Ace of Cakes!

Ok, so I never said I was Betty Crocker, but I would like to think that I have some sort of artistic ability!

After Mason's birthday party, and looking at the AMAZING cake that my friend Jennifer made, I thought to myself "Holly, you can do this!" I started doing research on cake decorating and was amazed at what I saw! Who knew there were SO many different techniques! I found an adorable photo of a strawberry shortcake hat that someone made out of cake. (this is going to be the theme for the girls' 2nd birthday party). So, I went to Michael's, bought the stuff I needed, and got to work....practicing.

First and foremost, I should tell you that I MADE my own fondant...from scratch!! It is a marshmallow fondant and tastes quite yummy, but VERY hard to work with.

With that said, here are some photos of not only my first cake (other than the traditional square or round!), but this is also my first attempt at working with fondant and I must say, though I see some flaws, it came out really cute!!!

The best part of all is that I really had fun doing it!!! I may just have to take a cake decorating class!! Watch out Duff...there's a new Ace of Cakes in town!!!




Obviously, there will be more done to the actual cake that I make for the girls' party, (strawberry's put on the hat, the ribbon will look much better (and thinner) piping around the bottom, etc...), but I am quite pleased with my first practice cake!

Happy 4th Birthday, Mason!

Today is Mason's 4th birthday! I cannot believe it has been 4 years since I saw his beautiful face for the first time. Mason is a true miracle baby, an absolute angel sent straight out of heaven. Wayne and I waited a long time and tried very hard to be patient before God decided to bless us. (I guess after 7 years, he thought we were finally ready!) ~But Mason was SO worth the wait. Every day, I find myself just staring at him. He is such a joy and brings a smile to my face every minute of every day. I honestly get teary when I think about my children and how lucky I am to have them. My family is very blessed!

Happy 4th Birthday, Mason James! Mommy and Daddy love you very much!!!

The AMAZING cake that my friend, Jennifer made. Complete with Mason's name, initials, and the #4. It was perfect!! (The wheels were donuts!! How clever!)

The highlight of Mason's birthday party: SOPHIA!!! They were like glue to each other all day!

The Star Wars Helmet!!! So cool!!

Hair Clips!

Aubrey and Lexi's hair is finally long enough to put up in a clip in the back!!! The sides still fall out, but it looks SO cute!!!
These photos are a little dark for some reason, but you get the idea... and yes, those are Mason's old pj's!! :)

A new tank....finally!

As most of you know, since before Christmas, "Fireman Mason" has been asking for a tank....a fire tank! You know, the air tanks that go on your back? We have searched high and low for one and finally found a company that sold them, but they have been sold out since November!!! Finally, Brittany found a website that explained how to make them, and told Wayne about it. Who knew that an empty soda bottle could come in so handy!! Well, Wayne "the tool man" Kenimer went to work! He even has a mask on there, complete with a hose and reflector tape!!! Honestly, this looks so much better than the one we would have bought for $11.95, had it been available!!!

Mason just LOVES it!!!!!

He is holding the mask here...you cant see it that well, but it is a real mask!!