Highlights from Fall

I cannot believe we are almost halfway through November.  I know I start every blog post marveling over the way time seems to disappear in a blink of an eye.  But it's hard not to marvel over the fact that each week passes by fast than the one before.  I know that I am living some of the happiest days of my life right now with young children, and as challenging as it can be, I want to savor every precious minute!  

The blessing in disguise for working parents (and I think in particular working moms) is that we really do appreciate and savor the moments with our little ones because they just don't happen enough.  I am with my kids more than most full-time working moms which I am learning to appreciate as a blessing and a privilege.  It's challenging to always work around their schedules and often late into the night, sometimes 6 nights a week, but I get the time with my kids that most working moms to not have. I might complain about the tantrums and the whining and how I can barely make time to cook meals, let alone plan them or make grocery runs, do laundry and keep a tidy house, but it's a good life.  

Fall is always the busiest time of year in the cake industry, and it also seems to be in the parenting industry, with the start of a new school year, parties and lots of Fall festivities.  Here's a glimpse into our busy, fun filled 2014 Fall…

First day of school photos!  Isabelle was super excited, Collier not so much.  He cried at drop off for at least the first month and a half!  Love my mama's boy.

 Bathtime kisses!!

One of the reasons this Fall seemed so busy was because the Bakement underwent some renovations.  We had to shut it down for a week, but it has taken me a few months to finish the move-in and organization!  phew!

BEFORE:

 AFTER:

 Loving my new desk nook!

 It was a huge upgrade, with more open space and a clean and organized storage area and customer pick-up room.  A much needed remodel and it has been so gratifying!  Just in time to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of For Goodness Cakes!

 During the week of construction, I did make one cake for an Icing Smiles recipient.  She is the sister of a child with chronic health problems and it was a such a pleasure to make her a very special gymnastics themed 13th birthday cake.  I was blown away by the response of her mother after pick up - moved to tears and so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a great organization.  I just love that they honor each of the siblings in families impacted by critical illness of child.  It is so true that the siblings are the unsung heroes!

 Isabelle continues to have such a special relationship with her buddy, Emmie, who we just adore.  Please stay besties forever!!!!

 Made a few amusing cakes in October, the busiest wedding month in Charlotte...

 This was for an 80s themed party…I had SO much fun designing and creating this one!!!

 And our beloved Crockett had a birthday, so Isabelle and I created a doggie cake for her to thoroughly enjoy!  We take birthday cake very seriously around here!  Everyone deserves one.

 And it wouldn't be Fall without a trip to a pumpkin patch.  Riverbend Farm continues to be our favorite.  The kids have a ball there!  And we do too:)

 This kids loves a camera!

 What a sky!!!!

 Child in heaven:)

 Made our first tangerine pumpkin man!

 The much anticipated day of Halloween!  Isabelle was a witch (in homemade costume!) and Collier was her one-eared black cat.  He was furious about the whisker application and the ear(s) stayed on for a couple minutes (lots of food bribes involved!).

 Isabelle ran around and later trick-or-treated with her best bud.

 They enjoyed playing with their candy for hours.  It makes good cargo for trucks!

The latest news at our house is what's happening next door.  Over the weekend, the house next to us was demolished and we are now nervously waiting to see what gets built.  Rumor has it that the investor will be putting up a very pricey monstrosity, like so many other new homes springing up in our area.  Needless to say I'm very apprehensive.  Change can be good and we are looking forward to an improvement next door, but I would so love to preserve the understated theme of homes on our street.  High in quality, not in size.  And I'm not particularly excited about living under construction for the next several months…well at least Collier will enjoy live action of his favorite trucks!

 It seems like every other house in our neighborhood is being torn down, and new, huge homes are rising out of ground in a matter of days.  The city is growing, the economy is growing, and the positive side is that our property value is growing…I am doing my best to embrace what's going on.

As hard as it sometimes may be to accept, there's a lot growing right before my eyes. 

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join in the dance."

--Alan Watts