Aaliyah's Dedication - May 27th 2012

Wow - what a busy few weeks it has been.  With the lead up to Aaliyah's Dedication, there has been a lot to do and organise.  Guest list to put together, invitations to design, order and post, Dedication dress to find and buy (thanks Jodie) lunch to organise, buy for and prepare as well as houseguests to accomodate - but in spite of the chaos, it was wonderful and the day was absolutely perfect.  Blue skies and sun despite the cool breeze and everyone (seemed to) enjoy themselves.  One thing I didnt have to stress about was the cake - Dimi organised that and it was absolutely beautiful.  The ceremony was lovely and although some people couldn't end up making it on the day the love and support from them, and those that did make it was so special.  We had yummy mud cake at the church and then just a simple BBQ lunch at home after - sausages, chicken and lamb Souvlaki's, a big toss salad, potato bake, fresh rolls and trifle and then cake for dessert.  Aaliyah was spoilt rotten, incredibly well behaved (as usual) despite being tired and Patrick was also exceptionally well behaved on the day.  Someone asked us if he was jealous of all the attention Aaliyah was getting - our answer?  NOT AT ALL.  We have been so lucky with him, he has never shown any sign of jealousy or resentment to his baby sister and the bond they share is incredible.  Her gorgeous face lights up whenever he is around and he just melts every time he seems her.  Cameron and I are so blessed to have each other, such beautiful children, loving friends and families and a wonderful life together.  Doesn't get much better than that!

Cupcakes!

Anyone who knows me well, knows I just love cooking and baking.  I don't get a chance to do it as often as I would like, but I enjoy it when I do and it seems I am passing on that love to Patrick, who always enjoys helping out in the kitchen.  His favourite things to help with include stirring, peeling, pouring and measuring, which also helps his math skills!

I have included one of my favourite cupcake recipes here :-)  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do, these are really yummy!! 

INGREDIENTS:

100g softened unsalted butter,

3/4 cup (165g) caster sugar,

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 1/3 cups (200g) self-raising flour, sifted,

1/2 cup (125ml) milk

ICING:

125g unsalted butter, softened,

2 cups (300g) icing sugar mixture

1 1/2 tblsp milk

METHOD:

1.  Preheat oven to 180C.  Line a 12-hole medium muffin pan with paper cases.  Using electric beaters, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla extract until light and creamy.

2.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg.  Gently fold through the flour and milk in two alternate batches.  Divide the mixture evenly among the paper cases.

3.  Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and springy when touched.  Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.  

4.  To make the icing, use electric beaters to beat the butter until light and creamy.  Add the icing sugar a little at a time, beating constantly.  Add half the milk and beat well until combined.  Add the remaining milk a little at a time, and tint with food colouring if you like.  Using a 1cm fluted nozzle, pipe the icing onto the cooled cupcakes.

I'm back again!

I've said this before, and I am sure I will say it again, but where does the time go???  The last post was over 18 months ago and I wasn't even pregnant, let alone a mum to a seven month old baby girl!  Aaliyah Kate McKay was born on the 22nd September 2011 and is such a little ray of sunshine.  She has blessed and completed our family in so many ways.  I never thought that I could, let alone would, love another child the way I love my gorgeous firstborn (Patrick, aged 4.5) but amazingly enough - I DO!  It really is true that you can love more than one child.  Patrick has adjusted amazingly well to having a sister and truly is the most loving, adoring and protective big brother.  He idolises her and her gorgeous little face lights up every time he is around.  They share an amazing bond and I hope that it just grows even stronger in years to come.

Here is a pic of my two little angels :)