Sunday, November 28, 2010

Challenges

You know that feeling when you think you've got something down and come to the stunning realization you don't?

I hate that feeling.

I mentioned in my last post about Cassie's wedding. I didn't really mention that I did her wedding cake - and there was a reason behind that: it was not my best work.

It all seemed to be going so well - the night before, the cakes were perfect, square, and smoothly covered with fondant, just waiting to be put together. Cass's cake was a challenge because there was nothing around the bottom to cover the edges, so I had to cut them exactly. Well, do you know what happens when you cover a frozen cake and then that cake thaws? It shrinks - something I didn't factor in. I bet you can guess what happens to fondant that is hard when a cake shrinks.

The next morning, my smooth cakes had betrayed me - rippling and bubbling out on the sides, the edges ragged and uneven. The beautiful yellow details had faded to a dull brown as it had dried.

I sobbed the entire way to the wedding. I cringed every time someone stepped up to take a look. And I berated myself for failing when it mattered so much.

I've thought a lot about this since, and have come to the realization that this is one of life's lessons I needed to learn. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, things just don't work out. The perfect scenario you create in your head just doesn't come to be.

So, with my lesson learned, I present my leaning tower of cake. Despite it having it's share of problems - it was delicious. And when it comes to cake, that counts for something! :)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Sister Cousins

We have a saying in the Barber family about our relationships with our cousins - Sister Cousins. I know it sounds all polygamy-ish, but it really just means we're so close, it's not like we're just cousins, we're like sisters. This is especially true when it comes to my cousin Cassie.

We played "Little Mermaid" at Lake Powell. At sleepovers, we pretended to be princesses escaping our evil fathers with our handsome princes - running through the house with sheets draped over our shoulders. We got our "scandalous" double ear piercings together. At any given family gathering, we were sequestered away, gossiping and telling stories. We got to experience the awesomeness that is NYC - twice! This past weekend, Cassie got married. She was completely gorgeous and glowing with happiness. Her wedding was absolutely stunning and totally unique. And, trust me, I cried a lot and simply couldn't believe my baby cousin was getting married. Anyway, congratulations, Cass - you and Jonathan are so sweet together! Love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Happy Halloween!

Our Halloween brought a lot of fun this year, including:

An "Office" Halloween party at Cindy and Shawn's:
A neighborhood "Trunk or Treat," where Cole got to try out his costume. He also went through a haunted house for the first time. Apparently, there was a ghost at the end (I wouldn't know - I firmly draw the line with haunted houses). When I asked Cole if he was afraid of the ghost, he said, "NO, mommy. Ghost was afraid of Cole."University Kids had a great party. Cole was very excited to get his face painted......until he actually saw it.He also didn't want much to do with showing off his decorated trick or treat bag.
We had a fantastic time at the Pickle Halloween Party. We'll definitely have to step up the costumes if we want to hang with this crowd! Here's just a sample:

Roller-derby chick and Wesley. (Watch out, Jonathan, this is only the beginning!)
Pa & Nana:A cougar and her "boy toy."Alice in Wonderland!
We also enjoyed the Thomsen Halloween Party on Sunday:
Cole loved trick or treating, even though he did have to use his Easter basket to collect candy. He also discovered "M a Ms," and now wants to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Most of all, we loved seeing all the cute costumes and spending time with friends and family. Happy Halloween, everyone!