Adventures in Fondant

When Keith decided that he wanted a Ninjago party, I was planning on making it really simple and easy.  And then I started planning and Keith had his input and the next thing you know.... I'm. Making. Fondant.

My original plan was to order a sheet cake from Von's and putting the Lego Ninjagos on top.  Add candles and fire and VIOLA!  Keith requested a Mom-made cake instead.  So down the path we went and here is the finished product.

As it turns out, marshmallow fondant is really easy to make.  And you can make it in advance.  I made a three layer chocolate cake (from scratch) and chocolate frosting.  Covered it with fondant and you have a Ninjago.  Jay the Blue Ninjago.  Keith's former favorite Ninjago, prior to the information that Jay likes the girl Ninjago Nya.  At which time Keith ditched Jay for Cole (the black ninjago).  He was still happy with his cake, wrong Ninjago and everything.
For my first adventure in fondant I thought it turned out pretty well. 
 
While I was making a cake I decided to go ahead and make some Lego topped cupcakes.  You can buy a mold but I did them by hand.  I used a cookie cutter to shape the squares and rectangles and made the tiny circles with my icing tip. Labor intensive but appealing.

 I also made Rice Krispie Sushi for the goodie bags.  Cute and easy.

 Here's our set-up.

 Patrick made the pictures of the Ninjagos for his brother.  I printed 5x7 at Costco.

 A super happy boy!

Keith, My Five Year Old Wonder

Dear Keith,
Mama is a bit late with your birthday post, but she is kind of glad that she is.  Today, a mere four days after your 5th birthday, you learned how to ride your bike without training wheels.  You had your doubts, you had your complaints, but you couldn't fight your will and ability.  I may have had to force you a bit, bribing you with lemonade and high fives but you did it.  That's the thing about you my son, you are always surprising. 

You drift through your day asking a million questions and telling me the same thing a million times.  That's why I love you, you have a passion for life.  You are excited to live 99% of the time and (much to our chagrin at times) you live loud! 

As we spend our last months together before Kindergarten I pray that it isn't rushed.  I pray that I get a chance to enjoy you during this time.  You know why?  Because Mom might tell you that you are a big boy but you are still my baby.  Until further notice, one of my top five favorite things to do is still cuddling with you on the couch. 

I love you my Keithy.  Happy Birthday.
Love,
Mama Lou

Keith and his 5 year old hair cut

A Happy Birthday to Me

I didn't ask for a spa day.  I didn't ask for new clothes.  I didn't ask for a fancy dinner.  I didn't ask for a new purse.  I asked for a garden and a half-marathon.  And I got both!

Right before the Tinkerbell Half, my sister-in-law invited me to run with her and her running partner, Mary in Santa Cruz on my birthday.  I accepted the invitation.  Here are my results.

Santa Cruz Half-Marathon 
Distance: 13.01 miles
Time: 2:03
Avg Pace Per Mile: 9:34

Mary, Me, and Katie

 It was an absolutely beautiful run along the coast.  There was a high surf warning and the waves were crashing high on the coastline.  The day before was rainy, cloudy and windy but it was perfectly clear for the run.  We stayed at Chaminade in Santa Cruz and had a fun time laughing and having conversations without kids interrupting!

My time was ok. Officially it is a Personal Record.  I'm disappointed because know I could have done so much better.  I definitely needed to train more.  There were other factors too.  Part of the course that was really a trail run.  For over 2 miles we puddle hopped over uneven terrain.  It was less running and more avoiding falling in single file.  That was an 11:00 minute plus mile.  Then there were hills.  Blech. And then there was my head.  I hit a mental wall at mile ten/eleven.  I couldn't bob and weave through the crowds, I couldn't reconcile the remaining mileage, my toe was blistering and it was just bad.  That was a 10:00 minute plus mile. 

My shoes now have over 300 miles on them and I was seriously considering hanging them up after this run (as in for good).  Now I want to break through that 2 hour wall (and make sure I GLIDE my toe!).

My new garden.  While I was in Santa Cruz eating huge hamburgers and chocolate cake, Kevin and the kids were building me 64 sq. ft. of happiness.  I am so happy to once again have a garden to produce all kinds of wonderful produce.  The weather is great and seeds are going in the ground this week!!!!

Assistant Mommy

Today I shall wear a sweatshirt but only the hood for the arms will make me wail like a banshee.  This sweatshirt shall forever be my hoodie-only sweatshirt.  Thank you.

Lauren has officially been promoted to Assistant Mommy.  She spends her days bossing her brothers and telling her dad what to do (turn on the tv, answer the phone, move faster).  And she is always looking out for our best interest (Hey you left your cell phone! Isn't it time to let the dogs come in and clean this mess! Let's turn the tv off (or to any Spanish channel.)!).

In the evening she yells at her brothers to hurry up and get in/out of the shower.  She helps me with laundry.  She does regular security patrols in the kitchen to make sure the baby proofing is all set.  She gives us all the look...

Consider yourself admonished.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Despite Patrick's best efforts the Callahans did not catch the leprechaun this year!  The leprechaun did leave a bunch of clues that lead the boys to their treasure. 

He also left some green milk!

I made Green Velvet cupcakes to take to the Jansen's house for our St. Patty dinner.  p.s. I am saving my money to buy all of the Wilton frosting colors.  It is super concentrated and I love it.

Thanks for our St. Patrick's Day outfits Nana!

Maintenance

Distance: 13.02 miles
Time: 2:03:36
Avg Pace Per Mile: 9:13

My weekly running schedule usually goes something like this:
Wednesday Evening run 3-4 miles
Friday run 3 miles (sometimes I run to school to pick Patrick up, sometimes I run after I drop him off in the morning.)
Sunday long run (usually after church)

The two runs during the week are maintenance runs and only take about 30 minutes.  Most weeks I can squeeze in the runs without a problem.  The last few weeks have been tricky.  Overtime, meetings and Junior League have consumed most of our evenings.  This was the first week that the maintenance runs came easy.

The difference is night and day! Two weeks ago I only got one quick run in during the week and I had a horrible long run.  I can't even tell you how bad it was because I paused my GPS and forgot to un-pause it for 3 miles!  I almost cried.

Today I had a great run.  It was muddy, rainy, sunny and strong.  I owe it to my maintenance runs.  My next half-marathon is only 2 weeks away.  I wish I had another couple of weeks to work the hills and make up for the lost weeks.  Oh well, such is life.

High expectations

Keith's birthday is a frequent topic around our house.  He asks if it is his birthday at least once every day.  He also let's everyone who we meet know that he is turning 5 soon (and he's going to kindergarten).

This morning we had this birthday related conversation:
Keith: Mom, can Justin Beiber come to my birthday party?
Me: Sure, we can invite him.  I don't know if he will be able to make it though.
Keith: Why not?
Me: Well, he's probably a pretty busy guy.  I don't know how we would get him there.
Keith: Well, how did you get Darth Vader to my other party?.......
Me: That was an extra special thing.
Keith: Did he come on his ship?

My advice for parents: cupcakes and a pinata.