Cupcake Wars

As part of our homeschooling co-op, we do a spin on Food Network's Cupcake Wars. Thanks to a super neat mom, who thinks of all sorts of fun things to do, she instituted this fun event last year. (Interestingly enough, she also teaches a Forensics Class and a fun Geography Class that my kids love!) Anyways, it is our first year participating in the Cupcake wars at co-op, and each of the kids decided that they wanted to do it. (I can't say I shared their enthusiasm...But what the hey...we decided to jump in!)

After many days of scouring the internet, my oldest found "the" cupcake she wanted to do. A cute little beach scene complete with a sunbathing teddy bear. Aidan decided on little monsters, Mads chose cookie monsters, and Cait rounded out the competition with owls.

After a trip to walmart to procure all the necessary items, the kids painstakingly waited for their cupcakes to cool. We were ready to get started! But WAIT! There was one very important rule...MOMS CAN'T HELP! Wait, WHAT!?!? I can't help? Oookaaay...you mean, my four year old is to be given free reign in order to complete the cute little cupcake that we just spent precious time to pick out? I can't even cover that bare spot of cupcake top that makes the owl look like it has a receding hairline? NO? Okay. Well, for those that know me, letting go of control is a a wee little problem I have. But now that we have ungodly amounts of colored sugar, marshmallows spilling out of my pantry, and  countless Oreos have been perfectly separated, we decide to press on.

Third place winner, grade 3-5

Obviously, when you have 4 children that are going to attempt the most beautifully decorated baked creation ever, while trying to keep the nursing baby from screaming her head off, you decide to divide and conquer. Madeline went first.
Me: "okay sweetie, I will "model" this cupcake for you. Pay attention to the way I hold the cupcake, how much Icing I use, see...I just dip gingerly into the blue sugar? Ok, your turn.
Maddie has a go...I interrupt the procedure once or twice(or 13 times), to make a "suggestion" all without touching it, and without wincing. If you had forgotten, let me remind you, I have issues. Control issues to be exact(although that is clearly not at all exhaustive of a list of my issues, as my husband, friends, children will tell you.) Anyway, I digress. Madeline, even without my help, *gasp* made an adorable cookie monster cupcake.

Third place winner Pre-K-grade 2

Caitlin surprised me with her ability to completely ice a cupcake, apply big owly eyes, and a little beak. I was shocked. I know now, that I do not allow her to do all she is able to do! Lesson learned! Aidan decided on the cute little monster cupcakes below. A whole tray of these looks adorable...unfortunately they were not destined to win any prizes. :(

The "creating" scene was pretty much the same all around. Except for Anna of course. She really was awesome the whole way around and she needed little to no direction at all. Although, those darn paper umbrellas are ridiculously hard to find. I went to 4 different stores. Why don't people want to make themselves and their drinks fancy with a little paper umbrella? There were plenty of cocktail swords, little frilly toothpicks, but no umbrellas. Anyway, it was a close call, but Awesome Hubby and Father Extraordinaire showed up after going to another store and delivered them just prior so that Anna could adorn her cute little teddy bear with some much needed shade!

Well, we got to co-op and after much coaching and "remember, we are proud of our work no matter what" speeches, the kids turned in their creations. After a few short hours, the "judge" showed up...he was a guy who owns a local orchard/bakery shop. The votes are cast.......and they are in!

The winners are......drumroll please!!!!

Anna got THIRD in her category, grades 3-5, out of about 12-15 entries, and Caitlin took THIRD in her category, grades Pre-K -2, out of about 10-12 entries.  THEY WERE THRILLED! As was I, of course. Although, Aidan was sad.

All the kids were rewarded with the chance to sell the other 4 cupcakes they had decorated and brought, and of course they got to pick out and eat other people's creations. They were happy to see all their cupcakes sell out rather quick!

Okay, well this post was almost as exhausting as the cleanup of the cupcake decorations! I guess that sweet, cuddly cute baby of mine, and her keeping me up ALL NIGHT, is wearing on me. I need to get some sleep! Tomorrow is monday, which means, another week of homeschooling! It's not for the faint of heart people! But it sure is worth it. I pray that I may be an instrument of God's love to my husband and children this week. And I pray that you can too! Whether you homeschool or not, God Bless your week! A great reading at Mass today: 1 Corinthians 13. Read it today. It's more than just a good reading for a wedding(although it is that!)