Monday 10 May 2010

A Very Busy Time


Look at my sweet girls.  Walking to school together for the first time with their new bigger sister.  Oh she was so excited this morning when she realised that she was going to be starting school for real today.  I have never seen her get ready so quickly before!  May that continue.  Nana and Papa also came to take photos of the three school girls. 

She seemed to settle into school after a few minutes of me being in the class with her. Her teacher was more concerned about the fact she knew no one in her the class, than me.  I know she'll be just fine, she's good like that. 

Her party yesterday went well and all the little girls seemed to have a good time.  We had lots of lovely colour in the decorations and the food.  A note to mothers planning a party for a little one, don't bother about fruit, they don't eat it - at all!  Stick to rubbish food, it's a winner every time.

The cupcakes were lovingly made by my mother.  Aren't they wonderful?!  They were very popular and some even ate the cake part as well - always a bonus.  And my rainbow jellies, which took me the better part of two days to prepare, were happily received but not many were actually eaten.  Still, I had a great time making them and I love jelly.  I think perhaps the jellies were really made for me!

And the cake?  Yes the cake was a huge success.  It was a bit of a challenge to get the lid to stay upright but we got there in the end with a bit of pink tack and some patience.  The cake was the treasure box at the end of the rainbow.

I did have a wonderful time putting it together.  Finding all those pretty lollies at the dairy down the road.  Reminiscing about the same old coin sweets I used to buy when I was a school girl.  They are so out of date  now, but a lovely memory for us oldies.  I had fun planting a pretty garden around the edge of the box too. 

But the surprise for No.3 was the hidden rainbow.  See it peaking out of the centre?

Just perfect.  I'm amazed it came out so well.  I found the recipe here and decided to give it a go after dear Lululiz suggested how perfect it would be.  She was right of course!  She always is. 

And this is how it's all done.  Six yoghurt containers of batter, all in a different colour of the rainbow. 

Look how amazing it looks in the cake tin.  I made two layers, the other one had the colours in reverse.  Not too time consuming really, the prettiness sure made up for any extra work involved. 

And of course it was also Mothers Day yesterday.  I made my mother a tote bag just before the party.  It's amazing what I can do sometimes!  And look at this beautiful card No.2 made for me at school.  What a thoughtful teacher she has.  She's only young herself and not a mum yet.  I'm sure these precious cards were all gratefully received.

And have a read of what she wrote if you like.  It's so sweet.  Thank you Lucy.

And now it's just No.4 and me.  I'm sure we are going to have a wonderful time filling in the weeks by ourselves.  She starts at afternoon kindy three days a week tomorrow.  But Mondays and Fridays are our days.  I'm looking forward to them.  It's the first time she's had me to herself.  How exciting!

Edited to add:  I've decided to make a special time each Monday for No.4 and I to do something special together.  I'm calling it 'Mummy Mondays' and hopefully there will be photos to show you on Tuesdays, time permitting of course.  Tune in tomorrow for the first installment.

21 comments:

Joan said...

You outdid yourself with that party! And the note from your daughter is a forever-keeper.

Pam said...

Oh what a wonderful post Sarah! I really enjoyed reading it. You all seem so blessed with each other.
How clever are you, esp with that adorable cake!!?? :))

Widge said...

Wow that party food looks AMAZING!!!! well done!
I am home now with my no. 4 child for the next 18 months. so fun!

sallgood said...

What fun family times! Being a mom is pretty wonderful isn't it!! Our kids (and now grandkids for me!) are our treasure...

carole brungar said...

WOW what a gorgeous cake! I'd like to see the "after" picture! LOL
carole :)

Anonymous said...

I love this post so much!

Sarah, your cake is really aamzing!
How colourful is everything!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful,just beautiful x

VintageVicki said...

I want a rainbow birthday cake - it looks amazing :)

Enjoy your Mondays with No4 :)

Me and Ma said...

Wow, you have been busy ! But such lovely memories.. The writing in the card is particularly special.. I have a Mummy Monday morning with my two younger girls, Monday and Tuesday morning are the only ones I don't cars for anyone elses children ! I am so glad Katie enjoyed school, long may it continue..:)

Crafts @ Home said...

What an amazing weekend, that cake is so beautiful, must have a go at that myself,that jelly, WOW,and the party table.... and the card, it brings tears to the eyes, well I think you deserve it,you must work so hard.

Luisa said...

Sarah, that jelly and THAT cake is amazing!
Well done, you clever bever.
x

Floss said...

Such a lovely post, Sarah! The rainbow party, with all those wonderful surprises, looks fantastic. And the card from your daughter is really special. It's our 'fete des meres' in a few week's time, but I'm afraid that Secondary Schools don't encourage their pupils to do mother's day crafts like Primaries do... But I do think I'll ask for a family meal out, as I did last year - that was really enjoyable.

And yes, thanks, I'd love to join you in some of your FT chocolate!

Croap Queen said...

What a lovely post Sarah. Awww, so sweet.

My only complaint is that you've said that Lululiz is always right, and you've put it in writing, in public. Sniff, what have you gone and done? :-O
J x

Unknown said...

I have tears in my eyes! What a beautiful post. Your girls are so lucky to have such a wonderful Mum! That jelly and the cake are just WOW!! suzie xxxxx

Jen Walshaw said...

Oh Sarah looks like you have had a wonderful day. The cake was super and what a treat a rainbow cake - I love it.

I hope Mummy Mondays are good fun too

Sewmancer said...

That cake looks great! And I'm kinda hankering after the jelly (yum!)

Nadine said...

AAAH, Lovely cake. I wanna try one of those rainbow cakes. My kids would love it! Looks like a super party! Lots of work hey, but all worth it in the end! x

Baa-Me Kniits said...

I had such a nice time reading your post, just lovely :-) What a special cake, you are so clever. I will have to try the rainbow effect it looks awesome! I love the card, what a treasure.....it makes you all warm and fuzzy inside doesn't it, thanks for sharing :-)

Mrs. Cozy Home said...

That cake is ... AMAZING!! Holy smokes!! I've never seen anything like that, how awesome.

Love the dot table cloth and those jellies are downright beautiful, I would have snapped one right up! :)

Lululiz said...

What a fabulous party, full of rainbow colours! I so want to tuck into a jelly or two, I love jelly anyway, but a rainbow jelly, wow, thats just so special. Gimme! You have the patience of a saint, honestly, to make all those wonderful things. The cake, my goodness, I am so impressed. Of course, I knew it would be perfect, and as you and JJ know only too well, I am always right, I HAVE IT IN WRITING NOW AND WILL REMIND YOU WHENEVER THE OCCASION ARISES. OR WHENEVER I FEEL LIKE IT. Tehehehehe. Hugs, L xxx
PS - I am baaaaaaaaaaaack from France.

Claire Gale said...

oh my giddy aunt that cake is AWESOME......lucky lucky girl. hope she had a great party. can't wait for my little girls first birthday party in a couple of weeks (she'll be two)....so i reckon i might be more excited than her!