Happy Birthday Noel!

Today was Noel's birthday and I volunteered to make him a birthday cake.

Noel teaches biology at a local high school. He volunteers to run a massive snake/reptile habitat in his classroom. He loves his little critters, so I wanted to do a cake that had a snake theme. I couldn't decide between a snake shaped cake or a cake with snakes on it. I finally decided to do a cake with snakes. :) I decided on a red velvet-french vanilla marble cake. Red velvet makes a mess, but it is spectacular!

I, of course, can't do a cake with out the help of Diana and Dan, so they came over to help with this adventure. We made a 3 layer cake with a small fourth layer to add some dimensions. We frosted with cream cheese frosting, dyed coconut green, and crushed Oreo cookies. We also made the snakes from peanut butter play dough and a potato candy recipe someone recommended to us.

The whole project took 3 days (Thursday - to bake, Friday - 3 hours of assembling, and Saturday - 4 hours of decorating). It was worth it though, the cake was spectacular and everyone loved it. I was also amazed how the flavors came together, Red velvet, French vanilla, Oreos, and coconut... It was delicious! :)



Thank you Diana for helping me in all of my adventures. :)

Here is a link to the album of pictures on the process.
http://picasaweb.google.com/amylee34/HappyBirthdayNoel?authkey=Gv1sRgCPnk_PmGtvDU7wE#

Mr. Elevator Man

I was walking down the hallway today and there was a young college guy sitting in a wheel chair next to the elevator. The hall was empty and as I walked by, I smiled. He responded with, "Excuse me, can you push the button?" nodding toward the elevator button. I was a little surprised and then I looked closer at his little deformed arms and legs. He probably couldn't reach it.

I pushed the button and the elevator doors opened. I wondered how long he had been sitting there waiting for someone to come by so he could go upstairs. Was he missing a lecture or a meeting? It then occurred to me to ask if he wanted me to push the button on the inside too. He smiled and asked me if I could.

I pushed the button and walked out of the elevator.

This short meeting made me so grateful for the working limbs that I have been blessed with. I am so grateful that I am able to use my legs, hands, and arms. Everyday, he faces challenges that I can't even fathom. I am amazed at the humility it takes to ask a stranger to do something you can't; to admit that you can't do it.

Thank you Mr. Elevator man for reminding me to be thankful for the little things in my life. :)

A BIG Event in the Life of The Subaru

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What's This? A New Post!?

Hello! Sorry for my vacancy. I kept thinking I need to write, I need to write, but I have SOOO much to catch up on. So I am biting the bullet and writing...

The End of a Year!

2009 was SO busy for me. There was sooo much going on, I figured I need to recap. Hmmm, notice the first of the year is pretty light... (at least light on the memory).

April
I went to Rome and Florence with some work friends.
Played basketball for the Scottish University Women's basketball team
Somehow, I pinched my sciatic nerve. Had major pain killers and physical therapy 2x a week.

May
Tim came out for the summer. He played LOTS of volleyball!
My friends Chad and Zeniff came to visit me in Scotland for two weeks.

June
I flew out to a conference in Pennsylvania, went to a job interview in Illinois, and went to visit my family (June-July)

July
I flew back to Scotland.
Jackie left for her mission.

August
Lisa came to visit and give a seminar in St Andrews
Tim left to start (teaching) school in Washington.
I flew home for my great grandma Lizzie's 100th Birthday Party!
I went to the Box Elder County Fair.

September
Flew back to Scotland
I went to Cambridge for the weekend to a friend's wedding.
I submitted my thesis.

October
I went to Prague and Ostrava and then Krakow and Gliwice.
I defended my thesis and passed! Dr AMY!

November
I moved away from Scotland. Stayed in Utah for two weeks
I bought a car and then drove to Illinios.
I visited my brother and his wife for a weekend
I found an apartment in Illinois.
I went to visit my friend Magda in Chicago.
I flew home for my birthday and Thanksgiving.
I turned 30!!
I started a new job.

December
I set up a new life in Illinois.
Tim came to visit for a week to help me set things up.
I took Tim to the Indiana airport (an hour late thanks to the time change), drove back to IL to finish work for the day and then North to Chicago to visit Magda for the night and go to the airport the next day.
Celebrated my great grandma Lizzie's life. She passed away on Dec. 22nd and her funeral was Dec. 28th.
I flew home for Christmas.
Lots of family Christmas parties!
We talked to Jackie on the phone.
I went to a party with my high school friends.
I met with a friend and his wife that I haven't seen in 9 years!
Celebrated the New Year with Kelly and Nick trying to conquer Bowser for Mario Brothers on the Wii.