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when east meets south

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The party, at last

“It’s here, it’s here!! They’re finally celebrating my birthday!”

And celebrate we did with this awesome pirate cake made by Miss Colleen (who has serious cake decorating skills). Colleen offered to make his cake, but worried that she might offend me. Evidently, lots of moms insist on making birthday cakes for their own children. I assured her that this was not the case for me. Maybe a few kids ago a few years ago, but now I’m more likely jump on an offer of help like a dog on a pot roast.

Shepherd couldn’t resist sneaking a taste of the frosting

And, obviously, it passed muster!

“Let’s get this party started!”

The buccaneer crew sings a round of Happy Birthday with a few “funky chickens” thrown in

Wondering how that candle got blown out, since Shepherd had no idea how to blow out his candle. Guess we should have practiced that beforehand.

Making his best pirate face. Pirates do eat birthday cake, don’t they?

Ahoy, matey!

Forget posing for pirate-y pictures, bring on the cake!

Sophie, not making her best pirate face. Just laughing about making a pirate face and how silly that would be. And oblivious to the piece of chocolate cake embedded between her front two teeth.

Required mommy and Shepherd- on- his- birthday shot. Mom trying her best to avoid looking pirate-y.

Blowing off the pirate theme and going gangsta’ instead. How can Miss Colleen make a cake like that and be so darn cool at the same time? It boggles the mind. “Can I get a WHAT WHAT?”

Present time… Shepherd’s first opportunity at presents just for him!

G’night to all from our big 2 year old, Shepherd!
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11.09.08 · Uncategorized 37

Comments

  1. Dita says

    November 9, 2008 at 3:47 AM

    The first thing I thought when I saw that cake is HOW DOES THIS WOMAN FIND THE TIME??? That cake was fantastic and Colleen was a real sweetie to make it. Shepherd looks like he’s beaming from all the excitement and his sibs look like they’re enjoying every minute of it.

    YOU look like a teenager in that photo of the two of you.

    How blessed you all are to have one another.

    Thanks for the great photos!

    Dita

    Reply
  2. Barbie says

    November 9, 2008 at 4:01 AM

    Looks like a FUN party!! Happy Birthday Shepherd!

    Reply
  3. Denise says

    November 9, 2008 at 4:04 AM

    What wonderful pictures. And I am like you…I would love someone to offer to make a birthday cake for one of my kids! I love the picture of the 2 of you and also the one of Shep and the little girl with all of the chocolate cake all over her face. All the stuff that priceless memories are made of~

    Reply
  4. Cora says

    November 9, 2008 at 4:50 AM

    looks like every one had an awesome time. Love the cake, what a gift to have someone so talented help out!

    Reply
  5. Cindy says

    November 9, 2008 at 6:13 AM

    Oh, Shepard is too darn cute! What a fun party!

    Reply
  6. Robin says

    November 9, 2008 at 12:22 PM

    Looks like all the little pirates had a great time!!! We are celebrating a birthday over at our house too!!!

    Blessings,
    Robin

    Reply
  7. Tami says

    November 9, 2008 at 1:57 PM

    Happy Birthday Shepherd!!!! What a special cake for his first birthday at home:-). He’s so darn cute!

    Reply
  8. Mom To Six says

    November 9, 2008 at 2:36 PM

    Happy Birthday, sweet boy!! The cake looked as delicious as the kiddos looked adorable.

    Hugs,

    Ohilda

    Reply
  9. anne & mike says

    November 9, 2008 at 2:46 PM

    Happy Birthday Shepherd!
    Love the cake, love the party, love that little Shepherd!
    Is Miss Colleen available for cakes
    in Atlanta?!
    Here’s to a great third year for Shepherd, with lots of laughs, love and first steps.
    Anne
    ps we have the same beautiful blue and white bowls. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  10. Terri says

    November 9, 2008 at 2:56 PM

    Happy Birthday Shephard!!

    Reply
  11. melissa says

    November 9, 2008 at 3:27 PM

    Cutest group of pirates ever!

    Reply
  12. a Tonggu Momma says

    November 9, 2008 at 4:26 PM

    Stefanie ~ Sometimes, when I see pictures of you, I have to do a double-take after reading the caption. Because I don’t think it is you at first…. I think it’s a teen. And I’m not just saying that.

    Reply
  13. Rebecca of "China, Baby!" says

    November 9, 2008 at 4:54 PM

    These are great pics of the gang, Stef! Love it! The pirate cake rocks. You tell Colleen I said that. πŸ™‚ Happy birthday to the squeezeably cute Shepherd!!!!

    xoxo

    Reply
  14. Lisa says

    November 9, 2008 at 4:57 PM

    Good job on the cake, Colleen! And Stef…you DO look like a Teen. πŸ™‚ Very pretty. Happy birthday, Mr. Shepherd! Chachacha!!!

    Reply
  15. Terynn says

    November 9, 2008 at 6:04 PM

    OhMyWord!!! The two photos of Shepherd tasting the frosting from his cake are precious (and I don’t just toss that word around lightly).

    He is such a darling little boy. Happy 2nd Birthday, Shepherd. You are much loved.

    Reply
  16. Andrea says

    November 9, 2008 at 7:13 PM

    Happy Birthday! It looked like a very good one πŸ™‚

    Reply
  17. Holly says

    November 9, 2008 at 8:26 PM

    How fun! I remember Josiah’s first birthday with us, also his 2nd, but he had only been home 2 months and had NO clue what all the fuss was about! We just had his 3rd birthday part (pics coming soon) and he was so psyched for it…he had watched everyone else have parites all year and he was READY! SO precious!

    Reply
  18. sarah says

    November 9, 2008 at 8:45 PM

    that is one of the coolest cakes ever

    Reply
  19. Doreen says

    November 10, 2008 at 12:34 AM

    Love the cake!!!!
    it sure is great to see another wonderful child celebrate their birthday with their forever family.
    and I too agree with the rest..girl, you look way too young to have kids, let alone as many as you do! Whatever you're doing, keep doing it!!!!And if you decide to sell your secret, put me on the list to buy it!!!!
    Doreen in Montreal single Mom to Faith-Jiangxi & Mia-Sichuan

    Reply
  20. Jana says

    November 10, 2008 at 12:59 AM

    Happy Birthday Shepherd!! What a doll … truly. Your whole family is just so adorable — you should have your own TV show!! I’d tune in weekly … heck, I’d save a lot of time ’cause I tune in daily now:).

    Love the pirate patches!

    Reply
  21. Patricia/NYC says

    November 10, 2008 at 2:38 AM

    That is the cutest gang of pirates evah!!!! Shepherd’s smile just makes me smile BIG!! Glad everyone had a great time! And yes, I agree, you definitely look like a teen in that photo! TRUE DAT!

    Reply
  22. Michelle says

    November 10, 2008 at 3:30 AM

    That is the cutest bunch of pirates ever!! I can’t believe how much Shepherd has changed since coming home just a few short months ago. Happy Birthday little guy!!

    Reply
  23. Lost and Found says

    November 10, 2008 at 12:02 PM

    Happy Birthday! What a wonderful cake.

    Reply
  24. trina says

    November 10, 2008 at 4:03 PM

    I love Shepherd’s expressions! I can tell he’s such a happy little guy. Happy Birthday,Shepherd!!

    Reply
  25. Staci says

    November 10, 2008 at 4:43 PM

    Happy Birthday Shepherd!! Cute cake…looks yummy. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  26. Qiuqiu's parents says

    November 11, 2008 at 12:22 AM

    WHat a wonderful pirate cake!! And his smile is just TOO cute!

    Reply
  27. Joe and Jane says

    November 11, 2008 at 1:54 AM

    What a work of art! Wow!

    I would jump at that offer as well. (I fall into the category of moms who do not make their kids’ birthday cakes either…) Happy blue teeth to you all!

    Reply
  28. Amie@HeartSmiles says

    November 11, 2008 at 2:11 AM

    Happy Birthday you sweet little Matey!!

    πŸ™‚
    Amie

    Reply
  29. sara says

    November 11, 2008 at 2:34 AM

    That cake was SOOO stinkin cute!! And Happy Birthday, sweet Shepherd! How could he have not always been with your family?? πŸ™‚

    Reply
  30. DiJo says

    November 11, 2008 at 3:51 AM

    He is so yummy!!!! What a fun party he had!
    You look so beautiful (AND YOUNG) in your photo with the guest of honor!!!!

    I had to give you a blog award….! Check it out…

    Blessings,
    Diana

    Reply
  31. Our Journey to Leilah Grace says

    November 11, 2008 at 5:26 AM

    Such great pics! Too much fun!

    Sheri (Leilah Di’s Mommy)
    http://journeytoleilahgrace.blogspot.com

    Reply
  32. Anna 'B'anana says

    November 11, 2008 at 4:30 PM

    OK, when I post half the time the comments come up in a different format and then it doesn’t post right. Am I a goof or what?

    The party looks like so much fun and little Shepherd just looks so happy. What a joy!! Sounds like you get to hang out with Miss Lisa for Thanksgiving. Oooo, that sounds like a GREAT time!!!

    BTW, can I get your new address via email for the annual Christmas card delivery???

    bsbnlou@cableone.net

    Have a great day! Thanks for keeping it real and keeping me inspired. Oh yeah, one more thing, SERIOUSLY,…you look gorgeous!!! in those pics. What a hottie your husband’s got in you (bra straps and granny panties and ALL)

    Reply
  33. Virginia and Doug says

    November 12, 2008 at 2:54 AM

    Just look at the expression on his face =). That cake is awesome.
    Happy Birthday, Shepherd!

    Reply
  34. Kay Bratt says

    November 12, 2008 at 1:52 PM

    Awesome party! And I agree..you look about 17. That is so not fair.

    Kay

    Reply
  35. Global Girl says

    November 12, 2008 at 9:39 PM

    I am sooo behind on blogs!

    Happy Birthday, Shepherd πŸ™‚

    Reply
  36. kris says

    November 18, 2008 at 1:30 AM

    i have missed so many posts!! happy birthday to your little man!! gosh stef he’s growing up so fast- adorable photos and i am loving that cake!!

    Reply
  37. 3 Peanuts says

    November 19, 2008 at 5:24 PM

    How adorable!!! Happy Birthday Shepherd!!!!

    Kim

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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