Building confidence

When I was little, we lived with my grandma. Her and my mom used to make ALL of our birthday cakes- I mean all! They had the icing kits, pans, and this little book with great ideas- I can see the front page in my head! My brother and I LOVED all the cakes they made for us, and can still remember many of them.

When I was dreaming of having kids, on of the dreams was to make their cakes, and make them as special as what we had when we were little. Then came kids. I realized how much birthday party planning and preparing was. Danika's first birthday I had Sharon and Holly do the cupcakes- lady bugs. Not because I didn't think I could do it, I just wasn't sure when I was going to get them done! Then her second party, we did a make your own Sundae thing. I did make a cake for the family dinner- it SUCKED! I tried to make a Yo Gabba Gabba cake, well- I am sure there are pictures on here, but that made me realize maybe I can't do it.

For Bryce's first birthday a great friend of ours made the cake. It was AMAZING (again, pictures on here somewhere!). It made me sort of think that I could do it. I mean, not nearly as good as she could, but maybe I could. I was still recovering at that time, and thought I needed a goal. So, my goal was to make Danika's cake for her birthday. I was planning a beach themed party, and had a great cake in mind. But, I freaked. I decided at the last minute that I couldn't do it. I didn't really have much time to let our friend know, so we ordered a cake.

Well, if you know me, you know I do not like store bought cakes, way too much sugar. So, I decided this year was the year, I AM making the kids cakes. The best way to learn, and to build up confidence is to practice and keep trying- that is what I tell the kids. So, I decided to practice what I preach!

I started with Brookynn's cake, although I didn't bake the cake/cupcakes, I did ice them (which is really what I am nervous about!). They had the cakes ready when I got there, so I colored the icing, and applied. We couldn't figure out the icing kit that they had borrowed from a friend, so they were pretty basic, but turned out great. When I tried to do the same thing with the cake I made Danika is SUCKED! So, I was proud. I even made her smash cake, with a big 1 in it.

Today, I moved on. I made a cake for Lindsay's 30th birthday. It is an Oreo chocolate cake (I put some strawberries on it for color!). I did it all, and I am very proud of the outcome. (Now we have to try it!)

I am building up confidence so I can make the kids cakes. Those will be a surprise, even though I already know what I am doing! I am actually getting excited about doing them now!