Being Me Means . . .

- Still having to have my pants hemmed even when buying the "short" or "petite" sizes.
- In order to fall asleep the sheets on our bed have to be perfectly tucked and folded (Drives Toph CRAZY!!!)
- Having to have someone their to watch a movie with . . . in case it is scary.
- Experiencing bliss after getting my haircut!
- Knowing that at least one of my sisters will have the answer to my questions, or make me laugh or smile during blips in my day!
- Spontaneous breakfasts in bed prepared by my handsome hubby.
- Feeling amazing accomplishment after scrubbing the shower!
- Always being willing to try out new recipes . . . and share them with friends.
- Having a good book on hand . . . always!
- Having purple hands from mixing black fondant.
- Having new book ideas floating in my mind . . . especially when getting ready each morning!
- Always being ready to hang with my girls, friends, hubs, and fam!

Okay! Now what does "being you mean?"

Signers of the Declaration of Independence

I got this in an e-mail for July 4th, but I think it is worth posting as a reminder . . .Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; Another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes to silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

I am currently reading Thomas Paines Common Sense, If you have never read it I encourage you to do so to gain an even greater understanding of what these men stood for!

Bumble Bee Birthday Cake!

I am a cake baking fool sometimes! One of the amazing ladies that I visiting teach had a birthday today . . . so I decided to make her a cake! It was a blast to make to say the least . . . although my hands are purple and hot pink from making black fondant for the bees! (I got a little carried away with the coloring gel . . .) I just enjoy it . . . so if you need one done and I can accommodate you please let me know (the sooner the better since school is starting and then I have to really plan ahead!) I am a little hesitant on very detailed carved cakes after working on Mr. T's transformer truck! But chances are I wouldn't say no! I am now game to find a good pumpkin chocolate chip cake recipe! Anyone have one? Oh and I vote that we have a cake night sometime and get together and share ideas and decorate some cakes . . . anyone game? Oh and I have to add my little day maker . . . my little sister Erin was babysitting my older sisters 3 boys and Mr. Adorable B wanted her to text me and say thanks for watching them!!! (we played Aunt and Uncle stayover while their parents went to Mexico) Melt my heart!

Fish Lake Reunion 2009

So Toph and I were only able to make it to the Christensen Family Reunion for Saturday and Sunday . . . but we still of course had a blast AND I am happy to report that this year rather than getting my record 47 bug bites . . . I only got 4! It was awesome seeing the whole crazy clan! I am so blessed to have amazing relatives and I am so grateful for my amazing Aunts, Uncles, and cousins who are always a riot to hang with and have always been such positive examples in my life! (Shawn thank you for sharing your testimony!) Oh, and if I had known that you all wanted stuffed mushrooms I would have made you all some . . . next year folks, next year! One of the best parts was when Conner suddenly dunked his hat in the creek and soaked my mom! Man can she run! It was great . . . had to be their! Okay here are a few highlights from this years gathering . . .