I had been stressing about this "party" for weeks. I really wanted to keep it simple and absorbe and enjoy the moment but at the same time I had this need for it to be perfect. I scoured the internet for ideas and just plain stressed.
I found this really great idea for a "rainbow cake" on Pinterest and then I stressed over whether or not I should make the cake and frosting from scratch or box….good lord so many freaking decisions. Just like everythign else involved with parenting…what is the best decision for my kid?!
Well I opted for cake from a box and frosting made from scratch. I made a test cake a few weeks before because I do NOT bake. But when the day came to make the "real" cake, I changed my cake mix. BIG mistake! Apparently when you live at almost 6000 feet above sea level you really DO need to follow the high altitude instructions. Each colorful layer was super, super, SUPER moist and as soon as I tried to frost it the cake would just peel away. I was devastated.
I sent my dad out to buy a crappy store bought cake but my wonderful husband insisted we try to make the homemade cake work. This was such a special day and I just wanted everything to be flawless for Jack but J reminded me what the day was really about…it wasn't about the perfect rainbow cake, it was about love and celebration that we all made it through the first year. The resulting cake was not perfect or really even pretty BUT it was made with love.
Thank you J for your outstanding cake decorations! AND for not giving up on me or the rainbow cake ;). I love you.
Jack took one 45 minute nap all day so by the time the party rolled around he was absolutely exhausted. I was fearful he would completely meltdown and the day would be a wash but he totally rallied (with the aid of a LOT of sugar!) and it was wonderful.
Major lesson learned on this day: "Perfections is the enemy of completion." I would like to add that perfection can also be the enemy of enjoyment so let it go!
It was a bittersweet day and I was sad to see the first year end. But I woke up the next morning with a renewed excitement of the year to come, let the next chapter begin!
Lindsey
I love how the whole family is on Skype!
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this post! I completely understand about the whole wanting everything to be perfect thing! If I told you the amount of time and money I have spent on learning how to work with fondant to try and make just decorations to put on a frosted buttercream cake...well you would probably just shake your head, sigh and say you did the same thing :) I am so glad to hear you say this! Thanks for being real and I am right along their with you. We also are opting for a small party to just enjoy Abbie's big day. I love the picture above Jack's head of all your family on skype. Made me kinda tear up....and his smash cake...is the most fantastic thing I've ever seen! You're a great mom Lindsey!!
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