Ian's Birthday Cake: Guest Blogger Eric Powell

Kina is allowing me to write the blog for Ian Clements' birthday cake, and I couldn't be more honored.

I'm trying to think of some funny jokes and lines to describe Ian (since he's the only person in the world who can make me consistently laugh by saying only one word...and sometimes none), but I can't handle the pressure and I don't want him to make fun of me if I fail.

First things first - the cake.

Kina designed the coolest cake to honor Ian:

The cake is the face not the basketball.

Ian is a great basketball player (congratulations!) and he is also a barber working on Oahu, HI.

I have no idea how she made the cake look so awesome/realistic - but she did. 

I'm sure it tasted good too.

I'm sorry Ian, I still have nothing that's funny enough to type so I have to get deep.

Ian and I first started hanging out as part-time valet drivers. I then asked him on a date to see a movie (I forget the movie, but we almost held hands)

From then on, he and Jerek (hopefully I'll get to write one about Jerek sometime soon!) and I became very close. They became the absolute ideal of what I had been looking for in friends my entire life.

We would often have man-weekends when our significant others were out-of-town or hanging out with each other.

Side Note: Katy (Ian's wife) and Meagan (Jerek's wife) are pretty awesome in their own right...but this blog is about Ian.

On these man-weekends we would participate in atypical "man" events. We would have Nerf Wars, make paper-mache', and other activities.

Ian with his cake.

Although I miss Ian now that we live an ocean apart, it still feels like I'm talking to him sometimes when I'm at work. Ian is my role-model when it comes to working with kids. He has a way of connecting with them and helping them understand their unique-awesomeness. Whenever I get tired or burnt out at work I always pretend to be "Ian" with my students. This helps me be 50% more ghetto, 75% louder, and 100% a better worker. 

Thank you Ian for being who you are. You are truly one-of-a-kind. 

In Portland with my favorite 6-people in the world!

As Kina would say, "Love You All! Take Care and God Bless!"

Father's Day: All Day Every Day

Soooo...Father's Day was last month.

But in truth, wouldn't you agree that everyday is Father's Day? 

Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Filling and Vanilla Buttercream Icing

UP themed - it is our favorite movie!!!!
"Adventure is out there!"

Although I could spend an eternity on how incredible my dad is, this blog is actually dedicated to Eric...

my amazing husband and loving father. 

This was such a fun and simple cake to make!

To help me with this blog is guest blogger, Torrey Powell. Although Torrey is only 14 months old, he is quite advanced and has requested that I translate for him. 

Ready Torrey?

"Bah bah" (that means he's ready :0) 

Tell me about Daddy.

"Dad is tall and has big hands. I like the way he pounds his feet on the stairs when he hears me wake up from nap...I think he wants me to know that he's coming to save me from my bed that looks like a jail."

No...I did not get to eat cake.
I am still mad.

What do you like about Daddy?

"I like it when Daddy reads me stories before bed time and sings me funny songs about Duke Boogaton. He is weird. Sometimes I think Daddy likes my toys more than I do...he always builds these enormous towers with my blocks while I steal his iPhone and change all his settings. And even though I throw tantrums when he tries to take it away...he still lets me knock the towers down :0)."

No, I did not get to pop the balloons.
I am still sad.

Anything else Torrey?

"The thing I love about Dad the most is the way he loves me. I can tell that he loves and protects me and provides for me and mommy. I love him." 

Daddy and Me at Mirror Pond

 Thank you Love Bug, that was perfect :0).

If only houses could fly... :0)
I think we'd go to Italy!

Dear Eric,

One of the greatest gifts you have given me is the opportunity to stay home with our little Torrey. You pour your heart into everything you do and nothing shows that more than the love and bond you have built with our son. He is such a perfect reflection of you...ALL of you. Your strength, stubbornness, intelligence, and kindness.I have loved seeing you grow as a father and come into your own! I know we were both unsure of ourselves when we first brought him home, but look how far we've come! Eep! Torrey adores you and always asks for you during the day :0) Thank you for being a model of what a man of God should look like. Being perfect, by not being perfect at all. Just loving God and letting the rest follow. We both love you so much and are ready for our next adventure!

Love Forever and Always,

Kina and Torrey

 Love You All! Take Care and God Bless!

FOOORRREE!!!!: A Golf Themed Birthday Cake

Golf is such an interesting sport. 

While it doesn't discriminate against age; it does test a person's true character.

This is a man of impeccable character: a loving husband, father, and protector of our community!

Vanilla Cake with Dark Chocolate Buttercream

Iced in Dark Chocolate Ganache and Covered in Marshmallow Fondant

Happy Birthday Kenny!

If golf was one of those personality tests, my results would read: "Korean Rage."

The only two things that really get under my skin are a bad golf game and terrible drivers. 

I guess there are other things too :)

This is probably due to the fact that I do not "practice" golf. I expect to be perfect every time 

- no "practice makes better" for me!  This Attitude = BAD.

Although I have never played a round with him, Kenny is an incredible golfer (a sincere compliment given by his beautiful wife). 

Hole 33?

It's probably because he practices...or it could be because his favorite color is green :). 

But it's probably because he practices!

Planning this cake was a blast because it meant I got to spend extra time with his beautiful wife that I just mentioned. Jess is the best. THE BEST! I adore her (I'm awaiting the day I can dedicate a post to her)!

First order of business: This cake was to be a surprise! YAY! 

A golf club fit for a giant!!

YAY! Kenny in modeling chocolate form!

I don't think Kenny is left handed...oops!

Don't hit into the tree!!

Course complete with a glistening water feature and gritty sand trap!
(aka blue piping gel and brown sugar :0)

King of the mountain!

Jess worked so hard to plan a special day for Kenny, but these things "got in the way":

             1) Father's Day (same day as his birthday)
             2) Two Bulls Fire...no big deal

After everything settled down a bit, and the fires were contained...Jess was able to surprise Kenny with the cake...when he got home from...

GOLFING!!!!

YAY!
Photo Credit: Jess Jackson

WHEEEEEEEEE!

Jess said he loved it and it made my heart sing!! 

There is no greater joy than blessing others with what you do. 

Kenny,

I believe that a wife is a reflection of her husband and Jess is the image of beauty, love, and selflessness. Thank you for being such a incredible caretaker and provider in all areas of your life - for Bend as well your wife and adorable son. Your family has been such a blessing to us and we hold you in the highest regards! Now, go get a hole in one!!!

Take Care and God Bless! Love you all!