For my son's 17th birthday, I decided to make him a confetti cake. Honestly, it's a lot easier than it looks y'all. 

• Bake cakes per recipe & let cool in fridge overnight
• Using a biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out the center of one cake layer. Reserve the center cut outs.
• ​Place the cut layer on top of an uncut cake layer, and use it as a guide to cut out the second circle. This ensures that each cut out is in the same position for each layer. Repeat for each layer.
• Spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting in between each cake layer, being careful not to overflow into the center.
• Fill the center of the cake with different size sprinkles and candies, layering as you go. Leave about a 1/2 inch of space from the top of the cake. For this cake I used:
  • Nonpareils (small sprinkles that will roll into every nook & cranny of your kitchen)
  • Jimmies (large sprinkles)
  • Jelly Beans
• ​Take one of the center cut outs and cut it in half lengthwise. Spread a thin layer of frosting on the bottom of the cut out. Then place it, frosting side down, on top of the cake filling the hole.
• Frost the cake & refrigerate overnight.
• Cut the cake... wait for the ooooo's and ahhhhhh's.

I made these adorable Grinch Fruit Skewers for my stepson’s elementary school Christmas celebration years ago. They were a hit with the kids and the parents loved them because it wasn’t packed with a ton of refined sugar.
 
WHAT YOU NEED

• Small Skewers or Large Toothpicks (I used large green plastic toothpicks. You can also you lollipop sticks here if you want something a little less pokey.)
• Green Seedless Grapes
• Strawberries
• Large Marshmallows
• Mini Marshmallows

 
HOW TO DO IT

• Pick and wash the grapes. Set aside to dry.
• Wash the strawberries, and slice off the top of each one. Then, place them cut side down on a paper towel.
• Cut the large marshmallows in half.

TIP:  Make sure the fruit is dry before stacking it with the marshmallows.
 
To assemble a Grinch, place the items on the skewer in this order:
​
Grape
Large Marshmallow Half
Strawberry (Upside Down)
Mini Marshmallow
 
Viola! You just made yourself a Grinch. I paired these cuties with a simple baggie of rainbow colored fruit, and packaged them all in Christmas themed containers.

Our family had so much fun with the Elf on the Shelf. We started it when he was about 9 years old, and continued it until he was about 13. My son would request the return of SJ, his elf, because “it just wouldn’t be Christmas without him.” Melt. My. Heart. Sweet boy, I would move mountains for you, so if you want an Elf on the Shelf, you’re going to get the best Elf on the Shelf ever. And so we did.
 
If the thought of creating something completely over the top every single night stresses you out, Here are some tips:
​

• Keep it simple. The elf can simply move from room to room, hide in the refrigerator, or climb the Christmas tree. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
• Use their toys. Have fun with it!
• Use what you have around the house. One night a shelf collapsed in our laundry room. Disaster, right? Wrong. Put the elf on top of the mess and viola. Elf on the Shelf mischief… and it was hilarious!
• The best tip I can give you is to PLAN AHEAD. Plan the whole month in advance if you can. Once you have your plan for each day, set a reminder in your calendar so you don't forget.

 
My son would cackle with laughter each morning when he saw the mischief that SJ created. THAT is what it was all about for me. Seeing his face light up was everything. From shredding a snowman, to “making” cookies SJ created some pretty fun memories for our family.

Some of my favorites...

When your child visits the other parent...

We have our son the majority of the time, but when he would visit his biological mother, I would come up with cute ways for SJ to let my son know that he'd be right there waiting for him when he came back home. 

Merry Christmas y'all!

​I take him to doctor appointments, go to parent teacher meetings, and make his meals. I teach him right from wrong, table manners, how to say yes ma’am, no sir and y’all. I take care of him when he’s sick, encourage him when he’s down, and I love him unconditionally.

To all of my fellow step parents out there… I see you. I know how much you carry on your shoulders and the heaviness in your heart. Don’t stop. Keep charging forward. Keep loving that child unconditionally. You’re making a difference.
 
Love. Never. Fails.

Stepmom Support
If you’re a stepmom and looking for support, I am a huge fan of Stepmom Magazine. It’s an incredible resource that talks about tough topics, helpful tools, support and encouragement. “Because even when it’s good… it’s complicated.”