Clover Lane

Our 18 yr old niece also insisted on the Barbie cake for her last birthday. I thought she was sort of joking, too, but apparently it's the thing to do!

Such a funny post, Sarah! I was howling with laughter! And kudos to you for making the Barbie cake- you're a braver woman that me!

oh wow that cake looks fantastic!!!!

Your girl Abbey is a beauty. Many of her photographs just say "grace" to me. She is the girl everyone will want for their friend.

Happy Birthday Abbey! What a wonderful celebration! I tried the Barbie cake earlier this year, didn't work for me but I'm determined to try again. Those DQ cakes were my absolute FAVORITE when I was growing up!!! Your posts always crack me up. Blurry pictures I love them too! What a beautiful daughter you are raising you should be so proud.

I hope my daughter grows up just as lovely as yours...both inside and out. Happy Birthday to your girl :)

I agree--she exudes grace. Love her confidence! I love to watch people with daughters a little older than ours and see how fun preteens and teenagers can be, Because I admit--it's making me a bit nervous!!

Looks like a perfect celebration, even down to the mascara and pimple cream:-) I'm with you, these years are spectacular, and as much as I miss them as babies, I love seeing who they are growing into.
(I have a 13 year old and am always on the look out for cute, age appropriate clothing like the adorable yellow top Abbey has on. I'm curious if you would share some of the places you have success in clothes shopping?)

What a great idea for a barbie cake! ahha!

Did Abbey cut some bangs? I love them.

My girls had those Barbie cakes from the time they were little-even though they never played with Barbie-lol There used to be a little shop here that made them and they were kind of a labor of love for the area. I think I paid $10.oo and it finally went up to $12.00. Of course, back then, you could buy a regular cake for $3-$4.00.

Your birthday girl is lovely. I like the pics of the family making fun of you-that's the kind of encouragment we get around our house too;>) Diana

Watching Abbey grow up reminds me so much of my own growing-up years!

ps- Love the pics of the boys making fun.

pss- LOVE that fudge!!!

Wow, what wonderful pictures - beautiful birthday girl and QUITE and impressive cake! How do you do it?

Fabulous cake, precious birthday girl, funny, funny post!

But in the end, all I can think about is, "Where on earth did Sarah get that amazzzzzzzing paper towel holder?"

I think I need one! :)

LOVE the Barbie cake! That is genius! And I am impressed you only said one bad word while making that cake...I think they would've been flying out my mouth :(

Your cake looks amazing! I'm so impressed. I totally would have choked up 40 dollars just so I didn't have to mess with it.

Happy b-day to your special Abbey. She is so beautiful!

That's great. I made sure to show my 13 year old, soon to be 14, that Abbey got herself a new bike. No electronics, right? Way to go, Mom!!!! Happy Birthday to you, Abbey. :)

What a fun birthday. I love her presents too! What more could a girl ask for? Good job on the cake Mom!!

I'm so glad I'm not the only mom in the universe with practicality on the brain when it comes to birthday presents!

When my Southern California husband wrinkled his nose at the pack of gum and socks I could afford for our first celebration of his birthday together as newlyweds -- I nearly beat him with the socks and ate all of his gum.

Love this! -- and the male mockery :)

Looks like a fun bday, perfect for a teenage girl!
I just want to say, I've been stopping by Clover Lane for awhile now and I am always drawn back by the unwaivering family values and the strong investment in parenting and the great pics :)
I'm reading a book right now called "Hold on to Your Kids" and it talks about HOW IMPORTANT family is and how a child's attachment to their family is irreplaceable in their life.
It looks like you're giving your kids a great touchstone in this world that they can confidently look to when they're trying to figure things out.

Fantastic cake! I'm impressed! Also loved the way littlest brother was looking adoringly at Abbey in front of the cake! Sweetness!

Happy Birthday Abby! What a pretty girl! I'm a Huge fan of ice cream cakes! Yum!

Your cake is very impressive! Your birthday celebration looks like fun. I love the fruit kabobs!

She is so beautiful! I got a little teary because my Evie will be turning 14 before I know it. I am going to peek in at her sleeping body in the crib.

Hi Sarah,
I've had fun going through several of your posts tonight. I will definitely be back. Great cake. I have to admit I actually bought one from the store a few years back. I can't believe you figured out how to bake one. I need to look into this. My littlest is turning 7 next month and LOVES Barbie. Thanks for the inspiration.