It's become tradition that Ryan and I celebrate each Resident Assistant's birthday with the entire RA staff. We bake a cake, a dessert we think they might enjoy, or some fun recipe I've been eyeing. We often get comments from passers-by that the hallway in the dorm is smelling especially good, and they wonder what we're baking that smells so good... perhaps they're hoping to sample some of the goodness, but we save it only for the RA staff. Then we light the candles, which is a rare occurrence in on-campus buildings, since the students aren't allowed to burn candles (or anything, for that matter). Then we reveal the cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday boy or girl.
I selfishly really enjoy this tradition. It gives me the excuse to bake something new, exciting, and awe-inspiring. The students "ooo" and "ahhh" over the cakes as if they're the best thing they've eaten all week. Perhaps the truly are the best thing in comparison with food from the dining center, although I think they mostly appreciate that it's a reminder of homemade food, which they rarely eat. The other aspect that I love is that I get to take pictures of the cake and the birthday person! I tease them that after spending a year with Ryan and I, they will be twice as documented as they have been in their previous 20 years of life. I take pictures of these students as if they're my own children.... which makes me a little concerned that my own children will someday be incredibly documented-- this could be good and bad. So really, at the end of one of these birthday celebrations, I feel pretty satisfied.
This year, I've been trying to come up with fun ideas for birthday cake decorations. Last year I used frosting to write out "Happy birthday" or some other phrase... but as you can imagine, that strategy isn't quite fail-proof. Now that I've learned this, I'm trying a new idea: toothpick decorations. They are quick, cheap, and easy to make. The best part? If I don't like my handwriting on one of the signs, I haven't ruined the whole cake. These are my first two attempts at toothpick decorations, within one week of each other: the first on Matt's marble chocolate cake, the second on Chris's gluten-free yellow cake with fruit and whip on the side.
What are your cake decorating ideas? I hope to try more toothpick decorations throughout the year-- I'll keep you posted with what I try. 
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