He's SEVENTEEN!!!! (how did THAT happen????)

My very first thought this morning was that it is Man-Child's 17th birthday.  One of the later thoughts included one that went something like this, "Crap!  I should have started earlier and came up with a brilliant and loving tribute to the last seventeen years to post!"

But, I didn't.  I suppose I could go that route now, but to be honest, that might make me weepy.  I'm done with weepy.  These past few days have been good days and I aim to keep them that way, thankyouverymuch.

So instead of a mushy, gushy birthday post you get this instead - a post that is overloaded with pictures and a recipe.

First, I hunted and hunted and hunted for a picture of me and the newborn.  Guess what?  I don't have any pictures of me with a newborn!  No pictures of baby and me bonding in the hospital.  NOT ONE!

Then, as now, if I wasn't behind the camera then pictures usually weren't being taken.  So this was the first picture I came across of the two of us.  When he was ten days old already.  I can only assume my mother took this picture since I'm in it.

Hmmmm, not the most flattering photo for either of us.....we were both MUCH cuter; I promise!

Then I got busy.  I asked and asked and asked Man-Child what he wanted to do for his birthday.  What he wanted.  I got nothing in return.

Finally this morning he asked for a dessert that I made several years ago....ONCE.  Apparently, he loved it so much he's been pining for it ever since.  He's asked me a couple of times lately, for various events, to make it. But he couldn't remember exactly what was in it and I couldn't find it.

But the birthday-gods must have been smiling on me this morning; because I found the long lost recipe.  He looked it over and said that it "sounded" like this might be THE ONE.  So I set about making this birthday treat.  Along with a cake for tomorrow (when we will have our friends-who-are-so-close-they-should-be-family over to celebrate).

This has to be the easiest dessert EVER to make.  Here are the only ingredients you need

Ooops!  I left the milk out!

It's called Graham Cracker Eclair Cake.  I do not remember where I found this recipe.  But, apparently, it's quite memorable.

Ingredients
15 honey graham crackers, broken in half (30 squares or so), divided
1 1/2 cups milk
1 pkg (4-serving size) Jello Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1 cup chocolate ready-to-spread frosting

Arrange 10 of the graham squares, overlapping slightly, in the bottom of an 8 inch square baking pan, set aside

Obviously, I didn't read the "overlapping" part!

Pour milk into large bowl.  Add dry pudding mix.  Beat with a wire whisk for 2 minutes, or until well blended. Let stand 5 minutes until thickened.

Anyone else singing Michael Jackson's "Just Beat It?"  No?  Just me then.

Gently stir in whipped topping with wire whisk until well blended.

Still singing.....

Spread half the pudding mixture over graham crackers in the pan....

I'm done singing now, you can un-cover your ears.

Top with 10 more of the graham squares and remaining pudding mixture.  Cover with the remaining graham squares.  Refrigerate at least 3 hours.  Spread with chocolate frosting just before serving.

While I was doing all this the boys (Man-Child and Hubby) decided to go out and play pool and do "guy stuff."

After they came home, Hubby succumbed to an allergy-medication induced nap (I forgot to get a picture!) while Man-Child surfed the 'Net while simultaneously exchanging dinner possibilities with me.

Once we'd determined where we would dine we headed out to an upscale Chinese restaurant.....and no, it's not P.F. Chang's (although we love them too! I think this one is only local, so I need to keep it under wraps - sorry!  But if you come visit me, I promise I will take you there!).

M-C, preparing to chow down.  Yeah, he dressed up.  Can you tell?

After a wonderful dinner we headed home.  Where M-C immediately began pestering me about dessert.  Seriously??  How could he even begin to think about eating more food?

So, I finished off the dessert.

It's not the prettiest thing - but apparently, it's amazing!

We stuck some candles in it (so what if it's not a cake?) and sang Happy Birthday....

I could only find TWO candles!  Gah!  I've GOT to get organized!  What is happening to me??

Took a couple of pictures to remember the occasion....

Man-Child & Hubby

Julie, add this one to THE collection.....

Then he tucked into the dessert.....

And it was EXACTLY like he remembered.....

So he ate it all in short order.....

And then asked for MORE!!!!!

And, according to him, it was a GREAT birthday.....before he headed to hang out with his friends.

Me?  I agree.  It WAS a great day!