Red Velvet Cake.

My son is on his way home from college for a few days. Their fall break starts tomorrow and he is headed home as I write. He loves red velvet cake and a couple of years ago there was the most wonderful red velvet cake at my brother's home that we loved eating while enjoying the Christmas season with family. I have tried on many an occasion to duplicate this recipe. I have used two or three different recipes hoping one of them will turn out to be the one we love. Well, since my son is coming home I am trying it one more time. Another recipe. My sweet daughter jumped in to help me. The ingredients all mixed together nicely and the batter tasted quite well. We agreed it was missing a little something I realized I had left out baking soda and vinegar. Once these were added the batter tasted even better. When the cakes came out of the oven I left them to cool and pulled out my beautiful cake platter my sister gave me for Christmas. With the creme cheese icing waiting to be spread unto the cake we were ready. I lightly shook the cake pans to loosen up the cake and place each layer carefully onto the plate to be iced. The first layer did not want to let go so it split....the second layer the same thing. As my daughter tried to make the best out of the cake situation she remarked "usually these are the cakes that taste the best mom." I appreciated her upbeat attitude her glass is always half full not half empty. She spread that icing over the mound of jumbled cake smiling the whole time and the end result was this volcano looking explosion of a cake on top of the beautiful crystal cake plate. I have no idea how it is going to be when we try to cut our pieces or even if it will taste good. But, I did remember my son likes red velvet cake or one like the lady in Decatur, Alabama made. I do wish I had her recipe, but I am thankful to have spent a few cherished moments in the kitchen with my delightful daughter who loves to lick the beaters when finished and scrape the bowl. And I am thankful that no matter how bad this cake looks or even tastes....my son is headed home for a few days of rest...and my daughter is home. And that is my special recipe...both kids home for a few days....no more ingredients are necessary.