Today my first born is 11-years-old. Geez, how did I get to be a mother of a tween? It may be cliché but, seriously?

Her birthday cake of choice: Angel Food Cake (high altitude recipe here)
Ever try to bake an Angel Food Cake from scratch? It is a high maintenance cake. And hell if you don’t whip the meringue into submission you’ll end up with a flat, dense cake. Try number one was a bit dense but tasty.
I turned to YouTube for tips because I was going to figure this out! Why can’t I bake a “simple” Angel Food Cake? I had to dig out my stand mixer that I hadn’t used in so long it had a thick layer of dust had formed. Try number two was perfect! I was doing my happy dance in the kitchen. And then…disaster. I had a little cake-fall-out-of-the-pan mishap.
Try number three? Two words: King Soopers. I fought the cake and the cake won.

Eleven is a big deal. It’s the end of elementary school. Next year is middle school, which I hear is scary, for her and me. She is becoming a young lady. There are so many things I want her to remember. Like, when things get tough: this is only a moment. It won’ last forever. Or, the interests and hobbies you have today will be different next week, next year, 5 years from now. It’s okay to explore everything that interests you.
It is things like that that prompted my gift to her.

Eleven Things to Know at Eleven Book:
(I saw a similar list somewhere in the blogosphere. I wish I could credit her with this idea. )
- I love YOU
- I am your biggest fan
- Keep your panties on at all times
- Don’t do drugs, alcohol or cigarettes
- Be you…everyone else is already taken
- As your parent I will say no, so that you can say yes to wonderful things
- Don’t be afraid to be smart
- Learn to bake (especially Angel Food Cake)
- Friendship and popularity are not the same thing
- Love your sister
- Never stop having fun
- And one to grow on…When in doubt, pray!

With each “thing to know” I added my own journaling, or pearls of motherly wisdom, for Alexandra. This is totally a book she will keep forever in her hoard.

She is constantly leaving me little “love notes” on my iPhone or iPad’s Notepad app. I hope she doesn’t stop doing that.

She is such a great kid with a big future ahead of her. I love seeing the lady she is becoming.
What a wonderful idea. You amaze me! The cake looks yummy to
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