Blue Ribbon Recipe Winners

We'll also call these chocolate lovers delights because that's what both recipes really are. Delicious!

Lily and Jonah perused Pinterest quite a while back when deciding on their county fair baking projects. We found recipes that suited their ages and abilities and got to work in the test kitchen.

Both kids did amazingly well and were able to replicate perfection when it came time to present their desserts at the county fair. Thankfully, the rest of us were the happy recipients of the yumminess and the kids earned Blue Ribbons for both entries. Lily's was deemed State Fair worthy, but unfortunately she was the third alternate in the category and didn't get the State Fair trip. (Some of us may still be a wee bit bitter about that, but there's always next year!)

Lily's   Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bites:

BROWNIE LAYER:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks)  butter
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour

COOKIE DOUGH:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature or almost melted
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 cup miniature chocolate chips
additional miniature chocolate chips, if desired (to garnish the top)

Directions:

Prepare the brownie layer- 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x9-inch pan with nonstick spray, then line with a strip of parchment or wax paper so that it covers the bottom and comes up two sides of the pan. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray too.

In a microwave safe bowl (or in the top of a double boiler or pan set on top of a pan of simmering water), microwave in 30 second bursts to melt butter and chocolate chips together until all is melted and smooth. Whisk in the sugars, then whisk in the eggs, vanilla and salt. Sift flour into the bowl and stir that in too. Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownie layer is cooked through (toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Place the pan of brownies in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process (or cool at room temperature and add the cookie dough layer later).

Prepare the cookie dough layer:

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, sugars and salt until soft and creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Mix in the milk and vanilla. Sprinkle in the flour and mix in until combined. Stir in the 1 cup of chocolate chips. Scoop the cookie dough onto the top of the brownies and spread onto the brownie layer. I find that it's easiest to do this if the brownie layer is chilled and firm. Wet your hands or spray them with nonstick spray and pat the cookie dough on top in a even layer. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top to create a nicer, visual appearance. For easy, clean cutting, chill the brownies (wrap the brownies with plastic wrap and chill until firm- 1 to 2 hours or up to 2 days).

Cut the brownies: Run a knife along the sides of the brownie pan and then use the parchment paper to lift the brownies from the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice the brownies with a sharp knife, wiping the knife with a paper towel between cuts. If you'd like all of your slices of brownies to look clean-cut without edges, use the knife to cut the sides of the brownies off before cutting pieces. Keep brownies slices covered and chilled until ready to serve.

We found these to be pretty rich, so we cut them in smaller squares and labeled them as "bites".

--(Original recipe found here)

**********


Jonah's  S'mores Poke Cake: 

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. (2 layer size) chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 container (7 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme
• 1 tub (12 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
• 2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 2 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions:

• Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Using an electric mixer, mix cake mix, eggs, water (amount indicated on box) and oil on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour cake batter into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. 

          Using the handle of a cooking utensil or wooden spoon, poke random holes in the cake. In a                 microwave safe bowl, melt the marshmallow creme for 30-45 seconds and stir. Spread the                   creme over the cake, making sure to fill the holes. It does begin to harden after only a short                 time, so work quickly. 

          Spread the Cool Whip in an even layer over the cake and top with crushed graham crackers,                 marshmallows and chocolate chips. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

-- (Original recipe found on Kraft recipes)

The kids also entered a few other categories including performing arts, digital photography, fine arts and presentation. They received all blue ribbons for each of their entries and worked hard to make their projects a success. 

Until next year, we are all ready to put aside the 4H projects and jumping right back into schoolwork.

These days sure fly on by!

Friday Photos

We're winding down our first official week of summer time here at our house. 

It was kind of a rough start for a number of reasons and too many random things going on. 

I'm looking toward next week to iron out some summer guidelines 

and perhaps more restful/peaceful days.

Some of us were quite ready for the official school calendar to close (see above). Teacher included.

In ways it does seem that the new year had begun not that long ago, but that was WAY back here. 

Here are the students and little helpers on the last day of school:

How do they grow up so much during the school year??

Next year we'll have a seventh grader, fifth grader, preschoolers x2, and a newborn. 

I'm gonna need more grace and patience. 

And coffee.

Happy Summer Days!

Making It A Happy January

January is that month here that often gets a bad name.

C'mon, you mix frigid temperatures plus blustery winds with trying to be a mega genius homeschooling mom and even the most saintly person is going to fail.

I speak from experience, we've been doing this gig for eight years now.

Years past have taught me that new material, even in the form of a brightly illustrated workbook, needs to be brought out in January. I hold in reserve just a few minor tricks up my sleeve because let's face it, by January even I'm tired of the monotony.

While making plans back in December and consulting our lesson plans, I also felt that the toddlers needed a shift as well. I had done great for a couple of months with printing off projects, giving them oodles of paper, glue, and other supplies to keep them busy. With Gianna turning four next month and Margaret just one year behind, I also saw that they may be ready for more structure. My current plan needed to change in order to find the balance.

That also meant that while I knew what they needed, I didn't quite know how I'd find the time planning required. In a bit of a lightbulb moment, I remembered a program my bigger kids enjoyed when they were around that age. It would serve as a great addition to other workbooks, printouts, and worksheets the girls were already doing during the week. Secretly I hoped it still existed, but the budget conscious side of me cringed knowing it would be a sacrifice.

I clicked on over to Carol's and found that she did still put together monthly packets of simple lessons and all the crafting supplies necessary to do all of them. They still have a break down of two different age groups (18 mo-3 years/ 2-5 years), as well as a regular curriculum or Christian based one. After debating it in my mind for a few days and also enduring a few days of endless "I want to do a project" from one of the girls, I jumped. I bought a set for each of the girls for the month of January.

Since we've returned to our regular school days, I haven't been disappointed in that decision. And you know what? Neither have my girls. They ask every morning if they get to do school and what kind of project they'll be doing.

Would you like another tip? I found that by moving back my big kids' school time start just by 30 minutes, I give the girls their time first in the morning. I cannot tell you how much they love that attention, the songs, the short lesson, time with mom, and the projects.

They are excited to tell daddy what they learned about that day at school. They are eager to show off their projects to him and the big kids as well. I had no idea just a slight adjustment and addition to our day would be such a great thing. I also didn't realize what a treasure that time was with them and that it would lead to less disruptions during school time for the big kids.

It's given me a new outlook for the rest of the school year and brightened our January. Now I need to find a way to keep fitting it in the budget at least for the remainder of this school year.


As a bonus, do you know what else also helps in January? A Happy Light.

I highly recommend it for my struggling, less than chipper friends who join me in this tundra.


Do you have any tips for surviving a rather bleak month? 

First Day....Eighth Year

We're off and running for another year. We've started school and were ready to get back and settled into the routine. Or at least I am. I had to do some counting on my fingers the other day when I recounted the years and realized it's our 8th year already.

I learned a couple years ago that starting school as a gradual process works far better than jumping into all subjects right away. Once again, this year we'll have a couple weeks of several subjects/review and then get into full class load. It helps with the system shock for everyone.


We've made it a tradition that the students get a little first day treat. I thought I was being clever with the cookies, until a student reminded me that I'd done it last year. Oh well, I guess we'll call it a tradition now.

The big kids each also received a small Lego set (spoiled, I know) and the little students a coloring book and notebook.

They all seemed pleased.

(Smart Cookie and other first day of school printables are over here)

Everyone was diligent in their work and the little distractions toddlers, were content with building, creating, coloring and the general concept of "school" in their eyes.

I know we all say it, but the years sure are flying!

A SIXTH grader....

And a FOURTH grader!

(First Day 2014-2015 printable chalkboard signs are seen here)

This is going to be some year. Perhaps our best yet.

I'll keep remaining hopeful and optimistic.

Tick Tock, Time For School

 Several weeks back, Patty talked about how she schedules her homeschool year and that she usually starts prior to Labor Day. While we don't have the Texas heat to contend with, we do tend to get those winter *blahs* mid-school year.

Following the knowledgeable Patty, I started to work through our calendar tweaking this way and that so that our school calendar allowed for more 'give'. Still allowing for our full 180 days, I found that starting even just a bit earlier allowed us to still take off when daddy's home (government holidays), Holy Days (if on a school day), Christmas break and a couple quarter breaks as well. And really, we were all kind of ready to get started any way.

A starting date and ending date were declared and I worked feverishly to complete the lesson plans for the days and weeks in between. Mission accomplished last week allowed me to realize that our first day of school on August 21st was achievable.


We began our SIXTH homeschooling year yesterday. Somehow that seems like a lot of years.

Each student received a book and a snack with a little note on their brand new desks.

While we started early, I thankfully learned last year that a 'soft start' made for an easier start for student and teacher. We'll again be slowly settling into schooling over the next several weeks and gradually adding in more subjects as the weeks go on.

The schoolroom helpers kept entertained with new books and long forgotten toys near the schoolroom.

My FIFTH grader:

My THIRD Grader:

My, how time flies! I keep thinking that I've got lots of time yet before the little girls start up, but in reality I'll be there before I know it.

Keep on enjoying these summer days. I know that we still will, even with the mix of schooling thrown in.

Favorite Homeschool Tool {link up}

 I thought I'd join the lovely Dwija today for her Favorite Homeschool Tool Link Up.

When I read her post I found myself struggling with what to post as my FAVORITE tool that gets me through and declares me as best.homeschool.mom.ever.

At first, I came up with this:

  

But then I decided that a good cup of coffee isn't absolutely necessary for homeschooling. 

Or is it?

Although my shelves are lined with numerous helps and books and my schoolroom and house are adequately filled with supplies and manipulatives stuff, I have one thing that I have used the last two years and love.

It makes me run a bit more efficiently and with a simple click I can see exactly what needs to be attacked each day by my students.

Ready for it?

I found Homeschool Tracker last school year and I find it very useful for me. As a bit of a perfectionist/OCD/planner homeschool mom this is a huge help for me in lesson planning. I use curriculum from a few different places and I used to hand write my lesson plans. It just wasn't working for me. 

With Homeschool Tracker I can adjust and change my lesson plans as needed and it keeps track of everything I need for each child. Just recently (clearly, I'm still a student and still learning too) I realized that I could print off my kids' plans for the week. I now do that and post them in the schoolroom so each student can begin their work without me there. You know, because sometimes the teacher is otherwise detained with other siblings and such.

I only use the original, FREE Basic edition that is downloaded on my laptop. They do have another version you can buy (still a great value) and now offer an online version that can be accessed from iPad, tablet, whatever and wherever. I just haven't splurged for that one yet.

There you go. My favorite homeschool helper/tool.

Do you homeschool? What is your favorite?

Don't forget to stop by the Link Up to check out the other favorites or add your own!

For All The Saints & Praying For Souls

This year our homeschool group didn't have an All Saints Day party as we usually have in the past. While it was a bummer not to be able to celebrate all of these holy men and women with other families, the day at home ended up being what we needed.

Literally, I was scouring online Halloween day trying to find unique and EASY brilliantly clever ideas to make the feast of All Saints special. There was a ton out out there, but I picked just a couple quick ideas.

We started off with a few rounds of Pin the Halo on the Saint and my kids thought it was a hoot.

A little bit of Saint trivia/Saint quotes and my kids were just a bit stumped. And they thought they had the day off from school, ha!

Next, we worked on saint puppets on paper bags. I found super helpful templates over at Catholic Icing. My kids really enjoyed picking out their Saints they were going to make and their attire. Even though Lily and Jonah are getting older and not as into crafts, then still enjoyed this project.


Jonah's choices:

St. Nicholas

St. Francis of Assisi

And Lily's:

St. Agnes

St. Clare

Lastly, for lunch I attempted PB and Jelly 'stigmata' sandwiches. Almost epic fail. But the kids got the drift and commended my effort. In case you can't see it, it's a cut out hand with jelly for the stigmat part.

**************************

On Friday, All Souls Day, members of our homeschool group gathered at a local cemetery to pray the rosary. A bit chilly, but we walked as we prayed so that helped to keep us warm. I always like to look at the dates, family names and designs etched in the stones as I walk through a cemetery. Many of them are so beautiful and there is so much history written within them.

One of the mom's in the group had her brother, a local parish priest, come and 'flag' the grave sites of priests who were buried there. We were able to walk and pray the rosary while stopping at numerous priests' gravesides. It really was very memorable and I think it made the prayers so much more meaningful.

With such unique feasts that we can delve into as Catholics, we get to so fully engage in the richness and beauty of our faith. Don't you think?

What treasures and graces there are for us to keep unfolding as we go through life. Equally so, what gifts we get to pass on to our children for years to come.

Back To Life, Back To Reality

  

We're back in the saddle at the old homestead and school is almost in full swing. Being the wise realistic veteran (I can say this now that we're in our fifth year) homeschooling mom, I planned our lesson plans on the lighter side for the first couple of weeks. I've come to appreciate this when it's the evening before the first day of school and I'm running around frantically preparing. Phew. Not as much of a load this way.

With two official days down, we are thriving and successful. Despite the reluctance that reared it's ugly head in the last week of summer, Tuesday morning dawned hope and eagerness in the hearts of young students.

As in the past, the routine and schedule put a new spring in my step and lightness in my chest. 

The only wild card was the unknown of how the little girls would handle the new normal. 

Well, they hardly missed a beat and didn't notice a thing. They still got to crawl/run around and rain down toy disaster wherever they went. Alone or together they spent time going back and forth between the schoolroom and the playroom.

At the end of the day, as long as there was cake to celebrate the momentous First Day, all was well.

All they really cared about was how the new changes affected what time lunch was served.

Right on time. As always.

 With the big kids back to school, it did mean that Gianna had to step it up a bit and take on new responsibilities.

She'd tell you that nothing gets done without her. If only she could.

 When the day is done, big kids are happy (so far), they have plenty of free/play time and the little girls are glad their buddies are at home to play. Our homeschooling gig is definitely still working for us.

 

For The Homeschooling Mom

I read this quote last week on a blog (sorry, I'd give you credit if I could remember who you were) and thought it an appropriate reminder for us homeschooling moms as we begin a new year:

'As your school year begins, your chances to grow in holiness are about to be multiplied.'

This one will be going up on my fridge for the next several weeks.

May your school year be blessed, whether you started weeks ago or if you are like me and starting today. May our path to holiness be filled with the graces we need for the journey.

Beginning And End

Beginning of the School Year:

Today, End of the School Year:

What a difference nine months makes, huh?

We wrapped up our school year today. Year Four of homeschooling is officially complete. Whoa. Hard to believe.

I must say that I am very happy to be finished for the year. I We all are ready for the break of summertime.

See? Even Margaret is happy.

It's not that the academic portion was so tough, but it certainly did come with more challenges this year. It was more the learning to juggle school and home, while having a young one added in the mix, pregnancy, another baby and postpartum crammed in the midst of the school year. BUT, we survived and both students have come a long way.

We celebrated this evening with ice cream sundaes. It was the quickest last minute thing I could come up with since any other last day of school/end of the year plans didn't come together. Oh well, we'll have lots of summer to make up for that.

Bring on the Summer!

And I say that knowing full well that within a week I will be at odds with summer and wishing I had some amount of routine in my house.

And probably some sanity as well.