Paula is turning 7

and I've turned into a mad woman.

Boy, have I been grumpy about planning P's 7th birthday party.  Here's the deal...in the past, we baked a cake and celebrated as a family (the 4 of us)...simple and sweet.  I was hoping to do the same thing....no chance.  P's been to several birthday parties this year and it was Adrian who thought we should give her a party like her friends.  I hate keeping up with the Jones.  So I became pissy about the whole thing.  My only excuse is that I have been CRAZY busy at work.  Working Mom syndrome kicked in (major guilt).....I should be happy to plan her party, but it was a total dread.

Let's start with the cake.  Many months ago, we past a bakery and P saw this beautiful castle cake.  Done - we found the cake, no problem.  Last week, I went to place an order and freaked out when they told me it was $150...seriously!?!?  Irritated by the price, I was convinced that I could make my own castle cake.  Lisa gave me a good idea....order the basic cake from local grocery store then go to Michael's to buy stuff and decorate.  Good plan...heck, I can bake the cake, so why not do the whole thing?  Michael's has everything!  You see, that's a character flaw...I am pissed because I am too busy to do this, but end up somehow convincing myself that I can do the whole thing!  Adrian told me all week...just buy a cake at Costco - done!  (He's hoping that would stop the b*tching)...

I bought this kit at Michael's:

I finished at 3:30 AM the night before her party!!!
It is so ridiculously bad (looks like a castle for dwarfs)....but I did it, damn it!

Lesson learned - buy the basic cake form!  Who knew that cakes don't come out perfectly squared and frosting is a real pain....grrrr!

We picked Michaels to host P's party.  They have a limited headcount, so we couldn't invite everyone in her class.  Only a few close friends were in attendance. 

** more on mamarazzi **

---Quick flasback ---
Our first birthday celebration together when P turned 5:

I missed her 6th birthday.  I left for San Diego early to start working.