Sunday Baking

Welcome to my first Sunday Baking!

So, what exactly is Sunday Baking? Well, I’m hoping to share a recipe round up of my most popular recipes from the week and month for you to try. I’m also hoping to update you on all of the latest news in regards to Simple Baking with Pep (like if I were to ever write a cookbook, or do any sort of events, you would be the first to know about it!). Lastly, I hope to share some of my recent favorite finds, like baking pans and tools, or fun Amazon finds.

With that being said, let’s get into my first Sunday Baking. This one will be a bit of an unusual one, but, nonetheless, I want you to know that life is not always perfect and my life is full of ups and downs just like yours. So, here we go.

Well, we’ve been keeping a bit of a secret. We are expecting a baby girl to join our wild crew of 3 little boys this summer. We are beyond excited and blessed. When I read the genetic report and saw the word “female” I glanced over it, assuming it was referring to my gender. Then when I didn’t see any other gender listed, my eyes went back to “female” and I realized we were going to have a baby girl. I absolutely love my boys and was fully expecting a 4th boy. I even had a name picked out! I’ve always wanted a girl, but I’ve realized it honestly doesn’t matter what the gender is. Kids are the greatest blessing ever. Period. My 3 boys love me more than anything in the world and I love them more than anything. It will be fun, and weird, to have a girl. I am so used to trucks, dirt, bugs and worms!

With that being said, we received some news a few weeks ago, that I never ever expected to receive. My dad was diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is a word you never want to hear and this cancer is considered aggressive. I was in disbelief when I heard this, and my brain still can’t process that it’s the harsh reality. Truth is, I’m holding out hope and belief that a miracle can happen.

The fact that my dad may not be able to meet his granddaughter upsets me, greatly. However, my faith in God is helping me get through the tough days. About three weeks ago, my dad was admitted to the hospital. He was told he would not make it through the night, yet here he is, still fighting. God performed a miracle that night, and I’ve continued to see him lift my dad up during these tough times. Make sure you hug your loved ones extra tight and spend time with them. Time is precious, and it is not guaranteed.

Here’s a little note I wrote to my dad:

Dear Dad,

In my heart I hold an incredibly special gift from you – your handprints. For wherever I go, I know you will always be with me, and I with you.

When people said, life goes quick, they weren’t kidding. I pray that you have more days here, but while I look back at the days and memories we shared, I’m grateful.

Because of you, I’ve achieved so much in life. You believed in me, even when I doubted myself. You encouraged me to pursue my passions in life, which led me to creating this baking page on social media. I promise you that one day I WILL write a cookbook and your favorite cake, spice cake, will be one of the featured recipes, dedicated to you.

Thank you for being you – my father and the best Papa to my 3 little boys and little girl on the way. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have you as my father. Thank you for teaching me kindness, love and strength, even when the whole world was on your shoulders.

All my love, forever and always.

-Jolene, your little girl

That’s it for the updates for now! Oh, actually we did have a little appliance failure this week. Our oven broke this week. Fortunately my husband was easily able to fix it, but it worked out in my favor. I’ve been wanting to create no bake desserts for awhile, and just haven’t set aside time to do so. Without an oven, I decided I’d spend the week focusing on no bake treats.

On Thursday I made this no bake peanut butter pie. I just shared it yesterday, and you all are LOVING it! I’m so glad you are. It was SO GOOD. I also have a few other no bake treats I made this week and will definitely be making more this summer.

If you’re looking for some treats to make this week, here are a few that have been popular recently.

Strawberry Shortcake

Homemade Fluffy Pancake

Flatbread Pizza

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

If you’d like to write a note of encouragement to my dad, let me know in the comments below. I’m sure he’d appreciate it! That’s all for now :).