One More Reason to Cook

My sweet momma's birthday was a few days ago, so all the family got together. And, I had the privilege of cooking a big meal for everyone. As you know, cooking is one of my favorite things to do. So, I made garden bruschetta, hearts of palm salad, spicy salmon fillets with avocado mayonnaise, and a six-layer carrot cake.

And while I was cooking, the toddler made messes and my boys goofed off...

My mom had a wonderful birthday. She opened her presents, blew all fourteen (long story) candles out, and (what I was most nervous about) loooved her carrot cake! I was trying a new recipe, and I added a few extra ingredients that I thought would really add flavor, and I have to say....this is the newest secret family recipe! I mean knock-your-grandma-upside-the-head good. Oh. My. Gosh. I have loved carrot cake for my entire life. (At my second birthday, I screamed bloody murder at a girl for trying to get the first piece of my carrot cake.) So, it's a big deal that I can say that this is the best carrot cake recipe ever!

My gift to my mom was a bunch of stuff for pampering--pink slippers, bubble bath, bath salts, nail polish, etc. But, she's pampering herself by jetting off to the Italian Alps this weekend with my daddy to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. So, happy birthday and happy anniversary! :)