Somebody had a birthday last week.

Yup, it was me. We celebrated a little Tuesday night. Mom fixed enchiladas and I made a cake...yes, I made my own cake...ok by me since Mom was busy with the enchiladas. I made Pioneer Woman's Strawberry Shortcake cake. I doubled the recipe and used two cake pans and then just sliced off the top so the strawberry filling would sink in. I think next time I'd just use one and cut that in half...I think mine needed more strawberries. Otherwise, it was delicious...a very dense cake. Uncle Cassie and Aunt Lynne joined for the fun and brought a yummy salad and balloons for Lena Kate to play with. She sure enjoyed them. They also brought me a fun gift...a garnishing kit (fun tools and book).

On my actual birthday (3rd) I met Lane in Alice for a dinner with the Rotary Club of Alice. Lane was sworn in and is now their newest member. I think he lowered the average age of membership by at least 15 years. I think he enjoys visiting with the older men and somebody in the next generation has to take over right? He wants to get involved in the city and get to know people...plus it is good for business. Everybody needs a good CPA, right?

LK getting a taste of the cream cheese buttercream icing-oh, yes, it was good!

A toast to the Big 31. LK was trying to get down, can you tell? She had enough on the first toast, this was the 2nd.

I'll have that strawberry! Do you like the candle Mom dug out for me? Gotta love Sesame Street.

These balloons are fun, thanks Aunt Lynne!

Mama couldn't resist the static...let's see how long Lena Kate's hair is? She thought this was fun, or it was fun to run from me.

Notice the bottle of vanilla? That is the secret to the best baked good EV-AH! Mexican vanilla..or "vainilla" This is Danncy brand, you can buy it at the border, or in the farmer's market in downtown San Antonio, I know. it is about $9 I think for a liter, cheaper than regular vanilla and much better. Also notice the teddy bear cake and bag of cookies on the bar....too many baked good for this Mama to withstand the temptation!