"Purse"-uit of Excellence
Friday, November 9, 2007 at 10:30PM Our theme for Young Women's Evening in Excellence. The program was incredible...everyone gave so much to make it a phenomenal night. My part: 75 little cakes (and very poor piano playing).
(white chocolate handles, buttercream topped with marshmallow fondant over a moist white cake, dusted with pearl shimmer powder before piping more white chocolate)
I'm usually a good manager on large project baking. I make and freeze cakes 2 - 3 days ahead. Decorative work is done two days in advance. Frostings & fondants, the day before. Planning cuts down on both mess and overload. Well, this week threw me some emotional & physical curve balls and my game plan was definitely off. So, on Wednesday morning I had two choices: 1. breakdown. 2. ask for help. I'm not really the #2 type of gal (unless my mom is around & she was working), so that choice in & of itself was a breaking down of sorts. But I was so grateful I did. Both Mandi and Kay came to my rescue. And, even with six hands, we finished just in time. I think I'd still be busily cutting fondant if they hadn't come.
The neatly ordered pans of greens, purples and oranges belie the mess that was my kitchen by Wednesday 5:30 pm - when I was already supposed to be at the church, but was still frantically piping my last cakes, wondering how I'd get by without a shower. A spray of perfume, touch of mascara, pause for pictures (I really wish I had taken them at the display at the church!), and I was out the door.
Marveling.
In the morning, when I was working solo, the t.v. was on for quite some time in an attempt to keep my boys away from the kitchen. At one point there was a show that was talking about how everyone's name has a special meaning. One little girl walked in carrying a big heart, telling her friends that "Amy" means "one who is loved." I smiled, told my boys what their names mean, and kept working.
But when the night was over...dinner served, program finished, cakes eaten, floors swept, my heart was full. Feeling as enormous as the sign that little Amy had carried. And the thought came that I truly am loved. By Mandi and Kay, who readily jumped to my aid. By friends and family, who offer constant support. By Jim, who gives his all for this little family. And, perhaps most importantly, by a Father in Heaven whose tender mercy is fully evident in my life. Yes, I feel it even now. A love that's beyond a thought or feeling...that has a tangible weight and swell.
And for this {all} I am grateful. A perfect start to our November.
Reader Comments (23)
Following in HIS footsteps. The refreshments?.....of
course -little feet cookies! haha
What a great post about love * loved ones * your lovely talent ;) happy day. Janae
I definitely need a fondant tutorial. (I'm supposed to make my brother's wedding cake in January...yikes! I did Rachel's a few years ago, but I could use some tips...I keep thinking I'll take a class, but maybe I'll just take one from you...much more fun!)
As for your grateful thoughts, I am humbled by your sense of love and wonder even amidst a very trying week. Thank you for your example. You are definitely "one who is loved."
Seriously, I am glad you went all out for the girls. I remember one New Beginnings one of our leaders did an AMAZING amount of work to transform the gym into a non-tea party. Petite fours, doilies, lace tableclothes.... It was beautiful and made us feel very special that she did that much for us. I am sure that is how your girls felt.
And hooray for friends who will help in any situation!
And, without a doubt, you are loved.
The cakes are adorable!
Next time you need Mandi to help you, send your boys my way.