Change of Plans

You see that little girl sitting on her dad's lap there?

If things would have been up to her, I would have grown up to be a ballerina.

(I mean, come on, look at that technique!)

(She definitely wouldn't have let me quit that dance team when I was 17)

She probably would have loved it if I'd have stayed an art major in college, and become a children's book illustrator (on the side of ballerina-ing of course).

She'd be bummed to hear that my ETSY-cake-topper endeavor was put on hold for the "grown up" responsibilities that got in the way.

I guarantee she'd throw a fit to hear that I didn't marry that boy that looked a lot like this dude.

And she'd be baffled to hear that I have yet to start a Love-Taza-esque family...

... or one just like this.
#wantedtobeaprincess

But that's the excitement and the beauty of life. You can't predict where it is going to take you.  I had an epiphany a few weeks ago that, specifically, all the things in my life that haven't  worked out, have been a blessing.  And because I didn't do, or haven't done those things yet, I am where I am.  And life is real good.  Better than I planned it actually.  And because of that I know that God loves me.

Grateful for: being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  And for the truth it brings into my life

Gluten Free Birthday Cake.

Yes it's true.  I'm now 24.  I've been telling people that this qualifies as old.

Or at least old-ER.

Finally.

And I just had the best Birthday EVER.

Friday night: Birthday present from my boss was the night/weekend off, and so I went and had some Chuy's Birthday dinner with my favorites... or at least most of them... Jelly Man, Maxy and Emmacita and, Mom and Dad.  Side note: Emma did not wear this halo specifically for my Birthday, she'd just worn it to school that day.  She wears something similar EVERY DAY.  That's why we love her.

My Dad.  I just love him. A whole lot.

And my mom.... goodness gracious.  She bought me GLUTEN FREE CUPCAKES.  And made me a cake topper.  With Paris stuff on it.  Ummm, not that we ever doubted it, but isn't she just the BEST present giver in the world??  I keep telling her she should make it her profession.

. . .

And then after opening a few more cards/packages waiting for me at my apartment, on the morning of my Birthday (Saturday) I go to go to the temple with my awesome roommie and dear friend Amanda (and no, I'm not referring to myself in 3rd person).  It might have been the greatest Birthday ever.  I mean, can you think of a better place to celebrate the beginning of the next year of your life??  I can't!

And here's one of those packages I had found waiting for me: Birthday Puzzle from my favorite Sophie... from the Salt Lake City Childrens Museum... she knows me so well!!! (and yes, my pose is slightly ridiculous; I was trying to pop my foot to also show off my cute new shoes from my mom, but it didn't quite work out)

A huge thanks to all the people who posted on my facebook wall, texted me, called me, sent me cards, sent me packages, took me out to eat, drove me to the temple, and just sent me some general Birthday goodness!! Thank you dearest family and friends!  My whole Birthday weekend has been fuuuull of lovin'.  My life is so full and blessed because of YOU!!!!  Thank you!!

A Cake, Fronk, is made of flower and water.

A while ago I posted some pictures of Max's "Up" Birthday cake.  I said I was trying to eat less cake and instead make them for other people or make pretty things to go on top of them.  Well, I'm getting ready to make some new cake toppers here in the next few days (and will be sure to update ETSY as soon as they're done), and was looking at some old ones to get a few ideas...

Mom and Dad's 25th Wedding Anniversary Cake Topper:

Mom is such a free-spirit Maria and Dad is suuuch a Captain Von Trapp, so when I found these paper versions, I knew they were destined for greatness.   

The figures are little cut outs, and the paper on the Topper matches the papers used in my parent's wedding scrapbook.  I love how accurately it depicts mum and pops.

Emmacita's Birthday Cake Topper:

Hahaha... this was fun to make with all sorts of flowers and sparkles and butterflies and fabrics and colors and pearls... whew.  I love how tall this one is.

Well, more to come!! I've been very inspired lately with modern silhouettes and more graphic shapes, as well as bright bold colors and patterns... we'll see what artistic madness ensues...

Grateful for: Mt Bonnell FHE.

Quote of the day: "I'm a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls!" --Fanny Brice in Funny Girl