Packaged

I had the date planned for our end of the year cheer party for a few weeks.  I had a few small ideas in my head of what we would do and eat.  The small ideas had me starting plans; but not really kicking anything in to high gear until after last weekend’s cheer extravaganza!

Then I heard that my older daughter’s cheer party was the same night . . . at the same time.  Then I heard with two days notice that she needed to bring a dessert.  I was exhausted when I read the message.  I’d fallen that day, injured my hand, and was in a fair amount of pain.

Besides working on my family, actual work, and making sure everything would be ready for our party, I’d already decided that a bakery would be helping me out with the dessert to share.  Hmmm . . but then we had the physical therapy appointment thrown in that same afternoon and I never made it to a bakery.  So we ran in to Dollar General and bought an assortment of Little Debbies and an attractive basket to put them in.  My daughter and husband said they were a hit.  I chucked inwardly and gave myself a mental high-5!

Today was my younger daughter’s birthday.  She had requested a marble cake.  I’ve never actually made a marble cake.  But, I do alright with the baking side of life and was sure I could figure it out.  Except, I spent a bit more time this week on the cheer party.  And I was behind with work because I can’t type as fast with my hurt hand.

I looked in the baking aisle and could not find a marble cake mix in a box.  I looked at the bakery department and didn’t see one right away.  The bakery lady saw me searching and came out to help.  Then she offered to write on the cake for me!

I have been mentally preparing myself for my departure from the unique cakes for the kids.  They have loved getting creative with birthday cakes over the years!  But I’ve noticed the older they are getting, the less time they want me to spend on the cakes.  They’ve been picking easier and easier things.  My birthday girl today had told me that her marble cake could be a circle or a square, “whichever was easier for me”.  When she said that, I had to call my own mom to ask when I stopped wanting the more-custom cakes!!  I was close to the same age; it seems everything was ok.

I do love making homemade goodies!  But when there just isn’t time, I am definitely thankful for Little Debbie and grocery store bakeries!  They sure helped out this week!

P.S.  I am also very thankful that my birthday girl had a wonderful day . . . and that she liked her cake!!