Sunday Sermon and Easter Celebration

“We proclaim the resurrection of Christ when his light illuminates the dark moments of our existence.”

~Pope Francis

**************

A beautiful Easter Sunday morning. The 6:30 alarm found a dark morning sky. We all knew that 8:30 Mass would be crowded, so my plan was to leave by 7:30. I still wanted to put the Peeps on top of a few cupcakes for more Easter Sharing after Mass.

Unfortunately, my early Mass with Father Barth was not video taped, so this is the 11 am Mass photos with Father Don.

Today’s Gospel was about finding the tomb empty… He has Risen.

Gospel

Jn 20:1-9

On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.

A glorious Gospel for a glorious day. The Easter service was filled with song and celebration after the long forty days of quiet solemnity.

After Mass, even the overflowing parking lots were dispersed seamlessly with the help of many volunteers and the McKinney PD officers directing traffic.

Helene and I stopped for our usual after church hot chocolate at McD. The place was empty except for a young father with his little daughter. I waved at the little girl and she said “Hi.” Her father said it was her birthday today. I had brought my bag of containers with cupcakes inside with me so they wouldn’t stay in the warm car. Helene and I went over and gave the little girl and her dad a cupcake and sang Happy Birthday. Dad and daughter were so appreciative of the kindness of strangers,

Cute!

Later, a familiar face that we see every Sunday came in with his book and ordered his same coffee. He smiled and said “Happy Easter.”

After all these many months of seeing a familiar face, we made our formal introductions. Happy Easter, Avi. See you next Sunday.

Then, guess who else popped in. Miss Susie from Tom Thumb was on her lunch break.

Ooh! More cupcakes. She thought they were just too cute. I gave Helene a couple of small containers of cupcakes to take home and share with her friends.

Then, on my way home, a stop at Fire Station 5, my old station.

Happy Easter Station 5.

When I got home, I texted Miss Kathy to see if she was home for a couple of cupcakes. She said she wasn’t home yet, but I have my key. So I put a couple cupcakes in her fridge.

Tim and family across the street were home.

Just sharing and caring with my “Peeps.”

It was a busy day of church, friends and many cupcakes. I went for my evening walk and enjoyed the sunny warm evening. The best part was a FaceTime call from the kids. It’s always great to see the granddaughters and hear about their adventures.

They went to the zoo today. It was pretty cold there. I was out walking with a t-shirt on.

A beautiful Easter Sunday from early morning till the end of day.

Happy Easter, my friends.

Happy Easter Sunday:) Friends, Family and My Firefighters.

“The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies.”

~Kate McGahan

***************

Easter Sunday is such a special day. It’s more than bunnies and colored eggs and baskets. It’s about faith, Resurrection, and the ultimate rebirth. I don’t have to bother with sharing the Sunday Sermon. Everyone knows what today is about. The tomb was empty.”He has risen.”

After watching Mass on my iPad, I proceeded to frost and pack up the zillion more cupcakes I baked late last night. Chocolate this time.

Almost finished. Some to take to the Murphy’s, some for some neighbors, and a whole bunch for my firefighter friends.

I was invited to spend Easter with the Murphy clan. I’m an unofficial/official member of the family.

Thank you Sherri and Michael!

When I got home, I frosted more cupcakes then made a few stops to visit my “peeps” at a few fire stations. Some were working a mandatory overtime double shift instead of being at home with their families. I really appreciate these fine men and women in blue.

I even had time for a walk before it got dark. I took a few more cupcakes nextdoor and then walked over a few blocks away to drop off a couple for Mr. Danny. He was so sweet. He called me this afternoon to wish me a Happy Easter and see if I was doing OK.

Family, good friends, and good neighbors. That’s what it’s all about. (Not to mention lots and lots of cute cupcakes.)

I finished the evening with a FaceTime call with my little girls and a 2 mile walk.

They opened all the Easter presents that Grandma sent them.

I am so blessed! Happy Easter my friends!

Friday:) My Feverish Baking Frenzy

“A baking frenzy is good for the soul, and for the tummy. Not so much for the diet.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************************

I’m taking a short break to put my feet up and rest a minute before I get back to my baking and food frenzy. Tomorrow is Mom’s big 90th birthday bash. My sister JoAnn and I have been running around, preparing, shopping, and getting ready for the big day. 

I love to bake, so that is my favorite task. Yesterday, Inwas busy making the chocolate cake bon bons, that still need to be dipped in chocolate. I’m not into recipes, but this is how I made about 100 of these yummy treats. 

I made two chocolate cake mixes, following directions. Then, I made some homemade cream cheese chocolate frosting. My recipe, hmmm? A package of cream cheese, 3 or 4 sticks of softened butter, a pound or more of powdered sugar and some cocoa powder, a few teaspoons of milk as needed. All just by eye and feel.

Then, I mush up the cooled cake with a few big scoops of frosting, then, mush and knead, until it’s smooth like clay. And roll into balls. Then ai freeze them, to be dipped in chocolate later, after I post this.

I made two trays of these.

Today, I made two pans of brownies and about four dozen cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes with marshmallows and a little cherry filling, to be frosted in the morning.

Well, that’s enough of a break. I better get back to my frenzy. Stay tuned for party pictures tomorrow.

Here’s Mom, all excited about tomorrow. Her sister Frances and family sent her some gorgeous flowers.

Friday:) Friends, Frosting, and Go Cubs!!!!

“Friends don’t let friends watch the World Series alone.Especially Chicago Cubs fans. Go Cubs!”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

*******************

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…said Mr. Rodgers. Wonderful weather and several walks with Bella, precluded my baking Friday frenzy. I was on a mission to make some mini cupcakes for a Cubs watch party I was invited to.

I usually start out by making a funny face with the ingredients before mixing. It gives me inspiration.

Linda picked me up, and we went over to her friend’s house. It’s a beautiful house with a lake in the back. Great view and great people. They served real Chicago style hot dogs.

Well, I’m back from watching the game. Unfortunately, the Cubs lost tonight…but there’s always tomorrow.

Go Cubs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday:) Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Cupcakes Alone

“I’ve never met a problem a proper cupcake couldn’t fix.” ― Sarah Ockler

************

You know when I bake, I really bake. When I had my anniversary celebration on Tuesday, I baked around 140 mini cupcakes and about 60 brownies. 

Needless to say, there were leftovers. Everyone was requested to take some home, and many did. But alas, there were still a few left. I took some to my Wednesday support group at church, dropped some off at Diane’s, some over to Ms. Sandy’s, and shared some with Adam, the AT&T technician. I was switching my home phone to a wireless to get a discount. They failed to mention that they gave me a new number. I didn’t know that till I called my sister, and hercaller ID came up with a weird number. More calls to AT&T. The whole point was to keep my old number of 12 years. Duh!

This is Adam.

Still cupcakes left over. Thursday, the Direct TV technicians came to install the dish. Nothing says thank you like cupcakes and a Dr. Pepper. 

This is Jeremy. He and Nicole enjoyed a few cupcakes. AND, before he left, I asked him if he knew anything about cell phones because half an hour before he arrived, my iPhone went dead, blank, nada. He said he’d take a look. He clicked a few times, nothing. Then he said, “Hmm…I’ll try this reset.” He held the center and top button for ten seconds and that reset it and brought it back to life. Thanks Jeremy! I thought I’d have to go to the AT&T store or worse yet, get a new phone. 

Then, I took a dozen to my other support group on Thursday, and the rest to the neighbor’s next door. FINALLY! All the cupcakes and brownies are gone. Gone and appreciated. Yay!

Friday:) Firemen Like Cupcakes Too~ The Other Men and Women in Blue

Firefighting – one of the few professions left that still makes house calls. ~Author Unknown
*******

Yesterday, I posted pictures of my cupcake baking frenzy, and about taking over a hundred mini cupcakes to the police station. Some of you may already know that I like to take homemade baked goodies over to the fire stations on a regular basis. So, I didn’t want my other friends in blue to feel left out, so I took a few over to Station 5. I didn’t have to explain who I was or that the cupcakes were safe to eat. They know me there. (A little blurry picture. My quick snap iPhone photo skills aren’t always the best.)

They were happy. I think they just feel good that people appreciate what they do. I always shake their hands and say, “Thanks for all you do, guys!” Who else would be willing to sacrifice their life to help a total stranger? They’re a special breed. God bless our firefighters!

Thankful Thursday:) Thank You BLUE!

“Today, I am thankful for all the men and women who endanger their lives daily to make my world a safer place. I have too many friends and family members who have put on a blue uniform to ever have anything but the utmost respect for their sacrifice. THANK YOU!”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**********************

I started my baking frenzy last night. I baked well over one hundred and fifty mini cupcakes. Last night, I took some next door to my neighbors. The dad is a police Liuetenant in a nearby city. He’s the one who always points at me when I drop something off and asks,”How ya doing over there. Need anything?” Then, I took some around the corner to Officer Rick, the state trooper and his family. They got the chocolate frosting. These are my favorite. Chocolate cake mix with a cherry in the middle. A surprise with every bite.

This morning, I started making my blue frosting for the rest of the frenzy. Freshly frosted to take over to the police department building. They have a lot of officers and employees coming and going, so I made over a hundred for them.

They were warmly accepted and appreciated. I didn’t capture the previous smile. This was the, “I’m a serious police officer” smile and someone is taking my picture. I also attached a long note of thanks, along with my business card, my photo, and the names of several McKinney officers that I’m friends with. I didn’t want them questioning or thinking that the cupcakes were not safe to eat. The only danger is eating too many and getting a tummy ache.

This was my THANKFUL THURSDAY! It’s always nice to be appreciated, especially in times when your honor is in question. 

THANK YOU McKINNNEY MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE! 

To quote some scripture…

Have you thanked a cop lately?

Sunday Service and Some More of My Peeps

“Easter is a time where we are reminded that conclusions in man’s mind are beginnings in God’s plan.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough, Flecks of Gold on a Path of Stone: Simple Truths for Profound Living

*******************

  
My Easter started by greeting for 9 o’clock Mass. I arrived before 8, anticipating a crowded service, and I was right. Church was full before 8:30 and the overflow were seated in chairs in the vestibule, and the rest sent across to the community center. It was great to see so many celebrating this special day.

  
When Mass finished around 10:20, people were already streaming in for the 11 o’clock service. No one was greeting at the door, so I stayed to greet for the next Mass. I didn’t have anywhere to rush off to. 

I decided to stop at McDonald’s and treat myself to some pancakes for breakfast. I’m finally eating a little soft solid food. I was the only one in there the entire hour or so that I was eating. The whole place to myself.

  
When I got home, it was time to finish frosting and putting peeps on more cupcakes. I still had a few neighbor’s and two fire stations to deliver to.

Some more PEEPS for my PEEPS.

   
    
   
Then, of course my PEEPS at the fire stations.

   
Station 2- a little blurry. They were trying to take a bite while I was trying to take a picture. 

 
Station 1

After deliveries, my friend Kelle had invited me for dinner. She made two delicious homemade soups in sympathy for my sore mouth and missing tooth. Then, we went over to the Celt Pub on the square to listen to some music. The sun had come out, and it turned out to be a pretty nice day.

  

A little classical music for a classy Sunday evening. 

Then, a perfect end to a lovely Easter Sunday, a call from both of my sons. 

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL MY PEEPS PUT THERE!

Spooky Scary Saturday:) Happy Halloween and a Real Spider

“…I started to realize how many great things could happen by confronting the things that scare you most.” ― David Archuleta, Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance

*****************

Halloween is such a fun time for children and adults alike. I’ve always loved it. Yesterday, I baked 4 dozen little mini cupcakes for the neighborhood kids, and now, coming to you live, I’m sitting outside my door with my bowl of candy. It’s after 7 pm. The weather is cool, and the rain has stopped. Perfect trick-or-treating weather. 

   
   
  
I made a few big, full size cupcakes for my writer girlfriends for our morning meeting. 

The kids are coming out in droves now! Cool! So adorable and polite. Did I mention, I love Halloween? 

    
 
I thought for sure I’d have enough candy with the big monster size 250 piece bag. Maybe not!

  
Now, about the SPIDER. I was walking through the park across the street earlier, and I almost walked Mack-dab into this friendly creature, just dangling in what appeared to be mid-air.

  
Yikes! It was the real deal! 

 

Friday Fun in the Kitchen:) Bakin’ and Dancin’

Nothin’ says lovin’ like somethin’ from the oven while you’re dancin’ in the kitchen.

Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

*********************

It’s been a dreary rainy day all day. I didn’t even set my alarm to go to Zumba this morning. I loligaggled all day, then decided to bake my Halloween mini cupcakes. The radio was on, so I just started dancing whenever a great classic oldie came on. Who needs Zumba? Well, I do, but I can take a day off and dance in my kitchen.

https://vimeo.com/144179668​

  
First, make a funny face with the batter. Then dance in the kitchen.

   
 
Then bake the cupcakes using marshmallows and chocolate chips. Then dance in the kitchen.

   
 
Then frost and decorate the cupcakes….and yes, more dancing in the kitchen. Disperse to friends and neighbors.