You would think we would be sick of cake around here, but nope.
Here is experiment #3--Chocolate Raspberry Torte.

Bill does all of these cakes on his own.

I just stand back and try not to be too OCD about the mess being made in my kitchen:)

Not really, most of you know that Bill is more OCD than I am. Scary.

Each layer is brushed with a Raspberry Glaze.

3 yummy layers of whipped cream frosting.

OOOOOHHH.....AAHHHHH

Trey is the lucky dog that gets to taste-test everything that Dad makes.

Tennessee Pride

Any of you who know Bill very well, will know how proud he is to be from Tennessee.

Not just Tennessee, but Northeast Tennessee.

Anyway, my mom found a recipe for Tennessee Whiskey Cake, and given that cake is Bill's newest obsession, he had to give it a try.

Bill's first time using a springform pan.

The batter with real Jack Daniels.

Don't worry, the alcohol cooks out.....I think;)

Before the sauce....

...and after the sauce.

It was butter rum sauce. Delicious!

Just Because...

Brevin with the love of his young life--Grandma Toodie:)

Little Bit of Christmas

I really hate that all the pictures are in backwards order, but I am too lazy to move them.
JUST DEAL WITH IT!


Christmas morning we were terrible at taking pictures.
So we only have one picture of each of them opening a gift:(


Forget what you have been told about cookies and milk.
Caffiene is the real way Santa survives Christmas Eve!
Yes, that is me adding MORE Diet Coke to my Route 44.
I swear I heard angels singing when I discovered that Sonic was open on Christmas Eve.

Trey's Christmas Eve gift--a new robe

Brevin got pajamas.

Trey and cousins singing Little Drummer Boy.

Trey reading a Christmas book to the whole family.

Look at all that glorious food at Kim's Christmas Eve party.

Trey and I made a Gingerbread Train.

What was I thinking?!

Thanks for the help, Gracie and Logan!

Santa came to our Hooper Family Party. Brevin hated him.

Setting up the tree.

9 MONTHS!!!

Brevin is so fun right now, and always making us laugh. He and Trey are best buddies, and Trey is so good at taking care of him. Now that Brevin is moving, nothing is safe. But it is all worth it:) Even all the sleepless nights. Still!!!!

Bill"s "Man Cake"

Bill decided that he wanted to out do the Cake Boss.
After 3 trips to the grocery store, 2 days to bake and decorate, and 1 sleepless night---this is the result:

Incredibly red batter.

Trey helping clean up the mess:)

Just out of the oven.

3 layers of evil deliciousness.

(there were supposed to be 4, but it would've toppled)

Bill shaving the white chocolate curls.

Hands off! I know the apron is sexy, but he's spoken for!

TA-DAH!!

The first slice:)

The cake can also be called "Red Velvet Just for the Hell of it"

Great job, Bill!

This cake has inspired a cake contest with Bill, my brothers, and brother-in-law. My parents will be judging for taste and creativity. I will post pictures and results after Valentine's Day.