Doodlebop Cake Recipe

There were a few of you who wanted the cake recipe for Hannah's Birthday Cake. I used a recipe out of my cupcake book, Cupcakes! by the Cake Doctor. Here it is, it is super easy and so yummy!

1 pkg plain yellow cake mix (I used Pillsbury Super Moist Butter Recipe)
1 pkg vanilla instant pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 cup vegetable oil
4 lg. eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (I used 1-1/2 tsp of Mexican vanilla)

Mix all ingredients on low for 30 seconds. Scrap sides of bowl. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. For Cupcakes: fill each lined cup with a heaping 1/4 cup of batter. Bake at 350 for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown and spring back when pressed by your finger. For a sheet cake: Pour all batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cake springs back when touched by your finger. The cake is going to be super moist, so remember to bake the sheet cake all the way through the center. I like to check the center by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean it is done. If it is still sticky I baked it a little longer. Once cooled the center will sink to be even with the sides. Makes 24 cupcakes or one sheet cake.

I used a simple butter cream icing to top off the cake and cupcakes. Here that is too:

8 T. (1 stick) butter, at room temp (I put it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to get to room temp.)
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted (I didn't sift it)
3 to 4 T. Milk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (I used Mexican vanilla)

Beat butter in lg bowl on low for 30 seconds or until fluffy. Add sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and vanilla. Blend on low for 1 minutes and then on medium speed for 1 minute. Add up to 1 T. milk more if the frosting seems too stiff. Will ice 24 cupcakes or one sheet cake.

Enjoy!

Some Hope...

This morning Hannah came into our bedroom (as she always does every morning) and climbed into bed with me to watch some morning cartoons. I didn't know she was wearing real panties from last night. Usually we put her in a pull up when she takes a nap or goes to bed at night, just in case. Most nights she will stay dry. However she has ruined her old crib mattress by wetting the bed at night.
Anyway, she was in my bed for about 10 minutes and then said "Mama, Hannah go potty." I took her in there (noticing she had on dry panties) and she used the potty. I was so proud that she didn't just go in her panties (on my bed). She actually told me she had to go all by herself. I know this might not seem like a big deal to most of you, but it is to me! We have been working up to this point since December. I am sure there will be times where she will still wet in her panties and we still have to work on #2, but I am very proud of her this morning. Not only did she stay dry through the night, she also asked to use the potty on her own. Maybe there is some hope in this adventure!

My Baby Shower

Friday night was my baby shower hosted by some dear friends from my Sunday school class. There were a lot of friends and family there. We had Italian food (which was all so delicious) and yummy cake. I was touched by all who was there and the thoughtfulness of everyone. It was a wonderful night. Hannah went with me and helped me open some gifts. Her attitude the whole night was somewhat pleasant. She didn't have her afternoon nap and so towards the end of the shower she started to act out a bit. But thankfully Mimi was there to rescue us all from her dramatic performance. Thank you to everyone who helped host and to all my family and friends who where there. Also thank you to some of you who could not be there in person but who were there in spirit (you know who you are)! And thank you for all the wonderful gifts and diapers. I just love everything!

My wonderful friends and hostess' of the shower.

The beautiful table decorations.

The totally cute cake (it matches Trey's bedding).

The goods...I don't think we will be short diapers for a while!

Some more useful and fun goods.

Even Hannah got a present from her Grandma.

The clothes and the beautiful wall hanging that Amy did for me.

Just one last thank you to everyone!

The Doodle Party

Last Thursday we had Hannah's Doodle Birthday Party. I am very pleased with the way it all turned out. We had an awesome crowd of Hannah's friends as well as some friends of mine and DJ's. The Doodlebops did a great job (scared a few kids too) and looked great. We were unable to buy costumes or patterns for the outfits. So Sheila (Deedee Doodle) made the patterns from newspapers and all we had to look at was one show and a picture. Hannah had a great time playing with her friends and family. She didn't throw one fit the whole night! That was amazing in itself! I think the Doodle party was fun and the friend that showed up had a great time, but I don't think I will be trying to do a party like this again. There was a lot of preparation to get it pulled off (and not to mention I am 34 1/2 weeks pregnant)! Next year will be a small quiet party for Hannah. Here are some pictures. When I figure out how to put the video on the computer I will post it too. I don't think that will be on for a while though!

The Doodlebops: Jonathan aka Rooney Doodle (my brother's friend), Sheila aka Deedee Doodle (my step mom) and Matt aka Moe Doodle (my brother). Thank you guys for doing this!

Hannah kissing her cousin Iva. She just loves her!

Hannah with The Doodlebops!

We have set a date...unofficially!

Unofficially we have set an induction date for Trey's delivery. I went to the doctor today for my 34th week appointment. Everything checked out! I have only gained 2 lbs. since last visit, which is what I should be gaining according to my doctor. Even though it is normal I hate seeing the scale go up every time I visit him. :(

At the end of the visit he asked if we have scheduled the delivery date yet. WHAT? NO! Why would I want to do that? Shouldn't we let him come on his own? I guess not. My doctor was pretty persistent on scheduling a date to induce. So, we scheduled one for March 23rd. Now that is not official with my husband yet. We are still deciding if there is a better date that will work with DJ's schedule at Walgreen's. But for the doctors sake, I went ahead and picked that date. Now mind you it is only 5 days early of my due date. And as long as he is healthy, I don't mind having him early. Hannah was 2 1/2 weeks early, so I am thinking Trey will probably not wait that long to come anyway. We will see.

I will let you know if we change the date. Oh, my doctor also informed me that he will for sure be out of town the night of the 20th through the 22nd. Great, hope I don't go into labor during that time!

Happy Birthday Valentine!

Today is Hannah's 3rd birthday. I cannot believe she is already 3 years old. We have been talking about her birthday and b-day party all week. She has been pretty excited. Today her MiMi, Papaw and Uncle Matt took her to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch and then to the store to pick out her present. She ended up picking out a golfing toy. Her daddy would be so proud! When DJ gets off work we are going to have a small celebration with just the 3 of us. I bought a little individual size cake for us to share and we will give her the gifts we got her. The big party is on Thursday! It has sneaked up on us. There are still things I have to do for the party and things to do before the party. I hope it all goes well and Hannah has a great time. I think she just might when the Doodlebops show up to meet her and wish her a Happy Birthday. I will post all about it! For now, Happy Birthday Hannah. Mommy and Daddy loves you!

Cake Update

I just wanted to thank everyone for the encouragement and wonderful comments about the cake. I am going to make it again for the party. There are some things I am going to do a little different and some ideas you all gave will come into play! Thank you all! I am getting so excited about it now.