My cup runneth over… Or maybe I should say my cupcake runneth over. Today we set out on an adventure and headed to a sweet neighboring city for a few errands. We decided to grab lunch and do a little strolling on the square in Lawrenceville. I’m a sucker for a cute antique shop, so we stopped at Scotland Yards and struck gold! I won’t reveal Griff’s birthday theme just yet. But a picture is worth a thousand words!!
We scored great antique pieces that will be added to his bedroom and playroom post party! While I love this success, our souvenirs are not what brings my heart most joy.
It was the cupcake that we shared afterwards. We walked into a small bakery and desperately needed a diaper change. We asked if they had a changing station; I was doing a touchdown dance in my head when they said yes. No backseat diaper change for us! I should’ve known when I walked in the bathroom to find an adorable changing table that we were somewhere special…not the dirty plastic ones that force you to use Inspector Gadget arms to prevent a single toddler finger tip from touching.
We walked out and were greeted by Blake, a sweet young man who hugged Griffin and helped guide us to the cupcakes. I should mention that Blake is special needs, which brought a smile to my heart. While it does happen, not all establishments will hire adults with special needs.
It wasn’t until we sat down to enjoy the delicious Mudslide cupcake, that I looked around and realized exactly what the bakery was about. The words: “Everyone kneads to be kneaded,” caught my eye. “How clever.. A bakery used ‘kneads’ instead of…” Mid-thought my eyes filled with tears. Upon further observation, I realized that Blake was not the only special needs employee. In fact, the stories on the wall painted a picture of just how amazing this bakery is for the community.
Special Kneads and Treats is a bakery that FOCUSES on “employing and empowering people with special needs,” because they too deserve to follow their passions and enjoy their job. And who wouldn’t enjoy being surrounded by delicious sweets all day??? The owners followed their call from God after raising their son who also has special needs. Wow! The story doesn’t stop there!
Special Kneads bakery also uses a portion of the proceeds to provide birthday cakes for any family who can’t afford one. Say what??? You heard me right. They also donate their time and baking skills to homeless shelters, battered people shelters, and medically fragile children and adults. I was floored. Tears flowed after leaving the bakery and reading bible verse after verse on the walls about God’s call to those in need and our responsibility to have kindness to all. Jesus, you are unbelievably awesome!
To boot, the customer service was impeccable! We are thankful for Blake’s kindness and the owner’s willingness to let us take pictures. He even walked our cupcake to the table after seeing my hands full!
When we left I talked to Griffin on the ride home about how important it is to follow God’s call on your life no matter how different it may seem. I can only imagine that following God’s call to start the bakery was overwhelming and humbling for that sweet family. But OH how God can use us if we just follow.
Blake and the bakery touched our hearts; I pray Griffin uses this experience to love on people with all needs in return. Today, we were in search of antiques to repurpose for Griffin’s birthday. But we ended up with a repurposed perspective, a fully belly, and an overflowing heart. Guess who will be making the cupcakes for Griffin’s party??? 😉😉😉
house of stain 