Beautiful Things

 At the Catalyst Conference a few weeks ago our group was introduced to a band called Gungor.  They're a Christian band with a very unique sound.  St. John's Worship Team did one of their songs during offering two weeks ago and I was so impressed I had to share.  You'll notice the beautiful vocals of Chris and the beautiful Paige Burzlaff. Enjoy!

Revolve Tour

In June of 2010 my dear friend Paige Burzlaff asked me if I'd be interested in volunteering as a "college coordinator" for a 2 day teenage girls conference through the church known as the Revolve Tour.  I quickly agreed and we started planning.  Well months and months went by and finally this weekend the conference was here! A group of 36 girls and chaperones piled into cars and we headed down to Ontario, CA.  What an amazing weekend! The girls had a blast, not much sleep, but a blast! I was so blessed to be a part of planning this event for our girls.  I even received a scholarship from the Revolve Tour for Cal State.  This organization is making a huge difference in girls' lives!
 

Dad's Birthday Cake

Yes, my Dad's birthday was the beginning of March...I told you...I've been busy!

So, my dad doesn't eat anything bad for him. He had a heart attack a few years ago and since then has no desire to cheat and eat bad. He just doesn't do it. Well he decided this year for his birthday he wanted to have a birthday cake. I was shocked! I make all these cool cakes for friends and family and my dad has never even had a bite. I was so excited that my dad was finally going to get to try the cake I make. So we were sitting at the dinner table and I asked the questions that would begin a feud between the two of us for years to come. I asked, "So, what kind of cake do you want?" Expecting an answer like chocolate or vanilla, he quickly responds, "SMITHS!" Now, if you're not farmilliar with Bakersfield, Smiths is a local bakery. AKA- not my baking! I couldn't believe my ears. I asked him if he was joking and he replied, "Oh, that's right you make cakes huh?" "Yes, Dad, so what kind of cake do you want me to bake you? I'll make whatever you want!" This is the part that really gets me. "Oh, I still want Smiths I just forgot you bake too." Crushed and still hopeful he is joking I tell him fine, I'd order him a Smiths cake but I would make sure they spelled every word wrong. After two weeks of deliberation he finally gave in and let him bake his cake. I know deep down he probably still wanted Smiths but I refuse to have those funny tasting red food coloring frosting flowers in my tummy!

Wine Tasting and Auction

To anyone who still may be out there who even checks to see if I've posted on my blog...Thank you! I'm still alive! I'm sorry I've neglected you.  It's not you, it's me.  Some of you may know, I'm Coldwell Banker Preferred's Relay for Life Captain this year.  For the past three years we've been in the top 10 fundraising teams in all of Bakersfield, and since Bakersfield is the number one Relay for the world... that ranks us pretty high up there internationally as well. HUGE responsibility.  Well Relay isn't here yet, but the hard part is over.  The Third Annual Wine Tasting and Auction.  This event and I have a love/hate relationship.  I was not a fan of the 100+ hours I put into planning and organizing this event (and that's with an incredible planning committee that did SO much work.) I am a huge fan, however, of the $36,000 the event raised for cancer research. I also have overwhelming love for all the planning committee, auction item donors, Motor City Lexus owners and staff, local food vendors, California wineries, and most importantly the hard working people who came out and spent a ton of money for a great cause.  Bakersfield's Relay for Life is Saturday April 30th.  Check out the slide show a local photographer put together of The Third Annual Wine Tasting and Auction!

Catalyst West 2011

We just got back from Catalyst West, a church leadership conference at Mariners Church in Irvine, CA.  What an amazing experience!! To give you an idea of the speakers take a look at Catalyst's website here.
Enjoy the photos!

Chris 30th Birthday

 Well the day finally arrived, Chris' 30th birthday! He's been celebrating since this previous Wednesday and we have plans all the way through this coming Sunday. Milking it a little, you think? Celebration began last week at Moo Creamery with the Palla Family. Friday night the cast of the Melodrama went out to BJ's Brewery after the show. Sunday was jam packed with events starting with him having to be to work at the church at 7am. Yuck! From church we went to lunch with Chris' mom and Nana and Papa to Que Pasa. Following that was some present opening! It looked like Christmas in the trunk of my car. Next was back to work for the show at the Melodrama.

Then the best part: cake time! I told Chris to pick whatever dessert he wanted, something I've made before that he really liked, something he's been wanting to try, anything! He chose my white cupcakes, stuffed with lemon curd and topped with my lemon, white chocolate, cream cheese frosting. I actually came up with the recipe but in a layer cake form for his mom's birthday a while ago. I made them into cupcake form for one of my friend's mom's bridal shower.

Chris helped me back the cupcakes on Saturday and we were craving them all afternoon Saturday and all day Sunday. We were bouncing off the walls for these cupcakes! We reminded ourselves of a story we'd read on a blog called Hyperbole and a Half. It's a great blog, take a few minutes and read this story. Click on the photo below from the story and enjoy!

That is exactly how we felt! CAKE CAKE CAKE CAKE CAKE! The time came and Chris blew out the adorable sparkly 3-0 candles I found at target. Those cute plates were from Target too! I also had monkey napkins but somehow they didn't make it into any of the photos.

We were supposed to have rehearsal for the next show at the Melodrama that Chris is directing but 3 of the 6 people in the cast called in sick or couldn't be there for whatever reason. In the spirit of his birthday the remaining 3 encourage/begged Chris to cancel rehearsal and he agreed. Chris and I headed to PF Changs (one of our favorite places in Bakersfield) and enjoyed a few appetizers and a drink. We then watched a movie and called it a day before 9pm. Pretty wild party! Mike and Jen from the theater are taking Chris out to dinner on Wednesday then Chris and I are headed down south on Saturday for my friend's wedding. We figure we'll make a detour and have lunch at Stone Brewery in Escondido before heading to the wedding in Fallbrook. On Sunday we're going to Disneyland to celebrate one last time and have dinner at Blue Bayou. Happy 30th Chris!

Valentine's Day Cupcakes

Basic white cupcakes with fresh vanilla bean frosting decorated with glitter and sprinkles for Valentine's Day