Happy Birthday to Vinnie & Gino!

Can't believe it's been 14 years! Vinnie is actually about an inch taller than me and has had the shadow of a moustache for a year. We had a slumber party for him at his dad's and he had a lot of fun. Vinnie, Clayton, Ben & Suzanna played foosball while I took pictures with my lovely new camera. Yep, I finally got it. But not the D20 like I had planned. I was gagging on spending $1500 on a camera even though it did come with a lot of stuff. But I decided to get the Digital Rebel XT instead & I am very happy with it. So I am all set to start taking those professional shots! Kids are all geared up for having a camera in their face 24/7. Gavin is the only one that doesn't cooperate but since it's a lot faster than my small digital that kid can run all he wants, I can still get him.
So I have to admit, I am quite the baker. I cook pretty good but I kick ass at baking. So Vinnie asked me to make his cake. This kid will not eat a store bought cake but he'll eat mine. So it must be good. Saturday morning I pull out the old Kitchen Aid and whip out a beautiful devil's food cake. And I decided instead of taking a chance and driving with it in the cake dome in the car, I would put the cake together at Ben's. And here is the end result:

This is by far, the UGLIEST cake I have ever made. When I put the cake on the plate, I put the flat side on the bottom. Then I forgot to trip the dome off the top & tried to put the second layer on. Here is the result. We were cracking up. I joked that it was the California Earthquake cake, fault line included. And while it looked hideous it actually tasted really good. Poor kid, mom gives him an ugly cake for his birthday.

Friday night I had my second Designing Memories party at Miss Corinne's. And I have to say my album came out darn cute. And everyone liked it or at least said they did. I am so loving this & I realize now I have to put myself out there more & start marketing this venture of mine. I had a lot of fun & Nancie was a sweetheart & came & helped me after a long day at work. I was so glad to have her there because she knew all these little tricks that I didn't so I got to learn some stuff too. That smartie girl! If you want to check out the album, I created a blog for the business and it's DesigningMemories.Blogspot.COM. And please feel free to give me some input! I'd appreciate it.

Last but not least, it is Thanksgiving vacation. The kiddies are all home to drive me crazy. Luckily I am only solo for 3 days because Jim is off on Thursday & Friday. So I am trying to plan some activities so they don't get stir crazy. It's foggy & freezing outside but being boys, they want out! They are going to have to settle for going for a ride because the last thing we need is 4 sick kids on Thanksgiving. And I am so excited because my sister is flying in on Wednesday night for the rest of the week. We haven't seen her since July & I can't wait. Just wish my brother could have made it too but hopefully he will be home in January. We are praying. So everyone, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, eat lots of turkey & hug your families even if they drive you nuts. Happy holidays!!