Cow Cake

I got an order the other day asking for a cake that looked like a cow for a lady's 40th birthday who is in love with anything that is cow related. Her friends are giving her a surprise party at the country club and wanted this cake to be the centerpiece. I must say she is cute. She even has earrings and curls.

A Baby Shower For Tavein

Tracie and Sabrina gave Tavein a baby shower. I decided to get creative. I made a diaper cake with over 100 diapers, a wreath made of 96 diapers, a chocolate cake with chocolate fondant, and the simplest center pieces.

We pitched a canapy in the backyard and hung decorations. Tracie and Sabrina was in charge of games. They were very creative in their selection and all had fun playing. 

There were many presents and we used a bassinet to hold them. Emma was a great help by giving Tavein the presents to open. There was a homemade quilt, gift certificates for a massage, baby cloths, stuffed animals, books. But the hit of the gifts was two dolls of Jared. One by Tracie and the other sent from Terry. They both have a place of honor in Jaxon's crib since his daddy is away in Afghanistan for the next 7 months. Tavein says that when Jaxon comes one doll will be his and the other will be hers. 

Tavein enjoyed her diaper cake. It had a penguin on the back. Jaxon's grandma Judy painted two wonderful pictures of penguins for his room. I'll post these when I post the new nursery at the new house. The diaper cake represented play time and the diaper wreath contained items for bath time and eating time.

Thanks Tracie and Sabrina for giving her a wonderful shower. It made her feel so special. I sure am lucky to have three great daughters. 

School Pictures

The boys brought home their school pictures. They look so grown up. My how time flies. It just seems like yesterday that Aiden came home from the hospital and Riley was attending Pre-school.

Baby Bump Pictures

Tavein and Jared wanted some professional pictures together with the baby bump. I guess this is getting to be the thing to do. With so little time before Jared leaves they had to settle for pictures by me. These are my favorites.
 

Pumpkin Carving

Tonight Jared and Tavein came over to carve pumpkins with family. They called Jared's mom and dad on Skype so everyone could enjoy watching them carve their pumpkins. This ritual may seem early but they are trying to do as much as they can because Jared leaves for Afghanistan on Sunday.

As you can see they are very into cleaning their pumpkins. First they had to cut off the tops.

Then came the taking out of the seeds. Tavein is going to roast these. She calls them a carb free snack. Since she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes she has to watch her carbohydrate intake.

They had a lot of fun cleaning those pumpkins.

Even Jaxon got into the act.

Now for the design.

As you can see Jared shaved his head and Tavein enjoys giving him a bad time about it. His dad said it was blinding to look at.

Tavein chose a leaf design for her pumpkin.

Jared complimented her by carving a tree on his. Here they show off their pumpkins to Jared's parents.

The finished pumpkins.

They are very proud of  their pumpkins.

Jaxon and the pumpkins.

Jared carefully carries the pumpkins to the car.

On the way out they pause for a Halloween picture.

Happy Birthday Tanealya

20 years ago a little girl came into our lives. She not only is making an impression on our lives but on the world. She is such a special young lady and has captured everyone's heart. She was a fighter when she was born and has proven that she will leave her mark on the world. Happy Birthday Tanealya. We love you.

First Day of School

Today is the first day of school. It is so hard to believe that Aiden is in Kindergarten. All these years we have been walking down to the school to pick up Riley and today Aiden was picked up by Riley and they walked home together. Of course I followed in the van to make sure they were alright. For the next two days I will follow them and make sure they have their routine down. My how the year fly. Riley is now a 5th grader. I remember talking him to kindergarten. It only seems like yesterday. Despite  the cold weather though, the year seems to have gotten off to a good start. Both boys love their teachers and school. Riley is all excited because he gets to study the Civil War this year. Aiden thinks three recess is one day is pretty great. He also said he got to sing today and he loves music. Here
is wishing all a great school year.  

A BABY SHOWER

Tavein gave a friend from work a baby shower on Saturday.

Tavein's gift was diapers. I made a diaper cake and diaper wreath for her to give instead of wrapping them. The favors were baby booties made from Styrofoam cups and tulle circles filled with mints. And of course you can't have a baby shower without on of my famous "one of a kind cakes".

The menu was Chicken Salad, Spinach-Strawberry Salad, Rolls with Honey Butter, Strawberries and Fruit Dip, Watermelon Slices, Lemonade and Ice Tea, and Chocolate Cake.

Tavein did a great job playing hostess. She has now officially learned how to give a baby shower. I am sure she will give many more.

Jared Leaves

So the life of a military wife brought a new duty to Tavein. She is now a deployed military member's wife. She went to the airport this morning to see Jared off as he left for New Jersey for training before heading to Afghanistan. He will return in September for two weeks and then off to Afghanistan for about 7 months. 

She really wasn't as bright and chipper as usually. Not because she was up a 3:00am, but because it hit her that she was saying good-bye to her husband.

As usual our Jared is upbeat. Trying to stay strong for Tavein.

Spouses saying good-bye at the airport is really common these days. I'm sure there will be many of these days in her life. Being a military wife isn't easy. One day you have a partner to share all the ends and outs of a marriage and family and the next you are a single mom trying to keep the home-fires burning while your spouse is off fighting for the counties freedom.

Visiting with others who are leaving. Tavein did her part well trying to be strong and give support.

A final hug and kiss as she bids Jared farewell. Our love and prayers go with you Jared. And our support and love for Tavein will remain constant as we help her get through this.