Small Successes: the Pictorial Edition

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Another week, and another scramble to find three successes worth recording. Of course, I could count feeding and clothing the family (it IS vital work), but I prefer writing about things that don't happen every day.

1. In that spirit, I'll mention someone else's success first. On Mothers' Day, Len's parents hosted 14 people for lunch at a renowned French restaurant. We enjoyed a delicious meal, and Daniel tried escargots for the first time. They were so tasty that his brothers both mooched samples for themselves.
2. We wondered if this day would ever arrive, but the puzzle is DONE! Since we finished it on Sunday, I was given the honor of placing the last piece. It's big, it's beautiful, it's inspiring, and (did I mention?) it's done. If you're interested in using it next year, let me know. It would make a great Lenten project, especially if you've got a flat surface to spare and no cardboard-chewing dogs at home.
3. Remember the three-tiered hazelnut cake with French buttercream I made recently? Well, it's not always simple elegance here at Barbara's Bakery. Yesterday was Marianna's birthday (9!), and since it's not her "party year", she just invited some neighbors over to share cake and ice cream after dinner. (To make sure no one feels pressured to bring a gift, we don't even call folks until cake-day.)

She decided she wanted a tent cake (Who knows why?), and we found a picture online. I finally got around to baking it after lunch. After arriving home from lacrosse at 6:00 p.m., I proceeded to make dinner and assemble and decorate the cake. It's not the prettiest one I've ever made, and it wasn't ready until 7:30, but the birthday girl was pleased nonetheless. It was on display for barely a minute before cutting and so did not undergo much scrutiny. In fact, the most common reaction was, "Junior Mint ice cream!!"In case you're interested, the top is a square cake cut into four triangles. They're held together with drinking straws, which can also hold up wedding cakes.
Find more encourangement at Faith and Family Live.