thing you did? Blogged
20.What are you wearing? Jeans
21.Your TV? Occasionally
22.Your pets? Chloe
23. Your computer? Bliss
24. Your life? Great
25. Your mood? Tired
26. Missing someone? Dad
27. Your car? Filthy
28. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
29. Favorite Store? Target
30. Your summer? Fun
31. Like someone? Kids
32. Your favorite color? Yellow
33. When is the last time you laughed? Morning
34. Last time you cried? Weeks
35. Who will respond to this? Riva?
36. Who's Answers are you anxious to see? Anyone

Apple Adventure

This past weekend we got to go apple picking in Oak Glen with the Bonafede fam. What a great time we had! I was so glad we all made it, it ended up being a really fun time. It was beautiful weather, actually crisp and cold like Fall should be. The kids had a blast and we got some really great family pics for the Christmas card! If you've never been there, I highly recommend it. This first pic is already on my screensaver... Yay Fall!

Halloween fun

This Halloween was good, but it just didn't seem the same with this weird weather! It's hot one minute, then raining the next. Can't make it's mind, I guess! Anyways, the kids' school parades and parties went well, along with our traditional trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Here are some pics of our fun festivities...

Cam with her "big buddy" at the school parade.

Mrs Ancich's kindergarten class!

Ty at his school's parade as Annakin Skywalker (of course)

'My Three Monsters'

Pumpkin guts?

Yup, pumpkin guts!

You have the priveledge of seeing Blake in his monkey costume for his first Halloween. You should feel special, not many people got to...

Tink & Annakin :)

Sinful sweets

I got to make Mickey's 10th Birthday cake for him and, I must say, it turned out so cute! I found this recipe for a 'Ship's Ahoy' ice cream cake in a mag and thought he'd like it. He loved it, and it really wasn't that difficult! I had fun...


Here's some more practice stuff from my cake class. This class was on cupcakes, and for those of you who hate clowns, BEWARE! There are images that are not suitable for your eyes! I have to admit, they are pretty scary looking. It was fun, but the smell of lard frosting is starting to get to me...