June, 2010

As those who have been around awhile know, I like to make a special cake for each of my children on their birthday. In the past, I've done coordinating Sesame Street cakes for M & E, a candyland cake, Elmo, Veggie tales cakes, a barn cake, and an ice cream cone cake.

This year Evan asked for a Toy Story cake. (He LOVES Buzz and Woody). So, I did Andy's Room. I made a half sheet cake and covered it with fondant (this was my first time working with fondant). I used MM fondant made from this recipe. I added a small rectangular cake for a bed, covered with a fondant "bedspread" and made a headboard out of fondant, graham crackers, and pretzel sticks. I added fondant stars to the base for decoration. I also added miniature character toys I bought (they were easy to find thanks to the new movie coming out!) As you can see, Evan loved it!

Miriam asked for a kitty cake this year for her birthday. So I decided
to try my hand at my first real 3-D cake. I made the body using the top
tier pan of a wedding cake. I cut it in half and set the halves
together upright on their cut side. I made the base of the head from a small
oven safe glass bowl. I then cut the tail, ears, front paws, and muzzle
from a 9 inch round cake. I assembled it all with icing and a few
toothpicks and cardboard dowels. After freezing the cake over night, I
sculpted the hind legs and face and did a bit of of general sculpting
until I had the cat shape I wanted. I rough iced everything. Then using
a #233 tip, I piped "hair" on to the cat in three colors. I made the
eyes, nose, and mouth along with the ball of yarn from fondant. I was
very happy with the end result as was Miss Miriam. :)

Since their birthday was on a Saturday this year, we actually had the
party the same day. Evan wanted a Toy Story theme and Miriam is all about
Kitties this years, so that is what we did for the theme. It was a nice
(if hot) day, and we were able to be outside. We had grilled hotdogs and
hamburgers, lots of sides, and, of course, cake and homemade ice cream.
There were lots of kids (and their parents) here and I think everyone
had a great time. I know Evan and Miriam did!  Evan got a big stable
for his birthday, and Miriam got a big doll house. They both also
received new (to them) big kid bikes from Momma and Daddy. Miriam LOVES
hers and cried when she had to come in the first night!  Evan got a Rex
(from Toy Story) from Grandpa George. And Miriam was SOOOO excited
about her Jessie doll (also from Toy Story) from Grandpa George.

My little boy is 4!! And he's not so little these days! But he is still
my sweetheart, the one who needs Momma hugs and snuggles. Still the
sensitive one who hates when "momma is mad at me".  Those eyes and that smile can still get me everytime!  He is my little
helper always willing to fetch and carry for Momma. He loves his
sisters (even as he picks on them!), his cars, his dog, and all things
Buzz!  While he is still shy by nature, his confidence has really grown
this last year. Can't wait to see what this year brings our way, Mr
Evan!

In so many ways it is hard to believe that my girlie is 5!! How in the
world is that possible?? She is so grown up these days, more and more
independent; more and more dependable. Such a joy and a treasure. And
still smart as a whip!  She loves her siblings, her books, her movies,
and her animals. Her imagination grows daily and she is a great story
teller if a bit over dramatic. :)  She is a great big sister and a
wonderful daughter. I can't wait to see who you will become Miss
Miriam!