Christmas cakes

I am no baker.

Nope.  Notta. Zip.

But sometimes the kids and I like to watch "Cake Boss,"

A reality show with the obnoxious Italian baker, Buddy, 

who drops the word Fandant, (fondont)

a thousand times a show.

The kids have been begging me to make "fandant",
for some time now, and I was hesitant,
to say the least.

I have been thinking a lot lately about how my mother always baked

beautiful pastries, pies, ect around the holidays,

She never worried about the messes or the messes

or did I say messes?

That is why I don't care for baking.

But last week, I was overcome with the desire to let my kids

make something 

Beautiful

So they could give it away to someone who had made a difference 

in their lives,

to someone who had served them, made them better,

and sacrificed for them.

So we choose their primary leaders and scout leaders.

While I don't think I will EVER work with "Fandant" again,

because it is hard and stubborn and terribly temperamental,
(much like myself at times),

it was one of the happiest holiday memories I have ever made with my children.

I have decided this year to give myself the present of
~Presence ~
I want to be in every moment,
fully, completely and joyfully.
It is a gift, that has already changed my heart and my home.
I wish I had a Christmas cake for all of you,
But if you want a "fandant" covered cake,
I say stick with the professionals:) 
I love you big time.