Purse Cakes

D & E came over this weekend. Because I like to always have something for them to make, my mom suggested we try purse cakes. Basically you make a round cake, cut it in half, put some frosting on one half and make a sandwich. Then instead of laying it down on the plate, you stand it up so it makes a half moon. You know, a purse cake.

Because all of our girls enjoy anything cake, candy, dessert related, I decided it sounded perfect.

D & E had soccer games Saturday morning, so Zoe and I stayed home to make some cakes. Zoe loves all things that involve cracking eggs and taste testing.

If you can't tell, the batter was totally delish and edible.

After dinner on Saturday night, we decided to decorate our purse cakes. I bought Runts, Good & Plenty, M&M's, Puker Ups and gum drops. All the makings for great purse design.

Zoe was more into eating the M&M's and then shoving some down into the purse. After all, what good is a purse if you can't fit very much into it. Plus, the farther you stuck your finger down, the more frosting that came out.

E was trying to decide on some creative way to make a rainbow out of Runts. It's a tough process.

D was more methodical. She counted out Puker Ups in exact amounts per color to achieve her rainbow design.

We used some licorce for the handles. Here is the finished products:

Zoe couldn't be bothered with posing with all the frosting to be eaten.

The handbag section of Casa de la Custer. Tres chic.

Friday Five Faves - Vol 6

I've been a little lax in the FFF department this year. I wish I had some grand excuse, but I don't.

In an effort to redeem myself, I thought I'd get at least one more in before we're completely done with April.

This week I've been loving mail order. We had three packages arrive while we were at work. It was like coming home to Christmas in April. If you bought the gift for yourself and knew exactly when it was arriving.

We got N's saddlebags on Monday.

1) Yesterday we got my new favorite garage item EVAR: ceiling mounted storage. It's on the honey-please-do list for the weekend.

The picture is a little weird because they are actually upside down in the foyer and I was just too lazy to flip them before I took the picture. So I just flipped the picture. Laziness folks. It's a gift of mine.

2) The only thing I love more than buying clothes for myself is buying clothes for Zoe. The best part is that she's still at the age where she'll wear what I put on her. Although I must say, the opinions are already starting. She won't wear just any shoe with just any outfit.

This week I had some Gymboree bucks that I had to use. I got all this for 50% off.

Welcome summer. Zoe will be so darling.

3) The last Jumpers class. While I think Zoe is the cutest girl EVAR in her leotard, the class is actually exhausting. For 30 minutes we are both jumping, rolling and balancing. I'm not going to lie, I'm completely out of shape. After 30 minutes of a 2 year old's gymnastics class, I'm ready for a hot tub and bed.

After the first week we got a new teacher. I'm not really fond of her. She insists that Zoe stretch before we start. If you've ever met a 2 year old, stretching really isn't in their vocabulary. I figure since they can touch their toes, climb all over furniture and like to sleep all contorted, they're pretty much ready, muscle wise, for all things gymnastic at time of the day or night. Zoe hated stretching. It would take a good 10 minutes of the 30 minute class to calm her down.

After all the crying, hopping, balancing and rolling, I was pretty much ready for the stamp on Zoe's hand. I actually think I should get one too, but I don't want to be too pushy. It's one of Zoe's favorite parts too. She will show everyone her stamp.

4) N. He is working so hard going through school and working full-time, that I know he's exhausted by the weekend. Yet he takes time to play with Zoe, work in the yard and clean the tubs. During the week, he frequently tells me how much he appreciates me. Honestly, I have no idea how I got so blessed.

I don't even think all that mushiness and willingness has anything to do with getting saddlebags this week. He actually fells all that mushy stuff. I guess I'm doubly blessed!

5) Zoe's thought process. I honestly can't wait for the next stage where she's talking and telling me all her ideas. I have a feeling I'm going to be in stitches most of the time.

On the way to the car from gymnastics, she was starting to get a bit whiny. Then she noticed some birds and the gondolas overhead and briefly forgot about all the required stretching that made her upset. As I was putting her in the car, she realized she had stopped whining and started to cry. You have to make up for the brief moment of non-whining.

As we were driving out of the parking spot I noticed she was still crying, but she had found a tissue and was wiping her eyes as she cried.

I have no idea where she gets it.

That's pretty much my week in a nutshell. I think they just keep getting better.

Have a good weekend all. Hope it's full of sunshine, spring weather and no required stretching.

He's got bags and he knows how to use them

Since the sun has been peeking out from time to time, that means a certain male in our house is revving his engine.

The asphalt under is speeding under his tires, the wind whips his cheeks and he has to avoid the roadkill that comes with this time of year. He claims to have eaten fur last week on his way home. I saw some remnants on the highway the next morning and it was then I vowed not to kiss him until he bleached his face.

Part of me is equally excited to strap on my helmet and hold onto N for dear life. It's a way to bond with him that I love.

Now that he has work and school, he has to pack quite a bit with him in the mornings. Because he's been working so hard and actually had some overtime, he was able to get some saddlebags.

Honestly I think he was more excited to see those babies on the dining room table than he was to see me walking down the aisle. I think he actually may kiss them each morning before he sets off on the open road, but I can't be sure.

Zoe loves them too. It's a great place for her snacks, Mickey and a ball. All things that are totally important when you're 2 and sit on the bike, in the garage with your mom and kiss the baby in those little mirrors.

I guess N got two things this week: sweet saddlebags and some kiss marks from Zoe.

She's a total slave driver

In an effort to include Zoe in all our outdoor activity, we bought her a shovel, a wheelbarrow, a rake and a watering can. All smaller versions of mine. Which actually make them adorable.

I figured if I was planting, Zoe would get her shovel and help me.

I was right, she totally wants to help. The problem is that I cannot sit down in the backyard and watch her play. She brings me my tools. She insists that I work in the yard every single second that I'm out there.

My beds have never looked better.

Because I'm forced to work all the time, I have ideas about the beds now. Grand ideas. Like I want to move loads of bark out, loads of dirt in and create a play area for Zoe. That last one is in hope that I might be able to get some rest outside when the weather is seriously nice.

Zoe's cleaned out area. She has her rake. Apparently my bark moving abilities are sub-par.

The other bed. That still needs to be cleared and plants and roses need to be transplanted.

The water table that is great for cleaning off her tools. Not for actual water play.

The slave driver herself. How do you say no to that face?

Bookay

With the nicer weather, we've been able to bring out the summer fun. Not only does Zoe have a shovel, rake and a watering can, but lots of toys to play with outside.

She's been in heaven being able to get out, enjoy the fresh air and play in the dirt.

Her favorite thing in the whole world is her "bookay." In toddler-speak that means bubbles.

Lots of bubbles.

Lots of smiles, twirling and dancing thanks to the bookay.

Easter Part Deux

Easter morning was busy. After the Easter bunny came, we went to church to celebrate our Risen Lord.

Then it was home to search for the licked eggs in the backyard. Zoe needed the card from Grammie and Grandpa to get in the mood.

After all the hunting, N's sister Bev, her husband Chris and their son Micah came over to celebrate.

I think Micah gets cuter every time I see him.

Zoe thinks so too. She loves petting his bald head and kissing him.

Because N is a master at many things, he was able to get both of them to sit for approximately 5 seconds. Which is just enough time for me to snap a picture.

Then, because none of the family from N's side lives near us, we had to get the family picture. Thanks to my mom, who avoids the camera at all costs.

N hosted his famous omelet bar and the kids had a great time playing. It was a wonderful Easter!

According to N, the licked eggs taste fabulous.

That Easter Bunny is pretty cool

For Easter we dyed some eggs. Although by dyeing, I mean I dyed them while Zoe was sleeping. She has a love of sticking her hand into cups full of water. I feared that we would end up with hands more colorful than the eggs.

After her nap, we decorated them with stickers. By we, I mean I put them on and she pulled them off. Then licked the egg. Apparently you don't decorate the hard boiled eggs, you lick them.

Here's the expert sticker remover and licker in action:




On Easter morning the Easter bunny was totally not afraid to touch the non-decorated, saliva covered eggs because they ended up in the backyard.

Zoe woke up to a new wheelbarrow filled with Little Einsteins and a water table.

We haven't had a chance to try out the water table. Since we got 6 inches of snow. After Easter!

I have a feeling she's going to love all the pouring and chances to get soaked.

Or if not, she'll at least have some new squirty toys to lick.