Why, why, why does every year seem to slip by more quickly than the last? Sooner than I thought possible, it was time to begin planning and executing the annual birthday party for Ma Heidmann — when my lovely SIL Jessica and I kick Patricia out of the kitchen and throw the party for her (though always at her house). 🙂
We’ve had a variety of themes over the years, often featuring scrumptious ethnic cuisines. This year we decided to keep it simple – Comfort Food was our theme, and I think it was a success. Jess brought Spaghetti Soup, Chicken N’ Dumplings, Lime Jello Salad, a yummy cucumber vinaigrette salad, and Cheesecake Bars with strawberries and wild blueberries. My contributions were Sloppy Joes with Onion Buns, Potato Salad, Broccoli Salad, and a double layer white cake with butter-cream frosting.
I ended up staying up till 2pm Friday night to finish everything — and unfortunately baking of the cakes was one of the last minute items on my agenda. I’m sure that all of you cake bakers out there will know immediately why this was bad planning on my part. But I did not find out until the cake was beautifully frosted and decorated (by Megan) with purple and blue flowers and rainbow sprinkles, and we were in the van on the way to Sun Lakes, when the kids began giving me updates on the progress of the chasm forming across the top, as the two halves became four and the top layer slid inexorably toward the edges of the platter on Laurent’s lap. By the time we reached our destination, it was an absolute farce of epic proportions. There has never been as bad a cake fail, ever. I’m sure of it. But you know what? It tasted AWESOME!! 😀 We are blessed with a very relaxed family vibe, and I’m glad we know how to laugh about the little stuff and enjoy what is important: Family Time!
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