Birthday Flowers

Last Wednesday was my youngest daughter's birthday. I put much more time into her party this year than I normally do, since I have so much time on my hands lately. She picked a cake picture from a book and decided no other cake would do. I just smiled and agreed it was beautiful, all the while wondering how I would manage. I had to teach myself a whole new technique, but I think it turned quite well.

The flowers on the top are made from sugar paste and then hand painted. (I know - crazy. Sprinkles would have been pretty too.) The ruffly disk in the middle had her name written on it. Now that I've figured out the sugar paste thing, I'd like to give it a try on other cakes. The next birthday in the family is in February. I might change my mind by then.

I also spent quite a bit of time making invitations for the party. Usually I let the kids make their own, but she ran out of time, so I did it for her. They turned out well and oldest daughter wants duplicate invites for her sweet sixteen in February.

By the time youngest daughter's party ended on Friday, I felt the need for a long nap and I wondered if all the effort had been worth it. Other years had been just as fun. But when I tucked my little girl into bed that night, she informed me it was the best birthday party she's ever been to. All those hours and flowers were worth the effort after all.