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!