it all worked out just fine

Thanks for all the tips! this was so easy and good, I think I might be an ice cream cake convert. I want to try both regular frosting and ganache, from the advice in e-mails and comments these sound like really good options too. Working with the ice cream was my least favorite part, so I will probably skip the ice cream frosting, unless I have kitchen access without kids. The cake is this chocolate cake recipe which is very close to my heart and has served me well for many years. It's on the back of the can of Hershey's cocoa powder and the frosting is great too. I used 8" rounds for the cake and then I frozen mint chocolate chip ice cream in a round. When they were hard, I stacked them and frosted with whipped cream. I could have used more whipped cream, but there were no complaints.

And the gift (swank shoes) I ordered online for Pete came about 10 minutes before he got home today!  I got him a book he wanted also, so there was a cake, presents, and a card all ready to go when he got home. I looked like a good wife. Not a stressed, tired, very pissy at her kids wife, which was what I was today. Longest day ever with the girls. Longest. day. ever.

Okay,the aprons are due for Tie One On this Wednesday. So, get out the old clothes and make a cool apron. a reclaimed apron. re-salvaged apron. apron re-use. You know, fill in your favorite green buzz word. I do live in Portland, you know.