Jayla has requested this cake. Um...so not my speciality. Ahem. Yes, yes, I know you already know that. I don't have to tell you! Especially if you recall Clover's poor, sad snowman cake that made her cry on her birthday not so very long ago. Where is a Holly (Panter or Kladder will do!) when I need one? A Burback would be mighty nice as well.

My girl turns 9 tomorrow. Words like half way there keep coming to mind making my stomach all fluttery with unhappy, sorrowful dread. It feels like the countdown has begun - we are entering a new phase - the second half. Only 3285 more days until she is legally an adult. Impossible! 3285? That is too, too few.
I'm thinking of counting out 3285 beads in a jar and taking one out each night to remind me to redeem the time, number my days, make the hours count, utilize them wisely, with care. How big would that jar have to be? Not large enough. I take our days and months and years spent together for granted far more than I should. Too soon, they will be gone....
And I will miss them terribly, remember them fondly. Even the challenging moments. I will wish I could have some of that precious time back. To be gentler, less selfish, less hurried, more encouraging, less concerned with the house or the computer and more careful with her young tender heart. There is not doubt.
I know that to be true based on a look back at the 9 that have already passed.
Off to attempt that cake. Hopefully, it won't be bad enough to end up here.