Birthday Cakes

I have been slow in getting these up but these were the kid's cakes for their birthdays.  

They were what each asked for but much stressed over and pretty much thrown together because of time....

Hailey is 11 and Braden is 4 now!

Hailey's Favorites at 9

Hailey turned 9 years old last month!  She had a her birthday party at the bowling alley and her cupcakes were chocolate with Andes Mints sprinkled on the frosting - loved how easy they were to make!

Last year I wrote about Braden's favorites and I really want to do this each year for both of them - better late than never, right? So here are some of Hailey's favorites:

• Favorite Colors: Yellow and Blue
• Best Friend: Kieren
• Favorite Animals: "a bunny and a cat"
• What do you want to be when you grow up? "I have lots but I'll just saye one: singing"
• What is your vaforite movie? The Princess Bride, Barbie Movies, and Aliens in the Attic
• Favorite Book: Emily Windsnap, Rainbow Fairies
• What make you happy? Swimming, Singing and Dancing
• What are your favoirte foods to eat?  Watermellon, Doughnuts and Grapfruit
• What is your favorite song to sing? Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus, Spotlight and Tell Me Something I Don't Know by Selena Gomez
• What games to do you like to play? Chess, Checkers, Board Games and UNO
• What is a goal you are working on?  Writing in my journal everyday. 

Look "Whooo's" Two!

We had an owl themed birthday party for Braden today.  He got his own "ipad-like" toy and loves it.  One of his other favorite presents is a backpack.  He was able to blow out the candles on his cake, of which he enjoyed the candy and frosting!  He had a fever yesterday so we weren't sure if he was going to be up to a party but it turned out great!

A Monster "Thank You"



As my thank you to everyone that brought gifts for Braden's birthday party I wanted to do something cookie-related so I made Monster Cookies.  (Sorry out-of-towners, you'll have to get by with a blogosphere "thanks"  and the recipe below -the gifts were VERY appreciated!  I amso impressed with your thoughtfullness!) 

I LOVE these cookies and I'm so happy I have a recipe for them now.  You see, when I was little I remember my mom in the kitchen starting to make something and I asked her what it was.  In a teasing kind of way she said, "Monster Coookies!"  The only thing I remember specifically about them is they were made with M&M chocolate candies.  I always wondered if there was such a thing as Monster Cookies or if she was just kidding.  I asked her years ago but she didn't remember.  Well, apparently there is.  Amid the bazillian recipes on the web for these cookies, the following recipe is the one I settled on with my adjustments.  They turned out great!  If you don't want to make them "monster" size, just measure by the tablespoonful and lower the time to about 8 to 10 minutes. (At least, I think.  Better watch them for that "slightly golden" color.  I made mine monster-sized and Warren was really good about tearing off just a piece and eating that...I, however, had to have the WHOLE cookie, so: Baker-Beware!)

Enjoy!

Monster Cookies

1 1/4 cups peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon corn syrup
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup M&M's plain chocolate candy

Heat oven to 350°.  Cream butter, peanut butter and the granulated and brown sugar together.  Add beaten eggs, baking soda, corn syrup and vanilla.  Mix well. Stir in oats, chocolate chips, and M&M's.  Drop by ¼ cup sized balls onto cookie sheets.  Bake 12-15 minutes, or just until slightly golden brown.

Braden's 1st Birthday (Part 3)

I made Cookie Monster cupcakes and we also had cookies and milk.  Yum!  I couldn't get a smile out of Braden the whole time.  He didn't know what to make of all the hoopla but he devoured his cupcake and a couple cookies!

Braden's 1st Birthday (Part 2)

After everyone ate lunch, the presents were wheeled out in his new wagon.  He got way too many presents and I now need to have another yard sale!  I didn't wrap many, for obvious reasons, but there were a few that were wrapped and I gave them to his older cousins to open since they know what the whole present thing is all about (pour Lorenzo got socks to open!).  The wagon was a big hit and I can't wait for summer!

Braden's 1st Birthday (Part 1)

Braden turned 1 this last Friday!

A Few of His Favorite Things

• Listening to music and dance.  When music starts playing in another room he will drop what he's doing and go listen and watch.  He will also request singing or let everyone know that the music stopped and he wants more.
• He loves to watch T.V., especially Nick Jr.'s Moose.
• His favorite toys are balls and anything with a button he can push so music plays.
• We repeat Pat-a-Cake several times a day.  He requests it by either clapping or "rolling" his hands and saying very seriously, "Woa - woa" (Roll - roll).
• Words he says: Done, Knock, Mama, Dada, Roll, Ball

First Birthday

Happy Birthday, Hailey!

We love you very much!