All Sports for Elliot's 7th Birthday

Great-nephew, Elliot, requested "all sports except soccer and volleyball," for cookies to share with his friends at his birthday party.  I was surprised that soccer wasn't included because he enjoys playing the game.  I'd like to think that we have a special connection and he just KNEW that soccer and volleyballs are two of my least favorite cookies to create.  However, I think the decision was probably due to a conversation that went something like this:
Mom: "What cookies would you like for your birthday this year?"
Elliot:  "Sports."
Mom:  "What sport?"
Elliot:  "All of them."
Mom:  "Nooooo way!  That's way too many cookies."

Elliot probably smiled, pondered (he does that), and eventually eliminated two sports.

I decided that the treat bags would have seven cookies for Elliot's seventh birthday.

Mini footballs, basketballs, baseballs, and tennis balls. . .

Hockey because it is one of Elliot's favorite sports . . .

Bowling in honor of Great-Uncle Matt . . .

and golf.

 Since it is Elliot's special day, I even added a few soccer and volleyball cookies as a surprise just for him in a package that he will have at home with his family.

Happy Birthday, Elliot! On the field or on the ice, you are an all-star in our hearts!

Celebrating Graduation with Friends

A football theme for Jack .  .  .

Traditional diplomas, caps and tassels for Mya .  .  .

A Grenadier and a U of I t-shirt peeking through the green and gold for Andrea .  .  .

References:
Creative use of cutters:  Upside down Snowman for the football player.  Flower for the mini diploma.
Football player tutorial:  http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2014/09/decorated-football-player-cookie/
Mini diploma:  http://www.madriscookiekitchen.com/
Standing Graduate:  http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2013/05/standing-graduate-cookies/
Tassel: http://kimsmom76.blogspot.com/2014/05/graduation-tassel-cookies.html

Kaley's Senior Night

Kaley just celebrated her 17th birthday, is a senior in high school, a cheerleader, a softball player, a coach for Special Olympics, a member of the National Honor Society and the oldest of my great nieces and nephews.  Can you tell that I am just a bit proud to be her great-Aunt?

Tonight is Senior Night with special recognition for the senior members of the football team, cheerleaders,  marching band,  and pom-pon squad.  It's going to be chilly out there, but I will be watching, cheering and probably shedding a few tears thinking about how fast she has grown up.

One of my favorite things about baking cookies is the opportunity to create designs to celebrate the special events in the lives of my family and friends.  I always try to think of something new that will surprise the kids in the family on their special days.

The stick figure cheerleaders were free hand and I think they will make Kaley smile her very special smile.   











For years I have admired the stadium cookies that I have seen on line, so this was a great opportunity to make my version of the design.





Love and cheers to a very special girl!

Kaley with Mom and Dad