Out takes from a very busy day

And as if that weren't enough, we had dinner for 16 here last night too! By 9:30 I was rather rocky on my feet - but will do it all again next year, for there's no better cause.

I'm not a big cake eater

but I do love making them, most particularly birthday cakes for the girls. In previous years for Ella we've had 1st Sunflower; 2nd Monkey; 3rd Princess Castle; 4th Clown and then this year, something altogether different again.

The handle was a little wonky and I only noticed that I'd put the spout on upside down when my dad pointed it out, Ella loved it though, was seriously impressed and I was seriously chuffed.

One of the good ones

Blueberry pancakes for breakfast.



Getting to know one of her birthday presents.

Playing Jungle Croquet in the front garden.

Two beautiful babes dressed for a birthday dinner at the girl's favourite restaurant, a dinner that went without mishap, actually a very relaxed meal.

A good day, a great day actually, all the better for having been shared with a daddy, who for once could escape the office and be home with his girls for the most special of times.

Couldn't be more beautiful if she tried

For the dozens of tiny moments in every day when she makes me smile. For the "thanks for a beautiful dinner mum" moments. For the daily "you look beautiful mum" boosts that make my heart swell. For her patience, her kindness which surpasses any I've ever found in anyone else, child or adult. For the love that she gives so readily generously. For still being able to hold her and kiss her until I've had my fill. For the way she plays with my ear lobe when we read a story. For how much she loved her sister from the moment she arrived and how they both look out for each other. For the happiness she has brought and continues to bring to our days. For now being the mother of the most beautiful five year old girl in the world.

Happy Birthday Ella xx

Photos - day 1 & 5 years

Room with a view

Last week I posted about the beautiful clematis that we have planted on our front verandah. I wanted to show you how good it can look by sharing the view that greets me from our kitchen window every morning. Montana rubens - remember the name.

PS Please ignore the dirty windows - not a strength of mine, cleaning windows.

Wiggly fingers & wiggly thumbs

We've got a lot of these guys in our garden, some of them are monsters!

Scratching the itch

I posted about the pleasures of packet cakes the other day, but I didn't mention the actual eating. It wasn't good. Out of three adults and two children who sampled it, only one adult ate more than the m&m's and the icing. The cake had a funny crumb, the texture quite elastic and similar to that of a kitchen sponge! With my fancy for a piece of light chocolate cake unappeased, I returned this afternoon to my old trusty.

In my husband's family my mother-in-law, Helen, makes the same birthday cake for every family member on their birthday, a butter cake with butter icing and then the birthday person's chocolate of fancy over the top - perhaps a crumbled flake, m&m's for the children, for my husband dark chocolate with orange bits in. This recipe has therefore become known as the 'Helen's Birthday Cake' recipe. It's an all in one bowl, all at one time recipe - perfect for those of us without time to peak whites. Generally it's a vanilla cake, but I just leave out the vanilla, replace it with two or three tablespoons of dutch cocoa et voila. Top (in this case) with a simple ganache and it's delish. Whilst the girls eat it straight up, Geoff and I will probably have some orange segments and extra cream on the side.\