kaboom! pow! bam!

My last day of school, I cried big alligator tears.  Not knowing when or if I'd ever teach again was a hard reality to face.  Most quit teaching because they become mothers.  That wasn't my reason.  Other reasons may include health issues, a change of profession by choice, being laid-off, or winning the lottery.  All of which did not apply to me.

My husband was headed to seminary.

The seminary being located in an area where teaching jobs are few and far between.  Let's just say, I know of someone who had to take 'subbing' jobs for 2-1/2 years, nearly apply every month, at every school in a 30 mile radius, before he finally landed a job as a 2nd grade teacher.

And this was before America's great recession. Yikes!

I am a teacher, though.  It's in my blood.  It's who I am.  

In spite of the fact I no longer venture into a brightly decorated 1st grade classroom at 7 AM anymore, I love children. I love being in their lives.  I love bringing them joy.  And if I get the chance, I love being able to teach them exactly why and how an ant can find her way home.

Being able to bake and decorate birthday cupcakes for one of my favorite kids was no exception.  (Dear College Professors, I do remember how you taught me not to call children, "kids."  I understand that children are not goats.  However, in my liberty as a person, I will choose to say "kids," when it feels right to do so.  Sincerely, Michelle)

He just turned 4 years old.  He requested my homemade chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream icing.  And they were to be decorated with batman, aquaman, green arrow, and the red tornado.  Of course, I agreed.  

To hear the joy in a child's voice and laugh is like a drug addiction for me.  I crave it.  And on this day...I was able to get my fix.  

Thanks little buddy.  It was a good feeling to help make your special day, special.

The images were drawn 

with edible food coloring markers

onto fondant frosting.

I drew on them after the fondant 

 was rolled to 1/4" thickness,

cut it into circles using a cookie cutter and

left out to dry for 3-4 hours.