A little light and a birthday party...

Wednesday was a crazy busy day.  Armen had 2 great uncles in town from I believe California and Boston and we were also celebrating my nephew's 2nd birthday.  I being the loving aunt I am (and always looking for an excuse to bake) offered to make the birthday cake.  After much thought and checking with his dad, I decided on a train theme. 

Kale's Birthday Cake - minus his #2 candle

This was my second attempt at marshmallow fondant...the first was a failed attempt for Armen's birthday cake in April. Mind you, if you choose to use the stuff, don't have your first attempt at covering an entire cake be a sheet cake...BAD idea. This time was flawless...I did forget a step, BUT I'm not telling which one it was and it didn't have anything to do with the look of the cake, so I was happy.

I made the cake in the morning/afternoon, decorating at my parent's house so the girls could go crazy while I focused and so the cake was at it's final destination.  We then scurried down to Armen's folks' house to see the uncles for a bit, the girls ate true greek food (they had parthenon catered) and much to my surprise they both ate and LIKED olives.  Armen and I both dislike them, but trying to be a good mom, I let/make them try almost everything. 

We then ran back to my parent's house for cake and gifts with Kale.  Cake was loved...

As were the gifts...

I was amazed again at how Kale and the girls' toy likes are similar.  They are about 10 months apart in age but still play with/like the same toys.  Which meant there were a few issues with Kale not wanting to share new toys...but who can blame the kid right?

Cordi trying to share Kale's new toy

Kale not so sure he wants to share with Cordi

Girls checking out another of Kale's new toys

All in all a crazy long night but worth it on all fronts.  Family was seen that hadn't been seen in YEARS, I got to expend some creative juices and a 2 year old got a great Birthday with our family. 

It's taken a couple days to recover, and yesterday was a doozy for Ari.  Not entirely sure if it's her teeth she's working on or just too much excitement wednesday, but she was quite the bear to handle all day.  Today's a new day and I am hoping that means adjusted attitudes and happier children.  Atleast I can hope right?

Yesterday also brought a piece of hope and a little peace for me.  I am always amazed when in some of my darkest moments, the Lord chooses to bring even the smallest ray of hope or light into my life. Not that I was looking for it, not that I was really asking for it, but I knew it when I saw it. A little piece of encouragement, a little hope for the journey. Such a blessing. God is good, He does speak, some days I just need to slow down for a minute and listen. Yesterday, as well as the other times it's happened, I was so glad I did.