Hello Fall!

It's been a happy few days around the LaGrange household. Andy is so happy for fall's arrival he came home early yesterday and we took Allie for a nice long walk (minus the billions of gnats we ended up running through that ended up dead all over our clothes). It was AMAZING! To be outside and not sweat the second you went out the door...we really do love fall. There isn't much new and exciting going on.

This past weekend I had the chance to hang out with my best friend, Amber, up in Richmond. We headed to Kings Dominion and had lots of girl time...made me miss those U-Woods days!

Before the first coaster:

They were getting ready for Halloween

From the Eiffel Tower:

The Snoopy Characters seem to be the theme at Kings Dominion:

Setting up for the scare:

It's our street!

The best roller coaster ever!

Walking around Richmond:

It's Cary Street!

Cupcake Extravaganza!

As I said before cupcakes are my new hobby. I don't know why but it is one of those things I just want to get really good at. I've got a couple of really fun books and here are my creations so far.

These were my first attempt at real cupcakes. Just a plain yellow cupcake with vanilla frosting. They were for a teacher friends little girls birthday party. From what I was told when I was younger...once you get paid for what you do that makes you a professional :oP

These next cupcakes were for my brother-in-laws high school graduation. A lemon Cupcake with vanilla frosting:

These next few were just for kicks.

Lemonade (Strawberry Lemonade cupcake with strawberry lemonade frosting):

Pandas (Cookies and Cream cupcake with cream cheese frosting):

 

Frogs (Yellow cupcake with bavarian creme filling and vanilla frosting):

And of course my Fishbowls for the DRM (yellow and chocolate cake with vanilla frosting):

Some more holidays or special occasions need to roll around so I have a reason to make some more. My next project will either be some pumpkins for Halloween, or if I can't wait that long I might try these really cute red apples...we'll see. Until then, have a great day!

I Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts

On the way back from Umstead we came across this while driving down the highway (you might have to click on the picture and enlarge it to actually see):

That's right. It's the ghost mobile! Who knew there were ghosts in the Triangle?

Cupcakes, Anniversaries, and Such

So, I officially stink at updating this thing. I apologize to all 2 of you that read this but here is a recap of the last month for us.

This past weekend was amazing.

Sunday our church started a new series called "Finding Beautiful" and Jonathan talked about some of the ways to do that. One which was to just pause and look around. I've been feeling so rushed lately. Like there is no time for anything, but he is so right. And we got the chance to do that this weekend. I honestly have felt the most joy I've felt in awhile.

The weather was perfect and I got the chance to spend a whole extra day with my wonderful husband which means more to me then he probably even knows. We finally got the chance to spend some time outside and not until this weekend did I realize that I forgot just how much I enjoyed it. Saturday night we happened upon the Eno River and yesterday I took Andy and Allie on a picnic at Umstead followed by a stop at Goodberry's on the way (or out of the way) home. Sometimes I love that attractions book!

This past Saturday we had the chance to serve at the Samaritan Inn. It was a great experience but somewhat difficult. I used to be the person who would love to do things like that without any hesitation but I think because of what I stated earlier I really just didn't want to. Going there just pointed out the selfish desires of my heart even more so. Andy and I got the responsibility of bringing dessert so I did however get the chance to try out my new cupcake book and baked 8 dozen fishbowls. In case you didn't know cupcakes are my new hobby (I'll post some of my experiments later...). It was great to see peoples reactions and to know they appreciated the time that was put into them. We could have just bought ice cream or cookies but what is the fun in that?

August 8th we celebrated our first Anniversary. It's hard to believe we've been married over a year. It's been a wonderful one and I'm so thankful for such a wonderful husband. Saturday my mom invited us over to hang out at the pool and so she could take us out to dinner. It was a pretty good time. Robin's grandaughter Juliet was there. She is sooooo cute and quite funny. Mom, Robin, and Robin's 2 grandkids went out with us to the Pavillion, which might be one of my favorite places to eat now.

 Sunday, Andy was so kind and made me breakfast in bed. After church we just hung out, went to the gym, and later that night he took me out for an anniversary dinner (let's just say we've learned from our mistakes ;op). After dinner we watched the movie Stardust which we watched by accident on one of our many first dates (this one being our day trip to Asheville...we stopped at the pizza and brewery. He thought the movie was something else but we were both glad it wasn't). Our one year old cake wasn't terrible. It was still beautiful and it tasted okay, just kind of dry.

Hmmm...I can't think of much else. But if I do, maybe I'll write about it later ;o)