Hello Cupcake

4:57 am Thursday:  As a mother of almost 3 year old Ernie and 15 month old Bert, the occasions of birthdays and holiday celebrations have assumed new and magnificent meaning.  With Ernie's birthday only weeks away, I am searching do-able ways to make this "first "real birthday" memorable and happy for him.  (From my own childhood, I have some memorable ones, but no real "happy ones").
With deficiencies in experience, time, energy, and money,  I still remain excited, not overly confident... but inspired. 

Since we have no friends or family  Ernie likes his space and prefers quieter times, we are only inviting 3 families.  Because of his nap schedule, we are hosting a brunch event.  For his diminished fear and growing interest in bounce houses, we have decided to get one for the day.

For his fascination with Cookie Monster, I am pretending to plan to make the following cupcakes.  My husband often mocks my inclination to underestimate the totality of all tasks. 

But seriously, how hard can it be.   I have never made cupcakes, ever.  Primarily for lack of my cupcaked childhood, cupcaking mother as role model, and occasions to bake cupcakes.
Let's see.  What possible outcomes might the following equation yield with regards to "birthday party" throwing:

 desire + sensitivity + (possible)procrastination

inexperience x general lack of creativity x holiday demands

8:22pm:
Hours of thought later:  Easy Peezy.  Mix Duncan Hines cake batter.  Pour into little papery cup things. Bake for specified time.  Wrangle Andy for his precision and detail orientation to do the rest cut slit and insert cookie after frosting and rolling with sprinkles. Observe. Manage. Micro-manage. Share cupcakes and story on day of celebration.

Must research how to make googlie eyes.

If you have read my post detailing my likeness to Martha Stewart(you can click here or here to read because I am soooo interesting and witty),  you will understand the significance of my intentions and apprehensions. 

9:00pm:
Just returned from the market....with Funfetti cupcake mix and frosting.   Did not see googly eye makers or blue sprinkles.  Probably just as well since it is unlikely that I would have created the perfectly matched shade of blue frosting...or is it icing?  Whatever.  These colorful little confections will be ideal.

With an orange candle, his favorite people, and some pretty cool gifts, it will be perfect.  Affirmation:  Ernie just glimpsed this picture and exclaimed, "Look mamya, I like those.  I have one now?"  Thankfully, that is without having seen the cookie monster photo.  It is going to be a great celebration.

Who knows?  Maybe we will just make the cookie monster cupcakes for fun one day when there is no pressure of time or for party perfection.  Thank you Ernie for teaching me about celebration.