Field Trip of a Lifetime

I am always amazed at how much life has changed in three short years.  Today, Winona's art class had a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) and then lunch at the Sculpture Garden.  There were more parent volunteers than needed,. so parents were asked to meet the students at the MIA.

I volunteered to drive myself and three other moms downtown Minneapolis so we could spend this time with our fifth graders.  This was the first field trip of Winona's that I was able to chaperon   Back when she attended Ramsey Elementary, I was still in my scooter.  Volunteering just wasn't an option.  I would think about her all day as she would be on her field trips.  I guess that's why today felt so special.  Being able to drive downtown to spend the morning with my daughter and her classmates was such a special gift.  When I look at the photo below, I can't help but smile.

 

A Little Bit Off

My balance has been off all day due to my wimpy cold and the heat.  I found myself preventing falls and bumping into things all day.  All I can do is laugh, right?  As I notice the twitching and the balance issues I feel like I need an extra nap today.  It's funny how that is.  I'm hoping I get a really good night's rest and keep my stress levels down, so I can have a better day tomorrow.

Busy Day!

Wow!  What a busy day I've had.  I went to see a friends new house, went to Michael's to purchase a cupcake carrier, cleaned the house, made dinner AND dessert.  The best part is that I did it all wearing flip flops!!!

Now, I'm getting ready to head out to my Girl Scout meeting.  It's a warm, sunny day and I feel so blessed that I could phsyically get all of those tasks done today.  Not long ago, I would have had to pick one item to cross off my list and call it a day.  I am such a lucky lady!

Blessed

I feel so fortunate to be living the life that God has given me.  It wasn't always easy, but with lots of faith and friends I have survived and become a very strong person.  I am often asked if I am angry that it took 33 years for a correct diagnosis.  The answer is, "No."

I can honestly say that I am proud of everything I have had to endure growing up with Spastic Diplegia. It was never easy, but it lead me to the person I am today.  I have a wonderful husband, three amazing kids and friends that are there for me no matter what.  I like me. And I love my life!

I also believe that God made me the way I was so I could teach others what is really important in life.  I can walk my kids to the bus stop in the rain, use my hands to put clean sheets on the bed after a child is sick, see the mess on the kitchen counter and hear the kids fighting while I'm on the phone.  These are all blessing.  Tonight I will be sure to give thanks for my life and will encourage my children to do the same.    

Cakes and More Cakes

I'm going to make this a super quick post since I need to go to bed.

Today Winona's piano teacher came over and taught me how to decorate cakes.  She is a professional cake maker.  In fact, her son was asked to go on cupcake wars. She is amazingly talented and took three hours out of her day to teach me!  I'm one lucky girl.

I baked and frosted this cake

So, she taught me how to make boarders around the cake using tips and the plastic bags.  I didn't know how or if I would be able to do it.  Surprisingly, I didn't do too bad.  In fact, she said that the cake I did didn't look any different than that you would find at the Byerly's bakery!  Whoot Whoot!!  She also taught me how to make little flower candies to put on cakes.  They were a bit difficult because my hand would get very tired.  I pushed through it though and was determined to get some cute candies made.  They will take a bit more practice, but I was thrilled that I had the dexterity to do it.  Finally, she showed me how to frost a cupcake.  We're not talking using a butter knife and smearing the frosting on.  I used the tips and bags again for this and they turned out so cute!!

I am so grateful.  When I was correctly diagnosed three years ago, the first thing I did was bake cupcakes.  I have come so far and can only imagine how much more I will learn to do when it comes to baking cakes.

I baked and frosted these cupcakes.  Winona and Sharon made these block candies and put them on top.