Dear Mama:
I know there are hundreds of times that I have caused pain and disappointment in your heart. I may not be acting as the perfect daughter you wished that would have defended you. I may even have made you cry for something I may have said in the past. For the tears you have shed..please forgive me if I have forgotten how you have sacrificed in the past....
Colorado 2006
...If at times I have avoided your questions - - I just don't want you to worry about me, my problems and the reason why I am crying ...
...If I have acted selfishly then, please understand that I am not trying to be difficult - -I just have no resources to help you out
...If I have not told you lately that I love you ...please don't doubt it... as I do, with all my heart.
New York 2008
I now realized how hard it is to be a mom...as I am also walking the same path where you were 20 years ago. Please forgive me that I did not gave you the full support you needed and the understanding you deserved at the time when you needed your daughter the most.
We may not be physically there to sing you the Marilyn' Monroe's version of Happy Birthday ...but do know that across the miles...we are also celebrating your birthday today. Thank you so much for loving me, my brothers and all your grand daughters the way you do...
Do remember this...when we finally go back home to retire -- I'll take care of you and accompany you to your daily shopping routine - even buy you shoes in Italy ! For now - -Just enjoy the monthly shopping spree without me (and on me - wink wink)!
The girls and I made this cake for you!
Happy Birthday Mama!
INGREDIENTS:
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon sugar
3 cups grated carrots
FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
HERE'S HOW:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F . Grease and flour pan
- In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
- Stir in carrots.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes
- Let cool
- Add frosting and decoration (optional)
FROSTING: Simply combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla together. Refrigerate and set aside
