Cupcakes

These days, I am really enjoying cupcakes. I read about cupcakes, I think about cupcakes, I bake cupcakes, I eat cupcakes, I dream about cupcakes...maybe that is taking it a bit too far :)

--Chocolate cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream, Devil's Food cupcakes with a Rich Chocolate Glaze, Coconut cupcakes with Lime curd filling, Tiramisu cupcakes, White cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream and one of my favorites...Caramel cupcakes with a Caramel Swirl Buttercream. I usually make two different flavors at a time and send all the "extra" cupcakes to University with Brandon...if I eat them all, I may end up looking like a cupcake.

So, if I have piqued your interest and you find yourself wanting cupcakes...go get a cupcake cookbook. Here's the one i've been using: Cupcakes by Shelly Kaldunski. Martha Stewart also has a cookbook on cupcakes.

Hmm, what cupcake flavor will be next?

Happy baking!!

Update

Well, it has been awhile since our last post. This is just a short update to catch everyone up on our goings-ons.

• Summer was HOT!! 49 degrees celsius or 120 degrees fahrenheit and that's without the humidity.
• Andrew turned fourteen on July 19th. We are very blessed to have him!!
• Kirk, Brandon and Andrew went sky diving...indoors.
• Brandon and Andrew went snow skiing, for the first time ever, right here in Dubai! They also went ice skating.
• We experienced Ramadan in Dubai. Lots of rules about eating and drinking in public during daylight hours (-- like don't do it). This includes chewing gum. Eating or drinking in your car is considered in public. They will fine you.
• Brandon is now attending the American University in Dubai. He is getting to know lots of people and is involved in the on campus ministry outreach "FOCUS" group. (Fellowship of Christian UAE Students)
• We took a short vacation to Fujairah, a neighboring emirate. It was nice to relax on the beach and take evening strolls.
• Kirk is enjoying work and has flown to Addis Ababa, Entebbe, Lagos, Istanbul, Mumbai (Bombay), Karachi, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, London, Jakarta, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and a few other places.
• Andrew continues to work out with a private swim team 5 nights a week which keeps Mom in the car a lot.
• Katrina, Brandon and Andrew spent 6 days in the US. (Short trip!)
• Andrew had emergency surgery just 3 days ago and is recovering well.
• We are settling into Dubai ... the "City of Life" and praising God for establishing us here.
• We have abundant opportunities to share the Gospel with those around us -- Please pray that the Lord would give us boldness.

Questions Worth Asking

Are You Washed in the Blood of the Lamb?

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

*Are you washed in the blood,

In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?

Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;

There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,

Oh, be washed in the blood of the Lamb

Elisha A. Hoffmann

* Refrain

It's Official!!

As of April 2010 my parents are officially married. I am SO happy!! It is such a relief to know ones parents are truly married! Bexar county (San Antonio), the state of Texas, the United States of America and the embassy of the UAE have all attested and validated their union. Then, their marriage was finally attested in Dubai by the ministry of foreign affairs. Now, we are able to be UAE residents. Yes, it is indeed a relief! Cause y'all know there was some doubt. :P

Seriously though, it doesn’t matter what institutions recognize this marriage but what is important is that God does. I am so thankful for my parents and their wonderful marriage! God has truly blessed it and continues to show much grace to me and Andrew through our parent's marriage! Marriage is God’s idea and it is a beautiful picture of our (the church's) relationship with Christ! For we, as the church, are His bride. Again I am very thankful for the wonderful picture that my parents model to us!

--Brandon

Independence or Dependence?

Today we as Americans celebrate our independence from the king of England. As Christians we daily celebrate our dependance on the King of Kings. Many have died giving their lives for America's freedom but eternally blessed are those who have given their lives for the cause of Christ. May our focus, as those who have trusted in Christ for salvation, be on Him who is the only Lord worthy of all our praise and honor.

We are grateful to be dependent servants of King Jesus.

Did you know?

• We have caution signs; the one in the picture means "watch out for camels"
• We can get home delivery of almost anything including Burger King
• They have to put chillers in the outdoor pools to cool them off
• Parking lots have guys available to "wash" your car for about $7 and they do a great job
• Dirty cars are considered "illegal" here
• Gas is about $1 a gallon
• Gas stations are "drive-up" service (you don't get out of the car, just yell out "special")
• A block of Philadelphia cream cheese is about $9
• Our favorite burger place is Fat Burger
• We can't seem to find dry Ranch Dressing :(

Happy Father's Day!