There's a 12 Year-Old in the House!

~ Blayne ~

How is it that he's already 12?

Wasn't he my blue-eyed baby just yesterday?

*sigh* 

What is a mom to do? I've heard that a ton of bricks on the the head will keep them from growing, but I just can't bring myself to make them bear that load...

...they must grow up. 

They also get sneakier, and talk their parents into letting them have their "big" present(s) early. His excuse: He needed his Nintendo DS in time for the Texas road trip. Okay, it was only a week early, and...

...the kid had a point.

(He saved up his allowance and added his birthday money to purchase this DSi.)

How can I say "no" to that face?

Unlike his younger brother, Blayne's taste buds craved a more upscale birthday dinner. I was in such a hurry to get things finished in a timely manner, that I forgot to take some fancy dinner photos. I did catch a couple of quick shots:

Pecan Crusted Ham & Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

Garlic Potatoes with Rosemary, Parmesan, and Fluer De Sel

(That's French for "fancy salt.")

I also served broccoli and dip, but who want's to see a pic of that? Oh, and there was some fancy sparkling cider that we picked up from our trip to IKEA. That always adds a sophisticated touch. Yes, a very sophisticated 12 year-old, indeed!

Let's not forget the dessert!

I asked him what he had chosen for his birthday dessert, and this is what he described, "A brownie with cookie dough on top." Apparently, he saw it in a mall somewhere, and was dying to have a piece. Well, he is STILL working on putting that thing away! It was a huge success, and if you would like to try it out for yourself, here is the recipe: http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/06/02/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-brownies/

It's not gluten free, or chocolate free, so you will have to take his word for it, "GOOD!!!"

I made cinnamon rolls for Tate and myself. We have to eat gluten free, and I must say that they were DIVINE!

Here is the mix I used:

The finished product (I added my own cream cheese icing).

Delish!

So, here's to my birthday boy! I love his freckles, sheepish smile, bright blue eyes, and sweet spirit. He is truly a blessing to this family.

I will leave you with one more photo of this handsome guy.

What more can I say?  

A picture is worth a thousand words, and sons are worth a thousand blessings (at least).

Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,

Layla

P.S. Due to a super busy weekend, and my catching a little tummy bug, the Manic Monday post will commence a day late. How fitting for a Monday, no? ;)