My father-in-law’s birthday dinner was quite a success with everyone currently full and content. The rest of the family enjoyed huge, grilled pork chops, but instead I made myself a foil packet of baby bella mushrooms, zucchini, tomato, lemon juice, and some light seasonings.
Along with some side salad with dijon honey mustard dressing and a piece of corn on the cob.
I also made a huge batch of sweet potato fries. I had what you see here, plus or minus the same amount. 
My whole plate – I actually couldn’t finish all of the grilled veggies or all of the salad. Just too much fiber!
After dinner it was time for birthday cake!
Only after pyrotechnics. I have mentioned before my fascination with flames, yes? I am indeed part pyro.
More playing with fire ensued when the birthday boy decided he didn’t like his birthday numbers in that order…
But wait! We almost forgot! Elmo felt sad that no one wanted to take him home from the yard sale, and he thought we didn’t remember he had a birthday (the big 4-0!) this week, too. So he helped blow out the candles.
And voila, the cake is cut and I felt my cake couldn’t have been any prettier. For the cake I used this vegan white cake recipe and added two containers of sprinkles, and for the frosting I used this vegan buttercream icing.
I remember several of you saying that you always buy your cards and can’t imagine making them, but I wanted to share two homemade cards. This first one is made by my sister-in-law, Jordan. She seriously makes the most beautiful cards ever, her cards are always my favorite. 
She really needs to start her own etsy shop or own customizable card business or something!
Then this one from Ross made everyone laugh. It’s a store bought card but he definitely added some homemade touches with the pictures of him, his brother and his sister.
On that note, I am exhausted and headed to bed! Busy day tomorrow with a run, church, an engagement party and a possible trip to Costco with my in-laws! (I hear there’s cheap almond butter to be found!). Have a beautiful evening friends.
Fun birthday!!!! The cards are amazing… Ross’ is so funny!
And I love that Elmo helped blow out the candles.
The cake looks amazing! So fun & pretty… and yummy looking too!
ha the elmo and card are too funny. i love personalizing cards
Ahah Love the cards!
The cake looks so good and colorful. Glad you had a good time!
And PB too. LOL Elmo and cards and cake. Let’s go back to childhood
I love it looks like a great time with yummy food. I wish veggies filled me up.
yay for funfetti! and i love your card! so creative!!!
Oh wow, that foil packet looks delicious! And the cake looks amazing. Funfetti is my favorite kind of cake, and the icing looks delicious with the sprinkles
And that card is too funny!
Great cake, Linds! I bet your fil (and Elmo) appreciated it so much! And Jordan’s card is gorgeous!! She should def look into doing something like that professionally. And Ross’ card is funny…my Nana used to do her own personalization to cards, too. Brings back warm and fuzzy memories
Have fun at Costco!
Nice job Ross! Does he forgive me for scaring him? Haha, love that card though!! You’re great.
Yay! What a great celebration!
I’m glad everything turned out well! Your dinner and the cake look yummy. And the Elmo photo is too cute
You family looks like a blast!
That funfetti cake is so pretty!
Your cake is gorgeous! Glad your FIL had good b-day.