One is fun, one is not. Well, in this case it is. I suppose the older you get the less fun birthdays are.
Today is my Justin's birthday. My oldest boy who makes my heart swell with pride. He has always been my joy since the day I had him with his little puppy dog ear. My heart warms when I remember him pulling the cotton strips out of the box at Aunt Marlene's hair shop - so he could take that long strip of cotton, suck his thumb and hold the fuzz of the cotton under his nose. He was so adorable but Aunt Marlene did threaten to charge him for it. Now he's all grown up. Nah, he doesn't suck his thumb or steal Aunt Marlene's cotton anymore, but he is still adorable. I think he probably has paid Aunt Marlene back for that cotton by being her computer analyst though. ;o) Happy Birthday Justin! Mom loves you!!!
Goodbyes are not much fun. I say goodbye a lot at my job. Students come and go. The ones that take the time to come into the office and know you - they are the ones that are hard to see go. Some come and stay as staff - for a little while anyway, like Tiffany. We said goodbye to Tiffany yesterday at work. She is the one these cupcakes were made for- per her request she received carrot cupcakes. I wish Tiffany & Adam all the best of luck and we are going to miss your great big smile! Lesson of the story? It pays to get to know the secretary. ;o) They not only know what you are supposed to do, they sometimes make you cupcakes - even if it breaks their heart to see you leave!
Carrot Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
adapted from allrecipes.com Moist Carrot Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place cupcake liners in pan. Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
To make the frosting, mix cream cheese and butter until well blended. Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time and blend well. Frosting should be spreadable but not too soft or it won't hold its shape. If you find you put in too much sugar, add milk, a little bit at a time until the frosting is of the right consistency. Decorate cupcakes and sprinkle with toasted coconut
Moogie
Great post... I'm now a follower.
Linda
My husband is going to love this recipe! Hope all is well and that you are having a great summer.
It has been warm, but we are loving it! Loved the berry and granola parfaits you wrote about...are they the best? I ave just about OD'd on berries and cherries this year!!!
Jessie
everyone that works with you are so lucky because they get to have your tasty treats!
Happy Birthday to Justin!
Pam
Happy birthday to your son...the cupcakes look delicious.
Cajun Chef Ryan
A wonderful cup cake Shelby, and an even better story. You are such a good friend, I am sure that Tiffany is going to miss you as well!
Bon appetit!
=:~)
teresa
goodbyes really are hard! it's a tough part of life. the cupcakes look like a really sweet way to show your appreciation for you friend.
i hope you're having a great summer shelby!
Mags
I hate goodbyes too. Seems to happen far to often in life, especially the older we get, eh?
Love those cupcakes!
Ingrid
Happy birthday to Justin!
~ingrid
Cheryl
What a sweet story! Those cupcakes look amazing!
Grumpy and HoneyB
awww, thank you Yang and I miss you too, VERY MUCH!
Anonymous
dear shelby this is such a beautiful post. happy bday to justin. good luck to tiffany. miss you and potsdam so much.
--from yang
Grumpy and HoneyB
Thanks Amanda!
Claudia - LOL, you don't need to get a job and leave quickly to get cupcakes. You can get a job and stay and still get them. ;-p
pegasuslegend
I think I need to get a job with you and leave quickly so you would bake for me! love these carrot cake cupcakes and that frosting oh yum/!
Amanda
Happy birthday to Justin! Your cupcakes look marvelous, Tiffany was a lucky girl 🙂