Nothing Says "Baby Shower" Like an Alligator

My friend asked me to make her sister's baby shower cake. Since the mama-to-be is a University of Florida fan, it had to have an alligator on it. And it had to have the baby's name on it (Lincoln). Gannon and Maghen (my friend and her sister) both were able to give me some direction in what was wanted, but there was quite a bit of decision-making left to me. That was a bit of a challenge, but I finally came up with a design I liked. Maghen really liked the cake, and her guests all enjoyed the all chocolate treat.

It was a 2-tier cake with buttermilk chocolate cake layers filled with chocolate ganache and frosted in chocolate buttercream and then covered in fondant (all from scratch except cake, which was a doctored cake mix recipe). Even with all the work I did ahead of time to try to make the actual cake-decorating day less chaotic, I was still scrambling to get it done and had to get Audrey to help me with some of the fondant work. My stripes are a little wonky, I mean, purposely curvy. But I was happy with the end result.

My favorite part is, of course, the little gator. I sculpted him first, because he was the hardest part. But I had so much fun making him that I completely lost track of time. I was just in my own little world with that guy and before I knew it, I was WAY over on my time plan. Anyway, here's the cake. It's one of my faves so far.

Thanks to Audrey for helping me finish it, and for taking all the photos for me.

He has a little pacifier in his mouth and a "Go Gators" bib. The baby block has an "L" for Lincoln, an "M" for Maghen, a "J" for Josh (the dad), an "O" for Maghen's maiden name, and an "S" for their last name.

He is holding a University of Florida flag in his tail.

Gannon told me Maghen liked argyle so I added that to the bottom tier.

Homeschoolers Wig Out

I love American history, especially the Revolutionary War period. I love the Founding Fathers. So I was thrilled to get to this time period in our history studies. Each of the moms in our co-op specialized in a certain category, and presented each week for four weeks. I had battles/action, my sister Amy had biographies, and our friend Jennie had government. Things are always so busy, I never seem to remember to take photos. But I was able to snap a few from one of the days we met at our house. Jennie brought batting for us to make some quick wigs. (This was from October 15.)

Eating tea cakes and hot chocolate (that served as our tea)



I guess Austin likes wearing a wig since he's giving me a thumbs up sign. Wait, no, oh man....he's shooting at me. Figures.

But this is my favorite. I guess this is what Reilly would have looked like if she was serving in Parliament during the 1700's.

Yes, we are still alive

Well, it's been quite a while since I've been able to blog anything. Life has been crazy busy, and I'm been trying my darnedest to stay with our routine and be as productive as possible. I guess that meant that blogging took a back seat. But it's a rainy, blustery day today (as the remnants of this hurricane blow through....that kept me up half the night last night with howling winds) so I thought I'd take some time to catch you all up on the stuff we've been up to lately.

And just so you know how much I care about you, I am foregoing what could have been the world's juiciest nap. Ever.

Let's use this first "catch up" post to let you see Henry's new (well, not so new anymore...October 9th) hairdo:

I. am. so. cool.

A little mohawk action goin' on


Yeah. I don't even know what to say about this one.

Considering it took about an hour, several handfuls of marshmallows and chocolate chips, and a daddy to hold his arms down, I don't think we'll be attempting any more haircuts for a little while.

Henry's First Birthday Party

Henry turned one yesterday, but we had his party today. I can't believe how quickly this birthday has come. He's getting so big....he's not my wittle baby anymore.

Getting nice and messy

Cake in both hands....a man after my own heart

Opening some gifts

And playing with some new toys

Henry is all about pushing buttons, so I'm hoping that these new toys will keep him busy and AWAY FROM OUR PRINTER!!!! He probably would've been just as happy if I had given him that for his birthday instead of toys.

Another Cake....Henry's first

Here's an upclose and personal view of Henry's first birthday cake. I based it on some of his bibs that I love. Each panel of the cake, and also the "super star" on top, are copied from his bibs. It turned out different than I planned but better than I thought it would. It's a 2 layer yellow and chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream and covered in homemade fondant. Later GatorTough CookieWiggle Worm
Little Peanut
Lucky Duck
Stud Muffin

You'll Be Saying Wow Every Time....

...you watch this awesome, hilarious video!!

Last Friday, our ward had a lip sync night and it was so much fun. Our family, my sister's family, and my parents all did a skit (which I will post as soon as Rick gets it going for me). My very favorite skit of the whole night was from a couple who did a lip sync based on the youtube video below. It. is. so. funny. They were awesome. I have been singing the Shamwow song ever since Friday night!!!!

Enjoy!

Welcome Reilly Morgan!

On Thursday, 17 September, I had the privilege of witnessing the birth of my neice, Reilly Morgan, a beautiful little girl weighing in at 6 lbs. 5 oz., 19" long. She was born at 3:48 p.m. Baby and mommy (my sister, Amy) are doing well.

Here I am with Reilly about an hour after she was born.

Reilly, 1 day old

This was infinitely more fun than last Thursday's visit to the hospital, when I went to the ER in the wee hours of the morning with kidney stones (again) and stayed half the day. They did give me great pain meds though.

I wonder what next Thursday has in store for me........