Strawberry Poke Cake

Rushing around last week to come up with a quick cake to make on the fly for our anniversary (aka Blessed Mother Mary's birthday, which we also celebrate), I stumbled upon a Strawberry Poke Cake recipe.

I was searching for something strawberry since that was the flavor we chose for our wedding cake. Although I found many that sounded yummy, I just didn't have the time for them.

The Poke Cake served us well and was a light and creamy treat after our meal.



I followed the Betty Crocker Raspberry Poke Cake recipe and just substituted strawberry jello. Using a boxed white cake mix, jello and whipped topping made this quick and easy, which is exactly what I needed that day.



Pardon the photo and the lack of perfectly cut and plated cake--I snapped it quick before I stuffed my face relished every bite.

Confession: There's An App For That?!

Did you read the App Spotlight over the weekend at Faith & Family Live?

Go check out Lisa's review, if you haven't already on the Confession: A Roman Catholic App.

As for me, I was intrigued and decided that at only $1.99 it was worth the try.

With the unique feature of creating separate users and passwords, each family member is able to use it privately. You can flip through your own examination of conscience and mark off items in each particular Commandment category.

Hey, why not use the availability of these modern means of communication, techie talk and gadgets to our advantage in our rich Catholic faith?

Do you have a favorite Catholic App you use? I'd love to hear about it!

Reality Check

This arrived at our house last Friday:

And it's amazing to me how its presence suddenly made the reality of baby's birth so much more real. I mean, I'm carrying around an extra 20-something pounds and I feel the baby move daily. But, the reminder that this little one will soon be in our arms and in this car seat. Wow!

In case you're wondering, the car seat we chose is this one.



Okay, I will try to lay off the baby related posts for those of you who may be getting tired of them. It's hard though since it's kind of on the front burner at our house. Bear with me.

For Your Monday

I couldn't pass up posting this spoof (or reality check) of Taylor Swift's version of 'Love Story'.

This is for you moms of little ones who may be up to your ears in laundry, many diapers to change and the mac n' cheese that's burning on the stove. I admire and applaud the reality you dwell in daily. May you be reminded that these are days of blessing. Your husband loves you and cherishes you, no matter how hectic things may be today.

Summertime Ideas For Your Little Engineer

Does the little boy in your household have a bit of a fascination with that cheeky little blue engine? Can he sing EVERY Thomas the Tank Engine related song over and over again?

If he's like my boy, you might be interested in a couple of finds. We're strongly leaning toward at least one of these to add to our summer calendar. Check them out!



#1 This weekend, the latest and greatest Thomas adventure kicks off in theatres. Misty Island Rescue will begin showing in select theatres. You can click here to find your state's listings for the popcorn laden, boxed candy peddling, air conditioned and cushy seat viewing area nearest you. And yes, your little boy will probably sit through the entire movie with a big grin on his face because he will enjoy it just THAT MUCH. As for you? You will be thrilled that it is not a full length movie. Unless of course, you are equally as enamored with that engine as your son.




#2 If you are going for the Greatest Mom In The World award this summer, then you might want to check out a longer source of fun and entertainment. Day Out With Thomas is probably just right for you if you are looking for a day long excursion and willing to fork over a little more cash. Still, not a bad attraction. Find a station near you hosting the event by clicking over here.



If you decide to do either of these, be sure to take photos to cherish in the years ahead. After all, a little engine and all of his friends surely aren't the worst thing your little guy could be crazy about. You never know when this phase will pass and he'll be on to something else. These young years are precious ones.

Teaser

If you are eagerly anticipating the new Narnia movie arriving in theatres this Christmas, you may enjoy this sneak peek!

We cannot wait for its release!

Check Your Local Listings

Although I would not normally encourage you to turn on the tube and watch the Oprah show, you may want to tune in tomorrow and see the interview with her guests, The Dominican Sisters of Mary.

I received an email heads-up from a friend over the weekend and did some checking to verify. The Dominican Sisters of Mary website confirmed that the show they taped last week will air TUESDAY.

Let's pray that many hearts will be open as they hear the message the Sisters share on Oprah's popular, highly viewed daily show.

What Margaret May Not Tell You

If you are a Minnesota blogger, you KNOW Margaret. Many of you beyond this great state KNOW Margaret. And if you don't, well, you've gotta get to KNOW Margaret.

She's a hoot! She writes with wit and humor, grace and honesty, faith and substance. If I ever need a laugh, in comes Margaret. If I need encouragement, in pops Margaret. Spiritual growth? Yup, there's Margaret. I'll admit it, I eagerly await for Minnesota Mom to come up in my Google Reader. She's a faithful friend, always there when you need her.

Well, image my sheer delight when I stumbled upon something last week. As I was looking for the latest updates on the Minnesota Catholic Home Education Conference, I grinned as I read Margaret's name. With few details at that point, I sent Miss Margaret an email telling her that I knew her little 'secret' and could not wait to hear her speak. She replied, sharing how truly honored she was to have been invited. And then she even gave me a sneak peek at her two talks. You wanna hear them?


The first: "Grace for the Baking: A Humerous Look at How to Turn Those Daily To-Dos Into Teaching Moments"

The second: "Keeping Your Eyes on Your Own Work: Other Homeschoolers do it Differently. It's okay to be okay with that and by the grace of God, you can"



Don't they sound wonderful? I know that with all of her knowledge she's got to share and her humor sprinkled in there, Margaret's going to have us feeling full and satisfied after she speaks.

There are a number of superb speakers on tap for that Saturday in May and I cannot wait to listen and be refreshed and rejuvenated in our Catholic homeschooling adventure.

Just as I wait for her in Reader, I'll be waiting patiently IRL to see her at the end of May, she is Margaret In Minnesota after all.



*Editor's Note: This is a shameless plug for a fellow blogger. No goods were exchanged for this promotion. :)

Try It, You'll Like It

Since this post last week, my children and I have been enjoying some very simple and tasty snacks. Thank you for your comments and advice!

I've also found that due to the links you provided, I've also felt rejuvenated in the kitchen. Ready for new recipes and venturing away from those oh-so-popular Midwestern hotdishes. They didn't grace our table super-often, but often enough when I was stuck in a culinary rut.

Here are a few new places to try when you need some inspiration:

America's Test Kitchen
Food Network
Kraft Foods Recipes
My Kitchen Cafe
Recipezaar
OrgJunkie

Thanks to all of the above links, this week I'm planning on adding Hearty Pasta Tomato Soup, Cheesy Chicken Vermicelli, Fun Taco Cups and Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken to our menu.

Hopefully all of the links are helpful for the next time you are stuck when your kids ask, "What's for dinner?"

If you try none of these links, might I HIGHLY suggest trying this one: Peanut Butter Crunch Snack Balls. This recipe did not disappoint! Good snack that the whole family will enjoy and it's a super easy, freezer pleaser too!

Sweatin' To The Rosary

Almost two months ago when I clicked to read my daily dose Faith & Family Live! and spotted this one, I must admit that I was slightly confused. I re-read the post title and literally thought that it was the weirdest thing I'd heard in awhile. I mean, I've heard of both exercising and of praying the rosary and have done both, clearly. But had never heard the two intertwined quite like this.

Feeling oddly inspired to learn more, I went on to the website to learn more about The Rosary Workout. At the time I was in a sort of exercising lull, if you want to call it that. I felt that I was at a good fitness level and really lacking the inspiration toward my exercise routine. I get like that sometimes. The more I read, the more I figured there really wasn't much too lose and lots more to be gained.

How could I not at least test it out and try it? I could add spiritual growth and renewal at the same time as working toward continued health. I could use the extra prayer time. I could use a new way to lead me into deeper meditation. I could use some guidance from someone who clearly knew fitness. So I tried it.

Seven weeks later, I'm still on my Rosary Workout journey. Although I was tempted to skip ahead since my fitness level was more advanced than 'beginner', I did at least follow along the first few weeks in order to walk through the process and find the rhythm and beauty of the workout. I am at a level now where I am doing it three days a week and there are a few other days that when the weather is still nice I take a walk with the kids or some other type of exercise instead. I did eventually jump ahead to where it fit my fitness level a little better and am just about into the interval training. I'm enjoying it. It's allowed for more frequent praying of the rosary and again feeling wrapped in the arms of our Blessed Mother.

The Workout is very well laid out and designed. It can be for the most beginner of beginners, the postpartum mom who is ready to get moving a little more and for those of us in the frigid Midwest it will be wonderful to keep up with in the winter months too. It can be simply implemented with or without exercise equipment (elliptical, recumbent bike, treadmill,etc.) or used just plain old walking or jogging. Pretty versatile and easily accessed. No excuses or limitations. I like to try other exercise routines on the days I don't do this workout and if I am able, but adding this each week certainly lends a hand in keeping my routines from becoming just that and then to my eventual lack of interest.

If you are looking for something new or for something inexpensive (did I mention it's just under $10 and is in ebook format?) to jump start you in the right direction, I'd give this a try! If you are looking for a deeper devotion to Mary and greater consistency in a meaningful, prayerful rosary, this is a great tool.

Obviously, if you have not exercised in awhile and have physical limitations and conditions, as with all exercising, consult your doctor before beginning.


*Editor's Note: For the record, I decided to use the above post photo of a random, exceptionally fit woman, rather than one of myself. Being all modest and all. Well, that and that I don't feel like I look anything like that woman! We're all a work in progress and it all starts with tiny steps...

Advent Plans

I think I've got it all figured out and we're ready to roll into Advent. I asked, you answered. I knew you'd come through and help me out.

Thank you!!

I perused, I clicked, I read, I made lists and now I've got an idea of where we are headed. Relatively simple for this year, but there are just SO MANY ideas if you look for them.

I checked out these places:

O Night Divine blog

Love2Learn's Advent reviews

Elizabeth's Advent/Christmas reading lists on her sidebar

Tracy's Circle Time/Advent Plans

Jessica's December book list on her sidebar

From there, this is what I did:

1. Signed us up for the Advent Adventure through Holy Heroes. We enjoyed all they offered for Lent, so we should enjoy it for Advent as well. I also found out that this year they will walk us through Advent using the Jesse Tree, which was one of the many suggestions I received. So, I'm not going to have to do any further looking on that subject.

2. Ordered these:

**From Adoremus Books:

Destination: Bethlehem (for our family Advent Adventure this year)

Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers (for our bookshelf)


**From Catholic Company:

Advent Reflections Come, Lord Jesus (for my own Advent season reflection)

3. Put these on my library list and will request them this week:

Christmas in the Barn

Christmas in the Country

A Christmas Story

The Donkey's Dream

The Legend of the Candy Cane

The Legend of the Christmas Stocking

The Legend of the Christmas Tree

The Light of Christmas

While Angels Watch


Ideas, ideas, ideas! There are so many options. I think we'll have a good start with what I've listed here and perhaps whatever else we plan along the way.

I've filled this post with lots of things for you to clickety-click on, but if you are still looking for great ideas hopefully this will inspire you to just head on over to those places. Have fun with it and prepare away!

I'm looking forward to celebrating the beautiful season of advent peacefully, while preparing our hearts for the birth of Our King.

If Your Boy Is Obsessed With A Certain Tank Engine

...like this one:



...you may be interested to know that there's a new movie coming to theatres. Thomas' latest adventure is 'Splish, Splash, Splosh' and arrives November 7th in select theatres.

Click here for the current list of theatres.

Thankfully, I've got one about an hour away that's offering it. We'll see if we'll make it in line will all of the other Thomas-crazed-engineer-boys come November!

Creamy Dutch Apple Dessert

I needed a quick dessert to make over the weekend and I was in the mood for something that I could use one of my jars of homemade apple pie filling. It needed to be quick and easy (as usual!). This one received rave reviews and Reed even mentioned that he liked it BETTER THAN apple pie!! I think I found a keeper!!

I found the following recipe on Cooks.com:


Creamy Dutch Apple Dessert

1/3 c. butter, melted
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. reconstituted lemon juice
1 can apple pie filling (I used a qt. of my homemade filling)

Optional (I chose not to add these):
1/4 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Pat into bottom of 1 1/2 qt. shallow baking dish.

Mix together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream and lemon juice, spread evenly over crumbs. Spoon pie filling evenly over creamy layer. Bake 25 mins. or until set (it took closer to 45 mins. in my oven). Cool slightly. In small dish, mix together nuts and cinnamon, sprinkle over pie filling. May be served warm or cold. Refrigerate leftovers.

Tasted very good when warm and topped with vanilla ice cream!

**You can also substitute blueberry, cherry or peach pie filling**

If Only He Had A Parachute

While Sister read aloud the story of Zacchaeus, the little tax collector man from the Bible:

Brother: I wonder if we could invite Jesus to our house? I guess not because He's already up in the sky. He couldn't get down here. Only if He had wings or a parachute. Then He could.



That's an interesting picture...Jesus in a parachute. Hmm..that's got me thinking. What WOULD that look like?...


...And then I did a Google image search and found this:



I guess Jesus has been seen with a parachute! And incidentally, saving this guy's life!

PBS KIDS Island

As a mom of young ones, I am always on the look-out for educational and fun websites that I can trust for my kids to use. Lily helped me recently find one.

We've used the PBS KIDS website for some time now and my children enjoy playing the games with their favorite PBS characters. The games aren't only fun and FREE, but also educational as well. However, our new discovery of PBS KIDS Island has me even more excited about the educational value of the site.

The Island has a number of games on it that focus on reading and phonics. It's useful for the preschool age child as well as the early reader and even those that are advancing quite well in reading. With each game that is played and mastered, the child has the opportunity to earn 'tickets' that let them earn 'prizes' within the Island and also unlock more games. It's a lot of fun and they are learning while they are at the Island!

Another added benefit is that there is a Progress Tracker for each child. The Parent can then monitor what they are mastering and what needs a little more help in areas of Letter Identification, Rhyming, Alliteration, Phonics and Reading/Vocabulary.

Did I mention this is all *FREE*? All it takes is a quick minute to set up your email, password and each child's name and they are off to the Island!

Of course, you'll probably want to save it for a rainy day when they can't be outdoors enjoying the summer weather!

Gardens!

We are finally in a decent weather pattern here in Minnesota. For this, I am particularly grateful. This fine weather has allowed me to get outside and get my hands dirty. Oh how I love that! I am so glad to be back outside and tending to my perennial gardens and filling my flower pots for another season. Yes, I'm downright giddy. Really, need I remind you how much I despise winter?!

Recently, as I was browsing online for area arboretums and gardens, I found a very useful website. Ahem, if you are, of course, from Minnesota or plan to visit here. Check out this great site where you can click on the area of the state you are interested in and they give you links to that area's arboretums/public flower gardens. They provide you with the address, admission cost (if there is one), directions, peak season and website to connect you with each one. So helpful! I can't wait to visit some of these gardens that I didn't know existed. Did I mention that most of them are FREE?

As I was stumbling along, I found that one of the gardens I was looking for is actually a Children's Garden. I can't wait to visit this one and it's probably within an hour away, so a relatively short drive. I was delighted though as I perused their site and found a section just for kids and one for educators too.

The Kids section includes games/activities, experiments, lessons, a scavenger hunt and printables too! The Educator section even has lesson plans for you to use! All of these can even be used by those of you who may not live in our wonderful state or if you are unable to travel to this garden.

I'm already imagining how fun it will be to incorporate some of these activities from the website in our summer learning at our house. Not to mention, the beautiful gardens we may have the opportunity to visit this growing season.

Oh, the places we'll go this summer!

And yes, I'll probably post pictures here afterward. You know me too well.

Peep, Peep, Peeps!!

Do you do Easter PEEPS?

I suppose my mind should be on better things this week being that it IS Holy Week. I just couldn't help my sudden craving/desire for PEEPS marshmallow chicks though! I saw them in Target the other day and didn't purchase any, however, they've been on my mind an awful lot!!

It led me to wonder, why? I think I figured it out. It's a fond memory of childhood Easter. I just remember getting them a number of times in my Easter basket, although I'm not sure that I received them EVERY year. And you know what else? I don't think I ever recall eating more than maybe a couple of them each time and then forgetting about them. Hubby and I were talking about this the other evening when we also recalled that back then the little PEEPS only came in packages of maybe 3 or 4. The ones I saw at Target the other day were a full DOZEN!! Can you imagine eating all of those??!! I can't!

I also only recall that the cute little chicks were only offered in yellow (or at least that's what I got). These days they are offered in an array of colors, including red! Can you imagine the amount of coloring in those? Sorry, we won't be buying the red in a MILLION years! What else did I find after doing some online searching? They also come in rabbit shapes for Easter! Not to mention they make them for Valentines day (cute hearts & teddy bears), Halloween (ghosts, pumpkins & cats) and Christmas (trees, gingerbread men & stars)! Where have I been that I haven't seen these??!!

I will admit those cute little chicks are full of sugar and I probably still couldn't eat more than one or possibly two at a time and it's unlikely that I will buy them this year, however, I was enticed by the new ones that are chocolate mousse flavored. Maybe I could try just ONE of them?

Join me in the nostalgia and fond memories and check out the official Marshmallow PEEPS website. They've got the history of the little chicks and also fun facts for you to read.

Friday Photo Fun

Do you Picnik? I do now! I just read about this site from Melissa at Bountiful Blessings yesterday when she posted this cute edited photo. Give it a try! It's FREE, FUN and EASY! (As if I really needed another reason to play around and edit my cute photos!)

I worked on a couple of photos real quick yesterday and thought I'd share them with you for something fun on Friday.

Miss Lily and the latest addition to our extended family, our great-niece, Maria.



Winter temps. have returned here, so I needed a little reminder of the glorious days ahead!




Happy Friday!

Spring

Although it is officially Spring and my yard is almost COMPLETELY bare and without snow, we have a chance of 'the white stuff' tonight and tomorrow. Small chance and minimal accumulation, but it's MN and anything can happen!

I've got Spring Fever and I can't wait to get outside to dig in my flower garden and get to the local greenhouses. It will be almost two more months before I can even think about planting anything around here, but I've got the itch and can't wait!

I found this fun quiz this afternoon and gave it a try. It's rather accurate too!

Happy Spring!

You Are Blooming Flowers

You are an optimistic person by nature. In even the darkest times, you are hopeful about the future. You feel truly blessed in life and can sometimes be overwhelmed with emotions. You have an artist's eye. You are always looking for beauty in the mundane. You have a good sense of aesthetics, especially when it comes to shapes and color.

What Part of Spring Are You?

HT to Melissa for this one!

EWTN Kids

I know there are a lot of websites out there with games for kids and we have quite a few of the trusted ones listed in the kids' 'Favorites' list, so that they are able to access them when they have earned computer time. I know that I've found this one before, but somehow I never listed it in our 'Favorites' so I forgot about it. We rediscovered it the other day and thought I'd share it with you in case you hadn't seen it. Lily loves it and it has a lot of wonderful Catholic content and games/activities as well. She especially enjoys clicking on The Morgans' house and dressing up baby Grace!!

Maybe your children will enjoy it as well! Try EWTN Kids!