Keegan's 10th Birthday

It's a special day when you turn "double digits" I remember when I turned 10 we were living in Vancouver BC and I got my first 10-speed bike. My days in Vancouver were magical, some of the best memories of my childhood were there. Vancouver is and will always be home for me, even if I wasn't born there. Anyway, Keegan turned 10 this year; who knows where the time has gone! I've turned into one of "those" Moms forever remembering what he looked like when he was born, when he was 1 or 2 or his first day of Kindergarten etc, etc, etc~poor kid!! And to put salt on my wounds Keegan thought it was absolutely hilarious to rub it in! He started about 3-6 months before his birthday, and of course I had to make it extra dramatic for him! There was lots of laughs when it was happening, but when he'd stop I would find myself just looking at him & wondering where did the time go??

So this year he wanted to have a party with his friends, we couldn't figure out what to do-no Chuck E Cheese, no movie, no party at home, no to some of the other ideas we had. Then I remembered years ago when we were living in Cambridge I rented a Group Camping Area at our local park, so I called Darlington Provincial Park. Sure enough we could rent a site for the entire day for very little money. So we were off & running! Keegan decided on the games we'd play & the food we'd serve; all I had to do was figure out a cake.

Last year I made him a "skateboard" cake. I made it in the rough shape of a board and put all kinds of logos on it. He loved it, and I think it turned out kinda neat. It could of been better if I did a few things differently, but you know what they say about hindsight & all.

So this year with being outside and the challenges of our early summer weather in May, I was a bit concerned about keeping the cake cool enough. I suggested Cupcakes to him and he loved it. He picked out Vanilla cake with Vanilla icing, his favorites. I just used some coloured liners and some fun sprinkles & done! He loved them & so did his friends, that's all I ever wanted!

Happy Birthday Keegan!! Love you, Mom xo

My Grandmother's 91st Birthday

In early April my beatiful Grandma turned 91 years young. My Mom asked me to make a cake for her, which I was honoured to do. Mom selected a Vanilla cake with Lemon filling. I will admit to being slightly intimidated by the thought of making this cake. I knew that whatever I made, even if it was a complete disaster my wonderful Grandma would eat every bite and brag about it to everyone. But still, it had to be perfect!

I was still a bit unsettled after trying to make Alyssa's cake and it not turning out the way I had wished it would, I wanted to challenge myself, but I also didn't want to pull out my hair over it either! I did some thinking and looking around and I found a "how to" on making a cake in the shape of a purse. They filled me with enough confidence I just had to do it! It was, easier than I thought it would be. I got some floral wire and some jewelery beads and I was all set. I made the cake in a round cake pan, filled it, cut it in half, stood it on end, iced it & done~except for the decorating. I made a quilted design on the surface of the purse to help the look, and drew the Channel logo on the bottom to complete it.

Happy Birthday Grandma, I only wish I could find the words to tell you how much you mean to me. I love you always. xoxo