The Dawgs and Shattered Dreams

Saturdays in Athens have given me some of my best memories. Whether I was a student at the time or simply a visiting fan, the Classic City has never disappointed. Tailgating on Myer's Quad, taking a walk across North Campus, and pointing South at the trumpet soloist as the Battle Hymn plays in Sanford Stadium. These are a few of my favorite things. There is something magical about being in Athens on Saturdays in the fall. It is an experience like no other.

If you know me at all, you know I am a diehard Georgia fan. I've always loved sports in general, but Georgia football is one of my absolute favorite things in this world. And that's a scary thought. It's not easy being a Dawg.

The loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship last year made my heart hurt. It really did. I know that sounds ridiculous, and some of you still won't understand, but we were four yards shy of something I have waited my whole life to see. Much more, something Aaron Murray has played his whole life to achieve. And after the loss to Mizzou, that won't happen now.

This article is so beautifully written. It conveys my thoughts exactly on the loss last December, the loss last Saturday, and the rest of the season to come. In the words of the author, "We have the chance to enjoy the artistry of Aaron Murray for half a season before we all get a little dusty-eyed on Senior Day in Sanford Stadium, and cheer him on at a bowl game during a warm-weathered, post-Christmas vacation." I can't wait to be there that day to see Murray's final game in Sanford Stadium and cheer the Dawgs on to a victory over Kentucky.

So in honor of my Bulldog pride and passion for all things UGA, here are some decorated sugar cookies and cupcakes to express my love for this school in food form. Go Dawgs.

While we're on the topic of college football, I made this Arkansas Groom's Cake for a wedding a few weeks ago. The wedding was at a gorgeous outdoor venue in Rome, GA. The story of the wedding day is actually an incredibly perfect picture of God's faithfulness and ability to answer prayers. It had been beautiful all week before the wedding, but it rained ALL day long on this Saturday. Not only was the ceremony was supposed to take place outside at 6 that night, but the rain was just ruining lots of other plans. Miraculously, the sky completely cleared up a couple of hours before the ceremony began, and there could not have been a more perfect night for this precious couple.

And, though most of these are older and have already been featured on my blog, here are some other sports related desserts I've made...for your viewing pleasure :)

Sweet eats,
Kristen

Summer in Review

Gosh, time just gets away from you, doesn't it?

I cannot believe how long it has been and how much has happened since I've last blogged.

For all four of you who care what I've been up to, here you go...

I wrote a little bit about my summer job as a counselor at Camp All American in my last post. If you didn't read it, go check it out. There's a link in that post to the CAA website. If you live anywhere near the Johns Creek area, I HIGHLY recommend you send your kids there during the summer. The kids have SO much fun, and the Gospel is so intricately interwoven into everything we do at camp. I think I can speak for every other counselor when I say that each and every one of us love Jesus, love our job, and love the kids. At the start of the summer, I did expect God to work through me in the lives of the kids, but I didn't realize how much God would change MY heart through camp. I am so thankful for the work He did this summer, and I know I will be seeing fruit because of it for months and even years to come. Not to mention, I met some seriously awesome sisters and lifelong friends. God is good!

Camp ended last week, and since then, I have been spending as much time as possible with friends before they all head back to their respective schools. Why does that day have to come?! Can't we just all stay together, not work, and have fun forever? We went to the lake together last weekend, and I can't even explain the joy that weekend brought me. Jesus has seriously blessed me with these friends!

School starts in a couple of weeks, and as much as I am dreading the studying, presentations, and sometimes painfully boring lectures, I am excited to get back into the swing of things.

As for the blog, I've probably said this before, but I REALLY want to get better about updating. Not only with pictures of cakes, but with recipes. STAY TUNED.

Now, let them eat cake.

Until next time...

Wedding Bliss

I love weddings so so so much. Love, food, Jesus, cake, family, friends, food, dancing, food. I love it all. Whoops, did I say food more than once? Oh well. What can I say? Let's just say there's a reason I run.

Anyway, weddings. I got to go to a wonderful family friend's wedding yesterday, and it was absolutely beautiful. The day before the wedding, I had the privilege of making a cake for the bridesmaid's luncheon. Ruffles galore!

Here it is at the luncheon...

Then, yesterday, I made some Alabama cupcakes for a birthday party. Half were red velvet with cream cheese icing and half were vanilla with vanilla buttercream.

I'm all baked out this weekend! Luckily I get a chance to recuperate this week with about 3 tests and a paper. Sounds relaxing, huh? Yea, didn't think so. BUT, I will be DONE with classes in one week! Praise the Lord!

Hope everyone has a happy Sunday :)

Alabama Baby Shower Cake

Here's the first of three baby shower cakes/cupcakes. This was for an Alabama themed shower. The crimson color was SO hard to get, and it still isn't completely right, but it was close as I could come. I literally rubbed a blister on my finger trying to stir that food coloring in! Anyway, it's just the traditional vanilla cake with vanilla icing. The topper is made out of gum paste and the polka dots are made out of fondant.

There will be more baby shower cakes to come in the next couple of weeks!