Anchors Away: The First Year "Sails" on By!

Full speed ahead matey!

We're moving in knots today!
Side Note: Knots are super fast...nautical fast...too much math kind of fast!

Life with baby is fast moving I tell ya!

I know my dear friend Jessie would agree with me, as we celebrated her son Porter's first birthday!

Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Filling
and Vanilla Buttercream Icing

Nautical Theme!
Don't ask me how long it took me to smooth out that buttercream...

How cute is this birthday theme? I LOVE IT, it's adorable!

That cute face and invitation were my inspiration for design!

Here's a shot of the entire cake :0). Two tiers of birthday happiness!

Complete with a paper-crafted sailboat topper! (Jessie's Idea! - GENIUS!)

I met Jessie and Porter at a mommy's group and knew instantly that she was a beautiful and special person! I remember feeling so comfortable around her, like we'd been friends for years. 

Sometimes, when you (meaning I, Kina) meet new people I am either:

1. quiet and awkward or
2. blubbery (which is one way to execute awkwardness) and awkward. 

The common theme here is the awkward. 

But not with Jessie. 

Look at them!!! Aren't they stunning?!
Her husband is also, far and away, one of the nicest men I have ever met!

She has a loving soul and bright smile that make you feel so welcome. Plus, we share the love of laughter :0)! That's probably why her son is such a smiley, happy boy! 

I was so excited when she asked me to make themed cake for Porter's birthday! Lucky for me, she requested a paper boat topper and a cute little Ahoy flag (because a paper boat = fun, and a modeling chocolate boat = harder) ...and the rest was up to me!

I LOVE PAPER CRAFTS!!

 Since I'm all about the "meaning" behind cakes, I thought this sailboat was a perfect image to signify the passing of time - cause DANG, it goes by way too fast.

Let's go sailing!

I liked having Porter's name above the waving ocean waters because he is a fighter, and overcame so much to stay with us in this world. If you ever get a chance to ask Jessie about his birth story, it is incredible! What a strong family! 

Survivor!!!

A life preserver was a must. We can all use a little saving in life now and again! 

And of course stars, because who doesn't like stars?!

And a smash cake...!!!

Porter vs. Cake

 And voila! A wonderful cake for a wonderful boy and his awesome family!

Dear Jessie and Porter,

Torrey and I are so blessed that you've come into our lives. Thank you for being such genuine people, it seems so rare these days that people are willing to be themselves. I love every bit of you! Jessie, I truly believe you have an inner beauty that is unmatched. Your desire to be a good wife, mother, and all around good person comes from a place of sincerity and I admire that about you! Thank you for opening up and letting Torrey and I into your world, we love you and Porter so very much. How exciting that we get to watch our boys grow up together!

Love you!

Love You All! Take Care and God Bless!

Plus One: A Year of Beauty

Birthday celebrations seem to become less elaborate the older we get...

(with the exception of milestones and people who believe their birthday is a month-long event - you know who you are - so awesome :0).

Birthday Buttercream Ruffle Cake

White Almond Cake with Raspberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Complete with flowers!

Made of modeling chocolate! Yum!

If you saw the post about my son's first birthday, then you'll know we had more sweets and party pants on than he could ever need...let alone remember!

But the point of celebrating birthdays is to gather together to celebrate someones life! That's why I was so excited to celebrate the life of an incredible woman, Emily.

What a beautiful family!

Although I am sure every year has been special in its own way, this last year was particularly special for Emily, as she blessed the world with baby Javin. He is seriously the cutest! 

As I said...the CUTEST!
Don't you just want to snuggle him?!

If you've ever spent time with Javin, you'll know he's a smart, handsome, and kind little boy - not to mention his already blossoming sense of humor!

I've always believed that children are a reflection of their parents.

 Javin is such a sweet kid, you can only imagine what Emily is like :0).

Notice the petals are hearts?!

That was intentional people!

If I had to pick one word to describe her, it would be: lovely.

But since I don't :0), I would also like to add the words: 

kind, beautiful, graceful, selfless, and humble

Flowers full of love!

I believe her sincerity and pouring out of love comes from Jesus - she is truly a person who glows.

God's light pouring blessings on this cake!

This was a really fun cake to make...especially since it was in honor of Emily!

Crumb coasted and left to set in the fridge!

Then for the fun stuff! RUFFLES! Ruffles are like a metaphor for life. It takes a shaky hand to make them and they look a little frazzled at first, but when you see the bigger picture....

they looked beautiful.

Deep.

You'd be surprised at how tired your hand gets!
Mine kept cramping!

When I tried to put the flowers on, I just pushed them on the cake and of course the top one fell off. 

plunk

Boo gravity...but nothing a toothpick can't fix!

We were sure to the toothpick out before we ate it!

I love pink, don't you!? Especially when it's raspberry!

I have so loved getting to know Emily in our mommy's group and I can't wait to see what our boys have in store for us. They definitely keep us on our toes!

Emily:

Thank you for being such a beautiful model of what a caring friend and mother looks like. I admire your selflessness, dedication to your family, and unconditional love for Javin. He is so fortunate to have a mommy like you. You are nothing short of lovely :0). Love you!

Mommy's Group!
Photo Credit: Tara Heilbrun

Love You All! Take Care and God Bless!