Cakes by Katherine

This post is for the progression of my cake decorating skills. I am fortunate to have an extremely talented mother-in-law who was willing last year to teach me a little bit. I still have tons more to learn, but it's so much fun! Now I don't have to go to Walmart to get fun birthday cakes for my boys!!! :)

I figured 30 candles on a cake would pose a serious fire hazard, so I brought out the fire extinguisher as well. He didn't laugh nearly as hard as I did... :)

So yes, this cake was for the surprise "funeral" that I threw for a 30th birthday party for my husband. The hardest part was getting him out of the house while I made, decorated, hid the cake, and then cleaned the kitchen. The second-hardest part was getting the kids to keep a secret.

The grass turned out to be problematic as the green icing coloring was somewhat clumpy and wouldn't 100% blend in, so the grass tip kept getting clogged. Very time consuming to clean! I wanted more of a marbled look for the tombstone, but overall I am pleased with the results.

One of my OT's at work was a little disappointed when another co-worker found another job. The day before the birthday was also Staci's last day at work, so I was asked to contribute to the going away party. And no, I did NOT come up with the idea, it was all Heather's!!! Not my favorite cake that I've made, but definitely has gotten the most comments. We had people from all over the facility coming in to check it out, take pictures, and debate over whether they really wanted a piece of it. Despite the looks, it was very tasty.

My darling hubby helped me design the camouflage initially, but when I asked him to help me, he decided the patterns he had drawn were way too small! Our hands were cramped by the time we finished all those little stars, but it was fun to add the texture. I was also happy to be able to add in the A-10, which is what my brother flies.

My boys like their boy toys!

Thomas the Train. I used a train that we already had and copied the pattern off the internet. I love google images for ideas!

I think my favorite part are the fluffy clouds. Partially because I think they're cute and definitely because they were extremely easy... After doing all that grass with an icing bag that was breaking, my hand was definitely crying for a rest.

To be added later: the Clifford cake that my MIL helped me extensively with. I think that pic is on the external hard drive...

Sept 11 Remembrance--God in the Stairwell

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK . . . I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken . . . I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, and Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

- God

Written by Stacey Randall

PTA school

"PTA school is not a journey to graduation with the intention of arriving safely with a calm and well preserved mind, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out and yelling 'WOW, what a ride!'"

Get through to a real person!

Tired of waiting on the phone for 45 minutes while arguing with an automated service? And then you get disconnected? Get Human finally gives you that option! This wonderful free website gives you numbers and instructions on how to get through to a REAL LIVE PERSON. Wow, novel concept, right? They have a couple hundred businesses and corporations listed on their website that they have personally verified. Many of these numbers are ones that are hard to get hold of. You are allowed to submit numbers and instructions for a company that is not listed, they will just note that it has not been verified by them. Customer service made easier. Good luck!

No I haven't fallen off the face of the planet

Many people have sent me graduation wishes and asked what I've been up to. So while I haven't fallen off the face of the planet, it's been a busy last two weeks.

May 2 was my graduation walk. I received an empty diploma cover with a note saying I'd get my diploma once I complete my degree requirements. Said requirements are two summer clinical rotations (internships) that last a total of 14 weeks. So August 10 I will be officially DONE!!! YIPPEE! In the meantime I've been enjoying my first rotation, which is at St. Francis Hospital. I'm working in acute inpatient rehab, mostly heart surgery patients and the like. Acute rehab is unpredictable from day to day and I'm learning tons. Since we start rounding at 7am, my days actually start at 4:30 am. I'm a night owl anyway, and the past two years in the PTA program our classes have been at night so this is HUGE change for me. There are no "no-makeup days" since I don't want to scare my patients into another heart attack what with my tired, puffy eyes... It is nice to have the afternoons free with the children. :)

Please pray that I'll learn what I need to from this rotation, figure out a way to start studying for the licensing exam, and for my time with my family. Oh yeah, and I guess I need a job! :)

Snapfish savings-two weeks only!

Two weeks only! $10 Off $30 or More! 6/14-6/31 Use Coupon Code SAVETODAY

Snapfish is one of my favorite places to print out my digital photos. Their quality is good and their turnaround time is very quick. Perfect chance to print out your Mother's Day memories and save while doing so!

If you have any more great suggstions, feel free to comment or email me. Look for Punzey on twitter and don't forget to sign up to get posts delivered right to your inbox.

How to fail chemistry and math tests with HUMOR!!!

Below are student test examples. So even if you don’t teach either of these two subjects, this is very funny!!! And lets face it…we could all use some humor in our day.

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein