My wife and I aren't brilliant bakers. We can't make the fancy dancy cakes that would sell
at a speciality shop. But we made a decision years ago that we would not purchase a cake for our children's birthday, but would make it from scratch. It may not be the prettiest, it may not be a Dairy Queen ice cream cake - but it is from us.
Why am I writing about making cakes? I believe in personal touch. We live such busy lives (and our children do as well) that it becomes a matter of convenience to run out and purchase a birthday cake. Stopping life, scheduling in the time and making the cake slows down your life (even if just for an hour) and says, "I'm doing this for you."
Now over the years, we've become more creative. My wife asks the kids what type of cake they want. My little son will say a tractor cake, my oldest daughter will ask for an oreo cookie cake, I always ask for carrot cake (with raisins) - the message is clear - "I love you." While we were camping, my son even wanted his birthday to be an orange cake baked in the coals of the fire!
At the end of the day, my point is simple: there is nothing more important than your family. Leave the stale store bought cakes for staff coffee rooms. Grab your recipe book and Make A Cake.
Semper Fidelis,
Kenton
