Strength at it's finest...

For those of you that aren't aware. My mother & hero has been in the hospital (7th day), talks of hospice were had, yet God had other plans. She is defying the odds today...fighting like a true hero would and even singing me a lovely melody. I am thankful to God for answering my prayers and always lifting me up, just when I thought I had fallen beyond return. 
I prayed for a rainbow at the end of this storm...and on my way home yesterday, the clouds parted, the rain lifted, and a double rainbow was gifted~ it was truly amazing, and a sign that there is always hope and light even in the midst of a storm, you just have to have faith. 

I love you mommy.

Here is a glimpse back to a lovely day~

*

Throughout my life I have come to know some great women. Strong, smart, incredibly brave and courageous women. It's unbelievable how many struggles and hardships they have endured, yet, they persevere, and they continue to have faith.

I can easily give you a list of 15 women who are deserving of the title "woman", but there are a couple at the top of the list who deserve to be there - at the top.

My mother, after all that she has been through-deaths, back breaking labor, sleepless nights, multiple bouts of cancer (non-hodgkin lymphoma), surgeries and heartaches... all while raising 7 kids... selflessness at it's finest. If there was only one thing that I could keep in my heart that she has taught me, it's that Love is the fuel that drives your spirit.  Love has always been her driving force.

The other-

My mother-in-law, a remarkable woman with relentless drive. I can't even begin to to describe the trials that she has endured...deaths, cancer (cervical and ovarian), heart surgery, the list is tremendous. Yet she shares an eerily similar characteristic as my mother, selflessness. Giving, above and beyond ...Love too being her driving force.

When I dream of how my daughter will be when she grows up, in this sometimes overpowering world, I hope and pray that I have instilled in her those same traits ...

*

She planned a grandmother tea party and invite them over. It was a breathtakingly special moment. I know it was a bit longer than an actual moment, but in the overall scheme of life, it was just that ... a moment.

A moment to cherish and soak in their loving spirit, their selflessness, their warmth and compassion, their kindness, and respect.  You know, all the traits that seem to be on the verge of extinction these days. Lost in an era where things are more important that beings.

 I longed for time to stand still so that she could take it all in...

absorb it. embrace it. emulate it.

There we were, among pomegranate lemonade, cupcakes & princesses,

all transcending back in time...

A time when faith, family & love were of the utmost importance. 

A time when people were compassionate and giving, 

respecting their neighbors, and honoring their parents. 

A time when giving was more valuable than receiving. 

 It was lovely~

In honor of this day, I am sharing with you the same sweet recipe, 

in hopes that you too will share it.

Share it with that person that instilled in you 

the values, hopes and dreams that you wish to pass on to the next generation.

Simply Food Love*

*

 Lemon Cupcakes 

w/ Toasted Almond, Coconut & Cream Cheese Frosting

(oh & pink sprinkles)

Makes 24 cupcakes

1 pkg. white cake mix
1 pkg (4-serving size) lemon pudding
1 1/4 cups water
3 large eggs
2 Tb. oil
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla
3 Tb. granulated sugar
1 cup toasted coconut & almonds

pink sprinkles

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In bowl of electric mixer, beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, water, oil, and eggs on medium speed for 2 - 3 minutes, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Batter will be very thick. Divide evenly among prepared muffin cups.
3. Bake for 16 - 20 minutes, or until tops of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Cool completely.
4. Beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, and butter, with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended (about 2 minutes).
5. Whip heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes). Gently fold into frosting.
6. Frost cupcakes with prepared frosting. Garnish with toasted coconut & almonds Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours.


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And hopefully re-read this post on Foodbuzz' Top 9 
March 25th!

Taste. Share. Spread The Love...