Spring Flowers

Flowers have always been one of my least favorite cookies to make until now.  No matter how many different cutters or designs I have used, I was just never very happy with them.

Fortunately, SweetSugarbelle, has designed a flower cookie cutter that has finally allowed me to make a simple, pretty flower that I like.  In addition, thanks to Miss Doughmestic, I was able to turn the simple rose into a pretty dogwood flower.

References:
Miss Doughmestic's Tutorial
Sweet Sugarbelle's Facebook Page

Mother's Day

Love, Hugs and Cookies to a Very, Special Mom!

Leann's First Communion

After months of planning and preparation Great-niece, Leann, made her First Holy Communion today.

She wore a dress adorned with flowers and her Godmother/Aunt Heather's veil.

Sisters .  .  .  Mary Grace, Megan and Leann .  .  .

Leann Rose, requested rose cookies for her party. . .

. . . doves, hearts and edible butterflies were added to the collection for this special day.

 Leann with her Godparents, Great-Uncle Matt and Aunt Heather.

Leann, Dad and Mom  .  .  .

It doesn't matter if she's all dressed up or wearing her casual clothes, Leann is one special girl!  Uncle Matt and I are so proud of you.

Love, Hugs and Cookies

for 

a very, special girl!

Bee . . . Well

Fortunately, after a broken wrist and four months of therapy, I will be able to say good-bye to my therapists today.

This whimsical cookie collection is a gift to show my gratitude for their patience, guidance and support.  In February, I wasn't sure if I would ever be able to write with my left hand again, but an outstanding team of therapists have helped me to return to my normal routine which includes decorating cookies.

I first made these cute little bees for my co-workers when I retired in 2010.  My decorating skills have definitely improved since then!

In an effort to conquer my fear of my airbrush, I am trying to use it for a few cookies here and there.  I thought polka-dots would be a nice addition to this collection.

Flower cookies are always a challenge for me, so I am constantly looking for new design inspiration.  This collection is based on a beautiful design by the amazing Jill FCS.  My petals were a bit wonky, but they made me smile.

Unfortunately, as my therapy comes to an end, a friend is now facing rest and rehab for a broken ankle.  I made some extra cookies and a different bee hive to take to Denise when I visit her this week.   Maybe the cute little bees will make her smile.

As I finished this collection I decided to add a few of the cute little lady bug RI transfers that my "Sugar Sister," Donna, recently made and shared with me.  After all, lady bugs are supposed to bring good luck  .  .  .  Let's hope for an injury free second half of the year.


Special thanks to:

- Aileen Master who graciously gave me permission to use her design when I made them back in 2010.
-Tutorial for the roses can be found on SweetSugarbelle's blog.
-Jill FCS

Rita's Retirement

If my sister, Rita, was alive during World War II, this famous icon might have been "Rita the Riveter" instead of "Rosie."  Both personally and professionally, she has lived her life with passion, commitment and courage.

We Can Do it?  RITA CAN!         

- Can a young Mom plan a budget for her family so that 3 children can attend private school from kindergarten through college and not have any  student loans when they graduate?  She did it!

-Can you spend six months recovering from a stroke, then return to work full time?  She did it!

-Can you organize your community and raise enough money to keep your local parochial school open when the Archdiocese of Chicago announces that it will be closed?  She did it!

-Can you change careers when many people are facing a mid-life crisis?  She did it!

Now, after twenty-one years of dedication to her job as the Chief of Staff for the 38th Ward of Chicago, Rita is retiring.

Knowing my sister, it will only be a few days before she re-directs her energy into new causes.  Therefore,  I have created a  "retirement to do" list for her.

1.  Take pride in your career and cherish the memories.

2.   Relax at a spa as a gift from Matt and Diane.

3.  Clean out your closest to make room for casual clothes.

4.  Slow down!  Learn how to stop and smell the roses.

 

   

 

To my wonderful sister,  

you are 

Retired & Admired.

Congratulations!