Little joys...

So, at work, when someone on my team at work has a birthday, we have a lunch, complete with some sort of dessert. I like to bake, so I sometimes make something, usually cupcakes. So, when August said he would be interested in red velvet cupcakes. I have never had red velvet cupcakes or even cake. It is a rich, sweet cake, stemming from the deep south. It used to be made with beets, but now is made with red food coloring.

Well, I found a recipe online and began the endeavor to make them from scratch. Other than red stains on my hands from the food coloring, in just about 3 hours time, I was able to mix, bake and frost 36 of these red beauties.

They went over well at the birthday lunch, and although they didn't turn out to be my favorite kind of cake, the dense consistency, sweet cream cheese frosting and bright red color were a hit with the group.

The reason I tell you this is because I took the remaining dozen down to Magnolia to give them to the nurses and CNA's that take good care of my Dad. I try to take something to say thank you every week or two. I did hold pull one aside for my Dad.

Well, Dad ate almost half of his cupcake (which is a lot for him these days), and I haven't seen him so pleased with anything in over a month. He kept saying it was "so good it was unbelievable." Then he would say "It is so good, I am not even sure it is real.." And before I left he told me he was proud of me...Now, of course I love it when my Dad says he's proud of me, even if is over a little red cake, but it was more about the way he said it...Not as much about whether or not he is actually proud of me, but to see him be that pleased with anything just made my heart sing. It was truly a good night.

Tomorrow is the MRI that will tell us what is truly going on inside my Dad's skull. Is the radiation and chemo working? Is the tumor the same? Bigger? Smaller? Gone altogether? What are the next steps? More treatments? What is in store. I am hoping for some sort of results on Wednesday. I am also anxious to see the results of the thyroid test. Because regardless of what is going on upstairs, if his thyroid is not working right, and can be helped with simple medication, then it will improve his quality of life significantly.

Wednesday is a big day for Mom. We go see the neuro-opthomologist in the morning and then her PET scan in the afternoon. We then go see the oncologist on Monday, and we will know more about the next steps for her.

Oh, and I also got word today that the HOA has decided to repair my breached sewer line. Of course this includes the jackhammering of my kitchen tile and a foot of concrete, only after I have completely packed up my entire kitchen, and stored it elsewhere...I have to wait for the plumber to call me and schedule all of this, but at least it is in the works.

Keeping the faith, thinking good thoughts, and practicing patience...:)

Love to all!