Teen Birthday Party- Before & After Preparation Photos

We celebrated our oldest son's 17th birthday this past weekend. (Gee, that went fast.)

The birthday boy requested a "Rainbow Cake" which I've never made before.
Basically, you make a batch of white cake batter-



Then, divide the batter into six bowls, and use food coloring to create vivid purple, blue, red, yellow, orange, and green batter.


Next, layer the colored batter in pan. I used the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple color configuration for the rainbow. Here is the colorful mixture, all layered and ready for baking.


Bake as directed, and frost with either whipped cream or buttercream frosting.

I had to take this photo quickly, the cake went fast!

We had 60+ guests invited to the party, and rain was in the forecast, so we rented a tent for the backyard.
It's a big job to put up the tent, Charley wants to socialize.


The tent and boxing bounce house all set up and ready for action, my son and his friend get ready to Party!

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Giving Thanks...

Thanksgiving is this week and I always like to really sit back and think of what I am thankful for. It seems cliche, maybe trivial, but it's really the only way to visualize what we have and realize that we have it pretty good.

Good things and bad things happen all the time but I have to count my blessing and be thankful for:

... the roof over my head.
... the boyfriend that makes me laugh the moment I get home, fall asleep, and wake up.
... my father who supports me so that I can achieve my dreams.
... for my job, for no matter how it makes things difficult it pays rent and puts food on the table.
... my cat Martin for being my best friend.
... my legs, for being able to get me to where I need to go everyday. I am working to make you stronger!
... the sun, and it's energy.
... certain friends of mine, for listening and being interesting.
... my blog friends, for sharing insight and creativity.
... America, no matter how much I complain about you I know how important my rights are here and how in many places it just would not be so.
... the printed word. I love getting more information. A brain (unlike a tummy) can never be too full!


What are you thankful for? Go ahead and write it down!

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