News and Parties and all that

So. I had a post ready yesterday – on France. This is my hardest subject, by the way, because it requires that I get out of my comfort zone and notice (and photograph) things that you would not see if you don’t live here. Or I have to use my tired brain to make creative vocabulary lessons that are informative and fun. It doesn’t come easily when I have a lot on my mind.

It’s not that the other subjects don’t require work. I usually prepare and study for the faith posts throughout the week. And the recipes usually take some planning and organisation. The family posts are generally easy-peasy, and are, of course, the extended family favourites.

(My computer auto-corrects in British English and I’m too lazy to correct it).

Anyway, so I had a post for yesterday, but I decided in honour of Thanksgiving to hold off until next Thursday. That – and I’m still swamped. I’m still editing my book, but this time in the final layout form, which makes errors jump out of the text more clearly. I’m trying not to panic about all the split infinitives, one-word sentences, too many commas, not enough commas, lack of flow and potential typos that will all reflect poorly on the author. It’s hard to be a perfectionist on a 440-page document. Oh yes. The book will be 440 pages, less however much we can reduce the font.

Sooo . . . I’ll be taking another mini, self-imposed hiatus this coming week. Perhaps not the whole week – just until I can get everything done to get the book ready. This weekend I’m also dressing up and going on a date with my husband to a charity gala. And I’m wearing heels!

But I’m also contributing two gluten-free cakes to the said gala, one of which is the mocha chocolate cake I posted here, and the other is an even more complicated cake, which I’ll post on the next available Tuesday if it’s a success. I’m making an Opéra cake. gulp. Why do I do this to myself?

In the meantime, since it’s family day, let me tell you all about the parties we’ve been having! It was my birthday and my husband cooked. I turned 44. (Ten of me would make the number of pages in my book). And I got super cute cards like this:

and this

and this

And then there was a festive circus party with 12 five-year olds in honour of our youngest. William was so excited to have his friends from school over for the first time.

I swear, next week I am off duty from all social engagements!

Helium balloons are a must, of course.

I made a multilayered rainbow cake with whipped cream for frosting.

But I think the kids preferred the clown cupcakes.

When they could get their attention off the helium balloons, that is.

Everyone attacked the spoils

and William opened his presents. With help.

And then, of course, there was the piñata.

(Oh look! My computer auto-corrects in Spanish too).

Juliet handed out the bags for the loot.

And everyone got a turn to beat that sturdy circus tent piñata.

Until – weary, battered and broken . . . it gave in.

Hunter was all “What is going on?”

“And why am I not invited?”

But for William, the day was a huge success. His friends came, they ate cake, they played with every ounce of energy they could possibly get from that sugar high, and they trashed the place. What more could you ask for in a party?

So this guy was happy, which is all that matters.

I, however, can relate to the piñata.

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